Posts
Happy Fourth of July!
My hubby took me and our little boy to dinner on the water. It was a great night for the family.
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers during our difficult loss.
luv,
Heidi
Make your photos tack sharp! (sharpen + unsharp mask) Compliments of Lisa Spangler!
Friday, July 3, 2009
In this tutorial I thought it would be great to give you tips on how to make your images tack sharp — without looking tacky! (Ha ha, couldn’t resist!) Here’s a before and after:
Note that if your photo is too out-of-focus this tutorial won’t help you much — but! — you will want to see next week’s tutorial on tips for focusing your camera. This tutorial is mainly for when you want to resize your image for the web and have it still look good. Here are the basic steps you’ll go through:
- Adjust the levels, crop, and make any other tweaks.
- Resize your image. Note that you’ll want to figure out the size so that it looks nice on your blog or wherever you are posting — don’t let the blog software scale it for you. That just never looks good. A size to start with is 350 pixels wide — this works on most blogs.
- Sharpen it using either the Sharpen or Unsharp Mask filter!
Note: if you’re going to add text or a watermark image to your image, do so after sharpening.
Here’s the image that we’ll be working with for the tutorial — a tack, ha ha! I blurred it a little in CS3 so that you can really see the difference before and after the sharpening. Right click on it, save it to your computer, then open it in your photo editing software to play along. You can use Photoshop Elements, CS3, or GIMP for this, they all work pretty much the same way. (See this post for more info about GIMP + a link to download it — it’s free!) I’ll be using CS3.
There are two ways that I mainly use to sharpen images: the Sharpen filter and the Unsharp Mask filter. Let’s start off with the Sharpen filter since it’s super duper easy!
To apply the Sharpen filter,
- In CS3 go to Filter -> Sharpen -> Sharpen
- In Elements 4.0, go to Filter -> Sharpen -> Sharpen
- In Elements 6.0, you can try Enhance -> Auto Shapen
- In GIMP, it’s Filters -> Enhance -> Sharpen, then adjust the slider and click OK
You’ll get a sharpened image, like so:
Easy! Most of the time, this is all I do and I’m done!
If you want finer control over the sharpening, you’ll want to reach for the Unsharp Mask. Contrary to what the name says, this one sharpens your image too. It’s a little more complicated to use, tho.
First, undo the Sharpen Filter by doing Edit -> Undo Sharpen. This way you’ll be back at the original blurry tack.
Next, bring up the Unsharp Mask dialog:
- In CS3 go to Filter -> Sharpen -> Unsharp Mask…
- In Elements 4.0, it’s also Filter -> Sharpen -> Unsharp Mask…
- In Elements 6.0, it’s Enhance -> Unsharp Mask…
- In GIMP, it’s Filters -> Enhance -> Unsharp Mask…
You’ll get a dialog that looks something like this:
There are three sliders that you can play with:
- Amount - this controls how strong the effect will be.
- Radius - this affects the distance between pixels where the sharpening will be applied — make it bigger for larger images (size wise) or smaller
- Threshold - this controls the smoothness of the image. If you have grainy areas, it means that the threshold is too low.
Where to start? I’ve found several sites that recommend these settings for images that are going to be used on the web:
- Amount - 400
- Radius - .3
- Threshold - 0
Then I usually slide the Threshold around like so:
I just play with the settings, tweaking them a little at a time. Use the preview to get a visual on how it will look. After some practice you’ll get a feel for how they all work together. Also, try moving the sliders one at a time all the way to the left and to the right to see how it looks. You can always slide it back!
I ended up stopping after sliding the Threshhold over to 79 and the Radius to .5:
Now for something really tacky — ha! — here’s what happens if you apply too much of the Unsharp Mask:
Yuck-o! You know you’ve gone much far when the photo starts to look grainy and there are odd halos + colors around your image. To fix it, just slide the Threshhold more to the right to smooth it out, then play with the Radius.
One last thing! While you were in the Filters menu, you may have noticed some other sharpening options too — try playing around with them to see which you prefer. Just because I don’t use them, doesn’t mean you won’t likey!
Oh and! The paper with the sweet vintage deer is from Sassafras Lass — I couldn’t resist it! And, one more little tip — tacks are great for making holes in paper projects!
Have fun sharpening those images,
About Lisa:
My name is Lisa Spangler and I live in Austin, Texas with my husband Jason and our two goldfish — Smiley and Woodfin. (Named after Smiley-Woodfin prairie.)
I’m a nature loving, bicycle riding, rubber stamping prairie nut who started blogging when I tore a ligament in my ankle in October 2005 and had to do something to occupy my time in the mornings when I would have normally gone for a bike ride or workout. It’s been so much fun that even though my ankle is better now I just can’t stop!
I am lucky enough to work for Hero Arts doing two things I love: stamping and web/techno/geek stuff. You can read more about what I do here in my bio.
Click HERE to view Lisa's Blog Sideoats + Scribbles
Thanks for stopping by Simon Says Stamp blog today!
Sad News Hanging In There
Thursday, July 2, 2009
My dear blogging friends,
It is with much sadness that I bring you devastating news. My hubby and I learned I was pregnant last week and received confirmation today the baby miscarried at 43 days old.
I share my sorrow with you as I am finding that many of you know what we are going through.
Our Dt member Nadine made the lovely giraffe card using Simon Says Stamp zoo animal set and I thought today was an occasion to share it with you.
Please pray for our little angel in heaven.
Luv,
Heidi
Tasha Won $50 Voucher for Simon Says Stamp with ALTER IT Challenge!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Congrats to Tasha! She was randomly picked and won a $50 voucher in our JUST MAGNOLIA monthly Project challenge! Simon Says Stamp is the sponsor for the monthly challenge. Since the challenges are a little more difficult than your every week challenges, we make the prize a bit bigger! Would you like a chance to win a $50 voucher! Visit the Just Magnolia Challenge blog and look for the next contest!
Here is a note from Tasha ...ENJOY her lovely work!
This is my entry for the Just Magnolia monthly challenge! The brief was to alter a container. Now im not very good at this sort of thing as you can see and i wasnt very inventive lol. But this little box has caused havoc in my household tonight. Millie came into my craft room (picture below) and decided that it was "very pretty mummy" and that it was hers! I said no its not and then she said "when you have finished its mine yes" lol i said no and we had fireworks then all through bed time she kept asking for it lol! Im flattered but its not worth her tears lol. So i have placed it by her bed and she will see it first thing when she wakes and will hopefull be happy to have it.This is what the box originally looked like:
Millie snuck into my studio wearing a pom pom hat this evening i couldnt stop laughing. She spent all the time indoors in just her shorts she has been far too hot all day!
Excuse the shabby sofa - its my thinking couch in my studio. In all fairness it needs throwing but its so comfy and it was the first couch in millies and my first home together so im a bit sentimental - lol!
Excuse the shabby sofa - its my thinking couch in my studio. In all fairness it needs throwing but its so comfy and it was the first couch in millies and my first home together so im a bit sentimental - lol!
That smile makes everything worth while!
love tasha xx
Magnolia Stamp Tilda with Kitten by Debby Y
Thanks to our Dt member Debby Y, enjoy some eye candy using our brand new addition: Tilda with Kitten from the Magnolia Stamps Pet and Animal Collection 2009!
Thanks Debby! Click HERE to see more of Debby's work!
Be the first to comment here and WIN THIS STAMP! Read more...
New Magnolia Stamps Pet and Animal Collection 2009 pa09 In Stock Now! & Shopping Spree!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
In Stock now! The Magnolia stamp collection Pet & Animal 2009 Collection - pa09. Look at the cards DT member DOMI has made using the new collection! Click HERE to visit Domi's blog! She is a wonderful friend of mine and I am so lucky she wants to share her work with all of us! Please take a second to visit Domi's blog and let her know you appreciate her work.
What do you think!? Have you made any cards using stamps from this collection and want to inspire others!? Feel free to link it below to share your blog and beautiful work with our readers. Please note, if you link your work below, we may feature it in our blog or idea gallery ;)
We will draw a random winner Friday for a $25 gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp from the entries below!
Much love,
Heidi
What do you think!? Have you made any cards using stamps from this collection and want to inspire others!? Feel free to link it below to share your blog and beautiful work with our readers. Please note, if you link your work below, we may feature it in our blog or idea gallery ;)
We will draw a random winner Friday for a $25 gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp from the entries below!
Much love,
Heidi
Simon Say Stamp is Sponsoring a New Challenge at Just Magnolia!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Simon is sponsoring the Just Magnolia monthly challenge with a $50 store voucher!
CLICK HERE to read more about it and enter your work in the challenge! This month's challenge is to ALTER ANYTHING!
Now, because this is a special challenge with an extra special prize the theme is a bit more challenging but we know you can all do it! This month the challenge is to alter a container - ANY container - for example a recycled paper bag, a empty box of chocolates, a custom made box, a canvas bag, a tin, a plastic tub - even a photo album (which our Marcea has done, such a clever idea). So you don't have to go out and buy something specifically to alter, we all have bits and bobs that can be altered for the challenge. The only specification is that you must use a Magnolia stamp on the project.
We hope to see you there!
Remember, we are stocking over a thousand Magnolia stamps! Shop early for the best selection!
See our Magnolias at www.SimonSaysStamp.com
Much luv,
Heidi
Martha Stewart PICKET FENCE with TILDA In CHERRY DRESS Magnolia Rubber Stamp
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Our Designer Jay Jay has created this fab card for you!
She used the Magnolia Rubber Stamp called TILDA IN CHERRY DRESS and the Martha Stewart paper Punch called PICKET FENCE. We sell these items in a very limited supply in our store www.SimonSaysStamp.com.
Be sure to let Jay Jay know what you think of her work! You can find more of it at her lovely blog! : CLICK HERE for Jay Jay's blog.
Please Join Our Happy Mail Challenge :)
Friday, June 26, 2009
This week our challenge for you is to make a card or project for a sick child. We all know how GREAT it feels to get happy mail for no reason, so imagine how a child who is ill would feel to get happy mail....I can just imagine the BIG GRIN on their little faces!! It will bring such happiness to them, so we thought we would support Post Pals and Make a Child Smile and get some cards to those children who could use a "hug"!!!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
Today's featured guest designer is POPPET. Poppet is incredibly talented and an amazing woman! She is very familiar with Post Pals as 2 of her 3 children are members. On her blog, there is a video made by BBC, called Samara's story - it is very moving. If you have a minute, please watch it, but make sure you have a tissue handy!!!! Here is what Poppet wrote to us:CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
Diese Woche haben wir wieder ein besonderes Thema für Euch:
HAPPY MAIL.
Es soll eine Karte für ein krankes Kind gemacht werden.
Wir haben uns entschlossen unsere Karten an eine Instution wie zB:
POSTPALS oder MAKE A CHILD SMILE
zu senden.
HAPPY MAIL.
Es soll eine Karte für ein krankes Kind gemacht werden.
Wir haben uns entschlossen unsere Karten an eine Instution wie zB:
POSTPALS oder MAKE A CHILD SMILE
zu senden.
Außerdem haben wir heut auch wieder einen Gast dabei:
POPPET
Ezen a héten is egy különleges kihÃvással várunk benneteket, témája:
" HAPPY MAIL-BOLDOG POSTA"
Beteg gyermekek részére szeretnénk ha készÃtenétek kártyákat!
Arra gondoltunk, hogy ezeket a kártyákat elküldjük két intézménynek, a
POST PALS-nak és a MAKE A CHILD SMILE-nak, hogy egy kis boldogságot csaljunk a gyermekek arcára!
Heti vendégünk POPPET.
What Post Pals means to me...
As you all know I have 3 children with brain damage, well I came across Post Pals and decided I would join the youngest 2 children on there website and it has been the best thing we have ever done...The children get mail from all over the world and they have even received gifts also, this brings many smiles to their faces, all they used to get before was letters for hospital appointments and reports from specialists, so to receive a small card or letter just for them is really great...Even a poodle called Percy who has his own website writes letters to Teej, and he loves hearing about what Percy has been up to...Teej's operation what he had at Christmas did not work and his legs and arms are really stiff, he has to have physio and it can be really painful, have you ever watched your child cry in pain because you are hurting them, but at the same time know that if you do not do it they will not be able to move properly, well this is the time when the mail is most effective, I let him open them when I do this so that is has his mind taken off what I am doing....
And here is one of her gorgeous cards:
For more FABULOUS creations by Poppet, please head to her blog HERE!!
And, here are the Design Team's projects for a little inspiration. You can click on each Design Team members name and it will take you directly to their blog so you can see the rest of their amazing work!!!!
Iris
Domi
Lorraine
Chris
Jo
Timea
Debby
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
These Pens Are So HOT, They Are Flying Off The Shelves!!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Fillable Pens are by far the most exciting new release this year! And to celebrate, we are giving you a way to expand your collection a little faster!
Don't have any pens yet? Here's an INTRODUCTION demonstrated by Tim Holtz himself! Or maybe you have already started your collection. This COLORING demonstration will help you expand your creative horizon!
**Starting on THURSDAY June 25th through Sunday July 4th -- for every THREE Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Fillable Pens you buy in our store, we will send you ONE Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Fillable Pen for FREE! Hurry, this is a special 11 day offer only. You must buy AND complete payment for your purchase during the time frame of June 25th through midnight on July 4th.
Also, did you know that the Tim Holtz Embossing Powder Case holds 18 of the Fillable Pens? It is a great way to store your collection. Check out Tim Holtz showing you his case here (at around 5:05 minutes into the video). If you are looking for Tim Holtz's Alcohol Inks to fill your pens with, we have the complete collection available in the store as well!
Have fun collecting and have a safe and fun 4th of July!
~TERRA
The Winner is Donalda Cox
Donalda! CONGRATULATIONS! You are our $100 gift certificate winner to www.SimonSaysStamp.com!
YAHOOO!!!!
Thank you for participating in our birthday blog hop and being part of its HUGE success!
Luv,
Heidi
Blog Hop Winner Announcement in a Few Hours
Thanks to all who participated in the Blog Hop! The $100 Grand Prize Certificate winner will be announced in a few hours. I am sorry for the delay, but we are still pouring over the entries from here, the Challenge blog and the DT blogs.
Coming sooooooon ;) We are working hard ;)
Luv,
Heidi
Congratulations! You made it to the last stop of our Birthday Blog Hop!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thank you SO much for participating in the Birthday Blog Hop for Simon Says Stamp Store Blog! We hope you had a fun and inspirational time with us :) We cannot express how much your support means to all of us – thank you!
Did you know that we have over 100,000 items in stock and offer free shipping for all USA purchases over $60 and all International purchases over $120 ? It's a ton of fun to visit our store, I hope you will stop over! www.SimonSaysStamp.com
NOW that you have made it to the end, please leave us a comment and include the MYSTERY phrase you found on your travels.
Remember, you can get multiple entries by becoming a follower of this blog AND the challenge blog (if you already are a follower you will get an automatic entry) and by correctly guessing the mystery phrase! You should have also left a comment on EACH blog on the hop as well in order to be eligible to win.
The Grand Prize of will be drawn on Wed. June 24, so be sure to stop by to see if you are the lucky winner! The Grand Prize is…… (drum roll please……..) a $100 shopping spree at Simon Says Stamp store! Woooo Hoooo!! Good luck to you all!
In case you landed here first or out of order, here is the map of our blog hop route:
Simon Says Challenge Blog (start here!) http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/
Anna http://frynologia.blogspot.com/
Bev http://bevscrafts.blogspot.com/
Chris http://cattsscratchingpost.blogspot.com/
Debby http://debby4000.blogspot.com/
Domi http://www.mephisto-domi.blogspot.com/
Finnabair http://tworzysko.blogspot.com/
Iris http://iriswelt.blogspot.com/
Jay Jay http://stempelelfejayjay.blogspot.com/
Jo http://bootsblogspot.blogspot.com/
Kendra http://www.kendrawietstock.blogspot.com/
Lorraine http://loraquilina.blogspot.com/
Rach http://papercraftsbyrach.wordpress.com/
Timea http://www.timcsoca.blogspot.com/
Simon Says Stamp Blog (end here!!) http://www.simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/
Thanks for hopping along with us!!!! Have fun and good luck!!! don't forget to leave comments for all of the Design Team members for your chance to win BLOG CANDY at EACH one!!!!
Here is a summary of the beautiful DT works you should have seen along the way!
Good luck to you all and happy stamping!!!!
Luv,
Heidi & the whole gang!
*PS, we aren't publishing the comments until the Hop is "done" because it will give away our secret phrase. Please be sure to leave your phrase here :)
Read more...
Simon's Blog Birthday Bash Blog Hop Starts Tomorrow!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Hey folks! Have you heard the great news?
Several of our Design Team members have joined together to form a blog hop in celebration of Simon's 1 Year Bloggiversary! I hope you will join us tomorrow. The HOP Starts at our Challenge Blog at this link: www.SimonSaysStampsChallenge.blogspot.com
Every single stop along the way will have blog candy. There will also be $100 Grand Prize Gift certificate to our store for one lucky winner who makes it to the end of the hop ;)
The birthday card above was made by DT member Debby Y using the Frogs Jumping for Joy Exclusive Simon Says Stamp set.
Her blog is HERE.
I hope you'll join us for the festivities!
Luv,
Heidi
Copic Tutorial for Beginners by Lisa Spangler
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thanks to Lisa for sharing this Youtube video with us! Lisa is using a Hero Arts rubber stamp and is a Hero Arts designer. We carry the entire collection of Hero Arts product in our Simon Says Stamp store.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IT
Thanks Lisa! We enjoy your work.
Did you know that Lisa created the Four Dolls stamp set at Hero Arts? It's my favorite set ever!
Have a great Friday!
Luv,
Heidi
Distressing a Background Tutorial by Kim Poggett
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Kim has created a wonderful tutorial for the Just Magnolia Challenge Blog and has graciously allowed us to post it here too! Thanks so much Kim for your helpful tutorial! Please click HERE to view Kim's blog.
Distressing a Background
Hello,
I have been asked by Bev and Jacqui to make a little tutorial on how I distress my backgrounds. I just love using these beautiful inks I just couldn't think of crafting without them. I would like to point out that this is just my version of this technique and I do not profess to be an authority on distressing. This is just how I achieve the distressing of my projects and if it helps you then I will be so happy.
The tools that I use are a non-stick crafting sheet, Ranger Cut'nDry foam and Tim Holtz distress ink pads. **SIDENOTE FROM HEIDI: The tim Holtz applicator tool & refills work great in place of the foam.
You can buy blending tools to use with the Cut'nDry foam. I cut small pieces of the foam and then just hold the foam pad with my fingers to distress ink on to my projects. I have a piece of foam for each colour and write the name of the ink on the back of the foam so I will not get mixed colours.
I have stamped out my image on to watercolour paper. The brad I use is Waterford 30 x 33 300gsm HP smooth. I really think that when using distress inks for colouring that your quality of paper is so important to achieve the best results.
I then take my Cut'nDry foam and add ink to this by pressing it on to the ink pad.
Then using circular movements gradually add the ink to the card. To achieve a smooth finish you START on the craft sheet NOT the card. Then bring the ink on to your card and gradually, (depending on the depth of colour required) keep adding more ink, re-inking the foam from the ink pad as you go.
Press foam on to ink pad
Here I am starting with the Cut'nDry foam on the craft sheet
In smooth circular movements bring foam from craft sheet on to card
If you wish to add other colours, you can either add a colour straight on to your first colour which will mix up the colours, or you can dry in-between each colour by using a heat tool to achieve more of a layered effect.
Here is the finished distressed card using tattered rose and edged with fired brick
I always also distress my papers using this method. This is the paper before the ink. 
This is the paper after it has been distressed
Again, to tie in my image and my papers I have used tattered rose and fired brick
I just like to do this as I feel this brings the project into focus on my card. Also, you can change the colour of your paper which ties in with your image and detail on your project.
I also love to use Glimmer Mists on my projects. In order to minimise mess and to contain the spray when using this I have a cunning tool. A SHOE BOX. I put scraps of paper on the bottom and then place whatever I want to spray on to this.
Before spraying, you must ensure that all the mixture is shaken completely, otherwise you will not get a good shimmer effect and you will block the nozzle. If you check the bottom of the bottle you can see the mica.
Before you shake the bottle you can see the mica residue
After shaking the bottom is clear and ready to spray.
Shake the bottle well, you can check that this has been done thoroughly by checking the bottom of the bottle and if no residue is left then you can begin spraying. You only need to do this by using quick, light sprays as a little goes a long way/ When finished I wipe the nozzle to avoid this becoming blocked.
You can leave this to air dry or if you are impatient like me, you can dry it with a heat tool. 
Here is a close up of the rose and heart, you can see the delicious shimmer on the crackle paint too.
Close up of the two roses with their shimmer.
This is my finished card. I have distressed with tattered rose and sprayed silver gilmmer mist on to my flowers, heart and swirl.
I hope that my little tutorial has helped you. This is my first time at putting something like this into writing, so please excuse my amateur-like attempt.
Love
Kim x
Kim, Thanks again for posting such great instructions for those of us who wonder "how do you do that!?"
Luv,
Heidi
Cat Celebrates with Oh Happy Day!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Our newest Design Team member for the blog is Cat and she made a cute and brilliantly vibrant card using a Simon Says Stamp set called OH HAPPY DAY! Click here to visit Cat's blog. She is new to blogging and would love your support!
It has been a happy day! Since I work weekends, Mondays are my day off and my hubby had the day off too. We took our little boy to the Columbus Zoo. What a blast! Did you know that Columbus has one of the best zoos in the country? If you live anywhere close, it is definitely worth visiting. Our favorite part today was the children's petting zoo. Although the boat and train ride were a highlight too! We are so lucky that the Columbus Zoo is literally DOWN THE STREET about 5 miles from our Simon Offices and warehouse! It would be funny if you could hear the lions from our offices, but we can't...shucks!
Oh Happy Day!
Luv,
Heidi
Jet on Over to the Simon Says Challenge! It's Pink & Brown!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hey folks! How are you doing today? Are you feeling creative? What do you think of Pink & Brown colors? I love 'em ;) It's the theme for the current Simon Says Challenge. Please take a moment to enter your work as we love visiting your blogs to see what you've been working on these days. Right now I am doing some wedding projects for my new sister in law. Wish me luck!
Here are the details for this week's challenge! Enter and you can win a $25 shopping spree to our store Simon Says Stamp!
CLICK HERE TO enter:
Here is some inspiration from the Challenge Design Team:
GUEST Designer RACH:
JO
What do you think of our designers' works? Comment here and the first 3 comments will receive some pink and brown blog candy!! Eyelets, flowers, ribbon, & markers! Read more...
Inspiration is All Around Us
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A Penny Black Rubber Stamp called "ALL GOOD THINGS" inspired me today: It said:
Fear less hope more
Eat less chew more
whine less breath more
talk less say more
love more....
and all good things will be yours...
chinese proverb
Luv,
Heidi Read more...
Brand New From Stamps Happen!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bluebird
Ride Motorcycle 
Classic Car
Best Pump Forward
Robin
Don't you just love the diversity that you find from Stamps Happen?! It seems like they have a stamp for any occasion! Whether you are looking for an adorable bird to make a spring card or you need an African Lion to scrapbook a wild adventure, Stamps Happen has exactly what you need.
Fiesta
Ole
Popcorn
Cola
Her Majesty
African Lion
Love Green
Go Green
Right Accessories
Frederick the Literate
And for all you cat lovers out there, Stamps Happen has a wonderful collection of delightful cat stamps! Just like this one shown above, there are many others like Bee Wildered, Flower Cat, Cat in Tree, Cat Nap, Cozy Kitty, Dudley Wadsworth Catsinbag, Fit to be Tied and SO many more!!!
Fit to be Tied
Happy Stamping!!
Amber
Hero Arts Card Ideas 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hero Arts 2009 Clear BIRTHDAY EXPRESSIONS stamps used
By Nancy Taylor
Butterfly Garden Hero Arts Rubber Stamp
by Jennifer Mcguire
Stamps used: Hero Arts CLOUDS, ASIAN DOLLS, SPRING DESIGNER PAPERS
by Shari Carroll
I LOVE how Shari cut out the clothes from the dolls stamps and hung them on a clothesline! Versatile stamp set ;)
Hey folks!
Today while working on our Hero Arts gallery, I noticed some great cards on Hero's gallery and thought I'd share! Check them out..some cool ideas for using Hero Arts 2009 rubber stamps!
What do you think? Be the first to comment here and win the Hero Arts item of your choice!
Blog Candy!
luv,
Heidi
Simon Just Listed More Magnolia Stamps!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hi folks! We have just listed hundreds of more Magnolias and have their new Animals collection arriving any day now! What do you think? Tilda is so adorable, and I love her buddy Edwin!
Please stop by our store to see the great Magnolia selection and be inspired by the ideas! You can CLICK here to see the Magnolias at Simon Says Stamp!
Much luv,
Heidi
*By Jakki
above card by Claudia Rosa: http://rosaswelt.blogspot.com/2008/05/arty-girlz-make-wish.html
My Baby Brother got Married!
As some of you may already know, my baby brother got married this past weekend. It put me a little bit out of the "loop" here at Simon. The ceremony was at the Butler University college campus in Indianapolis where they both met. The weather was perfect, and as you can see, the scenery was romantically beautiful!
It was a magnificent event! My brother has been dating the same girl for about 8 years now and we just LOVE her! It is so nice to make her "officially" a part of the family as she has been in our family longer than many of us! My son, my nephew, my husband all included! My bro and his new wife both played college golf together and are enjoying a Maui golf getaway honeymoon as we speak. Here is a pic they just sent from the honeymoon:
I tell ya, seeing a wedding band around my "baby" brother's finger really made me cry. You see, there is a decent age difference between us (let's just say more than 5 years) and to see him now with a wife, his own home, and a practicing lawyer, just makes me soo proud of him. I still remember when he would hide under the kitchen table and listen to my sister and I talk to our "boyfriends" on the telephone. I won't elaborate about him singing good night songs to his stuffed animals ;)
Congrats to the happy couple! Please pray for them to live a long, healthy life together, as they really deserve it. These two folks are very very special and make our world a much better place.
All my luv,
big sis Heidi
Whiff Of Joy Stamps Card Idea and Inspirations by Bev!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Willow with Basket Rubber Stamp by Whiff Of Joy
Willow in the Summer Breeze Rubber stamp by Whiff of Joy
Melinda with Muffin Basket Cupcake rubber stamp by Whiff of Joy
Sitting Summer Willow with Hat Rubber Stamp by Whiff of Joy
Oakley with Sign Rubber Stamp by Whiff of Joy
Kneeling Willow rubber stamp by Whiff of Joy
Dreamy Willow with Flowers Rubber Stamp by Whiff of Joy
Citrus Tree Rubber Stamp by Whiff of Joy & Shy Willow with Hands Behind Her Back Stamp
Design Team member, Bev, has made the most darling WHIFF OF JOY Projects using their newest stamps! The stamps are all available in www.SimonSaysStamp.com.![[bev.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7OLD8EynZ24/SMlQB0aDawI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/kRP59VGSuJg/S220/bev.jpg)
Stop by Bev's blog and let her know what you think of her work!
We just received a new Whiff of Joy Shipment into our store Simon Says Stamp and thought we'd showcase Bev's beautiful cards so you can see the possibilities with these great stamps!
ENJOY!
The first person to comment here will receive the Whiff of Joy Stamp of her choice from our store!
Luv,
Heidi
Tutorial and Beautiful Work by Flora "Hana"! Dream Paris Rome New York Second Helping by Nicole D!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Many thanks to Flora "Hana" for this beautiful contribution she has made to our Simon Says Stamp Design Team! 
And a closer view:
Thanks for visiting! And have a nice DREAM too! :D![[hana.JPG]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PwXv00yr8P8/SThZPaH5-HI/AAAAAAAAA88/B_y4ufOQP5s/S220/hana.JPG)
Hi! My name is Flora, and my nickname is Hana ("flower" in japanese) - I LOVE flowers around me, also on my works. I have a 20 months old lovely Son, and a wonderful husband. I started scrapbooking a year ago, and since November (2008) I'm one of the editors of Scrap.hu.
By this album, I used a chipboard mini album for the front and the back cover - so it's hard enough and also have holes on it. Than cut, and paste an accordion album on them. Add a beautiful K&C paper, and stamped all over with my Simon Says Clear Stamps DREAM PARIS ROME NEW YORK stamps. On the tags I used Tim Holz Antique Linen distress Ink, than another darker ink. And also stamped on it in 3 colors. I cut the "acrylic-looks-like" butterfly from a printable slide, than inked and stamped on it with StazOn Opaque - Mint.
Below is the stamp set from Simon Says Stamp that Flora "Hana" used! What do you think? The first person to comment here will receive this stamp set *BLOG CANDY!
Be sure to visit Flora's blog and let her know what you think of her work :) I am sure she'd love to hear from you!
Want a second helping of ideas using the Dream Paris Rome New York Stamp set by Simon Says Stamp? Check out Nicole D's work! Her blog is here! I love the look of these stamps with distressing.
Luv,
Heidi
Sweet Turtles Buddies by Domi!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thanks to our Design Team member, Domi, we have some eye candy for you today! Domi's blog is HERE.
She used the TURTLE BUDDIES Simon Says Exclusive stamp set. What do you think? Be the first to comment and receive the stamp set as BLOG CANDY!
Have a great weekend!
Heidi
LUCKY DUCK WINNERS at Simon Says Stamp!
Hi folks! Sorry for the delay in our winner announcement! My baby brother got married this weekend and I was a bit unorganized...totally forgot to post our lucky duck winners from last week!!
If you see your name on our list and you haven't sent your contact info yet, please be sure to!
Congrats to these 3 gals for winning the copic marker of her choice!
ML Design Works said...
Jo (Boots the Monkey) said... ribenaruby said...
The winner of our $100 Magnolia Contest Drawing is DAWNY P. She wins $100 of her choice in merchandise from www.SimonSaysStamp.com! She entered her Chasing Butterflies Magnolia projects into our contest!
Congrats Dawny P!
The winner of another Magnolia Rubber stamp of her choice for commenting on Jay Jay's design cards using Magnolia stamps is Renee
Congrats!
These three folks win a Tim Holtz tool for commenting on our feature of Lorraine: Alice said... Nunt said...
and ML Design Works
and last but not least: robin_titan said...
WINS the copic marker of her choice for commenting on the Tilda Face coloring tutorial!
Congrats ladies!!
Do you want to win free goodies too? Just watch our blog! We have been giving away freebies almost every day!
Much luv,
Heidi
How Sandy Colors Magnolia Rubber Stamps' Tilda Faces with Copic Markers
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thanks to our friend Sandy H, here is a great lil' tutorial for you!
I have been asked by many of my followers how I color my Tilda faces with Copic markers. So I thought I would share with you the steps I take to do this. After each step I have listed the colors I used to do that samples hair. For faces, I use E000, E00, E02 and R20.
Step 1: Quickly color entire face with E00Hair - E02, E99
Step 2: Add E02 to the edges and cheeks for shading
Hair - YR12, YR18
Step 3: Blend with E00 ONLY in the E02 area
Hair - E11, E17
Step 4: Color with e000 across the entire face
Hair - YR21, YR24
Step 5: Add R20 to the cheeks
Hair - E33, E37
Step 6: Blend the cheek color with E000
Hair - E21, E25
And don't forget to add the white dot for a cheek accent. I forgot in my sample. There are lots of ways to color Tilda, this is just what works for me. I hope you find it useful. You can click on the Magnolia label at the bottom of this post, and it will bring up all the cards I have done with Tilda. Have fun coloring with your Copics.
Simon Says stamp has hundreds of Tildas and copic markers in stock now!!
Check out Sandy's blog here. She is really a creative talent! Thanks Sandy ;)
*The first person to comment here will receive a copic marker from our store of her choice!
Luv,
Heidi Read more...
Have You Visited this Week's Challenge! It's a Tim Holtz Goody!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
![[004-1.JPG]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HHQcn0Lw7Pw/ScyWvC7h3uI/AAAAAAAABBI/X09ATAhLNTs/S220/004-1.JPG)
Our Challenge Blog coordinator, Lorraine, (Lols) is a blessing to Simon Says Stamp. Have you ever met someone in your life and felt like an angel kissed you on the nose? Lorraine is our angel. She is a hard worker, a funny gal, has zesty fiesty energy, a warm heart and a great attitude. Although she lives on a far away island off Malta called Gozo, we hope to meet her for a cup o' joe someday!
Did I mention Lols is very talented!? CLICK here to see her blog!
This weeks Challenge on the Simon Says Stamp Challenge is Tim Holtz! CLICK HERE TO VISIT the challenge and view the great DT work!
Here is a note from Lols:
First of all I would like to thank everyone for the fabulous entries for our Animal Challenge :-) We had over 100 entries and both myself and Heidi are donating to animal charities, mine is the Gozo SPCA, the link is on my sidebar and Heidi is donating to the Humane Society of Delaware County :-)
We have a fabulous fun challenge for you this week on the Simon Says Challenge :-)
This week we are all getting inky :-) I got absolutely covered making this and would recommend that if you try this wear disposable gloves !! :-) Heidi very generously sent all the Challenge DT a package filled with Tim Holtz goodies :-) It felt like Christmas opening it !! I can't tell you how much we all enjoyed this one, FUN FUN FUN !! Jo's package went on a round the world twice trip and finally arrived at lunch time yesterday ! Just in the nick of time eh !! Phew !!!
Would you believe that this tin started life as a SU hodgepodge hardware tin !! Yeah !! What a transformation eh !!
I used all sorts in the making of this, I started by using alcohol inks in various colours with a little silver mixative and a few drops of blending solution and dabbed this all over using a proper Tim Holts applicator though I did resort to tweezers to push the ink into all the little nooks and crannies :-)
I have loads of unused mirri card which I never use cos it's far too shiny, but it was the right colour so I got some sandpaper and really roughed it up , it looked much better ! :-)
This is a photo of all the products I used
The metal flowers I used were a gift from Dorothy :-) Thanks Dorothy :-)
Everything I used with the exception of Dorothy's flowers are available in the Simon Says Stamp Store
Pop over to the challenge blog to see what the fabulous creations that the DT have made !! Also as a special treat we have Finnabair Simon says Stamp Brand Designer, in our Designer Spotlight and she has made 2 wonderful creations too :-) so pop over to her blog too to see her wonderful creations :-)
Tim Holtz has some fabulous instructional video's for you to see. You can see them here To enter this challenge you do not have to use Tim's products you can use his 'Inspiration' if you wish :-) This week the prize for a lucky entrant is a $25 shopping spree to spend on Tim Holtz products at the Simon Says Stamp Store, there is a massive choice !!!
Thanks for looking :-) I appreciate your comments so please leave me one :-)
Lorraine x x x
**The first 3 people to comment on Lols work will receive a Tim Holtz tool as Blog Candy!*
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