After many years of papercrafting I’ve learned a thing or two. While fancy techniques can be impressive, and special gadgets are useful, few crafters mention this one tip. Do a test run.

So it was with today’s project. I had a project in mind using the Dressed to Impress Stamp Set, with an idea of how it would look when finished. But before putting ink to card I did a test on some scrap paper to decide on a colour combination and colouring technique. I think the the few minutes I took doing this was time well spent.

THE LIPSTICK TEST

I started with the layout for my bookmark in my head but was in two minds about the colour of the lipstick and holder. I initially considered Lovely Lipstick, but thought that was probably a bit obvious. So I went to my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers and chose two different combinations.

My first selection was Calypso Coral for the lipstick with Cajun Craze for the holder. The image would be stamped using Cajun Craze ink. The second combination was Rococo Rose for the lipstick and Real Red for the holder. This time I would stamp the image using Real Red ink. Then to add some contrast I picked up Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Mango Melody Stampin’ Blends.

This is what my tests looked like and I wasn’t entirely happy with either of them.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

So although my tests weren’t perfect they did help me adjust my plans a little and I was ready to start on the actual project.

First I cut a 2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card for my bookmark base. Next, using oval hole option on the Detailed Trio Punch, I added a hole at one end. Then using the corner rounder option I shaped just the top left and bottom right corners. In no time at all I was ready to begin stamping.

Using Real Red ink I stamped the lipstick image at the bottom right corner of the bookmark. Then I wiped the card with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static. Next I stamped the “Be as bold as your lipstick” sentiment using VersaMark ink beside the lipstick image. I sprinkled the sticky ink with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder and tapped of the excess. Then I removed a few stray specks before melting the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

With the embossing done I turned to my Stampin’ Blends. First I coloured the top of the lipstick with dark Rococo Rose in the bottom left blending diagonally to the lighter shade towards the top right.

For the twist part of the lipstick case I decided to use Basic Black. I started with the dark shade down both edges. Then I added the lighter shade over the top and in towards the centre. However to create the illusion of a light reflection I left an uncoloured vertical line.

For the small band I used the same technique but this time with the light and dark Mango Melody Stampin’ Blends. Then I went back to the Rococo Rose markers to complete the holder part of the image.

With the colouring all done I threaded some Gold Metallic Edge Ribbon through the hole at the top and tied it in a knot. And that was it, my “Be as bold as your lipstick” bookmark was complete.

TEST PAPER PUMPKIN THIS MONTH

We all love to get free products and this month Paper Pumpkin is celebrating its 7th birthday by including an extra full-size stamp set in the March kit. This is in addition to the stamp set for the March project which is twelve 3-1/2″ x 5″ cards with envelopes (4 each of 3 different designs).

If you’ve never tried Paper Pumpkin before this is the month to do it. Every box contains all the prepared pieces, plus an exclusive stamp set, ink spot, adhesives and instructions for the project. If you’re new to Paper Pumpkin, the box will also include an acrylic block so you can get started right away. Plus of course there’s the second stamp set! The only thing you might need to complete the project is a pair of scissors.

The photo of the box provides some clues to the kit contents and we had an extra tease yesterday “multiple stamping techniques: stamping off, two step and scene builder, you’ve got the stamps in this kit.”

Of course you may be worried that you won’t like the kit when it arrives, but you needn’t be. Stampin’ Up! guarantees your satisfaction, so if you decide you don’t like the kit, just let them know. In fact if you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin through me, let me know and I’ll arrange for you to receive a refund. What’s more, unlike many subscriptions, you are not tied into taking a fixed number of kits, you’re free to suspend or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty. So why not give it a try this month? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

So if you want to take Paper Pumpkin for a test drive and also get the extra free stamp set, you need to subscribe before the end of tomorrow. The kits will start shipping later in the week.

Well that’s it from me for today. I have a number of packages due to be delivered from Stampin’ Up! and have cleared my diary so I can play all day. I hope whatever you have planned you can find a little time to be creative too.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Dressed to Impress Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Best Dressed Dies (not used today). Ordering the two items using a single ‘bundle’ item number saved me 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included both options below in case you want to explore this further.