Hope you enjoyed yesterday's Blog Hop with all the fabulous Stampin' Up Crafting friends. Today I am bringing to you another card and matching pen set idea. I promised you instructions on how I make the beads for my beadable pens, so this is going to be a long post. Hang in there with me.
Doesn't this look like a fun card and gift you would like to receive? I know, I sure would love it. I started with selecting the Beautiful You Stamp Set. Then picked out the Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper. Next, what color cardstock to use? Easy Peasy, the packaging which holds the DSP has the colors that coordinate with it, so I went with Watermelon Wonder, and Crumb Cake. Stampin' Up also has some fabulous embossing folders, and "yessss" we have one that matches our Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper and Love & Affection Stamp Set (not used today). It doesn't get any easier my friends.
So here is the pen, disassembled and ready to pretty up. Oh see those cute handmade beads? Yep, I'm going to show you how easy these are too make using our Designer Series Paper, Versamark, and our Clear Embossing Powder. Yes, it's that easy. They are not perfect, but I believe this adds to the charm of the ensemble.
First thing I do is, cut the Designer Series Paper. Here I used the Affectionately Yours "Specialty" Designer Series Paper, so it was a bit "thicker" than our regular DSP. In order not to make the Bead too "fat", I only use one piece cut at 1/2" x 6", and another piece cut at 12" x 1/2" tapered to about 1/8" on the end. Typically, I would just use a 12" x 1/2" piece of DSP, instead of 6" like I used for this one. Here are a few pics.
Next, I use a plain old popsicle stick, you can find at any big box craft store, or your local Walmart, and roll the DSP onto it, after I add a bit of Liquid Multipurpose glue when I start the rolling process.
As I am rolling the DSP onto the popsicle stick, I periodically add more liquid glue to ensure it stays secure and won't unroll, and ensure it stays nice and tight. Once I am done rolling up the 6" x 1/2" piece of DSP, I add more liquid glue, and continue rolling and gluing the 12" x 1/2" Tapered piece of DSP. See more pics.
You will end up with the bead picture below once you are done rolling and gluing both pieces of DSP together. Next, let's seal the DSP with some Versamark Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, and our Heat Tool.
I took the rolled up DSP off the popsicle stick, and placed it on a skinnier skewer stick, this makes it easier to roll the bead onto the Versamark and ensure it's coated very well (tip, you may want to add some Versamark refill to you pad, you want it nice and juicy), then I sprinkle on the Clear Embossing Powder, and heat set it. I do this two times to ensure complete coverage, and it seals the bead.
And here it is, all prettied up. You can add some Bead Caps, Grommets, any other beads you have on hand, really, whatever you want for a finished look. This would work out great if your making some jewelry. Ahhh yes……..guess what I am working on next? Yep, some matching jewelry to go with the pen, and card. It's going to be a nice Mother's Day for someone!
Thank you for stopping by, I truly appreciate your time to visit me. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, or send me an email. I will get back with you as quick as I can.
"Blessings, and until the next time, remember to hug the ones you love, "none of us are promised tomorrow!
WOW! Both projects so beautiful Gloria! Who wouldn’t love to receive them?
Gloria, I loved the colors of your card! The placement of the background embossing, is perfect 🙂 The pen project was pretty cool too, thanks for sharing!