Bokeh Technique in a beautiful card

As promised here is the card we made at this month's Technique Club - I have two different samples for your here - the one on the left was made and allowed to air dry and the one on the right was dried with the heat tool to speed up the process.  I like the way both turned out, but they definitely give a little different look.

At this angle you can really see the technique and the first one is sharp - but the second one is a bit more blurred like the actual bokeh photography technique looks. Then here below is the one air dried - which took a couple days -the circles of white are still pretty crisp and clear.

and hers is the one dried with the heat tool - which took a few minutes.  The circles lost their definition a little - they actually faded a lot, and I had to go back over them again with more white ink. 

Of the two I think the first version is nicer and crisper, but the second a little more water spotty - in a pinch either will work - it's still beautiful.  One of the artsy background techniques that will be a bit different every time you do it.  Let me know your thoughts!  ~Maureen
Products used to make this card-

Best Day Ever Photopolymer Stamp Set

$0.00

Bitty Butterfly Punch

$15.95

Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments

$4.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Marina Mist 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

So Saffron Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad

$7.50

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink Refill

$4.25

Bokeh Technique Club Card

keh is a photography technique where the user will purposely defocus the lens slightly in order to create a soft borderless aesthetic in a picture.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2031866_use-bokeh-photography-technique.html

Bokeh is a photography technique where the user will purposely defocus the lens slightly in order to create a soft borderless aesthetic in a picture.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2031866_use-bokeh-photography-technique.html

Bokeh is a photography technique where the user will purposely defocus the lens slightly in order to create a soft borderless aesthetic in a picture.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2031866_use-bokeh-photography-technique.html

Bokeh is a photography technique where the user will purposely defocus the lens slightly in order to create a soft borderless aesthetic in a picture.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2031866_use-bokeh-photography-technique.htmlVV

Bokeh is a photography technique where the user will purposely defocus the lens slightly in order to create a soft borderless aesthetic in a picture.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2031866_use-bokeh-photography-technique.html

Bokeh is a photography technique where you purposely defocus the lens to create a softness in the lighting of the picture - here's a sample - 

But a recent stamping trend, has brought this look to stamping - so for technique club this month we tried it - 

It is really beautiful and makes a great background that needs very little else to go with it.

Here are several of the layers I was working on.  Stop back soon to see the card we made with this background. ~Maureen

Cute and Clean January

Sharing one of the two cards we'll be making 1/20 at my Cute and Clean Stamp Camp encore event.  I love this card - it is sooooo my style really clean and sharp.  It uses a bunch of the new SAB product that you can get FREE with a $50 purchase.  I still have a couple openings - let me know if you'd like to join me :)

View blog

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 ~ 7:00 – 9:30 PM

First Cute and Clean Cards Stamp Camp of the year! ENCORE PRESENTATION

Maureen’s Home in Simi Valley*

Cost: $15 or get the Stamp Camp FREE with a $50 merchandise purchase at the event. - PLUS you'll get one FREE Sale-a-bration product with your $50 purchase - it's a win-win-win - Stamp camp - Merchandise - Free product!

We'll make 6 cards - 3 each of 2 clean and cute designs using exclusive Stampin’ Up! sets and embellishments ONLY! 

We'll be using some fun new products from the Stampin’ Up! Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs. 

 This stamp camp is fun and easy for all crafting levels.  Light refreshments, coffee, tea and wine served.   

No additional purchase required.

All materials to make cards provided.  Doorprize drawing!

Limit 10.  Must RSVP to hold your spot. ~Maureen

*Stamp Camp/Class/Club Cancellation Policy - PLEASE READ TILL END OF POLICY!! If you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance of the event there will be no cost to you. If you cancel within that 48 hours I will try and place someone from the waiting and if that works there will be no charge to you; otherwise you will be responsible for the class fee (If a stamp camp - you will receive the material packet with pictures (by email or on my blog) to make your projects.)  Stamping may not be done for you, so you may need to adjust the project slightly using what stamps you have available. Or you can choose to purchase the purchase requirement for the event in merchandise from Heidi or Maureen. If no purchase requirement is listed for the specific event, you must purchase 2 1/2 times the cost of the class/stamp camp/event or pay for the event. If event is cancelled by me - full refund will be given of any pre-payment. All events must be half-full to avoid possible cancellation. Check your emails to be sure events have not been cancelled.

NOTE: If a different cancellation date is listed in event description it supersedes this policy.

Here are the SAB products I used - each can be FREE with each $50 product purchase -

Best Day Ever Photopolymer Stamp Set

$0.00

Best Year Ever Accessory Pack

$0.00

Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper

$0.00

Club Fun!

Wanted to share the cute little treat bags we made at this month's Technique Club - this was our 3D project, so it didn't use our technique.  I'll be sharing those items soon - but for today - on to the CANDY!

We made these adorable little treat bags with the new products from the Occasions Catalog - treat bag framelits, LOVE DSP stack, and the amazing little bow punch.  And in case you cannot see what is inside - yummy Red Vines!

After we were done with club I stayed up and did some stamping.  I had all the items for this card sitting right there - so thought - why not.  Cute huh!?!

See you soon - stop back to see more fun stamping ideas.  And feel free to leave comments - they make my day!!  ~Maureen

Here are the new products I used -

Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies

$39.95

Bow Builder Punch

$16.95

Three of the projects for Sunday

Here they are - three of the cards we'll be making Sunday (full details HERE)  I love these cards and the paper and set used to create them.  Email or message me to come and join the FUN!

~Maureen

Christmas in Prescott - Personal Post Monday :)

Today just want to share some of the memories we made in Prescott with the family - for those that don't care - see you next time - but this blog has become an amazing memory keeper for me - so sometimes on Mondays - this is what I do :)

Birthday Cake for Jesus - Paisley and Prince

New PJs and video games - Prince, Zavian, Kyan, Makai, Heidi and Zamarah

Craziness - Prince, Makai, Kyan, Jenee and Zavia

But so much fun - Prince, Makai, Paisley and Kamili

Happy with her Presents - Makai and Jenee

Sick little Zamarah - but still part of the fun!

Kamili and Papa

 We took a little trip to a local set-up of Christmas displays -

Jenee, Heidi, Paisley, Zamarah, Makai, Prince, Zavian, Kyan, Papa and Kamili

One of the best parts of the week (besides family and Christmas of course) was an amazing day of snow - 6 1/2" total and it was the most beautiful snowfall - huge flakes - great for snowmen, snow-angels and snowball fights!

Front yard the day before the snow.

Pretty much the same shot part way through the storm - so pretty!

Blessings of the season.

 Hope you're Christmas holiday period was wonderful - before you know it Christmas 2015 will be here.  ~Maureen

I'm all Twitterpated....

Not sure what that means? - well here you go - the Urban Dictionary - definition of "twitterpated"

1) to be completely enamored with someone/something.
2) the flighty exciting feeling you get when you think about/see the object of your affection.

SOOOOOO - that's exactly how I feel about his new SU set "You Plus Me" and the Amazing DSP - Stacked with Love.  

You Plus Me

Stacked with Love DSP Paper stack

So much so, that I've planned an entire Stampin' Up stamp camp around them. And here is just one of the 6 projects we'll be making-

See what I mean - this set is great and so is the paper - here are the full details -

Sunday, January 18, 2015 ~ 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Valentines and Choc-o-late!! - You keep the paper!

Maureen’s Home in Simi Valley*

Cost is $30 and includes everything to make 4 different and beautiful valentines, 2 lovely treat holders with chocolate (and a few extra treats for you to eat) and a full package of the "Stacked with LOVE" Designer Series Paper Stack (page 5 of the Stampin' Up! Occasions catalog.)  
Come join us as we make some beautiful Valentines and Chocolate treat holders one with kisses and one with nuggets) for the upcoming "LOVE" holiday.  You'll make your 6 projects using the paper and then keep the rest of the packet of paper to take home and make more fun projects of your own!

We'll be using some other fun new products from the Stampin’ Up! Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs; and you can get FREE Sale-a-bration items with each $50 in purchases you make.  
This stamp camp is fun and easy for all crafting levels.Light refreshments, coffee, tea and wine served.   No additional purchase required.  All materials to make cards provided.  Doorprize drawing!

Limit 12.  Must RSVP to hold your spot.

*Stamp Camp/Class/Club Cancellation Policy - PLEASE READ TILL END OF POLICY!! If you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance of the event there will be no cost to you. If you cancel within that 48 hours I will try and place someone from the waiting and if that works there will be no charge to you; otherwise you will be responsible for the class fee (If a stamp camp - you will receive the material packet with pictures (by email or on my blog) to make your projects.)  Stamping may not be done for you, so you may need to adjust the project slightly using what stamps you have available. Or you can choose to purchase the purchase requirement for the event in merchandise from Heidi or Maureen. If no purchase requirement is listed for the specific event, you must purchase 2 1/2 times the cost of the class/stamp camp/event or pay for the event. If event is cancelled by me - full refund will be given of any pre-payment. All events must be half-full to avoid possible cancellation. Check your emails to be sure events have not been cancelled.

NOTE: If a different cancellation date is listed in event description it supersedes this policy.

HOPE YOU CAN PLAN TO JOIN ME ~Maureen
Here's what we'll use -

You Plus Me Clear Stamp Set

$18.95

Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Stacked With Love Designer Washi Tape

$4.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Sweetheart Punch

$15.95

Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments

$4.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$5.95

Fun stuff from my Heidi

Now it's time to share some great things from Heidi - here is an ADORABLE Christmas card from her - I really love the white wash on the blue for the snow and the cute little popped up bear.

As a thank you for being her upline she made me this coffee scented soy candle.  I love candles and I love coffee - thus - the perfect gift!!

Here's the top of the candle - full of coffee grounds - it smells wonderful!!

And here's the lovely thank you card she made me.  So sweet!!

Thanks Heidi!  See you all soon!!! ~Maureen

All about Paula....

Today I wanted to share some more stuff from our December meeting/party.  Below are two beautiful cards Paula made using the Lattice Fold technique. I have done this before, but always with flowery images - never even though of using it like this  - I love them!

And below is the card Paula made for her gift exchange.

Next is a picture of Paula making the project she brought, with the group -

And here's the project - a cute little luminary - I took a picture with the tealight off, so you can really see the image.

And then again with is lit - isn't that a great idea.  I can see a whole line up of these on a mantel - all lit up at night.

So now you see why it's all about Paula today.  Thank you Paula for your shares and a great little project.  ~Maureen