TradeFish Designs has a new layout...and don't forget the Design Team Call!

Hello Everyone!

Before I hop into the post for today I wanted to say a few words about the Design Team Call before the holiday weekend started...

Even though I started this company because I was in need of stamps for my husband and my son it doesn't mean that my images can't be used for feminine projects too. I like to think my stamps are unisex in nature (or as I like to think...unisexy). I don't want people to avoid applying for the team because they think they would only have to create "guy stuff". I just want anyone considering joining the team to have fun with the stamps and create the most wonderful things they can image...whether the audience is male or female.  The point is, if you want to work with a company that is all about flowers, butterflies and frilly stuff, then this is probably not the right fit. But if you want fun stamps about the birthdays, the beach and outer space (note the hint in here about the next release), no matter who the target audience, then TradeFish is the place to be.

Now that I got that straightened out let's get crafty!

Today's post is late because I didn' get a chance to start making this layout until about 11:30pm last night and by the time I was done (midnight) I was just too tired to post anything. This is another one of my typical layouts...by now you should know that I am a CAS gal and this project is no exception. I wanted a chance to use more of that fantastic Yankee Doodles paper from We R Memory Keepers and throw in more stamps from Independence Day.  I really want to try and inspire people to use their stamps in scrapbook layouts. Your stamp(s) doesn't have to be the center of attention but you might find a favorite stamp can add a nice finishing touch to your layout.

In this layout I used the phrase "You are a firecracker" and I paper-pieced the firecracker from Independence Day. I also cut out the bursting flame, colored it with a Copic marker and then added some glitter glue over the top to add some pizzaz!

I have to say that I love the crispness of this layout. There is something about a nice bright blue and white with pops of red that make this layout feel so fresh and happy. I hope you enhoy this layout and consider ways you can use your stamps in your next layout.

Thanks for listening (reading) and just for those that kept reading all the way to the end of this post  : D tomorrow is a very special day at TFD. I will be introducing a Special Guest Designer for the month of July. You will not want to miss this announcement so make sure you mark your calendar to come back and see us here at TFD.

Happy Thursday and, as always, HAPPY CRAFTING!

CS


Supplies
Stamps: Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Memento
Paper: Bazzill, Misc Scraps & Yankee Doodles (We R Memory Keepers)
Embellishments: Buttons and ribbon (PTI), Foam alphabet letter (American Crafts)

TradeFish Designs & Independence Day

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick post today showing off another fun card made with the Independence Day stamp set from TradeFish Designs. I am determined to use as much of the Yankee Doodles paper as I can too...isn't it cute?

Want to join the TFD Design Team - check out the deets HERE.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Wednesday!

Happy crafting,
CS


Supplies
Stamps: Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: White and Blue cardstock (misc scraps), Yankee Doodles (We R Memory Keepers)
Embellishments: Pure Poppy buttons (PTI)

TradeFish Designs & Independence Day Layout

Hello Everyone!

Today's post is a scrapbook page I made so I can insert some fun family photos for this coming weekend's BBQ. I used the Independence Day stamp set and some fun paper from We R Memory Keepers Yankee Doodles.

The banner below and quote are both taken from the Independence Day set. This banner (and the other larger one) are both must haves as they coordinate with TFD stamp sentiments (and probably a few sentiments you already have in your stamp collection). It is easy to cut out which is also a plus.

Here is a close up the bunting. I colored this in with my Copic Markers and connected them with some silver studs using my i-Rock tool (love).

Remember, if you are interested in applying for the TradeFish Design Team go HERE.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend to scrapbook. Take care and I hope you all get to enjoy some happy crafting!

CS

Supplies
Stamps: Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Kraft and white cardstock (misc), Red cardstock (Bazzill), Yankee Doodles (We R Memory Keepers)
Embellishments: Silver studs (Imaginesce)
Tools: i-Rock (Imaginesce)

TradeFish Designs and the Create Blog

Hello Everyone!

I had to add another posting for today...check out the Create Blog to see one of my projects featured...my Father's Day gift to Rob. The really neat thing is that this was a Father's Day challenge posed by Creat and what I created using Father Quotes was selected to be featured on the blog....it is the very first project. Woohoo!

I think that just made my Monday a little bit brighter!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Monday...if not, at least it is closer to being Tuesday....

CS

TradeFish Designs & Independence Day

Hello Everyone!
 Supplies
Stamps: Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Red cardstock (Bazzill), White cardstock (misc), Corrugated kraft paper
Embellishments: Gold Stickles (Ranger)
Welcome to Independence Day week! Here is a card I made showing off the rocket and home-made sparklers from the Independence Day stamp set. I was able to use the lit fuse to create sparklers. I used the tail of the rocket for the sparkler sticks. I jazzed up the card by coloring the lit fuse with gold stickles. And I used the handy dandy banner again on this card.

This angled shot shows of the dimension created using the corrugated kraft paper and popping up the various layers of images.

I hope you all have a chance to make a special card for the holiday - maybe use some stamps from TradeFish Designs!

Remember, for information about joining the TradeFish Design Team go HERE.

Have a fantastic Monday (or as close as you can get)... : D

CS

TradeFish Designs and Design Team Call and Blogger Highlight

Hello Everyone!

First I want to do a blog shout out to a fantastic follower named Joan who used the TV Time set from the May Release to make this gorgeous card for her husband for Father's Day. I had to share her wonderful card.

I love the little girl on the tv screen. I should have a contest sometime about the most creative thing people could put inside the tv. To check out this stamp set and get a look at the new June release check out TradeFish Designs!

Second order of business is to remind people about the Design Team Call posted for TradeFish Designs. If you are interested in finding out more about what is required of a Design Team Member (and what the benefits are) please go HERE and read all about it.

If you are a blogger/customer and you make a project using TradeFish Designs stamps please send a link if you would like you work shared here on the blog or in the TradeFish Gallery. Send an email with the details and link to Cecilia@tradefishdesigns.com. I will try to highlight our customers on the weekends if I get some submission.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and, as always, happy crafting!

CS

Independence Day!

Hello Everyone!

Okay, so July 4th is just around the corner and this release has a fantastic set to use for the holiday. Here's the first post using the new set...next week will be a full week of July 4th celebrations.

The first picture shows the stars from the Independence Day set with a color-coordinated button on each star. This is another one of those clean and simple cards I like to make...plus I love it when I get to use up some scraps from my paper collection! The sentiment stamp is also taken from the new stamp set. Below is a simple angle shot to show off the dimension and just provide a different perspective on things.

The beauty of the Independence Day set is that it has so much you can use for the Independence Day holiday but really just as much to use throughout the rest of the year. Let's take a quick look at the set...

The set includes 2 banners that coordinate with the set but also coordinate with other sentiments from other sets already released (and of course some future sets too). I have already used the banners on a few birthday and Father's Day cards...here are a few samples...

The top hat is pretty Uncle-Samish but if you stamp it on black cardstock and cut it out you have a nice black top hat....stamp the image again in white paper and cut the sash area above the rim and add it to the black top hat and you have another look.  Here's the image to help you visualize. (Sorry for the fuzziness of the photo)

Another stamp is the bunting stamp. A wonderful stamp for the holiday as a fun border (which I will show off next week in some projects). But you could also color the layers a different color and use it for a different look or stamp the bunting on some patterned paper (up to 3 designs) and cut each bunting layer and build a dimensional scallop for a cool card border. If you turn it upside down and rub off some ink you will also have a cool rainbow (and that just might coordinate with a future cloud stamp - see July Release). Take a look at the image again and see if you can find something else. (Again, sorry for fuzziness of the pictures)

And don't get me started on the versatility of the stars...anyhoo, I think you get the idea.

If you stop by the blog-o this weekend you will get a chance to see a wonderful card made for Father's Day by one of the TradeFish followers (Hi Joan!). If you create something with a TradeFish Designs stamp and want to share, send it to me...I will post it on a future weekend post and even add it the the TFD Gallery (with your permission of course).

As if that was not enough information in a post, whew, remember that I am still on the hunt for a future designs team...could there be a better way to get some free stamps? I don't think so. If you think you may be interested check out the details HERE.

Ok, now I'm done...whew (again).

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and weekend and, as always, happy crafting!

CS



Supplies
Stamps: Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Kraft cardstock and misc scrap paper
Embellishments: Buttons (PTI), Twine (SU)

Trade Fish Designs and Grill Master!

Hello Everyone!

Today I am back to the release week designs. I am working on a card that plays along with the current CAS-ual Fridays challenge of color-blocking. I chose to have a bit of fun with the Grill Master stamp set and a bunch of paper scraps. If the man inyour life loves to grill then this is your set!

Here is a close up shot of the card. You an see the smoke stream created to coordinate with the sentiment. It was colored with a handful of Copic markers (N2, N4, N6). And I used the same markers (adding N8) to color in the grill. This was just a fun and silly card that any man in your life would appreciate getting from you.

Reminder: Check out this link to find out more about becoming a member of the TradeFish Design Design Team.

Don't forget to check out the June Release at TradeFish Designs!

Happy Crafting!

Supplies
Stamps: Grill Master (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Misc cardstock
Tools: Copic Markers

TradeFish Designs and a Design Team Call!

Hello Everyone!

Today I am taking a short break from promoting the new release to promote something else...TradeFish needs some help. Starting a new business (while working full time for someone else) can be a challenge and to be successful I realize that I have to be willing to ask for help. I really believe in what I am trying to accomplish with TradeFish so much so that I am swallowing some pride and throwing myself out there to the blogosphere to ask for help...HELP!!!

I am posting this Design Team Call to find crafty people to help promote and show off TradeFish Designs' stamps...are your interested? Here are the details...take a seat because this will be a long post.

TradeFish Designs Design Team Call (August 2011-December 2011)

TradeFish Designs (TFD) is looking for 3-4 Design Team Members. We are looking for enthusiastic stampers who want to embrace the TFD approach to stamping - no flowers, no butterflies or girly swirls EVER! We want a person who likes to blog and share what they create with others. We are looking for designers with a variety of styles who can really showcase TFD Stamps in their cards, layouts, altered projects etc. No previous design team experience is required but it would be beneficial. What is required…

Requirements:

1. Must maintain an active blog
a. “Active” is defined as 2-3 postings per week

2. Must be willing to commit to the Design Team for a period of up to 6 months.
a. The "Inaugural Design Team" commitment will be 5 months (August 2011-December 2011).

3. Must be able to produce a project each week.
a. Projects can be cards, layouts or other creative pursuits.
b. Each project will be posted to your blog as well the TFD blog to promote both you and the stamps (your project will need to be submitted to TFD each Sunday so posts can be prepared for the week).

4. Must have good quality photo skills.
a. Must be willing for your photos to be used in the TFD Gallery.

5. Must be willing to participate in a monthly release party on the 3rd Monday of each month.
a. This “release party” could take many forms whether it is a blog hop, challenge or something else the team comes up with to promote the stamp line.

6. Must promote TFD on your blog by posting the TFD logo/blinkie and list the Design Team Member with links back to their blogs.


Optional:

1. Have fun with TFD’s stamps.
a. This should really be required and not optional.

2. Make suggestions to the DT regarding release party events (see #5 above).

3. Create tutorials to be featured on the TFDs blog if the spirit moves you.

4. Take part in co-sponsoring events with other blogs/companies as they arise.

5. Share fun and creative ideas with the team to promote the growth of TradeFish Designs.


Benefits/Compensation:

1. A starter kit of stamps and additional stamps throughout your term.

2. Bio and picture with links to your blog on the TFD Blog.

3. 25% discount on items purchased from TFD during the Design Team Term (initial term August 2011 – December 2011).

4. Potential publication rewards (see details under DT Member & Publication below).

5. Retirement benefits.
a. After initial Design Team Term, you will be provided an option to extend your term for another 6 months. If you choose to move on after one term or you have completed your second term and graduate off the team you will received a 10% retirement discount on all future purchases from TradeFish Designs for a full year from the date of retirement.

As if that wasn't enough...


DT Member and Publication

TradeFish Designs wants to reward its Design Team Members when they promote the Company through publication in craft/trade magazines. Whenever a DT Member is published in a magazine using TradeFish Design products they will receive either a check or credit for $15 (with a maximum of $30 per month). A special payment of $25 will be made for the DT Member whose TFD project makes the magazine cover (above and beyond the base $15). Please note that the published projects may incorporate other company’s products, but the stamped products used should be limited to TradeFish Designs products. The DT Member who wishes compensation must provide the publication name and release month. Payment will be processed when the magazine becomes available to the general public.

If you are still with me (I told you this was a "sit down and read post") then keep going to see how you can apply for a Design Team Position...

Application:

1. Personal Information
a. Name, address, email

2. A few paragraphs about yourself, your design style and why you would like to be a part of the TradeFish Design Team.

3. A link to your blog.

4. 5 examples of your work showcasing your stamping skills and style of work (CAS, Vintage etc…).

Deadline:The Call ends July 5th at midnight. International applications welcome (and encouraged)! Please send application to Cecilia@tradefishdesigns.com.

I look forward to all the applications...I know they will be amazing!

Have a fantastic day...and happy crafting!

CS

TradeFish Designs & Another Year card

Hello Everyone!

Special note...after reviewing this post it should be noted that my word for the day is "sassy" (just though I would give you a heads up)...

Okay, so today I have another birthday card...that's really only because I love the knock, knock joke sentiment in the Another Year stamp set. This card is extra special because the punchline of the knock, knock joke is on the inside. The front of the card shows a repeated use of the phrase "knock, knock..." from the stamp set coupled with the confetti stamps.

Then when you look inside the card there is more confetti and the punchline.  This is definitely a card for a sassy friend, male or female, although men don't really like being referred to as sassy so you can insert the appropriate adjective. A friend told me that I have truly embraced living in the south now as my sentiment uses the phrase "some cake"...I never thought about that but I guess it could have been phrased differently had I remained in the midwest or west coast for that matter...funny how your location has an impact.

In any event, I finished off the card with my favorite birthday cake and candle. I hope you all have a sassy day and if you are interested in seeing more stamps like these (sassy) then head over to TradeFish Designs.

As always, happy crafting everyone!

CS

Supplies
Stamps: Another Year (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: The Celebration Stack (DCWV)
Tools: Copic Markers

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the June Release for TradeFish Designs! I am proud to announce 4 new stamps sets! These sets are perfect for coloring or paper-piecing. I thought I would show you the stamped images to help you see the sets clearly (sometimes the packaging and lighting don't show the full effect of the stamps).

Another Year!
This stamp set was inspired by the cake and candle in the set. I have doodled these images in birthday cards to friends and family over the years. The cake image is easy to color or cut out.  The added penant, balloon, confetti and party hat help set the mood for any birthday party (and help you create a party scene). The sentiments range from the traditional to the downright sassy. I hope you enjoy this set.

Grill Master
The second set released today is called Grill Master and fits in nicely as the weather is warming up and the grills are ready to go. I went with a traditional grill and added some fun elements like a smoke stream, chef's hat, spatula and beer (or soda) bottle in a drink cozy. The sentiments allow you honor the grill master in your home or invite friends and family over for a barbeque.

Independence Day
This set celebrates our counrtry's independence but can be used for so much more. There are banners in 2 sizes that work well with sentiments in this set as well as others from the May Release.  The firecracker, rocket and hat will look great in your holiday cards and July 4th layouts. The bunting will make a great border for the holiday or any card that could use a fun scallop design...you can even turn it over and create a rainbow! The sentiments are all about the 4th but the stars can be used for all kinds of backgrounds for masculine cards and layouts.

Snack Time
This set was originally going to be called 7th Inning Stretch because these are all treats that can be found at concessions stands during a baseball game. I decided to broaden its appeal by adding sentiments that have nothing to do with sports. The popcorn and drink would work great in a movie night layout. The pretzel and "twisted" sentiment make a cute card for someone you love...you get the idea. All in all a tasty idea!

Remember, all these stamps sets (and more) can be found at TradeFish Designs!

Now here is my first project, a birthday card, that is fun and will be a great card to have on hand for anyone's birthday. I imagine this is the first of many birthday cards you will see throughout the release...

This card is an example of the versatility of the Independence Day set - the larger banner was used for the Happy Birthday sentiment. The cake was stamped and colored with a copic marker. The candle was added to the top and also colored with my copics. The candle does not have a closed bottom. This designs allows you to add it to the top of the cake without hassle...but, if you want a line just grab a black marker (recommend using a 0.3 or smaller tip) to close it off.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and come back tomorrow for another fun project!

CS

Supplies
Stamps: Another Year & Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: The Celebration Stack (DCWV)
Tools: Copic Markers

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Papercraft Star's First Anniversary Blog Hop sponsored by TradeFish Designs. In celebration of our First Anniversary and in honor of Father's Day as well, our theme for this Papercraft Star Hop is "For The Men We Love".

Our Design Team has created some fabulous projects that feature stamps from Tradefish Designs, a company devoted to creating stamps with masculine themes, imagery and sentiments. We are especially happy to partner with TradeFish Designs for our Anniversary Hop as both the company and stamp designs are owned by our very own Cecilia Stephens too! We have a fabulous prize for our Blog Hop randomly selected winner as well; the entire May 2011 Release Bundle of TradeFish Designs Stamps (a $55.00 value!).... to qualify for the prize do the following:

1. Be a follower of Papercraft Star.
2. Be a follower of Tradefish Designs.
3. Leave a comment at every stop along the hop.

You have the entire week, June 19, through June 25th to participate in the hop and leave all your comments (that's plenty of time to visit all the stops along the way!!) Here is the list of the hop stops - just in case you get lost...

Papercraft Star
Jan
Kim
Regan
Beth
Tradefish Designs (that's right here!)
Papercraft Star

Here is the project for TradeFish Designs!

This is a fun "Dad" mini album. Here are a couple of inner pages...

I had a blast playing with my Guy Stack paper from DCWV and my various buttons from PTI and all kinds or ribbon scraps.  This is going to be a wonderful gift for my hubby. Have a wonderful Father's Day week everyone!

Don't forget to leave a comment at every stop and to qualify for this great prize, you must be a follower of both Papercraft Star and TradeFish Designs too! You next stop on the hop is Papercraft Star!

Special Notice for Papercraft Star Followers: Use this coupon code the entire month of June to receive 10% off all of your TradeFish Designs purchases! PCSTAR10

Thanks to everyone who participates in the hop...Happy Crafting!

CS

Trade Fish Designs Layout and Sale Reminder!

Hello Everyone!

Today I have a VERY simple layout to share with you. It is a picture of my husband (Rob) and his father (Bob) taken at a family birthday party. I really just wanted to play with making some banners using the "World's Greatest" stamps from Happy Father's Day and this picture seemed to be perfect. 

Here is a close up of the yummy buttons I have from PTI - these are Fine Linen - which coordinated beautifully with my paper from DCWV.

The final photo shows you the pennants I made. I used London Fog ink to coordinate with the grey polka dot background paper - next time I will probably go with black ink in this situation as it would pop more.  There are also some more cute buttons that I used to ground the banners. Also, these banners wave with some dimensional stickers but I didn't get a good angle shot to share with you.

Again, this was just a simple layout that incorporates some stamping. I really enjoy finding ways to include stamping in my layouts.  In creating these layouts I am reminded why I decided to start my own stamp company...to use my stamps to celebrate the men in my life. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and come back to the blog to see sneak peeks at the new release hitting the shelves (in my office) on Monday! I may try my hand at creating my first video...wish me luck...



Reminder:
I wanted to remind everyone that the Father's Day sales ends Sunday night. Use the coupon code DAD30 to get 30% off the price of Happy Father's Day and Father Quotes stamp sets. Remember, these stamps are not just something to use one month a year. You can celebrate fatherhood all year long!

Happy Crafting!

CS


Supplies
Stamps: Happy Father's Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: London Fog (Memento), Chai (PTI)
Paper: Fine Linen (PTI), Dots, Stripes & Plaids (DCWV)
Embellishments: Finen Linen buttons (PTI)

Trade Fish Designs: June Release Hints and more...

Hello Everyone!

Today's post is not really about TradeFish Designs at all...can you believe it?! Ok, well maybe later in the post it is but not right now. My BFF Sandy found a website devoted to cards for men and I went to check it out and fell in love. It is an awesome site for those people who don't want to make their own cards but buy them instead. Please check out the website for Make It a Man Card. I think you will like what you see!

For those that do want to make their own cards with some fabulous stamps stick around and let's talk. Beginning Sunday I will be featuring projects using the new June release stamps...remember that TradeFish releases new stamps the 3rd Monday of each month and it is almost that time...4 new sets coming your way....here are some hints...

1. How would you like your steak? Rare? Medium? Well done!

2. Make a wish.....and blow out your candle.

3. I'm hungry and could use a good snack.

4. What fun-filled family holiday do we celebrate in July?

Hopefully these clues will get you excited for the next release...I know I am!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone and HAPPY CRAFTING!

CS

Hello Everyone!

Today's post shows off some TradeFish stamps and plays along with the latest challenge at Papercraft Star!

Here are the challenge details...

Challenge 50 - Letter Challenge: S - T - A - R

Begins June 15, 2011
Use the letters "S", "T", "A", "R" as inspiration for your project (i.e. "S" for sentiment, "R" for ribbon, etc.,)

For my project is used the following:
S - Star
T - Tag
A - Alphabet Stickers
R - Ribbon

My tag is a bit dark but I like all the rich colors and textures I threw together.  The star is cut using a PTI die and some corrugated craft  paper which I distressed with Black Soot and Mustard Seed distress ink. I placed the star on top of an embossed tag. It may be hard to tell but the embossed pattern is actually brick which I inked with an array of distress ink.

I added some lovely buttons (an addiction) in coordinating colors and added the sentiment World's Greatest Dad. The "World's Greatest" was stamped using the Happy Father's Day stamp set and the word "Dad" was created by using some chipboard alphabet stickers that I colored with Black Soot distress ink. I used some distress stickles on the word Dad. It looks better in person, in the photo is looks off...oh well, sometimes you get happy accident and sometimes goofy mishaps.  One final note about the tag...the phrase "World's Greatest " was stamped into a banner that will be appearing in one of TradeFish Designs new releases available on June 20th...the upcoming set is called Independence Day.

I hope that this tag has inspired you to take part in this week's Papercraft Star challenge...if you do take part you can have a chance to win a free stamp set from TradeFish Designs.

Happy Crafting!

CS

Supplies

Stamps: Happy Father's Day, Independence Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Assorted Colors (Ranger Distress)
Paper: Beige texture cardstock (misc), white cardstock and kraft corrugated paper (misc)
Embellishments: Harvest Gold, Terracotta Tile, & Dark Chocolate buttons (PTI), Black grosgrain ribbon (PTI), clear distress stickles (Ranger), twine (misc), Chipboard Alphabet stickers (American Crafts)
Tools: Tag die (Sizzix - Tim Holtz), Star die (PTI), Brick Embossing Plate (Cherry Lynn Designs), Cuttlebug (Provocraft)








TradeFish Designs Father's Day Card and Weekly Special!!!

Hello Everyone!

First, I want to make sure everyone knows about the Father's Day special going on at TradeFish Designs! Use the code DAD30 at checkout and you will get 30% off the price of the Happy Father's Day and Father Quotes stamp sets...goon over to the store and check them out!

Now, today's project is a small Father's Day card. This card is only 4" square but looks nice and simple. The card was made using scraps left over from a layout...I love turning scraps into other things.

Here is a  peek at the inside of the card which coordinates with the front of the card...I really like to finish the insides of all my cards. I don't always remember to take a photo for you but I will try and make sure I do...

I hope this very simple card inspires you to make good use of those scraps of paper lying around your scrap space...

Have a wonderful day!

CS

***

Supplies
Stamps: Happy Father's Day (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: London Fog (Memento)
Paper: Dots, Stripes & Plaids (DCWV), Smokey Shadow (PTI)
Embellishments: Fine Linen buttons (PTI)

TradeFish Designs Father's Day Weekly Special!!!

Hello Everyone!

No new project today, come back tomorrow for more projects but today there are lots going on at the TradeFish Designs Headquarters (our spare room upstairs)...

A couple of things are going on at TradeFish Designs this week: (1) I am finishing up some fun projects for this week before Father's Day that will keep your eyes busy all week; (2) I am working on some seasonal stamps designs for Halloween and the rest of the holidays (yes, you really have to work 6 months ahead for the holidays); and (3) I am working on preparations for next week's June Release which will include 4 new stamp sets which means I am also trying to make some room which also means....a special Father's Day sale on Happy Father's Day and Father Quotes stamps sets!

For this week only I am offering 30% off those two stamps sets...OMG! All you need to do is use the code DAD30 when you check out and those stamps will discounted...this deal will begin on Monday, June 13th (today) and run through Sunday, June 19th (Father's Day!) so if you were on thefence about getting them, now is your chance!

Happy Crafting (and shopping)!!!

Trade Fish Designs Contest Winner!

Hello Everyone!

The lucky winner of the Missing You stamps set is...

Jennie!

Please send an email to cecilia (at) tradefishdesigns (dot) com with your mailing address and I will send the stamp set right out!

Congrats and thanks to everyone for playing along...

CS

TradeFish Designs and TV Time Invitation

Hello Everyone!

Here is another super simple card I made as an invitation to come over and watch the game. I used some strips I had left over of cardstock and took my nestibilities to make 2 circles. I used the TV Time stamp set and the tv (colored with Copics) and popped it up in the center. I finished with the invitation stamp.

This would be a simple and easy card to mass produce to invite a group of friends over to watch the big game.

I hope you are all having a terrific weekend!

Don't forget that today is the last day to get a chance to win the Missing You stamp set. For your chance to win, become a follower and/or leave a comment on the blog.

CS

***

Supplies
Stamps: TV Time (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: The Guy Stack (DCWV), white cardstock (misc)
Tools: Circle Nestibilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Copic Makers

TradeFish Designs & Missing You card

Hello Everyone!

I saw a sketch on someone's blog (sorry can't remember where) and thought it was the perfect card for anyone but especially any man. The colors are strong and bold but the layout is very simple. It was a perfect card to highlight a sentiment from the Missing You stamp set.

I added the studs with my i-Rock to jazz up the card a bit. I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

CS

***

Supplies
Stamps: Missing You (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: white & colored cardstock scraps (misc)
Embellishments: silver studs (Imaginesce) 
Tools: i-Rock (Imaginesce)

TradeFish Designs and CAS-ual Fridays!

Hello Everyone!

Today I was introduced to a fantastic website called CAS-ual Fridays - it is a weekly challenge blog dedicated to clean and simple designs. This week they have the following sketch as inspiration:

I decided to play along and created the following card using the Missing You stamp set available from TradeFish Designs:

I used the half circle on the sketch as inspiration to create a sun using some left over My Mind's Eye paper. I used a stamp from the Missing You set for the rays of sunshine. I thought it would really get the point across that someone was missed.

The inside of the card hits home the point that the person receiving it is missed (it is a bit fuzzy - sorry). Plus I cut out some of the cute clouds from the paper to carry through the theme inside. 

Remember, you have until Saturday (midnight) to become a follower or leave a comment on the blog for a chance to win the Missing You stamp set. This is a "must have" set!

Happy Thursday!

CS

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Supplies
Stamps: Missing You (TradeFish Designs)
Ink: Chestnut Roan (Colorbox); Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Paper: Fine & Dandy (My Mind's Eye), white cardstock (misc)

Trade Fish Designs and Paper Crafts Connections!

Hello Everyone!

A second post for today (wow!) as I have jsut discovered that my stamps were promoted on PaperCraft Connections blog. You actually have a chance to win some of my stamps! Go HERE to check out the blog and go down to the bottom for information on how to win...you need to hurry though because the chance to win ends at midnight tonight!

Until tomorrow, happy crafting!

CS

Trade Fish Designs and Papercraft Star!

Hello Everyone!

Today's blog post is unusual in that I want you to visit another blog...what? How can I even suggest such a thing? Well, if you visit the Papercraft Star blog you will see a bunch of cards using TradeFish Designs's May release stamps that why!  I figure why show one of my projects when you can see 5 cards created by some amazingly talented ladies. Fear not, I have a project lined up for tomorrow and Friday here at my trusty TFD blog.

The five cards can be seen HERE as part of the weekly challenge at Papercraft Star!

Please take a moment and check out these amazing cards...also, if you check out the entire post you will see a coupon code for 10% off your entire order at TradeFish Designs.

Happy Wednesday!

CS

TradeFish Designs & TV Time card

Hello Everyone!

Today's project is a fun card using the TV Time stamp set from TradeFish Designs. I took the tv set image and stamped it on misc colored cardstock and applied it in a block pattern on a 5" x 7" card base and then topped it off with one of the sentiments from the set. I forgot to take a photo of the inside of the card but I used the "Thinking of You" sentiment from the Missing You stamp set. I think this would be a hysterical card to send to any friend who loves his tv...

Come back tomorrow for another fun project highlighting stamps from TradeFish Designs!

CS

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Supplies Stamps: (TradeFish Designs) Ink: Paper: Embellishments: Tools:

TradeFish Designs Contest Winners and NEW CONTEST!

Hello Everyone!

Since only 2 people qualified for last week's contest I decided to give them both a free set! The two lucky winners are ....Joan V and Liliana W! Thank you ladies.

Send me your mailing addresses and you will both be receiving the Father Quotes stamps sets!

I also want to announce another Freebie! This week I will be giving away a Missing You stamp set (pictured below).

All you have to do is become a blog follower and leave a comment on the blog to get a chance to win. The contest will run through Saturday to allow for some extra time. I will go back and include new followers as of this weekend too. Good luck everyone!

CS

TradeFish Designs and XL Embossing Plate Tutorial!

Hello Everyone!

I promised you a step-by-step tutorial on the XL Embossing Plates that are carried at TradeFish Designs. Here is the Stone Embossing Plate with the Very Vanilla cardstock used. It is difficult to tell but the sheet has been embossed already. The Embossing Plate is a cool purple color and is really strong. Now I start adding layers of colors to transform it into the look of stone.

In step 2 I have begun layering color to the embossed sheet. Specifically, I have added Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress Inks. You can see the original cream colored cardstock in contract with the newly distressed paper.

Here I have added a third color layer - Vintage Photo distress ink...

Now things start looking interesting as I am adding other colors...Dusty Concord, Weathered Wood, Stormy Sky and Faded Jeans (more Ranger Distress Ink of course - LOVE!). I realy think the colors are coming through beautifully.

Now I could have left the color palette alone but I wanted to kind of ground the look a bit so the final color addition is Ranger's Black Soot. I like how it softens the colors allowing for a more seemless blended look.

And here is what I created with this lovely embossed sheet...the photos are not my best but you should get the idea...

The mat of the photo is the embossed stone sheet created above. It looks better in person than in the photo...I promise.

 Here is a close up showing the embossed mat and the chipboard letters that I used for the title. The chipboard letters are actually craft-colored and I dyed them with my Dusty Concord ink before adhering it to the paper. The buttons coordinate with the paper and ribbon.

The journaling block is the stamp from Father Quotes. I used the patterned paper, plum pudding cardstock and distressed the edges with more Dusty Concord. This is a very simple layout where the photo should take center stage. I hope you enjoy it.

Have a wonderful Monday!

CS

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Supplies

Stamps: Father Quotes (TradeFish Designs)

Ink: Antique Linin, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Dusty Concord, Weathered Wood, Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans and Black Soot (Ranger Distress Ink)

Paper: Very Vanilla (SU), Patterned paper (misc), Plum Pudding cardstick (PTI)

Embellishments: Plum Pludding grosgrain ribbon and buttons (PTI)

Tools: Stone  XL Embossing Plate (Cheery Lane Designs)