HIPPOFROG Designs - Karen Young - Independent UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Above the Clouds with Terracotta Tile

by Karen Young | Posted on July 18, 2019 | Leave a comment

Here is another of the Introduction to In Color Papercrafting Class projects.

This is Terracotta Tile and is teamed with a brand new Bundle from the Annual Catalogue.

Terracotta Tile In Color from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This is the Above The Clouds Stamp Set and the Hot Air Balloon Punch Bundle.

The colour combination here is Terracotta Tile, Garden Green and Coastal Cabana.

It’s a really simple collage-style card with a variety of first and second generation stamping.

When it came to stamping and punching the balloons, I lined up both the balloon and basket stamps onto the same block so they could be punched out in one.

The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Birthdays.

To create some depth, the darker version of the balloon is at the front and attached using Dimensionals.

It’s a great card for males or those who aren’t keen on more floral designs.

If you’re wondering how Terracotta fits into the colour range, here is a comparison I’ve put together with other current colours.

Why not join us at one of my future Papercrafting Classes. If you’re interested in making more masculine-style cards then my ‘Mostly Men’ class will be for you. Visit my Class Timetable for more details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – To Grunge or Not To Grunge

by Karen Young | Posted on July 15, 2019 | Leave a comment

At last week’s Card & Cuppa Class, the one big decision the attendees had to make was whether to grunge or not to grunge.

To Grunge or Not To Grunge. Card & Cuppa project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The project (not grunge version shown above) uses the fabulous new Very Versailles Stamp Set.

Petal Pink, Crumb Cake and Mint Macaron, along with Very Vanilla, make this vintage style card.

The grunge version (shown below) uses exactly the same products, with the addition of sponge daubers to add extra ink to the edges and scrunched pieces.

Some of the attendees were adamant they weren’t going to grunge, with others really keen. There were also some hybrid versions, where a touch of grunge was created using Sponge Daubers or scrunching some areas.

All of the stamping on the background was a mix of first, second and third generation stamping starting with the pretty script image.

If a grunge effect was required, a stamped piece is screwed up into a ball several times. This softens the fibres and can create some fantastic torn edges. The creases and tears and then defined with Sponge Daubers as you can see above.

A couple of strips in the same colours were cut using the Triple Banner Punch. For the ‘not grunge’ version, these were stuck together over a length of Linen Thread tied with a bow.

The grunge version had the length of Linen Thread tied around the scrunched bannered pieces. The ends are then frayed to add to the vintage/distressed look. Finally, the sentiment completes the card.

If you are creating a textured project, make sure you use a stronger adhesive such as Tear & Tape to ensure that the pieces stick together well.

Which one do you prefer? Would you decision be to grunge or not to grunge?

Why not join us at a future Card & Cuppa session. Book your place by 18:00 the day before.

You can also book onto one of my evening Papercrafting Classes too.

Happy crafting

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Seaside Spray with Dandelion Wishes

by Karen Young | Posted on July 13, 2019 | Leave a comment

Following on from the previous Introduction to In Color Class project I shared, today we meet Seaside Spray.

This was one of the favourite projects among the class attendees.

Seaside Spray In Color from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This lovely light blue from the In Color 2019-2021 Collection is teamed here with So Saffron and Pear Pizzazz.

A strip was masked and sponge daubers used to create the soft two colour effect.

Using the Stamparatus, the large image and sentiment from the Dandelion Wishes Stamp Set were stamped onto the piece using Seaside Spray. The second image with the extra floating pieces was stamped afterwards as the placement was down to each individual.

Finally, a Rhinestone was added to the centre of the main dandelion and Wink of Stella on each piece. You can’t see it in this picture, but it gives the card a lovely subtle shimmer.

If you’re wondering how Seaside Spray fits into the colour range, here is a comparison I’ve put together with other current colours. It actually reminds me of the colour of my first car!

If you’d like to join us for future classes, visit my Class Timetable for more details. All abilities welcome.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Rococo Rose meets Very Versailles

by Karen Young | Posted on July 11, 2019 | Leave a comment

Here is one of the six projects from my recent Introduction to In Color Papercrafting Class.

Rococo Rose In Color from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This is Rococo Rose and is teamed with Crumb Cake, Petal Pink and Very Vanilla for a vintage feel.

The card uses the new Very Versailles Stamp Set. It’s loosely based on the project on Page 113 of the Annual Catalogue.

I liked this set when I first saw it, and that surprised me as it’s not really my style! I think I was drawn to the lovely detailed DISTINKTIVE leaf image.

A Sponge Dauber has been used to age the project and add to that vintage feel.

The piece I describe as an antique mirror is fussy cut and the sentiment is cut using the Layering Ovals Dies.

These are then added to a strip of the co-ordinating Scalloped Linen Ribbon for a finishing touch.

I can’t wait to use this Stamp Set again and create a more grunge-type version. A similar project may be coming to a Card & Cuppa Class very soon.

If you’re wondering how Rococo Rose fits into the colour range, here is a comparison I’ve put together with other current colours.

As you know, I’m not a lover of pink, but I’m liking this colour as it’s not a true pink and has a more dusky tone. Plus, I think it will co-ordinate with a lot of colours really well.

Why not join us at future classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details and booking information.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Rococo Rose 1/2" (1.3 cm) Scalloped Linen Ribbon

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Inspired by Wimbledon 2019

by Karen Young | Posted on July 8, 2019 | Leave a comment

As Wimbledon 2019 started last week, it was time for my Annual ‘Inspired by Wimbledon’ Card & Cuppa project.

Inspired by Wimbledon. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Each year, the project is usually purple, green, yellow and white. This year I chose Purple Posy, Highland Heather, Soft Sea Foam and So Saffron. These colours created a lovely muted and subtle project.

The background is stamped with a combination of textured shapes from the Artisan Textures Stamp Set and leaves from the Pop of Petals Stamp Set. ‘Celebrate…’ is from the Beautiful You Stamp Set.

Using the Detailed Trio Punch, the corners are rounded.

A strip of So Saffron is made by cutting two shapes using the Classic Label Punch. With an extra layer made for the sentiment using the Pretty Label Punch, these are added to the project.

Finally, the flower, with a centre from 1/2″ Circle Punch and a touch of Wink of Stella is added to the card.

If you’d like to join us for a future Card & Cuppa Class then book your place by 18:00 the day before. All abilities welcome.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Garage Gears for Dad

by Karen Young | Posted on July 6, 2019 | Leave a comment

I know it was a few weekends ago, but for Father’s Day I made this card using the Geared Up Garage Stamp Set and co-ordinating Garage Gears Dies.

Garage Gears. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

It’s one of those stamp sets that I saw in the previous catalogue and wasn’t sure about. But when I found out it was carrying over, I took the plunge and purchased the bundle.

My main colours are Sahara Sand, Night of Navy and Balmy Blue for the layers and stamping.

I then went to town with the colouring of the cogs as they were Sahara Sand to begin with!

Sponge Daubers, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Cajun Craze made the rusty look.

Once I was happy, I ran a Versamark Inkpad over the top, not worrying if I missed bits. I then sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over it set with a Heat Tool.

The finishing touch was the circle cut using the Stitched Shapes Dies and a strip of Copper Trim. I was pleased at how close to the colour of the trim I had manage to make my cogs.

With a change of sentiment, of which there are several in the Stamp Set, it would be great for any occasion.

I’m pleased to say that both recipients were extremely happy with their cards.

If you find it difficult making more ‘male-type’ cards, then why not book your place on my September Mostly Men Papercrafting Class.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Daisy Lane

by Karen Young | Posted on July 1, 2019 | Comments Off

Last week’s Card & Cuppa was all about the new Daisy Lane bundle from the Annual Catalogue.

Daisy Lane Bundle Card & Cuppa project. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This fabulous stamp set co-ordinates with a new Medium Daisy Punch as well as being compatible with the previous Daisy Punch.

The colour combination is a bright mix of 2018-2020 In Colors with Call Me Clover and Pineapple Punch, with Smoky Slate as the accent colour.

A background is created using the pretty daisy image stamped all over the background piece of Whisper White.

Using Smoky Slate, the daisy heads are stamped and punched before being coloured using a Stampin’ Write Marker.

The sentiment is from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set and cut out using the Scallop Punches.

Several strips of the In Color Ribbon are added before the sentiment and daisy heads are attached using Dimensionals.

If you’d like to make more projects using this bundle, then book a place on my Daisy Lane Papercrafting Class. You can join us for Card & Cuppa Classes too.

Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Floral Essence from Stampin’ Up!

by Karen Young | Posted on June 24, 2019 | Comments Off

For last week’s Card & Cuppa project I once again headed for the new Annual Catalogue and chose the fabulous Floral Essence from Stampin’ Up!

Floral Esssence from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The project is a collage and is inspired by the sample on Page 106.

This Stamp Set is part of a Suite and I’ve taken my colour combination from the co-ordinating DSP. Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry and Calypso Coral along with Very Vanilla are used here.

A background of outlined flowers and leaves are stamped first, with the other flowers and leaves stamped onto a separate piece of cardstock.

These are then cut out and attached.

‘Especially For You’ (I bet you’re singing it now!) is from the Botanical Bliss Stamp Set and punched out using the brilliant new Timeless Label Punch.

Wink of Stella in the centre of the flowers just adds a touch of finishing sparkle.

A perfect card for an Anniversary, or an any occasion card to tell someone you are thinking of them.

Why not join us for a future Card & Cuppa session. Make sure you’ve booked your place by 18:00 the day before. Evening classes are available too.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Inspired by Page 46

by Karen Young | Posted on June 17, 2019 | Comments Off

At last week’s Card & Cuppa we made a project that was inspired by Page 46 of the brand new Annual Catalogue.

Inspired by Page 46. Card & Cuppa project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I find the Annual Catalogue is a great place for ideas, and I use it when my crafting mojo needs a bit of a lift.

Instead of the purples on the original design, I chose a colour combination of Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo and Smoky Slate. I also changed the ribbon.

The background dots are from the Gallery Grunge Stamp Set and the butterflies are from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set, cut out using the Butterfly Duet Punch.

We also used a die cutting machine at Card & Cuppa classes for the first time as an experiment. ‘Birthday’ was cut from the Well Written Dies, with the ‘Wishes’ from the co-ordinating Well Said Stamp Set.

Using the 2 1/4″ Circle Punch and the Classic Label Punch, the various pieces were then ready for assembly.

A strip of the fabulous Flax Ribbon and a few Rhinestones complete the project.

This is a project that would be great in a number of colours or with different sentiments.

I’m sure there will be other class projects inspired by the Annual Catalogue during the year too.

Join us at one of my classes. Head to my Class Timetable for more details and to book your place.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Bee Thankful meets new Watercolor Pencils

by Karen Young | Posted on June 10, 2019 | Comments Off

At least week’s Card & Cuppa I decided to use a mix of carryover items and products from the BRAND NEW Annual Catalogue.

Stampin' Up!'s Bee Thankful Meets... Card & Cuppa project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This project saw the carryover cute Bee Thankful meet the brand new Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2.

These are a pack of 10 more pencils in Stampin’ Up! colours to add to the original 13.

We used the Stamparatus to ensure the image was aligned and stamped it with Gray Granite.

It was then coloured in a range of different pencils from the 25 available. A Blender Pen was then used to smooth out the lines and to blend the colours together.

Using the Detailed Trio Punch, we rounded the corners on the layers before adding a length of Baker’s Twine.

Another bee was stamped and the body and wings were cut out by hand. This was then attached over the original bee using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to make a more 3D effect.

The final little touch was some Wink of Stella on the wings for some bling.

Using Thick Whisper White Cardstock for the base with a Gray Granite layer is perfect for projects like this this as they work with any colour.

Don’t forget to take a look at the new Catalogue and book your place on one of my classes, where you can use the products.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

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