I am in love.
Last year, I had the opportunity (through Craft Critique) to review two sets of acrylic stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps. I gave them a rave because I think the quality is amazing and I totally dig the designs. Well, Maria Colosimo, the fabulous owner/designer of Kitchen Sink Stamps offered me a guest design team gig and I jumped at the chance to play with her fabulous stamps! She sent me three amazing sets of stamps and I had a very good time!
First up, I chose "Playful Christmas." As you can see from the image on the far left, it's a very fun set of Christmas Tree stamps. I love how you can layer the patterned triangles over the plain tree bases. And Maria includes so many fun extras like the stars, the "happy holidays" and "peace to all" sentiments as well as the "to" and "from" options. However, it's February and there's not a Christmas tree to be seen. What's a girl to do? I want stamps that can work for all the seasons! So, here's what I did...
I like the way the stamps create paths -- like when you shovel snow.
The next set I worked with was the center set, called "Playful Frames and Journaling." It's a HUGE set of stamps. Not that the stamps are huge, but there's so much to choose from! Maria is a genius! She gives you the pieces to put together, which just provides you with so many options! I can use just the journaling lines, just the frames, just pieces of the frame. It's awesome! For my first layout with this set, I went pretty traditional....
I started with a blank sheet of white paper. I drew a grid of 2.25” squares. I added eight photos and stamped three journaling blocks. The title is made from vinyl stickers I bought at Staples. The remaining four blocks are a combination of doodling and small star and circle stamps. The red border is stamped (the set contains corners and strips in two sizes) and then doodled.
This next one is more out of the box...
I was playing around with the stamps and discovered that you could make words out them! How freakin' cool is that?! Maria provides you with curves, straight lines (in two sizes), and corner stamps IN THREE PATTERNS (circles, stars and flowers). WOW! I'm so in love.
Finally, I dug down to find my inner girly-girl and played with the set on the far right, "3 Step Daisy." This is the coolest concept ever! The set contains a daisy (in three sizes) made up of three layers. I need absolutely zero artistic skill to layer these flowers together and create these über cool multi-colored flowers! There are 2 step leaves too (both a single leaf and a double leaf)! I love that this set has many sayings in an absolutely adorable handwritten font. The sayings include: "Flowers of true friendship never fade." and "Memories are held in our hearts forever." Maria also includes an adorable "handmade for you with love" stamp. Here's what I did....
I really had such a great time working with these stamps. I know that I will be using them over and over again! They're just so versatile!
Thanks for stopping by!
WOW Julie, these stamps and layouts are stunning! Now to find out if they are available in Australia.
Posted by: sue brown | February 27, 2008 at 06:40 AM
these are all WONDERFUL layouts. . ..those stamps look terrific. that christmas tree background you made is AMAZING. love it!
Posted by: laura | February 27, 2008 at 07:26 AM
great layouts!now to see if I can find those stamps :)
Posted by: jill | February 27, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Those layouts are soooo amazing!!! Love them all dearly- my favorite one is the NYC one- wowsers!
Posted by: Nat | February 27, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Wow Julie, You are rockin the layouts with those stamps. I love your different take on each set of stamps. Such inspiration. I am not a stamp gal but love to see your designs. I might just have to become a stamp gal now!!! LOL
Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: StaceyM | February 27, 2008 at 08:56 AM
What fabulous stamps! I'll have to check those out. tfs! :)
Posted by: Sarah C. | February 27, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Totally love your take on all these stamps ...love it!!!
Way COOL!!!
Posted by: kristin fougeron | February 27, 2008 at 01:25 PM
OMG...OMG!! I love these stamps sets...and what you did with them! FABULOUS! TFS!
Posted by: Jackie Gallagher | February 27, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Very inspriring. I really like the snow layout, what a cool pic!
Posted by: Gina L | February 27, 2008 at 04:45 PM
How freaken beautiful....Just Love it.....tfs
Posted by: Carolyn Mcavoy | February 28, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Wow! Wow! Wow! You totally rocked the use of those stamps Julie! You are so awesome at thinking outside of the box too, thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: jen davis | February 28, 2008 at 11:19 AM
gorgeous work as usual - love coming here for some creative sparks.
Posted by: Anam | February 28, 2008 at 03:13 PM
As usual completely amazing works of art! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for these stamps! TFS!
Posted by: scrappermimi | March 01, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Awesome layouts!! I really like how you used the stamps on your pages. I keep saying I need to scrap more. You've inspired me to maybe try it agin:)
Dee
Posted by: Dee | March 01, 2008 at 05:34 PM