Stitch & Stamp Tutorial with IPPITY :)

Finally it is Thursday...such a tough week this time around. I am looking forward to the weekend because I am in need of some serious crafting time. Both for deadlines and for my mental health...lol ;) Please keep your fingers crossed that I do not get called in to work on Saturday. My feet are screaming already and while extra money is always needed (especially in the colder months/winter with Mike's one job being seasonal), I really appreciate the time off. That double edge sword sort of things (did I get that right...sounds strange). Anyway...enough chatty and let's get on with the tutorial!

This technique can be as tedious as you allow it to be, but the end result is just amazing. I was soooo happy with the image I chose (can you say IPPITY? Yummy!) and how it turned out. I have so much embroidery floss and I am thinking I may actually be able to out a dent in it now that I know I will use this stamp & stitch again and again. The downside is that I am now looking at stamps in a different way....yes, this means I have rationalized some more "need" for purchasing...tee hee ;)

"Life Is Too Short To Be Anything But Happy" (isn't that the truth?):


Supplies Used:
Card: made with scrap cardstock
Cardstock: Neenah
Patterned Paper: Rouge de Garance (Sandylion)
Buttons: Autumn Leaves
Embroidery Thread: DMC
Stamps: Quotes a'la Happy set (Ippity)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Broken China Distress Ink (Ranger)
Ribbon: Michael's
Other: Pop Dots; Copic Markers (Y17, Y15, Y13, YR09, YR07, YR04)

"Stamp & Stitch Technique" Tutorial:

STEP 1: Stamp your image.

STEP 2: Take a piercing tool or pin and pierce your pattern where you wish to add thread.

STEP 3: Sew the parts of your stamp you wish to highlight.

STEP 4: Be careful not to pull too hard as to tear your paper. Here is a close up of the running stitch that I used. Secure any loose thread on the back of your image with a tiny knot or a little tape.

STEP 5: Color and/or embellish your newly sewn stamped image as desired.

Some things to remember:
*Use a self healing mat or old mouse pad underneath your stamped image when piercing. This will save your table, lap or splat mats from any damage.

*Use a thimble when stitching or be very aware of where your needle will be entering the paper. If you get drops of blood on your image you may have to start over (yes...this is from experience).

*This can be done while watching TV or talking on the phone (exclude texting or there will be needle marks in your phone). Please see the tip above for safety reasons ;)

*The shorter the length of your embroidery thread, the less tangles you will get.

*Pulling the thread through the pierced hole too quickly will result in the paper tearing. Again, you may end up having to start over. Take your time :)

Close Up of stitched image:

We have been without sun here in Pittsburgh for the last 3 days and it has rained. Looking at this sun really lifts my spirits :) Thankfully we have been blessed with GORGEOUS weather today. I am working 11 hours today, but I can at least enjoy it through the window :) Hope you are having a beautiful day as well cyber friends!!! Hugs all around!!!!