Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Inspiration Week: Introducing Quilted Hexagons & Cute As A Button

Hi there!  Thank you for joining me for our second day of sneak peeks as we count down to our fall release coming out on Friday.  :)

Today I have two fun new sets to share that play nicely together called Quilted Hexagons and Cute As A Button.  A while back a sweet customer emailed me asking me to create a quilt-themed set and it sparked something in me so I totally ran with it.  ;)

First up, I have a card using both sets with a happy rainbow color scheme, along with our previously released Color Me Happy Stamps and Color Word die.  The Quilted Hexagons come with a row of stitched hexagons and a second row of hexagons that allow you to build on the first row.  You can then fill in the spaces with the different patterned hexagons in all your favorite colors and patterns.  Sunny Studio Stamps: Quilted Hexagons You Color Me Happy Rainbow Card by Mendi Yoshikawa

I love that the backgrounds don't have to be perfect to still be beautiful.  For both my first card and my next card, I stamped all of these freehand with no stamp positioning tool.  The patterns are busy enough that no one is going to notice if you don't have them stamped perfectly centered and it adds to the homespun feel.  :)

For my second card I incorporated a row of buttons using the Cute As A Button stamps which come with 7 sentiments that play on the word "sew", along with two layering buttons, a layered needle and a stitched heart.  I have to say my heart skipped a beat the first time I saw the buttons layered together--They truly look 3-D without any of the bulk, making them perfect for putting through the mail!
Sunny Studio Stamps: Quilted Hexagons & Cute As A Button Sew Thankful Red, White & Blue Card by Mendi Yoshikawa

For my third card, I was inspired by THIS quilt.  I found for this particular card it was easiest to line things up by using my MISTI (using the instructions outlined below) and the coordinating dies for this set.  This pattern utilizes a stamp that has three of the six sections of the hexagon and then you turn your paper a half turn and stamp again with a lighter color. The image has a fine outline in the center to help you line up your second layer.  

I found once I got them lined up in my MISTI, I was able to stamp out all my colors rather quickly. I then was able to add the die-cut hexagons to my card with a glue pen in a fun, random pattern.  I just drew some light vertical pencil lines to help me keep my rows straight which I was able to erase after my background was assembled.

For my sentiment, I heat embossed my words with black glitter embossing powder on vellum, pairing them with the Sew Word die cut from black cardstock.  To hide my adhesive, I added a simple scalloped edge and sewed around the border to tack down the open side.
Sunny Studio Stamps: Quilted Hexagon You Are Sew Amazing Modern Quilt Inspired card by Mendi Yoshikawa


My next card uses the stamps in a more modern, free-form look.  To creat this card I started by stamping my sentiment in the bottom, right portion of my card and then stamped the larger hexagons, working out towards the far corners.  When I was done, I went back with the smaller hexagon from the set to fill in some of the spaces.  I finished off my card with some pearlescent sequins and clear jewels for a bit of sparkle.
Sunny Studio Stamps: Quilted Hexagons Pink, Navy & Blue Birthday Card by Mendi Yoshikawa

My next card uses more of the buttons to create a layered border that honestly would be quite bulky and difficult to achieve with regular buttons.  For the bottom half of my card, I blended on Worn Lipstick, Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron and Peacock Feathers distress ink, before going back over in the same colors and stamping a stitched border using the trail from our Backyard Bugs stamps.
Sunny Studio Stamps: Cute As A Button Sew Happy We're Friends card by Mendi Yoshikawa

For this card I created an overall pattern using the stamped and die-cut buttons.  It looks pretty cool here, but I honestly think it looks even better in person.  It begs to be pet with the optical illusion created.  I had one friend who kept feeling it, certain they were more dimensional than they really are.  ;)  
Sunny Studio Stamps: Your Are Cute As A Button Rainbow Polka-Dot Card by Mendi Yoshikawa

When stamping my buttons (and the hexagons on my third card) I found it easiest to first die-cut them from cardstock and then to create a template to slip them into so I could stamp them assembly line style using a stamp positioning tool like the Mini MISTI.  I then stamped the darkest layer first, going color by color and then followed with all my lighter colors.   Because circles are round, they obviously can rotate around in the template, but I found if I just did my best to line them up perpendicular that they generally lined up pretty well.


Sunny Studio Stamps: Using Cute As A Button Layering Stamps with Coordinating dies & Mini MISTI

For the Quilted Hexagon set, you really are only limited by your imagination.  For these patterns, they both started with a simple stitched background and were built into the two patterns shown here using the diamond and triangle stitched inserts.


Sunny Studio Stamps: Quilted Hexagons Triangle and Diamond Background Building Patterns

To help get your creative juices flowing, I have pinned some patterns and ideas of real hexagon quilts HERE.

Here's a full look at the new 4x6 Quilted Hexagon and 3x4 Cute As A Button clear stamps and coordinating dies available for purchase on Friday morning.  I made sure to also add the word "So" the regular way to expand the versatility of the set for everyday use.  :)

Sunny Studio Stamps: Introducing Quilted Hexagons Background Building 4x6 Photopolymer Clear Stamp Set     Sunny Studio Stamps: Cute As A Button 3x4 Photopolymer Clear Stamp Set with sewing themed sentiments and layering needle & buttons

Sunny Studio Stamps: Introducing Quilted Hexagons Coordinating Dies    Sunny Studio Stamps: Introducing Cute As A Button Coordinating Dies    Sunny Studio Stamps: Introducing the Sew Word die (to coordinate with our Cute As A Button Sentiment stamps)


I frequently am asked what ink colors I've used.  While I have used a variety of brands in my samples, there's a good chance you can achieve similar results with inks you probably already have in you stash.  I highly recommend stamping your inks out and creating a swatch book to aid you in choosing two inks that compliment each other.  These are the ones I happened to use here today from lightest to darkest:

Hot Pink
Colorbox Candy
Colorbox Pinkolicious
Colorbox Very Berry

Ranger Pink Gumball
Colorbox Guava


Red

Colorbox Strawberry
Colorbox Cranberry

Orange
Simon Says Stamp Orange Slush
Colorbox Tangerine

My Favorite Things Orange Zest

Yellow
Colorbox Lemonade
Colorbox Banana
Simon Says Stamp Orange Slush


Green
Colorbox Kiwi
Colorbox Tree Frog

Aqua
Colorbox Seaglass
Colorbox Ocean

Pale Blue
Colorbox Sky
Simon Says Stamp Blue Jay

Medium Blue 
Colorbox Poolside
Colorbox Wave


Royal Blue
Colorbox Moody Blue
Colorbox Atlantic Blue

Purple
Colorbox Grape Slushy
Colorbox Grape
Colorbox Imperial

I hope you've enjoyed today's sneak peek.  Would you like to win a $25 gift code to our online store to spend on some of the new sets?  Use the rafflecopter below to enter to win.  We will be giving away a new gift code each day for a total of five chances to win!  Contest closes on July 22nd at Midnight PST.  Winners will be announced on Sunday, July 23rd.  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure to check back tomorrow when I will be sharing another fun new stamp & die set. :)


Other Supplies Used Today:

Backyard Bugs Stamps
Backyard Bugs Stamps
Shop at:
Sunny Studio
Colorbox Archival Dye Ink- Very Berry
Colorbox Archival Dye Ink- Very Berry
Shop at:
Sunny Studio
Colorbox Archival Dye Ink- Grape Slushy
Colorbox Archival Dye Ink- Grape Slushy
Shop at:
Sunny Studio

81 comments:

  1. I find myself being drawn to sky blue and chocolate brown and recently yellow, white & grey over and over again - cute new sets! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  2. Those buttons are just gorgeous! I love that they look very realistic. Thanks for creating these wonderful sets!

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  3. Oh my goodness, I am a quilter and these cards are beautiful. I love the patterns and colours. Well done ladies!

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  4. Your cards are amazing, Mendi!!! Loved yesterday's and today's are genius, too!!

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    1. Thank you Vanessa. I really appreciate your sweet feedback. :)

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  5. Sew sew sew awesome Mendi!! where you have the pile on the Misti looks just like a pile of real buttons, and so colorful!!
    I love the buttons best! PS put a piece of washi (slightly de-stickied) or post it tape (or note) behind your template so when you place the button die cut it will stay put...you could even put lines on the front of the template so it is even easier to line up :D

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  6. This is a great release! I love all the inspiration shared!

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  7. Love the buttons they look so real the hexagon patterns are such a great idea!!! So awesome!!!

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  8. Loved the hexagonal pattern a lot ! Cheerful cards by the team :)

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  9. Oh wow! There are so many design possibilities for the quilted hexagons and the cute as a button set is exactly what is says! I love them both :)

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  10. I love this set. I tend to like soft pastel colors & purples.

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  11. I seem to go with reds, blues, greens.
    I seldom use pink or yellow.
    I love the third card. All of the
    quilts are pretty but that one is
    so intricate - have to have that
    set. thanks for the peek.

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  12. Those buttons look so real. I tend to go for shades of blues, greens, aqua.

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  13. Fun ideas! Love the hex shapes and the buttons!
    I use aqua and green a lot!

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  14. Love everything today!
    I tend to go for pinks and browns together.

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  15. Love the new stamps and dies. The cards are fabulous. I don't really have a favorite color scheme but I do love red, white, and blue and I love that card.

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  16. I love the hexagones cards, they are amazing !

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  17. Loving the buttons!
    I like to use purple
    and pink a lot.
    Carla from Utah

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  18. gorgeous cards and love the new stamps and dies. perfect for background stamping. Love the blues and purples:)

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  19. I really love shades of teal on my cards and a light gray is pretty with it.

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  20. I like red, white, and blue. Those buttons look so real - I thin it's my favorite stamp of all that you designed.

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  21. I love anything with teal in it!! Love the mix of teal and green, ocean colors.

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  22. Oh goodness! These sets are phenomenal! Love your colorful examples as usual. Nothing makes me smile more than a rainbow of any variety!

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  23. Those layered buttons are so realistic in the red and blue ink. I had to look twice.

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  24. when I got the email, I thought for sure those were real buttons!!!! Simply amazing!!!!! And incredibly creative!!!!

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  25. Love this stamp set along with the great inspiration!

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  26. OMG FABULOUS A must have for any sewer!!!!!!!!!! On my wish list for sure.

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  27. Being a quilter and a sewer before cards, I really find this set appealing to all of my senses. Very nicely done.

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  28. I hope I don't sound preppy (because I assure you I'm not!), but I love pink and green together. Pink and teal are also favorites; basically, pink with anything because I love pink!
    Your cards are wonderful! The quilt set is so fun, and I love the colors you used!

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  29. Goodness, these are awesome! Those buttons! Lately, I really find myself drawn to color combos that include orange (orange/purple, orange/aqua orange/yellow).

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  30. Wow! What a fun idea!! LOVE these cards you've made with these fantastic new stamps / dies!! I really, really hope you will make a VIDEO showing how you make these quilt patterns!! I learn so much easier if I can SEE someone do it and just reading about the steps tend to confuse me if I don't have something visual to accompany the instructions. (Thanks!)

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  31. I gravitate to blue. The royal blue combo is ny favourite.
    Your layering stamps are so realistic...the buttons look amazing. Love the hexagons too. Your cards are gorgeous and inspiring.

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  32. At first I thought the buttons were real ones!!! I'm always drawn to using green, blue and yellow!!

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  33. Can't go wrong with hexagons and buttons! LOVE your awesome "quilt" inspired cards, so clever. I don't think I am drawn to any color combos, but one of my favorites is purple & green.

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  34. Gorgeous cards! Gosh, I like that button set. You're right - it's difficult to send real ones through the mail, so I've gotten out of the habit of putting them on handmade cards.
    I find myself drawn to teal/aqua and pink combinations. Blues+reds have always been my go-to, but this variation of those colors catch my eye!

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  35. Hi Mendi ~ All I can really say is WOW & Holy Canoli!!! I am truly stupified and amazed at the brilliance of what these stamps and dies can do and the beauty that you've achieved with them. CA-RAZY BEAUTIFUL!! Is it Friday yet? Thanks for inspiring and stretching our imaginations every which way! ~HUGS~
    #kindnessmatters

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  36. These stamps and dies are a must, so many ways to use them. Thanks also for the ink colour combo list which is most helpful.

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  37. What awesome stamp sets!!! SQUEAL! Your card samples are amazing! Very exciting! My color schemes are various blues together! Thanks for the inspiration and for the opportunity to win!

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  38. Sew cute and clever, Mendi! Can't wait to get these! No particular color combination in general, but lately I'm using a lot of aqua.

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  39. SQUEAL!! How FUN are these NEW Sets!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how they can work together, but can also be used ALL on their own!! LOVE the Different Designs you created and the different Color Combos!! SO EXCITED to see MORE!! THANKS for sharing and have a FABULOUS Release Week!! =)

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  40. I find myself using blue and green and then pink and purple over and over again. Especially when I'm using distress inks or oxides.
    Idk how you do it, but each stamp release gets cuter and cuter. I love the dimensional look you can get from your stamps. The button stamp set is a must for me!!

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  41. Well shoot. I will be out of town on Friday when these become available. Can't wait to order them!! I have a serious love affair with buttons, really. And I'm starting to feel the same about hexagons. So weird!

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    1. So sorry Lee. If it helps we'll offer a special shipping offer here on the blog on Friday morning that will last until Monday night. :)

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  42. I just love how realistic the layered button stamps look. Wow! Your hexagon backgrounds are fantastic too! It always impresses me that you make all of the cards and samples for the releases yourself. Each one is outstanding! My favorite go to color combination is navy, coral and white. Sometimes I add a pop of green or aqua.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet feedback. :) I'm feeling inspired by your color combo. I'll have to try that soon.

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  43. I am drawn to turquoise with either pink, green, or yellow. I am amazed at the buttons. I actually thought they were real buttons until I read your post.

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  44. I love these quilted looking cards. The colors are awesome! And those buttons are unbelievable.

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  45. I'm drawn to blues and greens, oh and pinks most often. Love the new stamps!

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  46. Just the other day I told myself that I can't buy any more stamps for awhile because I have so many that I've never used. But . . . . how can I resist these fabulous new sets? You've hit it out of the ballpark once again, Mendi! As to my favorite color combo, I don't really have one, but I love to use a mix of bright colors on my cards.

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  47. Wow! I'm amazed by the quilted hexagons set! It's a must have! I'm not a quilter, but I love the patterns! Awesome! I love minty greens and coral color combos!

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  48. Another awesome day of releases! I'm drawn to pinks and aquas. Adorable cards.

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  49. Love the new stamp sets today, the quilt one look really fun. Colors--I tend to like everything, it depends on what type of card I am making!

    Chris L.

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  50. Ok, let m just say that I am a button hoarder. I have jars of every shape and size. I love all things sewing and have never seen a 3D button or quilt set like this! How creative, everything's on my wish list!!

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  51. Loving this release, it is awesome. I seem to go for earthy colors or love mixing blues & greens together

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  52. These two stamp sets are amazing! And you are super creative!! All you samples are inspiring!

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  53. These cards are so beautiful. Your quilts are amazing. The stamp sets are fantastic, the buttons look so real.

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  54. WoW! Blown away by the use of hexagons to achieve such different patterned looks!

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  55. I find that I use greens and browns frequently.

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  56. One of my favorite color schemes is red, white and turquoise

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  57. I'm loving the layered button set...so sweet! My favorite color schemes are either neutrals or blues/greens.

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  58. Oh goodness these cards are sew adorable!!! Those buttons though!!! Love the realistic and 3D look to them!! Brilliant! The hexagons are amazing. Hexes have always been a favorite shape to me to create with because the possibilities are completely endless. I am so happy to see that you brought them into your shop. Another must have set!
    Hugs,
    Jo

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  59. I am drawn to browns, black, and neutrals - like the colorful ones I see others creating - thanks for the hop and showing us the new releases!

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  60. I love anything with teal/aqua or pinks and oranges together. Great sewing themed stamps.

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  61. I don't think I use one particular color combo any more than an other. I guess if I liked one better it would be black, white and another color. I love the stark contrast. Thanks for another chance to win. :D

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  62. To be perfectly honest I cannot believe the buttons are stamps LOL I kept seeing them and before I investigated I thought they were buttons glued on a card!!! Sunny, you are the master of 3D stamps!!! (I still love my Christmas Bell!)

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  63. So awesome! The buttons are so perfect and looks so real! I am drawn to rainbow colors, use them ALL the time.

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  64. I love the colors of a rainbow - always makes me happy!! These products are just sheer genius!! Love your projects - every one of them us super awesome!!

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  65. The quilted hexagons are amazing! I love all of the different backgrounds you created. Favorite color schemes- blues and greens.

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  66. Oh, those bright colored cards with those amazingly realistic buttons are fabulous! On my wishlist for sure!! I like mixing purple and blue.

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  67. Love these sets - especially the button layering set. I adore buttons and I inherited a large jar of really old buttons which I love to look through & use on my (many) crafting projects :-)

    Jocelyn x

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    1. Forgot to add that my colour scheme that I am drawn to over and over is blue/turquoise/aqua/purple tones.

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  68. I love love love this stamp set! It's definitely my favorite from this release! I love very bright colors & often find myself using rainbow colors or vibrant Blues, oranges, pinks, violets and lime colors.

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  69. Wow! I am so impressed with these cards, being a seamstress for over 60 years, I treasure these designs and can't wait to get my stamps and dies so I can start making cards!💜🤗

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