Card - No Greeting Crocus

Here's another no greeting card.  I used some card club supplies and changed up it up just a bit.  This kit had card purple card stock which highlights a different color in the designer paper.  I adhered the dark green ribbon across the bottom third of the crocus designer paper and taped the ends to the back. Then adhered it to the card front. The butterflies were created with the Martha Stewart Monarch punch.  I then layered my butterflies light over dark which creates a shadow.  The light one is only adhered in the center so the wings can be brought forward for dimension.  I put 3 silk flowers on the ribbon on the right lower corner which are held in place with a purple brad.

Card - Victorian Stripes

Here's another no greeting card. I cut the coordinating paper with the top being 3.25" x 4" and the bottom being 2" x 4". I tape these together at the back so I could handle it as one piece. I glue it to the Stampin Up Groovy Guava card front. I embossed the River Rock card stock band with the SU Vintage Wallpaper folder. I adhered it over the joint of the designer paper.  I used a push pin to create a hole for my brad and placed 2 silk flowers on the left hand side held in place the a coral brad.

Cards - Effiel Tower & Lake Scene

I am working with some left overs from card club.  I needed a few cards with no greetings for an order so I changed these supplies to accommodate the need.

I started with a brown card onto which I adhered a Stampin Up! Top Note cut from graphic letter paper in caramel colors. I glued that to the card front.  I found a Eiffel Tower image on-line at Call Me Victorian.  Once printed, I cut it with my smooth oval Spellbinder Nestabilities.  I mounted that onto the next size oval cut in deep red card stock.  I added the grosgrain ribbon to the left top corner before I adhered the mail element with 3D foam tape.

This next card is same card kit in different colors. Here I used lake image from ReUsable Art.  I color printed it and mounted it onto an ivory oval then raised with 3D foam tape.

Card Club - My Thank You Card

I used this washi tape on my thank you card.  I bought it at a wedding supply store which provided a different selection of tape than our regular craft store.  I like the variety of color in this one.  Here's the turquoise envelope I wrapped their cards in.  I added a tag with turquoise bakers twine and stapled the it to the envelope and tied a bow.

Card Club - Incentive

Here's the cute cards I made for the girls at Card Club who paid for the full semester.

I made note cards again.  I color printed a sentiment with a line below on the card then applied washi tape below the line. It really helped to have the line to make sure my tape was straight.  I chose a variety of sentiments to handle a collection of uses. 


They received 6 cards - a combination of these 5 designs packaged in a great way.  Check my next post for that pic.

Card Club - Jan - Crocus Get Well

I made this card around the beautiful crocus paper. ( I hope spring is around the corner.) I cut the paper down to the regular 4.00" x 5.25" size.  I should a deep green paper ribbon to put across.  The ends were taped to the back of the paper. I adhered it to a great yellow card which works with some of the blooms in the paper. I color printed the greeting and punched it out with the Stampin Up! Decorative Label punch.  I punched 2 butterflies with the Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly punch. One from the same off white card stock as the greeting then a dark purple one to create the shadow. I just applied glue to the center of the light one so the wings would be free. I did lift the wings of the lighter one but lost the effect when I scanned the card.  The greeting is adhered over the ribbon on the left hand side and the 2 silk flowers are held in place with a purple brad.

I did make some of these kits with sympathy greetings.  I also chose deep purple and Kiwi Kiss green for some of the cards.

Card Club - Jan - DSP Split HB

Here's bright springy card.
I chose this butterfly/dragonfly paper which had stripes on the other side. I cut the designer paper to the regular 5.25"x 4.00" then cut from the top down to 3.24" leaving a 2" piece which I flipped over. These I taped together on the back so I could handle it again as a single piece. I glued it to a light pink card. I stamped the greeting in SU Garden Green with a clear stamp on a darker pink card stock strip. I placed this over the join in the DSP and trimmed as needed then adhered it. I added a couple of silk flowers on the left hand side of the greeting which are held in place with a yellow brad. Use a push pin to make a hole first.



I used a variety of designer paper and flowers.  I colored printed the greetings for the actual card kits.

Card Club - Jan - Top Note HB

Here's a great card for a guy having a birthday!  I started with a black card.  I cut a Stampin Up! Top Note from designer paper.  I cut the larger oval from a red card stock with Spellbinder Nestabilities. Then a smaller oval in a ivory color.  The greeting was cut with Dee's Distinctively HB thin die from the card stock as the card.  I offset Happy to leave room for the ribbon.  I cut a length of grosgrain ribbon in black and placed on the top left hand corner and held it in place with an ivory brad.  This element was then added to the card front with 3D foam tape.

In all the kits the large oval provides a pop of color and the ribbon and brads coordinate.

Card Club - Jan - Wedding Hearts Trifold

I thought I would change it up a bit for card club and make a wedding tri-fold card. I cut a piece of ivory card stock 2" at the short end and 5.5" at the tall end and 11" long.  I then scored it at 4" from the tall end and 3.5" from the short end. Cutting all the pieces for this card proved quite time consuming.  I wanted the hearts to be on the front flap and being that the pattern was directional the back piece could only be cut one way.  I printed the greeting on coordinating 24 lb bond paper and trimmed that piece as well.  The inside flap has an identical piece flipped which provides an insert for the giver to write a bit of a sentiment.




I made some with cards with blue heart paper then I made some with double sided card stock with pink being one side.  I folded it opposite of this one.  I punched a heart and a Stampin Up Modern Label punchie with a Word Window punchie greeting.  I chose Congratulations or Happy Heart Day which would work for Valentines or anniversary or wedding.

Card - One Layer

I made this card for a One Layer challenge.  I rubbed green ink on the bumpy side of the Sizzix ornament folder then ran the front of my card through the Big Shot.  I then added red chalk to some of the areas to add a bit more interest.  I stamped the greeting in the bottom right hand corner with a small clear stamp.  I added a satin ribbon bow on the ornament hanger.   It still needed something so I chose a dark green marker and ran it along the edge of the the card. 

Submitting it to Sparkles Christmas Card Challenges - One Layer.

Tea Cup Box

Here's my first tea cup box.  I cut the tea cup with the Cricut with the Folk Art Festival cartridge.  I cut a front and then turned the paper around and cut the back one.  I then cut the box piece from the same card stock.  Scored the tabs and glued the box between the tea cup die cuts. I found some silk flowers that would work with the colors of the cup. I mounted them to the front with a gold brad.  I added a Stampin Up! Modern Label punchie with the greeting with 3D foam tape. I added a half doily on each side. Put in a bit of tissue paper and some tea bags.

It would make a great favor for a Mother's Day tea, Spring tea in different colors of course.  If giving a tea related gift it would very appropriate.  I'm really happy how it's turned out.

How to fill it:
12 individually wrapped tea bags
a bag of loose tea with a tea ball
a gift card
oasis with a flower or two
a baby knitted item

Challenge - Dress Up a Die Cut

I made this card for a Dress Up a Die Cut challenge.  I started with an ivory card. I then cut a tea cup with the Cricut and the Folk Art Festival cartridge.  I used a bold graphic designer paper.   I added a row of daisies, punched with a Martha Stewart border punch.  I adhered it to the tea cup then trimmed it to the edges. I added a piece of black grosgrain ribbon across the centre and taped the ends to the back.  I added a oval shape below the cup to represent a saucer.  The tea cup was added over this piece.  I added a hand written tag with a flag end which is held in place with 3D foam tape.  I used a black ink pad to smudge the edges of the card.

Card - Washi Tape Tri-fold

Create a tri-fold card which fit well in an A2 envelope.  I found a template on-line but it was too tall so I adjusted mine to work better for me.  I cut the card stock starting at 2" at the short end and 5.5" at the tall end. Then I scored at 4" from the tall end and 3.5" from the short end.  I wanted to leave the tall edge open in case I used a border punch on it.  I have not punched in this case. I bought this Washi Tape in December.  I applied it to the tall right hand edge, the slanted edge which required trimming to a slight bit inside the fold and the short left hand edge.   I stamped greeting in black with a Stampin Up stamp. I added 3 Prima handmade paper flowers in small yellow, bit larger deep yellow then a large pink one all held in place by a tiny white brad.

I have sent them off for my monthly card exchange.

Card - HB - Green Galore/Tempting Turquoise

I made this card for a friend with a birthday today.  I started with a Stampin Up! Green Galore card.  I cut SU Top Note from SU DSP paper then I inked the edges with a Tempting Turquoise pad.  I cut the piece of striped turquoise paper with the same die and glued it onto the green top note aligning the edges.  I added a piece of white stitched green grosgrain ribbon and taped the ends to the back.  I stamped the SU greeting in turquoise onto Whisper White and punched it out with the Modern Label punch.  It was then mounted below the ribbon on the right hand side with 3D foam tape.  I added a silk flower in the upper left hand corner, layered a smaller turquoise handmade paper flower all held in place withe a green brad.

Card - Ornament Trio

Here's the next one.  This card makes use of an ornament I drew quite a while ago.  I used it here filled with watercolor and here with a glittered star.
I started with an ivory card. The branches were created from a photo of an actual pine tree branch then placed at the top to anchor the ornaments.  I created the speckled dot background which is color printed in green. I placed a trio of the ornaments on the card with the center one being a bit larger than the other two. This time the ornaments were filled with filigree pattern in 3 different colors.  I added the string bow to each of them.  I created a clear circle in the center into which I put the 3 words: Peace, Love and Joy.  On the center one I printed Love again punched it out with a 1" punch and mounted over the center with 3D foam.

Card - Little Town of Bethlehem

Here's the next one.  This one is a scan of a mixed media art piece I made for this project.  I took a picture of the art work and had it developed on photo paper.  It was mounted on a white card.  It is held in place with a small silver star brad.  You can find details here.

Card - Holy Family Snow Globe

I created this card for a project that did not come together so I'm posting the cards now.
I started with a photo of a holy family porcelain art piece.  I applied a filter to it to have only the edges highlighted in a dark green color, probably Always Artichoke.  I cropped it into a circle.  I created the base digitally and filled it with a rich jewel toned pattern.  I color printed the greeting and wrapped it around the circle of the family.  I cut a piece of acetate with my Spellbinder Circle Nestabilities which exactly matches the size of the snow globe.  This suggests the glass part of the snow globe and it is held in place with a tiny brass star brad.

Card Display - Metal Wall Art

 I changed up the way I display the cards I receive yesterday.  I had a conversation with my sister recently about how she was going to do hers and it inspired to change mine.  The picture on the left is a similar display I found on the internet because I forgot to take a picture before I filled it with my Christmas cards.

The stamens in each petal allows me to just tuck a card in without too much more to hold it in.  I have added small magnets in some places to keep the card in place.  I'm happy with it but my sense of order is a little troubled as I generally like things in a straight line, etc. but I think I will get used to it.  The picture close up shows some of one flower and the magnet just above the star on the tree.

It will be pretty even if there are just a few cards but that is not bound to be often. Christmas is when I have the most.

Christmas Thanks Yous

As my tradition, I made these cards from gift wrap which held one of my gifts this year!  I think this makes them more personal to the recipient.

I glued the paper to bond paper to give it enough stiffness to cut with my Creative Memories oval cutter.  I then cut the snowman out.  I selected black card stock.  I then embossed a piece of red card stock with the Cuttlebug Winter Snowflake large embossing folder.  I trimmed it to leave a small border and added satin green ribbon. The ribbon was cut to allow the ends to be brought to the back and taped down.  I then mounted the snowman oval over top with 3D foam tape.



On the card on the right I used caramel card stock with the same elements as the first.  I moved the ribbon joint to the left hand side.

It's important to remember to say Thank You to those you remembered you this year, whatever form that takes. Do it!

Challenge - Star Card

I made this card for one of my groups. The challenge was a resolution for your crafting this year.  I have some many that it's hard to pick. Add variety to the standard sized cards I usually make. 
I started with the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. The card was a bit harder than I expected because your measuring has to be right on.  I started with a 8.5" equilateral triangle of designer paper. You then have to fold each point to the center at 4.25" of the opposite side. That was pretty easy.  The next one is trickier because you want to fold just enough to have the fold join in the middle.  It was about 1/3 of the remaining flap.  I added a piece of white in the inside for my message.  To decorate the front I cut a white scallop with my Spellbinder nestabilities then cut the corresponding smooth circle from an aqua paper.  I mounted a green and then red Stampin Up! Five petal punchie with a small white five petal punchie.  I put a aqua blue tiny brad in the center which holes all but the white layer.  This was then adhered to the white layer.  This accent was only adhered to one of the flaps to allow the card to still open. 

Cards - Tiny Cards with Vellum Envys

I made this small cards for filling a Teapot box.  The cards are placed in vellum envelopes.  The Taken with Teal and Island Indigo greetings are color printed on 32lb paper.  They are cut at 2.75" x 3.5" then folded in half.   I was able to put 16 in the box.

Gift Card Holder - Black & White Hearts

This is a wedding gift card holder.  I started with a piece of 5.5" x 12" piece of card stock.  I scored it at 3.5", 6", then 8.5" from each end.  I placed the 2.5" mountain fold in the center which fills the middle of the card.  This fold is glued together at the edges on the 3 open sides.  This will hold the gift card so put adhesive only along the outer edges. I then used the Stampin Up! word window punch to create a slit along the fold.  It takes almost 2 lengths of the punch to make the slit wide enough for a gift card which is usually 3.5" wide.  I used the SU! Tab punch to create the part circle dip below the slit.  This will allow the recipient to easily pull out the gift card.  I placed 2 pieces of white bond measuring 5.25"x 2.87" on the front flap and back flap which give the giver a place to write their sentiments to the one receiving the gift.  I used the SU! Slot punch to create the holes in the centre edge where the ribbon holding the holder closed is slipped through and knotted.  A knot is better than a bow because I find most people will avoid a bow every time. The finished size is 5.5" tall by 3.5" wide and fits in a standard A2 envelope.

For the front: I cut a piece of black and white DP which says Congratulations over and over.  I punched 2 hearts, one from pearl white and one from silver.  I embossed the white a bit.  I added piece of white 1/8" satin ribbon across the width of the designer paper then adhered it to the card front.  I adhered the hearts to the card with 3D foam tape. I added an embossed SU! Modern label punchie in the pearl white also raised with 3D foam tape. I cut 3 lengths of satin ribbon - silver, white and black with silver edges, pulled them through both slots and knotted them.

Diecut - Sizzix Bigz Pro Die - Teapot Box

Here's my first attempt to put together the Sizzix Bigz Pro Die - Box, Tea Pot die cut.  I had my neice cut the die cuts from heavy double sided 12x12 card stock and sent them to me.  They arrived this week and with time with my sister on the weekend we put this one together.  It is a super cute teapot box and I can think of a lot of places I would use it.  A bit about that later.

The normal go to adhesive would be the red super tacky tape but the tabs are not regular and some are small so cutting the tape without waste was not going well.  I turned to my quick dry adhesive in a bottle.  This worked great.  I could cover the tab easily and completely right to the edge which is important. Small bull clips came in handy to keep the edges together for a few minutes. I did not read the instructions on line so this one I folded and glued the tabs at the top of the pot to the inside.  This make the teapot shorter and lid not sit as well as it should.

Onto effort number 2.
Make sure you fold all the folds and press down with a bone folder before you start.
This time the tabs were glued but not folded which left a border at the top of the teapot to match the edge of the cover.  The fit is not as tight either which is better.

How big is it?
It is about 5" tall and the bottom is 3 1/8" square and the opening at the top is 1 3/4" square.

What does it hold?
It holds at least 10 individually wrapped tea bags.
It would hold probably 25-50 grams of loose tea if packaged in a flexible food grade bag with a twist tie.
It would hold quite a few unwrapped tea bags placed in a food grade bag with a twist tie.
I would suggest that some thought be put to how will the recipient remove the gift inside.  A bag holding whatever it is would make getting it out easier.

How can I use it?
1) I think it is a great container to hold a tea related gift.  I had hoped to use these for Christmas gifts but the die was delayed in shipping and the die cuts did not make it before Christmas.
2) A centre piece on a table for a spring tea holding a small gift appropriate for the event.  The item could be given away at the end of the event.  A Mother's day tea, also.
3) A wedding table center piece in ivory or white subtly patterned paper holding candy. Or maybe made of translucent paper with a flameless candle on the inside.
4) A hostess gift for someone hosting a Steeped Tea party with a favorite loose tea inside as a promotion.
5) Teacher gift for year end of school or Christmas holding tea bags.- My favorite tea is Joy put out by Starbucks only at Christmas time.
6) A gift container for a woman friend with sweets or bath products inside.
7) Filled with dunking cookies - biscotti, sugar cookies, or digestives.  I'm there's a lot more options.

Well that is my 2 cents worth.  I'm really happy with how they turned out!!!

Card - Christmas TY - Washi Tape

A few more thank you cards for the gifts I have received.

These feature washi tape.  On the left I placed a wide piece of washi tape across the bottom.  I cut my greeting in black with the Memory Box thin die.  I used snail adhesive to attach it to the card. 

On this one I used some red and white washi tape combined with a green thanks creates a Christmas colored card.  I added a red button with red thread tied into it's holes on the top left hand cord.

Letterhead - Digital - Christmas

I was asked this year to prepare some letterheads for Christmas letters.  For the Bethlehem one, I started with my original drawing and embellished it with the Peace on Earth and a large snowbank.  I'm happy with it.

This Joy to the World one involved layout and design and less drawing.  I think they both turned really well.

I can start a library of these digital files which provides an alternative to what is commercially available.  Of course they can be adapted to any color scheme one might like.

Christmas Card Challenge - January - Embossing

The challenge for January is a technique - embossing with all it`s variations.  You can use embossing folders, heat/thermal embossing, letterpress, hand embossing, stencils with a stylus to mention a few.  What comes to mind for you? This leaves the subject matter totally open.  Give it a try and leave me a comment with a link to your card.

Here`s my card for this challenge.
I chose an embossing folder by Cuttlebug which is called the Three Kings.  I inked up the background side with navy ink so my sky would be colored.  I ran the folder through the Big Shot with a piece of white card stock and then trimmed it down to fit it onto a navy card.   I added the greeting with a small clear stamp in the bottom left hand corner.  I added a bit of bling with an self adhesive rhinestone in the middle of the star. 

Here's my second attempt with a Stampin Up! Lovely Lilac die ink pad.  Gives a different look and is messier. It took several tries to get one embossing I was happy with.  I like the larger greeting on this one, which was done with a clear stamp.  I was able to create some texture in the sky with this ink pad.

2014 Christmas Card Challenge

I'm having a Christmas Card Challenge every month in 2014.  I find that making cards every month brings me to December 1st with the cards I need and much less pressure. I will post the theme, options for that theme and my card the first of every month. You can decide how many to make each month to give the number you need. Join me in getting our Christmas cards done!


January    Technique - Embossing  
                 Embossing folders, thermal embossing, letterpress, hand embossing, stencils

February Christmas Animals
                 Reindeer, cardinal, polar bear, penguin, dove, camels, sheep, partridge, geese, chickadees

March         Material - Vellum
                   Use vellum on your card.

April            Tools - Punches
                   Shape, border, corner 

May            Christmas Buildings
                   Church, cottage, house, mansion, castle, igloo, stable, store

June            Element - Banner
                    Use a banner on your card. 

July             Technique - Backgrounds
                    Brayer, sponged, stamped, watercolor, stenciled, spritzed, marbled, spattered, word

August         Christmas Music
                    Carols, hymns, notes, carolers, drummer boy

September  Material - Washi Tape
                    Use washi tape on your card. 

October    Tools - Dies
                   Cricut, SB Nestabilities, Framelits, Thinlits, Thick Dies, Sizzlets, Silhouette

November  Christmas Light
                   Star, candles, moon, tree lights, bulbs, lamp post, lantern, fireplace, 

December  Element - Window
                   Use a window on your card.

2014 - Happy New Year!!

I am wishing you a safe and happy New Year in 2014!  Looking forward to another year of paper crafting, photography, and all around fun.  Join me for a great year!!