SMD Paper Arts

Guest Book

2012-02-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was asked to design a guest book for an upcoming special 10th anniversary event. She wanted something nicer than one you can purchase at a retail store, one where photos of the anniversary could be placed and one with a place for a photo on the cover.
After a bit of research I decided on a 8x8" scrapbook. I found a black leather look one. She selected a black and white stripped ribbon which would add a bit of a focal point to the front cover. I diecut a red ribbon slider with a Spellbinder die. To it, I added a white paper flower and a metal medallion and held it all in place with a tiny black brad. Once it was strung onto the ribbon I just knotted the ribbon onto the album placing the knot to the inside.
Then I went looking for paper for the pages. I tested the weight of many sheets of paper. I looked at drawing paper, watercolor paper, and sketch paper. I needed 10 sheets for the actual signatures and greetings then a few pages in the front for "then and now" photos. I settled on a pad of white 90lb watercolor paper with 15 pages. I determined that the sheets should be 8"Tx9.25"W based on the page protectors I had removed from the album. I cut the paper down to 8.5 x 11 so I could put them through my printer. Then I designed the pages on the computer and printed them in black. The sheets were then was cut down to the correct size. I punched the holes in the pages on the left hand side based on the spacer that came with the album. She had asked to have a bit of accent added to the pages. Based on the red on the front I stamped a small flower on the left hand corner of the pages and added a small swirl on the bottom right hand side in Real Red. The album has a sleeve at the back for a CD so that photos from the event can be stored for history's sake. She will find a photo which is just right for the front cover.

Card - Purple Happy Birthday

2012-02-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my niece who has a birthday party today.

I started with textured card in a dusty purple. I punched a MS daisy border then ripped the other side and glued that down on the left hand side. I used daisy confetti in white and plum and created accents with tiny purple brad in their centres to keep them to the card. I stamped the greeting in Eggplant on the bottom right hand side.

Gift Card Holders

2012-02-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

I made these Gift Card Holders for the gift card prizes we are giving away today in a Valentine Surprise fund raising event we are having today!

I started with brown base cut with the Sizzix Jumbo Crescent die. I placed the fold in the card just inside the flat end of the die.

Top: I found a scrap piece of designer paper and added a border punch in blue on the right hand side. I added 2 silk flowers in coordinating colors and adhered them with a coordinating blue flower brad. I then added an apricot gross grain just below the border punch. This was then glued to the front for the large tag. I used the same ribbon to hold it closed once I had used Zots to hold the gift card in place inside.

Bottom: I found a scrap of designer paper and trimmed it leaving an interesting central element. I added black wavy cutter borders on each edge. I then added 3 square brads in the upper left hand corner. Rounded the right hand corners with a punch. Added a length of black gross grain ribbon to hold it closed once I had used Zots to hold the gift card in place inside.

Card - Thank You - Stampin Up! Demo

2012-02-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

I made a card for my Stampin Up! demonstrator as well. We made some cute little cards at the party.

I started with an Ivory card. I punched a piece of ivory with the MS Daisy Border punch and glued it onto a piece of Baja Breeze which I stamped with the SU Itty Bitty Background stamp in Positively Pink. I cut it with the TH Ornamental die placing the border just below the centre. I wrapped some Ivory gross grain ribbon over the border punch layer and tied a knot. I stamped the SU! Thank You Tag greeting in the same pink on ivory and trimmed it close. This was mounted on the bottom right hand corner with 3d foam tape. In the top left hand corner I place an accent made with several silk flowers all held in place with a pink jumbo brad which coordinates with the ink color.

Cards - Thank You - Stampin Up Party

2012-02-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

I hosted a Stampin Up! Party the first week of February. It's a great time to have a party because the rewards are so good during Sale-a-Bration! I've ordered myself a few new goodies. I made thank you cards for the girls who placed orders.

I started with Mellow Moss cardstock. I stamped it with one of the Itty Bitty Backgrounds in Always Artichoke. I made it to fit a No. 6 3/4 envelope so I cut the cardstock 3.5"x 11. Placed a fold at 6.25" which left my front flap a bit short. I added a piece of parchment cardstock which had been trimmed with the Martha Stewart Daisy border punch. I added a length of Spring Moss gross grain ribbon to hide the join on the inside of the card. I stamped the greeting in Always Artichoke on the bottom right hand corner. The paper flower is attached with a green crystal brad.

On the card on the right I used striped decorative paper by Anna Griffin which I placed over the whole length of the card front. Again, I placed a length of Spring Moss to cover the join on the inside of the card. I printed the greeting on white, punched it out with 1" circle punch and then rubbed the edges with Always Artichoke ink pad. The paper flower is attached with a green crystal brad.

On the bottom card I used the same cardstock with the additional piece of parchment cardstock. I placed a square of Anna Griffin decorative paper on the left of the border punch and ribbon.

How To: Hearts with a Scallop Circle

2012-02-12T14:01:00.001-07:00

This is another How To entry. Someone suggested this idea when I posted my border tag punch how to earlier so I thought I would work it out since Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Do you need hearts but don't have a punch? You can create hearts with a scallop circle!! I used the small Stampin Up! scallop circle punch (1.75"w). The hearts produced are about 7/8" tall.

1. Create your scallop circle with a punch, a circle nestabilities, or a die. Measure straight across your circle with a ruler and mark the centre with a push pin hole.

2. Every 2 scallops cut in the V to the center.

3. Repeat till you have gone around the whole circle. The number of hearts produced depends on the number of scallops on the circle.

Card - Felt Flowers

2012-02-08T23:41:00.001-07:00

I made a couple of these for my card exchange group. I started with the flower and searched to find matching cardstock. I finally found Brilliant Blue worked well. I cut a piece of white to card front size then put it in my Creative Memories wavy cutter. It was then embossed with the Sizzix Diamonds folder. I cut a leaf with a Sizzix die from green flocked ribbon. I held the flower in place with a tiny white brad. I added a small stamped circle greeting on the bottom right hand corner stamped in the same Brilliant Blue punched with the .75 inch.

Border Punch Tags - Samples

2012-02-08T23:11:00.001-07:00

Things to remember:
1. The width of the pattern will determine the width of your tag. The length is totally up to you.
2. Is there a centre opening in the v of the pattern? You will be cutting that in half when you seperate it into tags.
3. Does it have a central opening? If you want to hang the tag it works best if there's a centre hole.

I've put together samples with some border punches.
1. Stampin Up! Scallop Trim Border produces a half inch tag with a central opening.
2. Martha Stewart Arches Border produces a five eights tag with a central opening but it needs to have the extra trimmed.
3. Martha Stewart Deco Shell Border produces a five eights tag with no central opening.
4. Stampim Up! Eyelet Border produces a five eights tag with a central opening.
5. Martha Stewart Deco Shell corner produces a three quarters tag and has a central opening but is difficult to trim because of the angles.
6. Martha Stewart Daisy Border produces a seven eights tag with a central opening.

How To: Border Punch Tags

2012-02-08T23:10:00.001-07:00

I saw this somewhere on the internet when I was researching something else then when I went searching for the How To I could not find it again. Here's my version of what I remember.

Have you ever wanted a small tag for a card. Maybe the dies or punches you have aren't quite right. Make tags using your border punch.
1. Punch a piece of cardstock with a border punch
2. Cut the cardstock at the edge of each pattern to create tags.
3. Use the tags as desired. They can be tied on or adhered with with a brad.

I love this idea. A totally new use for your border punches. Give it a try and leave me a comment about your results. See my next post for samples of the tags I've made. This is a Martha Stewart punch.

Card - Challenge #37 - Red and White

2012-02-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a challenge to use Red and White. I started with a Real Red card and added an embossed white layer on which I used the Sizzix Tropical Paisley folder. I found some fiber and added a trellis feeling by wrapping it around the white layer. I glued this down to the card front. I added a red felt flower on the left hand side with a tiny white brad. I created a border punch tag onto which I stamped the greeting and then I rubbed the ink pad around the edges and added some smudging.

Cmas Card Challenge - February - Textiles

2012-02-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

This is my card for February's Christmas Card Challenge. The challenge is Accents - Textiles so I selected flocked ribbon and felt to use in my card design.
I selected a green card and added a rich red diamond patterned paper for the background. I cut 2 scalloped borders with a (Die-namics die) thin die from gold textured paper which I placed straight sides together and glued about 2/3 down from the top. I cut a piece of white felt about 1/2" wide and glued that over the join of the gold pieces. I recycled flocked ribbon (see below) left over from a Christmas Wreath project years ago. I cut the poinsettia from this material with a small Marianne Design Creatables thin die. I cut another from green card stock same as the card. I selected a large gold sequin with a gold mini brad for the center. This accent was attached to the card with the gold brad.
What textile will you select for your card? Here's a few ideas. Textiles - Ribbon (silk, satin, gross grain, seam binding, organza), fabric, cording, felt, yarn, fiber, lace, silk flowers.

2012 Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T07:11:00.001-07:00

I made these cute lanterns for 2012 Chinese New Year yesterday. We had a potluck at work yesterday for several reasons but since it was actually the Chinese New Year's Day I decided to make these lanterns for the tables. We also hung them above the tables as well. We had international guests in so I think it added a nice touch to our awesome event.
I splattered gold paint onto red 24 lb bond then cut the 8.5x11 in half. I folded the 5.x5x8.5 in half leaving me a sheet 2.75 x 8.5". I cut slits into sheet from the fold to about .5 inch from the edge. Then I opened the paper and stapled the ends together. I punched a small hole on both sides and added gold cord.

Card Club - Handmade Paper Flowers

2012-01-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

I started with the handmade paper. Black with purple, plum & copper. Taupe with white, gold & silver. I embossed the 1.5" inch on the right hand side with the Stampin Up! Finial Press embossing folder. I placed the ribbon right next to the edge of the embossing and taped the ends to the inside of the card. I cut the flowers with the Sizzix Flower Layers #2 die. One in moss green and the other in the handmade paper. I chose a silk flower in coordinating colors. All this is held in place with a jumbo brad in a matching color.

Top: I chose a gray cardstock for the bottom card. Then I placed silver ribbon along the edge. The ivory silk flower worked well with the warmed toned handmade paper. I selected a silver brad.
Bottom: I chose a plum cardstock for the top card. Then I placed copper ribbon along the edge. The purple silk flower worked well and then the copper brad matched the ribbon.

Card Club - Chocolate Circle Stickers

2012-01-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

It seems stickers are the theme this month. I started with the circle sticker. I selected a dark brown card to match. I punched a 1 3/8" white circle and adhered the chocolate sticker to it. I punched an Always Artichoke scallop circle with the Stampin Up punch. I cut a 4"x5.25" white rectangle and embossed it with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder. I placed a length of dark brown gross grain ribbon across about 2/3 down the card and glued the ends to the back. I then adhered this layer to the card. I glued the white circle to the green scallop. Then glued this accent over the ribbon.

Card Club - Ivory Velvet Flower

2012-01-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

I started with a cream card. I added a layer of diamond/script designer paper. I wrapped a length of ivory organza ribbon around the DP and taped the ends to the back. I glued this full layer to the card front. I layered the ivory velvet flower with a small toned down silk flower together. I placed a hole in the through all the layers of the card front with a push pin. I then held this flower accent in place with a gold brad. The prongs are spread on the inside of the card. This is my nod for Valentine's Day. I added a heart cut from smooth POW gold glitter paper. I used a punch on this one. For those in class I cut them with a Sizzix die.
Tip: I soaked the small silk flowers in a mixture of tea to cut the whiteness of the flowers which worked better with this color scheme.

Card Club - Gold Sticker

2012-01-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'm back with Card Club. Today is our first in 2012. My starting point was the gold circle dimensional sticker. They came in pink and blue. I found card stock that matched and cut it into 4" squares. I embossed the pink one with Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers and the blue with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. I color printed the greetings on white cardstock and cut the end into a flag shape. I found gold decorative paper that matched well with the gold in the sticker.
I started with a white card. I glued the greeting onto the embossed square and trimmed it to the edge. Then I adhered the gold strip to the embossed square and trimmed it as needed. This layer then was added to card front. I removed the release paper from the sticker and placed it on the intersection of the gold and greeting.

Incentive Presentation

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the final presentation for my incentive. I cut a header for the cello bag with the Tim Holtz Ornamental die by placing a 4" piece of My Mind's Eye Penny Lane "Special Swirls" cardstock aligned evenly on the long side. Scored it down the middle and folded in half. I placed the top of the bag between the layers and stapled it.

Cards - Enclosure Card Incentive

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

These are 2.5 square enclosure cards I made as an incentive for my Card Club participants. I tried several styles. Top right is purple daisy confetti on a white circle on a scallop with a rhinestone in the center. Middle right is yellow scallop with white circle with black star in the center. The bottom right is recycled greeting cards. I punched elements from used cards and layered it on coordinating card stock on white cards. Top middle is a Spellbinder curly square with a red circle with a yellow star.
The envelope is made with the Sizzix Petal Card die on 50 lb paper. I have included white circle stickers to keep the envelope closed once ready to give.

Cards - Enclosure Cards

2012-01-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the Thank You enclosure cards I made to include in my incentive gift. I made some with Groovy Guava and others with Tango Tangerine. They are 2.5" square. I color printed my greetings in the same color as the card and added a coordinating scallop punch. I added a small insert on white bond paper with my sentiments.

Cards - Love

2012-01-19T22:39:00.001-07:00

These cards received blank inserts so they can serve for wedding, anniversary, valentine's day, or any other love related reason. The same gray cards, damask handmade paper, POW gold glitter paper and shimmery organza ribbon. I used the SB Deckled Rectangles on the right card.

It's good to see the end of some supplies because there more waiting in the wings to take it's place.

Cards - Wedding

2012-01-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

I started with a soft gray textured card and I added this wonderful damask handmade paper. I found some ivory shimmery organza ribbon and added it across the card. I added POW glitter paper hearts to both cards. To the left I added another smaller bit of ribbon and tied it to the other piece which makes a bow. On the right I mounted the heart to a scallop oval cut with SB nestabilities. I decided to make these wedding cards. I will place these in my ready to go box!

Card - Winter Celebrate

2012-01-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of these for my card exchange group. I started with a soft gray textured cardstock. I mounted this wonderful gold, taupe and gray handmade paper I got quite a while ago. I really like the damask type design on the paper. I found that the POW gold glitter paper matched it really well. I placed a black on white greeting along the bottom edge, mounted a strip of gold glitter paper perpendicular to the the greeting and then placed a black MS snowflake punchie where they cross. It's held in place with a tiny black brad.

Cmas Card Challenge - January - Turquoise/White/Chocolate

2012-01-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog Christmas Card Challenge. The theme for January is a color challenge of White/Turquoise/Chocolate. I started with the patterned paper LYB - Winter Woods which had all these colors. I chose a white card onto which I mounted a piece of DP on the left side with Bazzil Yosemite (blue) on the right. I cut the snow mountains with the Cricut - Winter Frolic cartridge. I used a scrap for the trees. I added white confetti snowflakes held in place with Zots.

Card - Cmas Thank Yous

2012-01-08T21:06:00.002-07:00

I started with a Wild Wasabi green card. I embossed several border on the bottom of card. I punched circles from the Stampin Up! Winter Bright DP in 2007 catalog. I mounted punched white snowflakes with blue tiny brad. The centre snowflake was cut with the Cricut Winter Lace cartridge. I mounted a DP circle and a color printed greeting onto the this snowflakes.

Card - Cmas Thank Yous

2012-01-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

I started with a white card and I placed a rectangle of Real Red DP on the bottom to which I placed a Bashful Blue scallop border. I stamped the greeting in red in top red corner. I added a Cricut snowflake cut with the Winter Lace cartridge.

Card - Cmas Thank Yous

2012-01-08T20:55:00.001-07:00

This cards I used the Real Red side of the paper on white cards. Left: The green foliage border is done with a Martha Stewart punch from Wild Wasabi. The Cricut snowflake is layered with a green circle and a color printed greeting. Right: I placed a green scallop border below the DP. I added a white snowflake held in place with a green brad. Added the color printed greeting.

Card - Cmas Thank Yous

2012-01-08T20:37:00.001-07:00

I started with white cards. I worked on getting a few more Stampin Up! RGB colors into my graphics software. This is Winter Bright DP from the 2007 catalog.
Left: Printed the greeting then punched 1.375 circle in bashful blue then a 1.25 DP circle with a white snowflake punch held in place by a tiny white brad. Right: I placed a rectangle on the left side with a wild wasabi scalloped border. I mounted a white snowflake held with a brad. The snowflake was cut with the Cricut Winter Lace cartridge.

Card - Cmas Thank Yous

2012-01-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

On this card I used some retired Stampin Up! Designer paper called Winter Bright from the 2007 catalog. It paper contained Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, and Real Red. I mounted a rectangle of paper on a green card. I added a Cricut snowflake cut with the Cricut Winter Lace Cartridge held in place with a large round brad. I used white organza ribbon in pink with the greeting on a white circle.

Card - Christmas Thank Yous

2012-01-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

I'm working on thank you cards for the gifts I received this Christmas. For this card I started with a black card, I trimmed a piece of foil paper to 4.00 x 5.25" and the snail adhesive worked the best for gluing it down with out marks. I adhered a snowflake I cut with the Cricut Winter Lace cartridge on the top left hand corner with a black brad. I cut my greeting with the Cricut "Just Because Cards" cartridge. And held it in place with snail adhesive.

2012 Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:20:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2012.
My Christmas card box is empty ready for new cards starting right away. I'm feeling better so that is a great way to start the new year!

Glad you stopped by. Come back often for inspiration in card making.

God Bless!

Photo - Muttart Conservatory

2011-12-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

I took my last trip to the Muttart Conservatory for 2011. It was set up for the Snow Queen with blue glittered poinsettias in the feature pavilion. It was pretty quiet so an excellent opportunity to wander with out too much distraction. The number of orchids was super. I got several really great shots. I've put together a collage of images. The dusty plum poinsettias were really nice. The snowflake was on some silver giftwrapped boxes in the sleigh but with reflections it looked blue. The top pic is some fuzzy looking leaves in macro. The pics on the right is are orchids I think. A couple of good hours just shooting pics, enjoying the temperatures of the pavilions and relaxing a little bit.

2012 Christmas Card Challenge

2011-12-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Let's have a little fun this year. The objective of the challenge is to get your Christmas cards made throughout the year. The themes are meant to be inspirational and broad enough to allow a lot of creative expression.

I will be posting my cards the first of the month along with suggestions and encouragement to participate in the challenge. Join as many months as you want.

If you participate, please add a comment to the post for the month you are joining including a link to your card so others can be inspired. I'm looking forward to seeing your creations. Become a follower of my blog if you want to be notified of my postings.

Here's my list of themes with a few ideas next to each of them:

January - Color - White/Turquoise/Chocolate

February - Accents - Textiles - Ribbon (silk, satin, gross grain, seam binding, organza), fabric, cording, felt, yarn, fiber, lace, silk flowers

March - Focus - Star - Bethlehem, one, many, night sky, layered, 6 point, 5 point, primitive, die cut, stamped

April - Color - Grape/Sage/Mustard

May - Accents - Metal - Pins, clips, buckles, die cut, embossed, buttons, charms

June - Focus - Trees - Pine, bare, cluster, decorated, folded, triangular, Christmas, die cut, stamped, painted, embossed

July - Color- Ivory/Brown/Gold

August - Accents - Tags - Circle, pointed, crescent, scallop, large, tiny, stamped, square, oval, shaped

September - Focus - Words - Noel, Joy, Peace, Hope, MC, Rejoice, stamped, die cut

October - Color - Navy/Red/Silver

November - Accents - Ornaments - Fat, short, tall, slim, round, elliptical, die cut, stamped

December - Focus - Reason for the Season - Nativity, manger, wisemen, star, shepherds, angels, holy family, baby Jesus, Bethlehem, church, sheep, stable

Ornament - Baby's 1st Christmas

2011-12-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is the ornament for the baby boy as he celebrates his first Christmas. I found the elephant on line and added the words. I printed it on vellum and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I cut the vellum with my Sizzix circle die. I rolled up the vellum circle and put it through the hole or the ornament and used a bamboo skewer to unroll it. Since it was a round ornament I had to fill the space behind the vellum so I used soft white cotton balls which helps to keep the vellum circle front and center and goes with the baby theme. I put the hanger back in ensuring the prongs went behind the vellum.

Card - Baby Boy

2011-12-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is a digital version of the card I made for this new baby boy because I forgot to scan the card I made. I can't believe it but I was fighting a deadline!

I started with a light turquoise card folded at the top. I found the graphic on-line. I color printed a the hippo, the sentiment and a background on vellum and embossed it in clear powder. I mounted the vellum to the card with tiny white brads in each corner. I added Congratulations to the parents on the inside.

2011-12-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope you have a great day with family and friends. Enjoy good food, the great weather, and take a walk.
This nativity is part of a larger fabric Advent Calendar my sister made for me last year! It was good to count down by adding another figure each day. The angels, the star, sheep, shepherds, the stable animals, the wisemen, the camels, and finally Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The panel was designed by Nancy Halvorsen.

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-23T11:09:00.001-07:00

I made myself a new wreath for my office door. The one have been using is years old and the color scheme came from the eighties. With all the Christmas stuff on sale at Michaels I managed to get all the stuff on 70% off. Yahoo! The pinecones go well with the color of the door and I added a bit of silver accents. I'm considering it a work in progress and may improve it next year when it comes out of the box.

2012 Photo Calendar

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've created a new calendar of flower photos again this year. I changed the format to 5.5" x 8.5" which allows me to use photos in the landscape orientation. I chose flowers again this year because that was quick and easy. I selected some black and white graphics for backgrounds and placed the photo in the middle of the background. I produced the calendar part in Publisher. I printed the covers on card stock and the pages on 28 lb paper. I placed a small hole at the top below the binding with my Cropadile. I used Bind It All coil in my Zutter machine to bind the top. I'm happy with the results.

Calendar - Round Coaster

2011-12-20T07:10:00.001-07:00

I made this calendar for a friend. I used some retired Stampin Up! Designer Paper which I glued to the round coaster and pressed. Once completely dry I trimmed the paper to the edge with scissors and sanded the edge smooth. I produced the calendar on a single sheet and trimmed it down into 12 small sheets. I stamped the greeting in Brilliant Blue with a clear stamp. I added the white flowers with a large blue brad in the center. The flower element is attached with 3D foam tape. I added sheet magnet to the back.

Retirement - Canoe

2011-12-20T07:03:00.003-07:00

I made this card for guy who is retiring. Lucky guy! He likes to canoe so he likely will do more of it during the summers than he has so far.
I started with a navy card and added a textured light blue paper for the sky. I added the tree next which is a Sizzix die. I added the medium blue below for the water. I cut the canoe with my Cricut with the "Just Because" Card cartridge. This cartridge has good layers so I was able to cut the pieces in separate colors and assemble the element. I added some ripped clouds and a punch circle sun in the sky!

Table Centre Pieces - Gold/Red Boxes

2011-12-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

I created these boxes as center pieces for our Women's Christmas Party today. With the napkins in hand I headed out to find something that would match. I found the gift wrap and ribbon at Michael's. It's gold foil with a subtle snowflake pattern in it. The ribbon was a good color match as well. I wanted a consistent look I purchased the boxes at Creative Packaging. The boxes will be on each table then given away at the end of the evening. They contain really nice candle holders.

Card - Card Club Sample

2011-12-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

This card was a early sample of my Card Club. I started with a white card and added a nice blue textured layer. The snowman was cut with a Sizzix die. I cut the arms with my Cricut and the Straight from the Nest cartridge. Markers helped with the eyes, mouth, nose and coal buttons on his belly. I added a small punched red heart and small yellow star hanging from his stick hand. I cut Joy with the Tim Holtz mover and shaper. I placed clear packing tape behind the hole and filled it with Ultra Fine Halo Glitter that I have owned for YEARS! I really love this snowman.

Gift - Card Box

2011-12-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

I made this card box for a friend who makes cards with me every month who has a birthday this day. I wrapped the metal tin with 2 pieces of 12" scrapbook paper and adhered it with double sided paper. I cut the letters with my Cricut Lyrical Letters cartridge from lavendar paper and then smudged the edges with ink and chalked the centers. I glued the letters in place with liquid quick dry adhesive. I added the gross grain ribbon along the top of the ribbon adhered with double sided tape. I created an accent with a silver Prima Flower, a blue purple silk flower on a large white brad. This was then adhered to the box with double sided paper. I added a purple organza ribbon to the handle. I added some cards to the tin and it's ready to go!

Card - Wedding Double Ring Pattern

2011-12-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

I created this card as a wedding card. I started with a navy card and selected a designer paper that would coordinate with it. I then found the moss green paper to match. I cut the Sizzix Lattice Die from the green. This was then adhered to the piece of designer paper and I trimmed around the outside edge. I saved the elliptical shapes from the lattice die as they coordinate perfectly on the Five Petal Punch from Stampin UP!. I glued the lattice die element which reminds me a lot of the double wedding ring pattern for quilts on the top part of the card. I placed a strip of moss green below. The leftovers from the die were glued over the flower petals of the punch and the element was held in place with a large ivory brad.

Card - Christmas Eve

2011-12-08T20:30:00.001-07:00

I created this card by first selecting a church scene. I'm sure it's Christmas Eve with folks headed to church. The image was cropped into an oval to which I added a shadow. I adjusted the colors of the image so that I had a cool image and another which was warmer. The card was color printed and I added a MS snowflake in white topped with a fabric snowflake held in place with tiny white brad.

Card - Joy to the World

2011-12-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

I designed this card with just words in different fonts and colors. I placed them on an oval filled with a green gradient fill. The added embellishment is confetti daisies in green and red which looks like a poinsettia. These are held in place with a white tiny brad.

Card - Watercolor Ornaments

2011-12-08T19:34:00.001-07:00

These cards are mostly color printed then I add some additional elements. I drew the ornament myself then filled it with my own watercolors scans. This gives me the ability to make them in a full range of colors. The evergreen branch was created from a photo I took this summer. I added a string with a knot. Top Left: I selected a true blue card stock that worked with the color of the ornament. I cut 2 Sizzix stars, one from the blue and then one from silver glitter paper. I added a greeting in a matching color. I used liquid glue to adhere the stars. This one is cooler in tone. Bottom Right: This one is warmer in tone so I used a turquoise card stock for the star with a teal glitter paper.

Card Kit - Prima Flower

2011-12-03T08:48:00.001-07:00

I created these card kits with Prima Flowers. Some were the paper ones in the white, peach, pink colors and these metallic ones. I started with a pink card and added this great polka dots designer paper. I decided to make the stem and the brad in the centre of the flowers black to provide some connection between elements. This would allow me to change the rest of the elements (card and flowers) as I needed to. I created the stem with my Cricut and the Straight from the Nest cartridge. I glued the stem before I added 2 more layers of silk flowers and held everything in place with a regular brad. Makes great cards for little girls.

Cmas Card Challenge - December - Metallics

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Metallics are a natural for Christmas cards. I used silver, white pearl and gold for the metallics on this card. I cut the words with the Sizzix "Join the Cheer" sizzlet strip. The ornament is on the strip as well. It was tedious cutting all the small pieces but I'm really happy the results. I wanted to hang the ornament and tried quite a few options before I chose this silver thread. I glued the words and the ornament onto a black layer that was embossed with the Swiss Dots folder. This was mounted onto a white card.

Card Club - Gold Glitter Star

2011-11-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

I just love this card. I bought the scrapbook paper on sale at one of the local stores. I ordered Real Red and Soft Suede card stock to go with it. It works great! I used a Sizzix star die for the gold star! I color printed the greeting in Real Red and Soft Suede with the greeting being the same as the card color. I made some red cards and some soft suede cards. I layered the Designer Paper on the card. I cut a 1.5" strip of card stock and trimmed the edges with scallop decorative scissors. This was glued down and the greeting was added on top. The gold star is 3D foam taped to the left of the greeting.

Card Club - Snowman

2011-11-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

I cut my snowman with the Sizzix Bigz Snowman die & embossing folder combo. I cut the arms with my Cricut - Straight from the Nest cartridge. I selected several snowflake scrapbooking paper for the background. I punched small red hearts and yellow stars. Once the decorative paper was on the card I added the arms to the back of the snowman before gluing him down to the card front. I used markers to add his face and belly buttons. I glued the star below the arm and used a marker to add the string.

Card Club - Glitter Ornament

2011-11-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

I cut the ornaments with the Stampin Up! ornament Mover and Shaper die. I bought the glitter scroll paper at Michaels. I added a shiny silver eyelet to the top with my Crop-a-dile. That is a cool tool. I added some silver cording through the eyelet. The ornament has 3D foam behind it. I used 3 different embossing folders: Stampin Up Winter Flurry & Elegant Bouquet, and Cuttlebug Winter Wonderland Set. These all leave a blank space for the ornament to hang. I used blue, pink and lavender card stock. Once I adhered the ornament to the embossed layer I pulled cord to the back of the embossed layer and taped them down. This was then glued to the card front. I added a Word Window Greeting on some of them. The Winter Flurry really did not have room to add the greeting.

Card Club - Christmas - Joy

2011-11-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

I started with the Joy sticker. I found the Purely Pomegranate card stock matched the ornament in the sticker very well. I selected black card stock to go with the touch of black in the stickers letters. I embossed the Cuttlebug folder in white card stock and trimmed to fit the card. I added a piece of Purely Pomegranate double stitched gross grain ribbon across the embossed layer and taped the ends to the back. I cut a circle of green card stock and added the sticker. Then a 1 3/8 circle of white onto a Purely Pomegranate scallop punchie. I placed 3D foam tape to the back of the scallop and glued over the ribbon.

R2G - Card Kits - Snowman

2011-11-24T00:42:00.001-07:00

I created some of these for my Ready 2 Go Card Kits. I selected 4 snowflake backgrounds for my snowman. I used the snowman from the Sizzix die embossing folder combo which I cut in white. I added arms which were cut with the Cricut with the Straight from the Nest cartridge. It's a tree trunk but cut to a smaller size it works well as arms. I punched a small heart and star. I used markers to put on his face and coal buttons on his belly. I hung the star from his hand with a marker string. I've waited a long time for a snowman die like this one and I'm super happy with it!

R2G Card Kit - Kid Cards - Pick Up Truck

2011-11-24T00:31:00.001-07:00

I'm working on Ready 2 Go Card Kits for the sale this weekend. I wanted some cards which would work for kids Christmas cards or Thank Yous for after the celebrations! I selected the card to match the truck color. I embossed the silver background with the Cuttlebug Polka Dots embossing folder. I ripped a snowbank for the bottom of the card. The truck was cut with the Cricut and the Just Because Cards cartridge. I the truck in blue, red, yellow and green. The tree was cut with the "Paper Dolls - Dress Up cartridge in deep green cardstock. I added a Martha Stewart snowflake punch in the corner. These should be fun for kids to put together.

Calendar - Inspirational Words

2011-11-24T00:26:00.001-07:00

This was an alternative idea to photos. I found 12 inspirational words and cut them on the Cricut with the Storybook cartridge in black paper. I selected some subtle scrapbook paper as a background for these great words. These were quite bit more work than the photo ones. What do you think? Leave me a comment.

Calendar - Photo

2011-11-24T00:17:00.001-07:00

I designed these Floral Photo Calendars for a craft sale in Morinville this Saturday, Nov 26th. I started with a photo frame calendar I bought then I added my own flower pictures to it. They worked out really well. I hope others thinks so too and they sell!

Christmas Card Stack - Big Snowflakes

2011-11-16T18:30:00.003-07:00

Aren't these great looking cards? I love the color combination. This is a versatile design as it can make a portrait or landscape card. I chose Cherry Cobbler and Black card stock. This card has the fold at the top or on the left side so the card stock was cut 4.25x11". I selected a turquoise sheer ribbon which was tied around the card front at top/left in a loose square knot. The Designer paper was cut to 4" square which works great for 12x12 card stock. This was glued to the bottom/right of the card.

I layered the large Sizzix snowflake in white card stock over it with a smaller snowflake between the black tiny brad and the large snowflake. The red smaller snowflake was cut with the Cricut and the Winter Lace cartridge. The light blue one on the black card is a Martha Stewart punch.

Christmas Card Stack - Red & White Poinsettia

2011-11-16T18:30:00.002-07:00

I selected Real Red card stock to coordinate with the red silk poinsettia flower. I selected 2 different double sided Designer Paper for the card front. Left is Always Artichoke and the bottom is more of a Christmas green. I cut the DP to 5.25"x 4" then cut it at 1.5" and turned over the small piece. I glued these to the card front. I glued a color printed greeting on a white strip of card stock over the join of the DP.

I created a hole in the DP and card front with a push pin in the centre of the poinsettia. I layered a red over a white flower. I adhered the silk poinsettia accent to the card with a gold brad adding a gold sequin between the brad and the flower before putting the brad in the hole made earlier. Quick and easy!

Christmas Stack - Circle Ornaments

2011-11-16T18:30:00.001-07:00

I printed the card with the tall oval ornament on the right hand side. I cut the frame with a Sizzix die and embossed the red with the Cuttlebug Devine Swirl embossing folder and the green one with the Sizzix Starry Night folder. I cut a 3" square of black which was taped to the back of the frame. I selected black to highlight the ornaments. As the white circle ornaments were somewhat see through I had to place an extra paper punchie below the plastic one so that my Zot would not show. I added strings with a white gel marker. I wrapped the narrow black satin ribbon around the card and placed the bow to align with the string of the printed ornament.

Then the frame assembly was glued over the ribbon onto the left hand side of the card front.The strings for the pink and turquoise were printed and the cut down to the 3" square. The pink and turquoise ornaments were more opaque and therefore just needed a Zot.

Christmas Stack Class - Gingerbread Man

2011-11-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

I chose a nice striped paper for my background. Then I selected a card that coordinated. The gingerbread man was cut with a Sizzix original die from heavy paper painted with dark brown acrylic paint. I taped a small rectangle of Cherry Cobbler behind the hearts on his belly then glued him to the background paper. I added eyes, smile and icing on this arms and legs with a white gel marker. I tacked the great red organza ribbon in the centre of the back of the striped paper with a bit of tape. I wrapped it around to the front at the top of the background paper. Tied a loose square knot and trimmed the ends. This was then glued to the card front.

GG - Polar Bear

2011-11-13T22:22:00.001-07:00

This card only had slight changes from the Greetings Galore class in November 2010.
I used some textured Royal Blue card stock instead of Bashful Blue. I splattered the card stock with Radiant Rain - Pearl Green in the same technique as in the earlier card in this set. The Polar Bear was cut with my Cricut - Joy of the Season cartridge. The star is a small punch. The snowbank was cut with my Creative Memories wavy cutter. Very classic card and popular. I had several orders for some of these card kits.

GG - Snowflake Trio

2011-11-13T22:12:00.001-07:00

This was changed only a little bit from the Greetings Galore Class from Nov 2010. I used the Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder instead of the Devine Swirl. I also wrapped the ribbon around the embossed layer instead of the whole card. Once the layer is embossed I adhered a strip of smooth white then placed the ribbon to cover the top and bottom edge of this strip. I taped the ribbon ends to the back of the embossed layer. Glued the embossed layer to my card. I placed my royal blue snowflake confetti and used a push pin to create a hole through the snowflake, the smooth strip, the embossed layer and the card front. I place the tiny silver brad through the hole and spread the prongs on the inside of the card. This will help to hold all the elements in place. The insert will hide the brad prongs.

GG - Button Trio

2011-11-13T22:02:00.001-07:00

This is an update from my Greetings Galore Nov 2010 Class.
I am still using Stampin Up! Designer Paper from the same collection but a different sheet. I did not have more ribbon so I created my greeting and color printed it instead. Works I think. The DP is cut to 4x5.25 then cut at 1.5" leaving 2.5 of the 4". The one piece is turned over to reveal the other side. These are butted together and glued down. The greeting is glued to cover the joint. The three buttons are adhered on the bottom right hand corner with Zots.

GG - Gold Joy

2011-11-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

I updated these cards from my Greetings Galore (GG) Nov 2010 class since a few ladies requested kits.
I created some decorative paper using card stock and Radiant Rain - Egyptian Gold. I used purple, navy and black card stock. I found the spray bottle clogged a lot so I just poured some liquid from the bottle onto a plate, dipped a toothbrush and ran it across a butter knife to splatter my card stock. Once dry, I cut my card stock piece down to 2"x5.25" and glued it to the left hand side of my card. I cut my letters from gold embossed paper with my Sizzix Shadow Box Alphabet and glued those over the decorative paper. I then embossed the right hand side of the card with the Sizzix Stars & Swirls folder.

Christmas Stack Class - Winter Trees

2011-11-05T12:00:00.003-06:00

I started with a white card. I cut a top note shape with the TH Ornamental die from burgundy designer paper. I cut 2 Sizzix deep green trees, one small and one large. I color printed the greetings on vellum and embossed them with white powder. I punched the snowflake with MS punch and applied some glitter glue.

I mounted the top note on the card front. I then glued the small tree to the card leave space to put the large one next to it later. The vellum greeting was ripped and mounted on the card and held in place with a tiny white brad and a bit of glue on the right hand side. I glued the large pine tree to the right of the small on over the vellum greeting. I added some iridescent glitter glue on the branches of the large tree. I added the large snowflake on the left hand side. I made a burgundy/dark green and a red/green option.

Christmas Card Stack - Copper Scallop

2011-11-05T12:00:00.002-06:00

I've had this ribbon for a couple of years and I have struggled to find ways to incorporate it into a design. This year Michaels had copper glitter so I bought some. I kept the color options quite simple. I used a black card and added a kraft layer onto which a greeting was printed in black. I wrapped the copper ribbon around the kraft layer then adhered it to the card front. Tying a knot in this ribbon was challenging so I had to come up with a different way to create the bow. I just overlapped the ribbon and tied the two together with a length of kraft thread. I trimmed the ribbons ends at an angle. If you cut the ribbon in half and tape the ends to the back of the kraft layer the length should work out well. I cut the scallop with my Nestabilities in black and added dots of copper glitter glue on each scallop. The main element was printed in black on kraft and then die cut with a Nestabilities die.

I selected several images and greetings. Manger scenes with Christmas Blessings, Snowmen with Let it Snow, Winter scenes with Seasons Greetings and Christmas candles/bells with Merry Christmas.

Christmas Card Stack - Glitter Joy

2011-11-05T12:00:00.001-06:00

I used a Wild Wasabi green card onto which I mounted a frame cut with the Sizzix Frame die from a holly decorative paper. The glitter is Wine Red bought at a local scrapbook store. It's really nice stuff. The "Joy" die cut was created with a Sizzix die. I punched three 1/4" circles from the glitter scraps to put on the right hand side of the frame which repeats the red circles in the decorative paper. The exclamation mark was hand cut from the scraps.

Bottom: On this card I used ivory cardstock and applied Always Artichoke around the edges of the frame to help define the edges against the light card stock. On this one I just punched another three 1/4" circles.

Christmas Card Stack - B&W Snowflakes

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I had my first Christmas Card Stack Class of the season. I started with the background paper. The top card has silver snowflakes and the bottom has white snowflakes. I cut the background paper to just smaller than the card front and glued it down. I cut the circle with a Nestabilities circle die just a bit bigger than the snowflake. I punched a silver foil snowflake with a Martha Stewart punch. The smaller snowflake is Martha Stewart as well. Snowflakes are layered onto the circle and they are held in place with a tiny black brad. I made some of these in magenta as well.

Bottom:
This card has a blue card with white snowflakes. I cut the snowflake with my Cricut - Winter Lace cartridge. I made some of these in turquoise.

Card - Prima Flowers

2011-11-03T00:40:00.001-06:00

I made these cards for my exchange group. They were my October cards and they are late. With a trip to emergency last week cards did not make it to the top of the list. I used some left over supplies from card club. I selected a deep purple card and layered shimmery organza behind the greeting and flower accent.

I layered silk flowers in white and purple over the Prima Flower. Held in place with large white brad. I ripped the edges on my "Bliss" greeting. Top card with white one and bottom with peach flower.

Cmas Card Challenge - November - Christmas Decorations

2011-11-01T07:00:00.002-06:00

I chose ornaments as my decorations. I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on red card stock and cut it into strips. I mounted that onto a textured pearl white strip of cardstock. I added texture with a stamp on the right hand side of the Hunter green card with white ink. The ornament stripe was mounted onto the green card to the left of the texture. I made a hole with a push pin and put a tiny white brad in the hanger of each ornament. I used a Stardust gel marker and added some bling on the ornament hanger and the central images. I brushed some white pearl ex on the outer edge of the ornaments to add definition to the shapes. I used a Stampin Up! greeting inked in white and embossed it with white detail powder.
I made 3 of these.
Total cards 85 so far.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-06:00

Don't eat too much candy but enjoy the evening!

Gift - Christmas

2011-10-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

I created this little gift which would contain these small sheets. The holder was cut with the Stampin Up! Petal Card die. I used double sided Christmas scrapbooking cardstock. I added 1/8" hole on the outside flaps through which a length of 7/8" red organza ribbon has been run and knotted on the front. I designed the small sheets to go inside with a gift on one corner. The person giving the gift would write the gifts the person has given them. Things like "Friendship", "A hug when they needed one", "A break from the kids", "Prayer", "Family" & "Encouragement".

Card Club - Bliss

2011-10-25T13:15:00.003-06:00

I started with a super piece of velvet paper. The deep green colored strip with flowers on it. A friend suggested using only a strip which was a great idea. Thanks Susan. I started with a purple textured card. I used an always artichoke colored paper and placed a strip on the let hand side and cut the back layer of the label in the same paper. I colored printed the Stampin Up! digital stamp with Perfect Plum and Always Artichoke and die cut it with the smaller sized Spellbinder label nestabilities Labels 18 die. I placed the velvet strip over the right hand edge of green strip. I punched 2 flowers with Stampin Up! punch and attached them with tiny white brads. I nice elegant card. I used the RGB codes prepared by Marie Shaughnessy. for the color printing. Thanks Marie for the hard work.

Card Club - Cricut Tree

2011-10-25T12:59:00.000-06:00

This card was quite simple but very graphic. I started with a white card. I added some DP in blue swirls. I cut the tree layers with my Cricut - Straight from the Nest cartridge. The trunk layer is a full layer (4") - I used double sided paper that was a great chocolate brown on one side and had a funky design on the back which I would never have used. I was not going to miss it. The green layer was cut seperately. The trick was to glue the green onto the brown making sure holes and edge aligned perfectly. As you can see it was a bit of a challenge. I color printed a variety of greetings and punched them with the Stampin Up! Word Window punch. Added a blank insert.

Card Club - Window & Flower Box

2011-10-25T12:53:00.001-06:00

This card was a bit involved but I think it was worth it. I cut the window pane with a QuicKutz die from Kraft cardstock. I cut a 3" or so square of blue vellum. Then behind the vellum a piece of ripped green bond to represent hills on the horizon. This was glued to the card front allowing space below. I cut 45 degree angles off the brown rectangle of cardstock to create a window box. This was glued below the window. I selected silk flowers in a variety of colors then added a copper sequin and brad to hold the flowers in place. I cut the foliage with the Stampin Up - Little Leaves sizzlet. I seperated the leaves into 3 segments and glued those behind the flowers. The greeting was color printed. Add my insert.

Card Club - Prima Flowers

2011-10-25T12:41:00.000-06:00

We had a good group of ladies out for Card Club last night. I started with a brown card. I cut a Tim Holtz Ornamental die cut from designer paper. I wanted the ribbon to the side so I tack it down to the card with a bit of double sided tape. I was then able to glue down the die to the card front. Then I tied the ribbon in a loose square knot. I placed the small silk flower, then the medium silk flower and then finally the Prima Flower onto the brad. I made a hole in the DP and card with a push pin then placed the brad through which holds the flowers securely. Placed the insert and it's done. I made cards with peach, white and hot pink flowers.

Card - Challenge #23 - Stitching

2011-10-22T00:12:00.001-06:00

I made this card for the CST challenge which was stitching. I decided to add real stitching. I found this pattern on line. I chose white thread on black card stock. It takes a long time to do this. I added some silver flower sequins held in place with silver tiny brads. I chose a Old Olive card with a pink layer onto which the stitching layer was glued. I used lots of double sided tape. I will press it under books over night.

Cool Tool - Scrap Storage

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

How do you store your cardstock scraps? This is my third attempt at solving this problem and it seems to be working for me. I bought these magazine holders at IKEA. I place my cardstock scraps in large ziplock bags where the taller pieces just stick out the top. Easy to identify the color and search inside for the piece I need. The cost is right as well. Each holder stores 2-3 colors depending on how fat the ziplock bag is. I have a zip lock for green, red, yellow, red, beige, black, brown, blue dark, blue light and orange. I recently added glitter and metallics.
I would love to hear about your system. Leave a me a comment!

Cards - Thank You Gift

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Here' the other cards in the gift of cards I made for a friend this summer. I know she likes to give handmade cards.

I started with a green card and I added a piece of Designer paper to the right hand side. Then I added the ribbon over the left hand edge. I've been wanting to try this Folded Ribbon technique for a while. You need soft ribbon. This one is soft like seam binding. I used the steam iron to create the folds and have them stay in while I tried to adhere the ribbon to the card. I laid a strip of double sided tape to the card and carefully laid the ribbon down one fold at a time. Once it was all down I trimmed the ends to the card edge. I decided I needed a bit of insurance so I laid the narrow red ribbon over the folded ribbon and taped the ends to the inside of the card. I added a Five Petal Punch poinsettia which is held in place with a gold brad.

This card is Soft Suede?? I found a matching piece of Designer Paper which I placed on the right hand side of the card. I cut a piece of ribbon and laid it over the left hand edge of the DP and taped the ends to the inside of the card. The ornament is a Sizzix die cut from Ruby Red. I cut the accents in gold cardstock and glued them according to the packaging. I created a hold in the hanger with a push pin and used a bit of gold thread to "hang" the ornament and glued the ends to the inside of the card.

This card is Ruby Red I think. I trimmed a piece of DP and adhered to the card front. I added a strip of Old Olive which I stamped some texture on it with a small dots. I stamped a greeting and punched it out with the Modern Label punch. Stuck that on the right hand side below the large poinsettia. I added a small Old Olive punchie to the centre of the large flower.

Cards - Gift of Christmas Cards

2011-10-20T21:38:00.000-06:00

I made these as a gift for a friend this summer. I'm just getting around to posting them now. The cardstock is Stampin Up! Bayou Blue I think. The decorative paper is SU as well.
Left: I ripped the decorative paper at the bottom and mounted 2 large die cut snowflakes by Cuttlebug. The white was embossed with the Swiss Dots folder as well. I punched a small flower to put in the centre. All held in place with white brad.

Right: I started with a white card. I embossed the bottom 2/3 of the card with a Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder. Then I placed a strip of decorative paper and placed it against the edge of the embossing. I cut a .75 inch strip of Blue Bayou and embossed the greeting in white. I added 3 small fabric snowflakes held in place with tiny white brads.

Card - Advent Class Cards

2011-10-20T19:08:00.000-06:00

I was asked to help out with a "Getting Ready for Christmas" class. The instructor is spending 8 weeks helping the group prepare for Christmas spiritually as well as practically. Each week she has a related craft. This week it was Christmas cards and she asked me to teach the card class. We had an hour so I kept the cards simple to ensure everyone was able to finish their 4 cards in the time allotted.

I wanted a versatile design in which I could change the colors without affecting the entire design. Also, I wanted a card in each orientation of portrait and landscape to add variety. I selected the these images: the manger scene is by SonLight Impressions which I have owned for years. The candles I just bought this summer is by Sunshine Designs put out by Stamp Barn. I gold embossed the central image on white cardstock then cut it with Nestabilibities Classic Oval. I then cut a Nestabilities Scalloped Oval in a solid colored cardstock to coordinate with the designer paper. These were glue together, I dotted each scallop with a Galaxy white opaque marker and a fabric gold snowflake was added with a Zot. The designer paper was trimmed to 5.25x4.00 inches and glued to a white card. The central oval was mounted to the card with 3D foam tape which easily adds dimension. I had seven different color combinations so that there was lots of variety so each person got 4 different cards.

Card - Challenge #22 - Monochromatic

2011-10-16T16:34:00.000-06:00

I made this card for CST weekly challenge which theme was monochromatic. I started with a Kiwi Kiss card. I added some designer paper that I ripped and placed on the top and bottom of the card leaving space in between them. I diecut snowflakes with Sizzix sizzlet dies in white cardstock. I held those in place with tiny white brads. I added a Stampin Up! word window punched greeting that was color printed. I then spritzed the whole card with Radiant Rain in Pearl Green.

Card - Challenge #21 - Stitching

2011-10-08T08:33:00.000-06:00

I made this card for the CST Challenge. This week it was stitching. I started with a white card and added a square of designer paper. I added a white flower and a coordinating button in the centre held in place with a Zot. I used a white marker to create the stitching then added blue dots with a marker. Stamped greeting in blue ink.

World Wide Photo Walk - 2011

2011-10-03T01:04:00.001-06:00

I was out on Saturday for the World Wide Photo Walk. On the walk I chose we walked around Whyte Avenue for a couple of hours. The weather was good, the sights were interesting, and the company was inspiring. There was a large group of us with cameras in hand that headed east. Here's a few pictures I took on my walk. Many of the shops had wares for sale on the street so pictures of those were fair game. Some retailers were not very welcoming of our cameras. We met together afterwards to share pictures, experiences, and just get to know one another a bit. It was a very good day!

Calendars - Coaster

2011-10-02T23:57:00.003-06:00

I made several of these coaster calendars for my Card Club members who signed up for the full semester. I started with round coasters to which I glued decorative paper. These were pressed overnight to ensure good adhesion. I produced the calendar in publisher and then cut it down to 12 small sheets. I stapled those to a piece of cardstock which was glued to the calendar. Then I decorated them with words, punchies, brads, buttons, and such embelishments. I'm happy with the way they turned out. I put sheet magnet on the back so they will stick to file cabinets, etc. in a crafter's area.

Cmas Card Challenge - October - Natural Christmas

2011-10-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

I decided on a wreath for my Natural Christmas theme. I started with a dark brown card. I used a Martha Stewart branch punch on several shades of green card stock to create my greenery. I cut the wreath's back layer with a Soft Suede Nestabilities scallop circle. I glued at least 18 branches around the edge of the circle making sure to keep it within the 4.25 width of the card. I then layered a smaller scallop circle over the middle covering the ends of the branches. I cut a very vanilla circle with Nestabilities die and chalked the edge while it was still in the die leaving a nice border. Then I stamped a Stampin Up! greeting on the circle in Chocolate chalk ink. I added the raffia bow above the wreath.
I made 6 of these.
Total: 82

Card - Challenge #20 - Square Card

2011-09-27T23:45:00.002-06:00

I made this card for CST challenge #20 which was make a square card. I started with a piece of double sided cardstock measuring 4.25x12" and scored it at 2, 4 and 8, 10". Folded 2 inches at each end back then folded the halves over the centre for a gatefold card. I unfolded the card and I put the ends over one edge of the Tim Holtz ornamental die to create the fancy edge. I tacked down the beige fancy edges and placed a 1/8 hole in the centre for the ribbon. I then cut a Sizzix wavy frame in a coordinating cardstock. I glued 3 sides down leaving the top open it on card inside. I printed a greeting on vellum and trimmed it to 3" and slid it behind the frame. Pulled the gold organza ribbon through the holes and tied the card closed.

Photo - First Day of Fall

2011-09-27T07:38:00.000-06:00

Sunday was a great day here! +30C temperatures and the leaves were falling in the wind. I decided this may be my last chance to get some great fall color pics so I headed out with the camera. Here's a few I took. We do have some nice reds in the maples on 97 street. There were many of us taking advantage of the day.

Card Club - Purple/Chocolate

2011-09-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

I started with designer paper and found pea green card stock to match. I cut the designer paper to 5.25x4.00" piece then I ripped it twice removing a piece to allow the card color to show through. These pieces were glued to the card front. I placed slit in the border, pulled the super soft ribbon through and tied it in a knot on the card front. Trimmed the ribbon ends. After checking my collection of card stock I determined I did not have the right color so I created the purple paper for the flower. I used acrylic paint on white card stock applied with a foam brush. Once dry, it was die cut into flowers with a Sizzix die. I then brushed the flower with Burnt Umber (dark brown) acrylic paint using a dry brush technique. I punched a 1.25"circle in chocolate then a 1" taupe circle and added a purple button with dark brown crochet cotton thread. A Zot holds the button in place. This accent was glued over the ripped area.

Card Club - Flocked border

2011-09-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

I found this flocked border at a Dollar store. I thought it was so gorgeous. I created a greeting for this sketch and color printed them. The greeting is trimmed close to the frame. I coordinated one word in the greeting to the card color. I used a couple of embossing folders (Cuttlebug Victorian and Stampin Up Finial Press) in the kits. I cut the colored square with a Sizzix original die. The embossed layer was glued to the card front. I discovered after I made my sample that the border was adhesive to the brads are purely decorative. This design is versatile to accommodate a variety of colors and occasions. I made up kits in several colors with several greetings (Thanks, sympathy, birthday).

Card Club - Felt Flowers

2011-09-26T21:22:00.000-06:00

I found these felt flowers at Michaels in red, royal blue and yellow. So I alternated these colors in the elements of the kits. This card has a white card with a red embossed layer with the Cuttlebug Polka Dots folder. I added white rick rack at the 2/3 point on the card which was taped into the inside of the card. I cut the leaf with a Sizzix medium die from forest green felt. The leaf is glued behind the flower, then the flower is placed on the card front and create a hole in the centre with a push pin. Place the red sequin onto the tiny white brad then place the brad and spread the prongs on inside of the card. I had yellow, red, and white rick rack.

Card Club - Fall Leaves

2011-09-26T21:11:00.000-06:00

It was our first Card Club of this season! It's that time of year for colorful leaves.
I started with a dark brown card. I embossed a Summer Sun layer with the Cuttlebug Polka Dots folder and trimmed to 5.5x4.00" and glued to the card front. The ribbon slider was cut with a Spellbinder thin die once I had color printed my greeting. See this post for how I did this. I slipped the slider onto the ribbon and taped the ends of the ribbon to the inside of the card. The felt leaves were stickers then I used a brown marker to add some dimension to the leaves.

Card - Challenge #19 - Fav Color Combo

2011-09-21T23:12:00.001-06:00

I made this card for the CST challenge - favorite color combo. I chose chocolate, turquoise and tangerine. I selected a chocolate cardstock for the card. I chose a 6 3/4 envelope or 3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches. I cut my card 3.5 wide and 6.25 tall which left some room for the extension of the tangerine insert. I color printed the greeting on turquoise card stock and trimmed it to fit the card front. I embossed a white layer with the Cuttlebug HB embossing folder. Trimmed it to just smaller than the turquoise and about .75 the length of the card. I placed a tangerine ribbon across the join and put 3 silver star sequin in place with orange tiny brads.

Card Kits - Cmas - Silver Ornament

2011-09-18T23:49:00.000-06:00

I made these card kits for a friend who makes cards with residents of a shelter. Needed to keep the designs simple. They will really enjoy it.

This card has a great classic look. I started with a red card. I color printed the greeting then embossed the quarter sheet with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dot folder then trimmed. I was surprised how little it affected the words. I cut a silver glitter ornament with a Cuttlebug 3x3" die and added some green satin ribbon to the hanger. Punched a snowflake with MS punch in same card stock as the card. Layered these together and held them to the card with a silver brad. I added a bit of double sided tape just under the hanger to keep it from sliding sideways. I trimmed the ribbon ends.

Card Kits - Cmas - Embossed Star

2011-09-18T23:41:00.000-06:00

These card will be made by folks with little to no card making experience so I wanted a couple very simple cards. I selected Real Red card stock and designed a frame and greeting which I printed directly onto the card. I cut the large Sizzix Star in primary yellow and then embossed it with the Cuttlebug Victoria folder. I mounted the star offset from the greeting. I added yellow fiber to the button and used a Zot to keep in place. Great classic look.

Card Kits - Cmas - Copper Snowflake

2011-09-18T23:34:00.002-06:00

I started with deep purple card stock. I cut the card 4.25 x 11" with a top fold. I cut the large snowflake in great copper card stock with my Sizzix Large Snowflake die. I used a MS Snowflake punch to create smaller snowflake in the card color. I layered these and mounted them on the top of the card front leaving enough space below for the greeting. I held those in place with a large copper brad. I printed the greeting in the same color as the card onto a warm taupe card stock and then I cut it with the Spellbinder ribbon slider die. The slider was slipped over copper ribbon whose ends were taped to the inside of the card. The alternative for this card was navy blue in the card, snowflake and greeting.

Here's a picture of how I set up to cut my color printed greetings. I determine how far apart my words need to be and print them on card stock. I take them to my Big Shot and lay the die over the greeting and a bit of tape on the right hand side was helpful to keep the die in place. Put it into the sandwich and roll. Out comes a perfectly aligned greeting!

Card Kits - Cmas - Glitter Tree

2011-09-18T23:26:00.002-06:00

I started with the warm green glitter paper. I selected a pea green card that coordinated well. I layered a quarter sheet of warm Ruby Red onto which I color printed some texture in a deep red color. I cut the 12x12 glitter sheet into 21 triangular trees (3"Wx4"T). Once cut I punched out several holes with a 1/4" paper punch and added a daisy confetti in red which looks like a poinsettia held in place with a gold brad in the center. I printed the greeting on the same card stock and punched it out with the Word Window punch. I die cut stars from gold foil paper and mounted it with 3D foam tape.

Card Kits - Cmas - Polar Bear

2011-09-18T23:15:00.000-06:00

I made some card kits for a friend on the weekend. I made 5 designs.
This is a sketch I've used before. On this one I used navy blue card stock with white flecks which looks like snow falling. The polar bear is Cricut which I glued down the scarf, added the eye and nose. I ripped a piece of white card stock into a snow bank. I added the yellow star in the sky. The alternative for this one is Bashful Blue for the card like this one.

Card - Ribbon Slider

2011-09-18T09:21:00.002-06:00

I made this card for friend whose granddaughter is celebrating a birthday soon. I selected some designer paper and mounted it on a pink card. I cut a Spell Binder ribbon slide in chocolate brown and placed it on the card on a silver 5/8" ribbon through a slit in the fold on the left hand side. Scotch taped the ends to the inside of the card. I color printed the greeting and cut it with my Creative Memories oval cutter and glued it down onto the slider. I added a white silk flower with a metal on layered over all held in place with a tiny pink brad. I made an identical card with a Thanks greeting for my card box.

Were you one of the lucky ones to get a Spellbinder die at Michaels with a 50% coupon last week? This set of 3 ribbon sliders was my choice. They are great because they take 5/8" ribbon and my Cuttlebug sliders take 3/8" ribbon.

Not a Card - CST Challenge #18

2011-09-14T01:04:00.000-06:00

I made this little pocket for a challenge which indicated "not a card". I used the Sizzix Petal Card die on scrapbooking cardstock in Soft Sky polka dots on Chocolate Chip. I created the little sentiments on the computer. They are 2 3/8 inches square. This is a little gift for someone who has given support. The first square is a place address and sign it. The others are customized to the particular situation. I made holes in 2 of the flaps and tied it closed with brown crochet cotton.