Cards - All Occasion - Watercolor

Another set of cards while I wait for the drywall mud to dry.

I chose to make some watercolor background paper early this morning. I used liquid mixed media paper.

Once it was dry and flattened I cut it into pieces. This is 4.00 x 5.25 inches. I chose to loosely trace some flowers. I then painted them with watercolor. These are blue.  Once dry again, I outlined in black permanent marker.

I chose a SU Brilliant Blue A2 card base.  I adhered the watercolor with double sided tape, added a white insert and a white envelope.

Ready to press under books overnight.

I drew a meadow and tree with a 4H pencil then watercolored the image. 

The blue horizon line was on the background paper so I had to work with it.

I painted the stems then added the flowers a bit later.

Once all was dry, I outlined a few things with the black permanent maker and added the birds in the sky.

I mounted the watercolor to a SU Groovy Guava A2 card base.  Glued a white quarter sheet insert and pulled a white envelope.

This was the left over piece from the watercolor background I made this morning.

I started by adding a light blue wash across the whole piece to cut down the white spaces.

I then used a plastic doily to create some marks but I was not as successful as I had hoped. My brush was too wet in places.

I then used a bottle cap dipped in the dark blue watercolor to add some circles keeping it to odd numbers. 

Once I added yellow to 2 of the circles then I cut a length of yellow grosgrain ribbon and mounted diagonally across the piece.  Still need something so i went to my brad stash and found this yellow postage stamp brad.  

That was what it needed.  I chose a SU Summer Sun A2 card base, added an insert and an envelope and it will join the others under books overnight.  

Exchange Cards - September - Yellow Flowers

My Exchange Cards for September feature autumn colored flowers.

This first one is a sunflower.  The 4x4 inch photograph is from one of my annual photo calendars.  Trimmed the numbers off and it was ready to go.

I chose a Stampin Up Summer Sun card base.  I cut a 2" strip of black card stock which I punched with the SU Banner Triple Punch.  

It is very versatile as it easily centers the V on several widths of banners. Allow allows you to make any length.

Once that was adhered I installed 3 golden yellow caplets by making holes with the Crop-a-dile and then inserting the caps and choosing the right settings to press these into place.

A full half sheet white insert make this a card which can be used for any fall occasion.

This card features the same Summer Sun card base. This time I chose a Chocolate Chip piece of card stock which I aligned closer to the top of the landscape oriented card.

I adhered the 4x4 inch photo of a dahlia aligned on the left.  

Then, I chose a metal postage stamp brad in a golden yellow color.  I marked the spot for the prongs on the back and used a push pin to create a hole for them.  Press the prongs apart on the inside.

A full half sheet insert and this card is ready to be mailed on Monday.

Special Project - Thank You cards

 

I made some thank you cards for the friends and neighbours at Mom & Dad's apartment building.  They have been so good to them.  We planned some treats for them which I will deliver this week.

I started with the watercolor paper which I taped to glass then applied the color to the wet paper.   It was allowed to dry overnight which left it very flat.   I cut the circles with Spellbinder smooth circle thinlets - this one measures 3.25 inches.  I added a length of silver metallic embroidery thread.

I found a few simple images on line - birds, garden and butterflies.  I placed them on my light table and loosely traced them onto the watercolored circles with a black marker.  I added the border all the way around.

I cut pieces of white card stock which measured exactly what I needed then ran them in the BigShot with the Cuttlebug Thanks Words folder.  

I chose a card base that matched the colors in the ornament. I adhered the Thanks layer to the card base then used a black brad to attach the ornament to the card front.  This will allow the receiver to remove it and hanging it in a favorite place.

Cards - Acrylic Ink Backgrounds - Thanks

Another few cards with those acrylic ink backgrounds.  

This one is deep burgundy with yellow spots.

I printed the greeting from the Stampin Up You're Lovely Stamp set and cut with the Stampin up Sizzix Deco Labels Framelits Dies.  I colored with flowers with brush markers. 

This was mounted on a black card base with 3D foam tape behind the greeting.

 

 

A similar background with a flower accent.

I chose a magenta card base. 

I cut the greeting with the Cricut and the Don Juan cartridge from terracotta textured card stock.   

I punched a Stampin Up Five Petal flower from the same card stock.   I layered this with a salmon color handmade paper flower with an ivory silk flower.  It is held in place with a magenta brad layered with a flower sequin.

I chose a yellow card base for the green acrylic ink background. 

I punched 3 SU Five Petal flowers from pearl white card stock. I added pale yellow handmade paper flowers and small flower sequins.  The flowers are held in place with tiny green brads. 

The greeting is cut with the Don Juan Cricut cartridge at 1" Tall.  It is mounted with 3D foam tape.   All of these have a blank white insert.

Ready 2 Go All Occasion Stack Kit - Set 01

Split Square

I cut a 4 inch square of designer paper into 2 equal triangles by cutting top left hand corner to opposite corner with a paper cutter.   These were glued to the card front aligned to the top and the bottom.   That leaves a nice band of card color on the diagonal. 

I wrapped a length of white grosgrain ribbon around the card front and knotted on the front.  Trimmed the ends on the slant.

I assembled the flower accent by putting the small flower then the large flower onto the brad.  Press the prongs apart on the back.

I added the 3D foam tape to the back of the flower accent and adhered it to the card front.

A quarter sheet insert is glued to the right hand side.

Nature Sticker

I layered the nature sticker onto coordinating card stock and trimmed leaving a narrow border.  I added 3D foam tape to the 4 corners on back.

I adhered an embossed layer leaving a small border to the card front. 

Adhered the strip of black card stock onto the embossed layer.

I adhered the nature sticker to the card front.

I tucked the circle greeting just under the corner of the sticker.

Hexagon Trio

I chose an ivory card. 

I wrapped the ivory ribbon across the designer paper and tape ends to the back.  Adhered to the card front.

I adhered the 3 hexagons to the bottom half of the card below the grosgrain ribbon.

I assembled the greeting by adhering the greeting to the colored circle then to the scallop circle.  The whole greeting was then adhered over the grosgrain ribbon with 3D foam tape.

I am glad to have a couple of customers who want card kits during this isolation time.

Thank You Cards

These cards are for those people who provided support during the process.  For those of you who have been through it - you need your friends at a time like this.

This card started with a bright green card. 

I added a mottle pattern piece of designer paper in bright greens which was cut to 4.00 x 5.5 inches.  It was adhered leaving a small border.

I wrapped a white doily around the left edge and adhered it to the card front.

I added a navy greeting punched with the 2 inch circle punch with a larger navy circle cut with one of the Spellbinder Nestabililites thin-lits.  This was adhered with 3D foam tape.

This card started with a Kiwi Kiss card base.  

I added a piece of the same mottled bright green designer paper. I wrapped a piece of light blue seam binding around the designer paper and knotted it to the front.  It was adhered to the card front.

I added a label cut with the Spellbinder Nestabilities Labels 13 in the same card stock.  I adhered a light blue card stock star cut with the Stampin Up Star Framelits and a silver star confetti held in palce with a green mini brad. The label was then adhered to the card front.

I added the oval greeting which was printed in blue and punched with the 2 inch oval punch.  It was adhered over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.

Ready 2 Go Christmas Stack Kit - Set 13

I started with a light blue card base.

I adhered a lavender card stock layer leaving a small border.

I recycled a card with an angel announcing the birth of Jesus.  I added a gold star brad over the one on this layer.  It was adhered to the card front.

The greeting was color printed on blue card stock and fussy cut to the border. It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

A quarter sheet insert with a seasonal sentiment was added to the inside of the card.

More purple for this card in a deep colored card stock which works with the tail feathers.

I added a white layer leaving a small border.

I added the iridescent purple snowflake with a purple small brad onto the silver greeting layer.  It was then adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

A quarter sheet insert with a seasonal sentiment was added to the inside of the card.

Another shade of purple for this card.  I chose a grape color textured card base.

I then layered a warm green layer to the card front leaving a small border.

I added the small gold star brad to the Holy Family layer then it was adhered to the card front.

The greeting was color printed on warm white card stock and fussy cut to the border. It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

A quarter sheet insert with a seasonal sentiment was added to the inside of the card.

R2Go All Occasion Stack Kit - Set 9

I started with a medium teal colored card base in linen finish.

I added a layer of dark warm blue green designer paper with spots of yellow.  I have no credits for this paper.

I angled it until I was happy on my tall card then adhered it.  I trimmed the excess paper away along the card edges with scissors.

I created an accent with a deep teal 1.75" circle topped with a yellow card die cut.  The circle punched and the star die cut with the Stampin Up Star Thinlit set from deep golden yellow card stock.  This was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

The greeting was color printed and punched with the Stampin Up Modern Label punch.  It was adhered with 3D foam tape aligned in the top right hand corner.

I started with a red card base in the wide (landscape) orientation.

I chose designer paper - Aspen Frost by BasicGrey which was trimmed to 4" by 5.25" then cut with the Stampin Up Sunburst Thinlit.  I adhered it to the card front aligned along the edges leaving a small border.

I created an accent with a large 2" circle punchie in white, a medium teal circle punch measuring 1.75", a large white silk flower, a smaller red flower with a teal brad.  It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape. 

These layouts are very versatile as they work in both orientations and a greeting can easily be added to either.  I included SU Modern Label punchie greetings in this kit with 3D foam tape to adhere them.

R2Go All Occasion Card Kit - Set 8

I made a couple more Ready 2 Go All Occasion Card Kits today.

This card started with a navy blue card base set in the tall orientation.

I chose designer paper Color Ways Sapphire Collection by Paper House. I trimmed it to 4" by 5.25" and then cut it with the Stampin Up Sunburst Thinlit die.  I adhered it to the card front aligning all edges leaving a small border.

I created an accent with a 2" white circle punchie then a blue 1.75" punchie.  I added a large white silk flower, then a smaller blue one.  I aligned them on the circle and used a push pin to create the hole for the brad.  I placed the silk flowers on the brad and pushed the prongs through the hole and spread them apart on the back of the circle.  This was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

I generally include cards in a stack kit which would work for the guys in our lives.

I started with a Soft Suede colored card base.  I added a layer of gorgeous designer paper but I can't find the credit now.  I trimmed it to 4" by 5.25" then angled it on the card front until I was happy.  I adhered it with double sided tape and then trimmed it to the card edges with scissors.

I added a Tim Holtz Old Jalopy die cut in dark brown card stock.  It was cut with the Movers & Shapers set.  It was adhered with 3D foam tape.

The greeting was printed and then punched with the Stampin Up Modern Label punch.  It was adhered with 3D foam tape as well.   

These layouts are very versatile as they work in both orientations and a greeting can easily be added to either.  I included SU Modern Label punchie greetings in this kit with 3D foam tape to adhere them.

Thank You Cards - Prism Trees

Playing around with layouts, designs and card stock colors for these prism trees. 

This one I placed them close together rather than symmetrical.   I changed the stars as well for some large silver brads. 

The snow bank was ripped and adhered over the trunks and them trimmed to the bottom edge of the card.

I added a circle greeting to the top right hand corner.

I added a Thanks word window greeting to this one and it's going into the box.

Cards to Gallery - Decorative Paper

This decorative paper which I made a while back was so bold I chose to use a small amount of it.

I punched squares with my Creative Memories Double Square Punch with the smaller one.  I punched black squares with the larger one. Coordinated size punches makes this design easy to make. I used a corner rounder punch on 2 of the corners then placed one of the square corners in the center.

I printed the white layer with the guidelines for the squares and the french greeting on the right.  Once the squares were adhered I glued it to the front of a blue card.

I added small brads in the bottom right hand square.

 I chose a piece of decorative paper with minimal color.  I coordinated the flower die cut in purple tones.  It was cut with the Sizzix Daisy #4 die. 

I adhered the decorative paper to a deep purple card base.  I tacked down the daisy with the stem framing this bright splatter on the right.

I made a hole in the center of the daisy with a push pin. I stacked the flowers starting with the silver flower sequin and ending with the large white on then placed them on the tiny white brad. I placed the prongs of the brad through and spread the prongs apart on the inside of the card.


Great all occasion card.

I started with this great decorative paper in yellow and green tones. 

I chose a bright yellow card. I trimmed the paper to leave a small border, wrapped a piece of celery green grosgrain ribbon across the top and taped the ends to the back.
I then glued it to the card front.

I added 3 yellow brads on the ribbon on the left hand side. I added a yellow bee accent on the right and used a black marker to create a trail across the card.

Blank Card Set

I made a set of cards for my aunt.  A funeral is a time where friends, service personnel and family are pitching in to make the arrangements.  Having cards handy makes it easy to express appreciation for the help.

In this set of cards I used a grey green card bases with a subtle floral designer paper in shades of green and grey.  The ribbon I used is called Knitting Ribbon.  It is beautiful soft ribbon about 3/8 inch wide. Love it.

I have use Prima Handmade Paper flowers as well with coordinating brads.

The flowers were peach, green, and shades of pink.  I have created a variety of designs with the flowers.

The other card has heart punchies in pink and white with small plastic pink flowers held in place with Bling Zots.

The Craft Kingdom - Project 1 - Geometric Painting

This is my first project from the book - The Craft Kingdom.  Check out my first post.  Find a link to the book here.


I hope that you are inspired to do art today. Check out the book at your local book store.
 
I chose Geometric Painting on page 14 of the book.



















You will see that I chose a second hand canvas.  Many of these are showing up at thrift stores now that painting nights have been the rage.

I primed the canvas with plain white acrylic paint.   It took 2 coats to cover the previous color.  I made sure that I switched the direction of the brush strokes to make a nice even end result.

I used washi tape left over from previous craft sessions.  You must press the edges of the tape very carefully to ensure the paint does not bleed under it during the painting.  I placed my tape to ensure there was a natural focal point where I will place my flower accent.

I chose acrylic paint in colors that worked with flower accent I had selected.  For painting the smaller spaces I chose a small paint brush.

You will see that I added a few pieces of washi tape as I started painting.

Once the painting was complete I let it dry some before I added the gold.  I had a gold flower in my accent so I decided to add it to the painting too.
I use gold acrylic and spattered it onto the canvas by rubbing an old toothbrush against a old butter knife.

Once spattered I let it dry completely.

Once dry, I removed the tape and revealed the wonderful design.

I created the flower accent with 6 silk flowers held together with a black brad.  The I added a piece of 3D foam tape on the back and adhered it on the focal point I had created.  Remember to sign your art work.

Card Club Kit - Set 2 - Card 1

I chose a yellow card.

I trimmed the blue & white layer to 3.75 x 5.00 inches.  I placed the white flower over the center of the printed flower and used a push pin to create a hole for the brad. I placed the small yellow flower and the 2 white flowers onto the brad then placed the prongs through the hole and spread the prongs apart on the back.  The flower layer was adhered to the card front.

I wrapped a piece of navy cord around the card front and knotted to the right hand side.  Trimmed the ends.

Adhere the greeting to the navy blue label then cut the 3D foam tape in half and place at each end of the label. Remove the release paper and adhere the greeting to the card front in the bottom right hand corner.

Snowflake Wonderland

I chose a background that I printed a long time ago.  It was trimmed to the edge of the border.

I added a large snowflake, a clear snowflake and a silver confetti flower to the center.  I chose a tiny white brad to hold it all together.  I made a hole with a push pin through just the background.  I then adhered that layer to the front of a warm dark blue card. 

Quarter sheet insert added.

Card Making with Seniors - June - Gear Collage

I wanted a card suitable for a guy in this class so I dug out the Tim Holtz Alterations Gadget Gears by Sizzix.

I selected this multicolored polka dot designer paper from Michaels.  I selected 3 colors of card stock for these cards - rust, medium blue and pea green.

I layered quarter sheets of all three colors of card stock and cut them all at once with this original thick die.  Fast.

The greetings were printed to coordinate with the card color on ivory card stock.

I adhered the piece of designer paper from Recollections at Michaels called Disco Ball to the card front.  I assembled the collage of gears which was adhered to the top of the card. I ripped the top and bottom edge of the greeting and placed it at the bottom of the card below the gears.  It is held in place with tiny gold star brads on the left and right of the greeting.

Here's one with the blue card and the greeting put at the top instead.

Card Making with Seniors - April - Measuring Tape

I am making cards with the seniors today.

This is my masculine card for this month. I found a wood background graphic on line.  I then altered it some with photo editing software to make it bolder. I printed it on warm beige card stock.  I was trying to match the measuring tape.  I did apply some color to the background with a pale pencil crayon.  I trimmed it to 4.00 x 5.25 inches.

I cut the paper measuring tape into 6 inch lengths.  I adhered the tape on the diagonal and taped the ends to the back of the background.


I printed greetings onto a kraft card stock and then cut them out with one of the Stampin Up framelits from the Apothecary set.  It was then adhered to the card front with 2 tiny black brads. 

I decided to add a hammer and nails to my sample I put together after the class.  I think that worked out very nicely.

Into card box it goes!

Winter Snowflake Birthday

I made this card for a sister who has a birthday this week. 

I started with one of my large greeting layers.  I adhered it to a brown card.

I added several snowflake punchies.  The punchies are all by Martha Stewart.  I placed the large and small blue ones in the top left hand corner and the others offset from those.

I unified the design with green mini brads which match the color of the greeting.

Christmas Card - DSP Split - BoBunny

This card features the designer paper by BoBunny called Rejoice Collection.

I chose a snowflake and strip to create a DSP split.  The stripe was cut to 3.5x4.00 inches and the snowflake at 1.75x4.00. These were taped together and handled as one piece. 
I placed the chocolate & vanilla grosgrain ribbon across the split and taped the ends to the back.  This layer was then adhered to the front of a Christmas green card.
I cut the snowflake with one of the Marianne Design Creatables - Snowflakes Style 1 dies.  I cut it from cream pearl card stock.  
It was placed over the ribbon and a push pin was used to make the hole for the chocolate brad which holds a red round sequin and the snowflake.

Card Club - June - Floral Metal Accent

I chose the metal accent first.
I then cut a white circle with Spellbinder smooth circles at 2 3/8" just a bit larger than the metal circle. I cut the coordinating scallop circle from pink card stock.  I chose pink ribbon which matched the pink scallop.  I embossed a piece of white card stock with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder. I placed a piece of ribbon across the bottom third of the embossed layer and tape the ends to the back.  I then tied the shorter piece onto it.  This layer was then adhered to the card front.
I then assembled the scallop accent by adhering the white circle to the pink scallop.  I tacked this layer to the card front.  I then used a push pin to make holes for the 3 small brads.  These are blue which matched the card of the card. I pushed the prongs through the holes and spread them apart on the inside of the card.