Up Cycled Cards

A friend asked me to up cycle some commercial cards she received and meant something to her.

This is a sisters' Happy Birthday card.  It was a shaped card so I trimmed the folded edge then trimmed the blue to match the rest of the edges.

I chose a pink card in the half sheet size (5.5 x 8.5 inches) and added a strip of purple textured card stock.  I ripped both sides of the 2 inch strip.  It was adhered to the card front aligned to the left of center.

I then adhered the sisters layer with 3D foam tape aligned along the bottom of the card.

A custom insert was included with purple lettering.

This card is one of my designs which I turned into a wedding card.

I added a light blue card base leaving a small border of color.

I printed a custom insert in light blue lettering to match the card base.

The hearts are Stampin Up Sweet Heart punchies cut from non shed silver glitter. Mounted on a vellum circle.

I added a silver thread across the bottom tied around the embossed layer.

This card is a Christmas card for sending wishes across the miles.  She has received it from family in the Maritimes but next year she will no doubt be mailing back to Alberta with Christmas wishes. 

She is moving to be close to her son in Nova Scotia.

I love the little rabbit reaching to post his card in the mail box.

I trimmed the original card a bit and adhered it to the front of a red card to coordinate with the letters.

I added a custom insert in this card to go with the sentiment started on the front of the card.

This card spoke to me of the Maritimes.  It was in my stash so I up cycled it for my friend.

The gulls are waiting for lunch as the fishermen arrive from the sea with the boats loaded with fish.  Bound to be some tasty bits for them.

I chose a blue layer to place behind the trimmed card.

I chose a kraft colored card and added a narrow grosgrain ribbon across the top.  I then adhered the boat layer to the card front with double sided tape. 

Countdown Calendars - Wedding & Baby

I created these wonderful countdown calendars for 2 very special occasions!  Wedding and Baby.  They feature an elegant beveled glass and metal 4x6 photo frame in turquoise.

The image was downloaded from Pixabay.  I warmed up the image to work with the turquoise of the frame.  It is printed to 4x6 and placed behind the gorgeous beveled glass of this photo frame.  The top edge is snugged down and a screw on the back keeps it in place.  Love the bird at the top which gives it a bit of whimsy

The number is written onto the glass with a dry erase marker and erased as often as you like.  Great that the marker comes with an eraser.







The baby elephant graphic again comes from Pixabay.  I adjusted the color in the image to match the turquoise frame.  

This would look great in a baby`s room. 

The great thing is that the photo does not have to be moved to change the number. 

A great gifts for a engaged couple or one expecting a baby in 2018.

Cards to the Gallery

My reception at the Gallery last night went really well. Several friends dropped by to check out the art.

With brisk sales I was in need of more cards to keep my display full.

I have added a title to the card front as many people asked me the names of the birds and flowers.

Here is my Black Capped Chickadee on heavy white card stock.



I love the various colors in Cosmos flowers.  I captured this one at the Legislative Grounds this summer.  It's great to have another in the background that repeats the punch of pink.










Here's that cute little Barn Swallow with his great colors.  This was taken at the John Poole Wetlands at the Lois Hole Provincial Park near St. Albert.

I sold the wedding card I delivered on Tuesday so I whipped up another based on this lovely image of a wedding couple available at EDigg Clipart.

Printed in black on vellum and clear embossed.  I chose a piece of bubble decorative paper.  I love how his side is more a masculine color and hers is lovely blue lavender.  The paper was cut to leave a small border of the warm blue card.  The vellum was trimmed a bit more and is held in place with 4 tiny white brads.

These are off to the gallery this morning.

I am bringing 2 Nature Photo Calendars and 1 Teddy Bear Calendar as well. 

Wedding Shower - Thank Yous & Card

I attended a wedding shower today. I made a set of 24 thank you notes for the bride to be. 
Her colors were blush and navy blue so I chose those for the project.
I created the blush paper by brushing Tim Holtz Tattered Rose Distress Stain onto white pearl card stock.  The sheets were left to dry over night.  I was glad to see that the sheets were back to being flat in the morning.
I made the blush hearts with the Stampin Up! Sweetheart punch.  I was able to get 10 from a strip of card stock 2 inches x 11 inches.  I alternated the bumps to make efficient use of the paper.
The ivory cards have a gold foil greeting the center.  I used the SU Modern Label digital stamp to create the label around the words.  The dots are from the Lemonade Stand digital stamp set.  I printed the label and the dots in Night of Navy.  I adhered the hearts with double sided tape. 

I made a card for the couple.  I chose an ivory textured card stock for the card.  I chose the label from the Everything Eleanor digital stamp set.  I colored it with Night of Navy. 
The sentiment is also in the same dark blue.  I mounted another set of blush hearts in the center of the label. One is mounted with 3D foam tape to allow the other to easily be adhered behind it.
The shower was well attended and the gift table was overflowing with lovely things to get this couple started in their life together.

Decorative Paper - Set 2

I delivered cards to the gallery today.
This card features the Memory Box Jumbled Happy Birthday greeting cut from silver foil card stock.  I chose a blue card which worked well this decorative paper made with ink applied to photo paper with a foam brush. It was glued to the card front leaving a small border. I adhered the greeting on the bottom third of the card with Quick Dry Adhesive by Scotch.  I punched 2 holes with the Stampin Up slot punch and pulled a piece of silver metallic ribbon through and knotted it.

On this wedding card I used some paper made with the Bubble Technique.  It was trimmed to leave a small border of the card showing.
It was in the purple lavender color range so I found a purple card that would work well with the paper.
I printed the clip art wedding couple from EDigg Clipart in black on vellum then clear embossed the image and greeting.  I trimmed the vellum to be smaller than the bubble paper.
I tacked the bubble paper to the card front then placed the vellum in place and held all in place with 4 tiny white brads in each corner.  I used a push pin to create holes for the brad prongs then spread them apart on the inside of the card.

This card features decorative paper made by brushing acrylic paint onto white card stock.  It creates a nice matte finish.
I punched the one edge of the purple and the white card stock strips twith the Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch.  I adhered the white one on to the right edge of the purple one.  I placed turquoise grosgrain ribbon on the right and white on the left.  This layer was adhered to a turquoise card.
I stamped the Stampin Up Triple Treat Flower stamp onto white with Tempting Turquoise. I punched the Five Petal Flower punch from the same decorative paper.  These were layered and I added a TT button in the centre held in place with a Zot.
I created a bit of dimension with some white cotton thread which was adhered to the accent.  The accent was then adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.
Great card for any occasion.

Friday's Hunt 1.26

I'm joining Teresa at Eden Hills with her Friday's Hunt challenge this week.

Prompts are:
- Starts with Z
- Week's Favorite
- Today

Starts with Z:
I start with a photo I took of one of the zebras at the zoo.  He was eyeing me very carefully but he stayed still and I got a good shot.

Week's Favorite: 

This is a shot of the drapes on the windows at the wedding reception.  The color was a really nice blue which made me think of water.  The fabric was shiny which created wonderful highlights.  It will make a great background or texture picture on future projects.

Today:

Here's a shot of the wedding cake at the reception I attended. The bride's favorite color is purple.  I understand the gal who made the cake is just starting out.  The cake was delicious and she did a great job of decorating!

Wedding Gift Frame

I created this frame as a wedding gift.  I started with a 7" black matte metal frame of good quality.  I painted a gradient watercolor background with FW Acrylic Artist Ink in 437 Purple Lake.  I added some Dr. Ph. Martin's Irridescent Silver Calligraphy ink.  These were painted onto a piece of watercolor paper. While I was at it, I applied some of these inks to a piece of textured card stock as I anticipated hearts for this project.
Once dry, I laid out the words in coordinating colors & fonts and printed it onto the background.  It contains the bride & groom's names and the date of the wedding.  I punched a heart from the textured card stock with the Stampin Up Sweetheart punch.  I punched another heart from silver non shed glitter paper.  This was all designed to fit in the 3x3 inch square opening in the middle of the 7 inch white mat.   I mounted the purple heart with 3D foam tape and the glitter one behind it.  I placed credits on purple card stock and inserted it at the back of the frame.  The glass was cleaned on both sides, the pieces were layered and inserted into the frame.

Wedding Card - Purple Hearts

I made this card for the wedding today. 

I used a piece of spatter ink background paper I made when working on the gift for this couple.  This was cut leaving a border and adhered to a coordinating purple card. 
I wrapped a piece of 7/8 inch white grosgrain ribbon across the bottom third of the card.  I pulled it through a slit in the fold and brought the other end to the inside of the card and tape down the ends. 
I cut the sentiment from the same purple card stock as the card with one of the Tattered Lace Vertical Sentiment thin dies.  I layered it onto a piece of non shed silver glitter card stock leaving a tiny edge.  I added 3 silver tiny brads to hold the purple to the silver.  This was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape aligned along the left hand side.
I punched textured card stock painted with the purple and iridescent inks with the Stampin Up Sweetheart punch.  These were adhered to the card front to the right side of the greeting.
I added silver bling rhinestones along the ribbon on the right hand side.

Decorative Paper - Card Set 2

This decorative paper was done with liquid acrylic paint applied to a piece of acrylic board. I then picked it up with a 4x6 photo paper.  This features a warm yellow with deep blue and where they merged a deep green.  I trimmed the decorative paper to leave a small border.  I adhered it to the front of a dark green card.  The greeting was color printed in navy on vellum and clear embossed.  It was trimmed and placed in the bottom third of the card and held in place with tiny navy brads.  I added green sequins onto the brads then added a few more held in place with Bling Zots.





This card features letterpress decorative paper in pink and navy.  I added a piece of navy crisp ribbon across the bottom third of the card.  I added a white and blue silk flowers and a white sequin all held in place with a tiny navy brad.  This accent was placed on the right hand side and is offset with a scallop oval greeting in the top left corner.

This paper was created with watercolor onto heavy bond paper.  It features teal and purple colors in a very diluted colors.  I cut the paper to leave a small border. I ripped the top and bottom edges of the vellum greeting.  I placed the heart to the left then put adhesive under it and added it to the card front. I cut the wedding couple with the Cricut and the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge.  It was cut at 4 inches with the silhouette option.  I cut it from brushed white card stock.  I used quick dry adhesive applied with a very narrow tip to get the glue only where I wanted. it.

25th Wedding Anniversary Card

Here's the card I made for the happy couple celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

I started with a grey card which supports the silver theme.  I then embossed a white layer with the Cuttlebug DeVine Swirl folder.  Trimmed the piece to leave a small border.  I added a greeting that I used in this class.  It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.  I punched the 2 hearts from silver foil adhesive with the Stampin Up Sweetheart punch.  The numbers 25 was cut with the GoGoBoots sizzlet set.  These were adhered to the card front above the sentiment.

Wedding in the Pines

We had a family wedding on the weekend.  It was a wedding in the pines in the great outdoors. We had great weather and it went really well.  I'm very happy with the family photos I got taken in the pines.  It was good see most of my family, aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews.  We had delicious Ukrainian food for supper.

More Cards from Decorative Paper

Here`s a card made with acrylic paint paper in purple and pink.  It was just brushed onto heavy weight paper with a paint brush.  I tried to mix the colors where they intersected.  It`s bright paper.
I selected a purple card that coordinated.  I cut the piece of decorative paper to leave a small border of card color.  I printed the black small letters onto a quarter sheet of white card stock with registration marks to align when I die cut.  Once, printed I aligned the marks with the edges of the Sizzix Happy Phrase die and cut the word Happy.  I trimmed the white greeting layer to 3.75 x 5.25 inches and used a corner punch on all corners to add a bit of interest.  I glued the decorative paper to the card and then applied 3D foam tape to quite few areas on the greeting to keep the pieces in place.  The middle pieces in the H the middle piece in the Y.  I then added the holes for the a and the ps with 3D foam tape as well.  It`s a bit tedious but I like the effect.  I added 3 purple sequins in the top right hand corner for a bit of bling.  These are held in place with Zots.

I made a couple of baby cards with a onesie cut with the Cricut machine and the Wrap It Up cartridge.  I cut them at 2.25 inches from white card stock. I cut the acrylic paint paste paper to leave a small border of navy card.  I added a piece of white lace into which I strung a piece of dark blue 1/8 inche satin ribbon.  The ends were tucked behind the decorative paper and taped down.  This layer was then adhered to the card front.  I added a shorter piece of ribbon in the bottom right hand corner tied in a knot onto the piece in the lace.  I added a knot bow onto the onesie which is held in place with a Zot. 

I made a similar card with pink acrylic paint paper. This time I chose the landscape orientation to change it up a bit.  I cut a piece of white card stock and embossed it with the De`vine Swirls folder from Cuttlebug.  I added a piece of link pink satin ribbon wrapped over it with the ends taped to the back.  This layer was then adhered to the card front. I added a shorter length of the same ribbon and tied it in a knot on the longer piece and trimmed the ends.  I added a knot bow again to the onesie.

I selected the masculine decorative paper I had used earlier and paired it up with a bright green card which worked well.  I printed a leaf trio graphic which I designed myself in brown on ivory card stock.  I layered it with the same card stock as the card.  I added an accent strip across the bottom 1/3 of the card.  I laid a piece of gold card stock onto a strip of the card green card stock. The decorative paper does have gold accent which don`t show up well in the photo. Trimmed the ends to the card edges.  I mounted the leaf accent with 3D foam tape over the accent strip.

I made a wedding card with some simple decorative paper.  I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze - Sugar Cane is the color.  I spattered it onto white card stock with a spatter tool.  I keep some of the glaze in it`s original consistency then for the larger dots I thinned it with water and spattered again.  Once dry and ironed flat I printed a black frame onto it.  I cut the wedding couple with the Cricut and the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge.  It was cut at 4 inches with the silhouette option.  I cut it from brushed gold card stock which matched well the Glimmer Glaze.  I placed 2 small heart punchies in the top right hand corner to balance the couple in the frame.  I glued the decorative layer to the front of a black card.  Really happy with this one!

I started with this blue purple acrylic paper.  I paired it with a turquoise card.  I trimmed the decorative paper to leave a small border.  I cut the Memory Box Thanks die from the decorative paper then glued a piece of purple card stock behind it and glued the holes back into the a and k. I adhered the decorative paper to the card front. I cut a border of ovals from the same purple card stock with a thin die that I bought second hand so I don't know the maker.  Do you? Leave me a comment. I tied a bow from white seam binding around the 2 ovals in the center of the border.  I then adhered the border to the top third of the card.

Card Club - May - Handmade Paper Flower

I had a request from some of the girls for wedding cards so this what I made.  I found a frame on CLKER which I modified. I made it a medium grey color and printed directly onto the card.  I then adhered a white doily inside the frame and trimmed the rest off below the greeting.  I adhered a handmade paper flower accent I purchased to the center of the doily.  I printed a greeting in the same color as the frame. It was trimmed close the the border with scissors. It was large and stretched across the width of the card.  It was adhered to the card with 4 pieces of 3D foam tape.

It turned out well.

I had flowers in other colors like green, turquoise, pink, peach.

50th Wedding Anniversary Invites

I completed the order for these wedding anniversary invitations today.  The request was yellow with a bit of turquoise and 50 should be included.
I started with a yellow card.  I embossed a white layer cut to 4 x 5.25 inches with the Cuttlebug Juli's Garden folder.  I pull a piece of turquoise ribbon with a silver accent across this layer and taped the ends to the back.  This was then adhered to the card front.  The scallop accent was created with a Stampin Up Scallop circle punch in the same yellow as the card, then a 1 3/8" circle punch, then a 1.25" punch with the 50 color printed on it with a yellow circle.  I then added a rhinestone heart over the 50. This accent was adhered over the ribbon with 3D foam tape. The insert was customized with the invitation information.

50th Wedding Anniversary Sample2

Here's the next sample I put together.

I started with a Stampin Up Whisper White card.  I cut a quarter sheet piece of Daffodil Delight yellow to leave a small border and stamped it with the Soft Swirls background stamp with Summer Sun ink.  I wrapped the Tempting Turquoise ribbon across the yellow layer and it was adhered to the card front. I cut the Deco Label framelit in white, then one from the Beyond the Garden DSP in DD and WW. I created a circle accent with the Number It stamp set in TT.  I mounted the larger white one behind the ribbon. The yellow Deco Label diecut and circle accent is mounted over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.

50th Wedding Anniversary Card Sample1

I was asked to design and create invitations for a 50th Wedding Anniversary.  I put together 3 ideas, I am presenting here 2 of the options I put together.

The request was to have a mainly yellow card with a bit of turquoise. I printed one of my alcohol ink backgrounds from the other day onto a golden yellow card.  I placed a skinny border all the way around.  I added yellow grosgrain ribbon across the card front layered onto a teal card stock strip which coordinated well with the background.  I added a floral accent which included a silk white flower, a golden yellow silk, then a small handmade paper teal one held in place with a tiny white brad.  The sentiment was printed in the left hand bottom corner in teal.

Card Club - Jan - Wedding Hearts Trifold

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




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

Card - Wedding - White on White

I made this card for my nephew's wedding.
I decided on a white on white design.  I started with a white card. I cut a SU Oval Accent die cut.  Since it is really too big for an A2 card and I couldn't emboss it completely with the Cuttlebug Victorian folder I decided to trim it to the size I could emboss it.  I left a tab on the top to fold over to the inside of the card.  I then printed the sentiment on white card stock in Taken with Teal.  I cut it with one of the Framelits from the Apothecary set from Stampin Up! I added small iridescent flower sequins to the top and bottom bumps then mounted to the card front with 3D foam tape.

Card - Wedding Card

I made this card for a Wedding Card Challenge.  I started with the designer paper and found some taupe card stock to coordinate.  I cut the hearts with the Sizzix Tipsy Heart die in pearl white and taupe.  I glued a piece of DP to the top of the card then cut a scallop border a Die-namics Die.   I added a length of white satin ribbon across the join between the two.  I placed bling on each scallop and one on the heart.

Cards - Wedding

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!