Challenge - Grid

I made this card for a home card challenge at CST.  The challenge was grid or inchies.  I have started with a turquoise card and I added a 3.75" square of black card stock.  I added small 1" white squares to create the grid.  I added small handmade paper cards in turquoise and yellow.  The blue on the white squares held with tiny white brads.  The yellow in the black squares held in place with black brads.  I stamped the greeting in Onyx Versafine ink with a clear stamp.

Card - Baby Girl

It's been a long time since I made baby cards.  These are for a little girl born recently whose parents have been affected by the flooding in southern Alberta.  I made them so they can be used for announcements, thank yous or other purposes as the mom sees fit.
I started with the baby carriage image from Antique Images. I found designer paper in my stash that worked well with the carriage. I printed some images on white card stock, trimmed down to squares and punched the corners.  I brushed the edges with chalk.  I put a piece of pink grosgrain ribbon across the DP and taped the ends to the back.  Then taped it to the white card front.  I mounted the carriage image to the card front with 3D foam tape.  I added 2 silk flowers held in place with a tiny white brad.  a white card. 

R2G Card Kit - Large Snowflake

I am working on card kits again, Christmas cards this time.  I started with a Real Red card with a top fold.  I aligned my pieces and glued down the greeting first because it goes under the DSP.  The greeting was stamped in Garden Green on white with the SU Sincere Salutations set and punched with the Decorative Label punch. Then I glued down the 4" square of Stampin Up Merry Moments DSP. I added a length of white 1/4" ribbon across the card and taped the ends to the inside of the card.  I cut a SU Large Snowflake in white cardstock and then the smallest from the SU Snow Flurry Bigz die in white as well.  These are held in place with a green mini brad through a hole made with a push pin.

Card - School

I made this card because I misunderstood the theme for a challenge so here it is!  I thought the card should have a ruler so I made one from some striped paper and glued it to the bottom of the card. I added my own numbers with black marker.  I printed some letters in the background on the actual red card in black.  I die cut a blue pencil with a yellow Sizzix die then cut another in white and trimmed those pieces off and glued them onto the blue one.  I created the stack of books with my round punch on both ends.  I wrapped the yellow string around them and tied a knot.  It makes a nice colorful card so I'm happy and I will head back to the challenge.

Challenge - Make your own background

I made this card for Sparkles - Weekly Christmas Card Challenge - Make your own background. 
I created my own background on the green card with a snowflakes True Type font called Faux Snow BRK.  They were printed on the card with Certainly Celery.  I placed a snowbank on the card which was cut with my Creative Memories Wavy Cutter. I then added the sleigh sticker by Martha Stewart.The gifts stickers were separate so I applied them to the card first then the sleigh on top.  I stamped the Peace greeting with an old foam stamp set and gold embossed it.  I punched it out with the Stampin Up! Decorative Label Punch.  It is mounted to the card with 3D foam tape. 

Card - Versatile Sketch

Here's another card with the sketch I used earlier.  Check out the other cards I've made, the Christmas one and the feminine one.I wanted to make a masculine card with the same sketch.
I started with the die cut made with the Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die.  I cut the designer card stock to just under 3.5" and ran it through the Big Shot which eliminated the second notch.  I cut a circle that matched the top with a Spellbinder Nestabilities in white.  I found a greeting in my stash and trimmed it to fit along bottom of the die cut. I brushed the edges with a navy ink pad. I added a length of navy seam binding wrapped between the circle and the greeting and tied in a knot with the ends trimmed.  I added a navy star cut with a Sizzix die in the middle of the circle with small kraft star all held in place with a navy star brad. This was mounted on a kraft card which had a layer of navy gingham designer paper adhered to it leaving a small border.

Card - System Admin Day

Did you know there's a System Admin Appreciation Day?  There is and it's today! Having spent 10 years in this industry as a development analyst I understand the demands. I made this card for the guy in office who provides IT support.  I think it's important to say how much we appreciate what others do. 
I certainly did not have a stamp that would do the trick for this one so I found an image on line which I thought would do the trick.  I color printed it then cut it with the Spellbinder Nestabilities Label One.  I cut the next size in a golden yellow card stock that coordinated with the background of the image.  I brushed the edges with my Night of Navy ink pad. I glued the larger layer onto a warm navy card and then mounted the computer image onto that with 3D foam tape.  I color printed the greeting on white and flagged the ends. Adhered this below the central image. 

Card - Same Sketch

I used the same sketch as this card but this time it's not a Christmas card.
I started with the die cut made with the Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die.  I cut the designer card stock to just under 3.5" and ran it through the Big Shot which eliminated the second notch.  I cut a circle that matched the top with a Spellbinder Nestabilities in white.  I found a greeting in my stash and trimmed it to fit along bottom of the die cut.  I added a length of white seam binding wrapped between the circle and the greeting and tied in a knot with the ends trimmed.  I added a white flower cut with the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die in the middle of the circle with small white flower all held in place with a blue mini brad.  This was mounted on a white card which had a layer of silver paper adhered to it leaving a small border.

Card - Sympathy - Old Tree

Attended another memorial service today for a friend who past way too soon.  Pam I will miss you.

I color printed the large oak tree with the my large sentiment I designed a while back.  I then trimmed the card stock to leave a border and mounted it on a coordinating green card.

Art - Desk Dish

This crystal dish was given to me and I`ve been thinking about about how to fill it.  I found this vase filler in the great colors of turquoise, red and white. There were pods, balls, and nuts along with this great butterfly.  I place a candle insert on the top of the big stuff I placed on the bottom.  I filled the surrounding area with some glass beads in similar colors. I placed a red electric tea light candle in the holder. I can still put the lid on and take it off when I want the light on. I`m really happy with how it turned out.

Card - Christmas Card - Poinsettia

I started designing Christmas cards for my fall classes. I'm not sure whether this will make the cut but it's a start.
I started with the die cut made with the Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die.  I cut the designer card stock to just under 3.5" and ran it through the Big Shot which eliminated the second notch.  I cut a circle that matched the top with a Spellbinder Nestabilities in white.  I found a greeting in my stash and trimmed it to fit along bottom of the die cut.  I added a length of white seam binding wrapped between the circle and the greeting and tied in a knot with the ends trimmed.  I added a red velvet poinsettia in the middle of the circle with small white flower all held in place with a green mini brad. This was mounted on a white card which had a layer of silver textured paper adhered to it leaving a small border.

Cards - Nifty Notes 2

Here's the other 2 sets of the note cards I made over the weekend to help me fill some smaller envelopes I had.  These are too small to mail so they would work best when you need a card to give someone personally or to include in a gift or parcel.  These are the Sewing and Encouraging sets.  I know a lot of quilters who would appreciate being able to give a card with their interests expressed on the front.  The vintage images are from Graphics Fairy.  Check out Karen's collection of images from old books.

The other set is designed to give to those we know who are going through a tough time and need to know that someone is thinking about them and they are not alone.  These are designed with my own photos.  These have been placed on my Ready 2 Give tab.

Cards - Nifty Notes

I made some note cards over the weekend.  I had some smaller envelopes I wanted to fill so I decided to work up some cards which would fit.  They are too small to mail so they would work great for notes you can give to the person personally or include in a parcel or gift.  I chose 4 areas of subject matter - Birds, masculine, sewing and encouragement.  The ones pictured here are birds and masculine.  The vintage images are from the Graphics Fairy.  Karen has some great images from very old books. I'm calling them Nifty Notes and you can find them on my Ready 2 Give tab.

Cool Tool - CD Rack Thin Die Storage

I've been storing my thin dies in the thicker original CD cases for a while but now I have a collection of cases. What to do? See this post on Thin Die Storage.  My niece gave me some of these cases ready to go last Christmas.  What a great idea!

The challenge is to have the CDs easily accessible and find the one I need quickly.  Now I have them all organized and labeled on the top.  I can just pull out a bit and read the label.  I'm really happy with this storage solution.

Card - Challenge - Christmas Outdoors and Embossing

I started with the embossed church which I did with the Crafts Too - Winter Village folder on white card stock.  I then used the Tim Holtz Distress Stain Tumbled Glass and rubbed it lightly over the embossed parts. I felt it needed a bit more definition so I added some black chalk over the edges.  I layered this onto a black layer leaving a small border.  Then layered onto a light grey card.  I added a very sparkly snowflake which contrasts well with the matte look of the embossing.  I got the snowflake from a fellow card maker so I don't know the maker.  I stamped the Stampin Up! greeting on white with Tempting Turquoise ink, I think it matched the Tumbled Glass pretty well. I then embossed that piece and ripped it along the snow bank line.  This layer was added to the card front with 3D foam tape. 
I made this card for a couple of challenges. Holly Jolly Christmas Outdoors and Sparkles Embossing.

Card - Challenge - Kraft and Turquoise

I made this card for the challenge at Christmas Stamping All Year Long which is kraft and another color.  I chose turquoise for the card then added a kraft embossed layer embossed with the Sizzix Textured Impressions Folders Sugar & Starry Night By Basic Grey folder.  I cut an ornament with a Cuttlebug die.  I added a star burst in kraft cut with a Sizzix die and a Martha Stewart snowflake punch in turquoise.  I added stamped greeting in turquoise on kraft layered with another punched Stampin Up ! Modern Label punchie. The ornament and the greeting are adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.  I added a neutral metallic ribbon in the ornament hanger.

Refurbished Cards

We all receive a wonderful array of cards from family and friends including card makers through card exchanges etc.  What to do with them?  My box was overflowing and something had to be done.  I refurbished many cards over the weekend. I added inserts and new envelopes. Cleared out a corner of the craft room.   They are on their way to a seniors center where they will have another life. I'm really happy!

Card - Sunburst Two - Scrap Buster

Here's my second Sunburst card.  I'm really happy with it.  I chose to put the focal point in the center this time which means rays all the way around.  I should have adjusted my paper strips to 3" x 1" but this worked out pretty well. Live and learn.  Here's a link to Frances' great tutorial for this technique.
I cut my paper strips then cut them diagonally from corner to corner giving me triangles.  I kept my designer paper in the yellow and pink colors.  I cut my piece of card stock for holding the sunburst at 4x5.25 inches.  I think its best to start with a bit bigger and trim it later.  Layout your triangles before you start gluing so you can balance color and texture. I marked my focal point.  I started at the top and then just placed each right next to to the other.  Do your best to keep your points on it but don't sweat it too much because it will be covered.  I used snail adhesive because the excess rolls off very nicely with your adhesive eraser.  Once I had glued all my triangles then I turned over the piece of card stock and trimmed off the designer paper to the edge of the rectangle.  I decided to add a black layer so I trimmed my sunburst a bit more.  I added the pink grosgrain ribbon across the center covering the focal point and taped the ends to the back. This layer was glued to the black layer then glued to the card front.  I stamped the birthday cake in black with a small clear stamp on yellow card stock then punched it out with the Stampin Up! Artisan Label punch.  I highlighted the edges by running a black marker along the edges. It was mounted over the focal point and over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.  I did the same to the greeting punched with the SU! Word Window punch. I mounted it in the bottom right hand corner. This is definitely a scrap buster technique. Love it!

Card - Sunburst

I've been wanting to make a Sunburst / Sunray card but I was at a bit of a loss has to how to proceed.  Math is not my strength. After looking at a lot of cards on line, I finally found this tutorial by Frances which was exactly what I was looking for. This method allows you to put your focal point any where you want.
To make an A2 card I cut 6 pieces of designer paper into pieces measuring 4.5"x1.5".  This piece is then cut diagonally corner to corner.   Once done I had 12 triangle pieces. I cut a piece of white card stock to 4"x5.25".  I marked my focal point. Start with the center one then lay out the rest before you start to glue.  Glue each one right next to the other and they will go over the edges and corners of the rectangle.  I chose to stop at the 2/3 point. Turn the piece over and trim the designer paper to the edge of the card stock.  I cut a strip of card stock same as the card which I embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder. I glued it over the focal point and trimmed the right and left edges to the rectangle. This layer was trimmed a little to allow for a golden yellow layer then added to a blue card.  I stamped the greeting with Stampin Up! Sincere Salutations in blue ink.  I added a blue button with yellow thread tied to it with a Zot to the focal point over the blue strip.

Challenge - Color Combo - Green Black Peach

I created this card for the challenge at CST which is a color combo.  I chose Peach, Green, Black from the 6 options.
I started with a green card onto which I added a black layer leaving a small border.  I chose a peach colored layer which I embossed with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder. I found a piece of warm colored leaves designer paper which I cut down to 2.5" wide and then I flagged the bottom end.  This was glued to the embossed layer.  I cut a CB oval ribbon slider in the same card stock as the card.  I added a 1" circle greeting which was stamped with Versafine Onyx ink with a small clear stamp then punched out.  I ran the slider onto a piece of 3/8" black grosgrain ribbon which I wrapped around the peach layer and taped the ends to the back. 

Upcycled - Peach Roses

I created a set of 4 cards by upcycling a large card.  I die cut the flowers with a Spellbinder smooth oval die and then cut a scallop oval to match from the coordinating green card stock.  I selected some peach card stock and embossed it with the Big Shot and the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder.  I added a piece of white seam binding across the centre and taped both ends to the back, leaving a bit of slack to allow me to tie the short piece on with a knot.  I mounted the oval rose accent with 3D foam tape.

Challenge - Santa

I made this card for the challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Long which is Santa. I chose to upcycle this old Christmas card because it presents a different view of Santa.  This is a painting by Tom Newman called Santa's Hobby.
I cut the card with the Tim Holtz Ornamental die.  I found a dark green card.  I chose an ivory layer to coordinate with the duck.  I added the ivory layer embossed with the Cuttlebug 5x7 Snowflake folder trimmed to leave a small border. I added a sentiment with the Stampin up! Modern Label and Word Window stamped in Handsome Hunter.  To repeat the ivory  I added a grosgrain ribbon in the top left hand corner held in place with a red star brad to match Santa's sweater.

Challenge - Wordy

I started with a black card. I cut the light blue layer with the SB A2 Matting Basics Nestabilities.  I added a piece of black grosgrain ribbon along the left hand side and taped the ends to the back.  This layer was adhered to the card front.  I cut a piece of taupe card stock with the Spellbinder Romantic Rectangles die.  This layer was added to the card.  I cut a piece of black card stock with a SB smooth oval nestabilities.  The sentiment word was cut with the Stampin Up! Typeset Alphabet Bigz Dies in the card stock as the first layer.  I glued them to the oval with quick dry adhesive.  I glued this to the taupe layer with 3D foam tape.  I added a couple of silk flowers in the top left hand corner held in place with an aqua blue brad to match the first layer and a black butterfly (unknown source) below the flower which was adhered with 3D foam tape.  I'm submitting this card to the Wordy Challenge C4C193 at Crazy 4 Cards.

Challenges - Masculine Hexagons

I started with a white card and I added texture with Vintage Overlay in black and Itty Bitty background in red.  I cut 6 hexagons with a Spellbinder Nestabilities in red, blue and white designer paper.  I placed them in decreasing numbers going to the right.  I added a red Stampin Up! Modern Label with a blue Word Window greeting.  This was added to the card front with 3D foam tape. This is a great scrap buster.
I'm submitting this card for the Come & Get It - Masculine and Crazy 4 Cards - C4C192 Hexagons.

Challenges - Reindeer

I started with a ivory card.  I added the 2 pieces of washi tape on the top left and bottom right and trimmed them at an angle. I colored a chipboard deer with Tim Holtz Fired Brick.  I created a background from script paper from left over cards from a recent project. I found some card stock that coordinated with the red in the washi tape.  I punched it with the new Stampin Up Artisan Label punch.  I added a blue SU Modern Label punchie with a red SU Word Window punchie.  I stamped the sentiment in black with a small clear stamp with a VersaFine ink pad. 
I'm submitting this card in the Holly Jolly - Something New and Clean & Simple FLT247 Sketch.  

How To: Paper Decorating

The creating on the silicone with color then printing onto paper was not my favorite technique. It's possible that my mat not being white made it harder to see what I was creating and therefore I was not as happy with the results. Using glaze instead of acrylic paint affected our end product as well because it's translucent and not opaque.
I ended up liking the printing with a letterpress or an embossing folder the most. This involved mixing the glaze medium and color together then applying to the letterpress/folder with a rubber brayer. Placing the paper onto the silicone mat for a bit of give then turning the letterpress/folder over onto the paper and pressing it down. I used a rolling pin as my brayer was full of color.  It really needs consistent pressure throughout the surface.   You can see that I printed over a layer I had printed and left to dry.  That's the beauty of the process, just keep adding until you are happy with the paper.
In the bottom picture my sister is using a foam brush over a stencil with a couple colors.   The top row is a sample of some of the paper we created this weekend.  It was a good experience and great to spend time with my sister.

Cool Tools - Mono Printing

My sister and I worked on mono printing on the weekend.  I was inspired by the Gelli Plate buzz on the internet.  My first challenge was finding an economical substitute for the the plate.  I found the pink silicone place mat at a discount store.  My sister bought a large non stick mat made for candy making. Our costs were in the $6 range. We set up our tables, spread out the necessary plastic sheet on our work surface, then placed our silicone mats.  The tools we selected were: a rubber brayer, foam brushes, stencils (fun foam and plastic), letterpress plates, embossing folders, texture makers (foam drawer liner, foam shapes, sequin hole ribbon, rubber texture tools) spritz bottles and rags, water and sink for clean up.  We choose clear and colored glaze was our medium.  I added some re-inker to create paper in colors I could match later. 

Long Weekend - Bird Pictures

I was out to visit my sister at her new home. We were out for a walk late one evening and I got these photos.  The light was fading fast and I was being eaten alive by mosquitoes.  This trail is around a small lake and I was very happy with the wide variety of birds I saw. We were out for 1.5 hours including time to take pics.

The next day we headed on a photo trip to Gull Lake and Sylvan Lake.  We found gulls and white pelicans. I finally got a good picture of white pelicans.  These don't have the large bump. During the breeding season, both males and females develop a 3 inch by 3 inch (7.6 by 7.6 cm) bump on the top of their large beak. This conspicuous growth, which evidently indicates the bird's interest in breeding, is shed by the end of the breeding season. 
The day was great and we hit Boston Pizza for supper at the end of the day.
I will quite a few good pictures for my Photo Calendar this year. Check my calendar page for  the 2014 Calendar coming soon.

Christmas Card Challenge - July - Shaped Card

The theme for my Christmas Card Challenge this month is to make a shaped card.  Any shape will do! Mitten, Oval, Tree, Triangle, Bell, Star, Top Note, Heart, Ornament and many more! Pick your favorite. 
I chose ornament. I selected the largest nestie from the Spellbinder 2011Heirloom Ornament set.  I folded my red card in half as usual.  Then I placed the die with the bottom tip of the ornament right next to the open side of the card and the fold was on the hanger at the top and ran it through the Big Shot.  I then cut a silver SB Scallop Oval, then a dark green SB Smooth Oval.  I found my vintage poinsettia at Graphics Fairy.  I sized it to fit the next size of SB Smooth Oval, printed and cut it.  I wrapped a silver ribbon around the front layer at the top, tied a bow and trimmed the ends.  I cut a Cuttlebug tag and stamped my greeting in Handsome Hunter and rubbed the edges with Real Red and Handsome Hunter.  The tag is held in place with a brushed silver brad.
It's the half way point in the year and I have 70 cards made.  I'm happy with my progress which is over half way to where I want to be November 30th.