Getting Started with Spring

Inspiration

I’m tired of winter, aren’t you?  I live in Texas, which has very little true winter weather, but I’m always ready when March rolls around to see spring on the way.  I know it is an early spring here, and I am SO thankful!  We had some 70+ degree weather this week, and trees have started to bloom!  When I sat down to make cards this week, I had quite a case of spring fever, and this is what I came up with.  I wanted to show you both the outside and inside of the card – I tried to keep the spring them going on both.

I used a new “toy” on this one – called “Bow-Easy”(TM).  I picked it up at a stamp show here in Dallas earlier this year from a company called Posi-Bendr; I found that they have an eBay store where you can get one for $6.  It is a very simple little device that lets you tie a beautiful bow every time!

The sketch came from CardMaker magazine, and the color combo is straight off the Stampin’ Up! color wheel. 

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK (all SU!): Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Apricot Appeal, Apricot Appeal DSP, Whisper White

STAMPS (all SU!): Just Like You, A Flower for All Seasons, On Your Birthday

INK (all SU!): Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal

ACCESSORIES: SU! Markers (Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery), COPIC markers (C1, C3, W1), Celadon (#57) 1/4” grosgrain ribbon (The Ribbon Retreat), Large and Small Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots embossing folder (ProvoCraft), Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Horizontal Slot punch (SU!), Bow-Easy(TM) (Posi-Bendr Co.), Adhesive Transfer Gun 714 (Scotch), Rotary trimmer with straight blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of coral cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and score it in the middle at 4/1/4”.

INSIDE LAYER:  Cut a piece of white cardstock to measure 5 1/4” x 4”.  Stamp the image in the lower left corner using black ink, and color with markers.  I used a combination of SU! and COPICS on this one.  Stamp the sentiment in green in the upper right area.

FRONT LAYERS:  Cut these pieces cardstock:

• 1 blush rectangle, 5 1/4” x 4”
• 1 patterned rectangle, 5” x 3 3/4”
• 2 coral rectangles, 3” x 2 1/4”
• 2 white rectangles, 2 3/4” x 2”

Emboss the 2 white rectangles with the Swiss Dots folder and Cuttlebug.  Then rub the Apricot Appeal ink pad lightly over the dots to shade them.

IMAGE LAYERS:  Using the rectangle Nestabilities and the Cuttlebug, cut an apricot piece (3” x 2 3/8”), a blush piece (2 3/4” x 2 1/8”), and a white piece (2 1/4” x 1 3/4”).  Run them through twice: once to cut, and once to emboss.  Using the coral and green markers, ink the flower image, and stamp it on the white rectangle, slightly to the right of center.  Color the open flowers with the apricot marker.  Mount the pieces together (white on blush on apricot), then use the horizontal slot punch to put a hole through all 3 layers.

FINAL CARD ASSEMBLY:  Put the card together in this order:

1. Mount the white inside layer to the inside or the base card
2. Mount 2 layers to the front of the card – the blush, then the patterned paper.
3. Mount the embossed rectangles to the coral.
4. Mounting the ribbon is a little tricky – I attached it under the edge of one coral rectangle, then mounted the coral rectangle on the card.  Then, put adhesive on the back of the ribbon, and string it through the image with the punched slot.  Then, carefully mount the second coral rectangle starting with the left side.  Before you fully mount it, tuck the end of the ribbon around it, then press it down. (I need to perfect a method for this – it took me several tries to get it looking right!)
5. Apply some adhesive to the back of the image stack, and press it down, too.
6. Tie a green ribbon bow using the Bow-Easy(TM) and mount it to the left of the image with a Glue Dot.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Special Birthday

Inspiration

On February 22, my father-in-law, Charles, is turning 80!  29 years ago, Charles took my marriage to his son as the opportunity to add another daughter to his family, and has always done anything and everything for me he could.  He puts his family above all else.  We are all blessed to have had a father like Charles ~ fortunately we all know it! Every year since he turned 75, no one has missed a single birthday for this kind-hearted man.

So, today, in honor of Charles, and his upcoming celebration, I’m posting the birthday card I’ve made for him.

The sketch comes from the Fan Club monthly challenge at Splitcoast Stampers.   I kept the colors masculine, but went for a “party” theme because it’s a great opportunity to celebrate!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Chocolate Chip textured cardstock (SU!), Brocade Blue (SU!), Creamy Caramel (SU!), Very Vanilla (SU!), Brown Fine Stripe patterned paper (DCWV)

STAMPS: Crazy for Cupcakes (SU!)             INK: Chocolate Chip (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Scallop circle punch (SU!), 1 3/8” circle punch (SU!), Balloon punch (McGill), Silhouette digital cutter (QuicKutz), blue satin ribbon (Michaels), tan embroidery floss, COPIC markers (B95, E79, Y17, E55, E33), Lemon glaze pen (SPICA), Gelly Roll Clear Star glaze pen (Sakura), rotary trimmer with straight and scalloped blades (Fiskars), foam mounting squares (Generations), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of dark brown cardstock to measure 12” x 6”, and score it in the middle at 6”.  Cut a piece of patterned cardstock measuring 5 3/4” x 5 3/4”.

HORIZONTAL EMBELLISHMENT: Using the scallop blade on the rotary cutter, cut a strip of dark brown cardstock measuring 5 3/4” x 1 1/2”.  Cut two pieces of blue ribbon, one 6” long, and one 3” long.  Knot the shorter ribbon around the 6” ribbon, then mount it across the middle of the brown cardstock.

Punch a blue scalloped circle, and a brown circle and mount them to the brown strip.

Using the Silhouette, cut out the numerals for the birthday in blue cardstock and mount the in the brown circle.

CUPCAKE EMBELLISHMENT: Cut a 5” blue scalloped circle using the Silhouette.  Trim the circle to reach about 2/3 of the way across the card, and cut the extra from the right side of the circle.  Trim the bottom of the circle, as well, so it will not show below the brown horizontal stripe.

Stamp the cupcake on the vanilla cardstock, and color with the COPIC markers.  Add some sparkle to the flame with the yellow glaze pen, and the icing with the clear glaze pen.  Trim the image leaving a narrow border around the edges.

BALLOON EMBELLISHMENTS: Punch two balloons from the blue paper, and a balloon from the caramel paper.  Separate the embroidery floss into 3 strands, and tie them around each balloon.

FINAL CARD ASSEMBLY:  Put the card together in this order:

1. Mount patterned paper to the base card
2. Adhere the blue circle to the patterned paper
3. Add the horizontal embellishment across the blue circle
4. Add the cupcake in the blue circle using foam mounting squares
5. Mount the balloons in a group using foam mounting squares
6. Stretch the balloon strings to the knot in the blue ribbon, and thread it through the knot using a needle; add a dot of clear glue inside the knot to keep the floss in place

Thanks for stopping by!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!  Thanks to all who stopped by during the countdown to check out my creations, and to all for the kind comments you’ve left during the first 14 days of February.

Today there are TWO projects – a scrapbook page and a card, so this post is a little long.  Hope you enjoy both!

++++++++++++++++++++++CARD+++++++++++++++++++++++

Inspiration  This is the Valentine card I created for my husband.  This technique is called a crimped envelope card, and comes from the technique in the “Weekly Inkling” newsletter from SplitcoastStampers (subscribe).  The directions for the card from their website can be found here. It’s a quick and EASY card that really looks like a lot of effort.  And my DH loved it!

 

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White (SU!), Real Red (SU!)

STAMPS: Always (SU!), Fun Fillers (SU!), I Love You (PSX)            

INK: Basic Black (SU!), Real Red (SU!)

ACCESSORIES:  A2 White envelope, make up sponges, Heart to Heart punch (SU!), Gelly Roll clear star sparkle pen (Sakura), 1 1/4” and 1 3/8” circle punches (SU!), 1/4” red organza ribbon, paper crimper (Fiskars), Adhesive Transfer Gun 714 (Scotch), Clear tape, Rotary trimmer with scalloped and straight blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

STEP 1:  Seal the envelope. Then use the trimmer to cut 1 1/4” from one end of the envelope.  The piece you’ve cut off will become the “lid” of the new envelope.

STEP 2:  Use a make up sponge, and lightly dab black ink around each both parts of the the envelope – it forms kind of a frame around each piece.

Punch some hearts from the red paper.  and outline them with the sparkle pen.

Wrap the ribbon around the lid, and tie it in a knot.  You can anchor it in the back with a piece of clear tape.  Attach the hearts around the knot on the lid.

Stamp the bottom piece all over with the hearts filler stamp in red ink.

STEP 3:  Place the larger piece into the crimping tool with the opening to the side, and crimp. 

Stamp the always sentiment in red ink on white paper, and punch it out with the 1 1/4” punch.  Punch a red circle with the 1 3/8” punch.  Mount the sentiment on the red circle, and the red circle on the lower left of the envelope.

STEP 4:  Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 4 1/4” x 4”.  Create a frame using black ink on the sponge, and stamp the images and sentiments in red ink.

Insert the decorated card into the envelope, and slip the lid on the top.

++++++++++++++++SCRAPBOOK PAGE++++++++++++++++++

Inspiration  Recently, I entered the Spellbinder’s design team contest.  I wasn’t chosen for the team, but I sure had fun designing in some new areas.  I don’t often scrapbook, and one challenge was to create a 12” x 12” layout. 

As I mentioned yesterday, the page I created was inspired as I worked on a Valentine card for a friend who wanted something “over the top” for her husband. The sentiment made me think about the almost 30 years I’ve been married and what a fairytale life we’ve led. I pulled out the photo album, and found 3 pictures from our lifetime together – A kiss from our dating days, our hands together on our wedding day, and a picture at a friend’s wedding about a year ago. I scanned them in, converted them to black and white to match the color theme and this is the result.   I put it in a 12” x 12” scrapbook frame and wrapped it up for him as his special gift.

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: 1 sheet textured Real Red red cardstock (SU!) 12”x 12”, plus a small scrap (2” x 6”); 1 sheet textured Basic Black cardstock (SU!) 12” x 12”; 1 sheet metallic gold cardstock (Wassau) 12” x 12”; 1 sheet Whisper White cardstock (SU!) 8 ½” x 5 ½”; 1 sheet adhesive vellum (Generations)

STAMPS: Full of Life (SU!)                  INK: Basic Black (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Large Scalloped Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Large Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Small Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Large Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Small Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Hearts & Stamps Die (Provo Craft), Hearts Ribbon (Michael’s), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Black and Red markers (Stampin’ Up!), Stamp Positioner (Stamp-a-ma-jig), Word window punch (Stampin’ Up!), Adhesive Transfer Gun 714 (Scotch), DimensionSquares foam mount (Generations), Clear tape, Rotary trimmer with scalloped and straight blades (Fiskars), Computer / Inkjet Printer

PICTURES: Your favorite photos of a couple who are celebrating a happy life together

Instructions

SENTIMENT: Using the Cuttlebug, create the mat layers using the Nestabilities. All three layers are run through the machine twice – first to cut, then to emboss. The black and gold layers are made using the Large Rectangle, and the white layer uses the Small Rectangle die. Mount the layers together using the ATG. Apply black dye ink to the stamp, and stamp it on the stamp positioner clear sheet using the Stamp-a-ma-jig. Clean the stamp; then ink the word “LOVE” using the red dye ink marker, and the remaining words using the black marker. Position the clear sheet with the Stamp-a-ma-jig over the white layer to center the sentiment, then remove the sheet, and stamp the image.

HEARTS: Using the Cuttlebug and the Hearts die, cut a set of hearts from the black, gold and red cardstocks.

PICTURES: Print the photos in black and white on glossy white cardstock. The ones in the sample are printed at 4 ½” x 3”. Using the Cuttlebug, create the mat layers using the Nestabilities. Each mat layer is cut; then embossed. The black mat is made using the Large Scalloped Oval, and the gold mat uses the Large Oval. Using the Small Oval, carefully position the opening to capture the picture to be displayed and use a small piece of clear tape to hold it in place. Run the picture through the Cuttlebug only once to cut it out. Mount the 3 layers together using the ATG.

PICTURE CAPTIONS: Print the words “a Kiss…”, “a Pledge…”, and “a Lifetime.” on the adhesive vellum paper using the inkjet printer, then punch them out using the Word Window punch.

RIBBON: Cut a 1 ½” x 12” strip of the black card stock using the scalloped blade. (Hint: You need to turn the paper around for a second cut to get the scallops on both sides of the strip.) Cut a ¾” x 12” strip of the gold paper using the straight blade. Using the ATG, mount the gold onto the black, centering it carefully. Then mount a 12” strip of the ribbon down the center of the gold strip.

ASSEMBLY: Using the ATG, mount the ribbon stack on the left of the red cardstock sheet, about 1” from the edge. Mount the pictures diagonally down the page, leaving enough space below each one for the caption. Peel the backing from each caption and mount it below each picture. Mount the sentiment in the lower left corner. Using the ATG mount a gold and black heart on the paper, then mount the remaining ones using the foam squares.

+++++++++++++++ COME BACK SOON! ++++++++++++++++

Thanks again for stopping by during the Valentine Countdown!  I’ll be posting once a week until another idea comes up for a lot of cards.  It’s time to think about birthdays and Easter and SPRING – time for more colors that pink, red, brown, and white.

Valentine Countdown: Day 13

Inspiration

As promised, here’s the second “made to order” Valentine.  It is a trifold card, as well, but more traditional in color and message.  When you see my husband’s Valentine gift I post tomorrow, you’ll see that working on this card inspired what I created as a gift for him.  See if you’re inspired, too!

This one is a 5” x 7” card in traditional red, black, and white, and trimmed with gold for a little sparkle.  It’s pretty simple in sentiment and design.

Hope you like it!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Real Red textured (SU!); Mats: metallic gold cardstock (Wassau), and Basic Black textured (SU!); Images: Whisper White

STAMPS: CARD: Love You Much (SU!), Full of Life (SU!), Flourish clear stamp(Inkadinkado)

INK: Basic Black (SU!), Versamark (Tsukineko)

ACCESSORIES: Acrylic block, Detail gold embossing powder (Stampendous), heat gun, Stamp positioner (Stamp-a-ma-jig), Real red and basic black markers (SU!), Heart to Heart punch (SU!), Gold Metallic pen (Uniball Gel Impact), hearts printed ribbon (Michaels), Magnetic Snaps (Basic Grey), Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars), redline double-sided adhesive, ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch).

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of red cardstock to measure 10” x 7”, and score it in the middle at 5”.  Cut a piece of black cardstock measuring 7” x 3”, score it lengthwise down the middle at 1 1/2”.  Fold each card on the score lines, then adhere the black to the red to make a tri-fold card.  Cut a strip of gold cardstock 7” x 1” and mount it the front of the black panel.  Mount the ribbon on top of the gold mat.

FRONT IMAGE: Cut rectangles: gold measuring 3.25” x 3”, black measuring 2.75” x 2.5”, and white 2.5” x 2.5”.  Stamp the image in black ink on the white paper.  Color the letters with the red marker, and the flower with the gold pen.  Punch a heart from gold paper and mount it in the middle of the O.

INSIDE IMAGE: Cut white cardstock measuring 6.75 x 4.75”.  Using the acrylic block and flourish stamp, stamp the flourish in Versamark ink, and emboss it using the gold embossing powder and heat gun. 

Apply black dye ink to the stamp, and stamp it on the stamp positioner clear sheet using the Stamp-a-ma-jig. Clean the stamp; then ink the word “LOVE” using the red dye ink marker, and the remaining words using the black marker. Position the clear sheet with the Stamp-a-ma-jig over the white layer to place the sentiment under the flourish, then remove the sheet, and stamp the image.

Punch hearts from red paper, and adhere them to the flourish.

FINAL CARD ASSEMBLY:  Mount the white sentiment inside the card, and attach the magnets to the inside of the black flap and the front of the card as a closure.  Hint: The adhesive on the back of the magnets was not too strong – I peeled it off and used tiny squares of redline adhesive instead.

Note – a photo would look great on the inside of the front panel as an extra special touch.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back tomorrow for the last, special Valentine in the countdown!

Valentine Countdown: Day 12

Inspiration

One of my favorite creative efforts is “made to order” cards – my customer provides a favorite color or hobby, and I create a card specifically for the recipient. When their eyes widen, and the smile bursts onto their faces, I know I’ve hit the target and that is the greatest reward for me.  Today and tomorrow, I’ll show you a couple of special-order Valentines I made for customers.  On Valentine's Day, I’ll post the creations I’ve made for my husband (I have to hold out until then, so he won’t get a hint!)

This one is a Valentine created for a friend who is a newly-wed (only a few months!).  She asked for something for her husband that used something from the text read at their ceremony.   I designed a card that could be it’s own envelope – it folds over, and is held shut with a small set of magnetic snaps.  But I always like to decorate a matching envelope for such a special day.

My friend sent me two quotations, and I picked out a sentences describing a couple as “two balloons” from a  Richard Bach excerpt (close up of text is below).  I used this heart-shaped balloon stamp, one in each color and drew the strings entwined below them.  The lower panel is blank, so she can add her own special message.

The text is printed from the computer using Microsoft Word 2007.  The text box comes with the pretty brackets, so I used them to create a frame for the quotation.

 

BTW - I realize I’ve shown you lots of cards in pink and brown – I promise tomorrow we go back to RED RED RED!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Very Vanilla (SU!); Trim: Close to Cocoa (SU!)

STAMPS: CARD: Rose (Hero Arts), Sentiment from Holidays & Wishes (SU!), Balloon (Stampendous).  ENVELOPE: Rose (Hero Arts), sentiment from Short & Sweet (SU!)

INK: Pink Pirouette (SU!), Close to Cocoa (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Make up sponges, Threading Water border punch (Fiskars), stitched ribbon (Michaels), Hodgepodge Hardware (SU!), Magnetic Snaps (Basic Grey), Close to Cocoa marker (SU!), Computer, inkjet printer, scissors, Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars), redline double-sided adhesive, ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of vanilla cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 10”, and score it twice – once at 4 1/4” and once at 8 1/2”.  Fold on the score lines to make a tri-fold card.  Use the border punch on the long edge of the top panel of the card.  Using the a make up sponge, rub pink ink around the edges of the top panel in a circular motion to create a soft blush on the card.  Then do the same with brown ink on the lower panel that will be facing forward.

BROWN TRIM: Cut a strip of brown paper measuring 1 1/2” x 5 1/2”.  Adhere the brown strip under the front panel of the base card, leaving a small edge showing beneath the punched scallops.

QUOTATION: Print the quotation on vanilla cardstock, and trim it closely.  Adhere it to a piece of brown cardstock and trim it to show a narrow brown border around the quote.

IMAGES: OUTSIDE: Stamp the sentiment in brown in the lower right corner of the front panel just inside the brown edge.  After inking the rose with brown ink, stamp it once on scrap paper, then stamp it on the top panel.  This “stamp off” technique produces a lighter image than the fully inked stamp.  INSIDE: Stamp a balloon in pink, then one in brown next to one another on the left of the inside panel, leaving space for the quotation to be mounted.  Draw string on the balloons using the brown marker.

FINAL CARD ASSEMBLY: OK!  Slip the hardware buckle onto the ribbon, then adhere the ribbon around outside of the card, about an inch in from the left of the card.  The ribbon I used has a little give to it, so the card still folds easily.  Attach the quotation inside next to the balloons.  Finally attach the magnets to the inside of the top flap and the front of the card as a closure.  Hint: The adhesive on the back of the magnets was not too strong – I peeled it off and used tiny squares of redline adhesive instead.

ENVELOPE  I’m guessing you can see how the envelope was made to match: 1) sponge pink and brown on 2 edges, 2) using the stamp-off technique, add the rose, 3) finish up with the sentiment below the rose.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 11

Inspiration

Pink and brown seem to be an “in” color combo.  This designer paper from Stampin’ Up! really combines them into a pretty design. 

This one has a really elegant effect,but is really simple to make.  Once again, inspiration comes from Splitcoast Stampers – click HERE to see the original.

For my card, I adjusted it to a standard A2 envelope size.  The patterned paper is double sided, so I cut one piece and split it, then mounted the top with one side, and the bottom shows the opposite side.  The remaining elements are different, but the Valentine message of love is the same!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Purely Pomegranate (SU!); Mats: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (SU!); Patterned Mat: Berry Bliss (SU!), Image: Whisper White (SU!)

STAMPS: Fun Fillers (SU!), sentiment from Always (SU!)

INK: Purely Pomegranate (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Dark 1/4” brown satin ribbon, Scalloped circle punch (SU!), Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars), glue dots (Zots), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of red cardstock to measure 4 1/4” x 11”, and score it in the middle at 5 1/2”.

MATS: Cut a white mat measuring 4” x 5 1/2”, and a dark brown mat measuring 3 3/4” x 5 1/4”.  The designer paper is cut in 2 pieces: the top one is 3 1/2” x 3”, and the lower one is 3 1/2” x 2”.

IMAGE: Stamp the image on white paper, and punch it out with the scalloped circle tool.

ASSEMBLY: This is the easy part – Fold the card, and mount the elements at the crease at the top of the card.  Mount the mats in order: white then brown.  Adhere the patterned paper – vertical stripes on top and floral pattern on the bottom.  Mount the ribbon over the line where the two patterned mats meet, and add a bow using a glue dot.  Mount the image on the upper left.  Stamp the sentiment in the lower right.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 10

  Inspiration

Here’s on for the little boys in your life.  This one was especially fun because I used my new Silhouette!  It’s a digital craft cutting machine from QuicKutz – if you can create a silhouette of a shape on your PC, you can cut it.  Very cool.

I haven’t had much of a chance to play with it to really put it through its paces, but the heart in this picture was cut in a matter of seconds.  Then I decorated it and the card was done.

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Bordering Blue (SU!); Heart: Real Red (SU!); Image: Whisper White (SU!)

STAMPS: Fun Fillers (SU!), Bear with backpack (Hooks, Lines, & Inkers), Sentiment (Hero Arts)

INK: Chocolate Chip(SU!), Bordering Blue (SU!), StazOn Opaque White (Tsukeniko)

ACCESSORIES: Silhouette (QuicKutz), Gelly Roll clear star sparkle pen, COPIC Markers (E11, E33, B41, B97, R08, RV11, W3, C1), white pigment ink pen (UniBall Signo), Foam mount tape, Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of blue cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and score it in the middle at 4 1/4”.  Stamp the entire front of the card with the filler hearts stamp in matching blue ink.

HEART: Cut the heart from red cardstock using the Silhouette.  If you don’t have a digital cutter, don’t worry – any pretty large heart pattern will work.  Stamp the sentiment in the middle of the heart using the white ink, then outline the heart with the white pen, and set aside to dry.

IMAGE: Stamp the bear on white paper in dark brown ink.  Color with markers.  Hint: I left the bandana pattern white, then filled it in with the sparkle pen.  Trim the image, leaving a narrow border around it.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

Mount the heart with foam tape, followed by the bear, also with foam tape.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 9

Inspiration

Mondays are ALWAYS hectic, and today is no exception.  Consequently, I am into quick and easy this evening – the Cuttlebug always fits that order.

No stamping on this one – just some paper cutting, and a couple of runs through the die cut machine, and you get a very pretty result.

 

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Whisper White(SU!); Mat: Pretty in Pink (SU!); Stripe: Basic Black(SU!) and a pink and black paisley printed paper (Unknown); Hearts: Rose Red and Basic Black (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Paisley Embossing Folder (Provo Craft),  Hearts & Stamps die (Provo Craft), Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of white cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and score it in the middle at 4 1/4”.

MATS: Cut a pink layer measuring 5 1/4” by 4”.  Place the paper in the embossing folder, and run it once through the Cuttlebug.

STRIPE: Cut a strip of black paper 5 1/4” x 1 1/2”, and a strip of patterned paper measuring 5 1/4” x 1 1/4”.

HEARTS: Run a strip of black paper through the Cuttlebug with the Hearts die, then again with the rose paper.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

Mount the embossed mat, followed by the black stripe, then the patterned stripe.  Mount the hearts by pairing matching sizes of the dies cuts from opposite colors.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 8

Inspiration

I’d already picked out the stamp set – I was creating a card for a teenage girl, and loved the “big heart” image. It was 1 in the morning (yes THIS morning…), so I went to my favorite place for inspiration – SplitcoastStampers.

I found a very elegant design (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/530832?cat=7204), but I was aiming for a 14-year-old, so I picked a more unusual color combo that the original and used a different embossing folder for the mat.  The ribbon is a little more like a fabric strip than a ribbon, and adds to the less formal air.

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Apricot Appeal (SU!); Mat: Certainly Celery (SU!); Image Mat: Cameo Coral (SU!); Image: Whisper White (SU!);

STAMPS: Livin’ Large (SU!)         INK: Basic Black (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Embossing Folder (Provo Craft),  Small circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), light orange fabric ribbon (Hand-Dyed Hobbieds), COPIC Markers (E00, R14, YR21, Y13), Rotary trimmer with straight straight blade (Fiskars), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of light orange cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and score it in the middle at 4 1/4”.

MATS: Cut a light green layer measuring 5 1/4” by 4”.  Place the paper in the embossing folder, and run it once through the Cuttlebug.

IMAGE MATS: Cut a rectangle from coral paper, measuring 2 1/4” by 3 1/4” .  Use a scrap of coral paper, and cut a 2” circle using the Cuttlebug and the Nestabilities die.

IMAGES: Cut a rectangle from white paper, measuring 2” by 3” .  Stamp the big heart image using black dye ink.  Color the image with markers.

Use a scrap of white paper, and cut a 1 5/8” circle using the Cuttlebug and the Nestabilities die.  Stamp the sentiment on the white circle using black dye ink.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the left of the card. 

The ribbon is added in 2 pieces: Cut a short piece (3”) and lay it vertically on the card.  Mount a 4 1/2” piece of ribbon ribbon across the middle of the green mat horizontally, across the small piece of ribbon, forming a cross.  Tape the ends down on the back of the mat.  Then tie the small piece in a knot and pull it tight.

Mat the image on the coral rectangle, and the sentiment on the coral circle.

Then, put the pieces together: 1) mat onto base card, 2) image in upper left corner, and 3) sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 7

 

Inspiration

This one is a CASE of a card from Splitcoast – it’s such a great use of this set from Stampin’ Up!  Here’s the original:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1197397?cat=14771.

For my take, I turned the card to a vertical orientation, and used a ribbon thread instead of heart punches.  Just a fun card for anyone!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Real Red (SU!); Mat: Basic Black (SU!); Image Mats: Real Red, Basic Black (SU!); Image: Whisper White (SU!);

STAMPS: A Happy Heart (SU!)         INK: Real Red (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Real Red and Basic Black markers (SU!), Gelly Roll clear star sparkle pen (Sakura), Rotary trimmer with straight blade (Fiskars), Small tag punch (SU!), Leave it to Weaver border punch (Fiskars), 1/8” hole punch (Fiskars), narrow red organza ribbon (Michaels), hearts red ribbon (Michaels), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of red cardstock to measure 4 1/4” x 11, and score it in the middle at 5 1/2”.

MATS: Cut a black layer measuring 5 1/4” by 4”.  Place the long edge of the black paper in the border punch, and punch the holes for the ribbon.

IMAGE MATS: Cut a rectangle from red paper, measuring 2 1/2” by 3” and a another rectangle from black paper measuring 2 1/4” by 2 3/4”.

IMAGE: Ink the hearts on the stamp with the red marker, and the X’s with the black marker. Stamp the tic tac toe board on white paper, and trim it to 2” by 2 1/2”.

TAG: Punch a tag from black paper, and other from red.  Trim the red just enough to show a black edge when mounted on the black tag.  Stamp the sentiment on white paper, and trim it to fit on the red tag, again with a narrow border showing.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

Thread the hearts ribbon through the punched holes on the black mat, and tape it securely on the back of the mat.  Mount the mat to the base.

Mat the image in a stack – red, black, then the image.  Mat the sentiment the same way – black, red, then the image.  Outline the edges of each layer of the tag with the sparkle pen.  Punch a hole at the top of the tag, and tie the red organza ribbon through the hole.

Mount the image to the card but only on 3 sides! Leave the top edge open – insert the tag behind the image.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 6

   

  Inspiration

Here is a simple card that can really WOW the recipient – and there is NO stamping!  Of course you can always add a sincere sentiment inside the card.  I made this a few days after I got my Cuttlebug two years ago – a Valentine for my DH.  On this one I kept the mat simple – white with a floral embossed pattern.  Then I embossed a thin metal sheet with same pattern, and cut the hearts after the embossing.  I really like the effect – let me know what you think!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Real Red (SU!); Mat: Whisper White (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Embossing folder – Stylized flowers (Provo Craft); stainless craft metal (ArtEmboss); silver cord (unknown); heart template; scissors; foam mount (3M); double-sided tape (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of red cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and score it in the middle at 4 1/4”.

HORIZONTAL MAT: Cut a white layer measuring 5 1/4” by 4”. Place the paper in the embossing folder, and run it once through the Cuttlebug.

HEARTS: Cut a piece of craft metal measuring 5 1/4” by 4”. Trace the heart template on one side of the metal 3 times.  Place the metal in the embossing folder with the traced hearts facing up, and run it once through the Cuttlebug.  Using scissors, cut the hearts from the metal.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

Wrap the silver cord around the mat 2 or 3 times.  Use tape to hold it in place on the back and where it crosses on the front (the heart will cover up the tape on the front.  Then adhere the white mat to the base.  Add the hearts mounted with foam mount and you’re done!

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 5

   

Inspiration

Here’s a card you could make for anyone on your list for Valentine’s day.  It keeps the hearts theme going, but not with a “little girl” feeling of the last 2 cards.  The Cuttlebug is great for quick embossed mats, and I really couldn’t get by without my rotary cutter with different blades.  For this card, the image mat is cut with the Deckle blade (it’s my favorite)!

NOTE (2/6) - I received a message from another stamper that she posted an almost identical card on Splitcoast last month. I didn't see it when I was working on mine, but her creation is really beautiful - take a look: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...p;ppuser=89160

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Whisper White (SU!); Embossed Mat: Regal Rose (SU!); Image Mat: Rose Red (SU!); Image: Whisper White (SU!)

STAMPS: Holidays and Wishes (SU!)

INK: Rose Red (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Embossing Folder – Stylized Flowers (Provo Craft),  pink heart brad (unknown), Rotary trimmer (Fiskars), straight and deckle blades (Fiskars), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch), deep rose ribbon (Ribbon Retreat), 1/8” hole punch (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of white cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 11, and score it in the middle at 5 1/2”.

EMBOSSED MATS: Cut a rose layer measuring 5 1/4” by 4”.  Place the paper in the embossing folder, and run it once through the Cuttlebug.

IMAGE MAT: Cut a deep rose rectangle with the deckle blade on the rotary cutter.  This rectangle measures 2 1/2” by 2 3/4”.

IMAGE: Stamp the falling hearts on white paper, and trim it to 2 1/4” by 2 1/2”.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

Then adhere the pink mat to the lower portion of the front of the card.   followed by the patterned paper. 

The ribbon is added in 2 pieces: Cut a short piece (3”) and lay it vertically on the card.  Mount a 5 1/4” piece of ribbon ribbon across the middle of the card horizontally, across the small piece of ribbon, forming a cross.  Then tie the small piece in a knot and pull it tight. 

Mount the mat and image to the left of the knot.

Punch three holes in a row, and add the brads.  (Hint: use small plastic canvas normally used for needlepoint as a template to mark the three holes in a nice straight row – then punch the holes!)

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 4

   

Inspiration

As promised, here is another Valentine doll!  This one is very simple too – the Spellbinders Nestabilities make matting an image a breeze.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Rose Red (SU!); Solid Horizontal Mat: Pretty in Pink (SU!); Patterned Mat: Raspberry Tart designer series paper (SU!); Scalloped Oval Mat: Cameo Coral (SU!); Oval Mat: Pretty in Pink (SU!); Image: Whisper White (SU!)

STAMPS: Three Japanese Dolls (Hero Arts); Holidays and Wishes (SU!)

INK: Basic Black (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: COPIC Markers, Gelly Roll Clear Star sparkle pen (Sakura), Cuttlebug die cut machine, Large Scalloped Oval Nestabilities; Small Oval Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), Accents & Elements felt flower (SU!), pink brad (Imaginisce), 1/8” hole punch (Fiskars), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of pomegranate cardstock to measure 4 1/4” x 11, and score it in the middle at 5 1/2”.

HORIZONTAL MATS: Cut a pink layer measuring 5 1/2” by 2 1/2”.  Count a patterned layer measuring 5 1/2” by 2”.

OVALS: Cut a scalloped oval from the coral paper using the Cuttlebug die cut machine with the large scalloped oval Nestabilities die.  Run the oval through the machine twice – first to cut, then to emboss.  Then cut and emboss a pink oval using the small oval die.

IMAGE: Stamp the doll on white paper, and color with COPIC markers. Accent the flowers on the kimono with the sparkle pen.  Trim the image, leaving a narrow margin around the image.  Punch a small hole in the hair and mount the flower with the brad.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens horizontally – the scored fold goes at the left of the card. Then adhere the pink mat followed by the patterned paper.  The ovals are next, and center the image in the final mat – all elements are mounted flat against each other.  Finish the card by stamping the sentiment in the lower right corner in basic black.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 3

  

Inspiration

This Valentine is for a little doll – a friend’s granddaughter.  In fact, there is another doll card for tomorrow.  I picked up this set of doll stamps at a trade show – they are from Hero Arts, and believe there are LOTS of possibilities for beautiful cards in these stamps.

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Pretty in Pink textured cardstock (SU!); Rounded squares: Pretty in Pink designer series paper (SU!); Oval layer and Image layer: Whisper White (SU!)

STAMPS: Three Japanese Dolls (Hero Arts), Simple Sayings 2 (SU!)

INK: Basic Black (SU!)

ACCESSORIES: COPIC Markers, Cuttlebug die cut machine, Small Oval Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), Pink Satin Ribbon (Michael’s), Corner rounder punch (SU!), Foam tape (3M), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

BASE CARD:  Cut a piece of pink textured cardstock to measure 5 1/2” x 11, and score it in the middle at 5 1/2”.

PATTERNED SQUARES: Cut two 2” x2” squares from the pink patterned paper, and round each corner with the punch.

WHITE OVAL: Cut a small white oval using the Cuttlebug die cut machine with the small oval Nestabilities die.  Run the oval through the machine twice – first to cut, then to emboss.

IMAGE: Stamp the doll on white paper, and color with COPIC markers. Trim the image, leaving a narrow margin around the image.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line; this card opens vertically – the scored fold goes at the top of the card. 

The ribbon is added in 2 pieces: Cut a short piece (3”) and lay it vertically on the card.  Mount a 5 1/2” piece of ribbon ribbon across the middle of the card horizontally, across the small piece of ribbon, forming a cross.  Then tie the small piece in a knot and pull it tight. 

Then adhere the squares in an overlapping pattern close to the left edge of the card.  Mount the white oval over the center of the squares, and add the doll image mounted with foam tape.  Finish the card by stamping the sentiment in the lower right corner in basic black.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 2

  

Inspiration

Many of my designs are simple – one or two colors, and simple embellishments.  This Valentine uses black and white to play up the rich violet color of the cardstock and ribbon.  The embossing on the heart gives the card some texture and warmth.  This one is a good candidate if you need to make a number of cards and can make them all the same!

Ingredients

CARDSTOCK: Base: Purely Pomegranate (SU!) 4¼” x 11 - scored at 5½"; Lace layer: Whisper White (SU!) 5½" x 2"; Image layer: Basic Black (SU!)

STAMPS: Always (SU!)

INK: Versamark Watermark Ink (Tsukineko)

ACCESSORIES: Heart border punch (Fiskars), Detail White embossing powder (Stampendous), Heat Gun, Deep rose grosgrain ribbon (Ribbon Retreat), Black grosgrain ribbon (Ribbon Retreat), Glue Dots (Zots), Foam tape (3M), ATG with ¼” adhesive (Scotch)

Instructions

LACE BORDER: Punch one edge of the white strip of paper with the heart border punch, and mount it to the middle of the card.

HEART IMAGE: Stamp the heart on the black paper with the VersaMark ink.  Cover the stamped image with the white embossing powder, then tip all of the excess powder off the image.  Heat the image with the heat gun just until it appears smooth.  Trim the image, leaving a narrow border around the heart.

ASSEMBLY: Fold the base card on the scored line, and mount the white lace layer across the middle of the card horizontally.  Then adhere the black ribbon across the white layer.  Mount the heart with foam tape, and add the knotted rose ribbon with a glue dot.  Trim the ends of the knotted ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!

Valentine Countdown: Day 1

Welcome to my "Valentine Countdown". Each day between now an February 14, I will post a new Valentine design for you. I hope you'll come back every day to see the new creations.

The first Valentine of the countdown is a traditional Valentine - red / black / white. Inspired from a nice card on Splitcoast Stampers where I get so much inspiration (click here to see the original).

Here's my recipe for the card:

Cardstock : Base: Real Red (SU!) 5 ½" x 11 - scored at 5 ½"; Mat layer 1: Whisper White (SU!) 5 ¼" x 5 ¼"; Mat layer 2 Real Red Designer Series Paper (SU!) each piece cut to 2 1/2" by 5"; Image layers: Whisper White (SU!) Stamps : Love You Much (SU!), Holidays & Wishes (SU!) Ink : Basic Black (SU!), Real Red (SU!) Accessories : Filagree Flower brad (SU!), Hearts punch (SU!), Real Red marker (SU!), Gelly Roll Clear Star sparkle pen (Sakura), Souffle white pen (Sakura), White Ribbon (Michael's) Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check back each day for a new Valentine!