You Are My Friend

Inspiration

This is my first time to play along with "Mojo Monday", although I look at the cute sketches every week! I got a last minute order for a birthday card for a "long time girl friend", and thought where to start???? So I turned to the Mojo Monday #212 sketch. Here's my take.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Elegant Eggplant (SU!)	7" x 10"; scored at 5", and 2 3/8" x 5 1/8"
Pale Plum (SU!)	4 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Lap of Luxury DSP (SU!)	2 1/2" x 6"
Watercolor Paper (Canson)	2 1/2" x 5"
Vintage Ivory (Papertrey Ink)	1 1/2" x 5"

Inks

Jet Black (StazOn)

Elegant Eggplant (SU!)

Stamps

There's a Season (Stamps Happen)

Only Ovals (SU!)

Accessories

Twine - Buttercream (The Twinery)

Bow-easy

Watercolor pencils (Staedtler)

Watercolor brush

Oval punch (SU!)

Brads (Paper Studio)

Paper Piercer

Tim Holtz Paper Distresser (Tonic Studios)

Glue dots

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip-dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer - straight & scallop blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut dark purple cardstock measuring 7" x 10", score at 5" and fold.

MAT

Cut light purple cardstock measuring 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". Mount a 2 1/2" x 6" strip of patterned paper vertically on the left side of the mat. Punch 3 holes vertically in the upper right corner of the mat and place 3 purple brads in the holes. Wrap twine around the card 3 times crossing it at the right of the patterned paper and secure. Tie a multi-loop bow and adhere with glue dots. Hint: I use a little Zip-dry glue in addition to the glue dots, just to make sure the bow won't fall off! Mount the mat layer on the front of the card.

IMAGE

Stamp the image flower using StazOn black ink on watercolor paper. Use watercolor pencils with a watercolor brush and a little water to color the image. Distress the edges of the watercolor panel with the distressing tool.

Cut dark purple cardstock measuring 2 3/8" x 5 1/8", cutting one short edge with a scalloped blade. Mount the watercolored image on this panel, and mount on the front of the card, allowing some patterned paper to show on the left of the image.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the friendship sentiment oval twice in dark purple ink on ivory paper. Use the oval punch to cut out the oval on one image. Trim the label from the second and mount on the punched oval. Mount the sentiment on the front of the card under the bow using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Inspiration

The Nativity Scene stamp set from the Heartfelt Creations' Classic Christmas Collection is a sweet image that reminds me of childhood plays at church. One of my most vivid memories was one year I was chosen to be the arch-angel singing praises to the newborn king and I was SO excited. Unfortunately, I caught the flu a couple of days before the pageant, but would not give up the role, even when I was running a fever. Uncharacteristically, my parents let me go and my Dad stood in the wings - when I got too dizzy he came and picked me up and carried me to the car and home and bed. This image captures that classic Nativity scene - the child in the manger on a silent, holy night.

This card uses the Grand Labels dies to create a shaped card. Instead of cutting the card in one piece, I cut 2 labels and scored one near the top to create a small flap that adheres to the back of the first label and creates the card. I liked this approach on this one because it lets the entire label shape be embossed for the front of the card.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Scarlett Jewel (Papertrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (2 pieces)
Vintage Ivory (Papertrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Inks

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3431 Nativity Scene PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3419: Holiday Poinsettia Candle PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Labels Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Large Labels Grand Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

SPICA pen (Imagination International)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut/emboss 2 red panels using the second-smallest Labels Grand die. On one of the panels, score a line just below the curve of the corners at one end. Adhere this to the back of the other panel to form the card.

IMAGE

Cut/emboss an ivory panel using the smallest Labels Grand die. Use a gold SPICA pen to color the embossed edge of the panel. Stamp the image in brown ink at one end of the panel. Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• DUCKS: Y00, Y02, YR65
• CHICKENS: YR000, YR14
• DONKEY: W0, W2, W5, R20, E39
• CALF: E30, E35, E37, E93
• SHEEP: C0 C2, 0
• DOG: E70, E74
• MANGER: Y13, Y15, Y17, E55, E57
• BABY: E00, SPICA gold

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in brown ink on ivory card stock. Cut/emboss the sentiment using a Labels die. Use the gold SPICA pen to color the embossed edge of the panel, and mount it above the nativity scene.

Thanks for stopping by!

Dove Gift Tags

Inspiration

Today's post has two gift tags - they use the same stamps from the Christmas Cheer Collection from Heartfelt Creations, and the matching Christmas Cheer Die - a great way to cut out a stamped image! And they use the same basic layout, but very different paper and ribbon to create different looks. Either would add an elegant touch to a special package.

Tag 1

Ingredients

Paper

Signature Christmas (My Minds Eye)	3 1/4" x 6 1/4"
Romantique (Prima)	4" x 4", and 2" x 3"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Stamps

HCPC 3423: Scenic Christmas Bells PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3420: Holiday Dove PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 715: Christmas Cheer Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Label 11 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Sponge

Embossing glitter (PK Glitz)

Heat Gun

Ribbon (Joann)

fine beading wire (Hobby Lobby)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

TAG

Cut a tag from the Christmas card stock measuring 3 1/4" x 6 1/4". Clip the top 2 corners, and punch a hole at the top of the tag. Distress the edges of the tag using a sponge and the linen ink.

DOVE

Stamp the dove on the designer paper using Versamark ink, and heat emboss with the embossing glitter. Cut it out using the matching die. Mount the dove on the tag using foam squares.

TO/FROM

Cut/emboss a small Label 11 die from the designer paper, and distress the edges with the sponge and linen ink. Stamp the To and From in the same ink on the die cut, and mount on the bottom of the tag.

BOW

Tie a large bow, and attach it to the tag using the beading wire.

Tag 2

Ingredients

Paper

Natural White (SU!)

3 1/4" x 6 1/4", and 4" x 4"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

London Fog (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3423: Scenic Christmas Bells PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3420: Holiday Dove PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Psychedelic embossing powder (Judikins)

Heat Gun

Mark-It Ultrafine markers (BIC)

Ribbon (Offray)

Bow-Easy

fine beading wire(Hobby Lobby)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Scissors

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

TAG

Cut a tag from the white card stock measuring 3 1/4" x 6 1/4". Clip the top 2 corners, and punch a hole at the top of the tag. Stamp the flourish randomly over the tag, and heat emboss with the psychedlic powder.

DOVE

Cover a piece of white paper with the sticky tape sheet, and stamp the dove using black ink. Cover in microfine glitter. Cut it out using the matching die. Using the fine point markers, color the patterns on the dove. Mount the dove on the tag using foam squares. Stamp the To and From in the gray ink on the tag.

BOW

Tie a double-loop bow, and attach it to the tag using the beading wire.

Thanks for stopping by!

Heartfelt Creations Design Team Announcement!

Inspiration

I'm so honored and excited to be chosen to be on the Heartfelt Creations Design Team for another term! Thanks so much to Emma Lou and Linda and all the Heartfelt Creations folks who make the beautiful stamps and create the most supportive environment for a design team that could be imagined!

And I want to say a huge "thank you" to the design team alumni who have provide me with inspiration and support during my first-ever design team experience - they are wonderfully talented and always kind and ready to help. And, of course, welcome to the new design team members! Don't miss the announcment of the new team, and the last posts of creations by the April-October 2011 team on the Heartfelt Creations blog today.

I have several cards on today's blog, so I'll have detailed blog posts here today through Friday.

Here's the first one - a "double Z-fold card". There's a great tutorial on Splitcoast stampers for this technique, including a video.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 4" x 5 1/4"

Paper

Always Artichoke (SU!)	5 1/4" x 12"; scored at 2", 4", 8", and 10", and 2" x 3"
Cherry Cobbler (SU!)	1 7/8" x 5 1/8" (2 pieces), and 1 7/8" x 1" (2 pieces), and 3 7/8" x 5 1/8", and 2" x3 7/8", and 3 3/4" x 5"
Spice Berry (Memory Box)	1 3/4" x 5" (2 pieces), and 1 7/8" x 3 3/4"
Vintage Ivory (Papertrey Ink)	3 3/4" x 5", and 4" x 4", and 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Always Artichoke (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3430 Shepherd Scene PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3429 Wisemen Ornament PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Lacy Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Moss Tinsel embossing powder (Creations Unlimited)

Heat gun

Adhesive rhinestone (Recollections)

Ribbon (Michaels)

Scissors

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of green card stock measuring 5 1/4" x 12", and score it at 2", 4", 8", and 10". Fold in toward the middle on the 4" and 8"score lines, and outward on the 2" and 10" score lines.

OUTER PANELS

Cut 2 pieces of red card stock, measuring 1 7/8" x 5 1/8" and mount these on the outer panels. Then cut 2 pieces of patterned paper, measuring 1 3/4" x 5" and mount these on the red panels. Cut 2 small pieces of red cardstock, measuring 1" x 1 7/8". Mount these horizontally across each panel, about an inch down from the top.

INSIDE

Cut red card stock 3 7/8" x 5 1/8", and mount on the inside center panel. Cut an ivory panel 3 3/4" x 5" and mount onto the red mat. Stamp the sentiment in green ink in the upper center of the ivory panel. Cut a red strip measuing 2" x 3 7/8" and mount it horizontally across the bottom of the inside panel. Mount a patterned paper strip measuring 1 7/8" x 3 3/4" onto the red.

DECORATIONS

Stamp the ornament on ivory paper using Versamark ink, and heat emboss with the green embossing powder. Trim closely. Mount the ornament on the left front panel, and add an adhesive gem at the top of the ornament. Cut/emboss a green oval, using the smallest lacy oval die. Stamp the sentiment in green ink on ivory, and punch it out. Mount the sentiment onto the green die cut, and adhere to the upper corner of the right outside panel.Finish by adhering a ribbon across the back of the card, positioned so that it will tie just over the red strip above the ornament.

HC Blog

Don't forget to head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations by the current design team and the introduction of the new design team members.

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember How Special You Are

Inspiration

My favorite paper for using COPIC markers is Stamper's Select White from Papertrey Ink. When I ordered a new stash a couple of weeks ago, I saw a stamp set called "Harvest Berries" that I immediately fell in love with. Here is a birthday card that is a CASE of a card made by Betsy Veldman. It is featured on her blog, and in the Papertrey Ink gallery. I used a monochromatic color theme, but changed little else - Betsy designed a beautiful layout - just perfect for the leaves and the sentiment!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Perfect Plum (SU!)	7" x 10"; scored at 5"
Pale Plum (SU!)	4 3/4" x 6 3/4", and additional scraps

Inks

Perfect Plum (SU!)

Pale Plum (SU!)

Stamps

Harvest Berries (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories

Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger)

Ribbon (Offray)

Bow-Easy

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Glue dots

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from the dark purple card stock, measuring 7" x 10", score at 5", and fold.

IMAGE LAYER

Cut the image layer from the light purple card stock, measuring 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". Stamp the small leaf images in light purple ink along the sides of this layer. Stamp the large leaf images in light purple ink at the top and bottom of the layer - this will create a "shadow" image behind the dark purple leaves.

Stamp the sentiment in dark purple ink in the center of the layer. Adhere a strip of ribbon under the sentiment.

Mount the image layer to the front of the card.

FINAL TOUCHES

Stamp the large leaf images on the scrap pieces of light purple card stock using the dark purple ink, and trim closely. Mount them on the card front using foam squares, slightly to the left of the matching light purple images. Highlight the berry trios with the sparkly Stickles.

Tie a multi-loop bow, and mount just below the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Grace and Blessings

Inspiration

Here's another fall-themed card. I made the background using chalks - they are so easy to use for backgrounds because they blend so easily, and for fall the soft colors are just perfect. And, a touch of glitter is always fun - this card uses "embossing glitter" which lets you add glitter in a very precise amount and location.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Early Espresso (SU!)	7" x 10", score at 5", and 4" x 6", and small scraps
Kraft (SU!)	4 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Pure Luxury Ivory (Gina K)	4" x 6"

Inks

Early Espresso (SU!)

Soft Suede (SU!)

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3434 Book Frame 2 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3433 Book Frame 1 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3332 Oak Leaf Background PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3330 Elegant Autumn Swirl PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Labels 7 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Labels 10 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Chalk (Koss)

Prong pick-up tool (Excel)

Cotton pom-poms

Versamark pen (Tsukineko)

Embossing glitter (PK Glitz)

Heat gun

Stamp-a-ma-Jig

Scissors

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut brown card stock to 7" x 10", score at 5", and fold.

MAT

Cut kraft card stock to 4 3/4" x 6 3/4" (I used kraft, but since you are covering it completely with color you could use white or ivory). Stamp the oak leaf backgroun in brown ink - you'll have to stamp twice to cover the mat. Use the chalk applicator to apply yellow/orange/rust/brown colors to create an autumn background.

BOOK

Stamp the book image on brown card stock using brown ink, and cut it out using the largest Label 7 die. Stamp the book on ivory paper using brown ink and cut out the pages part of book image. Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to position it, stamp the music in lighter brown ink across the pages. Mount the pages on the brown book die cut.

LEAF SWIRL

Stamp the swirl on the upper part of the mat in Versamark ink, and heat emboss with embossing glitter - I used "Honeycomb" color. Now stamp the swirl in Versamark ink onto the book - just let the bottom portion of the swirl be on the upper part of the book. Heat emboss with the same glitter powder.Mount the book onto the mat, lining up the swirls so that it looks like a single image. Stamp the swirl in Versamark onto dark brown paper, and heat emboss with the same glitter powder. Cut out the leaves, and glue the leaves onto the matching leaves on the mat and book. Mount the mat/book onto the front of the card.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss a Label 4 die using dark brown card stock. Use the Versamark pen to ink the edge of the die cut, then heat emboss with the glitter powder. Stamp the sentiment on ivory paper. Cut the sentiment out with the small Label 10 die. Mount the sentiment onto the brown Label 4 die cut, and mount on the lower right corner of the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Gift Card Holder

Inspiration

It seems that every Christmas at the last minute I end up giving gift cards - either at work, or for a last-minute party hostess gift, or that teen-age nephew for whom I can never quite pick out the right thing. But, I like to think a hand-crafted gift card holder makes a gift card a little bit more personal. This one is really easy to make - The gift card slips in the slot in the middle panel, and then you tie a bow to close it.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 3" x 4 1/4"

Paper

Real Red (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11"; score at 3", 5 1/2", and 8", and 2" x 2"
Holly patterned paper (the Paper Patch)	5 1/4" x 5 1/4", and 2 3/4" x 4"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	2" x 4"

Inks

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3422: Poinsettia Cheer Bells PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3423: Scenic Christmas Bells PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 707: Falling Leaves Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Petite Scalloped Circle - Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Word window punch (SU!)

Ribbon (the Ribbon Retreat)

Mark-It Ultrafine permanent markers (BIC)

SPICA pen (Imagination International)

Scissors

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

HOLDER

Cut a piece of red card stock measuring 4 1/4" x 11". Cut the patterned paper to 4" x 10 3/4". Mount the patterned paper onto the red paper. Score at 3", 5 1/2", and 8". Fold in a "W" shape - the 5 1/2" score is the middle "mountain" fold, and the 3" and 8" scores are the "valley" folds.Hold the middle fold together, and use the punch along the fold to create a hole for the gift card, about 3 1/2" long. Apply adhesive to the back of the middle fold and press together.Cut a length of ribbon about 20" long. Apply a thin line of glue horizontally across the front of the holder. Fold the ribbon in half and mount the one side near the fold to the line of glue. Apply a thin line of glue horizontally across the back of the holder. Mount the other side of the ribbon to the line of glue, leaving a little free right at the back of the holder.

FRONT

Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 2 3/4" x 4" and mount on the front of the card. Cut/emboss a 2" circle from red card stock using a scalloped circle die. Stamp the Merry Christmas bell in brown ink on white paper. Cut it out using the small bell die. Color the bell with the BIC markers, and embellish the script with a gold SPICA pen. Mount the bell onto the red circle, and mount this in the center of the front of the card.

INSIDE

Cut/emboss a 2" circle from red card stock using a scalloped circle die. Stamp the To/From bell in brown ink on white paper. Cut it out using the small bell die. Color the bell with the BIC markers, and embellish the to/from with the gold SPICA pen. Mount the bell onto the red circle, and mount this just over the slot in the middle of the holder.

Thanks for stopping by!

Glittering Ornament

Inspiration

Here's a Christmas card that uses stamp sets from the Christmas Cheer Collection and the Cardinal Family/Holly Berry Collection from Heartfelt Creations. One of the things I love the most is how well their stamps all mix and match no matter what collection they "belong" to - they are very versatile!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Cherry Cobbler (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11"; score at 5 1/2"
Season's Greetings designer paper (Echo Park)	5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
Pure Luxury Ivory (Gina K)	5" x 5"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Wild Wasabi (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3417: Poinsettia Ornament 2 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3326 Holly Berry Filler PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Gold embossing powder

Heat Gun

Wired-edge ribbon (Michaels)

Bow-Easy

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Scissors

Zip-Dry glue

ATG

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of red card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold.

MAT

Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 5 1/4" x 5 1/4". Use the pine branch stamp and green ink to stamp the branches across the top of the mat. For the branches on the sides of the mat, use the "stamp off" technique to get a lighter image - stamp the branch on scrap paper first, then on the mat layer.Mount a strip of ribbon across the lower edge of the mat. Mount the mat on the front of the card.

ORNAMENT

Stamp the ornament. Stamp the pine branch in green ink on ivory card stock twice. Cut these images out. Arrange together, and mount on the front of the card using foam squares. Tie a bow, and mount it above the ornament.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Thanksgiving - Early!

Inspiration

I LOVE the fall season! And it finally feels like fall here in Texas - we had a front move through that's given us 70-degree days and 45-degree nights. Just heavenly! So the fall weather has me thinking about Thanksgiving, and the Classic Christmas Collection from Heartfelt Creations has images that will combine with images for any season, so I used the Book Frame 1 stamp combined with stamps from the Autumn Splendor Collection to create a Thanksgiving-themed card.

AND, be sure to hop over to the the Heartfelt Creations blog to see who the lucky winner of the Class Christmas release, as well as all the beautiful design team creations I have 4 cards on the HC blog this week, so I'll be posting on my blog a card each day through Saturday this week. Here's the first one.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 6 1/4"

Paper

Basic Black (SU!)	7" x 11"; scored at 5", and 3" x 3"
Soft Suede (SU!)	4" x 6"
Nightfall DSP (Memory Box)	4" x 6"
Parchment ivory (Marco's)	4" x 6"
Pure Luxury Ivory (Gina K)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

More Mustard (SU!)

Tangerine Tango (SU!)

Soft Suede (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3433 Book Frame 1 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3328 Swirly Autumn Leaves PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3334 Open Falling Leaves PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3333 Bold Falling Leaves PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 707: Falling Leaves Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Labels 7 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Gold embossing powder

Heat Gun

Crystal laquer (SU!)

Sponges

COPIC marker (Imagination International)

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Wired-edge ribbon (Michaels)

Bow-Easy

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Craft knife (EK Success)

Scissors

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of black card stock measuring 6 1/4" x 10", score at 5", and fold. Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 4" x 6" and mount on the face of the cardabout 1/4" below the fold.

BOOK

Stamp the book image on brown card stock using brown ink, and cut it out using the largest Label 7 die. Stamp the book on parchment or ivory paper using Versamark ink and heat emboss with gold embossing powder. Cut out the pages part of the embossed book image. Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to position it, stamp the sentiment in brown ink across the pages. Bend the pages slightly, and put a foam square under each side to keep the curve, and mount the pages on the brown book die cut. Mount the book on front of the card.

LEAVES

Stamp the leaf image on ivory card stock using Versamark and heat emboss with gold embossing powder. Stamp one of each matching leaf on ivory card stock using Versamark and heat emboss with gold embossing powder. Using a craft knife and scissors, carefully cut out the entire image. Cut out the individual leaves using the matching dies. Using sponges, color the leaves with fall colors - use multiple colors to blend leaves. Color the berries on the full image with a R59 COPIC marker. Cover the berries with clear crystal laquer and let it dry. Mount the full image using foam squares at the bottom of the book. Add the individual leaves using foam squares on top of the matching leaves. Tie a bow, and mount it below the leaves.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Birthday Bouquet

Inspiration

It's really late - well, early Sunday morning - and I'm just now writing my post for today, so I'm going to cheat just a little. I'm showing you a new creation, using a technique I blogged this summer. Hope you don't mind the reference back too much, but the pillow is calling me pretty urgently!!!

In a July post, I showed you how to make flowers using fabric and paper. It's a technique I am finding I use over and over! This is a bouquet of flowers I created as a birthday gift for a friend. I created the flowers and leaves, wired them to floral wire, and wrapped them with floral tape. Then the wire stems were punched into a styrofoam block, and placed in a flower pot. I added a little reindeer moss to cover the the styrofoam, and all done!

Again, my apologies for a short post early this morning, but I'm headed off to SLEEP!!! Have a wonderful fall Sunday...

Thanks for stopping by!

Wisemen Ornament Card

Inspiration

Shaped cards are really "in" right now, and they are really easy with the Spellbinders' dies. I think a shaped card would be fun for Christmas - fun to send and fun to receive! This card uses the Wisemen Ornament set from the Classic Christmas Collection from Heartfelt Creations. It is made to coordinate perfectly with the 2011 Heirloom Ornament Shapeabilites dies, so this card is a snap!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is approximately 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Real Red (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11", scored at 5 1/2"
Ski Slope DSP (SU!)	5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Baja Breeze (SU!)	5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3429: Wisemen Ornament PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Heirloom Ornaments 2011 Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Silver embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Heat gun

Ribbon (Joann's)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Wire

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from red card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold. Place the largest Ornament die just above the fold, and cut/emboss to create an ornament-shaped card.Cut/emboss a single layer ornament of the same size using the designer paper. Trim along the embossed line to create an ornament just slightly smaller than the card. Mount this on the face of the card.

IMAGE

Stamp the wisemen ornament on blue paper using Versarmark ink, and heat emboss with silver embossing powder. Cut out the image using the matching ornament die, and mount on the front of the card using foam squares.

BOW

Finish by tying a large bow. Punch two small holes in the card front above the blue ornament, and use a little bit of fine wire to attach the bow to the front of the card.

HC Blog

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations by the design team, and leave a comment there by October 18 for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by!

Everlasting Light

Inspiration

Here's another card using the Classic Christmas Collection from Heartfelt Creations. This card uses the Nativity Scene PreCut Set - a sweet image, with a beautiful sentiment.

I paired plain Kraft paper with the new Season's Greetings designer paper from Echo Park, which I really like!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Kraft (SU!)	7" x 10", scored at 5", and 4" x 5"
Season's Greetings (Echo Park)	2" x 7"
Very Vanilla (SU!)	4" x 5"

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Timber Brown (Staz-On)

Stamps

HCPC 3431: Nativity Scene PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Labels 10 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Gold embossing powder (Stampendous)

Heat gun

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Zip-Dry

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from kraft card stock measuring 7" x 10", score at 5", and fold. Cut the designer paper measuring 2" x 7", and glue across the middle of the card. Cut/emboss the largest Label 10 die, and sponge brown ink around the edges to distress. Mount this centered on the front of the card.

IMAGE

Ink the nativity scene in brown ink without inking the star. Stamp on ivory paper, then cut/emboss the image using sthe second Labels 10 die, and mount on the kraft die on the front of the card.Stamp the star using Versamark ink on ivory paper, and heat emboss with gold powder. Trim closely, and mount with a foam square above the scene on the front of the card.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in brown ink on the lower right corner of the card front.

Don't Forget - You Can WIN!

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog and leave a comment by October 18 for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shepherds' Watch

Inspiration

The stamps from the new Heartfelt Creations' Classic Christmas Collection are so wonderful for capturing the true Christmas spirit. This one takes very few supplies, but those few ingredients result in a simple, elegant greeting. It would be an easy one to mass-produce!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Stamper's Select White (PaperTrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and 5" x 5" (2 pieces)

Inks

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3430 Shepherd Scene PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Labels 1 Grand Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Corner rounder punch (SU!)

Silver embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Heat gun

Ribbon (Michaels)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Zip-Dry

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from white card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold. Round all 4 corners. Cut a white square measuring 5" x 5", and round all 4 corners. Mount a strip of ribbon across the square. Mount the square on the front of the card using foam squares.

IMAGE

Stamp the shepherd scene on white paper using Versarmark ink, and heat emboss with silver embossing powder. Cut/emboss the image using the smallest Grand Labels 1 die, and mount on the front of the card using foam squares.Finish by tying a bow, and gluing it to the left of the image.

Reminder

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations by the design team, and leave a comment there by October 18 for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by!

Classic Christmas - Heartfelt Creations New Release

Inspiration

It's time for a new release from Heartfelt Creations!!! This month, Heartfelt Creations releases their "Classic Christmas" collection - this collection features 6 new stamp sets that coordinate with the Heirloom Ornaments 2011 and the Labels Seven Nestabilities dies from Spellbinders. The classic images in this collection are perfect not only for Christmas projects but for those special projects you create throughout the year!

AND, as with all the new releases, be sure to leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by October 18 for a chance to win the entire release valued at $89.99.

I have 4 cards on the HC blog this week, so I'll be posting on my blog a card each day through Saturday this week. Here's the first one.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Soft Suede (SU!)	7" x 11"; scored at 5", and 3" x 3"
Jingle DSP (Lilybee Designs)	4 1/4" x 5 1/2""
Core'dinations	4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Pure Luxury Ivory (Gina K)	3" x 3"

Inks

Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Ranger)

Stamps

Shepherd's Scene (Heartfelt Creations)

Book Frame 2 (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Labels 7 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Tim Holtz Sheet Music embossing folder (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz paper sander (Ranger)

Tim Holtz paper distresser (Ranger)

Sponge

SPICA gold pen (Imagination International)

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Ribbon (Ribbon Retreat)

Bow-Easy

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Scissors

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from brown card stock measuring 7" x 10", score at 5", and fold.

MAT 1

Cut a piece of designer paper measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". Distress all 4 edges, then use a sponge to apply walnut stain ink on all 4 edges. Mount a piece of ribbon diagonally across the upper left corner. Mount the mat in the upper left corner of the front of the card.

MAT 2

Cut a piece of Core'dinaton paper measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". Emboss with the embossing folder, then lightly sand over the embossed music image. Distress all 4 edges, then use a sponge to apply walnut stain ink on all 4 edges. Mount the mat in the lower right corner of the front of the card.

BOOK

Stamp the middle-sized book image on brown card stock using walnut ink, and cut out using the matching Label 7 die. Stamp the image again on ivory card stock in walnut ink. Use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp the sentiment across the middle of the book on ivory cardstock in walnut ink. Cut out the pages portion of the ivory book, and color the edges of the pages with the gold SPICA pen. Mount the pages on the brown book using foam squares. Mount the book on the music mat using foam squares.

BOW

Finish by tying a multi-loop bow in matching ribbon, and gluing on the diagonal ribbon in the upper left corner of the card.

And Don't Forget

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations by the design team, and leave a comment there by October 18 for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by!

Bundle of Joy

Inspiration

Here's a card I made for a coworker who has 3 little girls, and just was blessed with a little boy! He has so much joy in his life!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Brocade Blue textured (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2"
Blue Polka Dot (Paper Patch)	4 7/8" x 4 7/8"
Brocade Blue (SU!)	4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Whisper White (SU!)	3" x 3"

Inks

Basic Black (SU!)

Stamps

New Bundle (Image Tree)

Accessories

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Grand Scallop Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Eyelet Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Corner rounder punch (SU!)

Watercolor crayons (SU!)

Watercolor brush

Adhesive gems (Recollections)

Scissors

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from the textured card stock, measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold. Place the scalloped nestabilities die just above the fold, and cut/emboss to create the shaped card. Cut the polka-dot paper square measuring 4 7/8" x 4 7/8" and round all 4 corners. Mount on the front of the card. Cut/emboss an eyelet square from plain blue card stock measuring 4 1/2" x 4 1/2". Mount on the front of the card.

IMAGE

Stamp the image in black ink on a white card stock square measuring 3" x 3". Round all 4 corners. Color the image with watercolor crayons. I use a traditional water color brush - very small - with a little bit of water and a paper towel to blot the brush or the image when I think there's too much moisture.

After your image is dry, mount it onto the the eyelet square on the card front. Finish with tiny adhesive gems.

Thanks for stopping by!

Glittering Bell Ornament

Inspiration

Here's a Christmas ornament that is really easy to make! It's a quick stamp, color, glitter project that creates a really pretty little trim for the tree.

Ingredients

Paper

Clear cardstock

Inks

Black pigment ink (Colorbox)

Stamps

HCPC 3423: Scenic Christmas Bells PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Shell Microfine Glitter

Sticky Tape Sheets

Clear embossing powder

Heat gun

Sharpie pens

Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger)

Scissors

1/8" circle punch (Fiskars)

Embroidery floss

Instructions

Stamp the bell image on clear cardstock in black pigment ink, and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.

Turn the image over, and color the image on the BACK of the image using Sharpie pens.

Adhere the image to the sticky tape sheet, and cut it out with scissors, leaving a tab at the top of the bell. Peel off the back of the tape sheet, and cover the adhesive with microfine glitter.

Turn the ornament back over, and use Stickles to add sparkle to the sky.

Finish by punching a small hole in the tab at the top of the bell, and thread some embroidery floss through for hanging.

Thanks for stopping by!

Poinsettia Thanks

Inspiration

A really great set of stamps is one you can use over and over. The Poinsettia Spray set from the Heartfelt Creations' Christmas Cheer Collection is one of those sets. These two cards are made with the two stamps in the set - using the same techniques and colors, just with two different embossing folders and sizes.

Note: "Thanks" finished card size is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

"Plain" finished card size is 4 1/2" x 6"

Ingredients

Paper

Real Red (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2 -OR- 4 1/2" x 12", scored at 6"
Neenah Solar White	4 1/8" x 5 3/8" -OR- 4 3/8" x 5 7/8" and 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Inks

Memento Lady Bug (Tsukineko)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3418: Poinsettia Spray PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3328: Swirly Autumn Leaves PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Cuttlebug Machine (Provo Craft)

Embossing folders (Sizzix) Birds & Wreath Set and Peace Poinsettia Set

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

SPICA pens (Imagination International)

Corner rounder punch (SU!)

iRock hot fix gems and tool (Imaginisce)

Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

Note

The instructions that follow are specific to the thank you card, but both cards use the same ingredients and methods, with only small differences.

IMAGE

Emboss a piece of white card stock measuring 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" using an embossing folder to create a frame for the image. Stamp the poinsettia image using black ink inside the frame, and the sentiment in red ink below the poinsettia image. Stamp the image 2 more times on additional white paper. From one of these, cut out the entire poinsettia. From the second image, cut out center poinsettia image. Color the images with COPIC markers: Leaves - G21; Posies - R0000, R000, peach SPICA; Poinsettia - R02, R05, R08, Y08.

ASSEMBLY

For the base card, cut red card stock measuring 4 1/4" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold. Use a corner rounder punch to round all 4 corners. Round all 4 corners of the white image panel, too. Mount the image panel to the front of the card. Mount the layers of poinsettias onto the base image using foam squares. Finish with a drop of liquid pearls in the center of each posie. Mount yellow gems in the center of the poinsettia using the heated tool.

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas Ornaments

Inspiration

Here's a pink and green Christmas card made with stamps from the Christmas Cheer Collection and lots of glitter. My friends will tell you I'm not a "glitter girl", but I'm learning! I really like the PK Glitz embossing glitter - it makes it easy to use glitter in just the right places. And, of course, the SPICA pens give you the ability to add just a touch of sparkle just where you want it.

As always, the Heartfelt Creations blog has more creative inspiration for you - be sure to check out the design team's efforts this week.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 4 1/4" x 9"

Paper

Bravo Burgundy (SU!)	8 1/2" x 9", score at 4 1/4"
English Rose Collection - Thelma (Kaiser Craft)	4 3/8" x 8 7/8"
Old Olive (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11"
Neenah Solar White	4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Inks

Old Olive (SU!)

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Gold Pigment Ink (Colorbox)

Stamps

HCPC 3417: Poinsettia Ornament 2 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3419: Holiday Poinsettia Candle PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Heirloom Ornaments 2011 Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Ribbon Tags Trio 3 Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Holly Accents Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Embossing glitter - Honeycomb (PK Glitz)

Heat gun

Sponge

2-sided tape (PK Glitz)

Adhesive gems (Recollections)

Gelly Roll Clear Star pen (Sakura)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

CARD

Cut the base card from burgundy cardstock measuring 8 1/2" x 9", score at 4 1/4", and fold. Cut a mat layer from the designer paper to 4 3/8" x 8 7/8" and adhere to the front of the card. I used my Gelly Roll Clear Star pen to add some sparkle to the background paper before adding anything else to the card - just follow the outlines of the swirls on the paper - it really adds a nice touch.

ORNAMENTS

Stamp the smallest ornament image on white paper 3 times, using Versamark ink. Heat emboss with the embossing glitter. Cut the ornaments out using the matching ornament die. Cut/emboss the long holly border from green paper. Before removing the die cut from the die, use a sponge and green ink to color the open areas on the die cut. Carefully pull the holly trim line from the die (Note - it can be a little tricky to pull the paper out of the die! I've found that putting a sheet of waxed paper between the die and my cardstock before I run it through the machine makes a huge difference). Mount across the top of the card front. Use foam squares to mount the ornaments as if they are attached to the holly. Decorate the holly and the ornaments with adhesive gems.

SENTIMENT

Cut a ribbon tag from white cardstock, and stamp the sentiment in green ink in the center of the tag. Using a sponge, distress the edges with gold pigment ink. Thread ribbon through the tag. Mount a strip of double sided tape across the lower portion of the card, and mount the ribbon and tag across the tape.

FINAL TOUCHES

Cut/emboss the small holly corners from green paper. Before removing the die cuts from the dies, use a sponge and green ink to color the open areas on the die cuts. Carefully pull the holly corners from the dies. Mount around the sentiment tag. Decorate the holly and the ornaments with adhesive gems. Use the Gelly Roll pen to enhance the holly, and the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tidings of Great Joy

Inspiration

It's Heartfelt Creations Wednesday, and here's another card made with a set from the Christmas Cheer Collection - this is one of my favorites so far! I paired the bells from the Poinsettia Bells & Bows set with paper from Authentique which I really this is sooo "Christmas-y" and some shiny gold mirror cardstock I found in a box of scraps. I like the final result, don't you?

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Cherry Cobbler	5 1/2" x 11", scored at 5 1/2", and 4 1/4" x 4 1/4", and 4 1/2" x 4 1/2", and 2" x 2"
Wonder DSP (Authentique)	5 3/8" x 5 3/8"
Old Olive (SU!)	4 1/8" x 4 1/8"
Ivory Metallics (Wassau)	3" x 4"
Stamper's Select White (PaperTrey Ink)	4" x 4", and 2" x 2"
Gold mirror cardstock (unknown)	4" x 4", and 4 3/8" x 4 3/8", and 2" x 2"

Inks

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3424: Poinsettia Bells & Bows PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3428: Script Christmas Tree PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Plain Circle Nestabilities - Small (Spellbinders)

Circle Nestabilities - Large (Spellbinders)

Circle punches (SU!)

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

Gold metallic paint pen (Sharpie)

Gold gel pen (Uniball)

Gold adhesive pearls (Recollections)

Ribbon (Michaels)

3-D Foam Squares (3L)

Zip-Dry

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut the base card from red card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", and fold. Cut the designer paper measuring 5 3/8" x 5 3/8". Glue a strip of ribbon across the middle of the designer paper layer. Adhere the designer paper with ribbon to the front of the base card.

IMAGE

Use the circle Nestabilities dies to cut a red circle, measuring 4", and a white circle measuring 3 7/8". Nest a 3 1/4" circle die inside the 3 7/8" circle die and cut a gold mirror circle with the center cut out. Stamp the bell image in black ink centered in the white circle.

Stamp the bell portion again onto the metallic ivory paper (about 3" square), and the flower portion again on white paper (about 2" x 3").

Color the ribbon on the bells image on the white circle using COPIC markers (R85, R89), and the leaves (G99). Outline the ribbon with the gold gel pen. Cut out the bells from the ivory metallic paper. Color the leaves with a COPIC marker (G99). Paint the stripe across the bells using the gold paint pen. Glue the bells onto the bells in the white circle. Adhere 5 gold pearls to the gold stripe of each bell.

Cut out the flowers, including the posie from the partial image on white card stock, and color with COPIC markers (R85, R89, R000, R02, Y35). Glue the flowers over the flowers and bell on the white circle. Glue the white circle onto the red circle, and the gold circle "rim" over the white circle.

Cut a 4 1/2" square of red card stock, a 4 3/8" square of gold mirror card stock, and a 4 1/8" square of olive card stock. Adhere together to build a mat stack, and mount the stack in the middle of the card face. Mount the image circle stack in the center of the green square.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in red ink on white paper, and punch out with a 1 3/4" circle punch. Punch a 1 7/8" circle out of gold mirror card stock, and a 2" circle from red card stock. Mount the sentiment circle on the gold circle, and this set onto the red circle. Using foam squares, mount the sentiment circle in the lower right corner of the card.

HC Blog

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations by my design team sisters, and a sneak peek at the new release coming up next week!

Thanks for stopping by!