Artistic Gatefold Birthday

Inspiration

Today is my dear mother-in-law's birthday, and I used the new Artistic Gatefold Collection from Heartfelt Creations to create a fancy gatefold card for her. There is an excellent instructional video on the Heartfelt Creations websit that will show you step-by-step how to use the special dies that are part of this collection to create this beautiful type of gatefold card - they really make it a breeze!

Check the HC Blog

Be sure to head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to find out the lucky winner of the entire collection, and of course, all the beautiful creations of the design team members.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 4 1/2" x 7"

Paper

Elegant Eggplant	7" x 9"; scored at 2 1/4" and 7 1/4", and 1 1/2" x 2"
More Mustard	4 1/2" x 7", and 2 1/4" x 7" (2 pieces)
Stamper's Select White	4 1/4" x 5 1/2", and 1 1/2" x 2"

Ink

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Elegant Eggplant (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3435: Feather Grass Flourish PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3439: Flirty Fleurs PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3392 Bella Rose House PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3388 Spring Cardinals PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3363 Inspire Me Sentiments PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 716: Layered Elegant Swirl Die (Heartfelt Creations)

HCD 701: Posy Patch Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Labels Small Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Labels Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

SPICA Markers (Imagination International)

Liquid Pearls - Lavender Lace (Ranger)

Designer Dries Clear Glue (Art Glitter Glue)

Zip-Dry Glue

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (EK Success)

ATG (3M)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Be sure to check out the instructional video for using the Layered Elegant Swirl Die set on a gatefold card - I followed Emma Lou's instructions exactly to create this card! I used the dark purple cardstock for the base, and yellow for the intricate die cuts.

IMAGES

Stamp the stalk of flowers on white cardstock in black ink on white paper. Cut out the entire image, trimmed closely. Stamp 7 small posy blossoms on white cardstock in black ink. Use the matching Posy Patch die to cut all the blossoms out.

Color the images with COPIC markers. For the leaves, I used YG95 and YG99. For the blossoms, I used BV02 and BV08, and enhanced them with a Lavender SPICA marker. Use the Paper Blossoms kit to shape the 7 individual blossoms.

Stamp the butterfly on white cardstock in black ink on white paper, and color with SPICA markers. I used Pitch Black, Orange, Lavender, and Lemon.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the birthday sentiment in purple ink on white paper, and cut/emboss with the next-to-smallest Label Small Nestabilities die. Using dark purple cardstock, cut/emboss a next-to-smallest Label Large Nestabilities die. Mount the sentiment panel onto the purple die cut.

CARD INSIDE

Use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp the long flourish on the sides of the inside panel, using dark purple ink. Stamp the special day sentiment in the center using dark purple ink.

CARD FRONT

Use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp a small flourish in the lower right corner of the front right panel, using dark purple ink. Mount the flower stalk on the right panel, rotated slightly. Use Zip-Dry to mount the individual blossoms on top of the small flowers in the stalk. Use Lavender Lace Liquid Pearls in the center of the blossoms.

Mount the butterfly on the upper left portion of the front left panel. Mount the sentiment on the lower left portion of the front left panel.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thankful Thoughts

Inspiration

I had a birthday last week, and had so many wonderful greetings - cards, phone calls, emails, and facebook posts! And a couple of gifts!! Which, of course, require Thank You notes. A made a couple of designs - here's the first one (the next one will be one of my Heartfelt Creation posts next week...) This one is a simple one - not too many ingredients, and quick to put together.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Soft Suede	5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored @ 4 1/4"
Early Espresso	2 5/8" x 3 5/8" (2 pieces), and 2 3/8" x 3 3/8", and 1 1/8" x 3 1/8"
Vintage Ivory	2 1/4" x 3 1/4", and 1" x 3", and 4" x 5 1/4"
Cafe Mediterranean Stack (DCWV)	2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (2 pieces)

Ink

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 972 Flower Container PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Thoroughly Thankful (SU!)

Accessories

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

Scor-Pal

ATG (3M)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD AND MATS

Cut a piece of light brown cardstock measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 4 1/4", and fold.

Cut 2 pieces of dark brown cardstock measuring 2 5/8" x 3 5/8". Cut 2 coordinating pieces of patterned cardstock measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". Mount the patterned paper pieces on the dark brown cardstock pieces. Mount these onto the card front, in the upper left and lower right corners.

IMAGE

Stamp the flower image in brown ink on a piece of ivory cardstock measuring 2 1/4" x 3 1/4". Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Flowers: E11, E19
• Leaves: YG93, YG95
• Bucket: E55, E57, W7
• Background: BG0000, BG000

Cut a piece of dark brown cardstock measuring 2 3/8" x 3 3/8". Mount the colored image on this dark brown mat, then mount this on the card front, leaving space at the bottom of the card for the sentiment.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the senetiment image in brown ink on a piece of ivory cardstock measuring 1" x 3", and mount it on a piece of dark brown cardstock measuring 1 1/8" x 3 1/8". Mount this at the bottom of the card front.

INSIDE

I mounted a plain piece of ivory cardstock measuring 4" x 5 1/4" on the inside of the card, so I could write my message of thanks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love Note

Inspiration

Here's another card made with the Artistic Gatefold Collection from Heartfelt Creations. This release has so many possibilities, I haven't even begun to scratch the surface! I got the idea for this card from a book called "Folding Ideas for Cards and Envelopes" by Laurence K. Withers. I played with the folding a few times before I got it down, but it's not too hard. I do like the effect - it's a 4x4 card when closed (inset picture), and opens to reveal an intricate die cut arch, using the newly released Layered Scalloped Posy Die!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 4" x 4"

Paper

Soft Sky Textured (SU!)	6" x 12"; scored at 4" and 8"
Madeline (Prima)	3 7/8" x 3 7/8" (4 pieces)

Ink

Early Espresso (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3435: Feather Grass Flourish PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3436: Rye Grass Flourish PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 717: Layered Scalloped Posy Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Waxed Paper

SPICA pen (Imagination International)

Designer Glue (Art Glitter Glue)

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Scor-Pal

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of light blue paper measuring 6" x 12", and score it at 4" and 8". Turn the card length-wise and score lightly at 4" (this will be come a guide for cutting later).

Fold on the 8" score line. Lay the half-circle lacy die from the HCD 717 set on the folded line, so that the center of the die is on the folded line. Trace lightly with a pencil around the outside of the die, so that you have a quarter-circle traced to the scored line.

Now, cut through both layers along the traced quarter-circle, until you reach the scored line. When you reopen the card, you have a half-circle cut in the card. Use your rotary trimmer to cut along the long score line, but don't cut through the half-circle.

CARD FRONT

Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 3 7/8" x 3 7/8". Stamp the Love flourish in brown ink in the center of the paper and a flourish in the upper right and lower left corners. Embellish all of the stamped the images with a Chocolate SPICA pen. Distress all 4 edges of the patterned paper with the distress tool, curl the upper left and lower right corners of the paper, and mount on the front panel of the card.

INSIDE

Cut/emboss the lacy half-circle die from the patterned paper and glue it to the half-circle portion of the inside of the card. Cut 2 pieces of patterned paper measuring 3 7/8" x 3 7/8", one with a patterned edge, and one more plain. Stamp the corner flourish in one corner of the plain square. Mount this piece on the right side of the inside of the card. Mount the patterned edge piece on the left side of the inside.

FINAL FOLD

Turn the card over and measure 4" down from the top of the half-circle, and make a small mark. Score from each corner of the half-circle to the 4" mark, forming a "V".

Fold along the V, so that the half-circle folds inside the card as the card closes. As the final step, glue back of the card front panel to the back of the left inside panel.

And Don't Forget!

Be sure to leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by November 29 for a chance to win the entire release valued at $150. The winner will be announced on the HC blog on November 30.

Thanks for stopping by!

Artistic Gatefold Release

Inspiration

Heartfelt Creations releasing a new collection on "Black Friday" that is simply genious! It is called the Artistic Gatefold Collection, and features 6 new precut stamp sets that coordinate with existing Spellbinders dies and 2 new exclusive dies. These dies will decorate a gatefold card like no other!

Help a Charity When You Buy

Heartfelt Creations will be donating 10% of all Black Friday sales towards ChildCry, a non-profit feeding organization founded by Times Square Church. ChildCry feeds over 4159 kids in 22 different countries, including the United States. Every penny donated to ChildCry is used to buy food for hungry children so go ahead...feed your hobby, and a hungry child! You can view all the details by following this link: www.childcrynyc.org. So, head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to check out the new release, the designers' beautiful work with this release, and pick up some stamps and dies!

A Bonus For You

And, be sure to leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by November 29 for a chance to win the entire release valued at $150. The winner will be announced on the HC blog on November 30.

My Card

I have 2 cards on the HC blog this week. My first is a basic gatefold card featuring the vintage door, and the pretty carnation stamps that coordinate with the Carnation Creations dies from Spellbinders. The card front is the inset photo, and the inside is the main picture. I'll post my second one tomorrow - it features a new fancy fold, so be sure to check back tomorrow!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Early Espresso (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"; scored at 2 1/8" x 6 3/8", and 2 3/4" x 4"
Natural Ivory (SU!)	2 3/4" x 4", and 4" x 5 3/8"
Blushing Bride (SU!)	3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Sage Shadow (SU!)	2" x 4"
It's the Little Things (Fancy Pants)	2" x 5 3/8" (2 pieces)

Ink

Early Espresso (SU!)

Regal Rose (SU!)

Sage Shadow (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3437: Carnation Florals 1 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3438: Carnation Florals 2 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3440: Vintage Door PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Carnation Creations Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Fancy Tags Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Adhesive Pearls (Recollections)

Zip-Dry Glue

Scor-Pal

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of dark brown card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8", and fold inward. Cut 2 pieces of patterned paper measuring 2" x 5 3/8". Mount one on each front flap of the card.

DOOR

Cut a piece of dark brown card stock measuring 2 3/4" x 4". Stamp the door image in dark brown ink on ivory card stock, and trim closely. Mount the door image on the brown card stock, and mount the door image stack on the left front flap of the card.

CARNATIONS

Stamp the 3 smallest carnation images in pink ink on pink paper 3 times. Use the matching Carnation Creation dies to cut all the images out. Bend the petals of each die cut and glue the flowers in stacks at the lower left corner of the door. As you add a layer, turn it slightly so that the petals are offset rather than matched up evenly. Add an adhesive pearl in the center of each flower.

INSIDE

Cut a piece of ivory card stock measuring 4" x 5 3/8" and mount on the inside center panel. Stamp the 3 smallest carnation images in pink ink on pink paper 1 time. Stamp the 3 leaves in green ink on green paper. Use the matching Carnation Creation dies to cut all the images out. Glue the leaves in the lower left corner of the inside panel. Add the flower layers, and an adhesive pearl in the center. Cut/emboss a fancy tag in dark brown card stock and mount across the upper portion of the center panel of the card. Cut the same tag from ivory, and trim out the center rectangle. Stamp the sentiment in dark brown ink on the ivory rectangle and mount this on the tag.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blue Birthday Bouquet

Inspiration

Watercolor crayons are one of the simplest way to learn how to blend colors, and when you use watercolor paper it's correctable - just add water! I keep a little bowl of water and a paper towel next to my work area and if I get too much color or go over a line, I can use a clean brush with water to clean up the area and blot it with the paper towel and start over. It's a great medium to work with.

Here's an easy little card that I used based on a old sketch challenge on Splitcoast Stampers (Sketch 232) and one of my favorite Stampin' Up! stamp sets ever, called In Full Bloom. I actually stamped it 4 times and painted all 4 images, and had 4 cards in no time!

Ingredients

Paper

Baja Breeze (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2"
Baja Breeze DSP (SU!)	1 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Cherry Cobbler (SU!)	2" x 2"
More Mustard (SU!)	2" x 2"
Watercolor paper (Canson)	2 3/4" x 3 1/2"

Inks

Jet Black (StazOn)

Stamps

In Full Bloom (SU!)

Accessories

Watercolor Crayons (SU!)

Watercolor brush

Water

Post-It Notes

Scor-Pal

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

IMAGE

Stamp the large open flower in the center using black ink on the watercolor paper in the upper right corner. Stamp it on a post-it note, and cut it out and cover the image on the watercolor paper. Stamp the half-daisy image in black ink on each side of the center flower - it's ok if it goes off the edge of the paper. Add the stems and leaves.

Use the watercolor crayons and brush and water to color the images. I used heavy color around the edges of the image, then cleaned the brush and lightly dragged the color toward the center of each area. This is where you exercise your creativity - do what you like!

ASSEMBLY

Cut a piece of blue cardstock measuring 4 1/4" x 11", score at 5 1/2" and fold. Mount a strip of blue patterned paper measuring 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" across the center of the card front.

Cut 2" x 2" squares of red and yellow card stock. Adhere the watercolored image on the red square, and the yellow square, then mount the whole set on the right side of the front of the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Poinsettia Gift Box

Inspiration

Welcome to another Heartfelt Creations Wednesday! Just in case you're wondering where the November release is, we're doing a special release on Black Friday next week and it's one worth waiting for. There's a "sneak peek", along with the weekly dose of beauty and creativity from the design team on Heartfelt Creations blog!

The holidays are upon us, and if you're like me, you want your gifts to show you've spent some time and special work on the creations you give. Paper mache boxes are perfect for decorating, and Heartfelt Creations stamps are great for adding flowers and flourishes! This one is decorated for Christmas in traditional red and green, with the Petite Poinsettia PreCut Set.

Ingredients

Note: Finished box size: approximately 6" x 6"

Paper

Christmas Cocoa Specialty (SU!)	4" x 12" (2 pieces)
Real Red (SU!)	8 1/2" x 11"
Victorian B&T New England Ivy (CTMH)	7" x 7", and 4" x 4"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	4" x 4"

Ink

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3415: Petite Poinsettia PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Paper Mache Box (Hobby Lobby)

HCD 711: Decorative Dutch Iris Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Layered Poinsettia Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Labels 1 Grand Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

White embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Moss Tinsel Embossing Powder (Creations Unlimited)

Heat Gun

Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

Ribbon (Michaels)

Modge Podge glue

Zip-Dry Glue

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BOX BOTTOM

Cut two 4" x 12" strips of red/white flocked paper. Apply Modge Podge glue to the outside of the box and adhere the flocked paper to cover the sides of the box. The paper is wider than the box sides, so clip the paper at the corners of the box, and apply Modge Podge to glue the paper as you fold it under the bottom of the box and to the inside of the box.

Cut a 4" x 4" square of solid red paper to cover the bottom of the box and glue it in place to hold the edges of the paper in place under the box. Set the box aside to let it dry.

BOX LID

Cut a sheet of green paper measuring 7" x 7". Apply Modge Podge glue to the outside of the box lid and adhere the green paper to cover the lid. Clip the paper at the corners of the lid, and apply Modge Podge to the sides of the lid, and glue the paper down to cover the sides of the lid. Use Zip-Dry glue to adhere ribbon around the edge of the lid. Set the lid aside to let it dry.

POINSETTIAS

Stamp 2 of each size of the poinsettia blossoms on red paper using embossing ink, and heat emboss with white powder. Cut them all out with the matching Shapeabilities dies.

Stamp 4 leaves on green paper using embossing ink, and heat emboss with moss tinsel powder. Cut them out with the matching Shapeabilities die.

Cut/emboss 2 flourishes using the die from the Dutch Iris die set and white card stock.

From red card stock cut/emboss the smallest Label 1 Grand Nestabilities die.

Glue the red Label die cut onto the box lid. Adhere a white flourish in two corners. Glue the poinsettias in the crook of the flourishes - "scrunch" the petals slightly to give them a little more 3-D look. Finish the poinsettias with a drop of Opal Liquid Pearls in the centers. Fold the leaves slightly in the middle, and glue them under the poinsettias.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Graduation

Inspiration

I received an order for a December graduation card for a college grad, and had time this weekend to put it together. The image is a fun digital stamp from "Sassy Cheryl" I found doing a quick "graduation digital stamp" Google search. I used the Sketch Saturday Challenge #181 for the layout.

Ingredients

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

Paper

Ballet Blue (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2", and 4 1/2" x 5 1/2", and 1 1/2" x 4"
Delicate Dots DSP (SU!)	2 3/8" x 5 1/4", and 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" (2 pieces)
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2", and 2" x 4" (2 pieces)

Inks

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Stamps

Frantic Graduation Girl (Sassy Cheryl)

Tassel Time (SU!)

Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU!)

Accessories

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Ribbon Banners Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Scalloped Circles GRAND Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Large Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

SPICA Markers (Imagination International)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

Wire-edged ribbon (Michaels)

Bow-Easy

Zip-Dry Glue

Scor-Pal

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of blue card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2" and fold. Cut one piece of patterned paper measuring 2 3/8" x 5 1/4" and adhere across the bottom half of the card front. Cut one piece of another patterned paper measuring 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" and adhere in one corner of the top half of the card front. Cut a third piece of patterned paper measuring 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" and adhere in the remaining corner of the top half of the card front. Cut/emboss the smalled Grand big scalloped oval from blue paper and adhere on the left of the card front. Mount a strip of ribbon across the middle of the card, covering the seam in the paper. Tie a bow, in matching ribbon and mount to the right of the blue oval.

DIGITAL IMAGE

Size the digital image on your computer to measure 3.75" in height. Print the image on white card stock. I let mine sit for an hour or so to make sure the ink won't run when I color it. Color the image with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Cap/Gown: C3, C5, C7, 100
• Skirt/Shoes: B21, B23, B24
• Scarf: R21, R24
• Skin: E0000, E000, E01
• Hair: Y38, E35, E37
• Diplomas: Y21, Y28
• Book: E09, E34, E37, E39

Enhance the tassel with the gold SPICA pen. Cut/emboss the image using the largest petite oval die, and mount on the blue oval mat on the front of the card.

OTHER IMAGES

Stamp the book, and the word "Congratulations" from the Tassel Time stamp set. Cut out the diploma and graduate head (the "o" and "i" from the word), and the book. Color with COPIC markers.

Color all of the trimmed images with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Cap: C3, C5, C7
• Skin: E0000, E000, E01
• Diploma: Y21, Y28
• Book: E09, E34, E37, E39

Enhance the tassel with the gold SPICA pen. Mount the images on the lower right edge of the main image on the front of the card.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss 2 ribbon banners - one in white, and one in blue. Trim the white one to just the inner portion of the banner. Stamp the sentiment in black ink on the white banner. Glue the white piece onto the matching area of the blue banner, and mount the banner in the upper right corner of the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Chessmen Photo Card

Inspiration

I do a lot of photography, even though I don't post a lot of photos here. Most of my shots are not "people" shots - I like scenic nature vistas most. But I also like macro photography, especially taking pictures of items that provide a different point of view.

Today's card uses a photo I took of an antique chess set that sits on a table in the "Officers' Club" room of the Hangar Hotel in Fredricksburg, TX. It's a cool hotel that is built to look like a WWII hangar on the outside, and a 1940's-style hotel featuring airplane memorabilia, model planes, and USO history. The chess set, made of glass, was catching sunlight from the nearby windows and I got down very close to capture the chessmen receding in focus.

I used the photo to create a birthday card for a friend's father - a long-time Texan turning 80 years old this fall, who loves to play chess and is someone I thought would appreciate the origin of the chess set in the photo. I used a full sheet of card stock to create the base card, so it's a nice big card for an important birthday event!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Paper

Basic Black (SU!)	8 1/2" x 11"; score at 5 1/2", and 4 1/4" x 5 3/8
Real Red (SU!)	5 1/2" x 7 3/4", and 3/4" x 8 1/2", and 2" x 3
Jackpot DSP (SU!)	5 1/2" x 7 1/2", and 1/2" x 4 1/2" (3 pieces)
Very Vanilla (SU!)	1/2" x 8 1/2", and scraps

Inks

Basic Black (SU!)

Stamps

Game Night (SU!)

Floral Wreath (Gina K)

Father's Day Centers (CHF)

Accessories

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Ribbon Tag Trio Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Oval Punch (SU!)

Scor-Pal

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Score a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" at 5 1/2" and fold. Mount a red mat, measuring 5 1/2" x 7 3/4", in the center of the card front. Mount the chess-board patterned paper, measuring 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" on the red mat layer.

PHOTO

Cut three strips of patterned paper with the pawn pattern, measuring 1/2" x 4 1/2". Mount these from the left edge of the base card toward the center, with the first one 1" from the top of the card, and each one 1/8" apart.

Trim the photo to 4" x 5 1/4, and mount on a mat of black paper, measuring 4 1/4" x 5 3/8. Mount the matted photo so that it covers the ends of the pawn paper strips, and leaves some of the chess board mat showing on the right.

CHESS MEN TRIM

Cut/emboss a ribbon tag from red paper. Stamp the sentiment in black ink on ivory paper and punch out with the oval punch. Mount the sentiment on the ribbon tag.

Mount an ivory strip measuring 1/2" x 8 1/2" on a red strip measuring 3/4" x 8 1/2", and slide through the ribbon tag. Mount this across the front of the card.

Finish by stamping the chess men images in black ink on ivory paper. Trim them closely, and mount at varying angles along the ivory "ribbon" on the front of the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Autumn Thinking About You

Inspiration

Here's another autumn card - with one of my favorite fall images - pumpkins! I always use pumpkins practice my shading techniques with COPICs. The Heartfelt Creation pumpkin images from the Pumpkin/Autumn Vines set are perfect for this card, plus they match the Spellbinders Pumpkin dies, so they're easy to cut out in a flash, too.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Early Espresso(SU!)	7" x 10"; score at 5"
Autumn Meadows DSP(SU!)	4 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Vintage Cream(Papertrey Ink)	2" x 3"
Stamper's Select White(Papertrey Ink)	5" x 5"

Ink

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3383 Cardinal Posy Branch PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3334 Open Falling Leaves PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3330 Elegant Autumn Swirl PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3329 Pumpkin/Autumn Vines PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 707: Falling Leaves Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Pumpkins Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Scalloped Oval Punch (SU!)

SPICA Markers (Imagination International)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

Sponge

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of brown card stock measuring 7 x 10, score at 5", and fold.

MAT LAYER

Using a deckled blade, cut a piece of designer paper measuring 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". Sponge brown ink around the edges to distress the deckle.

Stamp the Autumn Leaf Swirl image and the pumpkin leaf swirl using brown ink on the mat layer. Color the open areas of the swirls of the Autumn Leaf swirls with a Chocolate SPICA pen, and the open areas of the swirls of the pumpkin leaf swirls with a Turquoise SPICA pen.

Stamp the matching small autumn leaf from the Open Falling Leaves set in brown ink on white card stock 4 times, and cut these out with the matching Falling Leaves die. Color these leaves with COPIC markers: YR12 & E39, and enhance with the Chocolate SPICA pen. Glue them over the upper-most 4 autumn leaves on the mat. Stamp the pumpkin swirl in brown ink on white card stock. and cut out the two leaves. Color them with COPIC markers: BG11 & BG13, and enhance with the Turquoise SPICA pen. Glue them over the pumpkin leaves on the mat. Mount the mat layer on the card front.

PUMPKINS

Stamp the three pumpkins in brown ink on white paper. Cut them out with the matching pumpkin dies. Color with COPIC markers: YR00, YR12, YR18, E39, and enhance with Orange and Chocolate SPICA markers. Glue the largest pumpkin on the card front, then add the two smaller pumpkins using foam squares.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in brown ink on cream paper. Punch out with scalloped oval punch, and use a sponge with brown ink to distress the edges of the punched sentiment. Mount in the upper right corner with foam squares.

HC Blog

Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations of the design team at the Heartfelt Creations blog!

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Nature Laughs

Inspiration

We're right in the middle of autumn - the clocks have "fallen back" and the northeast has already seen snow! And I'm trying to come up with a masculine card for fall birthdays... Trees are always good for masculine cards... Here's the Heartfelt Creations' All Seasons Tree - a beautiful tree that can be colored to fit any season, and today my season is autumn - perfect!!! And, you know, this would work for a feminine autumn birthday, too!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Really Rust (SU!)	7" x 10"; scored at 5"
More Mustard (SU!)	3" x 6 1/2"
2009 Specialty (SU!)	3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Kraft (SU!)	4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Vintage Ivory (Papertrey Ink)	2 1/2" x 3"

Ink

Timber Brown (StazOn)

Early Espresso (SU!)

More Mustard (SU!)

Really Rust (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3331 All Seasons Tree PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Fleur De Lis Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Labels 18 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Chalks (Koss)

Prong pick-up tool (Excel)

Cotton Pom-poms

Sponges

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of rust-colored card stock measuring 7" x 10", and score it at 5", and fold. Using a sponge, apply rust-colored ink around all four edges of the card front. Cut a piece of yellow card stock measuring 3" x 6 1/2". Using a sponge, apply yellow ink around all four edges of the yellow card stock. Mount the yellow card strip centered on the front of the card. Cut a square from the brown glittering paper measuring 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". Mount this on the card, so that one point is touching the left edge of the card and one point is touching the top edge of the card.

IMAGE

Cut/emboss the largest Fleur de Lis square from the Kraft card stock. Using a sponge, apply brown ink around all four edges of the die cut to enhance the embossed pattern. Stamp the tree image using StazOn brown ink in the center of the die cut. Apply fall-colored chalks to the tree leaves. Mount the image on the card front, leaving some of the yellow strip showing on the right of the image.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in brown ink on ivory paper. Cut/emboss the sentiment using the Label 18 Nestabilities die. Mount to the left of the tree image using foam squares.

HC Blog

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations the talented design team members!

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas Snowman

Inspiration

Welcome to another Heartfelt Wednesday! Here's a simple little Christmas card I made for the CAS-ual Friday challenge - my first time to play along. The challenge was "over the edge" - to create a "Clean And Simple" card with a design element that goes over the edge of the card. My card has HC's jolly snowman "over the edge" as he says "Merry Christmas"! Don't forget to head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to check out today's post with all of the lovely creations by the design team members.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Paper

Cherry Cobbler (SU!)	6 1/2" x 9"; scored at 4 1/2"
Jingle DSP (Lily Bee Design)	4" x 6"
Old Olive (SU!)	3 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	3 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Inks

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Old Olive (SU!)

Stamps

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

HCPC 3342 Snowmen Melt Your Heart PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 706: Cardinal Family Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Plain Oval Large Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

SPICA Markers (Imagination International)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

Scor-Pal

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer with straight & deckled blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of red card stock measuring 6 1/2" x 9", score at 4 1/2", and fold. Cut a piece of designer paper measuring 4" x 6", and mount on the front of the card.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss an oval from green cardstock. Stamp the sentiment in matching green ink. Mount on the left area of the card front.

IMAGE

Stamp the snowman image on white card stock twice. On one of the images, cut out just the cardinal using the matching die. Using the same image, cover the snowman face with sticky tape sheet, and cover in microfine glitter. Cut out the snowman face. Color the eyes, nose, and mouth with a Pitch Black SPICA pen. Cut out the second snowman image entirely. Color with COPIC markers:

• Cardinal - R46, R59
• Scarf - Y93, Y97
• Leaves/Berries: Y93, Y97, R89
• Hat band: Y93, Y97
• Hat: E21, E23, E27

Enhance the holly leaves and berries with Garnet and Olive SPICA pens. Enhance the scarf, the hat, and the cardinal with a Clear SPICA pen.

Glue the full snowman image in the lower right of the card front so that it overlaps the green oval and the cardinal hangs off the right edge of the card. Mount the glittered snowman face over the snowman face. Add the die cut cardinal using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunny Birthday Wishes

Inspiration

This card was designed based on a sketch from a sketch group I belong to called CardSketchesByZacksNana. My sketch partner is in Austrailia this month, so now my cards have gone "international"! Lots of fun!

I wanted to use fall colors, but still create a bright sunny greeting. I love this watering can image from Heartfelt Creations, so I used it for my focal point, and used shades of rust, yellow, and brown to create the fall mood.

Here's the result.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 5"

Paper

Really Rust (SU!)	6" x 12" scored at 6"
Autumn Meadows DSP (SU!)	6" x 6"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
More Mustard (SU!)	2" x 4"

Inks

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3305 Posy Patch Clusters PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3306 Posy Patch Garden Delights PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Birthday Centers (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Accessories

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Ribbon Banners Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Scalloped Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Plain Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

Craft Knife (Cutter Bee)

Buttercup Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Removeable tape (Scotch)

ATG (Scotch)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Instructions

BASE CARD

To create this shaped card, cut a piece of rust card stock measuring 6" x 12", score at 6" and fold. Place the second-smallest Grand Nestabilites scalloped circle die just above the fold, and secure with removeable tape. Cut/emboss to create the card. Cut/emboss the designer paper using the smallest Grand Nestabilites plain circle die. Mount this on the front of the card.

IMAGES

Stamp the watering can image twice in black ink on white paper. Cut out one image entirely, and just the flowers of the second image. Stamp the large posy cluster image twice in black ink on white paper. Cut out one image entirely, and just the large center flower of the second image. Stamp the small posy cluster in black ink on white paper, and cut it out.

Color all of the trimmed images with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Flowers: YR21, YR23
• Leaves: YG93, YG97
• Watering can: E33, E39

Mount the full watering can image in the lower right area of the card front. Use foam squares to mount the second set of flowers onto the base image. Adhere the two clusters of flowers to the upper left diagonally from the watering can. Mount the single blossom using a foam square, rotating it slight to alternate the petals.

Finish with Buttercup liquid pearls in the center of each blossom. The easiest way to make smooth centers is to squeeze a little out onto the blossom, and lift the bottle straight up to release the paint. As it dries, it smooths into pretty round, pearl-shaped flower centers.

SENTIMENT

While the flower centers are drying, cut/emboss a ribbon banner using dark yellow card stock. Distress the edges with brown ink and a sponge. Using the stamp positioner, stamp the sentiment on the banner in brown ink. Mount at the bottom of the card front using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

For God So Loved the World

Inspiration

Here's another card featuring stamps from the Classic Christmas Collection. But wait - it's not a Christmas card! Again, such a versatile collection - I chose to make a Easter themed card with the book and sentiment stamps from theClassic Christmas Collection, and pretty stamps from the Dutch Iris collection released earlier this year.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 4 1/4" x 6 1/2"

Paper

Elegant Eggplant (SU!)	6 1/2" x 8 1/2"; scored at 4 1/4"
Perfect Plum DSP (SU!)	4 1/8" x 6 3/8
Basic Black (SU!)	2" x 3"
Parchment (Marco's)	2" x 3"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)

Inks

Elegant Eggplant (SU!)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3434: Book Frame 2 PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3429: Wisemen Ornament PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3373: Dutch Iris Medley PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3371: Dutch Iris Oval PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 711: Decorative Dutch Iris Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Labels 7 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Ribbons (Michaels)

Bow-Easy

Gold embossing powder (Stampendous)

Heat gun

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

COPIC multiliner (Imagination International)

Scor-Pal

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of dark purple card stock measuring 6 1/2" x 8 1/2", and score it at 4 1/4". Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring to 4 1/8" x 6 3/8". Mount a piece of ribbon 3/4 of the way across the mat, and mount the mat on the front of the card.

FLOWER

Stamp the iris oval image on white card stock in black ink, and cut out. Stamp two buds on white card stock in black ink, and cut them out using the matching dies. Stamp the iris blossom twice on white card stock in black ink, and cut them out using the matching dies. Color all the images with COPIC markers. I used these colors: petals - V01, V09; center- Y35; leaves - YG03, YG07. Mount the buds over the matching buds on the oval using foam squares. Mount one of the iris blossoms over the blossom on the oval using foam squares. Trim the middle 3 petals from the other iris blossom, and mount this on the iris "stack" using foam squares.

BOOK

Stamp the smallest book with Versamark ink on black paper and on the parchment paper, and emboss both with gold embossing powder. Cut the black one out using the matching Labels 7 die. Cut out the pages portion of the parchment book. Use the multiliner pen to scribble lines onto the parchment pages. Bend the pages slightly, and mount them onto the black book using foam squares. Glue a piece of gold ribbon down the center of the book. Mount the book at the lower right corner of the card.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in dark purple ink on a piece of white paper measuring 1 1/4" x 3 3/4"; Mount the sentiment panel onto a piece of dark purple paper measuring 1 3/8" x 3 5/8". Mount this on the upper left corner of the card front, overlapping the oval. Tie a mulit-loop bow, and mount this to the left of the image.

Thanks for stopping by!

Let It Snow!

Inspiration

Here's a snowy winter scene using stamps from the Classic Christmas Collection from Heartfelt Creations, and some "Sparkly Fluff" I found in a bargain basket at a local store. It's kind of fun for snow (but there was a lot of white stuff sticking to everything!). I used the tree images from the Magnificent Spruce Trees set to make a Christmas scene, but they are so versatile - they'd be great for a lake scene or any serene nature view.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Cranberry Crisp (SU!)	7" x 10"; scored at 5", and 1 1/2" x 3"
Handsome Hunter (SU!)	4 7/8" x 6 7/8" (2 pieces), and 3" x 4"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	1 1/2" x 3"

Inks

Handsome Hunter (SU!)

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

HCPC 3432: Magnificent Spruce Trees PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3345: Snowflake Medley PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Flower & Flourish edge punch (EK Success)

Clear embossing powder

Heat gun

Quickie glue pen (Sakura)

Sparkly Fluff (Our Craft Lounge)

Swarovski Hot-fix Jewels (Creative Notions)

iRock Hot-fix toll (Imaginisce)

Scor-Pal

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of red card stock measuring 7" x 10", and score it at 5".

GREEN MAT LAYER

Cut a piece of dark green cardstock measuring 4 7/8" x 6 7/8". Punch one long edge with the edge punch. Stamp the small cluster of trees in matching dark green ink across the layer. Use the glue pen to line branches and the ground line of the trees, and cover with the Sparkly fluff - press it down, then shake off the excess.

LARGE TREE

Ink the large tree using Versamark ink then dark green ink, and stamp on dark green paper. Emboss with clear embossing powder. Trim it closely. Use the glue pen to line branches and the ground line of the tree, and cover with the Sparkly fluff - press it down, then shake off the excess. Attach the hot-fix jewels randomly around the tree. Mount the large tree on the front of the card with foam squares.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in dark green ink on white paper. Trim it closely. Glue it onto the small piece of red cardstock, and trim it, too. Glue this in the upper left corner of the card front.

HC Blog

Head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for all the beautiful creations the talented design team members!

Thanks for stopping by!

Precious Memories

Inspiration

Heartfelt Creations has been making beautiful stamps for many years, and this Magnolia Oval is one of my favorites from a while ago. It's perfect for any sentiment. Here's a sympathy card I made for a coworker who lost her uncle this week. I needed one for lots of people to sign, so I put matching light blue card stock on both inside panels.

And, it IS Wednesday, so be sure to head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to see a whole bunch of beautiful creations from the design team, including all our **NEW** members!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 5" x 7"

Paper

Kraft (SU!)	7" x 10"; scored at 5"
Bashful Blue (SU!)	4 7/8" x 6 7/8"
Madeline designer paper (Prima)	3 3/4" x 6 1/2"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Inks

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Bashful Blue (SU!)

Crumb Cake (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3377 Sympathy Sentiment PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

892G: Magnolia Oval (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Paper Blossoms Tool Kit

Classic Bracket Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Classic Triple Scallop Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

SPICA Marker (Imagination International)

Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Bow-Easy

Scor-Pal

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip-Dry glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer with straight & deckled blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a piece of kraft card stock measuring 7" x 10", and score it at 5".

BLUE MAT LAYER

Cut a piece of light blue cardstock measuring 4 7/8" x 6 7/8". Line the bracket edger from the Bracket Edgeabilities set and a decorative insert die from the Scallop Edgeabilities set again one of the long edges of the mat layer, and cut/emboss in your die cut machine. Hint: I hold mine in place with removeable tape. Remove the dies from the card stock. Use a sponge to apply light blue ink on the embossed border and around the other 3 sides of the mat.

PATTERNED MAT LAYER

Using a deckled blade in your trimmer, cut patterned paper a piece of patterned paper measuring 3 3/4" x 6 1/2". Use a sponge to apply light brown ink on all 4 sides of the mat. Mount this onto the blue mat layer. Adhere a blue ribbon horizontally around the mat. Mount the mat layer onto the front of the card.

IMAGE

Stamp the Magnolia Oval in brown ink on ivory paper. Use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to position the sentiment in the oval, and stamp it in brown ink.

Stamp the flower portion of the oval again in brown ink on ivory paper and cut out just the blossoms. Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors: Blossoms - E41, E43, 0; Leaves - YG21 & YG93 or B32 & B34. Use the paper blossoms tool on the trimmed blossoms to shape them, then adhere them to the matching blossoms on the oval image using foam squares.

Mount the oval on front of the card. Enhance the center of the blossoms with a Sand SPICA pen. Tie a multi-loop bow in the same ribbon, and adhere to the left of the oval.

Thanks for stopping by!