So Glad We're Friends

Inspiration

As you are reading this on Sunday morning, I'm spending a lovely short weekend trip with my close girlfriends, and we are celebrating the 50th birthday of one of our group! I always smile, because when we met, she was just SO SURE she was way older than me, when I had her beat by almost 3 years. Every time she complains about getting old, I cut her no slack whatsoever, of course! She is a lovely person, and always has everyone around her laughing. Happy Birthday, Melanie!

This is the card I made for her - what better way to celebrate a milestone than by turning back the clock to younger days? I used a technique I hadn't tried before - a Prima mask laid over cardstock and airbrushed with COPIC colors. I found it is a very easy way to create a really pretty background and I made matching backgrounds in coordinating colors - pretty neat!

Ingredients

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

Paper

Not Quite Navy (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2", and 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", and 2" x 5", and 2" x2"
Peach Parfait (SU!)	2 1/2" x 4", and 2" x2"
Pear Pizzazz (SU!)	5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
Lap of Luxury (SU!)	2 1/2" x 5"
Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey Ink)	2 1/4" x 3 1/4"

Inks

Not Quite Navy (SU!)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Stamps

A Kind Word (SU!)

Best Yet (SU!)

Edgy Eloquence (SU!)

Accessories

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

COPIC airbrush system (Imagination International)

8x8 Mask I (Prima)

Flower punch (SU!)

1 3/8" circle punch (SU!)

Daisy Edge punch (Martha Stewart)

Brads (Paper Studio)

Paper Piercer

Foam tape

ATG (3M)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

DECORATIVE LAYERS

Use the mask to cover the green card stock, and airbrush with the YG93 COPIC marker to create the background layer. Use the paper piercer to punch 3 holes in a straight line in one corner of the green layer, and fill each hole with a peach brad.

Use the same mask, and airbrush the peach card stock panel, using the YR14 COPIC marker. Use the paper piercer to punch 3 holes in a straight line in one corner of the peach layer, and fill each hole with a green brad.

Use the daisy punch to decorate the edge of the strip of navy cardstock, then mount the decorator paper onto the punched card stock.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in navy ink on the small piece of peach card stock, and use the circle punch to trim it. Punch a navy flower shape, and mount the sentiment circle onto the flower shape.

IMAGE

Stamp the image onto the panel of white cardstock, using black ink. Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Hair: Y11, Y17
• Skin: E000, E01, R83
• Dress: YG95, YR00, YR01
• Basket: E51, E53, E55
• Flowers: YR12, YR14
• Cat: YR15, YR18
• Shadows: C00, 0000

ASSEMBLY

The base card is made from the navy card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 11", scored at 5 1/2", and folded. Mount the airbrushed green mat with brads onto the base card. Mount the orange airbrushed panel with brads in the upper right area of the card. Add the designer paper with the punched navy border vertically on the left of the card front. Mount the image panel over the designer paper, and finish with the sentiment medalian mounted with foam tape.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shoe Hop!!!

Welcome to the Heartfelt Creations Shoe Hop!

The Heartfelt Creations design team has been SOOOO busy! We are making projects for the July CHA with all sorts of beautiful fall colors with a vintage feel. And today, we're showing off Heartfelt Creations' images with a Shoe Hop - we've become paper cobblers - making designer paper shoes - SO MUCH FUN!

To make sure you see all the beautiful shoe creations, the hop started on the Heartfelt Creations blog, and if you're following the links, you came from the lovely creations of Giovana Smith. If you're starting here, you're "in the middle"! You can head to the HC Blog to start at the beginning, or simply follow the link at the bottom of the post to the next shoe creation, then work your way around.

I have a couple of cards on the HC blog today, too - so I will post them tomorrow and Friday - be sure to stop back to see the details. I made 3 shoes, two of which are on the HC blog. Only one has a "vintage" feel to it - once I made one, I was in party mood and created a couple of bright shoes. I made the orange one as a gift, so it's a little "extra" for today's hop.

Designing the Shoes

For creating these shoes, I started with a template from Ellen Hutson. As much as I'd like to call myself a "paper engineer", I haven't quite gotten to the point that I can create a 3-d replica of an object without assistance. Using a template let me concentrate on colors and textures, instead of obsessing about how the paper would shape up. Of course, I still did a fair amount of that, too... I altered the template slightly for the pink and orange shoes, to create a criss-cross toe instead of a single piece. And for the orange one, I used created a separate heel, using some corregated card stock.

Here's some hints for using templates:

• Create your first shoe out of scrap paper - I went through several attempts before I got one I actually liked. I would have learned a lot by doing a scrap one first.
• Instead of tracing the template onto the paper, use repositionable adhesive to attach the template to the paper and trim around the shapes.
• Cut two at once - my shoes came out much better when I cut both sides at the same time; For the pink shoe, I actually folded the paper, and lined up the back of the shoe on the fold so that the shoe upper was a single piece.
• Be sure to score the folds you will make, and make them wide enough to hold the tape you use. The bone folder is essential for getting the crisp creases you need.

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Vintage Shoe

Paper

Ancestor.com Designer Paper (K & Company)

Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey)

Inks

Tea Dye Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)

Stamps

HCPC 2274: Graceful Pansy 2 PreCut Set

HCPC 2273: Graceful Pansy 1 PreCut Set

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Peony Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Shell White Microfine Glitter

Sticky Tape Sheets

Double-sided tape (PK Glitz>

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

Rose shaped bead (CTMH)

Pleated lace fringe (Offray)

Bone folder

Zip Dry

Scissors

Shoe Decoration

For the flower on the toe of the shoe, I applied a piece of the sticky tape sheet to white cardstock, then covered it in the microfine glitter. Then I stamped two pansy images in the tea dye ink onto the glitter, and colored with COPIC markers (B70). It produces a very pretty effect!

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Orange Party Shoe

Paper

Designer paper (American Crafts)

Orange corregated cardstock (unknown)

Inks

Pumpkin Pie (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 2241: Innoscents Flowers 1 PreCut Set

HCPC 2242: Innoscents Flowers 2 PreCut Set

Accessories

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Blossom 2 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Paper Blossoms Toolkit (McGill)

Double loop edge punch (Martha Stewart)

Blue gem brad (Paper Studio)

Bone folder

Zip Dry

Scissors

Shoe Decoration

For the paper loop edge, I punched a long edge from the same paper, and adhered it to the inside of the top edge of the shoe before I started the shoe assembly. For the flower, I stamped the larger flower on the orange side of the paper, and the small flower on the dotted side of the paper, and cut them out using the matching Blossom 2 Nestabilities dies. Then I clipped the flower petals, and distressed them using the paper petals tool kit. I punched a hole through the center of the stacked flowers and the toe of the shoe, and mounted the flower with the brad. For the heel, I simply cut the shoe straight across the back, eliminating the heel that was part of the template. Then I folded the corregated cardstock into a triangle and stuck it up into the heel area of the shoe, then cut it off and the right height. I mounted it with Zip Dry.

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Bright Floral Shoe

Paper

TheGoods designer paper (American Crafts)

Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey)

Inks

Rose Red (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3370 Easter Lilies PreCut Set

Accessories

Crystal lacquer in pink and clear

Double-sided tape (PK Glitz>

Small adhesive gems (Recollections)

Bone folder

Zip Dry

Scissors

Shoe Decoration

For the flower spray on the side of the shoe, I stamped the flowers in pink ink on white paper and trimmed it closely. Then I added pink crystal lacquer on the flowers and buds, and clear crystal lacquer on the leaves. While the lacquer was still wet, I placed a small pink adhesive gem on each stamen in the center of the flowers. After it was completely dry, I used Zip Dry to adhere it to the shoe.

Following the Hop!

Thanks for checking out our shoe hop! Your next stop is "down under" with the beautiful works by Sue Walsh. Enjoy the journey!!!

Cup of Thanks

Inspiration

The teacup from the Tea With Bella stamp set (part of the new Bella Rose Collection at Heartfelt Creations) is so fun - it can fit lots of occasions! And the swirly leaves from the Bella Rose Leaves set can be used with the new matching dies, that really make it a snap to cut out their intricate design! There are lots of creative examples for using all the new sets of stamps on the Heartfelt Creations blog - be sure to visit to see all the beautiful work from the design team.

I made this card for the woman at work that is officially an "admin", but in reality does anything and everything to help things run smoothly. She just finished up two weeks of playing hostess to customers visiting in our office, making sure all were kept comfortable and well fed, and is now headed on a well-deserved vacation!

Ingredients

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

Paper

Pear Pizzazz (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11", scored at 5 1/2"
Rich Razzleberry (SU!)	5" x 5"
Patterned paper (Pink Paisley)	4 7/8" x 4 7/8"
Stamper's Select White (PTI)	8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Inks

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Rich Razzleberry (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3390 Bella Rose Leaves Precut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3393 Tea with Bella Precut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3328 Swirly Autumn Leaves Precut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 712 Bella Rose Dies (Heartfelt Creations)

Fancy Tags Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Deco Shells Punch Around The Page Combo (Martha Stewart)

Medium Oval Punch (SU!)

Foam Dots

Zip Dry

Scor-Pal

ATG 714

Scissors

Rotary Trimmer

Instructions

Images

Stamp the teacup image on white paper, and stamp the bottom of the cup with the rose again. Stamp the leaf swirl in brown on white paper, and cut it out using the matching "Leafy Spray" die.

Trim the cup and rose image closely, then cut out just the roses from the bottom of the partial image. Color all with COPIC markers:

• Cup: C00, C1, 0
• Flowers on cup: RV66, YG05
• Leaves: YG21, YG23
• Roses: RV63, RV69
• Stems: E87, YG21, YG23

Sentiment

Stamp the sentiment in purple ink on white, and punch out the image with the oval punch. Cut and emboss the tag with the die cut machine, and mount the white sentiment on the tag.

Assembly

Punch the pattern around the purple square, and mount it on the front of the card. Then add the patterned paper on the punched square.

Glue the leafy spray image onto the card, then mount the sentiment tag at the bottom of the square.

Mount the teacup to the card using foam dots, and the rose cut out on top of the roses at the bottom of the cup, also using foam dots.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tea Party Shower Invitation

Inspiration

Well it is technically Thursday morning, but this is my Wednesday post, since I’ve been awake since about 5 AM Wednesday morning.  This is a project I've been working on for a friend whose niece is getting married. My friend is hosting the bridal shower for almost 60 people(!!!!) and she asked me to make the invitations. I'm posting this before I get them all made - they are due 3/28, so you know what I'll be doing the next few days (LOL!)

Here are the parameters she gave me for the project:

• The bride's colors are lavender, citron green, and silver
• The shower theme is a tea party
• They wanted to enclose a blank recipe card so each guest could bring it to the shower filled out with a favorite recipe

In choosing my materials, oddly enough I started with the ribbon! I found the silky citron green ribbon half price at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour in Mesquite, TX, in January. From there I found paper at Joann's that was as close a match to the ribbon as I would EVER thought I could find. The lavender paper is also from Joann's - it has shiny little hearts in the pattern that make it perfect for a bridal shower. I did two different card designs - I'll post the "reject" some other time. Here's the design that the hostess chose.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size is 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”

Paper

Green #3 Textured Cardstock(DCWV):  5 1/2” x 11”, scored at 1”, 5 1/8”, and 9 3/8”

Green #3 Textured Cardstock(DCWV):  3 5/8” x 3/4”

Whisper White (SU!):  3” x 3”

Playful Heart Shimmer Glitter paper (Heidi Grace):  5 3/8” x 4”

Playful Heart Shimmer Glitter paper (Heidi Grace):  5 3/8” x 1 1/2”

Playful Heart Shimmer Glitter paper (Heidi Grace):  5 3/8” x 3/4”

Champagne Pearl Mettalics (Wausau):  3” x 3”

White Silver Mettalics (Wausau):  5 3/8” x 1 1/4”

Inks

Basic Gray (SU!)	Lavender Lace (SU!)
Versamark (Tsukineko)

Stamps

Tea for Two (Paper Trey Ink)	Tea for Two Additions(Paper Trey Ink)
Basket Full of Fun (SU!)

Accessories

Dandelion Green Ribbon (Lasting Impressions)	Bow-Easy
Tea for Two dies (Paper Trey Ink)	Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)
Silver embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)	Heat Gun
Edge punch (Martha Stewart)	Foam Tape
Glue dots	Scissors
Scor-Pal	Adhesive Transfer Gun 714 (Scotch)
Markers: Lavender Lace, Sunshine Yellow, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Rotary trimmer with deckle and straight blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

Base Card

Since the cardstock is 12" x 12", I was able to get 2 cards out of each sheet, with a 1" strip for extra use - like the mat for the sentiment.

After cutting and scoring the base green card, mount the purple pieces onto the three sections of the card, leaving the back panel open.

Punch the strip of silver paper along one edge, and adhere it to the underside of the the top panel.

Fold the card along the score lines. Add adhesive on the outer edges of the narrow front panel, and fold it inward. This forms the pocket to hold the recipe card.

 

 

 

 

Images

Stamp the tea party images with embossing ink on the Champagne card stock, and emboss with silver powder. Stamp the flowers in the middle of the teapot image in gray, and color the flowers with markers. Using the matching dies, cut out the teapot and teacup using the die cut machine; cut the remaining images out by hand.

Stamp sentiment for the front of the card in purple on the small white strip, and mount it on the small green paper mat.

Assembly

The assembly goes quickly at this point - arrange the tea party images on the front (except the sugar bowl), and attach with foam tape. Adhere the sugar bowl on the pocket inside the card, slightly to the right. Mount the matted sentiment on the upper flap on the front of the card. Tie a pretty green bow, and add it using a glue dot.

Final Notes

Inside

Now, I like to do custom greetings inside using my computer - after getting the details on the shower, I used PhotoShop to create a text box with shaded border, picked a pretty font - trying to match the purple color of course! Print/trim/paste and you're done!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heartfelt Fall

Inspiration

I love fall! I’ve always seen fall as a new beginning—maybe even more than January bringing in a new year. It might be a holdover from starting the school year in September as a kid, or the changing of nature’s colors into one of my favorite palettes, or maybe the switching over what we wear, or perhaps the impending switch of the time off of Daylight Savings time. Whatever it is, I love the feeling, and since I live in Texas, October feels much more like fall than September does. So this week, I have a fall-themed card to show you. I used it as a birthday card, but it would work for many different occasions.  I’ve CASEd a card from the Heartfelt Creations website (one of my FAVORITE places for ideas)—click here to see the original card.

Ingredients

Paper

Note:  The finished card size is 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”

Color	Size
Kraft (SU!)	a)  4 1/4” x 11”, score at 5 1/2" b)  3” x 3 7/8”
Cajun Craze (SU!)	a)  4” x 5 1/2” b)  3” x 5”
Bashful Blue (SU!)	a) 1” x 4 7/8” – 2 pieces
Whisper White (SU!)	a)  3” x 5” b)  scrap – at least 2” x 2”
Autumn Traditions DSP (SU!)	a)  3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
So Saffron DSP (SU!)	a)  2 7/8” x 3 7/8”

Ink

Rich Cocoa (Memento), So Saffron (SU!), Cajun Craze (SU!)

Stamps

Daisy Patch Swirl (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

Acrylic block (SU!); Masking Magic (ThermoWeb); Deco Fans Punch Around the Page (Martha Stewart); Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Oval Large, and Scalloped Classic Oval Large; Cuttlebug; Pearls (Crystal Stickers); blue ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Prisma Color pencils; Spica pens in Mint & Sand (Too Markers); Sticky Tape (PK Glitz); Scor-Pal; Foam tape; Adhesive Transfer Gun 714 (Scotch); Rotary trimmer with straight blades (Fiskars); Scissors

Instructions

Paper

Cut all your pieces of card stock to the sizes outlines above.

Run the 3” x 5” piece of rust-colored paper through the Cuttlebug twice, using the large scalloped oval Nestabilities die - once to cut and once to emboss.

Using the edge punch, punch one long edge of each of the 2 blue strips.

Image

Stamp the daisy swirl image in brown on the 3” x 5” white panel.  Then stamp the flower in the middle of the image again on the scrap of white.  Cut out the flower from the small image.  Use the largest plain oval Nestability to frame and cut out the full image from the larger stamped image.

Make a mask for the flower portion of the image, by stamping the flower on the masking sheet, or a post-it.  Then trim your mask closely and cover the flower on the oval panel.  Using a sponge with the yellow ink, sponge around the flower, with outward strokes so that the ink is lighter as it approaches the outer parts of the oval, and darker near the center.  Then with another sponge, lightly stroke some of

Hint: The tricky part about using Post-It notes for detailed mask is that the final mask is sticky only on one edge of the mask.  If your goal is to be able to use the mask cleanly without holding it down with your finger, try out a masking medium that is sticky across the entire image.

Using the colored pencils, color the petals of the both flowers blue, and the centers yellow.  Color the leaves on the full image green.  Using the SPICA markers, cover the green leaves with Mint, and outline the petals and centers with Sand.

Attach the pearl stickers to the dot swirls in the image, and mount the trimmed flower to the flower on the image using a foam dot.  I rotated the flower slightly so that the petals alternate with the base image to make the flower look more full.

Assembly

Score and fold the large Kraft panel for the base card. Mount the rust paper on the base, followed by the green patterned paper.

Now mount the yellow patterned paper on the smaller Kraft piece.  Mount the punched blue strips to the back of the Kraft paper so the fans show along the edge.  Using the sticky tape, mount the ribbon across the front of this stack of paper.  Then mount the whole set onto the base card.

Then mount the rust colored scalloped oval to the left of the card, and the image on the oval.

Tie a blue bow, and mount it to the right of the image, on the blue ribbon stripe.

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by.

Summer Butterfly

Inspiration
This card is a blatant “CASE” of Michelle Zindorf’s work – I copied her Butterfly Season tutorial as exactly as I could.  She creates the most beautiful work, and explains it so well on her blog, that I had to give this one a try.  Her step-by-step instructions are fabulous, and have given me a lot to think about in how I can improve my own tutorials here.  I hope you’ll go to her blog and check out the beautiful work!

Thanks for stopping by!