Graduation Girls

Inspiration

For graduation card, I like to match the school colors. Both the schools we received invitations for this year have orange as one of their colors, so I made 2 cards with the same design, just different base colors.

Morristown, TN East High School Colors

University of Texas at Dallas Colors

Ingredients

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

Stamps

Frantic Graduation Girl (Sassy Cheryl's Digis)

Spring Pictograms (SU!)

Paper

Card 1 - Morristown, TN - East High School Colors
Basic Black (SU!)	5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2", 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Pumpkin Patch (SU!)	5 3/8" x 5 3/8", and 4" x 5", and 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Gold Star Swirl (DCWV)	5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
Stamper's Select White (PTI)	4" x 5", and 1 1/2" x 4"
Mirror Cardstock - Gold Silk (Stamp Simply Ribbon Store)	4" x 5"
Card 2 - University of Texas at Dallas Colors
Basic Black	5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2"
Garden Green	5 1/4" x 5 1/4", and 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Pumpkin Patch	4" x 5", and 1 1/2" x 4"
Stamper's Select White	4" x 5", and 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Mirror Cardstock - Gold Silk (Stamp Simply Ribbon Store)	4" x 5"

Ink

Epson RX620 Printer

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Accessories

Petite Oval Nestabilities - Small (Spellbinders)

Petitie Scalloped Oval Nestabilities - Large (Spellbinders)

Stars 5 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Banner Basics 2 Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Corner Rounder Punch (SU!)

Oval Punch (SU!)

Scalloped Oval Punch (SU!)

COPIC Markers & SPICA Glitter pen (Imagination International)

Baker's Twine (the Twinery)

Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Becca's Peg Bow Maker (ODBD)

Double-sided Sticky Tape (PK Glitz)

Zip Dry Glue

ATG (3M)

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook adhesives)

Scor-Pal

Rotary trimmer with straight and scalloped blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with black card stock, cut to 5 1/2" x 11", score at 5 1/2" and fold.

MAT

Cut the orange card stock to 5 3/8" x 5 3/8", and round all 4 corners. Cut the black swirl paper to 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" using a scalloped blade. Mount the black swirl mat onto the orange mat. Glue black & white twine in a curve around the top two corners.

Cut/emboss 4 orange banners, 4 gold stars, and 1 gold tassel. Glue 2 banners on the twine in each corner, and adhere a gold star to each banner.

Cut a six-inch strip of gold ribbon. Tie a bow using gold ribbon onto the ribbon strip then mount across the mat using double-sided tape, with the bow on the far left of the card. Mount the mat with ribbon onto the front of the card. Glue the tassel just below the bow.

IMAGE

Resize the graduate image to be 3 1/4" in height. Print the image on white card stock. Cut/emboss the image using an petite oval die. Cut/emboss an orange scalloped oval using a die just larger than the oval used to cut out the image.

Color the image with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Skin: E0000, E01, R20
• Hair: E55, E57
• Cap & Gown: C3, C5, C7, 100
• Skirt: YG61 & YG67 - OR - C3 & C5
• Tie & Shoes: YR12, YR14
• Diploma: E30, E31
• Shadow: C0, C1
• Tassel: Gold SPICA

Mount the image oval onto the orange scalloped oval, then adhere it to the card front.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in black ink on white card stock. Punch it out using the oval punch. Punch a scalloped oval from black card stock. Mount the sentiment oval onto the black oval. Color the star in the sentiment with the gold SPICA pen. Mount the sentiment to the lower right of the image using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

Boy's Birthday Balloon

Inspiration

I made this for a little cousin (a couple of times removed) who is turning 2 this week. I thought this digi from Sassy Cheryl's was perfect for a little boy.

Ingredients

Note: finished card size is 5" x 7"

Stamps

Crazy for Cupcakes (SU!)

Birthday Balloon Boy (Sassy Cheryl's Digis)

Paper

Pacific Point	5" x 10", scored at 5", and 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
Marina Mist	4 3/4" x 4 3/4"
Birthday paper (unknown)	2 3/8" x 4 5/8"
Only Orange	2 1/8" x 3 3/8"
Stamper's Select White	2" x 3" 1/4

Ink

Pacific Point (SU!)

Epson RX620 Printer

Accessories

Ribbon (SU!)

Metal Dots (Colorbok)

Scor-Pal

ATG (3M)

Cutter Bee Scissors (EK Success)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD and MAT

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

Cut a piece of light blue card stock measuring 4 3/4" X 4 3/4". Stamp the balloon in dark blue ink across the top of the light blue card stock mat. Mount a piece of patterned paper measuring 2 3/8" x 4 5/8""on the bottom half of the mat.

Adhere a piece of dark blue ribbon across the mat, covering the "seam" where the patterned paper stops. Mount the mat to the front of the card.

IMAGE

Resize the image to 3" in height. Print the digi stamp on white card stock, and trim to a rectangle measuring 2" x 3 1/4". Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Hair: E30, E35, E37
• Skin: E000, E01, R20
• Balloon: YR02, YR04, YR07
• Shirt: YR02, Orange SPICA
• Shorts: B02, B06
• Flower: Y13, YR02, YG13
• Shadow: C0, C2

Cut mats for the image - dark blue card stock cut to 2 1/4" x 3 1/2", and orange card stock cut to 2 1/8" x 3 3/8". Mount the image onto the orange, and the orange onto the dark blue. Mount in the center of the card front.

Finish by mounting 3 blue metal dots in the upper right corner of the card front.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring Bird

Inspiration

Good Sunday to you and Happy Tax Day! LOL - well, I guess you actually have one more day....

Here's an easy card that I made using a sketch from a sketch group I belong to called CardSketchesByZacksNana. We're just a small group of ladies that trade cards once a month and the cool part is that we have friends now in Austrailia and Canada and the US! Lots of fun.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 4 1/4" x 5 /12"

Stamps

Asian Artistry (SU!)

Paper

Basic Gray (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4", and 1 3/4" x 4 1/4"
Walk in the Park DSP	4 1/8" x 5 3/8"
Pretty in Pink	1 1/2" x 4 1/4", and 4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Whisper White	4 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Ink

Basic Gray (SU!)

Accessories

Scalloped Petite Oval - Large - Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Petite Oval - Small - Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Becca's Peg Bow Maker (ODBD)

ATG (3M)

Zip Dry Glue

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD and MAT

Cut a piece of gray card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 4 1/4", and fold. Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 4 1/8" x 5 3/8", and mount on the front of the card.

IMAGE

Cut/emboss a large scalloped oval from pink card stock. Cut/emboss a plain oval just smaller than the pink oval. Mount the white oval onto the pink oval.

Stamp the image with gray ink at one end of the oval. Cut the oval just to the left of the image, and mount on the left side of the card.

Bow Trim

Cut a piece of gray card stock measuring 1 3/4" x 4 1/4", and a piece of pink card stock measuring 1 1/2" x 4 1/4". Mount the pink strip onto the gray. Mount a strip of white ribbon around strip length-wise, putting a twist in the ribbon at the point you will mount the bow. This creates the illusion that you tied the bow around the strip.

Tie a pretty bow using the peg bow maker, trim the ends, and glue the bow over the twist in the ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Reruns

Inspiration

It's a "rerun" Sunday for me - I'm showing you 2 cards today - both are repeats of cards I've shown in the past, just with different papers and messages. I'll give you the link to the past blogpost for the instructions, but all the new ingredients are listed.

Wonderful Mother

This card is a copy of the card I posted last fall, called Artistic Gatefold Birthday. Check there for the instructions. I made this one for my mother-in-law, an amazing woman who is now a caregiver to my father-in-law, who suffers from alzheimers. My sweet husband wanted to send his mom a very special card to tell her how much he admires and loves her!

Ingredients

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

Paper

Perfect Plum (SU!)	7" x 9"; scored at 2 1/4" and 7 1/4", and 1 1/2" x 2"
Pale Plum (SU!)	4 1/2" x 7", and 2 1/4" x 7" (2 pieces)
Patterned paper (GCD Studios - Donna Salazar Antiquities)	2 1/4" x 7" (2 pieces), and small scraps for flowers

Ink

Perfect Plum (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3389 Sentiments for Mom (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3453: Malabar Clematis PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 716: Layered Elegant Swirl Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Petite Ovals - Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Petite Ovals - Small Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Liquid Pearls - Lavender Lace (Ranger)

Designer Dries Clear Glue (Art Glitter Glue)

Zip-Dry Glue

ATG (3M)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Making History 2

This is a more recent posted card from only a few weeks ago, called Making History. Check there for the instructions. I made this one for one of my best friends, the "Queen Diva".

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 5" x 7"

Stamps

Belle (Rubbernecker Stamps)

Favorite Thoughts (SU!)

Paper

Blushing Bride (SU!)	7" x 10", scored at 5"
Leaf (Paper Trey Ink)	3 1/2" x 6 7/8"
Pixie (Memory Box)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Autumn Rose (Paper Trey Ink)	3 1/2" x 6 7/8"
Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey Ink)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2", and 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Ink

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Accessories

Grand Ovals (Spellbinders)

Grand Big Scalloped Ovals (Spellbinders)

Classic Scallop Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Classic Postage Stamps Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Ribbon Banners (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Ribbon (Paper Trey Ink)

Peg Bow Maker (Unity Stamps)

COPIC Markers - E00, E02, Y12 (Imagination International)

Diamond Destress Stickles (Ranger)

Zip Dry

Double sided tape (PK Glitz)

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

That's all folks!

Well, those are my reruns - hope you enjoyed them; I have such fun making new cards, I seldom repeat, but I thought these designs were pretty special and could use another visit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing You

Inspiration

This is a fun birthday card I made using an OLD sketch challenge from Splitcoast Stampers. It is sketch challenge SCS32 (you can tell how old it is - they are on sketch 390!!). It's a cute card with a paper latch - really easy to make and looks great. I made this card for a nephew, although it is gender- and age-neutral. You could send it to anyone; everyone loves cupcakes!

Ingredients

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

Stamps

Crazy for Cupcakes (SU!)

Wishing Birthday (Verses Rubber Stamps)

Paper

Taken with Teal	5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4, and 2 1/4" x 3 1/4", and 1/2" x 4", and 1/2" x 1 1/4"
Mediterranean Cafe (DCWV)	2 7/8" x 5 3/8", and 3/8" x 4"
Certainly Celery	4 1/8" x 5 3/8", and 2 1/8" x 3 1/8"
Stamper's Select White	2" x 3"

Ink

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Rich Razzleberry (SU!)

Accessories

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

SPICA Markers (Imagination International)

Zip-Dry Glue

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of teal card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score it at 4 1/4", and fold. Cut 1 1/8" off the long edge of one side of the card - this new short panel becomes the front of the card.

MAT LAYER

Cut the patterned paper to measure , and mount it on the short front panel.

IMAGE

Stamp the image onto white card stock measuring 2" x 3". Color with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Cake: BG49
• Icing: YR12, Teal and Orange SPICAs
• Candle: G21, Mint SPICA
• Flame: Lemon SPICA

Mount the image panel onto mat layers of green (2 1/8" x 3 1/8") and teal (2 1/4" x 3 1/4"). Mount the image on the card front, centering it near the top of the front panel.

SENTIMENT

Cut green card stock to measure 4 1/8" x 5 3/8". Stamp the sentiment in teal ink in the upper right corner - this will show even when the card is closed. Mount the green sentiment panel on the inside of the card.

LATCH

Cut a small piece of teal card stock, about 1/2" x 1 1/4", and use glue on each end to mount it vertically near the bottom of the card front. Mount a piece of patterned paper (3/8" x 4") onto a piece of teal paper (1/2" x 4"). Slide it through the latch across the exposed part of the inside of the card until there is about 1 1/4" to the right of the edge of the card. Fold the paper strip (it may help to score it before you fold) and glue it to the back of the card. Note - I use Zip Dry instead of my ATG for the latch and closing strip to ensure these parts will not detach from the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Making History

Inspiration

I picked up this stylish lady image at one of the stamp shows in Dallas earlier this year. It really is fun! I immediately thought it would be perfect for a friend's birthday this week, and thought how versatile it would be if I used paper piecing - a new patterned paper equals a new dress!

After I made it, I found that the Corrosive Challenge Blog has a paper piecing challenge this week called "Give Piece a Chance" - how cute!

I'm entering this one in the Craft Your Passion challenge, too - it's an "anything goes" week.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 5" x 7"

Stamps

Belle (Rubbernecker Stamps)

Favorite Thoughts (SU!)

Paper

So Saffron (SU!)	7" x 10", scored at 5"
Certainly Celery (SU!)	3 1/2" x 6 7/8"
Cameo Coral (SU!)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Classic K Designer Paper (K & Co)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Lost & Found Designer Paper (My Mind's Eye)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey Ink)	4 1/2" x 5 1/2", and 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Ink

Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Accessories

Grand Ovals (Spellbinders)

Grand Big Scalloped Ovals (Spellbinders)

Ribbon Banners (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Peg Bow Maker (Unity Stamps)

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

SPICA Glitter Pen (Imagination International)

Diamond Destress Stickles (Ranger)

Zip Dry

Double sided Sticky Tape (PK Glitz)

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Make the base card using a piece of yellow card stock cut to 7" x 10". Score it at 5", and fold.

MAT LAYER

Cut a piece of light green card stock to measure 3 1/2" x 6 7/8". Using double sided tape, mount a strip of ribbon vertically on the left side of this mat layer. Mount the mat on the left side of the card front. Tie a matching bow, and adhere to the ribbon strip.

IMAGE

Stamp the image 3 times: once on the dress fabric patterned paper, once on the pink designer paper, and once on a piece of white card stock measuring 4 1/2" x 5 1/2". Cut/emboss the image on white card stock using the Grand Ovals die that leaves a small border around the image. On the white image using COPIC markers, color the face, arms, legs using E000 and E02, and hair using Y21. Color the bracelets with a green SPICA glitter pen.

Cut the dress and hat band out carefully. Cut the hat, dress belt and collar, drape, and shoes from the pink paper image. Carefully glue the trimmed images onto the white image.

Cut/emboss a Grand Scalloped Oval from the pink card stock. Mount on the card fron to the right of the bow. Adhere the image oval onto the scalloped oval mat. Use Diamond Stickles to cover the embossed edge of the pink scalloped oval.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss a ribbon banner from white card stock. Stamp the sentiment in brown ink on the white ribbon die cut. Mount below the image on the card front. Use Diamond Stickles to cover the embossed edges of the ribbon banner.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Happy Heart

Inspiration

This is a valentine made for a music lover - it could be used for a birthday, too - I just stamped Happy Valentine's Day on the inside.

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 5" x 7"

Stamps

Instruments (Judikins)

Dancers (A Stamp In the Hand)

A Happy Heart (SU)

Paper

Basic Black (SU!)	7" x 10", scored at 5", and 3" x 3"
Red Music DSP (Paper Pizazz)	4 7/8" x 6 7/8"
Real Red (SU!)	1 3/4" x 6 7/8", and 1 3/4" x 4"
Whisper White (SU!)	1 5/8" x 3 7/8", and 3" x 3"

Ink

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Real Red (SU!)

Accessories

Plain Hearts Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Scalloped Hearts Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Black Sparkle embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Heat Gun

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD and MAT LAYER

Cut a piece of black card stock measuring 7" x 10", score it at 5", and fold. Cut patterned paper measuring 4 7/8" x 6 7/8", and mount on the front of the card.

TRIM

On a piece of red card stock measuring 1 3/4" x 6 7/8", stamp the dancer image across the strip. Use a stamp positioner to line up the images. Mount this trim across the lower part of the card front.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss a black card stock scalloped heart, medium sized, and a white plain heart to fit inside it. Stamp the sentiment on the white heart in red ink. Mount the black heart above the dancer trim on the right side of the card front.

IMAGE

Using Versamark ink, stamp the instruments image on white card stock measuring 1 5/8" x 3 7/8". Heat emboss with black sparkle powder. Mount the instrument image onto a piece of red card stock measuring 1 3/4" x 4". Mount on the left side of the card front using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

Funky Purple Doodles

Inspiration

I'm posting a quick card - just with ingredients, no instructions - it's really late Saturday night, and I've got to get some sleep! This card is one I made a while ago for a friend's birthday. I've been playing around with Zentangle designs a little, and this stamp set from Stampin' Up! reminds me of that type of design. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

Paper

Lovely Lilac (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2"
Almost Amethyst (SU!)	4" x 5 1/4"
Tea Party DSP (SU!)	3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	5 1/2" x 8 12"

Inks

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Stamps

Playful Petals (SU!)

Floral Wreath (Gina K)

Accessories

Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

1 3/4" Circle Punch (SU!)

COPIC markers (Imagination International)

Buttons (SU! and Walmart)

Embroidery floss

3-D foam squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Scor-Pal

Zip-Dry glue

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Thanks for stopping by!

Children's Birthday Cards

Inspiration

In May last year, I blogged a card I made in response for a request for a child's birthday card that could be used for either a boy or a girl. The order was actually for a set of cards, and I ended up making two designs in a variety of colors. I thought I'd catch up today by showing you both designs. The first is made with the Side-Step design, and the second is called "Make a Wish".

Side Step Balloons

Ingredients

Note: Finished Card Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Paper

Daffodil Yellow (SU!) -or- Bashful Blue (SU!) -or- Lavender Lace (SU!) -or- Pixie Pink (SU!) -or- Gable Green (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Whisper White (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Inks

Daffodil Yellow (SU!)

Bashful Blue (SU!)

Lavender Lace (SU!)

Cameo Coral (SU!)

Apricot Appeal (SU!)

Pixie Pink (SU!)

Basic Black (SU!)

Stamps

Birthday Whimsey (SU!)

Party Stampin' Around Wheel (SU!)

Happy Birthday (Posh Impressions)

Accessories

SU! markers

Twine (No Time to Stamp)

Scor-Pal

Zip Dry Glue

ATG (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Rotary trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Line up the 5 1/2" side of the colored card stock in your paper cutter at the 3" mark, and cut from 1" in to 6 1/2". You now have 3" on one side of the cut, and 2 1/2" on the other. Score the 3" side at 1", 2", 3 1/4", 4 1/2", and 6 1/2". Score the 2 1/2" side at 4 1/4".

Fold the 4 1/4" score line down (a mountain fold). Starting with the 1" score line, fold down (mountain); 2", fold up (valley); 3 1/4", fold down (mountain); 4 1/2", fold up (valley); and 6 1/2" fold down (mountain).

The base side-step card is now complete.

IMAGES

Stamp 5 balloons in 5 colors of ink on white card stock, and trim closely. Stamp the border using the wheel stamp using black ink on white card stock, color with SU markers, and trim to 5 1/2" in length. Stamp a present on white card stock and trim closely. Color the cake rubber stamp with SU markers, and stamp on white card stock and trim. Stamp the sentiment onto white card stock. When you cut this one out, leave enough white paper below the sentiment to cover the back step - this becomes the space for a signature.

ASSEMBLY

Assembly is simply a matter of gluing the images to the panels of the card. Before you glue the last balloon in place, cut 5 lengths of twine and tie a bow around them. Glue them to the card, and finish with mounting the last balloon to the bunch.

Make A Wish

Ingredients

Note: Finished Card Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Ingredients

Paper

Daffodil Yellow (SU!) -or- Bashful Blue (SU!) -or- Lavender Lace (SU!) -or- Pixie Pink (SU!) -or- Gable Green (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Patterned paper - coordinating colors (Paper Pizzaz)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (5 pieces)
Whisper White (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Inks

Daffodil Yellow (SU!)

Bashful Blue (SU!)

Lavender Lace (SU!)

Cameo Coral (SU!)

Apricot Appeal (SU!)

Pixie Pink (SU!)

Basic Black (SU!)

Stamps

Big Birthday Calendar (SU!)

Accessories

Fancy Tag Shapeabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Sponge

Scor-Pal

ATG 714 (Scotch)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

Images

Stamp the candle outline in black 3 times on white cardstock. Stamp the blue circles decoration in blue on the candles. Cut the 3 candles out. Stamp the solid flame in yellow 3 times on white cardstock. Stamp the flame outline in black over the yellow, and cut the 3 flames out, leaving some at the bottom the adhere to the candle sticks. Attach the flames to the candles.

Sentiment

Cut and emboss a tag from the white paper, using the fancy tag die. Before removing the tag from the die, sponge blue ink on the areas at the ends of the tag. Stamp the sentiment in the center of the tag.

Assembly

Assembly is simple - just layer the colors and designer paper to match the sketch. Add the candles on the center blue mat. Adhere the tag sentiment below the candles.

Inside the Card

Mount the remaining dark blue panel inside the card, followed by the white panel. Stamp the sentiment on the white, and your done!

Thanks for stopping by!

Door to My Heart

Inspiration

Here's my second card this week, made with the new Chateau Gate Collection from Heartfelt Creations. It's not too early to start making Valentine cards, you know, and this collection has some very pretty images and sayings that will be perfect for those "heartfelt" cards! This one features the Grand Portal set, and sentiments from the Door to My Heart sentiment set, and the beautiful new die that creates perfect little doors!

And, by the way, if you're in the Dallas area, Heartfelt Creations has a booth at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour in Mesquite this Saturday & Sunday. I'm doing the make & take at the booth - stop by to see me & pick up the new collection!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 5" x 7"

Paper

Regal Rose (SU!)	7" x 10"
Rose Red (SU!)	5" x 5"
Melody Collection (Prima)	4 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Elegant Eggplant (SU!)	2 1/2" x 4 1/2", and 4" x 4"
Vellum (SU!)	2 1'2" x 3 1/2"
Whisper White (SU!)	1 1/2" x 2 1/2", and 5" x 5"

Ink

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Rose Red (SU!)

Stamps

HCPC 3442: Grand Portal PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

HCPC 3449: Door to My Heart PreCut Set (Heartfelt Creations)

Accessories

HCD 718: Decorative Chateau Gate Die (Heartfelt Creations)

Scalloped Hearts (Spellbinders)

Fancy Tags 2 Shapeabilties (Spellbinders)

Petite Scalloped Oval Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Nestabling (Want2Scrap)

White embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Heat gun

Scor-Pal

Art Institute Glue - Dries Clear

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

ATG (3M)

Rotary trimmer with straight & deckled blades (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD and MAT LAYER

Cut a base card from light pink card stock measuring 7" x 10", score at 5", and fold. Using a deckled blade, cut patterned paper measuring 4 3/4" x 6 3/4", and mount to the front of the card.

HEART

Cut/emboss the largest scalloped heart from dark pink card stock, and mount at the top of the card front. Embellish with matching white Nestabling.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss a fancy tag from dark purple card stock, and the smallest scalloped petite oval from white card stock. Stamp the sentiment in dark pink ink on the white oval, and mount the sentiment onto the fancy tag. Use dries-clear glue to mount the sentiment tag below the heart on the card front.

DOOR

Stamp the door image on vellum using Versamark, and heat emboss with white embossing powder. Trim this closely. Cut/emboss dark purple card stock using the Chateau Gate die. Glue the trimmed vellum image to the back of the die cut door. Use foam squares to mount the door over the heart image on the front of the card.

INSIDE

Cut/emboss the largest scalloped heart from white card stock, and mount at the top of the card inside. Stamp the sentiment in dark pink ink on the heart.

Comment on the HC Blog!

Remember to leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by January 17 to be eligible to win the entire Chateau Gate Collection release valued at $174.90. The winner will be announced on January 18!

Stop by the HC Booth in Mesquite!

I'd love to meet you - please come see us at the HC booth at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour in Mesquite this Saturday & Sunday.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wish Big

Inspiration

Wow! I know a LOT of people born in January - both genders and all age ranges! Here's a card that will work for most of them - at least teens and older. It's based on a sketch from Splitcoast (sketch 364), it's easy to make, and it's nice a sparkly for the new year!

Ingredients

Note: Finished card size: 5" x 7"

Paper

Early Espresso (SU!)	7" x 10", scored at 5", and 1" x 7", and 3 1/2" x 3 1/4", and 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Natural Stack (DCWV)	4 7/8" x 6 7/8"
Castle Copper (Wassau Royal Metallics)	3 3/8" x 3 3/8", and 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)	3 1/4" x 3 1/4", and 2" x 3"

Stamps

Pendant Park (SU!)

Wish Big (Papertrey Ink)

Ink

Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories

Essential Glue Pad (Tsukineko)

Metal Leafing

Plain Circle Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Pinking Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Petite Oval Large Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Grand Calibur (Spellbinders)

Stencil Brush

Ribbon (Michaels)

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD and MAT LAYER

Cut a piece of dark brown card stock measuring 7" x 10", score at 5" and fold. Cut the designer paper to 4 7/8" x 6 7/8" and mount on the card front.

CIRCLE CORNER

Cut/emboss a large plain circle from the dark brown card stock, and a large pinking circle from copper card stock. Mount the copper circle onto the brown circle. Mount the stacked circles onto the lower left corner of the card so that the edge of the circle aligns with the corner of the card. This causes some of the circle to hang over the 2 sides of the card. Flip the card over, and trim the excess circle, using the card as your guidelines.

RIBBON

Cut a strip of brown card stock measuring 1" x 7", and mount the ribbon onto the card stock strip, then mount the strip across the card front.

TREE IMAGE

Using the glue stamp pad, stamp the tree image onto an ivory card stock panel measuring 3 1/4" x 3 1/4". Cover with Metal Leaf flakes, and press, then brush off excess with a stencil brush. Mount the burnished image onto mats of copper card stock (3 3/8" x 3 3/8") and brown card stock (3 1/2" x 3 1/2"). Mount the image onto the card front.

SENTIMENT

Cut/emboss an ivory card stock oval, and stamp the Wish Big sentiment in dark brown ink onto the oval. Mount the sentiment onto the card front using foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year

Inspiration

Happy New Year to everyone! Thanks for stopping by - Hope everyone had a safe, happy, fun celebration of the start of 2012!!!

This is the card I made for the sketch club I play along with, and sent to a few folks here in Texas and across the country, and even to Austrailia and Canada! Here's the sketch:

Ingredients

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

Paper

Basic Black (SU!)	5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4", and 2" x 5 1/2", and 2 1/8" x 3 1/8"
Tempting Turquoise (SU!), or Certainly Celery (SU!)	1 1/2" x 5 1/4"
All Dressed Up designer paper (DCWV)	2 3/4" x 5 1/4"
Whisper White (SU!)	2" x 3" (2 pieces)

Stamps

A Brand New Year (SU!)

Holidays & Wishes (SU!)

Ink

Basic Black (SU!)

Versamark (Tsukineko)

Accessories

Fleur De Lis Accents (Spellbinders)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Round Tab Punch (SU!)

Silver embossing powder (Sweet Stamps)

Silver metallic pen (UniBall)

Marker (SU!)

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Zip Dry Glue

ATG (3M)

Scor-Pal

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Cut a piece of black card stock measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 4 1/4" and fold.

MAT LAYER

Cut a mat of turquoise or green card stock measuring 1 1/2" x 5 1/4" and mount on the left side of the card front. Cut a mat of designer paper measuring 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" and mount on the right side of the card front. Cut/emboss a fleur de lis border from black card stock, and mount over the seam between the two pieces of the mat layer on the card front.

CELEBRATE IMAGE

Stamp the celebrate image on a piece of white card stock measuring 2" x 3". Use the silver pen to fill in the champagne bubbles, and fill in the letters of the word "FIRST" with a SU! marker that matches the paper of the left side mat layer (green or turquoise). Mount the image on a black mat, measuring 2 1/8" x 3 1/8", and mount on the designer paper area of the card front.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in Versamark ink on white paper, and emboss with silver embossing powder. Punch out with the Round Tab punch, and mount in the upper left corner with foam squares.

Thanks for stopping by, and again I wish you the very best in the coming new year!

Christmas Gift Card Holders

Merry Christmas Eve!

I've "stamped my fingers off" this December! I counted everything, and between Thanksgiving and today, I stamped and assembled 215 cards. Guess what? I'm tired! LOL. I'm writing my blogs for the weekend ahead of time, and I'm not stamping all weekend. Well, unless I get a really fun stamp or tool for Christmas, or unless I get some free time, or unless...... well, you know me, I'll probably end up stamping something.

My blog today is pictures only - I posted the instructions for this simple gift card holder in this October post, and as I said back in October, we always end up needing a few holders for gift cards. And I made some for a customer, too. So here are pics of the 9 designs - I made 4 of each. The papers are mostly Stampin' Up, and Paper Studio. The stamps are Stampin' Up, Hampton Art, and Heartfelt Creations. And my craft room was an absolute mess when I was done because I used every kind of marker, glitter, adhesive, ribbon, etc., and didn't put anything away as I went (another reason I'm not stamping for a couple of days).

Anyway, enjoy the pics, and have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sparkling Santa

Inspiration

Well, we are down to the final week before Christmas! I had to give in and find a card I could make LOTS of in a short period of time in order to get mine into the mail with any hope of reaching everyone before the holiday. I found inspiration on Splitcoast stampers, and CASEd a card by Nancy Littrell. I made 84 in about 12 hours. Here's my quick & easy card:

Ingredients

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

Paper

Real red (SU!)	4 1/4" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2"
Glorious green (SU!)	2 3/8" x 2 5/8"
Whisper white (SU!)	3 3/4" x 5", and 2 1/4" x 2 1/2"

Ink

Basic Black (SU!)

Stamps

Holiday Tag Team (SU!)

Accessories

Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provocraft)

Cuttlebug (Provocraft)

Mark-it Ultra-fine Pens (BIC)

Gold metallic pen (Uni-ball)

Pearl adhesive dot (Recollections)

Ice Stickles (Ranger)

Ribbon (Michaels)

Twine (The Twinery)

Clear tape

Scor-Pal

ATG (3M)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a half sheet (4 1/2" x 11") of red card stock, score in the middle at 5 1/2", and fold.

MAT LAYERS

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 3 3/4" x 5", and emboss it with the swiss dots folder. Tape one end of the twine on the back of the white mat, then wrap the twine around the card 3 times and tape it again on the back. Tie a bow around the narrow end of the twine on the front of the white mat. Mount this on the center of the front of the card.

Cut a piece of green paper measuring 2 3/8" x 2 5/8" and mount it to the left of the bow.

IMAGE

Use black ink to stamp the santa on a piece of white card stock measuring 2 1/4" x 2 1/2". Color with the BIC makers, and use the gold pen for the belt buckle. Mount this onto the green mat. Finish with a pearl adhesive on the tip of his cap, and use stickle on all the fur trim.

and REMEMBER - only one more week til Christmas!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

You + Me = Friendship

Inspiration

Here's a card I made for a friend who also has a November birthday. I'm very drawn to the letterpress effect - it seems so elegant. I've been trying the letterpress plates, but still haven't quite perfected the use yet. I can't get the whole piece of paper clean, so I finally just cut out the image and used it by itself!

Ingredients

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

Paper

Basic Black (SU!)	8 1/2" x 11"; scored at 5 1/2"
Creamy Caramel (SU!)	5 3/8" x 8 3/8"
Lap of Luxury DSP (SU!)	5" x 7"
Bravo Burgundy (SU!)	5" x 5 1/4"
Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)	5" x 5", and 3 1/4" x 4", and 1 1/4" x 2 1/4"

Ink

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Bravo Burgundy (SU!)

Stamps

JavaBellas (Stamping Bella)

Sweet Serendipity (SU!)

Accessories

Classic Triple Scallop Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Classic Bracket Edgeabilities (Spellbinders)

Wonky Rectangles Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Corner Trellis Letterpress Plate (Sizzix)

Key Tag Punch (SU!)

Big Shot Pro (Sizzix)

Ribbon (Michaels)

Bow-Easy

COPIC Markers (Imagination International)

SU! Markers

Quickie Glue Pen (Sakura)

Shell White Microfine Glitter

Zip-Dry Glue

3-D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives)

Foam tape (Scotch)

Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Scor-Pal

ATG (3M)

Rotary Trimmer (Fiskars)

Instructions

BASE CARD

Start with a whole sheet (8 1/2" x 11") of black card stock, score in the middle at 5 1/2", and fold.

MAT LAYERS

Cut a piece of caramel card stock measuring 5 3/8" x 8 3/8", and cut/emboss one short end using the edger die from the Triple Scallop Edgeabilities set, and the Fleur de Lis decorative insert from the Classic Bracket set.

Cut a piece of patterned paper measuring 5" x 7". Mount a strip of ribbon across the middle, and mount the patterned paper onto the caramel card stock mat. Mount the mat layers onto the front of the card.

IMAGE

Use black ink on the letterpress plate, and press the corner image into a square of white card stock. Trim the pressed image out.

Stamp the image in black ink on white paper, and cut/emboss the image using a wonky rectangle die that allows room for the whole image.

Color most of the image with COPIC markers. I used these colors:

• Skin: E0000, E00, R11
• Hair: Y11, E15, E18
• Capris: E30, E33
• Chairs/Table: B32, W0, W4
• Vase/Rose: B00, R81
• Coffe Cups: E30, E47

For the sparkly shirt and dress, fill in the areas with the quickie glue pen, and cover in the microfine glitter. Then color over the glitter with the SU! markers. I used Sage Shadow for the shirt and matching shoes, and Bravo Burgundy for the dress and matching shoes.

Cut a burgundy card stock piece measuring 5" x 5 1/4", and mount on the card front. Mount the image in the lower right area of the burgundy mat. Add the trimmed letterpress to give the appearance of an awning using foam squares. Tie a bow matching the ribbon, and mount in the upper right corner of the image.

SENTIMENT

Stamp the sentiment in burgundy ink on white card stock, and punch it out using the Key Tag punch. Mount it to the left of the "awning" with foam tape (using foam tape makes it fit under the already mounted awning).

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!

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!