Qbee's Quest

Blossom Punch Basket Tutorial

2012-03-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

I created this basket for the Creative Crew color challenge. The challenge colors were: Daffodil Delight, So Saffron and Blushing Bride with any neutral. Of course, I couldn’t just make one basket and that’s why I have added a few other color combos.

I came up with the idea for this basket after playing with the punched pieces of the Blossom Punch one evening. I just love how when this basket comes together it looks like a flower. It would be great for Easter, for showers, party favors or even as a place card holder.

If you would like to make your own Blossom Punch Basket just watch my Youtube video below.

The main body of the basket requires 7 blossom punch pieces: 1 Lucky Limeade, 3 So Saffron, 3 Blushing Bride (or Marina Mist or Wisteria Wonder). I stamped the pieces with the Mixed Bunch stamp and matching ink and then punched them out. The stamp gives the blossoms extra detail. I punched the handle from an 8-1/2" x 1" strip of Lucky Limeade and the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. The assembly of these pieces is shown in the video.

Stampin’ Up Supplies: Stamp Set: Mixed Bunch (WM 125535, CM 125537); Card Stock: So Saffron, Blush Blossom, Marina Mist, Wisteria Wonder; Ink: So Saffron, Blush Blossom, Marina Mist, Wisteria Wonder; Daffodil Delight 1/8” Taffeta (119254); Punches: Blossom (125603), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275); Tombow Mono Multi Glue (110755).Other Supplies: Hershey's Candy Coated Milk Chocolate Eggs, 3" x 4" Cello Bags.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Scored Coffee Cup Tutorial

2012-03-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

I created this project for the “something you’ve been wanting to do” CreativeCrew challenge. I have been wanting to create a 3D coffee project for sometime now. This uniquely shaped coffee mug is made with the simply scored (body) the labels framelits die (handle) and the blossom and eyelet border punch (bottom & rim).

This project is perfect for the coffee lover. Without the handle it could also be an interesting container that could be filled with small treats. If you would like to make your own, just follow my tutorial below.

Want to play along with the Creative Crew challenges? Here are the challenge Deets:CCREW0312HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Holiday focus: Let's celebrate national crafting month! Pull that idea you've been "wanting to do" out and create it. You can use any theme, maybe you have an Easter project, maybe you have a decor or centerpiece idea, maybe you've been wanting to do something with fabric? Any theme is okay, but show us your artistic, creative, involved crafty side. Use the first attached photo to inspire your creativity.

Scored Coffee Cup Tutorial

Step One:

1. Start with a piece of 5-½” x 12” designer series paper. Designer paper is easier to work with for the main body of this project. On the long side, score at 2”, 4”, 6” 8” and 10”. Make sure the pattern that you want to face outwards is facing down for this step. Please note: Use the SMALL ball on your stylus to ensure precise scoring for all scoring on this piece. Be careful not to press too hard or the paper will tear.

Step Two

2. Flip the paper over so that the pattern that you want to have facing outward is up. Make a pencil mark at 5/8”, 1-3/8”, 2-5/8”, 3-3/8”, 4-5/8”, 5-3/8”, 6-5/8”, 7-3/8”, 8-5/8”, 9-3/8”, 10-5/8” and 11-3/8”.

Step Three

3. Turn the paper 180 degrees so that the other long side is facing up. Still with the outside pattern facing up, mark a pencil mark at 1/8”, 1-7/8”, 2-1/8”, 3-7/8”, 4-1/8”, 5-7/8”, 6-1/8”, 7-7/8”, 8-1/8”, 9-7/8”, 10-1/8” and 11-7/8”.

Step Four

4. Align the 1/8” mark from the long side to the mark 5/8” in on the opposite side along the 6” score groove. Use your stylus tool to score between the two marks. Note: Darken the 6” groove of your scoring tool with a Sharpie to make alignment easier.

Step Five

5. Next score from the 1-7/8” mark to the 1-3/8” mark and so on. Please note: The yellow dotted line shows the line that is being scored. The red dotted line shows the score mark from step 4. None of the score lines will cross each other and each pencil mark will only be aligned and scored once.

Step Six

6. Continue to score all the diagonals along the length of the paper (12 total, including the two from steps 4 & 5). Here is how your scored piece should look when you have finished scoring all the diagonals. The red lines show the diagonal scores. The blue lines show the straight scores.

Step Seven

7. Fold along the score lines making 5 valleys in the pattern that will be on the outside of the cup.

Step Eight

8. Glue each of the five valleys together using tombo mono multi glue. Press down along each seam to make sure the folds are adhered together well.

Step Nine

9. Here is what the piece looks like with all the valleys glued together.

Step Ten

10. Cut a label with the 4th largest label Framelits die. Score this piece in half lengthwise.

Step Eleven:

11. Fold the label piece in half along the score line. Use a bone folder to flatten the fold. Take the short side of the same labels framelit and run it through on the folded label piece.

Step Twelve

12. Glue the halves of the handle piece together.

Step Thirteen

13. Flip the coffee cup piece over so that the inside is facing up. Glue the handle onto one of the end tabs.

Step Fourteen

14. Put glue all along the end tab.

Step Fifteen

15. Bring together the end tabs to form cup. Hold together the seam until it has sealed.

Step Sixteen

16. Punch a bottom for the cup out of the blossom punch (item# 125603). Score each petal of the blossom by lining up the end of one of the petals with the side rail of the simply scored. Score along the 1” mark (or four score grooves in). Repeat for each petal.

Step Seventeen

17. Bend each petal along the score line. Put a piece of double-sided adhesive on each of the petals.

Step Eighteen

18. Remove adhesive liner. Adhere to the bottom of coffee cup. You will need to put your hand inside the cup to give the sides support when you are pressing down on each petal.

Step Nineteen

19. Here is what the bottom of the coffee cup looks like when the petals are adhered.

Step Twenty

20. Punch six Eyelet Border Punch segments, starting with a piece of card stock ¾” wide. Angle cut each of the 3 scallop long sections.

Step Twenty-one

21. Adhere each Eyelet Border piece to the rim of the coffee cup.

Step Twenty-two

22. Fill the coffee cup with K-cups or other small treats. Decorate as desired.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:Stamp Set: Morning Cup; Paper: Well Worn; Card Stock: Early Espresso; Ink: Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede,Pink Pirouette; Early Espresso; Punches: Blossom, Eyelet Border, Decorative Label, Modern Label; Soft Suede 3/8” Taffeta; Victoria Lace Crochet Trim; Pearl Jewels; Black Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Big Shot; Labels Collection Framelits; Simply Scored; Crop-a-dile.Other Supplies: K-cups, Cello Bags

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Everybunny Long Clear Top Candy Box Tutorial

2012-03-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

I created this box for the Creative Crew materials challenge. I chose to work with window sheets. Stampin' Up! makes great window sheets. They are thicker than transparencies and therefore make sturdy box tops. This box is a longer version of my Clear Top Candy Box. The insert keeps different colored eggs in separate compartments to give it a more upscale feel. This would be a cheerful gift to give at Easter time and with its polished look, everyone will think you bought it at a high-end candy store.

If you would like to make your own Clear Top Easter Box, please see my tutorial below.
Happy Easter!

Long Clear Top Candy Box Tutorial

Step One: Box Bottom

1. Start with a piece of 8” x 4” cardstock. On the long side, score at the 1” and 7” mark.

Step Two

2. On the short side, score at 1” and 4”.

Step Three

3. Cut along the score lines to create tabs.. Place a piece of double sided adhesive on each tab.

Step Four

4. Flip over. Fold piece inwards along all the score lines.

Step Five

5. Remove adhesive liner and bring sides together to form box.

Step Six: Insert Piece

6. Start with a piece of card stock 9-½” x 1-15/16”. On the long side score at: 2”, 2-7/8”, 3-¾”, 5-¾”, 6-5/8” and 7-½”.

Step Seven

7. Place double-sided adhesive on piece as shown.

Step Eight

8. Fold along score lines as shown.

Step Nine

9. Remove the two straight pieces of adhesive liner. Adhere together.

Step Ten

10. Remove the remaining adhesive liner. Place the insert piece inside box.

Step Eleven: Clear Lid

11. Start with a piece of 7-15/16” x 3-15/16” piece of window sheet. Score in 1” on all four sides.

Step Twelve

12. Cut off all four corners along the score lines.

Step Thirteen

13. Fold piece along all score lines.

Step Fourteen

14. Place candy in the box base. Nest the clear lid with its sides tucked into the inside of the box.

Step Fifteen

15. Tie box with an 11” length of pretty ribbon. Note: The box will stay closed without the ribbon.

Step Sixteen

16. Decorate the rest of the box as desired.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:Stamp Sets: Everybunny; Paper: Flirtatious, Watercolor; Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade; Ink: Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Wisteria Wonder; Aquapainter; Black Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Punches: Large Oval, Scallop Oval; Wisteria Wonder 3/8” Ruffled Ribbon.Other Supplies: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Eggs

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

March Creative Crew: MDS Page

2012-03-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

This is the MDS page I made for the Spring Page challenge. I'm not a big scrapbooker, so these challenges are the hardest for me. I used many of the patterns of the Blueberry Crisp Digital Paper for this challenge. It wasn't hard to come up with photos for the Spring page this year, because it's been a very warm winter and everything is sprouting.

Want to play along? View and upload your challenges HERE.
CCREW0312SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Scrapbook focus: Use the attached layout and show us a Bright, cheerful, happy page to celebrate spring's arrival. It doesn't have to be about spring, just colorful, cheery, and it just makes you smile.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Clear Top Candy Box

2012-02-12T13:26:00.000-06:00

Here’s a last minute Valentine’s idea that let’s the candy show through to be the star. Any small candy like Hershey’s kisses will work or use a stack of 3 Ghirardelli squares. The finished box is approximately 2” square by 1” high. It makes the perfect little treat to give your special friends on Valentine’s Day! If you want to make your own, just follow my tutorial below. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Clear Top Candy Box Tutorial

Step One: Box Base

1. Start with a piece of 4” x 4” cardstock. Score at the 1” and 3” mark. Turn your card stock one quarter turn and score at 1” and 3” again.

Step Two

2. Cut away card stock to create ½” tabs on each corner. Place a piece of double sided adhesive on each tab.

Step Three

3. Flip over. Fold piece inwards along all the score lines.

Step Four

4. Remove adhesive liner and bring sides together to form box.

Step Five: Clear Lid

5. Start with a piece of 3-15/16” x 3-15/16” piece of window sheet. Score in 1” on all four sides.

Step Six

6. Cut off all four corners along the score lines.

Step Seven

7. Fold piece along all score lines.

Step Eight

8. Place candy in the box base. Nest the clear lid with its sides tucked into the inside of the box.

Step Nine

9. Tie box with an 11” length of pretty ribbon. Note: The box will stay closed without the ribbon.

Step Ten

10. Decorate the rest of the box as desired.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts; Card Stock: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White; Paper: Brights Patterns DSP Stack; Window Sheets; Ink: Real Red; Full Heart Punch; Simply Scored; Crop-a-dile; Big Shot; Scallop Heart of Hearts Embosslit; Chocolate Chip ½” Scallop Dots Ribbon; Real Red ¼” Grosgrain; Rhinestone Jewels.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Note Card Box Tutorial

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

I created this project for the Creative Crew “Twitterpated” challenge. This note card box is designed to fit the 3-½” x 5” Note Cards with Envelopes that Stampin’ Up! sells in a pack of 20 (item #107311) . The box holds approximately 10 cards and 10 envelopes. The neat thing about this box is that the lid is attached to the box and is cinched closed by the ribbon.

I designed this project so that you could make multiple boxes and cards out of one pack of Twitterpated designer series paper. Using the pre-scored note cards, makes these cards fast and easy to make. I was careful to choose one pattern from each page of paper, so as not to use one page of Twitterpated DSP more than another. I also used different punches on each card so that it could be used as a stamp camp project.

If you would like to make your own Note Card Box, just follow the tutorial below.

Want to play along? Here are the challenge deets:
CCREW0212DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- DSP/Color Focus: Twitterpated DSP has me, well, twitterpated! This month, use Twitterpated DSP on your project. Haven't gotten it yet? Use the colors: Pear Pizzazz, Basic Gray, Island Indigo, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, or any combination of them.
To view the challenge gallery and to upload your challenges CLICK HERE!

Note Card Box Tutorial

Step One Box Base

1. Start with a piece of card stock 9-¾ x 9-¼”. On the 9- ¾” side, score at ½”, 2-¼”, 7-½” and 9-¼.

Step Two

2. On the 9- ¼” side, score at 3-¾” and 5-½”.

Step Three

3. Orient your card stock so that the long side is in front of you and the short sides are to the side. Cut away an area 2-¼” in from the sides and 5” from the bottom. Note: You will be leaving a ½” tab when you cut away from the bottom. The score lines have been enhanced so that you can visualize where to cut.

Step Four

4. Angle cut the four tabs as shown.

Step Five

5. Cut a fancy edge on the end furthest away from the tabs. I used the Labels Framelits and secured the framelit to my cutting pad and the card stock with masking tape. I only put the masking tape on the part that would be cut away, because it could damage the paper. I also folded in the sides along the score lines to allow the card stock to pass through my Big Shot.

Step Six

6. Put sticky strip along the four tabs.

Step Seven

7. Fold box along all score lines. Remove the sticky strip liner and bring together to form box base.

Step Eight Box Lid

8. Start with a piece of card stock 8-13/16” x 5-5/16”. On ALL FOUR SIDES, score at 1-3/4” mark.

Step Nine

9. With one of the long sides facing towards you, cut away the two furthest corners. On the two closest corners, cut away most of the corner leaving ½” tabs.

Step Ten

10. Angle cut the two tabs.

Step Eleven

11. Cover the box lid with designer series paper and add sticky strip to the tabs.

Step Twelve

12. Flip lid piece over. Using a Crop-a-dile, punch two small holes in the top of the box lid near the score lines.

Step Thirteen

13. Put sticky strip on the long rectangle furthest away from the tabs.

Step Fourteen

14. Remove the sticky strip liner from the long rectangle and attach to the outside back of the box.

Step Fifteen

15. Remove the sticky strip liner from the tabs and bring sides together to form box lid.

Step Sixteen

16. Using a Crop-a-dile, punch two small holes in the sides of the box about 1” from the top.

Step Seventeen

17. Place a small piece of sticky strip below the crop-a-dile holes in the sides of the box.

Step Eighteen

18. Remove the sticky strip liner. Feed a 12” length of ribbon through the hole in the lid and the hole in the side of the box as shown. Adhere end to the sticky strip.

Step Nineteen

19. Repeat feeding and adhering the ribbon on the other side.

Step Twenty

20. To cinch the lid closed, gently push down on the lid while holding the ribbon taut.

Here are close-ups of the five cards.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations, Tiny Tags; 5” x 3-½” Note Cards and Envelopes (107311); Card Stock: Island Indigo Textured, Baja Breeze Textured, Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Whisper White; Paper: Twitterpated; Ink: Island Indigo, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red; Punches: Lace Ribbon Border, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Pinking Hearts Border, Scallop Edge Border, Eyelet Border, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Small Heart, Decorative Label, Extra Large Oval, Bird Builder, Boho Blossoms; Big Shot; Labels Collection Framelits, Designer Frames Embossing Folders; 3/8” Taffeta: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red; ½” Seam Binding: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz; 3/8” Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon; 3/8” Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon; Pearl Jewels; Simply Scored, Crop-a-dile; Sticky Strip.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Three Tiered Nested Pull Card Tutorial

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

For this challenge, we were to create a project that showcased someone that you loved. I created a three-tiered nesting pull card to showcase my furbaby Bella, who died last year. Bella was an amazing dog. She was a little lady and was liked by people and canines alike. When she was young, we enjoyed training together in obedience and agility. She was always my faithful walking companion. The photo of Bella in the daffodils was taken the week before her cancer diagnosis. The photo of Bella and I was our first one together. She will always have a special place in my heart.

This project makes an excellent keepsake, but could also be made as a card. If you would like to make your own three-tiered nesting pull card, see the tutorial below.

Want to play along? Here are the challenge deets:CCREW0212SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Scrapbook focus: Create a scrapbook page or project that showcases someone/something you love! The sky's the limit here, listen to your heart and honor it!
To view the challenge gallery and to upload your challenges CLICK HERE!

Three Tiered Nested Pull Card Tutorial

Step One Large Tier

1. Start with a piece of card stock 8-½” x 5”. On the long side, score at 4” and 8”.

Step Two

2. On the short side, score at ½” and 4-½”.

Step Three

3. Using your paper cutter or a hobby blade and cutting mat, cut a slot along the center score line from the 7/8” mark to the 4-1/8” mark. Another way of putting this is, cut a slot along the score line from 7/8” in on the one side to 7/8” in on the other.

Step Four

4. Orient your card stock as shown. Cut away the rectangles from the bottom corners and angle cut the remaining three tabs as shown. Please note: the score lines have been enhanced, so that you can see where to cut. The red line shows where the slot was cut in step three.

Step Five

5. Place sticky strip on the three tabs.

Step Six Middle Tier

6. Start with a piece of card stock 8” x 3-7/8”. On the long side, score at 7/8”, 4” and 7-1/8”.

Step Seven

7. On the short side, score at 3/8” and 3-½”.

Step Eight

8. Using your paper cutter or a hobby blade and cutting mat, cut a slot along the middle score line from the ¾” mark to the 3-1/8” mark. Another way of putting this is, cut a slot along the score line from ¾” in on the one side to ¾” in on the other.

Step Nine

9. Cut away the two rectangles as shown. Also, make two short cuts where the green solid lines are marked. Please note: the score lines have been enhanced, so that you can see where to cut. The red line shows where the slot was cut in step eight.

Step Ten

10. Fold the two middle tabs along the score line as shown.

Step Eleven

11. Put sticky strip along the two middle tabs and two corners as shown.

Step Twelve Small Tier

12. Start with a piece of card stock 8” x 3”. On the long side, score at 1-¾”, 4” and 6-¼”.

Step Thirteen

13. On the short side, score at 3/8” and 2-5/8”.

Step Fourteen

14. Using your paper cutter or a hobby blade and cutting mat, cut a slot along the middle score line from the 1” mark to the 2” mark. Another way of putting this is, cut a slot along the score line from 1” in on the one side to 1” in on the other.

Step Fifteen

15. Cut away the four middle side tabs. Please note: the score lines have been enhanced, so that you can see where to cut. The red line shows where the slot was cut in step fourteen.

Step Sixteen

16. Put sticky strip on the two corners and along on the bottom.

Step Seventeen Tab

17. Punch a round tab piece out of card stock. Score down the middle of this piece.

Step Eighteen

18. Pierce a hole centered just below the score line.

Step Nineteen

19. Place a brad through the hole. Place a piece of sticky strip below the brad and on the far end.

Step Twenty

20. Flip the Round Tab Punch piece over and add a piece of sticky strip and finish securing the brad.

Step Twenty-one Assembly

21. Here are all the pieces ready for assembly.

Step Twenty-two

22. Remove the adhesive liner from the back side of the round tab punch (the side that has the brad legs). Fold along the score line to adhere to the two sides together. Carefully slide this piece on an angle through the slot of the smallest tier. Depending on the size of the brad, you will have to do this gently to avoid tearing the slot. Remove the adhesive liner from both sides of the round tab punch and the shoulders of the smallest tier. Fold together the layers to adhere together.

Step Twenty-three

23. Place photo or stamped image on the smallest tier. The photo or stamped layer should extend lower than the shoulders to avoid closure problems. Also, it is best not to embellish this layer as the embellishment may impede closure. It is easier to add this layer now while you have full access to the tier, than later when everything is sealed up.

Step Twenty-four

24. Feed the smallest tier through the slot of the middle tier and nest it within the side tabs. Remove the adhesive liner and fold the layers together to adhere.

Step Twenty-five

25. Place photo or stamped image on the middle tier. The photo or stamped layer should extend lower than the shoulders to avoid closure problems. Also, it is best not to embellish this layer as the embellishment may impede closure. I have cut a heart into the white cardstock and recessed a piece of designer paper behind it. It is easier to add this layer now while you have full access to the tier, than later when everything is sealed up.

Step Twenty-six

26. Turn the largest tier over so that the sticky strip is facing down. Feed the middle tier through the slot of the largest tier.

Step Twenty-seven

27. Bend in the side tabs first. Remove adhesive liner from the side tabs.

Step Twenty-eight

28. Bend in the bottom tab. Remove the adhesive liner from the bottom tab.

Step Twenty-nine

29. Fold the top half down onto the tabs and press together to adhere.

Step Thirty

30. Decorate the largest tier as desired. This layer may be embellished so long as nothing pierces through the layers or blocks the slots at the top.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
Stamp Set: Word Play; Card Stock Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Blushing Bride; Paper: Blushing Bride Patterns DSP; Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake; ½” Blushing Bride Stitched-Poly Ribbon; Antique Brad; Round Tab Punch; Big Shot; Hearts Collection Framelits; Simply Scored; Piercer; Sponge Dauber; Sticky Strip.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Mini Explosion Box Purse Tutorial

2012-02-01T13:17:00.000-06:00

I designed these mini explosion box purses for the Creative Crew "favorite holiday plus favorite accessory" challenge. You can probably guess from the photo that I had trouble choosing a favorite holiday. My latest favorite accessory are the Framelits dies. These mini explosion box purses are a smaller version of the large explosion box purses that are made out of a full sheet of 12” x 12”. These mini purses are made out of a 6” x 6” sheet with a finished base size of 2” x 2” making it the perfect size for a favor or place card holder. For a tutorial, please see below.

Want to play along? Here are the challenge deets:
CCREW0212HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Holiday focus: What holiday do you love the most? What's your favorite accessory? Combine the two in a project. This can be anything, it doesn't have to be Valentines or any particular day, it could be your favorite season, something silly and goofy, or a particular tradition you have.
To view the challenge gallery and to upload your challenges CLICK HERE!

Mini Explosion Box Purse Tutorial

Step One: Explosion Box Purse Base

1. Start with a piece of 6” x 6” designer series paper. Score on one side at 2” and 4”.

Step Two

2. Turn paper one quarter turn, and score at 2” and 4”.

Step Three

3. Line up your square diagonally on the 6” score line. Score from the top corner to the first intersection and from the bottom corner to the first intersection. In other words score the corner boxes on the diagonal, but not the center box. TIP: Darken your 6” score groove with a fine tip permanent black sharpie. This will enable you to see the line better for “lining up” purposes. REPEAT for the other diagonal.

Step Four

4. With a pencil, mark the 3” mark on one of the sides of the square. On the opposite side, also mark the square at the 3” mark.

Step Five

5. Line up the 3” mark with one of the corners on the opposite side. Score from the 3” mark to the first intersection of the score lines. NOTE: You are only scoring the first square. You are NOT scoring all the way down to the corner. Now line up the same 3” mark with the other opposite corner. Score from the 3” mark to the first intersection of the score lines. Now repeat both scores for the other side. For this step you will be making FOUR separate scores.

Step Six

6. Cut off all four corners on the diagonal. Cut from 2” in to 2” in.

Step Seven

7. Fold in along all score lines. Set aside.

Step Eight: Explosion Box Purse Top

8. Cut a coordinating piece of textured card stock with the second smallest label from the labels collections Framelits. Score piece from point to point.

Step Nine

9 With a Crop-a-dile, punch two small holes along the score mark ¼” in from the side.

Step Ten

10. Place two small pieces of sticky strip on the inside of the flap just below the holes.

Step Eleven

11. Remove the Sticky Strip liner. Feed a 6” length through both holes. Secure the ends of the ribbon on the sticky strip.

Step Twelve

12. Place sticky strip on ribbon side of the inside of the flap.

Step Thirteen

13. Remove the sticky strip liner. Adhere the flap to the purse base. Make sure you line up your project properly before adhering. The gussets (v folds) should be on the sides.

Step Fourteen

14. Place a Velcro coin on the inside of the purse flap. TIP: I like to use clear 5/8” Velcro coins. These Velcro coins are thinner than the ones that I have previously used. They are not quite “clear” as the name suggests, but they do make for a nice closure.

Step Fifteen

15. Decorate the rest of the purse as desired.

Need more help with this project? Check out my Full Size Explosion Box Purse Tutorial for a different set of diagrams for cutting and scoring this project.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper: 2011-2013 In-color Patterns Designer Series, Elegant Eggplant Textured, Always Artichoke Textured, Riding Hood Red Textured; Ink: Versamark, Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red; Big Shot; Labels Collection Framelits; Beautiful Wings Embosslit; Fashionable Hearts Embosslit; Rhinestone Jewels; 3/8” Ruffled Ribbon: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral; Heat Tool, Embossing Powder: Iridescent Ice, White; Simply Scored; Sponge Daubers, Sticky Strip.
Other Supplies: 5/8” Clear Velcro coins

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Monster Valentine

2012-02-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

I designed this card for the "neglected stamp set" challenge. My poor little monsters had sat on the shelf far too long without being touched to ink. Once I let them out of the box, they totally wreaked havoc on this Valentine's card. LOL! The card front measures 8-½” x 4- ¼”. I hope you like this alternative Valentine. See below for supply list.

Want to play along? Here are the challenge deets:
CCREW0212CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Catalog focus: Remember that stamp set that you just had to have? And then somehow it got tucked away on your shelf. Pull out a neglected stamp set and show it some love!
To view the challenge gallery and to upload your challenges CLICK HERE!

Stampin’ Up Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Make a Monster, Calendar Alphabet & Numbers; Card Stock: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder; Paper: 2010-2012 In-Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack; Ink: Versamark; Punches: Heart to Heart , Scallop Edge; Big Shot; Hearts Collection Framelits; Houndstooth Embossing Folder; Heat Tool; Embossing Powder: Black, Melon Mambo; 5/8” Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon; Designer Printed Brads.

Shop Stampin’ Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Sale-a-bration 2012 Kite Card

2012-01-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

It's almost Sale-A-Bration time and the exclusive Sale-A-Bration products this year are just fabulous. This kite card is made using 3 of our Sale-A-Bration products and my Kite Card Tutorial. You can find my Kite Card tutorial HERE. This kite card is for a very special friend who has a birthday coming up this week. The inside of the card has more surfaces than a traditional card to put pretty designer paper on (see last photo). The unusual shape and opening of this card make it unique.

The bow is made using a serving fork similar to how other fork bows are tied. I just looped the ribbon a few more times before tying the knot.

The embossing of the label is achieved by first cutting out the second smallest label as normal. Then using the smallest label and the following sandwich. NOTE: Please use caution as incorrect placement may result in damage to your pads or machine. Never force a sandwich through your Big Shot that doesn't seem correct.

TOP
cutting pad
smallest label framelit with cutting side facing up (critical!)
second smallest label piece (make sure the small framelit is centered)
Silicone Rubber
Impression Pad (NOT the crease pad)
Platform (completely open like a book)
BOTTOM

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Stamp Sets: Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess), Fresh Vintage (SAB 2012), Card Stock: Pool Party, Very Vanilla; Paper: Everyday Enchantment (SAB 2012); Ink: Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Pool Party; Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy Ribbon (SAB 2012); 3/8" Printed Designer Brad (SAB 2012); Big Shot; Labels Collection Framelits; Standard Texturz Impression Pad, Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber; Sponge Daubers.

Shop Stampin' Up! online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Valentine Kiss Calendar Tutorial

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is my project for the fourth and final Creative Crew challenge for the month. For this challenge we were to use a past holiday item to inspire a scrapbook page or décor item. I decided to use this year’s advent calendar to inspire a Valentine Kiss Calendar. This calendar works in the same way as a Christmas advent calendar, but it counts down to Valentine’s Day instead of Christmas. The second part of the challenge was to use your newest Big Shot toys to create “this beauty.” No problem! This project uses the Big Shot in abundance.

If you saw my Christmas Advent Calendar, you will notice that this calendar is based on the same design, with the exception that this calendar has 15 cubbies instead of 25. There is one cubbie for each day until Valentine’s Day. The extra cubbie is for a SPECIAL treat (maybe a piece of jewelry or a note to where a bigger gift is hidden) OR you could close off this cubbie if you wish. If you would like to make your own Valentine Kiss Calendar, just follow the tutorial below...

Valentine Kiss Calendar Tutorial

Step One

Calendar Base
1. Start with a piece of 10-1/8” x 7-7/8” piece of card stock.On the long side, score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8”, 6-¾”, 7-7/8” and 9”.

Step Two

2. On the short side, score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8” and 6-¾”.

Step Three

3. Cut off the corner squares and the two adjacent squares. (you will be cutting off 3 squares from each corner). Also, cut along the 4 score lines as shown to create 4 inner tabs.

Step Four

4. On the outer strip, cut slots 1-1/8” inch down (to the first score line) on each of the four sides. Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip. This will ensure that there will be enough room for the dividers to fit properly.

Step Five

5. Fold ONLY the outer two score lines on each side. The middle score lines will NOT be folded.

Step Six

6. Put a piece of score tape on the outer tabs on each side. Also place a piece of score tape on the square opposite the inner tabs (4 total).

Step Seven

7. Remove the score tape liner on the four inner tabs. Pull the tabs over to the sticky strip to form a box. Bend back the remaining outer tabs. Set aside.

Step Eight

Horizontal strips (make 4)
8. Start with a piece of 2-¼” x 4-3/8” piece of card stock. On the short side, score at 1-1/8”.

Step Nine

9. On the long side, score at ½”, 1-5/8”, 2-¾” and 3-7/8”

Step Ten

10. On both 2-¼” ends, cut up along the score line 1/2" (to the first score line). Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip.

Step Eleven

11. Fold the strip along the score line length-wise.

Step Twelve

12. On the long side (with the strip still folded), cut the middle two score lines halfway up from the open side of the strip. Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip. This creates slots that are large enough for the strips to form a grid without bending.

Step Thirteen

13. Here are the four finished horizontal strips.

Step Fourteen

Vertical strips (make 2)
14. Start with a piece of 2-¼” x 6-5/8” piece of card stock. On the short side, score at 1-1/8”.

Step Fifteen

15. On the long side, score at ½”, 1-5/8”, 2-¾”, 3-7/8”, 5", 6-1/8”.

Step Sixteen

16. On both 2-¼” ends, cut up along the score line 1/2" (to the first score line). Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip.

Step Seventeen

17. Fold the strip along the score line length-wise.

Step Eighteen

18. On the long side (with the strip still folded), cut the middle four score lines halfway down from the scored (folded) side of the strip.

Step Nineteen

19. Here are the two finished vertical strips.

Step Twenty

Interlocking the strips
20. Bring the four horizontal and two vertical strips together to form an inter-locking grid.

Step Twenty-one

21. Bend the outside tabs along the score lines.

Step Twenty-two

Assembly
22. Place the grid in the middle of the calendar base.

Step Twenty-three

23. Start removing the sticky strip liner from the tabs one at a time. Fold down each tab to adhere. This photo shows five of the tabs folded down and adhered.

Step Twenty-four

24. Finish removing the sticky strip liner and folding down the tabs.

Step Twenty-five

Box Fronts
25. Punch a Petal Card Punch piece out of card stock. Please Note: The Petal Card Punch requires a lot of pressure, in order for the piece to be punched properly. I usually load my card stock into the punch, push down and rock back and forth from the lever end to the opposite end. This will ensure all parts of the piece get punched out and that all four score lines show up.

Step Twenty-six

26. Place sticky strip on one of the petals.

Step Twenty-seven

27. Decorate the drawer fronts as desired making sure the sticky strip towards the bottom.

Step Twenty-eight

28. Make enough drawer fronts for the fifteen cupboards.

Step Twenty-nine

29. Remove the sticky strip liner from the first cupboard front and adhere to the top left corner of your calendar grid. To close the cupboard just tuck the top and side tabs into the box opening.

Step Thirty

30. Add the rest of the drawer fronts to complete the calendar grid.

Step Thirty-one

31. Decorate the rest of the Valentine Kiss Calendar as desired.

Need Extra help with this project?Check out the video tutorial for my Christmas Advent Calendar. My Valentine Kiss Calendar is based on this calendar and although the measurements are slightly different, the basics of the construction are the same.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Take it to Heart, Short & Sweet, Calendar Alphabet & Numbers; Paper: Twitterpated DSP, Red Glimmer; Card Stock: Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Shimmery White; Ink: Island Indigo, Blushing Bride; Punches: Petal Card, Small Heart, 1” Square; Big Shot; Hearts Collections Framelits; Labels Collections Framelits; Fashionable Hearts; Square Lattice Embossing Folder; Ribbon: 3/8” Blushing Bride Pleated Satin, ½” Baja Breeze Seam Binding; Marina Mist Brads; Clear Rhinestone Brad; Rhinestone Jewel; Simply Scored; Sticky Strip.

Shop online anytime, just click HERE.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Swivel Card Tutorial

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Here is my third project for the January Creative Crew challenges. For this challenge we were to make a card or a décor item using hearts in a way that was NEW to us. I decided to use hearts to make a kid-friendly Valentine swivel card. When you turn the scallop circle at the bottom of the card, the heart moves back and forth. If you would like to make many of these cards, you can get this size card in a 20 pack of the Whisper White note cards with envelopes (item#107311). This card is NOT hard to make once you’ve created a template for yourself. If you would like to make your own Swivel card, please see my tutorial below.

Swivel Card Tutorial

Step One

1. To make this card, I will show you how to make a template to use over and over again. Start with a scrap piece of card stock 5” x 3-½”. On one of the 5” edges, find the halfway mark and make a pencil line extending 2” up.

Step Two

2. Along this pencil line, make a mark 3/8”, 7/8”, and 1-½” from the edge.

Step Three

3. Use the 1-3/4” Circle Punch, to make a centered semi-circle opening 3/8” in from the edge of the card stock (where you previously made the 3/8” mark). Note: my photo shows an old style punch.

Step Four

4. Use the piercer, to make a hole 7/8” in from the edge of the card stock.

Step Five

5. Use the Word Window Punch to make a centered slot with the furthest edge at the 1-½” mark. Make sure that the slot does NOT go beyond the 1-½” mark OR it will be visible on the card front. Write the word “BACK” on the side with the pencil marks. Why write the word back on your template? This will ensure you always use the same side of your template for your card base and your cover piece to counteract any slight deviations from centering your punches. Your template is now complete.

Step Six

6. With a pencil, trace the Word Window slot, the pierced mark and the semi-circle onto the INSIDE edge of a 5” x 3-½” Whisper White card base (or a 7” x 5” piece of Whisper White, scored on the long side at 3-½” and folded).

Step Seven

7. Use the pencil marks as guides to punch and pierce the card as indicated.

Step Eight

8. Punch a 1-¾” scallop circle. To find the mid-point of the circle draw two pencil lines across the middle of the scallop circle. Where the pencil lines intersect pierce a hole.

Step Nine

9. Attach the scallop circle to the inside of the card using a brad. The knob end of the brad will be on the inside of the card. The brad legs will be on the front.

Step Ten

10. Cut a 2-½” x ½” strip of window sheet. On one end place a small piece of sticky strip. You can barely see the almost transparent window sheet strip on the right hand side of the photo.

Step Eleven

11. Remove the sticky strip liner and feed the sticky end face down through the word window slot and adhere just slightly above the brad. The window sheet is difficult to see. Look for it in the center of the card.

Step Twelve

12. Cut a 1-½” x 5” piece of designer series paper or card to cover the mechanism. On the back of this piece trace the semi-circle on to one of the 5” edges.

Step Thirteen

13. Punch with the 1-¾” Circle Punch. Put adhesive on the back of the paper along the bottom edge and the sides only.

Step Fourteen

14. Remove adhesive liner and adhere to the front of the card.

Step Fifteen

15. Decorate the rest of the card as desired. Hints: Stamp the critters FIRST using a stamp-a-ma-jig for alignment. I stamped the dog and cat in Soft Suede ink and then carefully colored in the image with markers. The window sheet strip is longer than you need so that you can play with the placement of the heart (use temporary adhesive until you are happy). Be sure to check both swivel ends and the middle to make sure the heart looks good from all angles. Then adhere your heart with permanent adhesive and cut off the excess window sheet.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Every Little Bit; Paper: Twitterpated DSP; Card Stock: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Whisper White; Window Sheets; Ink: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride; Markers: Sahara Sand, Blushing Bride; Punches: Word Window, 1-3/4” Circle, 1-3/4” Scallop Circle; Piercer; Embossing powder: White & Iridescent Ice; Embossing Buddy; Heat Tool; Big Shot; Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies & Folders; Fashionable Hearts Embosslits; Pink Pirouette 3/8” Taffeta; Pearl Jewel; Silver Brad.

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Kite Card Tutorial

2012-01-01T08:20:00.000-06:00

Here is the second project that I designed for the January Creative Crew challenges. For this challenge we were to choose a NEW stamp set. I chose the Send Me Soaring stamp set, which I received with my December preorder. We were to use ONLY stamps from this one set and use it to create a NON-TRADITIONAL card. This set was ideal for this challenge, because it had both words and images. For the non-traditional card I decided to make this card KITE-shaped. If you would like to make your own kite-shaped card, please see my tutorial below.

Kite Card Tutorial

Step One

1. Start with a piece of card stock 10” x 4”. On the long side, score at 5”.

Step Two

2. On BOTH long sides, make a mark on the edge at 3” and 7”.

Step Three

3. On BOTH short sides, make a mark on the edge at 2”.

Step Four

4. Score from the 3” mark on one long side to the 7” mark on the other side. This will be a diagonal score, which runs across the 5” score line. Hint: I darkened the groove of my 6” score line with a permanent black fine tip Sharpie marker. This line makes it easier to align points for diagonal scoring.

Step Five

5. Score from the opposite 3” mark to the other 7” mark. You should now have score lines in the shape of an ‘X’ that cross the 5” score line in the center.

Step Six

6. Using a cutter or scissors, cut off the four corners of the card stock from the 3” marks on the long sides to the 2” marks on the short sides.

Step Seven

7. Fold the card in half on the 5” score line.

Step Eight

8. Tuck in the corner of the card along the score lines.

Step Nine

9. Tuck in the other corner.

Step Ten

10. Decorate card as desired.

Supplies: Stamps: Send Me Soaring; Paper: Twitterpated DSP; Card Stock: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White; Ink: Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Versamark; Punches: 1-3/4” Scallop Circle, 1-3/8” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, ½” Circle; Ribbon: ¼” Daffodil Delight Grosgrain, 1/8” Daffodil Delight Taffeta; Embossing Powder: White, Melon Mambo; Embossing Buddy; Heat Tool; Simply Scored.

To order Stampin' Up! supplies anytime, click HERE.

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Creative Crew January 2012

2012-01-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I was selected to be a member of the Creative Crew Design Team for January-April 2012. The Creative Crew is a group of stampers organized by a panel of Stampin' Up! demonstrators at Splitcoaststampers. The aim of this group is to bring you creatively designed projects using Stampin' Up! supplies. My projects will be posted here on my blog and at Splitcoaststampers. Also, be sure to check out the designs of the other crew members at Splitcoaststampers. I'm very excited to be part of the crew and the best part of all is that you can play along and upload your creations to Splitcoaststampers (see below for details).

Here is my Color Focus project for January (also uses the sketch below).

Want to play along? Just follow these challenges...

January 2012--Creative Play Along Challenges
It's all New to Me, this month's brought to you by our awesome Susie Nelson

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
--Oprah Winfrey

Let’s do some challenges that include new ideas to us. It may not be new, but if you’ve never done it, it’s new to you.

CCREW112CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM – Catalog Focus: My newest stampset. Use only stamps from a new stampset on a non-traditional card.

CCREW112DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM – Color Focus: Use a color combination that you’ve never used before. Make your card with this color combo using the attached sketch.

CCREW112HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM – Holiday Focus: Valentines Day. Make a card or a decor item using hearts in a new way to you—something you’ve never done with hearts.

CCREW112SB, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM – SB inspiration focus: a past holiday (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas) SB page or decor item. Use your newest dies, texturz plates or embossing folders to create this beauty. Use one or use many big shot items.

Santa Dog and Cat

2011-12-15T12:02:00.000-06:00

When I saw Holly McMillen’s cute cat on Splitcoaststampers, I just knew I would have to make one for my friend who is in recovering from surgery. My friend is mom to a black cat, so it’s absolutely perfect. Holly made her cat with cat treats inside the body and head. Mine is for a two-legs who can’t eat chocolate, so it has gummy bears inside (I managed to fold a bag of Haribo Gummy Bears to fit inside the body). I left the head empty and I think it looks fine this way. To see Holly’s original cat, check HERE.

Then because I just couldn’t help myself, I had to keep going and make another critter. I had extra black sacs, so I decided to make a black lab. I hope you him.I think this sac idea is very versatile and I’ll probably create more critters in the future. Thanks Holly for your inspiration!

Body for cat and dog

Body: Black Paper Sacs 3-½” x 2” x 6-¾”

Opening: Labels Collection Framelits. Run smallest label through Big shot inside the sac with the cutting side facing outwards about 1” from the bottom. Cut a Real Red frame with the smallest and next smallest labels.

Window: Window Sheet rectangle cut slightly larger than opening. Adhere to the inside of the sac.

Scarf: 1/8” red taffeta, ¼” Silver Jingle Bells. Fill sac with desired treat. Tie Taffeta around sac tightly to create neck. Slide on Jingle Bells.

Santa Hat: Real Red card stock, Perfect Pennant Die

Santa Hat Trim: Whisper White card stock, Scallop Edge Border Punch

Santa Pompom: Whisper White card stock, Boho Blossoms Punch

Feet: Basic Black card stock, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, cut in wedges

Cat Pieces

Nose: 5/16” White Brad

Eyes: Lucky Limeade card stock, Stocking Builder Punch

Pupils: Basic Black card stock, Owl Builder Punch

Whiskers: Basic Black card stock, 4” strips hand cut on cutter

Ears: Basic Black card stock, hand-cut triangles

Feet: Basic Black card stock, Scallop Circle Punch

Tail: Basic Black card stock, hand-cut tapered strip and curled

Dog pieces

Snout: Basic Black card stock, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, See tutorial below

Nose: 5/16” White Brad, colored black with a Sharpie

Eyes: Crumb Cake card stock, Stocking Builder Punch

Pupils: Basic Black card stock, Owl Builder Punch, White Gel Pen

Whiskers: Basic Black card stock, 2-½” strips hand cut on cutter

Ears: Basic Black card stock, Blossom Petals Builder Punch

Tongue: Real Red card stock, Stocking Builder Punch

Tail: Basic Black card stock; hand-cut tapered strip

Snout Tutorial

Step One

1. Punch a 2-3/8 Scallop Circle from Basic Black card stock. Score two lines on the simply scored two scallops apart.

Step Two

2. Cut four ½” slits along the score lines.

Step Three

3. Put mono glue on one of the wedges with two scallops.

Step Four

4. Pull the adjacent sides over to the glue. Repeat for the other side.

Step Five

5. This is what the snout looks like with both sides glued.

Step Six

6. Fold the Scallops under

Step Seven

7. Place double-sided adhesive on the scallops.

Step Eight

8. Add the brad nose and whiskers before adhering to the body.

Stampin’ Up Supplies: Card Stock: Basic Black, Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake; Window Sheets; Punches: Stocking Builder, Owl Builder, Blossom Petals Builder, Scallop Edge Border, Boho Blosoms, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle; Big Shot; Perfect Pennants Die, Labels Collection Framelits (avail. Jan 4 2012), 1/8” Real Red Taffeta; 5/16” Brads; White Gel Pen, Mono Adhesive
Other Supplies: Black Paper Sacs 3-½” x 2” x 6-¾”, Hershey’s Kisses, Haribo Gummy Bears, ¼” Silver Jingle Bells

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Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

3D Hershey's Kisses Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T12:36:00.001-06:00

I had a flash of inspiration while buying Hershey’s kisses for a small get together this week. I envisioned Hershey’s kisses stacked up to make a Christmas tree and while my first idea failed miserably, I kept working at it and came up with this even better design. The scallop edges on the circles keep the kisses from sliding off. If you want to give this as a gift, you will want to adhere the kisses to the tree. However, they would make really cute edible party decorations if you don’t adhere them on. My friends loved the idea so much they made me promise that I would post a quick tutorial on my blog. So here you go….

Step 1

1. Cut TWO of each of the following Scallop Circles in Garden Green:

4-3/8” Scallop Circle Die
3-3/8” Scallop Circle #2 Die
2-3/4” Scallop Circle from Perfect Pennants Die
2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch
1-3/4” Scallop Circle Punch

Step 2

2. Glue each pair of scallop circles together. I used a double layer of scallop circles to increase the sturdiness of the tree.

Step 3

3. Bend up the scallop circles on each of the 5 scallop circle bases.

Step 4

4. Your bases should like this now. Set aside.

Step 5

5. Cut and score the following pieces:

Trunk Base (will be hexagon shaped)
Cut a piece of 3-3/8” x 7-1/8” in Early Espresso.
On the short side, score at 1-½” and 3”.
On the long side, score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8” and 6-¾”.
Cut away the end square and the skinny rectangle next to it as shown.
1st Pedestal (will be hexagon shaped)
Cut a piece of 1-¾” x 7-1/8” in Garden Green.
On the short side, score at 3/8” and 1-3/8”.
On the long side, score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8” and 6-¾”.
Cut away the two end squares as shown.
2nd Pedestal: (will be pentagon shaped)
Cut a piece of 1-¾” x 4-1/8” in Garden Green.
On the short side, score at 3/8” and 1-3/8”.
On the long side, score at ¾”, 1-½”, 2-¼”, 3” and 3-¾”.
Cut away the two end squares as shown.
3rd Pedestal: (will be square shaped)
Cut a piece of 1-¾” x 2-3/8” in Garden Green.
On the short side, score at 3/8” and 1-3/8”.
On the long side, score at ½”, 1”, 1-½” and 2”.
Cut away the two end squares as shown.
4th Pedestal: (will be square shaped)
Cut a piece of 1-¾”” x 1–¼”” in Garden Green.
On the long side (1-¾”), score at 3/8” and 1-3/8”.
On the short side (1-¼”), score at ¼”, ½”, ¾” and 1”.
Cut away the two end squares as shown.

Step 6

6. Place a strong double-sided adhesive on all the pieces as shown. On the long edges with adhesive on them, cut along the score lines 3/8” in to create tabs.

Step 7

7. For the trunk piece, remove the adhesive liner from the far right tab and the two middle pieces (leave the six edge liners alone). Fold the trunk piece in half lengthwise and then bring the strip together to form an open-ended hexagon. Note: on my picture you may notice a slight bulging of the card stock inside the trunk. This will be hidden when the tree is put together. Bend the tab pieces to the outside.

For all the pedestal pieces, remove the adhesive liner from the far right tab and bring the strips together to form open-ended shapes. Bend the tab pieces to the outside.

Step 8

8. Working with the green pedestal pieces only (put the brown trunk piece aside) and the scallop circles, start adhering the largest pedestal to the center of the largest scallop circle. Try to get the pedestal as close to the center as possible. Do this for all four pedestals. You will have one small scallop circle leftover (this is the top piece).

Step 9

9. Working from largest to smallest, remove the remaining adhesive liner off each of the pedestals and adhere the layers together to form the tree.

Step 10

10. Remove the adhesive liner from the trunk piece and adhere it to the underside of the tree. You can also make this tree without a trunk OR you can put the tree on top of a candlestick (without a candle in it of course).

Step 11

11. Here is the tree put together without kisses on it. It looks pretty strange like this, but once the kisses are on it, it looks fabulous!!

Step 12

12. I changed the top of the tree a little before adding the kisses. I cut in about ¼” on each scallop valley and pushed up the scallops to make the top a little smaller and more decorative.

Supplies: Stamp Set: Four the Holidays; Card Stock: Early Espresso, Garden Green; Punches: 1-3/4” Scallop Circle, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch; Real Red Satin Ribbon; Simply Scored; Big Shot; Dies: Scallop Circle, Scallop Circle #2, Perfect Pennants.

Other Supplies: Hershey Kisses

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Large Christmas Tag Wallet Tutorial

2011-11-11T07:15:00.000-06:00

I am honored to be part of Splitcoaststamper's Holiday Tutorial Blitz again this year. Thanks Beate for asking me back. For my contribution this year, I'm featuring a larger version of last year's Christmas Tag Wallet. Both a video and complete step-by-step photo tutorial, can be found here: Large Christmas Tag Wallet Tutorial.

The Christmas Tag Wallet would make a great handmade Christmas gift. The wallet has six pockets and holds approximately two tags per pocket (depending on the thickness of the tag). You could also slip a gift card into one of the pockets, if you would like to give a little something extra.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Jolly Bingo Bits (#121187), Fabulous Phrases (#120501), Warmest of Wishes (hostess); Cardstock: Early Espresso (#119686), Real Red (#102482), Old Olive (100702), Marina Mist (#119682); Designer Paper: Letters to Santa (#122349); Ink: Early Espresso (#119670), Real Red (#103133), Old Olive (#102277), Marina Mist (#119668), Crumb Cake (#121030); Ribbon: Real Red (#109034), Old Olive (#111368) & Marina Mist (#120929) 1/4" Grosgrain, Victoria Crochet Trim (#118481); Punches: Decorative Label (#120907), 1-3/4” Circle (#119850), Ticket Corner (#119867); Other: Simply Scored (#122334), Scor-Tape, Rhinestone Jewels (#119246), Big Shot (#113439), Perfect Pennants Die (#123126), Sponge Dauber (#102892)

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Inch Box Advent Calendar Tutorial

2011-10-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

I’m so happy to finally have this tutorial ready to share with you. I came up with the idea for this project two years ago. At the time, Stampin’ Up! didn’t have the petal card punch and the 25 & Counting advent calendar set to make this project feasible. So it sat in my notebook just waiting for the day when the stars would align and make it possible.

I named this calendar an “Inch Box Advent Calendar”, because that is the size of treat that will fit in each box. The easiest things to put inside are Hershey’s kisses, but other small wrapped candies will fit in the boxes as well. If you would like to give bigger gifts, you can always put a note in each box with a clue to the gift’s hiding spot.

The dimensions for the finished calendar (without topper and feet) are: 5-3/4" W x 5-3/4" H x 1-1/8" D. I have created both a step-by-step photo tutorial and a video tutorial for this project.

Step 1: Calendar Base

1. Start with a piece of 10-1/8” x 10-1/8” piece of card stock.
Score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8”, 6-¾”, 7-7/8” and 9”.

Step 2

2. Turn one quarter turn and score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8”, 4-½”, 5-5/8”, 6-¾”, 7-7/8” and 9”.

Step 3

3. Cut off the corner squares and the two adjacent squares. (you will be cutting off 3 squares from each corner. Also, cut along the 4 score lines as shown to create 4 inner tabs.

Step 4

4. On the outer strip, cut slots 1-1/8” inch down (to the first score line) on each of the four sides (4 slots per side). Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip. This will ensure that there will be enough room for the dividers to fit properly.

Step 5

5. Fold ONLY the outer two score lines on each side. The middle score lines will NOT be folded.

Step 6

6. Put a piece of score tape on the outer five tabs of each side (20 total). Also place a piece of score tape on the square opposite the inner tabs (4 total).

Step 7

7. Remove the score tape liner on the four inner tabs. Pull the tabs over to the scor-tape to form a box. Bend back the remaining 20 outer tabs. Set aside.

Step 8*: Calendar Dividers (make 8)

8. Start with a piece of 2-¼” x 6-5/8” piece of card stock. On the 2-¼” side, score at 1-1/8”.

Step 9*

9. On the 6-5/8” side, score at ½”, 1-5/8”, 2-¾”, 3-7/8”, 5", 6-1/8”.

Step 10

Step 11

11. Fold the strip along the score line length-wise.

Step 12

12. Before proceeding, make sure you have all 8 strips made to this point. Split the strips into two groups of four.

Step 13: Horizontal strips (use 4 strips)

13. On the long side (with the strip still folded), cut the middle four score lines halfway up from the open side of the strip. Make the slots about 1/16” wide by cutting down on either side of the score mark and then cutting away the little strip. This creates slots that are large enough for the strips to form a grid without bending.

Step 14

14. Here are the four finished horizontal strips.

Step 15: Vertical strips (use the other 4 strips)

15. On the long side (with the strip still folded), cut the middle four score lines halfway down from the scored side of the strip.

Step 16

16. Here are the four finished vertical strips.

Step 17: Interlocking the strips

17. Take the eight strips and form an inter-locking grid pattern.

Step 18

18. Bend the outside tabs along the score lines.

Step 19: Assembly

19. Place the grid in the middle of the calendar base.

Step 20

20. Start removing the scor-tape liner from the tabs one at a time. Fold down each tab to adhere. This photo shows four of the top tabs folded down and adhered.

Step 21

21. Finish removing the scor-tape liner and folding down the tabs.

Step 22: Box Fronts

22. Punch a Petal Card Punch piece out of card stock. Please Note: The Petal Card Punch requires a lot of pressure, in order for the piece to be punched properly. I usually load my card stock into the punch, push down and rock back and forth from the lever end to the opposite end. This will ensure all parts of the piece get punched out and that all four score lines show up.

Step 23

23. Place scor-tape on one of the petals.

Step 24

24. Stamp your advent calendar image and punch out with the 1” square punch. Layer the image on the square part of the Petal Card piece with the scor-tape towards the bottom.

Step 25

25. Repeat steps 22 to 24 until you have 25 cupboard fronts created.

Step 26

26. Remove the sticky strip liner from the first cupboard front and adhere to the top left corner of your calendar grid. Please Note: Look at your grid before adhering your first cupboard front. Orient your box so that the rows with the grid cuts on the back are horizontal and the rows with the grid cuts to the front are vertical To close the cupboard just tuck the top and side tabs into the box opening.

Step 27

27. Add the rest of the drawer fronts to complete the calendar grid.

Step 28

28. Decorate the rest of the advent calendar as desired.

Notes:
*Step 8 & 9 Shortcut: Cut two pieces of 9” x 6-5/8” card stock. On the 6-5/8” sides, score at ½”, 1-5/8”, 2-¾”, 3-7/8”, 5", 6-1/8”. Then on the 9” sides, cut into four 2-1/4” strips. Then score the 8 pieces on the 2-¼” side, score at 1-1/8”.
**The “Letters to Santa” designer series paper is also available as a digital download (item# 123140).

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
Stamp Sets: 25 & Counting (123794), Occasions Alphabet (123598); Designer Series Paper: Letters to Santa** (122349); Card Stock: Old Olive (124284), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Early Espresso (119686), Very Vanilla (101650); Ink: Old Olive (102277), Cherry Cobbler (119669), Early Espresso (119670), Marina Mist (119668), Crumb Cake (121030); Punches: Petal Card (119273), 1” Square (124094), Decorative Label (120907), Large Oval (119855), Ticket Corner (119867); Embellishments: Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon (124105), Silver Brads (104336)); Tools: Simply Scored (122334), Piercer (116631), Sponge Dauber (102892).

Order your Stampin’ Up! Supplies HERE

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Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Well Worn Post-it Note Purses

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, a friend wanted to know the cut and score measurements for post-it note purses. As I had not made these particular ones before, I got out my ruler and came up with the dimensions. Although these are not difficult to make, I decided to write a tutorial in case someone else wanted to make them too. Post-it note purses make great little gifts and if you personalize them with a monogram, they can be even more special. The Well Worn Designer Series Paper, with its many great patterns, makes a wonderful display if you are handing these out as favors.

Post-it Note Purse Tutorial

Step One

1. Start with a 3-¼” x 8-½” piece of Textured Chocolate Chip Card Stock. On the 8-½” side, score at 2”, 2-½”, 5-¾” and 6-¼”.

Step Two

2. Cut a 2-½” x 3-¼” piece of Well Worn Designer Series Paper. On the 2-½” side, score at the ½” mark.

Step Three

3. Fold the Chocolate Chip piece and the Well Worn piece along all score lines. Adhere the Well Worn piece to the Chocolate piece making sure to choose the end that has the score mark 2” from the end, so that the paper covers that end perfectly.

Step Four

4. Punch 2 holes with the smaller circle of the crop-a-dile 3/8” in from the edge of the purse.

Step Five

5. Cut a 9” length of the blue denim jean ribbon. Tie a knot in one of end of the ribbon and feed it through what will become the inside of the purse.

Step Six

6. Feed the other end of the ribbon through the remaining hole and tie this end with a knot as well. Trim the ends of the ribbon.

Step Seven

7. Place two lines of sticky strip along the top back of a 3” x 3” post-it note pad. Remove the liner and adhere the pad to the inside of the purse.

Step Eight

8. Use self-adhesive Velcro to keep the purse closed. I cut a 1” square of Velcro in four pieces for my purses.

Step Nine

9. To create the embellishment, stamp the letter of your choice in Night of Navy ink on Very Vanilla Card Stock. Cut out the letter leaving one edge uncut as a finger hold strip. Tap the letter on your versamark pad, cover with clear embossing powder and melt with your heat tool. Repeat the Versamark, embossing powder and melting at least two more times to give a nice glazed effect to your letter. Finish cutting out the letter.

Step Ten

10. Adhere your letter on a modern label punched Cajun Craze piece. Add two silver brads on either side of the letter. Adhere the embellishment to the front of the purse with dimensionals.

Stampin’ Up Supplies:Letter It Stamp Set; Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Textured; Well Worn Designer Series Paper, Ink: Night of Navy, Chocolate Chip, Versamark; Clear Embossing Powder; 3/8” Denim Jean Ribbon Silver Brads; Simply Scored, Modern Label Punch, Crop-a-dile; Heat Tool, Sponge Daubers.
Other Supplies: 3” x 3” Post-it note pads, 1” self-adhesive black Velcro squares
~~ Shop HERE for Stampin' Up! Supplies. ~~

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Boo Box Tutorial

2011-09-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

I entered these Boo Boxes in the September Stampin' Success Contest: Halloween Haunting. I was so excited and honored to find out that I had won. These bitty Halloween boxes are made using the new Spooky Bingo Bits Stamp Set, the Simply Scored tool and the Petal Card Punch. When you open the box, the "BOO" message pop-ups suspended on a small strip of window sheet and anchored by a Starburst Candy. If you would like to make your own Boo Boxes, just follow my step-by-step photo tutorial.

Directions

Step One

1. Start with a strip of Basic Black card stock 4-¾” x 1-1/8”. On the long side, score at 1-1/8”, 2-¼”, 3-3/8” and 4-½” with the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.

Step Two

2. Fold the strip along the score lines. Place a piece of sticky strip on the small end tab.

Step Three

3. Punch out one Petal Card piece in Basic Black and one in a coordinating color. Note: This punch can be a little tricky to use until you get the hang of it. When punching with the Petal Card Punch make sure that you push down with the punch on a sturdy table. Make sure you put pressure on the bottom and then top of the punch to get a perfectly punched and scored piece.

Step Four

4. Put sticky strip on all of the semi circular flaps of the Basic Black Petal Card piece.

Step Five

5. Remove sticky strip liner and adhere the flaps to the scored strip to form open-ended box.

Step Six

6. Punch a Postage Stamp out of a piece of Basic Black card stock. Adhere this piece to the top square of the remaining Petal Card punched piece.

Step Seven

7. Place a 3” piece of doubled over grosgrain down the middle of the postage stamp. Make sure the loop hangs half an inch off of the edge of the postage stamp and the ends are on top of the postage stamp. On the reverse side of the Petal Card piece, align a ¼” x 2-¼” strip of window sheet along the length of square and sticking out on the same side as the grosgrain. Make sure that the grosgrain and the window sheet piece are aligned. Pierce through the window sheet all the way through to the grosgrain. The pierce point should be close to the center of the Petal Card piece square. Add a brad to the window sheet side going all the way through the grosgrain.

Step Eight

8. Place a piece of sticky strip on the semi-circular flap opposite the grosgrain loop on the Petal Card punched piece. Adhere this flap to the inside of the box to form the lid.

Step Nine

9. Choose one of the images from Spooky Bingo Bits and heat emboss it with Versamark and Black Embossing Powder on Basic Gray Card Stock. Choose one of the sentiments from Spooky Bingo Bits and heat emboss it with Versamark and White Embossing Powder on Black Card Stock. Punch both of these pieces with the 1” circle punch.

Step Ten

10. Bend over the window sheet piece so that it arcs towards the opening of the box. The Candy should be adhered to the back of the window sheet strip and the circular sentiment should be adhered to the front of the window sheet strip (use sticky strip). To get the candy into the box, arc the window sheet strip forward (the sentiment will be aimed towards the bottom of the box) while tucking in the front and side flaps. Sometimes it helps to do this while giving the box a little shake or putting the candy in while the box is upside down. I have found that each box has its own personality for how it wants the candy to go inside.

When the box is opened, the “boo candy” should spring out and surprise the recipient.
Tip: You can make a simpler version of this box by eliminating the pop-up element. Just adhere the message to the inside of the lid and place the candy loose in the box.

Step Eleven

11. Adhere the circular image piece to the lid of the box with Dimensionals. Decorate the rest of the box with 1” squares of Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper. Edge the squares with a Basic Black marker (to remove the white edge) before adhering to the box.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:Stamps: Spooky Bingo Bits; Ink: Versamark; Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Basic Gray; Designer Series Paper: Frightful Sight; Punches: Petal Card Double, 1” Circle, Postage Stamp; Embossing Powder: Black, White; Basic Black Marker; Window Sheets; Silver Brads; Basic Black ¼” Grosgrain; Heat Tool; Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Paper-Piercing Tool; Sticky Strip; Dimensionals.
Other Supplies: Starburst Candy or other small wrapped candy

Thanks for visiting!I love reading your comments!

Sweet Bella ... we'll love you forever

2011-07-14T20:44:00.006-05:00

Today it was time for our sweet Sheltie Bella to leave us. She valiantly fought a long battle with cancer. She will be terribly missed.

I have known Bella since she was 2 weeks old and her leaving us leaves a big hole in my heart.

Goodbye my friend, goodbye.

Scallop Circle Shower Umbrella

2011-06-14T06:00:00.011-05:00

I created this umbrella favor box for a friend who was hosting a bridal shower. She wanted the box in the shape of an umbrella and after playing around a bit, I came up with this design. This box is suitable for candy or another small favor. If you would like to make your own umbrella-shaped favor boxes, please follow my tutorial below.

Step 1 Handles

Print off the shower umbrella handle template onto card stock. Cut out a handle (there are 5 handles on each page).

Step 2 Umbrellas

With the Big Shot, cut a piece of card stock with the scallop circle die.

Step 3

Cut the scallop circle in half.

Step 4

Use the 2” x 1-⅜” Oval Punch to punch 3 oval bites on the straight side of the scallop circle.

Step 5

Here is what the half scallop circle should look like when you are done punching with the Oval Punch. Repeat for the other half scallop circle.

Step 6

Decorate the Shower Umbrellas as desired.

Step 7 Box

Cut a coordinating 6” x 3” piece of cardstock. On the 6” side, score at 2-¼” and 3-¾”. On the 3” side, score in ½” on both sides.

Step 8

Cut along the scored lines on both of the long sides (as indicated by the bold black lines), just until you reach the first score line going in the opposite direction.

Step 9

Angle cut the corners.

Step 10

Place sticky strip on all six tabs. Make sure middle tab has sticky strip close to the edge (otherwise some of the adhesive will show through).

Step 11

Remove the lining of the sticky strip on the middle tab. Adhere the scallop circles as shown. Make sure the decorated side is facing up.

Step 12

Remove the rest of the sticky strip liner and adhere edges to form box.

Step 13

Adhere the handle to the inside of the box with sticky strip.

Step 14

Add candy or another small gift to the box. Tie with ribbon and add a tag.

Shortcuts for mass production:

Cut up to 3 scallops circles at a time with your Big Shot.
Cut a scallop circle in half and use as a template to trace the halfway line on all the scallop circles. (use with step 3)
Cut a scallop circle in half and trace 3 ovals onto the cut edge. Punch with the oval punch. Now you can use this as a template for all of your scallop circles. (use with step 4)

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Always Elegant; Card Stock: Elegant Soiree, Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla; Ink: Soft Suede, Marina Mist; Punches: 2” x 1-⅜” Oval, 1-¾” x 7/8” Oval, Scallop Oval; Big Shot: Scallop Circle Die; Early Espresso 3/8” Taffeta. Order online anytime at BrendaQuintana.com
Other Supplies: Cello Bags; Almond Joy Pieces.

Thanks for Visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Waving Flag Card Tutorial

2011-06-07T06:00:00.039-05:00

Want to turn a patriotic card into something special? The flag on this card waves back and forth with the pull and push of a pull tab. This mechanism is so fun to play with. It takes an ordinary pull tab card to the next level. If you would like to make your own waving flag card, just follow my tutorial below. Be sure to read through the entire tutorial before beginning and read all my notes for important information.

Step 1 Card Base

Start with a piece of card stock 11” x 4-¼”. On the long side, score this piece at the 5-½” mark. Note: This card uses a tent fold card base meaning that the fold is at the top of the card. Do NOT substitute for a card with a left side fold, because this will impede the pull mechanism.

Step 2 Slot

Fold the card in half along the score line. With a pencil make a mark 1” in from the left side and ¾” from the top. From this mark, draw a pencil line parallel to the side of the card and ¾” long towards the bottom of the card.

Step 3

Open the card up and cut a slot using a hobby blade and a ruler. Make the slot slightly wider than the line. To do this I cut next to the line on both sides and then cut across to connect the two lines. The finished slot should be about 1/16” wide and ¾” long. Note: If you don’t make your slot wide enough, your mechanism will still work, but you will see some wrinkling around the slot.

Step 4

Stamp a message under the flag area, if desired.

Step 5 Pull Mechanism

Start with a piece of card stock 5-½” x 2”. Since this mechanism will be visible when the card is opened, I chose to use the same color card stock as my card base. On the long side, score at 1-½” mark. Note: I have intentionally chosen to have the pull tab stick out from the card by about 3/8”. If you wish yours to be flush with the card edge, shorten your pull tab to 5-1/8” x 2” and omit the ticket corner punch in step 8.

Step 6

On the short side, score at the 1” mark.

Step 7

Fold the pull mechanism in half along the 1” score line and glue together with Tombow multi glue. Hold together until the glue has fused the fold in place. Note: The pull tab is made with a doubled over piece of card stock to increase its strength.

Step 8

Use the ticket corner punch to cut the corners of the pull tab on the side furthest away from the score mark.

Step 9

Cut a ¼” notch 1” in from the bottom left of the pull tab. I cut my notch slightly wider than my pencil mark. Note: I have enhanced the 1-½” score mark (beige dashed line) to better illustrate on which side to cut the notch.

Step 10

Bend over the pull tab on an angle from the notch to the nearest end. This will facilitate feeding the pull tab through the slot in the next step.

Step 11

Feed the bent over pull tab through the slot starting from the inside of the card. When the end appears on the front, straighten out the bend you made in step 10. On the inside of the card, fold the pull tab along the score line. The fold will sit ½” to the left of the slot (see photos at the end of this tutorial, which better illustrate the whole mechanism)

Step 12

Using the 1- ½” Circle Punch, cut a thumb grip on the right side of the card centered where the pull tab will pull out.

Step 13 Pull Tab Guide

Start with a piece of card stock 2-1/16” x 1-¼”. On the long side, score in ½” on each side. Note: It is important to score in at the ½” mark then turn the card stock 180 degrees and score at the ½” mark again. Do not score at the 1-½” (you can see in the photo that the beige score line is not aligned with the 1-½” score groove.

Step 14

Place doubled sided adhesive along both of the ½” tabs.

Step 15

Remove the adhesive liners from the guide. Open up the card. Next, wrap the ½” tabs around the pull tab with the sticky tabs facing down.

Step 16

Adhere the guide to the inside of the card. Make sure the guide does not show through the thumb guide on the front side of the card and make sure to place the guide so that its edges are parallel to the edges of the card.

Step 17 Flags

Stamp and cut out two flags. I’m a Canadian, eh … so I felt compelled to use the Canadian flag, but please feel free to insert your own flag here. Every flag looks better when it’s waving in a breeze.

Step 18

Put adhesive on the back of both of your flags.

Step 19

Remove the adhesive liners from one of the flags and adhere it to the piece that is sticking out on the front of the card. Be careful to adhere the flag only to the tab and not to the card front.

Step 20

Pull the pull tab (from the thumb grip) so that the flag flips over to reveal its back side. Remove the adhesive liners from the second flag and place it over top of the first flag.

Mechanism Before Pulling

The first photo illustrates the mechanism before it’s pulled.

The window sheet shows the front of the card base.

The red bold line shows where the slot is.

The angled striped area shows where the first flag will be attached.

The dashed black line shows where the pull tab mechanism is folded along the score line. Notice how the fold is to the left of the slot.

The yellow card stock shows where the guide is placed.

Mechanism After Pulling

The second photo illustrates the mechanism when it’s fully pulled.

The red bold line shows where the slot is.

The dashed line shows where the pull tab mechanism is folded along the score line. The pull tab mechanism is fully extended in this photo. The fold has straightened out. Notice how this dashed line has shifted from the left of the slot to the right of the slot.

The dotted area shows where the second flag will be attached.

Note: When the pull tab is pulled it will push out and expand ½” as it swivels on its fulcrum. Therefore it’s best to leave the mechanism uncovered on the back. I have chosen to use card stock for the mechanism that matches the card base to make it as unobtrusive as possible.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Canadian Pride, Family Phrases; Paper: Marina Mist Textured, In-Color Designer Series Paper Pack (Hostess), Marina Mist, Basic Black, Whisper White; Ink: Real Red, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Versamark; Punches: 1-¼” Circle, Ticket Corner; Heat Tool; Whisper White & Clear Embossing Powder; Cutting Mat; Hobby Blade; Mono Multi Glue.

Thanks for visiting!! I appreciate every comment!!

Birthday Cake Pop-Up Card

2011-05-24T06:50:00.001-05:00

If you follow my blog, you have probably already guessed that I have a theme going on: pop-ups. Pop-ups were one of the first things that I fell in love with when I started stamping. What’s not to love about pop-ups? They are a step up from a regular card and generally get a great response from the recipient. Soooooo, if you love pop-ups, be sure to check my blog all summer long for my latest pop-up creations.

This birthday card is for my DS, who is turning 11 this summer. I just love the way the cake pop-ups when you open the card. This is another example of an angle fold using a very obtuse angle this time. I played a lot with the angle to get the maximum height out of my cake without anything sticking out when the card is closed. This is an easy and versatile pop-up. If you would like to find out how to make your own, please follow my tutorial below.

Step 1 Pop-up Base

Start with a piece of 8-½” x 11” card stock. On the long side, score at the 5-½” mark.

Step 2

On the short side, score at the 4-¼” mark.

Step 3

On the shorter score line, make a pencil mark 2” away from the center score line on either side (see blue dots). On the long score line, make a pencil mark ¾” below the center score line (see red dot).

Step 4

Cut away the card stock from the 2” marks outward and from the shorter score line upwards.

Step 5

Score from the ¾” mark to the 2” marks you made in step 3.

Step 6

Fold along the angled score lines you made in the previous step. (Do not fold along the straight score line that runs horizontal in the photo. This score line will be covered and ignored). Now fold along the vertical score line to close the card.

Step 7

When you close the card, you will notice that part of the pop-up piece sticks out.

Step 8

Snip off the piece that is sticking out.

Step 9 Birthday Cake

Start with a piece of Designer Series Paper 4” x 4”. Score in half at the 2” mark.

Step 10

Cut a Scallop Oval Frame out of Very Vanilla Card Stock. Center the inside oval piece of the frame close to the bottom edge of the 4” x 4” piece (make sure the score line is running vertically). Cut away the designer series paper along the curved edge of the oval.

Step 11

Now center the inside oval piece of the frame close to the top edge of the 4” x 4” piece. Cut away the designer series paper along the curved edge of the oval.

Step 12

Your cake piece should now look like this with a curved edge on the top and bottom and the score mark running vertically down the middle.

Step 13 Cake Icing

Take the oval frame piece and score it in half on the long side. Here I have lined my frame up on the 6” score mark and score in between the bumps of the frame.

Step 14

Adhere the scallop oval frame to the cake, taking care to line up the score marks on the cake and the frame.

Step 15

Turn the cake over and trim off the excess scallop oval frame.

Step 16

Adhere the cake just above the angled score lines, making sure to line up the vertical score line of the cake with the vertical score line of the card.

Step 17

Cut away the excess card stock from the top of the cake. Save the piece you cut away (we will use it to determine the height of the candles in an upcoming step.

Step 18 Candles

Start preparing the candles for the top of the cake. I used the Alphabet Simple Numbers Die for the numbers and a 1/8” thick strip of Basic Black card stock for the wick. Here I’m preparing to glue more “number ones” to the back of my “number one” fronts, to finish off the backs. Leave off the flames until the next step, so that you can make sure they fit on the pop-up piece.

Step 19

Place the saved piece (from step 17) right above the cake. Now lay your candles on top of the cake to determine placement and how high you can go without going higher or wider than the saved piece. Adhere your candles to the cake.

Step 20

Decorate the rest of the card as desired.

Pop-up half closed

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Stamp Sets: Word Play, Broadsheet Alphabet; Paper: Elegant Soiree, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Very Vanilla; Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Cherry Cobbler; Big Shot: Framed Tulips Embossing Folder; Scallop Oval Frame, Alphabet Simple Numbers; Punches: Bird Punch, Scallop Edge Border; Baroque Border Wheel; Standard Wheel Handle, Baja Breeze Seam Binding.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Two Butterflies Pop-up Card

2011-05-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

Last week I showcased a wedding themed pop-up card using angle folds. This week I wanted to show you the versatility of this pop-up mechanism by showing you a different sample. This butterfly pop-up could be used for many different occasions. If you would like to create your own butterfly pop-up, please follow the directions in my Tying the Knot Pop-up Tutorial.

I kept the front of this pop-up card on the plain side. Sometimes I do this to my pop-up cards on purpose to create a more dramatic effect when it’s opened. A plain front doesn’t necessarily equal a plain inside.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Curly Cute, Flight of the Butterfly; Paper: Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, Pacific Point, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede; Ink: Versamark; Punches: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle, Modern Label, Word Window, Itty Bitty Shapes Pack; Big Shot; Beautiful Butterflies Die; Heat Tool; White Embossing Powder; 1/8” Daffodil Delight Taffeta.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Tying the Knot Pop-up Card

2011-05-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

It’s wedding season and what better way to WOW a new couple than to make them a pop-up card. I made this particular card for an upcoming wedding that we are invited to. I recycled and changed my very first pop-up idea (from 2005) to create this fun card. If you would like to make your own angle fold pop-up card, just follow my tutorial below.

Step 1 Pop-Up Piece

Start with a piece of card stock 5-¼” x 8-¼”. Score on the long side at 4-1/8”. This piece will nest inside a regular-sized card base (5-½” x 4-¼”).

On the score line, make a pencil mark at the 1-¼” and the 2-¼” marks from the top and the bottom. Draw a light pencil line perpendicular to the score line at both 1-¼” marks. Along the perpendicular pencil line, make a pencil mark 1” away from the score line on both sides (see solid black line). Connect the marks you just made with a pencil and ruler to the nearest 2-¼” mark to form two triangles that are centered on the score line (see dashed black line).

Step 2

Use a ruler and a stylus tool (or bone folder) to score the lines that you just connected (see dashed black line in step one).

Use a ruler and a hobby blade to cut the two 2” perpendicular lines (see solid black line in step one).

Fold the triangles towards the inside of the card as shown.

Step 3

Decorate the inside of the card as desired. Add a small piece of double-sided adhesive to the top of each pop-up triangle (see photo for placement).

Step 4

Turn the piece to the back. Put a strip of adhesive along both of the outer sides.

Step 5

Without removing the adhesive liner, place the pop-up piece inside the card base. Make sure the inside piece is straight and the pop-up piece is all the way back against the score mark of the card base.

Step 6

Remove the adhesive liner and close the card carefully. Flip over and repeat for the other side.

Step 7 Wedding Rings

Punch a 1-¾” circle out of a piece of brushed gold card stock. Make sure the card stock is pushed all the way to the back of the punch before punching.

Step 8

Take the piece of brushed gold cardstock that you just punched and center the circle in the hole of the 2-½” circle punch, to create a ring-shaped piece. Make two.

Step 9

Remove the adhesive liner from the pop-up triangles and adhere the brushed gold rings.

Step 10 Ribbon

Weave an 18” length of taffeta through the gold rings and adhere on opposite card corners. Note: I tied a knot at the midpoint of the ribbon to symbolize “tying the knot.”

Step 11

Decorate the front of the card as desired.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Word Play, Curly Cute; Paper: Elegant Soiree, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Shimmery White, Brushed Gold; Punches: 1-¾” Circle, 2-½” Circle; Very Vanilla 5/8” Taffeta; Basic Pearls; Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Heat Tool; White Embossing Powder; Double-sided adhesive.

Additional Samples:
Two Butterflies Pop-up Card

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Home from the Hospital

2011-05-05T11:37:00.001-05:00

We’ve been back home from the hospital for a week now. Our son is doing so much better. He even went back to school this week, with some restrictions. It’s so good to see him smiling, walking and eating… doing all those things that healthy boys do. Thanks for all the kind comments that were left on my blog during that time.

I had so many people to thank after our hospital stay, so I made up these thank you cards to send out. The quails represent my husband, my son and me. I intentionally kept the cards simple and unembellished, because I had to mail them. I have to admit that my creativity got a little zapped while I was in the hospital. I wish I could have turned the worry time into creative time, but it just wasn’t happening.

I placed my summer mini order today and when it arrives I should be ready to play again. Stay tuned for more fun creations coming soon.

Stampin’ Up Supplies: Stamp Sets: Happy Together, Family Phrases; Paper: Greenhouse Gala, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White; Ink: Not Quite Navy; Markers: Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz; Scallop Edge Punch.

I would give up stamping if only …

2011-04-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

I would give up stamping if only my dear son would get better. My son has been in the hospital since the weekend. On Sunday, he had surgery on his ruptured appendix. It’s killing me to see my little soccer player so weak and helpless. His recovery is going ever so slowly.

My son often tries to bargain his way out of things he doesn’t want to do with cherished items and now I find myself trying to bargain. So here I go: I would give up stamping if only you’ll get better sweetie. I’m not truly going to give up stamping, because I know the universe does not work this way, just as his bargaining never works as a bribe with me. But at times like these, one’s mind does grasp at straws.

If you don’t see any new stamping projects from me for a while, just know that I’m working on the most important project of all: getting my son back home.

Nature Walk Club Card

2011-04-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

We made this card yesterday at my April stamp club. I wanted to showcase watercoloring with Aquapainters and markers and the Nature Walk stamp set provided perfect images for us to use. I hope you like it.

Supplies
Nature Walk Stamp Set; Card Stock: Confetti Cream, Marina Mist, Always Artichoke, Paisley Petals DSP, Watercoloring Paper; Ink: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist, Black StazOn; Markers: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso; Big Shot; Oval Scallop Frame; Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder; Peach Parfait ½” Stitched-Poly Ribbon; Peach Parfait Glimmer Brad; Boho Blossoms Punch; Aquapainters; Sponge Daubers, Mat Pack, Stylus Tool.

Ghirardelli Square Purses

2011-04-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

Last Monday while a storm raged through our neighborhood, my inconsolable Sheltie and I got comfortable on the floor. I grabbed a stack of scrap paper, my cutter, and my scoring tool and began to design. My quest was to create a new Ghirardelli Square purse to showcase at stamp club. I hope you like what I came up with and if you want to create your own, just follow my tutorial below.

Details: This purse uses 2 Ghirardelli Squares. The beauty of this is that the purse can stand up and therefore also makes a really cute place card holder. I used the in-colors to create a rainbow of purses with matching designer paper, ribbon and glimmer brads. The other cool thing, is that you can get 4 purses out of a sheet of 12" x 12" designer paper.

Ghirardelli Square Purse Tutorial

1. Start with a piece of cardstock 11-½” x 3”. On the long side, score at 3”, 5-¾” and 8-½”.

2. On the 5-¾” score mark, cut in 5/8” on both sides.

3. On the side of the paper that will face outwards, place four ½” pieces of double-sided adhesive on either side of the cut marks.

4. Remove ONE of the adhesive liners and adhere one of the ends of a 7” length of ribbon to it. Feed the ribbon through the cut mark to the backside of the designer paper.

5. Loop the ribbon around and feed it through the cut mark on the other side. Remove ONE more adhesive liner and adhere the other ribbon end to it. In the photo, I’m lifting up the designer paper, so that you can see how the ribbon is looped and also where it is adhered on the other side.

6. Remove the final two adhesive liners and fold the designer paper in half.

7. Place a one-inch strip of double-sided adhesive on the square next to the ribbon handle. Repeat for the other side.

8. Remove one of the adhesive liners and adhere one of the Ghirardelli squares just above the score line. Repeat for the other side.

9. This is what the purse will look like once both Ghirardelli squares are in place.

10. Close the purse and pierce through the top layers and secure with a glimmer brad. Make sure that the top edges of the purse are aligned before piercing. The outer sides are meant to bow slightly to accommodate the chocolates and to look stylish.

11. Decorate the rest of the purse as desired.

Supplies: Eat Chocolate Stamp Set; Paper: Chocolate Chip, In-color Cardstock, In-color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack; In-Color ½” Stitched-Poly Ribbon; In-Color Glimmer Brads; Punches: Heart to Heart, Full Heart, Modern Label, Word Window; Ghirardelli Squares.

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Origami Basket with Duck

2011-04-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

My dear friend is still in the hospital. I try to visit her every other day and I try to stamp something to bring her every time. She loves to stamp, so she has been very touched by all the hand-stamped cards she has received from her friends. Yesterday, I saw this cute little duck and I just knew that it would have to be hers. Besides stamping, my friend and I love to duck watch. I hope this little ducky will cheer her up.

If you would like to make your own origami basket, please check out my Origami Easter Basket Tutorial. This basket is really fast to make once you know how and requires very little adhesive. I used a 10" x 10" piece of Greenhouse Gala DSP to make the basket. The handle is about 10-1/2" long.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Easter Blossoms Stamp Set; Paper: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist; Ink: Chocolate Chip; Punches 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval, Scallop Oval, Eyelet Border, Dotted Scallop; Daffodil Delight PomPom Trim; So Saffron Flower Brads.
Other Supplies: "Puddles" Basket Beanie by ty

Thanks for visiting!! I love reading your comments!!

Flower Box Pop-Up Card

2011-03-31T19:16:00.000-05:00

This week my dear friend landed in the hospital. I wanted to make a card for her that included flowers to brighten her room. I didn’t want to bring her real flowers, because I was worried that the strong scent would make her already weak stomach feel even worse. The inside of the card uses a parallel open box pop-up mechanism. The outside of the card has a window that allows the recipient to peek at the flowers before opening. This card opens differently than a standard card, with the open end facing up.

Notes: This card is a 5-½” Square when closed. If you choose to make it in a smaller size, you will need to be more careful with how long you make the stems, so that the flowers don’t stick out when the card is closed.

Outside
1. Start with a 11 x 5-½” piece of Pear Pizzazz Cardstock. Decorate one side with the wheel and Old Olive Ink. Score the piece in half at the 5-½” mark.

2. On one of the halves of the Pear Pizzazz piece, cut a centered 2-½” square window.

Window Frame
3. Cut a 3-½” Square piece and two 3- ½” x 3/16” strips of Soft Suede. Stamp the 3-½ “ square window piece and the two strips with the Woodgrain Background stamp and Soft Suede Ink.

4. Cut a 2-½“ square window in the middle of the 3-½” Square piece. Use a trimmer or a hobby blade and a cutting mat. There will be a ½” frame on all sides when you are done.

5. Put adhesive along all four sides on the back of the Soft Suede window piece. Adhere the two strips to create a cross bar for the window.

6. Cut a 3-1/8” square window sheet piece. Adhere the window sheet to the back of the Soft Suede Window. There should be sufficient adhesive leftover from adhering the cross bars to hold the window sheet in place. Put adhesive along all four sides of the back of the completed Soft Suede Window. Adhere to the front of the card over top of the window on the card base.

Flower Box (Pop-Up Mechanism)
7 Start with a piece of 9-½” x 1-¾” piece of Crumb Cake Cardstock. On the short side, score at the ½” mark.

8. On the long side, score at 3-½”, 4”, 4-½”, 8”, 8-½”, 9”.

9. From the ½” scored side, cut away the two scored squares from the 3-½” to the 4-½” mark and the last three scored squares from the 8” mark all the way to then end at 9-½”.

10. Place double sided adhesive along the two 3-½” tabs and on the short end tab.

11. Remove the adhesive liner off the first 3-½” tab and place it along the score line on the inside of the card.

12. Remove the adhesive liner off the second 3-½” tab, bend it around so that you can place this tab along the score line, on the opposite side of the tab you adhered in the previous step.

13. Remove the adhesive liner off the end tab and bring it around to complete the open box.

Eyelet Border
14: Cut two 4-½” x 5/8” strips of Early Espresso Cardstock. On the long side, score at ½” and 4”.

15. Punch the long side of both strips of cardstock with the Eyelet Border Punch.

16. Adhere the Eyelet Border Punch pieces along the top edges of the pop-up box.

Flower Stems
17. Cut seven strips of 4-½” x ¼” Garden Green Cardstock. Place a small strip of double sided adhesive on each of the ends.

18. Remove the adhesive liner and adhere the flower stems to the inside of the box. Adhere four stems on the side next to the window and three on the opposite side. Note: The flower stems are all the same length now, but will be trimmed in a subsequent step.

Flower Heads
19. Prepare the flower heads. I used mono multi adhesive to glue the pieces together. Note: the extra punched shapes on the far right are to cover the stems on the back of the flower once you have the flower attached to the card.

Hyacinth (make 3 in different colors)
two 1-3/8” x 5/8” Ovals, ten Itty Bitty Shape 4-petal flowers

Daffodils (make 2 in different colors)
two 5-Flower Petals, one Boho Blossoms Scallop

Tulips (make 2 in different colors)
four tear-drop shaped petals from Blossom Petals

20. Test out how you want your flower heads placed with a little temporary adhesive first. Especially make sure that the two flowers that are most visible through the window are placed with a good view.

21. Once you are satisfied with the placement of the flower head, adhere it with double-sided adhesive and trim the stem below the level of the top of the flower. Cover the back of the flower with an extra punched shape to hide the stem. Repeat this step for the rest of the flower heads.

Leaves
22. Cut fourteen strips of 4” x 3/8” Garden Green Cardstock. Hand cut the ends to a taper.

23. Adhere the leaves next to each stem. You will need to cut the stems a little shorter according to the height of each flower.

24. Decorate the rest of the card as desired.

Here is the card half open.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Sincere Salutations, Woodgrain; Paper: Pear Pizzazz , Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Poppy Parade, Regal Rose, Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush, Elegant Eggplant, Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz DSP, Window Sheet; Ink: Early Espresso, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Poppy Parade, Regal Rose; Punches: Boho Blossoms, 5-Petal Flower, Blossom Petals, Itty Bitty Shapes Pack, 1-3/8” x 5/8” Oval, Modern Label, Word Window; Jumbo Wheel Handle; Ink Cartridge; 1- ¼” Striped Early Espresso Grosgrain; Poppy Parade Poly Ribbon.

Thanks for visiting. I love reading your comments!!!!

Pop-ups Take Time

2011-03-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

No, I haven't suddenly disappeared off the face of the blogosphere. I have been busy with workshops and a new pop-up tutorial. If you've ever designed a pop-up card, you know how much time they take. It's like creating two cards in one. Not only that, but a well-designed pop-up card has a strong connection between the outside and the inside. I think you will like my new pop-up creation which will pop-up on my blog by the end of the week. Stay tuned!!!!!

Owl Birthday Cylindrical Pop-Up Card

2011-03-22T10:51:00.000-05:00

The idea for this fun pop-up card came from the oddest place. Can you guess what inspired me (find out below)? The owls on the front of this card are trying to hide, but they are so excited that they’re not really doing a good job. Then when the card is opened the owls spring out from the tree trunk to surprise the recipient. This pop up card uses an easy cylindrical pop-up mechanism. To find out how to make your own, see my tutorial below.

Notes: It’s best to use textured or designer series paper for the pop-up piece, because it's lighter weight than standard cardstock and therefore bends into a cylinder better. Woodland Walk DSP would also make an excellent tree trunk. The Punch Bunch set makes these owls fast and easy, but they could also be made with just the owl punch.

Pieces:
Card Base: Marina Mist Medium (5-½” x 4-¼”)
Grass Inside: Pear Pizzazz DSP (8-½” x 1-½”)
Grass Front: Pear Pizzazz DSP (4-¼” x 1-½”)
Tree Trunk Inside: Chocolate Chip Textured (7” x 5- ½”)
Tree Trunk Front: Chocolate Chip Textured (5-½” x 2-¼”)

Additional Pieces:
6 Owls: Punch Bunch Owl, Early Espresso Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Owl Punch
6 Wings: Early Espresso CS, Bird Punch Wing
6 Party Hats: Daffodil Delight CS, Poppy Parade CS, Concord Crush CS, points from Star Punch
6 Pompoms: Daffodil Delight CS, Poppy Parade CS, Concord Crush CS, Itty Bitty Shapes Scallop Circle
17 leaves: Pear Pizzazz CS, Old Olive Ink sponged, Blossom Petals Punch,
Sign: “Let’s Celebrate”, Early Espresso Ink, Crumb Cake CS, Modern Label Punch
Black Out Hole: 2-1/8” x 2-1/2” Basic Black CS

Grass:
1. Score your 8-½” x 1-½” Pear Pizzazz DSP, at the 4-¼” mark. Scallop Edge Punch along the entire 8-½” side. Adhere to the inside bottom of the Marina Mist card base, making sure that the score marks line up.

Tree Trunk Pop-up Piece:
2. Stamp your 7” x 5- ½” Chocolate Chip Textured cardstock with the Woodgrain background and Basic Black Ink. Make sure that your piece is oriented horizontally when you stamp it and aim for the center of the cardstock. The stamp will not cover the entire piece with ink, but the blank edges will not be visible after assembly.

3. On the 7” side, score this piece at the 3-½” mark.

4. Punch a hole with the 1-¾” circle punch near the top of the tree trunk. If you wish your hole to be lower than punching from the top will allow, fold the tree trunk piece in half along the score line. Punch your circle along the crease, making sure to punch just half the circle. This works best with textured cardstock or Designer Series Paper, because it is thinner and can punch through two layers at one time.

5. Place 2 lines of sticky strip along both 5-½” edges on the side that will face outward.

6. Remove the sticky strip liner from one of the edges. Adhere along the centerfold of the card base.

7. Fold the pop-up piece in half and remove the sticky strip liner from the remaining edge.

8. Carefully close the card, so that the sticky edge adheres to the other side of the centerfold.

Owl Placement
9. When adhering the owl into the hole, test it out with a little temporary adhesive first, until you get the placement right. With the measurements of this particular card, your owl can stick out ¾” from the tree trunk when the card is closed.

10. Decorate the rest of the card as desired.

AND here is my inspiration...
AND my sage advice to always go through your junk mail. LOL!!

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Punch Bunch, Family Phrases, Woodgrain; Card Stock: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Concord Crush, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Textured, Pear Pizzazz DSP; Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black, Early Espresso, Versamark; Punches: Owl, Bird, Blossom Petals, 1-3/4” Circle, Scallop Edge, Modern Label, Star, Itty Bitty Shapes; Silver Brad; Heat Tool; White Embossing Powder; Peach Parfait Marker; Sponge Daubers; Sticky Strip.

Thanks for visiting!!!!. I love reading your comments!!!!

Fast & Furious Birthday Card

2011-03-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

I know what you're thinking. This card uses the Fast & Fabulous stamp set, not the Fast & Furious stamp set. However, March is such a busy month that I’m always scrambling to get all of my birthday cards stamped. So yesterday I was using the Fast & Fabulous stamp set to create a Fast & Furious card. I love this stamp set. I didn’t even use a stamp-a-ma-jig to align the flowers. It really makes great cards super fast. Mom, if you’re looking at my blog, please avert your eyes. This card is on its way to you.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Fast & Fabulous Level 2 Hostess, Create a Cupcake; Cardstock: Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Ink: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Old Olive; Punches: Scallop Oval, 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval, Eyelet Border; 1-1/4” Navy Striped Grosgrain.

Thanks for visiting!!!!

Scallop Circle Die Easter Basket

2011-03-16T11:56:00.001-05:00

A couple of days ago I shared my Easter Nest tutorial with you. My Scallop Circle Die Easter Basket is based on the same concept, but with just a few changes. It is almost as easy to make as the Easter Nest, and has the perfect oval shape for an Easter Basket. If you would like to make your own, just watch my video tutorial below. If you click on the bottom right-hand corner of the video box, you can expand the video to full screen to see more of the details.

Details: The petals-a-plenty embossing folder is optional, but it gives the Easter Basket such a springtime feel. The butterflies are so easy to make with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and a little sponging with Marina Mist ink. The “Happy Easter” greeting gets cut off a little with the Oval Punch, but I think it looks fine this way and then it can be layered with a scallop oval. The Glimmer brads add just the perfect sparkle and hold the Blushing Bride ribbon handle in place.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Easter Blossoms Stamp Set; Card Stock: Blushing Bride, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Whisper White; Ink: Marina Mist, Punches: 2” x 1-3/8” Oval, 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval; Scallop Oval; Sponge Daubers; Big Shot; Scallop Circle Die; Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder; Beautiful Wings Embosslit; In-Color Glimmer Brads; Blushing Bride Poly Ribbon; Marina Mist 1/8” Taffeta; Tombow Multi Glue.
Other Supplies: Cadbury Mini Eggs.

If you have a question, please leave me a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Thanks for visiting and I love to read your comments.

Questions:
Toni asked: "what size is the scaloped circle? i dont have the die but if i had an aproximent size i could make it with something else."
The scallop circle die is approximately 4-1/2" in diameter. There are 30 scallops on this particular die. I hope that helps!!

Easter Nest

2011-03-14T17:34:00.000-05:00

It took me several days, but I finally managed to figure out how to turn the scallop circle die into a bowl. This bowl makes a perfect nest, don’t you think? If you would like to make your own nest or bowl-shaped dish, just watch my tutorial below. It’s actually quite easy to make.

Details: The square lattice embossing folder gives the bowl a nest-like look and when you add little slivers of 5” card stock in Soft Suede and Wild Wasabi and line the bowl with them, it really looks like a nest. I embossed the swirl from the Easter Blossoms stamp set with white embossing powder on both birds. I also embossed the greeting, “sending Springtime smiles”, with white embossing powder on Wild Wasabi. A Crumb Cake Modern Label Punch piece serves as the stake for the greeting.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Easter Blossoms Stamp Set; Card Stock: Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake; Ink: Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede, Versamark; Punches: 1-3/4” Circle, Bird Punch, Modern Label, 1-3/8” x 5/8” Oval; Basic Pearl Jewels; White Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Sponge Daubers; Big Shot; Scallop Circle Die; Square Lattice Embossing Folder; Tombow Multi Glue.
Other Supplies: Cadbury Mini Eggs.

If you have a question, please post a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Thanks for looking!! I love reading your comments!!

Daffodil Thank You

2011-03-11T12:18:00.000-06:00

These are my March thank you cards for my customers. I learned how to make the beautiful daffodils from the very talented Jackie Topa. You can see her original card and instructions for making them HERE. My card size is a 3-1/4" Square. The Baja Breeze Greenhouse Gala Paper layer is a 3" square, so you can get 16 layers out of a sheet of paper. The daffodil pieces were sponged with more mustard before assembling. This is a simple card to make, but the daffodil really adds a lot of WOW to the card.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Short & Sweet Stamp Set; Paper: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Not Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla; Ink: Baja Breeze, More Mustard; Punches: Blossom Petals, Word Window, Designer Label; Old Olive 3/8" Tafetta; Sponge Daubers.

Lip Balm Holder

2011-03-04T08:04:00.000-06:00

Lip Balm Holders are such a fun project to share with your friends. I first came across this idea when my friend pointed out Renee Ondrajka's cute Lip Balm Holders at Splitcoaststampers. You can view Renee's original Lip Balm Holder pattern here. I made some changes to her original design and created a tutorial. I have also included some time-saving steps for those of you who want to make more than one of these.

1. Cut two 5-¾” x 3-½” pieces of card stock (one of these will become your cover layer and the other one will be the inside layer). On the long side, score both pieces at 2-½” and 3-¼”. Put the cover layer aside (steps 2 through 5 involve the inside layer)

2. Cut a ¾” slot with a hobby blade 3/8” from both sides of the card stock. Start the cut at the middle point (2-7/8” mark) of the long side of the card stock.

Cut a 1-½” slot 1-¼” in from both sides of the card stock. Start the cut at the first score line (2-½”mark). It helps if you draw these slots with a pencil and a ruler first and then cut.

3. Using a ruler and a scoring tool, score the ¾” slots from each end to the nearest outer edge. Also, score a line between the end of the 1- ½” slots, which do not yet have a score line.

4. Fold along the score lines. The slots fold in the opposite direction of the score marks you made in step one. Decorate the inside piece.

5. Turn the inside layer over to the backside. Place sticky strip along the short sides. Remove the sticky strip liner and attach to the cover piece. Tip: If you would like your inside piece to fit better, trim just a hair of card stock off of each end that the sticky strip is placed on. This will allow your inside piece to fit snugly to your cover piece without any buckles.

6. Place a lip balm through the center band. The folded end slots keep the lip balm from slipping out.

7. Decorate the front cover as desired. Use a length of ribbon to tie the lip balm holder closed.

Timesaver Tip A: If you will be making more than one lip balm holder, you can save time by making yourself a template. Follow steps one and two of the tutorial and then cut away the middle tab and the side tab pieces.

Timesaver Tip B: Now with your actual inside piece follow step one and then trace the lines from the template onto your card stock with pencil.

Timesaver Tip C: If you fold your card stock along the score line that intersects the middle of your pencil lines. You can use a scissor to cut the lines. This will save you a lot of time. When you go to adhere your inside piece to the outside piece, just make sure your pencil marks are adhered to the inside and that way you won't have to do any erasing.

Here are some lip balm holders that my stamp club hostess made for the guests at this month's club meeting. Wasn't that sweet of her? I'm such a lucky demonstrator to have this great group of club members!!!!

Stampin' Up Supplies: Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Punch Bunch; Paper: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive; Markers: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive; Ink Pads: Pumpkin Pie (for inside flowers); Punches: 1-3/4" Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle; Ribbon: 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain
Other Supplies: Lip Balm

If you have a question, please leave me a comment and I will update my blog with your answer.
Thanks for visiting!!!!

Baby Blossoms Guide

2011-02-28T19:23:00.001-06:00

I created this guide to stamping the Baby Blossoms stamp set for my friend. This is just one way to put the flowers and stems together. As I've since learned, the greenery in column 3, rows 3 & 4 can work together as a two-step. I thought this guide might help someone figure out which pieces go together.

Thanks for visiting!!

Studio Sketches Thank You Card

2011-02-28T12:31:00.001-06:00

I’m incredibly lucky to have such great stamping friends. I recently received the Studio Sketches stamp set from a friend and I just had to use it right away to make her a thank you card. The sentiment “Thanks I love being spoiled” from the Afterthoughts hostess set fits this occasion perfectly. I generally consider Studio Sketches more of a fall set, so I decided to use really lively summer colors to brighten it up.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Studio Sketches, Afterthoughts; Paper: Sunny Garden; Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Ink: Black Staz On, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Versamark; Heat Tool; White Embossing Powder; Photo Corners Punch; Circle Scissors Plus; Big Shot; Scallop Circles #2; Daffodil Delight 1/8” Taffeta; Pumpkin Pie Designer Button; Sponge Dauber.

Thanks for visiting!!

Liebster Award and Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-25T19:43:00.001-06:00

I started off the week on a little bit of a low confidence note. I had posted my Origami Easter Basket Tutorial and it was hardly getting any notice. You know how it is, sometimes those comments provide a real confidence boost and when you don’t get very many, it has the opposite effect. That all changed when three fellow stampers made my week!! Melissa Davies, Lesley Croghan and Lorraine Toll all honored me with awards this week and I want thank them so much for making my week so special.

Liebster Award
First of all, I’m so honored that Lesley Croghan has given me the Liebster Award. Lesley is such a talented papercrafter that it makes this award even more special coming from her. You can check out Lesley’s Inspirational blog here: Always Playing with Paper.

The Liebster Blog Award is given to bring newer blogs to light and originated in Germany. It's a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise be seen or ones you want to share with others. They should have less than 150 followers.

As a recipient of this award I must share the love and pay it forward by:
1 Creating a post where I blog about the Liebster award & reveal my 3 blog picks
2 Let the honorees know that I selected them
3 Copy & paste the blog award on my blog

I would like to award the liebster award to these three talented fellow papercrafters

1. Carla of Carla Scraps: I just found Carla’s blog a few days ago when she posted a link to her punch art hydrangea and lilac tutorial. Her blog is filled with gorgeous creations. I love all the creative details she puts on her projects.

2. Nyne at Jardin de Papier: I first discovered Nyne’s talent on the Stampin’ Up! demo only website. Her work is amazing and I think it sometimes is overlooked because her blog is in French. However, I find that art transcends the language barrier and I just love looking at her fabulous creations.

3. Margit of Margitsschatzruhe: I came across Margit’s beautiful cards in the Splitcoaststampers gallery last fall. I loved seeing her work with the German version of Stampin’ Up! stamps. She is also starting to write some fabulous tutorials, found under the category anleitung/tutorials. Please go and check out her wonderful art.

Carla, Nyne and Margit... Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent with the crafting world. Here is your LIebster award:

Stylish Blogger Award
Also this week, Melissa Davies of Rubberfunatics and Lorraine Toll of Lorrainesstampincorner awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award. Lorraine and Melissa are both very talented stamp artists. Please go and have a look at their blogs. Thank you Lorraine and Melissa for boosting my confidence this week. It means a lot to me. Check out this link from January where I was awarded the Stylish Blogger Award for the first time. I will not pass on the award again right now, since I just did it so recently. I just wanted to let Melissa and Lorraine know how much I appreciate this award.

Pansy Pot Pull Card

2011-02-23T12:53:00.000-06:00

This will be one of my samples at next month’s workshop. I was having a hard time figuring out a background for this card, when my friend said, “It looks just great all by itself.” That was my head slapping moment. She was right. So I put away the mountains of designer paper I had just pulled out and trimmed around the pansies. Now it looks more like a pot of pansies than a card. The pansies pull out of the flowerpot to reveal a message: “Sending Springtime Smiles.”

For the pull card, I started with a little different of a pot shape than my Victorian Rose Pull Card. The bottom score has 8 scallops, the sides have 5 each and the rim of the pot that scoops down has 12. If you substitute these new measurements for the ones in my Victorian Rose Pull Card Tutorial, you will be able to create a pansy pull card from the same directions.

For the pansies, I was inspired by the amazing Dawn Olchefske. You can see her pansy tutorial HERE. Of course, I was too much of a control freak to allow my pansies to develop naturally like hers did. I sponged my color on to the shimmery white butterfly with a sponge dauber and then blended the ink with an Aquapainter. My pansies ended up looking a little different than hers, but as some people say: “variety is the spice of life.” To make the leaves of the pansies, I tore a shimmery white butterfly in half and sponged with Wild Wasabi and blended with my Aquapainter.

I think everything else is self-explanatory, if you look at my supply list and the Victorian Rose Pull Card Tutorial. If you have any questions, please post a comment and I will update my blog with you answer.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Stamp Sets: Easter Blossoms; Card Stock: Concord Crush, Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink; Ink: Concord Crush, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry; Aquapainter; Sponge Daubers; Big Shot; Scallop Circle Die, Embossing Folders: Elegant Bouquet; Butterfly Punch; Glimmer Brads; Melon Mambo PomPom Trim.

Thanks for visiting!!

Victorian Rose Pull Card

2011-02-22T15:51:00.000-06:00

This is a birthday card for a dear friend. I wanted the card to look Victorian, so I chose details like the lace, pearls, roses and a faux cameo to capture the look. The roses pull out of the scalloped pot, which is made out of the large scallop circle die. The cameo comes from the head of the girl from Easter Blossoms. You can see more details about this card in my tutorial below. Supplies are listed at the very end.

1. Cut a large scallop circle with your big shot and the scallop circle die. Score from the dip of one scallop to the dip of another scallop, 6 scallops over. Now do the same counting 7 scallops over on both sides of the 6 scallop score. Now score the remaining 10 scallops.

2. Run this piece through the big shot with the Manhattan embossing folder. Place sticky strip on all four of the scored areas. The 6-hump area will become the bottom of the flowerpot and is folded under along with the sides. The 10-hump area is folded forward and becomes the top edge of the flowerpot.

3. Adhere the bottom of the flowerpot to the card first and then the sides. To do this remove the sticky strip liner and tuck the bottom under the flowerpot. Do the same for the sides. The top of the flowerpot folds down and adheres to the front of the pot. Note: If you want to embellish the pot, it is easier to do it before adhering it to the card base.

4. To create a pot-shaped pull tab, create a template by cutting a large scallop oval out of scrap card stock. Instead of scoring the scallops like you did in step one, cut off the scallops for the bottom and sides (you can leave the top scallops alone).

5. Use this template to trace the pot shape onto the bottom of the 4-¼” x 5- ½” piece that will become the base for your pull tab. Leave the top part uncut.

6. Place the tab you cut in step 5 into the flowerpot that you finished in step 3. Adhere the roses to the top of this piece while the tab is still in the flowerpot. This will give you accurate placement. Next cut around the tops of the roses to remove the excess card stock.

7. To create the cameo, stamp the girl from the Easter Blossoms stamp set in Versamark on Blushing Bride Card Stock and emboss with White Embossing Powder. Punch out the girl’s head with the 1” circle punch. Take this piece and cover it with Versamark and emboss with clear embossing powder. Keep repeating the cycle of Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder and Heat Embossing until you have a nice glaze over the circle (approx. 3 or 4 times).

8. Decorate the rest of the card as desired.

9. Optional: cut the back of the card to a taper. I wanted to make the back look like a picture frame, since I will be writing the birthday greeting on the pull tab.

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Easter Blossoms, Sincere Salutations; Card Stock: Elegant Soiree, Shimmery White, Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake; Ink: Versamark, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake; Sponge Daubers; Reinkers: Blushing Bride, Rose Red, Regal Rose; Aquapainter; Big Shot; Scallop Circle Die, Embossing Folders: Manhattan Flower, Framed Tulips; Heat Tool; Embossing Powder: White, Clear; Vanilla HodgePodge Circle Holder; Pretty in Pink 1/8” Taffeta; Victoria Crochet Trim; 1” Circle Punch; Basic Pearl Jewels.

Thanks for visiting!!
If you have a question, please leave me a comment and I will update my blog with an answer.

Origami Nesting Boxes

2011-02-21T13:18:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun making these Origami Nesting Boxes. Once you know how to fold them, you can make them fairly quickly. For a tutorial, please see my Origami Easter Basket Tutorial. Just skip the part with the handle and instead punch Crop-a-dile holes near each corner and add matching ribbon ties. I left these boxes plain, but you could embellish them to your heart’s content.

One thing I really like about these boxes is that they have a lot of character. They look like a little basket you would find at a farmer’s market. Two of the sides have rims and the others have an interesting angle fold. Look closely at my photos and you will see what makes these little boxes so special.

Here are the start dimensions with finished size dimensions:
12 x 12 turns into a 4-1/4” square box x 2” high (Concord Crush)
10 x 10 turns into a 3-1/2” square box x 1-3/4” high (Pear Pizzazz)
8 x 8 turns into 2-7/8” square box x 1-1/2” high (Blushing Bride)
6 x 6 turns into 2-1/4” square box x 1-1/8” high (Poppy Parade)

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
In-color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, In-Color Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Crop-a-Dile.

Thanks for visiting!! Please leave me a comment if you have a question and I will update my blog with your answer.

Origami Easter Baskets

2011-02-20T12:28:00.001-06:00

These are the Origami Easter baskets we will be making at my March stamp club workshop. They are super fun to make and once you know the process, you can make a lot of these in a short amount of time. They would be perfect for little guest favors, classroom treats or if made without a handle, adorable little storage containers. If you would like to make your own Origami Easter Basket, please see the video tutorial directly below. Written instructions and a supply list follow further down.

Tip: Do NOT use a bone folder for this project. In Origami, Bone Folders can break down the paper too much with repeated folding on the same point. Just smoothing each fold with your finger provides enough pressure to retain the fold.

I highly recommend watching the video tutorial rather than trying to go by my written instructions alone. After you have watched the video, you can use these as a reminder for the steps.

1. Start with a square of paper of any size. I used a 6” square for this tutorial.
2. Fold your square in half on the diagonal and then unfold. Turn 90 degrees and fold in half on the diagonal again and then unfold. Please note: fold the pattern that you want on the outside of the basket, towards the inside during this step.
3. Turn your paper over. Fold your square in half along the straight length and then unfold. Turn 90 degrees and fold in half on the straight length again. Do not unfold this time
4. Pick up your paper along the fold that you just made and hold it in the air. Bring your fingers towards each other causing the folds to come together in the center and creating a four-sided diamond.
5. Flatten this diamond by keeping two of the sides of the paper on either side of the diamond.
6. Turn your paper so that the open ends face away from you.
7. Take the corner of the top paper and fold it in half towards you. Then fold the point up towards the midpoint of your diamond. Then fold the piece you just folded up to the midpoint again.
8. Now flip your paper over and repeat step seven. Make sure you keep the open end facing away from you.
9. Pretend you are reading a book and flip the right side over like you would a page. You should see a diamond shape in front of you. Now take one of the side corners and fold it towards the middle fold. Repeat for the other side corner.
10. Now turn the pages of the book backwards two page turns. You should see a diamond shape in front of you again. Take one of the side corners and fold it towards the middle fold. Repeat for the other side corner.
11. Turn one page forward. Grasp your paper by the folded rims and slowly start pulling apart while gently pressing the bottom of the emerging basket on to your work surface. Use your fingers to gently push the corners out.
12. Once you have your basket sitting flat on the surface, take the two long flaps and fold them out along the edge of the basket. Apply a light adhesive to these long flaps and then fold them to the inside smoothing the flap along the side wall and bottom. If you stop at this step you will have a decorative box. Proceed to the next step, if you would like to turn it into a basket.
13. Optional: Take a 7” length of ribbon and attach it in between the sides with the folded rims. Use a brad to secure. Decorate your basket as desired.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:
In-color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, In-Color Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Silver brads, Light Adhesive; Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Flight of the Butterfly; Punches: Word Window, Modern Label Punch, Butterfly, In-Color Glimmer Brads.

Thanks for visiting!! I treasure your comments and they are what encourage me to write more tutorials. If you have a question, please post a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Have a great day!

Fifth Avenue Floral Extra Long Box

2011-02-16T09:38:00.001-06:00

Have you ever had to create a box for an item that was an odd shape? Recently, I was trying to create a box for some little ”gifties”, among them a 12” ruler. Well, I wanted to make an appropriate box, but alas the biggest size card stock Stampin’ Up! sells, is 12” x 12”. So to solve this problem, I took it on the diagonal. Yes, you can make a longer box if you are willing to think outside the box. My finished box measured 12-3/4” long x 2” wide x 1” deep. That means I needed a piece of 14-3/4” x 4” card stock. Of course this is not quite possible even on the diagonal, but if you are willing to work with triangular tabs for adhering the sides together it works. Then I created a spliced sliding cover. The splice is hidden under the card stock piece with the flower on it. Since the splice is hidden under this piece, nobody will ever know that is there. Well, there you go. More information than you ever wanted to know, because hopefully you will be smarter than me and buy smaller gifts.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies: Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Oval All; Paper: Build-a-bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II DSP, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Whisper White; Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie; Punches: 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval, Scallop Oval; Pearl Jewels; Dimensionals.

Question from another website:
Would love to know how you did the inside box exactly. I get the outside slip cover, just confused on the inside box with the triangle tabs??

Thanks for your question. I just snapped a photo of the template I used for the base (see below). See how it fits on the diagonal of the 12 x 12 sheet. The 14-3/4” length doesn’t quite fit at the ends, but there is enough of a triangle for me to use for tabs. Does that make sense?

If you have a question, please leave me a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Thanks for visiting!!

Hula Girl Birthday Card

2011-02-15T11:56:00.000-06:00

I created this birthday card for a friend who lived in Hawaii for many years. The hula girl is created completely out of punched shapes. My inspiration came from the very talented punch art artist, Ellen Kemper. I have changed out some of her pieces and added the sunset background. If you would like to see Ellen’s original card, please check HERE.

The following is a description of the pieces I used to create my card.
Body: Crumb Cake Butterfly
Arms: Crumb Cake Butterfly, cut in half and trimmed to resemble arms
Hair: 5 Basic Black Word Window Pieces, hand trimmed at top
Flower: Rose Red Itty Bitty Shapes (scallop)
Skirt: Always Artichoke 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval with hand cut fringes
Legs: 2 Crumb Cake Word Window Pieces
Palm Leaves: 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval with hand cut to resemble palm fronds.
Tree Trunk: Soft Suede Hand Cut, scribbled with a Soft Suede Marker to resemble palm tree growth pattern
Water: Tempting Turquoise torn edges, sponged with Whisper White Craft ink and Pumpkin Pie (to resemble reflective sunset)
Sun: Pumpkin Pie 2-1/2” Circle

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Craft White; Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Garden Green, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Basic Black; Punches: Butterfly, Word Window, 1-3/4” x 7/8” Oval, 2-1/2” Circle, Itty Bitty Shapes; Sponge Daubers, Soft Suede Marker.

If you have a question, please leave me a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Thanks for visiting!!

Easter Blossoms Card

2011-02-11T09:15:00.001-06:00

I just love silhouette stamps and when I saw the Easter Blossoms stamp set, I immediately knew that it had to be mine. I designed this card for an upcoming Easter-themed stamp club workshop. The little rosette on this card is made with Seam Binding Ribbon. If you would like to learn how to make your own rosette, please see my Ribbon Rosette Video Tutorial in my earlier blog post.

Details: I stamped the tree branch in Soft Suede and colored it with a Rose Red marker and white gel pen first before running it through the Big Shot with the framed tulips Embossing Folder. I sponged the framed tulips with Crumb Cake Ink and a sponge dauber. I framed the oval girl piece with two layered scallop circles. If you look closely you will see where the overlap is. When I stamped the girl onto the oval, there was a little white gap underneath her, which I filled in with a Not Quite Navy Marker.

Supplies: Easter Blossoms Stamp Set; Card Stock: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Very Vanilla; Ink: Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake; 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch; Markers: Rose Red, Not Quite Navy; White Gel Pen; Big Shot; Framed Tulips Embossing Folder; Ovals Die; Sponge Dauber.

If you have a question, please post a comment and I will update my blog with your answer. Thanks for visiting!!

Ribbon Rosettes

2011-02-09T19:35:00.000-06:00

I'm making this card as a thank you for my customers who order from me in February. The star of this card is the little ribbon rosette made from Stampin' Up's Seam Binding Ribbon. I came up with the idea for the rosette, while I was ruching ribbon for another project. I wondered if I could turn the ruched ribbon into a rosette embellishment. After some trial and error, I came up with a video tutorial to share with you.

Rosette Making Supplies: Seam Binding Ribbon, Card Stock to match the Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Crop-a-dile, Scissors, Sticky Strip, Sticky Pages (if you don't have sticky pages, you can use sticky strip)

Card Supplies: Curly Cute Stamp Set; Card Stock: Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage; Ink: Rose Red; Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon; Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

If you have a question, please post a comment and I will update this blog post with your answer. Thanks for visiting!!