YOU make me Happy!

Thanks so much for all your sweet comments on my Shadow Box Tutorial. It was a lot of fun to make and I am glad that some of you are gonna try it!

I love this card---just makes me happy looking at it. I designed it for my Craft Critique review of the EK Success Rub-On Tool. You can find the article here! This is the first official article I wrote for them....so be gentle! lol!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shadow Box Tutorial

One of my favorite types of cards to make is a shadow box card. I love the dimension they have and that they can be flattened for mailing.

I created this tutorial to show you how simple creating one is!

Materials you will need: (What I used is in parenthesis)

Two pieces of cardstock (Whisper white, Sugar Collection by Memory Box) 5" by 6"

Card stock to stamp image on (Whisper White- SU!) and any extra for embellishing (American Crafts-Pink)

Scor Pal

Image to stamp (Transported by Penny Black)

Scor Tape- 1/2 inch

Brads (White-The Paper Studio)

Ink (Brilliance graphite black)

Coloring tools (Prismacolor Pencils, Odorless Mineral Spirits, Twinkling H20s)

Foam tape (Dimensionals - Stampin' Up!)

(Hemp- Stampin' Up!)

Circle Die Cutting System (I used my Cuttlebug and Nestability dies, can also use Creative Memories Cutting System, Coluzzle, etc.)

Ribbon (May Arts-Pink)

(Oval Punches-Stampin' Up!)

Directions:

First, take the cut cardstock that will be the front and back of the card and score at 1/2 inch and 1 inch from each side (the scoring will be along the 5" side). After folding on the score lines, this is what it looks like. I use my Scor Pal for this and it makes measuring and scoring a cinch!


Then, put the back of the card aside. The next few steps are for the front of the card.

Place the front of the card on top of the C cuttlebug plate and position the Nestability die in the center of the cardstock. (For this step, make sure the circle will allow the image you are using inside to show through!) ****You can use any type of circle/oval/square die you want and any cutting system.

I place my die DOWN on the paper. I realize that this is not the correct way to use these dies with the cuttlebug but I do it all the time to get the perfect alignment. The dies will leave scratches on your plates as they typically do.

Cover with B plate and run through Cuttlebug machine.


The result will be this:

To create the scalloped border, use the same circle die as you did in the first step and cut a circle from cardstock. (Make sure there is ample room around the perimeter of the circle so you can cut the scalloped shape.)

Then, using a larger scallop die, place die centered around the circle. Use the die face down to get perfect placement.

Here is the result---a perfect scalloped border to frame your image:

Attach scallop frame to card front as shown:

Stamp main image on white cardstock. I used this darling image from Penny Black called Transported. (Thanks Michelle!) Color as desired. Cut out image and adhere to background piece with dimensionals or foam tape.

Add brad accents if you wish to the front side of the card (so that when you tape the front and back together, you do not see the brad prongs on the reverse side.)

Assemble the card by lining the side flaps with Scor Tape. Tape one side and adhere and then do the other side.

Add sentiment (I used this clear stamp from Hero Arts because it was the perfect size and fit the image well!)

Add ribbon (I used this pink ribbon from May Arts that I received as a birthday gift. Thanks Michelle!)

Whola! Done!

Here is a close up of the bear---I used hemp for the balloon ties and put the bear's paw on an extra dimensional so it looks like he is holding the ties.

Here is a view of the top of the box. This gives you a better look at how it was assembled.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. This was such a fun card to make and it is so simple. I definitely have to remember to make more of these!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fiesta Penguin

This penguin knows how to party--TEXAS style!

Well, it is Monday again---time for the CCEE challenge. This week, was a supply challenge. Frances sent us all cute penguin stamps (girl and boy)-and this dp! I just LOVE this dp (as soon as I find out who makes it I will add that in this post!--It is Imaginisce too!!!) The challenge was to use one stamp and the designer paper...giggle! How easy was this.

This card has lots of dimension---I wanted to really use the designer paper and so I cut out some of the images (like the beach ball and the flower and the ice cream cone) to use on the card. Tip: When using images cut from patterned paper, cut the image out and then use a black marker to edge the image. This helps it stand out a bit more. Stampin' Up black marker works great because it leaves the line without bleeding. Copic markers will not work well for this.

The paper has lots of touches of glitter and I colored the penguin to match, adding lots of Clear Copic Spica glitter.

Here is photo so you can see the dimension that this card has...definitely not a .42 card!

Materials used: Stamp by Imaginisce; cardstock-red, brocade blue, white (Stampin Up!); Designer paper (Imaginisce!); tab punch (SU!); eyelet (SU!); ribbon (Offray); cord (SU!); Copic markers; Cuttlebug and Nestability dies; Pink prismacolor pencil; Copic spica clear pen; dimensionals (SU!).

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday Penguin

I haven't had enough time to just CREATE lately. I have been working on two requested publication pieces and doing write-ups for six others. But, I did manage to sneak a card in for the limited supplies challenge on Splitcoaststampers on Friday.

I used the adorable set called Penguins at Play by Memory Box for this card. This set has tons of images to create any type of penguin card you can imagine! I colored the images with Copic markers. Stampin' Up paper and stickers and ribbon complete the card.

When I first read the challenge, I thought it was to use ribbon and fiber scraps..which is what I did. I didn't pick up that the rest of the card should be made of scraps too....so now I am undercover, hiding from the challenge police! lol!

Materials used:Stamps-Penguins at Play (Memory Box); ink-brilliance black; turqoise cardstock, white cardstock, yellow cardstock, dp and stickers (Stampin' Up!); ribbon (SU!); silver cord (SU!); horizontal slit punch (SU!); circle punch (SU!); paper piercing tool and mat pack (SU!); Copic markers; dimensionals (SU!).

Thanks for stopping by!

More BRAKS!

A few more surprises from my wonderful stamping pals-

My colorful friend Carole sent me a card that is way to racy to show on this site (this IS a g rated site, Carole!) and some fun dp, ribbon and embellishments that I cannot wait to use! Thanks gf! You are baaaddd....but I love you anyway! (Don't worry---I said two Hail Marys for your soul today!)
SEE you soon!

CARD FROM CAROLE-

Removed for R Rated Content

My sweeter than life friend Michelle sent me this beauty. I love the bling on the butterfly antennas! Gorgeous! Michelle also spoiled me (as she ALWAYS does) with fun stamps, a cuttlebug folder, stickers, and tons of gorgeous ribbon. She carries tons of fun stuff at her store-Stamper's Dream. I am on her design team and I can tell you that even if I weren't--I would be a frequent customer--she has got it all PLUS a heart of gold!

Joanne sent me this wonderful card. I love how happy the colors are and it is beautifully designed too. Joanne and I are on two dts together and I have gotten to know her more over the last month or two--what a sweet lady and friend.

My buddy Frances sent me this HUGE card plus a awesome stamp set and gorgeous ribbon! Frances is so super talented and she is so super sweet. She is on the MFT dt with me and is a part of that crazy CCEE group I do challenges with on Mondays. I am fortunate to have gotten to know her over the past year.

Denise--thank YOU for this oh so adorable card. I love the layout and it is so beautifully colored. I love Denise's work and I am so glad to be getting to know her---say hello to PA for me, gf!

Cindy (Mothermark) is such a colorful and creative lady. Another CCEEer, I am blessed to have been able to meet her last year and she is just as sweet as she is talented. This card is amazing--thanks so much girl! Also, thanks for the package full of fun stuff--cannot wait to play!!!

Charlene (LilLuvsStampin) sent me this cutie! Charlene is another CCEE pal and is so sweet and so talented. I love this adorable card--how can you help but smile when you see it? Thanks also for the fun paper and matching ribbon and embellishments. Too sweet!

Another one of my favorite SCS friends, Billie (myboys), sent me this beauty. We bonded after finding out we are living parallel lives! haha! Thanks so much Billie!!! huge hugs!

My fellow illustrator/dt member from Gina K sent me this awesome card. Melanie KNEW how much I adored this card when she made it--and thought I would like it---boy, was she right! Thanks Mel--I am in awe of your talent and cherish your friendship. So glad we finally get to meet!!!

I know--I am so lucky!

Thanks for stopping by!

Easy Peasy Masculine Card

Thanks so much for all the sweet birthday wishes. I had a WONDERFUL day yesterday---had lunch with my daughter at school, had a nice dinner with the family and then helped coach my daughter's softball practice at night. It was just a really nice family day!

I realized that I forgot to share this card with you--(good thing--so I had something to post!) This is from the newest set from Rupa Shevde called "King of the Grill." This set is filled with lots of fun images---makes creating a masculine card a piece of cake!

I designed this card for the release party last weekend. I stamped the golf bag on patterned paper--love how it turned out and then I used my chocolate chip marker to go over areas that I thought needed to be one color, ie. the strap, the top of the bag, etc.

This card also uses the newest bling Gina K added to her store--screw brads! These are the perfect accent to any masculine card.

Materials used: Stamps-King of the Grill (Rupa Shevde for Gina K Designs); ink-black, going grey; choc chip marker (Stampin' Up!); cardstock-chocolate chip; bordering blue; dp by Chatterbox; hemp (Hobby Lobby); screw brads (Gina K Designs); small square punch (SU!); photo corner punch (SU!); dimensionals (SU!).

Thanks for stopping by!

I have a lot more birthday raks to share, I just didn't get a chance to photograph them yet!

Simple Cards and BRAKS

Just a quick post today---things are really busy around here but I wanted to share these five minute cards I made last night while watching American Idol! (The first time I have been able to sit down and watch it all season!)

I just got this designer paper from My Mind's Eye. I bought a huge slab at my local LSS and I really LOVE almost all of the patterns in it.

I was in a simple mood so I brought down a few items and planted myself in front of the tv and created these simple designs.

These were simple to create---I used the same materials for both and the only stamping on them is the "Enjoy" sentiment, which is from a clear Hero Arts set that I use ALL THE TIME! The flowers are created using a Cuttlebug die.

Here is a picture of both cards-
For the single flower card, I simply layered the designer paper over white cardstock. I cut a strip of the striped paper and then used my cuttlebug to create the flower. I pierced the stem and "faux" stitched it with chocolate chip marker.

For this card, the flower die cuts are layered on the dp strip. I paper pierced a row on top of the strip (but it doesn't show up well in the photo). I also pierced three holes on either side of the Enjoy sentiment.

Materials used: cardstock-white, close to cocoa (Stampin' Up!); Designer paper by My Mind's Eye; sentiment stamp (Hero Arts); corner rounder punch (Creative Memories); Chocolate chip ink and marker(SU!); Cuttlebug and flower die; paper piercing tool; buttons (Stampin' Up!).

Here are some birthday RAKs I received in the mail yesterday/today:

My dear friend Tosh sent me this beauty along with a huge box of FUN embellishments. Thank you my friend! Your too sweet to me. This card is just breathtaking!

Sweet Tammy sent me this beauty---the flower is so glittery and there are many glittery accents on the bird. It is a stunner for sure. Thank you so much Tammy! I adore this!

My neighbor, Deborah, gave me this awesome card (along with another gift card holder and a gift card to my favorite stamping store AND lots of other fun stuff!) when she took me out to lunch yesterday. She used my stamp set "Framed Flowers" for this card. Thanks Deb--you KNOW how much I love this and your friendship!

The talented Dawn L sent me this adorable card--it is such a cute scene and I just love the created background and the fantastic color combination. Thanks Dawn---I love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

I won't be posting tomorrow as I will be spending the day with my family!

Sketch Challenge

Here is one of the cards I created for the Gina K sketch challenge for the release party last night. There is still time to play along, just create a card using this sketch and post it on this thread by Tuesday night at 7 p.m. central time. The winner will be randomly selected from the entries and that person will win his/her choice of a set valued at $18.95 or less!!!

This card uses the new set called "Owl Always Love You." This set is adorable, you can see the whole set here.

The image was colored with Prismacolor pencils and Copics! I added some tabs at the top.

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

Materials used: Stamps- Owl Always Love You (Gina K Designs); cardstock-white, dp by basic grey-Lily Kate; ribbon (May Arts); hemp (Hobby Lobby); Cuttlebug and Nestabilities; Copic markers; Prismacolor pencils; Odorless Mineral Spirits; slit punch (SU!); dimensionals (SU!); oval punch, circle punch (SU!).

Gotta run to a Softball game!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Birthday Wish...

A friend of mine wrote to me recently and asked if I would post a link to the Need a Lift thread she created on Splitcoaststampers. She started a thread in order to shower her friend Shelly with cards and prayers because she is fighting advanced stage breast cancer. The cancer has spread throughout her body and no treatments are working. Shelly has four children a wonderful husband and, according to Tammy, is the "sweetest person you would ever want to meet."

Tears fell down my face as I read her plea for cards. I created this bookmark for her so that she can see it every time she reads and feel the prayers that so many are saying for her healing.

Here is what I would LOVE for my birthday this year--- I KNOW from the tons of cards I have received in the past year how sweet and caring you all are. If you could find the time to send Shelly a card, I know it would mean the world to her. You can find the address and Tammy's post here!

Thanks so much!

This bookmark was created using the new set from Gina K Designs called Comfort & Peace. I cut a confetti piece of cardstock for the base of the card. After stamping the sentiment in the center, I colored the flowers with Stampin' Up! markers and misted them and stamped. This gave the images a nice watercolored effect. Then, I sponged the edges and applied a layer of glassy glaze.

After matting the bookmark on olive cardstock, I attached the robin's nest embellishments to the flower centers and added the jumbo eyelet and fibers.

Here is a close up of the details.

Materials used: Stamps-Comfort & Peace (Gina K Designs); Stampin' Up! markers; cardstock-confetti, olive, choc chip (Stampin' Up!); Mister bottle (Ranger); Robin's nest embellishments; versamark; heat tool; glossy glaze; jumbo eyelet (SU!); fibers (Basic Grey-Lily Kate); glue dots (SU!); Scor Tape (Scor-Pal).

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Mail!

Nope...its not my birthday YET---I have a few more days of being 34. But special thanks to:

Joanne Grzelak (Jojot) for this beautiful card that found its way to my house! Joanne is such a talented designer and and wonderful person. Joanne--I love this card so much---it just makes me smile (despite getting older!) Thank you!

And sweet Rita Santos sent me this beauty. Thank you Rita--I love this card---what a cool scalloped piece to frame the card and I love the clip and ribbon. Hugs!

Now I can go back to enjoying 34 for just a little bit longer!

****Don't forget- Gina K is hosting a new release party on Splitcoaststampers on TONIGHT from 7-10 p.m. Central. She is adding four new sets to her store and some awesome new bling & dazzle embellishments. Stop by for lots of fun games, challenges and chances to win FREE stuff! Hope to "see" you there!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hip-Hop Accessories Preview

Here is a peek at another new release by Gina K that will be available after the new release kick off party on Sunday night from 7-10 p.m. central in the Gina K Forum on Splitcoaststampers!

This set is called "Hip-Hop Accessories" and is by my friend, the ultra talented Melanie Muenchinger. This set features 50 stamps--sentiments and accessories to go with her previous sets "Just so Hippy" and "Just so Hoppy." This accessory set provides endless possibilities for these sets. The images and sentiments are simply adorable.

I used my kangaroo from the "Just so Hoppy" set and paired it with the new images--baby kangaroo, kite, sentiments from the new set to make a sweet Mother's Day card. (I just took my little ones to buy kites today so I thought this would be a fun card to make!)

The kite and butterflies are paper pieced. I colored the main images with Prismacolor pencils. I pierced holes for the kite string and connected them with my olive marker (making sure both the mama and baby were holding on tight!)

Here is a close up of the dimension--the panel is lifted on dimensionals and the butterflies are stamped on dp and attached with pop dots.

Materials used: Stamps-Hip-Hop Accessories, Just so Hoppy (Melanie Meunchinger for Gina K Designs); cardstock-white, olive (Stampin' Up!); Designer paper-Honey Pie by Cosmo Cricket; horizontal punch (SU!); corner rounder punch (Creative memories); ribbon (Papertrey Ink); hemp (SU!); Sakura stardust gellyroll pen; Prismacolor pencils; Odorless mineral spirits; brilliance black ink; berry palette ink (Papertrey Ink); Cuttlebug and tag dies; dimensionals (SU!); mini pop dots (SU!).

Thanks for stopping by! You can check out more samples using this set by going to Gina's blog!

Comfort & Peace

This is the new "One Free with Three" set from Gina K Designs that will be available on Sunday night after the new release party on Splitcoaststampers (7-10 p.m. central time).

This set is called Comfort & Peace and is filled with some of the most beautiful sentiments I have ever seen. I KNOW I will be using this set a lot to create sympathy cards or just "letting you know I care" cards. It is a beautiful set.

I chose to go another direction for my card. Instead of creating a sympathy card, I used the set to make a Mother's Day card. I used my "One Free with Three" set from last month called Spring Blooms (that will be available for purchase this month) to create the Mom tag. The rest of the stamps are from this new set.

I used one of the flower images to stamp the background in chocolate ink. Although it didn't show up very well, the chocolate layer has flower images stamped all over it. A subtle detail but I love how it turned out.

Here is a close up so you can see the flowers stamped on the chocolate background.

Materials used: Comfort & Peace (Gina K Designs), Spring Blooms (Gina K Designs), Canvas (SU!); ruby red, olive, choc chip, and certainly celery SU markers; choc chip and caramel classic stamp pads (Stampin' Up!); white, olive, choc chip cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Creative memories cutting system and circle templates; hardware (SU!); hemp-hobby lobby; Cuttlebug and nestability dies and tag die cuts; dimensionals (SU!).

Check out what Gina did with this new set on her blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Gift Card

First, I want to thank Nichole Anderson and Denise (Peanutbee) for giving me this award. I am truly honored to make any one's day!

Now a card---I just LOVE this American Crafts paper. I created a card just so I could showcase it---because it makes me happy just looking at it!

This card houses a slide out card. I added the fun Papertrey ribbon and some rub-ons. Wouldn't this be a cute way to present a gift card?

Here is a peek at the card inside:

Materials used:Cardstock-White (Stampin' Up!);Play Pillow Fight (American Crafts), Stickball (American Crafts), Play-Ping Pong (American Crafts); Rub-ons-Ginger Sidekicks Mini Marks (American Crafts); Spring Moss Fine Ribbon Classic Grosgrain (Papertrey Ink); 1/2 inch Scor Tape (Scor-Pal).

Thanks for stopping by!