World Card Making Day!

As this weekend is coming to a close, I hope that you have had a chance to enjoy sometime to relax and  unwind.  That for me translates to: paper crafting and baking.  To celebrate World Card Making Day, I had a card class at my home.  I know these economic times are difficult, and there doesn't seem like there is an end in sight.  So, for WCMD, I wanted to share some tips and tricks on making your paper crafting supplies last longer.  Little ideas to help get more cards out of a roll of ribbon, how to ink, use, and fall in love with a background stamp.  How to use some scraps to make a card, quick.  What to do with the left overs from a Scrapbook page kit.  See, useful tips and tricks, and we got to make 4 cards!

The first two cards are made from scraps.  The first card uses scraps from the Tea Time simply scrappin' kit.  The second card uses scraps from Cheerful Treats DSP.  I used the same stamp set, to show how a simple sentiment can get alot of mileage.  I used You're Cherished stamp set, but the Thank You Kindly stamp set would be perfect, too!  I used the same ribbon and base cardstock for both cards.  

Tip:  I also made 'poor-man' bows.  Wrap a scrap piece of ribbon around the front of your card, and then another small piece around the wrapped piece.   Tip:  use the string of rhinestones to add sparkle to your card.  They are already lined up, so you don't have to center or space them.  Trick: when stamping on pattern paper, use the lightest or less patterned paper.  Also, stamp your sentiment in a dark color, such as black or dark brown.  You don't want your words to compete with objects or get lost in a busy pattern.  Trick:  use the pattern paper from the same package, because they already coordinate. 

The second two cards are made with stamps that may seem intimidating or over-whelming.    The first card uses a background stamp: Hello, Doily, and an abstract object: Timeless Treasures.  The second card uses a stamp set with a large font: Hand-Penned  Holidays.  I used the same cardstock for both cards.  I used the same colors of ink, too!

Tip: use a brayer to ink a large or background stamp so you get even coverage.  Tip: swipe wax paper over your cardstock before using a stylis to score your paper.  It helps create smooth score lines.  Trick: when using a large stamp, stamp off the cardstock, so the image is not centered.  That way, you don't have to be perfect.  Any variation will look beautiful.  Trick: stamp the background stamp in a light color and your object in a dark color.  Trick: add a large faux half-pearl to the knot of linen thread.

Here is a card, that my granddaughter made for her mom (my daughter):

Thank you for looking.  I hope that you were able to carve out sometime to create, and exercise the other half of your brain - the creative side.  I hope you stop by again, soon! Take care.

Give Thanks

It's Friday! yahoo!  and you know what that means, its time for another sketch from one of the design team members from Sketch Frenzy Friday challenge.  Please join us for our blog tour.  Tammy F. is the talented member that provided us with this week's sketch.   The only thing we ask, is that you use your Stampin' Up! supplies.

Here's the sketch:

Here is what I created:

This card was alot of fun to create!  I like to add layers to my cards, and sometimes the layers are in ink and not paper.  I took a scrap piece of Pool Party cardstock.  I used the same color classic ink and this wonderful stencil to create that blurry flourish to the left side.  I then inked the En Francais script background stamp in Sahara Sand classic ink.  I layed the pool party cardstock onto of the stamp and tapped with my finger tips.  I didn't want the script to be complete.  I wanted the lettering to be random and faded in some areas.  I stamped 'Give Thanks' in soft suede classic ink towards the bottom right of the card.  I used scrap pieces of Crumb Cake DSP to create the rectangle and scallop circle.  I used Certainly Celery DSP to create the different sized butterflies.  For the large, middle butterfly, I also cut a butterfly with the matching cardstock.  I layered them together.  I also used a dimensional to give this creature some height off the card, and curled the wings.  I added three tiny faux half pearls to the body of the butterfly.

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me.  Now, don't forget, Tammy B. is your next stop on the blog tour!

With Love

The wonderfully talented ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge, have a new sketch this week, and everyone is invited to play along.  Our only requirement, is that you use Stampin' Up! supplies to make your creation.

This week's sketch is wonderful, but I did have a bit of a struggle with it.  I love layouts with layers and different shapes.  

Here is the sketch this week:

Here is the card I made:

To make this card, I used 4 different stamp sets.  This beautiful script is from a new holiday stamp set: Hand-Penned Holidays.  That gorgeous frame and 'Memories' stamp are from the Frames It stamp set.  The frame for the script is from Creative Elements.  The bee and music sheet are from Nature's Pace stamp set. 

I used Certainly Celery DSP, Baja Breeze DSP, First Edition DSP, Soft Suede cardstock and Very Vanilla cardstock.  I sponged all the edges, and spritz the upper right corner with water to help the paper hold the crumple.  I added some faux stitching, and a few spritz with Lob Cabin and Vanilla Smooch.

Everyone is invited to play along with us.  So, break out your favorite stamp sets, and your favorite DSP.  Cut the shapes, stamp some images, and lets see what you create!