Clear Note Pad Case

The 4th Thursday of the month is my 'Stampin' Up! Quick & Easy' class held at the Tijeras Public Library. The cost of the class differs each month, and is based on supplies used. However, there is NOT be a class that is over $10. The class size is limited to 4 due to room size.

Yesterday, my class was, 'Clear Note Pad Case'. Here is a close up of the upper left corner of the 'Clear Note Pad Case'. I even put in Stampin' Up! note pads! And it was both a big hit and a success! I don't have any class kits left! I held the class for 4, and had 3 extra kits. WOW!

So, if you would like the 'Instructional Sheet' (a PDF), you can purchase it for $2.50. The 'Instructional Sheet' has step-by-step instructions, color photos, and a supply list.

To purchase, please contact me via email, and pay thru PayPal or mail a check.

I can't believe what a big hit this class was.

Vintage Background

Thank you for stopping by today, to see what I've been crafting. First, I want to thank my followers for their support, and all the lovely people who have posted comments on my postings. Your words of encouragement, and excitement, have really kept my spirits high, as well as my motivation. Thank You!

Ok, now on to today's card. I am on the Design Team (DT) for Creative Sketches. They are a wonderfully supportive group of ladies. Well, todays challenge is a layout. So, pop on over, and see what the other DT members have created (all of which is stunning!) and enter. Play with us! The layout is easy to use, and versatile - click here to play along.

I have seen alot of beautiful, lovely, stunning pattern paper out there. Too many companies to name. But, I don't want to run out to the store every time I need a pretty paper. So, I decided to try my hand at creating my own. I wanted to use the supplies I have already spent good money on. Make my supplies stretch, fit my needs, use what I already have! So, that's how my background paper came about. (Click on the image, so you can really see it.)

The card base is Basic Grey (SU!), the panel is Baja Breeze (SU!). I inked my french word background stamp - En Francais (SU!) in Crumb Cake classic ink (SU!) and stamped it using my finger tips. I didn't want to see all of the words, but rather a random viewing. So, it looks 'old'. Next, I inked my scratched background stamp - Sanded (SU!) in Baja Breeze classic ink (SU!) and stamped the whole panel. I used the same color ink as cardstock, because I didn't want to compete with the words, I just wanted it to look 'used'. I used the flourish stamp from Friends 24-7 (SU!), and dabbed some, almost white acrylic paint on it, and stamped the bottom of the panel. I really like the look, and how it turned out!

The Tiny Tags stamp set (SU!) was used to create the tiny tags. They say, 'hand crafted', 'friend', and 'thanks so much'. The ribbon is Stampin' Up!'s new 1/8" taffeta ribbon in Very Vanilla. I used one of the trinkets (SU!) pins, to hold my tags onto the bow. Let me just say that tie-ing that little bow on that little safety pin was a challenge. The stamped panel on the front says, 'You're a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and love. I sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.' I stamped that in Basic Grey classic ink (SU!) and the bird is from a different stamp set, one I purchased while on vacation. I stamped the bird in Baja Breeze classic ink (SU!). I added three tiny half pearls as the embellishment for the card.

So, stop on over @ Creative Sketches, and play along with us!

WMSC39 & JUGs76

I was browsing the Internet on Sunday, and found these two challenges! Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge #39 and one of my favorite places, Just Us GirlS #76. Waltzing Mouse is doing a sketch challenge that I thought looked fun to play. Just Us GirlS is having a color challenge, that looked interesting. So, here is what I came up with. The colors are Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Soft Sky and Pink Pirouette. Now, at first I thought, oh vintage! I love to do vintage! But, this is suppose to be a challenge. So, what about a baby card? I don't really do baby cards. So, I decided my theme would be 'baby', non-gender specific. Now Waltzing Mouse has these fun pennants in the sketch. I don't have pennant dies, stamps, or punches. So, its a challenge, think sharon. What about using a word punch, with a twist? So, that's what I did. I used the modern label punch and folded one end over. Viola!

Now the hard part. Baby theme, with not too much baby stuff. So, I scrounged, and searched. I put all my baby stuff out. Ok, it consisted of three stamp sets, one package of pattern paper, and no embellishments. Pretty sad, huh. So, I used two stamp sets and one sheet from the baby paper. I found this scrap pretty floral circles, in my stash, and one lone doily tag. Viola!

I must have stamped that one-sie ten different times. Each time coloring it, a different color combination in the color scheme. Then, it struck me. What if you flocked it in white and used So Saffron to color the trim? And it worked!

I used linen thread to hang the pennants. I added those cute tiny bows by the brads to help connect it to my card. No sponging. It was hard to resist at first, but I'm really pleased with the end product.

Let me know what you think!

Best Friends

Ok, so this isn't my best photography work. And yes, its prettier in real life.

This is also posted on 'Brag Monday's' over @ the Graphics Fairy

There is a group of us (6) who have become best friends. We really enjoy each other's company, and we actually care about each other and our families. So, when we get together, we 'let our hair down' so to speak. We come from all backgrounds, different socio-economic groups, and despite our differences, we connect on a higher level. So, I consider myself blessed. Blessed to have such loving, supportive, and creative women who I consider my best friends.

One of us had a birthday last month. And, well, did I mention our crazy busy schedules? So, we all went out to dinner last week to celebrate. Her favorite colors are black & white. So, I made her card black & white (posted last month or so) and inside I put a White House Black Market gift card. Oh, it matches the theme and is one of her favorite places to shop. I gave her this incredible beautiful, funky neckalace from Premier Jewelry. And, I had to craft something. So, here it is. I purchased a frame from one of those 'big box' craft stores, and made the insert. I wanted something simply shabby chic. And I hope I pulled it off. I found this graphic art over @ the graphrics fairy and thought it was perfect! I think its hilarious! three grown women in a toy car in someone's living room. Come on, its pretty funny.

I used mostly Stampin' Up! products to complete this frame insert. The base is Soft Suede card stock. The two strips of pattern paper on the left are First Edition DSP and Grand Soiree DSP. I stamped two different flourishes (friends 24-7 & bliss) in soft suede and basic black classic inks. I added a strip of Basic Black card stock and used my scallop edge border punch. The black flourish is a retired product from last year. The flowers I made from left over scraps and various shaped floral dies and punches. I used two of the vintage brads for the flower centers. I had a left over rhinestone floral spike, so I added that and a feather spike to the larger flower The little butterfly is from the Clearly For You stamp set. The tag is from a retired stamp set, too. The sentiment is from a PaperTrey word stamp set. I found this wonderfully elegant black pleated ribbon at the 'big box' craft store, so I added that, too along the bottom edge. To give the whole piece a little more worn look and sparkle, I sprayed it with both Log Cabin & Vanilla Smooch sprays.

Thank you for looking, and I hope I have found my mojo, from being out of commission these last few weeks. Have a wonderful week, and stop by soon. I hope to have more goodies posted through out the week!

Don't Throw That Away!

This is my finished product!

This is what the container looked like before I started.

I found these beautiful fabric flowers on sale at the local 'big box' craft store.

This is a close-up of the tag on the front.

Ok, where do I begin? The beginning. I'm not a hoarder. But, I seldom throw things away. Actually, if I can envision a future use, I save them. And, yes, my saving space is getting pretty occupied. Here's what I mean. If you purchase something, and the packaging looks like it has a potential for re-use, I save it. My husband has learned to either to not look, or accept the fact that I like to keep empty containers. Either way, what a doll.

So, several years ago (at least 3, if not more) on one of our many trips to LA, Universal Studios, my husband bought a watch. I believe at the fossil store. Well, the container was this tin box. (image #2). I kept the box. Over @ Our Creative Corner, they are having a recycle challenge! Perfect! So, I have my container. However, what am I going to put in it?

One of the local 'big box' craft stores was having a sale on their faux flower stems. Let's go see what they have. Well, I found these beautiful flowers, that are perfect for card making, scrap-booking, paper crafting, all kinds of fun, neat, and creative arts! (image #3) So, I picked some up. When I got home, I pulled all the flowers off. (Ok, not all, but most.) So, that is what's in my tin. Now I have a beautiful gift! Inside and out!

To decorate the tin, I first used acrylic paint to cover some of the original color at the top where the lid goes. I then cut a strip of pattern paper (Fancy Pants)and used sticky strip to hold the paper to the tin. I cut a square of another coordinating pattern paper (Fancy Pants). I thought the dots where cute, but it needed some pizzazz. So, I used my 2-way glue pen and got some Dazzaling Diamond glitter on the dots. I matted that piece with a scrap of Crumb Cake cardstock. I found a small scrap (in my scrap box) that matched the original pattern paper perfectly, so I used a border punch to give it some shape. I wrapped a piece of left-over crochet trim around this piece. Scrunched a long piece of Baja Breeze seam binding, and tied it around my matted piece. This ribbon was long enough to make a bow. I used white detail embossing powder, to give my angel (Clearly For You) some noticing power. Used a small oval punch, to create that piece. I had a scrap piece of white felted wool, so i used my big shot and a butterfly die to make that sweet little butterfly. I had a scrap piece of my border paper to make my rolled flower. I used another scrap to punch out the little leaves. All edges were sponged with Crumb Cake classic ink before adhering to the project. To finish the lid, I wrapped a piece of left over ribbon around the lid, using sticky strip to hold it in place. And then cut a piece of the original pattern paper to fit the lid. I used my sanding block to create the edge work, so the paper looks like it was made for the shape.

Thank you for looking, and please play along! It's fun! See what you can decorate/alter using what you already have!

Joy Fold Card

Over @ Creative Sketches, we are having a technique challenge! We want you to use your creativity to create something with fancy folds, cuts, or punches! Any color scheme, and any layout! Now, that sounds like fun! Spread your wings, and create something to post, and add your paper craft to our site and you could be our next winner!

I made a card, with the 'joy fold' technique. You basically fold a card in a card. I love this fold, because the recipient feels like they are getting a surprise!

I used all current Stampin' Up! supplies to make this card. I even used only one stamp set. Aren't you proud of me? I did, however, use designer paper from two different packs. But, I just love how it turned-out!

I'd love to hear what you thing too! I am the newest member of the design team, and they wanted to 'print' a little bio on me. So, check out my mini bio and enter our challenge!