Friday, April 27, 2012

The Popular Z Fold Card

The Z Fold Card is a hot design on a few message boards.  The look is very similar to the Joy Fold Card; however, this stands on display much better than the Joy Fold.

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Crushed Curry card base
    • 11" x 4 1/4" (scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2")
    • 4" x 3" (cut 2)
  • Melon Mambo cardstock
    • 5 1/4" x 4"
    • 2 1/2" x 4"
    • 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" (outside of card)
  • Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper
    • Left side (outside of card) measures 2 1/4" x 3 3/4"
    • Inside measures 5" x 3 3/4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (outside)
    • 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Leaves (cut 5)
  • Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set
  • Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry inks
  • Sponges (flower only)
  • Bird Builder Blossom Builder and Blossom hand punches
  • Birds & Bloom Sizzlit dies
Other products
  • Brad

Friday, April 13, 2012

God is Good

I felt a sense of calm and peace the morning of my surgery (lymph nodes).  My family in Ohio and my adopted families in Alabama were all praying for me.  I knew I was in good hands because Dr. Susan Winchester came highly recommended. 

I can't say enough about Dr. Winchester and her staff.  I was quite emotional at my first visit.  Each hand that TOUCHed me was full of love.  My long journey trying to get my life back from my chronic pain, headaches and migraines - and now breast cancer - had taken a toll on me.  I cried so easily mostly because of the unknown road I was about to travel. 

I haven't cried since the morning of my surgery - serenity had finally entered my soul.  God has spoken, it is my turn; my turn to become a better Christian.  My first goal - Patience.  As a dear friend (who will remain anonymous - Barb) said, patience was not one of my virtues.  I hope to prove her wrong.

The GREAT NEWS
  • All the cancer was removed during my lumpectony - the cancer size was very small (0.4 x 0.3 x 03 cm)
  • The four lymph nodes removed were negative
  • No chemotherapy is needed
  • I will be having some type of radiation and possibly some type of oral medication
To my husband, Jim - If it wasn't for him, I would be completely lost - HE IS MY ROCK.  Patience IS one of his many virtues. 

AND - in no particular order.....
  • To our sons, David and Bill, daughter-in-law Kristin and precious grandbaby Kendall - I love you all so much.
  • To my sister Susan - thank you for your unfailing love.  I can't wait to see you - Sister Retreat Time!
  • To all my family back in Ohio - I love you all.  Thank you for the "Casto flowers" (aka sunflowers), telephone calls and cards.
  • To my Jasper sister Barb - my friend, my chauffeur.  Thank you for your love and support.  I can't wait for my Sister Retreat in Michigan this summer.  Easter dinner - my first homemade meal in over two months!
  • To my Trussville sister Gail - Thank you for putting me on your church prayer list.  I was very concerned about the severe migraine that usually followed my surgeries.  I didn't have a migraine following either of my two surgeries.  Your pastor's concerns were heartwarming. 
  • To all my sisters at First United Methodist Church of Jasper - thank you so much for being available 24/7.  Thank you to those who offered to bring dinner or drive me to an appointment.
    • Mary Ann S. - for kneeling, praying and hugging me at the church altar.  The apple pie was half eaten in one day.
    • Candy C. - Thank you for recommending that I should go and see Dr. Winchester
    • Kathryn O. - The potato soup was delicious.  Thank you for checking on me through emails when I was too upset to talk to anyone.
    • Karen B. - Cream Cheese dessert - who doesn't like cream cheese!
    • Gail W. - Banana pudding straight out of the oven with a meringue topping.  Oh, sweet Jesus!
    • Charlene S. - your inspirational scriptures were perfect.
    • Betty L. - A cancer survivor who emailed me and made herself available if I had any questions.
    • Jeannette S. and her Sunday School members - I appreciated your prayers and emails.
  • To my Facebook Peeps - thank you for your support and private messages.
  • To my Blog Peeps - thank you for your words of encouragement you gave by emailing me or posting a comment to this blog.
For those how happen on this blog posting - DO NOT skip any routine mammogram.  My lump was found during a routine mammogran.  Follow your doctor's guidelines and/or National Cancer Institute guidelines.

Friday, March 30, 2012

To all my wonderful blog followers

Your words have brought me comfort.  Thank you for those who left me their phone numbers and email addresses.  Women - God's Angels of Comfort.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Crosswalk

It all makes sense now.  For the past four years I have had many struggles physically with my body.  The pain was so intense and unbearable.  So many times I cried out to the Lord to end the pain.  In December, God answered my call and sent me to a physician who finally addressed my daily pains and migraines that left me in bed for days.   I had my LIFE back!!  But little did I know what I was about to face.  God was preparing me, GOD WAS PREPARING ME for the biggest struggle I have ever faced.  I have breast cancer.











We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; but God's always ready, to answer your call....

He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, but suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love.

May God fill your day with blessings!!

(author unknown)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Easter Blossom

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Crushed Curry cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Melon Mambo cardstock
    • Layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
    • Square layers measure 1 3/8" x 1 3/8"
    • Strip measures 7/8" x 5 1/4"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Razzleberry Designers Series Paper
    • Square layers measure 1 1/8" x 1 1/8"
    • Strip measures 5/8" x 5 1/4"
  • Well Scripted stamp set
  • Stazon Jet Black ink
  • Blossom and Build A Blossom hand punches
  • Birds & Blooms Sizzlits dies
Other Products
  • Brad
I wish I would have used Dimensionals behind the squares.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Blossoms Easel Card for a Special Friend

I have a very special friend who is mourning the lost of her husband.  We attend the same church, same United Methodist Women circle and same investment group.  ....And she loves Alabama and Houndstooth.  Roll Tide!

This is an easel card I made for her. Check out the post below for my measurements and link to Splitcoasterstampers for basic easel card instructions.

The inside embellishment says "thinking of you" and it was signed "Jesus Hugs."  




Blossoms Easel Card

For a unique card layout, try the Easel Card. Basic instructions can be found at Splitcoaststampers.com. If you wish to duplicate my card, please refer to the measurements below.


Stampin' Up! Products
  • Certain Celery Cardstock
    • Main section of the Easel Card measures 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2"
    • Top section of the Easel Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4" (cut two)
    • Scrap piece
  • Very Vanilla cardstock (inside of card)
    • Card layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
  • Baja Breeze cardstock - for blossoms
  • Green Tea Designer Series Paper
    • Top card layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
  • Lace Ribbon Border punch
    • Finished length is 5 1/4"
  • Blossom punch
  • Bird & Blooms Sizzlits dies
  • Inside embellishment
    • Decorative Label, Scallop Oval, Small and Large Oval and Trio Flower punches
    • Jewels Basic Pearls
    • Old Olive ink
    • Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set
  • Dimensionals
Other Products
  • Brads

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Cottage Wall Blossom - Step it Up!

I unintentionally created three cards that fit the description "Step it Up!"  I wasn't happy with the first card, the layout was nothing special.  A few modifications and each Step Up was an improvement.


Blossom Step it Up! Number One
Step it Up! Number One

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Rich Razzleberry cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Orchid Opulence cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Card layer measures 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
  • Old Olive cardstock scraps
  • Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper
    • Card layer measures 5" x 3 3/4"
  • Easter Blossoms and Mixed Bunch stamp sets
  • Orchid Opulence and Rich Razzleberry inks
  • Blossom, Blossom Builder and 3/4" Circle punches
  • Birds & Blooms and Build-A-Beary Beary Girl (small flower center) Sizzlits dies
  • Basic Pearl Jewels
  • Dimensionals

Step it Up! Number Two
  • Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
    Blossom Step it Up! Number Two
Step it Up! Number Three
  • Card layer measurements changed slightly
    • Rich Razzleberry 2 3/4" x 4"
    • Old Olive 2 1/2" x 3 3/4" (dry emboss using Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder)
    • Orchid Opulence cardstock 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"
    • 
    • Whisper White (stamped layer) 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
  • Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Blossom Step it Up! Number Three - My Favorite

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Celebrating the day Mom WALKED with Jesus

Today is anniversary of the day my mother stepped out of her wheelchair and walked with Jesus. So often I wish she could hold me tight. Recently, I have needed her so much more.

To my mother - Fourteen years is a long time - I miss you!

THE HAT - Sunflowers mean so much to the sisters.  I am fortunate I have THE HAT!!

A little background about our mom. Shortly after the birth of her first child, she contracted Polio and was confined to her wheelchair until she danced with Jesus. She was and will always be the mother of eight children: Gail, David, Susan, Beth, John, Paul, Jim and Amy.

She cooked dinner every day, she cleaned house, washed clothes and bathed her children when they were little. She even drove a car. She taught me how to drive. There was nothing she couldn't do, but walk. She was an AMAZING woman and I failed as a child and as an adult because I didn't tell her often enough how much I appreciated the things she did for me. The last ten years of her life were filled with pain. The effects of Polio were too much for her to bear. Today, I wish I had her strength. MOM - I KNOW YOU ARE DANCING WITH JESUS, but I still miss you so.

Mom surrounded by her children and grandchildren - Her 70th Surprise Birthday Party.  You can tell by her tears, she felt loved.
This is how my siblings shared their own Memories with Mom on her 70th birthday.  I created a photo album with pictures from every sibling and their family.  I believe the following is what my mom cherished the most.  Included with the pictures were the following MEMORIES OF MOM.

MOM, I REMEMBER....

… Mom loved to lay in the sun. One day, John and Jim put her out in the sun and left. They forgot to come home to get her – well she did get quite a sunburn!

… When mom held my first newborn baby, I could see and feel the pride my Mom felt which in turn, made me feel proud.

… All of her hair colors

… I am creative because of my Mom. I remember the messes I used to make in the kitchen when I was “into” making candles. I remember one time I poured hot wax into a plastic container and the wax melted the container and wax spilled on the counter and down onto the floor. What a mess and this didn’t seem to bother her.

… One Christmas my Mom thought she was definitely going to receive a television for her bedroom – boy was she disappointed when it turned out to be a fish aquarium.

… Her putting Christmas cookies under her bed so no one would eat them. Funny, the cookies still seemed to disappear.

… Every night saying prayers and using her chair top as a diving board, at least three times.

… Our summer vacation in a houseboat – how she was so miserable and ill. But the vacation went on. Niagara Falls, Mammoth Cave, Mystery Trips and Cedar Point. Mom also sent us on short vacation trips with Grandma Lee – Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Ohio State Fair to name a few.

… One early Saturday morning after fishing at Crystal Lake, I brought the fish home to show mom, she was asleep. I cleaned the fish and then took just the heads in to wake Mom up.

… Mom always seemed to get in the middle of a fight and taking the punches, especially on Easter.

… Her making hot chocolate on cold mornings before school.

… Grocery shopping. Always afraid we would not find out first grocery cart we set back because we needed a second cart. What a nightmare it would have been if we had to shop all over again.

… Shopping for school clothes. If Sue and I liked the same outfit – Sue always got it. I never got over that – she always liked Sue best.

… Avoiding Mom by going up the steps when she came down the elevator and going down the steps when she came back up, it worked for awhile.

… Picking off dead petunia flowers.

… Being at the hospital when Michael was born.

… First of all, I want my brothers and sisters to know that I was Mom’s favorite. She let me get away with so much, like the time I tore the tag off of my mattress and she didn’t turn me into the federal government. But when she did try to punish me, I would just run between the beds so she wouldn’t be able to catch me.

… Now that I have my own daughter, I finally realize that all the sacrifices she made for me and my brothers and sisters. They were all made so she could see a smile on our faces. Thank you Mom!

… Going to the hairdressers with her. We got to go through Sand Run Park and through the water.

… When Maggie and I took Mom to Luigi’s all she kept saying was, “I can’t believe you took me here!”

… Mom hated shoes laying around because her wheelchair couldn’t roll over them very well. She would throw them outside for us to retrieve.

… Seasons passes to Sea World. We knew that place very well that year.

… Mom with all my friends at the first and last party she let us have in high school. There must have been 14 guys around her at all times. They thought she was cool She was, she out lasted one half the boys in the game Pass Out.

… Holding the elevator gate open so she could not go up and down

… The dreaded grocery shopping – 3 hours. You did whatever you could to get out of it. I even would hide in the cabinets.

… Taking me back to the Gorge Park because I lost my favorite knitted scarf. She waited for me to walk the trail so that I could find it – and I did.

… When I was recovering from my tonsils being removed, I remember Mom going shopping and bringing me home Colorforms, my favorite game.

… In Sherwood Acres a trim on the kitchen cupboards would keep coming off because of her wheelchair. We would glue it on and the next week it would be off again. It was a never ending battle.

… Playing store in Mom’s pantry.

… Hearing Neil Diamond constantly and even worse – she cranked the sound up.

… Lumpy Cream of Wheat.

… Mom taught me how to drive. I remember her controlling the steering wheel which I pushed the pedals and visa versa.

… Getting stuck in the church elevator with Mom.

… Every Christmas morning was enchanting. The anticipation of seeing the gifts under the Christmas tree.

… She always made sure when I came home from college on weekends, that I had food and clean clothes to take back.

… Play Trivial Pursuit. She was very tough to beat.

… My mom co-signed (without hesitation) my first car loan.

… And Paul, just to correct you – I am her favorite!

… John mopping the floor and leaving an inch of water to soak. Mom used to hate that.

… The living room nobody was allowed to go in – except for Pluribus to do her “job”

… Mom attended all my school programs, she chauffeured me to Girl Scouts, girlfriend’s houses, church and countless other places. I remember the many orthodontist appointments where she sat patiently in the car for up to an hour every time.

… The houseboat trip where she kept a life preserver and a wrist raft on her at all times. She never got out of her pajamas the whole time.

… Going to the grocery store. Click’s for two hours almost every week. She couldn’t go up the aisle of food, we always went down. She said it was too confusing, so we had to back up and go down each aisle the same way.

… Caleb loves Mom so much he calls my house boring and Mom’s trailer fun. He wants to go and stay there all the time, she must spoil him; of course – she always favored boys.!

… When I was little I loved staying home from school because I was sick and laying in her bed watching TV while I got pampered.

… Contact papering her tray.

… Mom asking me to sleep with her in Sherwood Acres and she would turn and take up the whole bed and make me sleep across the bottom of the bed.

… Mom was always at home when we got home for school. No one was ever left alone in our house.

… The best; getting between the beds where she could not reach me and laughing. The worse getting caught with nowhere to go and having no choice but to hold the hands out for a slap.

… We had to go to as many county fairs as possible every summer.

… Painting baseboards in Sherwood Acres.

… Mom turning the stereos up to 10 in the whole house.

… How she took care of Sabby, Pluribus and Taffy. Always said excuse me to them she needed them to move.

… Mom hiding my clothes when I left them lying on the bedroom floor.

… How fast she could move, when she was after something. She was like a car speeding down the halls. You had to run or get out of the way.

… Mom’s junk drawer was a true junk drawer. You could find everything in it, but it was very messy.

… Shopping at O’Neil’s, the Georgian Restaurant and the special ice cream dessert. I remember driving all the way to the new Summit Mall, it seemed so far away! So was the Hartville Flea Market.

… Making cookies, coloring Easter eggs and how much fun she made it.

… Playing in the elevator.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

LEAP YEAR SPECIAL

Now through Wednesday, February 29, I am offering a 10% discount on all orders over $75.00. 

I like to keep my blog clutter free and attractive.  You can find links to Stampin' Up!'s current catalogs are at the top of my blog.

Celebrate leap year by receiving a 10% discount.  Celebrate even more when you take advantage of the free products being offered with every $50 purchase. Free product information can be found in the Sale-A-Bration catalog above.

For customers ordering outside of the Jasper, Alabama area, here are the payment arrangements available:
  • I will Invoice you through Paypal
  • Money Order*
This 10% discount is being offered by me and is only available for orders I personally place for you. I do not have a Stampin' Up! webpage and cannot offer direct ordering online with the 10% discount.

*Money Orders must clear before I can place the order

Friday, February 17, 2012

CASEing - A Simple Tutorial

When I saw this card online (created by a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator named Claire), I knew it would be perfect for my Card Mission for the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of Jasper.

When I find a card online that I like, recreating the card can take some time and possibly waste of precious cardstock.  I use a very simple method to recreate the card.  Using inexpensive cardstock, I cut the cardstock layers to the size I think will work for the card.  I write the width and height on each piece cardstock and keep them as templates in a folder. It is so much easier to take the different size card templates I created (from my folder) to more accurately "guess" each card layer size.  Time Saver AND Paper Saver! 

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Lavender Lace cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Basic Black cardstock
    • Layer measures 3 3/4" x 3 1/4"
    • Strip measures 1 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Strip measures 1 1/4" x 4 1/4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Layer measures 3 1/2" x 3"
  • Fresh Vintage Stamp set
  • Lavender Lace and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
  • Scallop Circle and 1 1/4" x 1 3/8" Circle punches
  • Designer Jewels - Black Flourish
Other Products
  • Sentiments were created on my computer and printed on Whisper White cardstock and punched out


I also did the same card using Ballet Blue cardstock.  This time, I added a slight change - on the Old Olive strip (1 1/4" x 4 1/4") I stamped the image using Old Olive ink.  I also placed the sentiment layers at the bottom edge. Dimensionals were placed under the scallop circle punch.


*CASE means Copy and Share Everything. 

I have also used various software programs to create my layer templates.  One program you can use is Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio.  I have more experience using Microsoft products and have used Microsoft Publisher to create my layer templates.  For those who are not familiar with Publisher, the simple cardstock layer template mentioned above is all you need to save time and money.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

A Dynamite Voice - Kim Dunn

We are blessed to have Kim Dunn in our church - Jasper First United Methodist Church.  Listen to her sing and imagine how wonderful it is to hear her voice nearly every Sunday church service.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Get Well Soon

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Ballet Blue cardstock
    • Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • Sage Shadow cardstock
    • Layer measures 4" x  5 1/4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Layer measures 3 3/4" x 5"
  • Mixed Bunch and Sincere Saluations stamp sets
  • Ballet Blue and Sage Shadow inks and Stazon Jet Black ink
  • Blossom, Blossom Petals , 1" Circle and Owl Builder (flower circle center) punches
  • Dimensionals
Other Products
  • Brad

Saturday, February 4, 2012

With Deepest Sympathy

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Certainly Celery cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Old Olive cardstock
    • Layer measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Layer measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/4"
  • Old Olive Patterns Designer Series Paper
    • Strip measures 4 1/2" x 1 3/8"
  • Thanks for Caring stamp set
  • Old Olive ink
  • Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (approximately 14")
  • Trio Flower Punch
  • Dimensionals
Other Products
  • Branch punch
  • Rhinestones

Casto Family Tree

I have been, from time to time, working on my family tree. I did it without going to Ancestry.com. If you have date of births on the members of your family, most likely with some creative internet surfing, you will find amazing information about your family.

Internet 101
• A basic search, Jennings Bud Casto (my grandfather) will net many results. Included in the results was information on the Jennings Family Genealogy.
• An advanced search, "Jennings Bud Casto" will filter out the Jennings Family. Just by placing quotes around my grandfather's name, I found information about his siblings.

Fortunately, many of my relatives (who I do not know) have done most the work for me. I was able to go back six generations all by beginning a basic search on my grandfather. I was able to validate that was truly my grandfather's family tree because I did have his date of birth.

I have information that William Evans Garrett was born in May, 1768 and married Elizabeth Hendricks in June, 1971. William died in April, 1846. Elizabeth was born in June, 1774 and died in July, 1833. I was able to find that Elizabeth's parents were Joshua Redwine and Rosanna (unknown last name).

Jennings Bud Casto - my grandfather
His parents Everett Parker Casto and Alwilda Iona Skeen
His grandparents Franklin Pierce Skeen and Phoebe Garrett
His great great grandparents James Garrett and Sarah Buckley
His great great great grandparents Williams Evans Garrett and Elizabeth Hendricks
His great great great great grandparents Joshua Redwine and Rosanna (last name unknown)

Meet my grandfather - Jennings Bud (JB) Casto. I believe this picture was taken in Kent, Ohio, in front of his car dealership.
I wish I knew who to thank for gathering all the information that I found, so easily, on the internet. If you are reading this blog, please email me.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Almost Amethyst Tea Party

Have you ever gone into your craft room and can't even create a simple card?  That has been my problem for the last few days.  If you are not familiar with Clean & Simple (CAS), check out the blog HERE.   To inspire card makers, this blog uses "card maps."  The card map used for this card is at the bottom of this posting.  You can access all the card maps from this blog HERE.

I am not in love with this card, but I know the recipient will love that I took the time to say "thinking of you."

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Almost Amethyst cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2"x 4 1/4"
    • Strip measures 5" x 1/2"
  • Certainly Celery
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Pretty in Pink cardstock
    • Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
  • Tea Party Designer Series Paper
    • 5" x 1 1/2"
    • 5" x 2 1/2"
  • Almost Amethyst, Basic Black, Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink ink
  • Trendy Tree stamp set
  • Blossom, Blossom Builder, Modern Label and Word Window punches
  • Bird & Blooms Sizzlits die
  • Sponges
Other Products
  • Brad

Monday, January 30, 2012

Creativity Can Take Months

I started making a Joy Fold Card in early November using my new favorite color combination Elegant Eggplant and More Mustard.  I prepared are the cardstock layers and I drew a blank on what stamp set I should use.  I pushed the cardstock pieces aside and waited, and waited, and waited until last week.  Over two months to create one card - seriously??  I am glad I didn't toss the cardstock pieces into my scrap bin to be used for another project. 

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Elegant Eggplant cardstock
  • More Mustard cardstock
  • Fresh Vintage (Sale-A-Bration freebie!!!), On Your Birthday and Well Script stamp sets
  • More Mustard ink and Elegant Eggplant and More Mustard Stampin' Write markers
  • Punches
    • Circle - 1", 3/4" and 1/2"
    • Boho Blossoms
  • Dimensionals

I loved the card so much; I thought it would make a great Valentine's Day card using Basic Black and Real Red cardstock.


Joy Fold Basic Measurements

Card Bases (Basic Black)
  • Main Card 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” (score at 5 1/2”)
  • Smaller Card 3” x 8” (score at 4”)
Main Card Base Layers (Real Red)
  • Main Card inside measures 5 1/4” x 4"
  • Right side measures 2 3/4” x 4" (If you want your card to open differently, this layer would be on the left side.)
Smaller Card Layers (Whisper White)
  • Outside and inside layers both measure 3 3/4” x 2 3/4”

Constructing the closure made for this card
  • The 1" circle is glued to front of the card on the the right side of the card. 
  • Layer together the 1/2" circle onto to the Boho Blossom flower, then glue them onto the 3/4" circle punch out.  Place a Dimensional on the back and attach to the 1" circle already glued to the card. 
There are so many ways you can create a closure.  Check out my other Joy Fold Cards for more closure ideas.

Chris Twina created a great video tutorial on the Joy Fold card. The video with step by step instructions including measurements can be found here.  I am so grateful for the talented women who share and create wonderful tutorials. Comments are always appreciated; please leave Chris a comment or at least a "thumbs up" on her YouTube webpage.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Valentine's Day Card - Free Workshop

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Pretty in Pink cardstock
    • Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Real Red cardstock
    • Beginning measurement is 4 1/2" x 3 1/2.  Punch one side (longest length) using the Scallop Edge Border punch.  Final layer measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/4"
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Layer measures 4 1/4" x 2 7/8"
  • Basic Black cardstock
    • Strip measures 3" x 1/8" (length may vary depending on where you stamped the sentiment)
  • Stazon Jet Blake ink
  • Stampin' Write Markers - Pretty in Pink and Real Red
  • Fashion Hearts Embosslit
  • Outlined Occasions stamp set
  • Heart and Scallop Edge Border punches
  • Dimensionals
Participants in my free workshop will make one of these cards.  Cardmaking experience - NONE!  Workshop is scheduled at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 27 and 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 28.  Class size is limited to five - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Contact me by EMAIL.

If you would like to purchase the supplies used in creating one of these cards, please email me.  The supplies will include everything you need except for the stamped image.  Stampin' Up! does not allow selling of their stamped image in card kits. 


Check back or follow me by email (top of blog) and see how I CASE (Copy and Share Everything) a card when no measurements are given.

Friday, January 20, 2012

A Special Valentine Treat

Valentine Heart Treat Card

Stampin' Up! Products
  • Whisper White cardstock
    • Card base measures 7 1/2" x 5 1/4" - scored at 3 1/8" on n the long side
    • Top layer measures 2 5/8" x 4 3/4"
    • Tab pull measures 2" x 3 1/8"
  • Basic Black cardstock
    • Strip measures 1 1/2" x 6 1/4" for Lace Ribbon Border Punch (Variation – use Real Red)
    • Scraps
  • Real Red cardstock
    • Layer measures 2 7/8" x 5"
    • Scrap for optional small heart punch out*
  • Stamp sets
    • I {Heart} Hearts
    • Sweetheart
    • Well Scripted
    • With All my Heart
    • Real Red and Stazon Jet Black inks
  • Hand punches
    • Circle – 1 3/8” and 1 3/4"
    • Corner Rounder
    • Heart
    • Lace Ribbon Border
    • Modern Label
    • Small Heart
    • Word Window
  • Heart Treat Cup
  • Dimensionals
  • Stamp-a-ma-jig
  • Optional glitter paper can be used for the heart punch out
I have created a tutorial on how to create this unique Valentine card.  The special design allows the recipient to easily remove the candy without damaging the card.  The tutorial is only $2.49 (less than the cost of a milkshake).  Once your payment is processed, I will email you the four-page PDF, with step-by-step instructions with pictures.  If you have any questions regarding the tutorial, please email me PRIOR to making your purchase.. 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Heart Valentine Treat Card

Please check back tomorrow or simply subscribe to my emails so you don't miss any of my blog postings (click here) - I have been working on a Heart Valentine Treat Card using the Heart Treat Cups by Stampin' Up!.

Here is a sneak peak of my "creation."


I have been putting together a step-by-step instruction tutorial.  It takes more than two days to fine tune a tutorial.  I started with an idea, and kept "upgrading' it, and three cards later, I have a card that I am truly happy with.  The pdf tutorial will be available for purchase for only $2.49 (far less than the cost of a Starbuck cappuccino). 

As always, I will post all the supplies I used on my blog (at no charge).