A thank you from a follower

I received an email today that made my day........

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I ENJOY YOUR NEWSLETTERS. IT IS SO NICE TO OPEN UP YOUR MAIL AND FIND YOUR CARD SAMPLES WITH THE ACTUAL PAPER SIZE AND COLOUR. THANKS AGAIN.

Thank you Sandy!

Let's make this a PIF Weekend. Please take the time to post a comment or email the blogger that shares her/his passion with you.  Pay it Forward!! Just thirty-seven words made my day!

Open Sea - Nautical Expedition

A card created by Ilena Crouse inspired me to create this nautical all-occasion greeting card.  I made a few minor changes and after 45 minutes I finally came up with this.  Sometimes it takes me forever to create a card.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Not Quite Navy cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Layer under stamped image measures 3 1/4" x 3"
• Small strip measures 4 1/2" x 1 1/4"
• Remaining layer measures 4" x 3"
• Cherry Cobbler cardstock
• Card base layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
• Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper (DSP)
• Strip measures 4 3/8" x 1"
• Remaining layer measures 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Open Sea stamp set
• Cherry Cobbler, Early Expresso and Not Quite Navy ink
• The journal and world map stamp was first stamped off on a scrap of paper for a more subtle look
• Designer Brad Star *
• Dimensionals

*This is a very heavy brad, I used Sticky Strip on the back, otherwise that layer would lift easily.

Other Products

• Heavy duty envelope - stamped with compass and anchor from the Open Sea stamp set

Lovely as a Tree - Your Choice of Sentiments

I love the Lace Ribbon Border punch by Stampin' Up! and I don't think it is to feminine to use for a masculine greeting card.  I stamped three sentiments for this card, just peel and stick.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Crushed Curry cardstock
• Cardbase measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Cut off 7/8" along the bottom of the card (fold is at the top) - reserve this piece for later
• Dusty Durango
• 1 3/8" x 3 1/8"
• Modern Label punchout
• Early Espresso
• 5" x 2 7/8"
• Kiwi Kiss
• Layer under stamped image 2 3/4" x 2 1/2"
• WhisperWhite
• Stamped image 2 1/2" x 2 1/4"
• Word Window punchout
• Early Espresso ink
• Lovely as a Tree stamp set
• Lace Ribbon Border, Modern Label and Word Window punches

Other Products

• Inside liner measures 3 1/8" x 5 1/4

To view how to attach the lace border, click here.

God's Beauty - Fall Gift Card Set

I enjoy making four-piece greeting cards sets along with a matching box.  My customers seem to prefer a mix of sentiments.   I stamp two each of four or five sentiments and apply a peel away tab.  This allows the recipient to choose the perfect sentiment to suit their needs.  Check out THIS posting to see more information on how I package the sentiments.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Crushed Curry cardstock
• Layer under stamped image measures 2 3/8" x 3 1/4"
• Modern Label - can be punched from the center of this layer (to save paper)
• Dusty Durango cardstock
• 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"card base
• Old Olive
• Layer measures 2 5/8" x 3 1/2"
• Strip for lace border start with a 1 3/4" x 5 1/2" piece
• White Naturals cardstock
• Stamped image measures 2 1/8"x 3"
• Stamp the butterfly on a scrap piece and trim
• Dusty Durango ink
• God's Beauty stamp set
• Sentiments included in this card set are from the following stamp sets
• Just Believe
• On Your Birthday
• Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Three Little Words
• Lace Ribbon Border, Modern Label and Word Window punches
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Brown pearl embellishment
• Inside liner measures 3 1/8" x 5 1/4"

Card base preparation

1. Cut off 7/8" along the right side of the top of the card (keep this piece)
2. Apply adhesive to the inside of the card along the cut edge and attach lace border.
   
   
3. Apply adhesive to the 7/8" strip and place over the lace border.
   

This four-piece greeting card set is available for purchase. I can mail this gift to your friend, relative, co-worker, etc, and will include your personal note. I accept Paypal and I ship within two business days. Please EMAIL me for more information.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Helpful hint:  When using border punches, I like to have it centered when applying it to the card base or card layer.  I find that centering the piece of cardstock in the punch and then moving the piece of paper to the right and to the left results in a messy punch.  I always start with my paper in the left side of the punch and move it to the right.  I first created a template using the Lace Ribbon Border punch; I started out with a 7" piece of cardstock.  I lined up my template and centered it to the piece I was going to attached it to.  I was then able to see what part of the lace ribbon ended up on the right side of the cardstock.  I found the starting point on the punch and applied a label showing me where to begin punching.  Perhaps this illustration will show you what a mean. 

Christmas One Sheet Wonder

I finally finished my cards using my OSW layout. Check out my earlier posting how I began to create my own background (here).


Stampin' Up! Products

• Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, So Saffron and Whisper White cardstock
• Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Garden Green ink
• Love & Care stamp set was used to create the background
• Additional stamp sets
• Just Believe
• On Your Birthday
• Pennant Parade
• Thoughts & Prayers
• Three Little Words
• Punches
• Bird Builder
• Boho Blossoms
• Circle - 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and Scallop
• Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border
• Modern Label
• Oval - Large, Scallop and Small
• Owl Builder
• Petite Pennant Builder
• Round Tab
• Scallop Trim Border
• Trio Flower
• Word Window
• Accessories
• Basic Pearl Jewels
• Crimper
• Dimensionals
• Elegant Bouquet embossing folder
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue
• Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder
• Signo Gel Pen

The "patterned paper" created eight cards and one gift tag.  I later stamped a 2" x 8 1/2" piece of Whisper White using the same stamp set, I used it to decorate the gift bag.  I loved how the gift bag turned out, well worth the thirty minutes to create.

I will be posting more pictures of the various cards.  If you are interested in purchasing my OSW Class Planner, please email me.

The circle and scallop circles used in the gift tag and bag were from another manufacturer's dies.  The butterfly and pine branches were not Stampin' Up!.

Monogrammed Houndstooth Notecards

Monogrammed for FREE!

The perfect way to show you are a diehard Crimson Tide fan.  One-of-a-kind houndstooth notecards.

You will receive four notecards made using the Alabama colors - crimson red and black.  The notecards each measure 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", a quick way of expressing your feelings.  The scallop trim is hand punched.  These notecards a similar to postcards, they are not a folded greeting card, they are one-sided.  Envelopes are included.

Your four notecards each measure 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", the white area measures 4" x 5"; there is room on back of the colored cardstock.  My blog discounted price is $8.00 for a set of four notecards, personalized for FREE. 

Your notecards are customized just for you.  I will email you after your payment is cleared to finalize your order (monogram initial).  I do not have them premade.  Please allow two business days to prepare cards and shipl  Ifyou want to purchase more than three sets; shipping and handling will be discounted. 

If you have any questions, please email me PRIOR to your purchase.  I accept Paypal.  Shipping and handling is reduced for local pick up*.

*For local pickup, please email me PRIOR to your purchase.

Alabama Houndstooth Greeting Cards

It happens every day; you walk to the mailbox, pull out the mail, and shuffle through a stack of ever-present bills and junk mail.  But every once in a great while, hiding among the dull and dreary stacks of envelopes, you find something that makes your heart beat a little faster and brings a smile to your face - someone has taken the time to send you a card.  What a great feeling!

Greeting Card Design # 1



Available Sentiments

Thinking of You

Birthday Wishes

Thank You

You are a Blessing in my life (as shown)

Congratulations

Good Luck

Get Well Soon

Greeting Card Design #2

Available Sentiments

thank you

get well wishes

Happy Retirement

Happy Anniversary

Happy Graduation

happy birthday

thinking of you

Greeting Card Design #3

Available Sentiments

thank you

get well wishes

Happy Retirement

Happy Anniversary

Happy Graduation

happy birthday

thinking of you

I have more sentiments (too many to mention).  Please email me with your special sentiment request).

My blog discounted rate is three greeting cards for only $8.00 (envelopes included).  The cards pictured here show a cardstock color known as Real Red.  I do have another color choice of Cherry Cobbler (similar to crimson red).  Please view my post Monogrammed Notecards to view the Cherry Cobbler.  I will email you a picture of both upon request.

I accept Paypal.  Shipping and handling is reduced for local pick up*.

*For local pick up, please email me PRIOR to your purchase.

One Sheet Wonder (OSW) Christmas

If you read my September blog postings (HERE), I created a One Sheet Wonder using the Stampin' Up! fall colors:  Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango.  I decided to follow the same format and create a Christmas OSW. 

One Sheet Wonder is a stamping technique where you use stamps to create a background.  I choose to use an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of Whisper White as my background.  I knew I wanted to use my new favorite color - Cherry Cobbler, along with Garden Green.  I wasn't sure what my third color would be.  I took a 4" square piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the flowers in Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green.  The colors that would coordinate with those two would be Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy and So Saffron.  I tried each color and decided to go with So Saffron; the other two colors were just too strong.

I started with Garden Green using the medium sized stamp from the Love & Care stamp set by Stampin' Up! (Level 2 Hostess, 2011 Summer Mini Catalog, no longer available).

My second color was Cherry Cobbler

I finished off with So Saffron

Following the same cutting layout from my class planner, I cut my 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of stamped paper into ten pieces.  I did end up stamping in some of the blank spots once I cut the cardstock.

I will be posting additional pictures and information, so please check back.  Click on "SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG POSTS - CLICK HERE" on the top of my blog so you don't miss out on my postings.  Your email address is kept private and never sold.

Thinking of You - Hummingbird Card

Stampin' Up! Products

• Whisper White card base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Garden Green cardstock 5 1/2" x 3/4" (strip is mounted on the inside of the card)
• Elements of Style and Sincere Salutations stamp sets
• Garden Green and Elegant Eggplant ink
• Elegant Eggplant 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Scallop Edge Border punch
• Dimensionals
• Basic Pearls Jewels

Alabama Crimson Tide Fans

ROLL TIDE!

HOUNDSTOOTH

I have redesigned my M&M candy sticks for Alabama fans. 

Contact me by EMAIL for ordering information and pricing.

Beautiful Wings Gift Set

Stampin' Up! Products

• Cherry Cobbler cardstock

• Beautiful Wings Embosslit
• Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch
• Scallop Oval punch
• More Mustard cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Large Oval punch
• Naturals White cardstock
• Small Oval punch
• Strip measures 2" x 5 1/2"
• Elements of Style, En Francais and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets
• Cherry Cobbler and More Mustard ink
• Basic Pearls Jewels
• Dimensionals

My most popular gift set of cards are ones that the recipient chooses the sentiment. Included in this four-card gift set I stamped three of each of the following sentiments, all from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

• happy birthday
• get well wishes
• thank you
• thinking of you

I use clear mounting stickers on the back of the sentiments. Select the sentiment, peel and stick.

Christmas Online Workshop

I created an "online" Christmas Card Workshop in July. An "online" workshop is designed for those who cannot attend but would like to have instructions and measurements of the cards being made during the workshop.

I am offering instructions illustrated with the pictures of the five cards my participants will be making later this month. The instructions are available for the nominal fee of $3.49. You will receive by email the Adobe PDF file to download and/or print for your personal use and/or preparing for your own workshop. To purchase the instructions by email, click on the Buy Now button at the bottom of this post.

The Stampin' Up! stamp sets used in this workshop are as follows:

• Come to Bethlehem
• Dasher
• Delightful Decorations
• Lovely As a Tree
• Teeny Tiny Wishes
• To You and Yours

You don't have to use the stamp sets mentioned above, there are so many stamps that you could substitute to personalize your own cards and/or workshops.

Lovely as a Tree

I have actually been making cards but I can't seem to get a good picture of them - so frustrating.  I do have a card to share with you today.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Naturals White cardstock
• 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" (stamped image)
• Always Artichoke
• 2 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• 5 1/2" x 1/8" (braided strip)
• More Mustard
• 4 1/2" x 3"
• 5 1/2" x 1" (strip attached behind braid)
• Lovely as a Tree and Trendy Trees stamp sets
• Always Artichoke ink
• Modern Label and Word Window punches

Other Products

• Border punch

Greeting Card Sets - Perfect Fit for Stampin' Up! Treat Boxes

Four cards and envelopes fit inside Stampin' Up! Treat Boxes and make great gifts.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Stampin' Up! Treat Box
• Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla cardstock
• Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie ink
• Elements of Style, Fabulous Florets, Just Believe and Sincere Salutations stamp sets
• Dimensionals

Card measurements

• Pumpkin Pie card base 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Chocolate Chip layer 3 3/4" x 4 1/2"
• Very Vanilla layer 3 5/8" x 4 1/4"

For more information about my tutorial for the box lid, click HERE.

Medallion Craze continues

Just a few more gift tags I have made in preparation for my FREE workshop.

Stampin' Up! Products






• Two Tags Sizzix Die
• Real Red and Sahara Sand cardstock
• Real Red 1/8" gingham ribbon
• Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Christmas Jingle and Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper
• Real Red and Taken with Teal ink
• To/From stamp
• Boho Blossoms and Trio Flower punches
• Basic Pearl Jewels
• Liquid Multipurpose Glue

Other Products

• Hot glue (low temperature)

Click HERE for more information on how to make the medallions.

Newest Craze - Paper Medallions

These medallions seem to be the biggest craze in the crafting world.  They are also called lollies; however, according to Webster's, the definition doesn't fit this art decoration.

I made my medallion using a 1" x 12" piece of Designers Series Paper (DSP).  I scored on one side every 1/4" and 3/4" mark, flipped it over and score at every 1/2" and whole number mark.  By scoring on both sides, I found it easier to accordion fold back and forth.

I tried several adhesives and found these products worked the best:

• Sticky strip for connecting the two ends together (Sticky Strip does not hold down the folds of the medallion.  I've tried it, don't waste your time - my medallions popped apart,)
• I placed my paper inside a Starbuck's Frappuccino cap and pushed down the medallion *
• Hot glue (low temp) a backer circle, flip it over and put hot glue down through the center.  Hold in place until glue hardens.
• I attached my medallion to the tag using Liquid Multipurpose Glue

Stampin' Up! Products - my tag

• Chocolate Chip, Really Rust and Whisper White cardstock
• Designer Series Paper - Autumn vine
• Really Rust ink
• More Mustard 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (8 inches)
• Two Tags Sizzix Die
• Boho Blossoms and Trio Flower punches
• Liquid Multipurpose Glue
• Sticky Strip

Other Products

• Pearl, brown
• Hot Glue / low temp
• Stamp

* This is the best method to fan out your paper.  The inside of the cap allows the folds to be more uniformly spaced.  I found this video on YouTube video that helped me with my medallions (HERE).

These tags would be a perfect tag for a wine bottle.

Never too early to make Christmas tags!

Aren't these A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E-!?

Stampin' Up! Product

• Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Whisper White cardstock
• Pennant Parade stamp set
• Cherry Cobbler and Stazon Jet Black ink
• 1/8" Black Gingham ribbon
• Two Tags Sizzix die
• Petite Pennant Builder punch
• Crimper and Crop-A-Dile

Other Products

• Scallop circle die
• Circle Die
• Houndstooth print
• To/From stamp (maybe Stampin' Up!)

This are available for purchase, please email me for more information.

HOUNDSTOOTH GREETING CARDS

Love Alabama? ROLL TIDE!! Want a unique birthday gift, hostess gift or are you thinking ahead for Christmas?

These cards are made with the finest materials.  The houndstooth is printed on high quality photo paper and shine so bright!

My houndstooth cards are available in my Etsy shop (click here).  I have many sentiments to choose from.

Personalize your selection

• One of each cards pictured here
• Three of the bird greeting card
• Three of the bird greeting card with a different sentiment

EMAIL me prior to purchasing regarding your choice of cards and/or sentiments.

A NOTE OF THANKS Houndstooth Notecards

Love Alabama? ROLL TIDE!! Want a unique birthday gift, hostess gift or are you thinking ahead for Christmas?

These cards are made with the finest materials. The houndstooth is printed on high quality photo paper and shine so bright!

The four pack of notecards measure 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", a quick way of expressing your gratitude.  These notecards are similar to postcards, they are not a folded greeting card, they are one-sided.

My houndstooth cards are available in my Etsy shop (click here). 

Four cards, including envelopes.  Your choice of background paper (All black, All crimson red or 2 black and 2 crimson red).

ONE SHEET WONDER CLASS PLANNER TUTORIAL

I just finished the final layouts for my eight cards and one card enclosure care OSW (One Sheet Wonder).  Each card was made with a section of the OSW background created using various colors of ink and different stamp shapes. I randomly stamped the flowers on cardstock.

The OSW background sheet below was created using the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Whisper White cardstock 8 1/2" x 11"
• Love & Care stamp set
• Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango ink

To create the cards I used the following

• Chocolate Chip cardstock - 1 and one half sheets
• Crushed Curry cardstock - 3 sheets
• Dusty Durango - 3 sheets
• Whisper White - 1 sheet

I have created a 14-page class planner which includes

• Picture of each card
• Card details - include measurements of OSW and other cardstock
• OSW layout - layout and measurements for creating the cards
• Cardstock layout - layout and measurements to get the best number of cuts from the least amount of paper
• Supply list

You can have this class planner/tutorial for only $4.99.   Once you make your purchase, I will email you the Adobe PDF.  I have the complete planner in one file; however, if your email provider does not accept large files, I will email individual pages of the tutorial in seperate emails.

If you have any questions, please EMAIL before you make your purchase.