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.

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. 

My card was inspired by Debra C. of Art Felt Impressions. 

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.

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.. 

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). 

Valentine Thinking of You

I donate an average of ten greeting cards (every month) to the United Methodist Women unit at my church (First United Methodist Church of Jasper).  Our United Methodist Women unit meets the first Monday of every month for a general meeting.  The individual circles also meet, usually the third Monday of the month. 

Charlene Stephenson, UMW President, adds a scripture to the inside of each card.  Charlene has a flair for choosing the perfect scripture for the type of card that is being sent (Thinking of You, Praying for You, Sympathy, etc.).  The cards are signed by everyone who attends the meeting(s).  My hope is that each card represents how much the person is loved.

I made six of these cards to send to members of our United Methodist Women who are not able to attend most meetings.  I thought they would be great Valentine greeting cards.  

Stampin' Up! Products

• Pretty in Pink cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Strip measures 3 3/4" x 7/8"
• Regal Rose cardstock
• Card base layer measures 4 " x 5 1/4"
• For lattice die begin with a piece of 3 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Certainly Celery cardstock
• Loves Me Designer Series Paper
• Card base layers measures 3 3/4" x 5"
• Fashionable Hearts embosslit and Lattice Bigz dies
• Bird Builder hand punch
• Sincere Salutations stamp set
• Stazon Jet Black ink

Mixed Bunch of Flowers

Stampin' Up! products

• Brocade Blue cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Regal Rose cardstock
• Start with 1 3/8" x 6" strip and punch using Lace Border punch
• Whisper White cardstock
• 3" x 9" strip for stamping
• Brocade Blue, So Saffron and Regal Rose ink
• Blossom, Blossom Petals, 1" Circle, Modern Label and Word Window hand punches
• Dimensionals
• Mixed Bunch and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets

Masculine Thinking of You

Stampin' Up! products

• Sage Shadow cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Chocolate Chip cardstock
• Strip 3/8" x 4 1/4"
• 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" for scallop circle
• Sahara Sand cardstock
• 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" for stamp image circle
• To the Nines Designer Series Paper (DSP)
• 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"
• Lovely as a Tree  and Teeny Tiny Labels stamp sets
• Chocolate Chip ink
• Corner Round, Modern Label, Wood Window punches
• Modern Label from the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL die
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Other Products

• Circle and scallop circle dies

Helpful Hint - use liquid glue as your adhesive because of the textured DSP tends to pull away from adhesive tape.

Blossom and Mixed Bunch

Stampin' Up! products

• Cameo Coral cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Layer measures 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
• Strip measures 4" x 1/4"
• Kiwi Kiss cardstock 4" x 1/4"
• Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper
• 4" x 2 3/4"
• Whisper White cardstock
• Card base layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Sentiment layer measures 2" x 3 1/4"
• Stamp sets
• Mixed Bunch
• Blessing from Heaven
• Easter Blossoms
• Kiwi Kiss and Stazon Jet Black ink
• Blossom and 1" circle punches
• Dimensionals
• Basic Pearl Jewels

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

I gift wrapped some presents today.  I like how they turned out.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Garden Green, Old Olive, Real Red and Very Vanilla Cardstock
• Christmas Jingle and Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
• 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Large and 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Large punches

Other Products

• Velco dot

What is inside the boxes? Only Santa knows...........

For instructions on how to make your own, check out Southpaw Paper Arts for a free tutorial.  Please take time to thank Kelly for sharing her design with you by leaving a comment on her webpage.

Luncheon Party Favors - My Table

These are my party favors for this year's United Methodist Women's December luncheon. 

Stampin' Up! Products

• Old Olive and Very Vanilla cardstock
• Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
• Old Olive ink
• Matchbox and Two Tags Sizzix Dies
• Corner Rounder and Ornament Punch
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Other Products

• Ribbon
• Pine leaf punch
• Brad
• Glitter paper

The tag was left blank so it can be used again - a PIF tag.

*PIF - Pay it Forward

Luncheon Party Favors - Bookmark

I have been busy designing party favors for this year's United Methodist Women December Luncheon.  I had two ladies request bookmarks as their party favors.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White cardstock
• Snow Swirled Stamp Set
• Riding Hood Red ink
• Multipurpose liquid glue
• Glue Dots
• 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and Circle Scallop punches

Other Products

• 8mm magnets

This bookmark is unique as it can be inserted in the book under the last line you read.  Saves you from reading the same paragraphs twice.

Hiding the magnets

• Apply a glue dot to one magnet and place it on the inside of the bookmark, in the center of the scallop. 
• Attached another magnet to the magnet already in place
• Apply a glue dot to magnet and close the bookmark
• Open bookmark carefully
• Apply liquid glue on a scallop circle punchout and secure to the inside of the bookmark, hiding the bookmark - this prevents the magnets from damaging the pages of a book

To cut a folded bookmark

• Start with a piece of cardstock 9" x 2 1/4"  ( this is a very tight fit - you may want to start with a wider piece of cardstock)
• Score in half (4 1/2")
• Place folded bookmark on die as indicated in the picture
• Helpful hint - I placed a repositional tab in the center of the scallop on the die, this helps hold the cardstock secure as you run it through the Big Shot.

"Performs related duties as assigned."

Did you ever have a job description that listed a number of responsibilities and the last one was "Performs related duties as assigned?" My job description as a senior secretary at Kent State University included that description. This was one of my assigned duties.....

WAIT FOR IT!!!

.....turn a bus into a boat.

Gilligan's  Island

This is what happens when your employer knows you can sew.  Under this ship is an ENTIRE BUS!  This boat float was made in the mid 1990's.

I was responsible for:

• Creating the pattern
• Tracing the pattern
• Sewing material to metal frame

Praise the Lord they didn't make me dress up as Gilligan. 

I worked in the Campus Bus Service Department.  Every other year or so, we gutted the inside of a bus that was no longer usable and created a float for the Homecoming Parade. 

Our first float was the magic lamp from the movie Aladdin.  We paper mached a bus that was wrapped in chicken wire - what a mess that was.  We also created space shuttle and diner restaurant.  Phew....glad those days are behind me.

The moral of the story:  Keep your mouth shut!

All Occasion Planner

Amazing Crafters - Sharing Their Talents!

I am often inspired by the many women (mostly women) that share their talents to everyone via the internet. I have created a few tutorials in Adobe PDF and know how much time it takes to create on tutorial. I have not attempted to even make a video to post to YouTube. I use a customized search on YouTube and look every day for videos created with Stampin’ Up! tag lines. I stumbled on these videos this week and I had to create a planner for myself. I decided to make mine an all-occasion planner rather than a Christmas planner.

Check out these two videos by Michelle Suit to see the step-by-step process to make the planner. I did not come up with the planner idea and they are not my videos. Please take the time to “Like” the video and post a comment for Michelle. Videos: Part 1 and Part 2.  Please refer to Michelle's video for an explanation on how to put the planner together.

Stampin’ Up! Products

• Tangerine Tango cardstock
• 2 pieces, each measuring 8 1/2" x 11 (Score at 5 1/4" and 5 3/4" along the 11" length)
• 2 strips each measuring 4" x 1 3/8" (the final measurement after using the Scallop Trim Border punch is 4" x 1")
• Flower on envelope
• So Saffron cardstock
• 2 pieces, each measuring 5" x 4 (Score at 1/4", 1/2", 4 1/2" and 4 3/4" along the 5" length and score at 1/4" and 1/2" on one of the remaining sides (I constructed my pockets differently than Michelle)

• Front panel embellishment - circle
• Old Olive cardstock
• Front panel embellishment - scallop circle
• 1 3/8" circle
• Whisper White cardstock
• 1 1/4" circle
• Haiku Designer Series Paper
• 5" x 8 1/4"  to cover the panels.  (I covered four panels)
• 3/8" x 8 1/4" to cover the spines
• 4" x 1/2" for trim on pockets
• 5" x 2 1/4" to cover the legal pad (Score at 1" and 1 1/4")
• 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" to cover envelope
• 1" x 12" for front panel medallion embellishment
• Tangerine Tango and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
• Broadsheet Alphabet stamp set
• Scallop Trim Border and 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches
• Flower Burst Embosslit die
• 5/8" So Saffron grosgrain ribbon
• Sticky Strip
• Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

Other Products

• Envelope - A2 size (5 3/4" x 4 3/8")
• Scallop circle die (3 1/4" diameter)
• Circle die (2 3/4" diameter)
• 3/8" coordinating ribbon (similar to Old Olive)
• Low-temp hot glue
• 5" x 7" legal pad
• Velcro dots (I placed these behind the legal pad instead of adhesive)

Kissed Pretzels

I haven't taste tested these - that is my husband's job.  I found the idea on the internet (of course) - they would look better with pretzels shaped in a circle, but my local Walmart didn't have them.  Rold Gold does make a bagel pretzel that is in the shape of a circle, I might just have to try them.

Preheat your over to 250 degrees.  Place pretzels on a cookie sheet (I am using parchment paper as a liner) and place one Hershey Kiss in the middle of the pretzel.  Bake for three to four minutes - don't leave the room.  I baked mine for 3 1/2 minutes.

Remove from the oven and gently place one M&M in the middle of each kiss.  The kiss will spread out; patience will give you a better looking Kissed Pretzel.

YUM

Thank you card gift set

Stampin' Up! Products

• Cherry Cobbler cardstock
• 4 3/4" x 3 1/4"
• Start with a strip measuring 5 1/4" x 3/8" wide, run through crimper and trim as needed
• Muirfield Designer Series Paper*
• Top layer measures 4 1/2" x 1 3/4"
• Bottom layer measures 4 1/2" x 1 1/4"
• Flowers were made using Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and So Saffron cardstock
• Four Frames and Very Versatile stamp sets
• Cherry Cobbler ink
• Decorative Label, Small Oval and Trio Flower punches
• Crimper
• Basic Jewels - Pearls
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Other Products

• White cardstock, or should I say not-so-white cardstock**
• Card base measures 5" x 3 1/2"

I cannot remember where I learned how to make the flowers stand out.  I use an embossing tool to create depth in the cardstock flowers.  I will try to take pictures of each step and post a tutorial.

* Muirfield's coordinating cardstock colors are Bashful Blue, Old Olive, So Saffron, Rose Red and Whisper White.  I felt the Rose Red color in the DSP didn't match as well as the Cherry Cobbler.

** No brand-name or store-brand cardstock can't compare to Stampin' Up!'s Whisper White.  I had purchased ready-made cards with envelopes and I didn't want to throw them away.  NEVER again will I buy anything by Stampin' Up!'s Whisper White.

Fun Flowers - Greeting Card Gift Set

It is that time of year again when everyone will need to have a few gifts set back for that last minute Christmas gift, Christmas party, etc. 

Stampin' Up! Products

• Naturals White
• 4 1/4"x 5 1/2" card base
• Fun Flower die cut
• Kiwi Kiss
• 4" x 3 1/4"
• Lace Ribbon Border die cut
• Fun Flower die cut
• Pacific Point cardstock
• 4 1/4" x 1 3/8"
• Muirfield Designer Series Paper
• Strips measure 7/8" x 3 1/4"
• Fun Flower die cut
• Trendy Trees stamp set
• Pacific Point ink
• Bigz L Die - Fun Flowers
• Blossom Petals Builder punch
• 2 leaves - fold each in half and run them diagonally through a crimper
• Crimper
• Dimensionals

Other Products

• Fine tip glue pen

I think I could have stepped it up a notch if I would have used Pacific Point for the flower layer instead of Kiwi Kiss.  I might just have to use dental floss and remove the top two layers of the flower.  Dental floss???  What is she talking about?  Check out THIS YouTube video, dental floss isn't just for your teeth.  Oh, how I LOVE the internet!
 

I think the card look better with a Pacific Point layer. Do you agree?

 

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.