A Simple yet Elegant Valentine

One of my very favorite stamps just happens to be the En Francais large format background stamp.  I use the lovely French Script Stamp in many of my cards and projects, sometimes pairing it with the Wonderfully Worn Background Stamp as well.

Today’s card share was a bit delayed because of the One World One Heart Blog Hop… you can still see that post by scrolling down a bit, visiting my Tutorials Tab, or simply clicking here to view the OWOH post.

A valentine of sorts, it’s also a ‘just because’ card… just to say I love you, or thanks, or you’re special.  I ruffled the heart using the technique shown in one of my Super Saturday Tutorials.  A Vanilla Rosette with a basic Jewel Pearl seems to finish it off in a simple yet elegant fashion…

Card Stock used on this card were intentionally more masculine… In spite of the ruffles, roses and bling, it is a card for my hubby.  He’s had a tough time lately, because his work is slow and it is really eating at him.  But it’s slow for everyone, so we just have to keep the faith and keep on keepin’!

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Elegant Valentine Card:

• Stamps:  En Francais, Notably Ornate
• Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
• Classic Ink:  Early Espresso
• Accessories:  Vanilla Rosette, Basic Jewel Rhinestones and Pearls, stampin dimensionals, mini glue dots, paper snips, and snail

Just a reminder, our Sale-A-Bration event is going on now… and with every $50 merchandise purchase, you’ll get to pick a free stamp set too!  There are tons of free stamps to pick from too.  Visit the Catalog Tab at the top of the page to view the Sale-A-Bration Brochure… and, of course my online stampin up store if you’re inclined to order

Tomorrow will be another edition of the Utah Divas International Color Challenge!  Boy is it ever a challenge this week… I hope you like the card I came up with, and perhaps you’ll take a moment to play along with the design team too

Thanks for all your support, and sweet comments, it’s really been a spirit lifter to read so many  nice things.

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: valentine,card,stamp,stamps,tutorials,owoh,ruffled heart,card stock,ink

One World One Heart 2011 Tutorial and Blog Candy from Created by You!

My friend Tee from Green Isles Crafts shared a wonderful site and happening with me yesterday.  The fifth annual One World, One Heart event has united bloggers, Mom’s and business people world wide, something like a mega blog hop for the last 5 years!

Today I am sharing a free tutorial for a squash album (shown in the photo below) and a blog candy give-away!!  (Details for the international blog candy give away can be found at the bottom of this post.)

Here’s a photo of the inside of the album…featuring pockets, pull outs and photo mounts.

 We all share so many things… as bloggers, as Moms, and perhaps like myself, as a small business owner.  Why not celebrate with like minds and souls throughout the world?

If you don’t already know me, I’m a daily blogger, SAHM, and Stampin Up demonstrator.  I create from my heart and acquire inspiration from a very cluttered but creative space which I call my Stamp Room.

I almost joined stampin’ up over 20 years ago… I was so impressed by their products and ease of use!  I waited until just 6 years ago to join after quitting my position as a software analyst to deal with personal and very pressing family issues.

Since that time, I have worked very slowly to build my business through volunteering, and my online (blog) presence.  Last year, a very good friend told me I should use my creative talents and abilities in a bit different way… and I began offering free weekly tutorials which I now refer to as Super Saturday Tutorials!

With that said, I interrupt my regularly scheduled blog post to present an out of context but relevant tutorial in honor of the One World, One Heart Event.  I hope you enjoy it!

Stamps and Supplies needed for today’s Squash Album Tutorial:

• Stamps:  Bliss
• Paper:  12” x 12” Card stock, one sheet each:  Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, and Certainly Celery;  Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper(2 coordinating sheets)
• Classic Ink:  Marina Mist
• Accessories:  (3 feet)5/8” Satin Ribbon in Marina Mist, On Board Chipboard Sheets, Big Shot Machine, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, Basic Jewels Rhinestones and Pearls, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive, Bone Folder, Paper Daisies, Marina Mist Stampin’ Write Marker, Extra Large Bird and Branch Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Basic Stapler, Extra Large Heart Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, sponge dauber, Sanding Tool, Bone Folder, Snail Adhesive

Step by Step Tutorial for today’s Squash Album:

1. Cut two cover pieces from On Board Chipboard, measuring 5.5” square.
2. Use Sanding Block to gently round corners of chipboard.
3. Cut two 5 3/4” Squares of Designer Series Paper to cover chipboard. 
4. Attach the Designer Series Paper to On Board Chipboard using liquid adhesive, set aside to dry.
5. Use bone folder to gently crease all four sides of DSP around the chipboard.  Fold in corners, and crease
6. edges along corner with bone folder as well.  This will make it easier to create very neatly glued corners.
7. Fold down edges, and glue in place with liquid adhesive.
8. Run a strip of Snail (double sided adhesive) along the center horizontal position of the chipboard, and place Satin ribbon on top of the adhesive.  In my sample, the ribbon straddled along the 2.5” mark.
9. Cut all three Card Stock pieces (Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, and Very Vanilla) to 9.5” squares.
10. Score each square of card stock at 4.75” both horizontally and vertically, and along ONE diagonal.  Use bone folder to crease scored lines.
11. Fold diagonally scored lines toward center of Card Stock Piece, and horizontally scored lines away from the center.  Your card stock sections will look like this:
12. Position card stock pieces so that they inter-lock so that two end section have the openings up, and one center section has the opening down.
13. One square section of each piece will overlap.  Glue the overlapping square sections in place.
14. Flatten the entire conglomeration, and glue the bottom square to the back cover (the one with ribbon on it).
15. Next, position and glue the cover in place.  Wrap bow around and tie to close.

All you have left to do is decorate your squash album pages!  At the top of this post, I showed you the entire album complete with pocket pages, photo mounts and pull out tags.  Here are close ups of each section:

(above…) The first section… in Certainly Celery Card Stock.

The center Very Vanilla Section of the Squash Album… and

The very last page/section of the album.. in Marina Mist Card Stock.. you can see the ribbon glued between the back cover and the last page.

I hope you enjoyed today’s one world, one heart tutorial feature for a squash album.  And now, guess what?  I have a blog candy give-away in honor of this very special event!  I’m giving away this album to one lucky person!

So… how do you win this album?  Simply leave a comment on today’s post.  Be sure to include your contact information. 

To inhibit spammers, use the format suzyq(at)gmail(dot)com.  I’ll have a random.org drawing on Thursday February 17th to announce the winner of the squash album, and then contact you at your given email address. 

THIS CONTEST IS OPEN INTERNATIONALLY TO ALL WHO COMMENT… if you would like to win this album, simply leave a comment as described above (along with your contact information).

I look forward to getting to know you better, and hope you’ll enjoy future free tutorials from Created By You!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: one world,one heart,blog tour,international,blog candy,give-away,squash album,tutorial,super saturday,green isles crafts,world wide,card stock,ink,stamps,scrapbook

Sharon Field

Petal Cone Die Bigz Cup Cake Card and CAS How To

Yesterday’s post here on Created by You shared how to make two boxes using the Big Shot Machine and Petal Cone Bigz L Die.  I’m really enjoying this die and have plenty more projects to share using this die and card stock!  Today, I’m going to show you how to make a really big or BIGZ cupcake CAS using the Petal Cone Die.. hope you like it!!

Here is the card I made just for fun:

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Bigz Cupcake CAS Card Share:

• Stamps:  Clearly for You, Bring on the Cake
• Card Stock:  Concord Crush, Brushed Silver, Whisper White
• Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Petal Cone Bigz L Die, Square Lattice and Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder
• Classic Ink:  Rose Red, Concord Crush
• Accessories:  Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Crimper, Stampin Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Mat Pack, paper Piercing Tool, Small Heart Punch, Hemp Twine, 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, Signo White Gel Pen

Bet you’re wondering exactly how I got a cupcake from the die… well here’s how!  The cupcake ‘frosting’ is actually part of the petal cone Bigz L Die.. shown below in Sahara Sand Card Stock.  The cupcake bottom is simply a 2.25” tall section of the petal cone die cut, shown below in melon mambo card stock.

Now.. how clean and simple is that??  I’m not finished creating with the Petal Cone Die… I’ve already made two more projects that I know you’ll love so stay tuned for more Petal Cone Bigz L projects in forthcoming posts… not sure when yet… one of the projects is really, really big!

Psst.. if you missed yesterday’s Dynamic Duo Petal Cone Boxes Tutorial, check out the Tutorials Tab for details!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: petal cone,petal cone die,bigz,big shot,card stock,accessories,cup cake,CAS,die,card,how to

Sharon Field

Super Saturday Tutorial: Two Petal Cone Die Boxes

This week I found myself playing around with my Big Shot Machine and the Petal Cone Die.  My original intention was to come up with a box.. but nothing like the two I developed after playing around and experimenting with the Petal Cone Die Cuts! 

I’m still working on my other idea… but in the mean time, thought I’d share these two terrific boxes which can easily be constructed using two die cuts from the Petal Cone Die!

Aren’t they fun?  The box on the left is a bit like a Chinese Take Out Box… and the one on the right is shaped like a trapezoid.  Either box would be perfect for party and/or wedding favors, dressing them up and/or down as the occasion defined!

Today’s Super Saturday Tutorial will focus on the Take Out Box… but I’ll also give very specific instructions on how to construct the trapezoid box using the Petal Cone Die and Big Shot Machine!

Supplies Needed for Today’s Super Saturday Petal Cone Die Boxes Tutorial:

• Big Shot Machine and Supplies:
• Petal Cone Die
• Cutting Pad
• Premium Crease Pad
• Mylar Shim (if needed – Machines Vary)
• 1 Sheet 8.5” x 11” Card Stock plus Scrap to create bottom of box
• Paper Trimmer and Scoring Blade
• Ruler or Grid Paper
• Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive
• Bone Folder

Step by Step Instructions Petal Cone Die Take Out Box:

1. Cut Card Stock 5.5” x 8.5”
2. Make a Big Shot Machine Sandwich as follows:
1. Standard Cutting Pad
2. Shim
3. Petal Cone Die
4. 5.5” x 8.5” Card Stock
5. Premium Crease Pad
3. Run sandwich through the big shot machine.
4. Repeat for second 1/2 sheet of card stock, you will now have two petal cone die cuts to use in constructing your take out box.
5. Fold each Petal Cone Die Cut in 1/2 along the center scored line, and use a bone folder to crease well.  There are two more scored lines on the Petal Cone Die… DO NOT CREASE them at this time.
6. With the petals to your left, place the die cut in your paper trimmer so that the scored line along the top edge of the cone ‘petals’ is lined up at the 2.5” mark, and cut. 
7. Repeat for second Petal Cone Die Cut.
8. Bone Fold all scored lines at this time.
9. Use Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive to attach Petal Cone Die Cuts along smaller scored flap edges, forming a box.  Take extra care to neatly line up both the top scallop and bottom box edges.. this will keep your box from being skewed.
10. Flatten out the box and measure the length of one of the quarter panels.  The bottom of my box measured 1-1/8”.
11. Add 1” to your measurement (mine was 2-1/8”)
12. Cut a square of card stock equal to the measurement you just added.
13. Score the square at 1/2” along each side.
14. Clip the corner of the cardstock, removing excess.
15. In the photo above, I darkened the score lines so that you could see them.  As you clip the corner, you want to cut right through the intersecting lines.
16. Repeat for all corners of the box bottom.
17. Use bone folder to crease all scored lines.
18. Stand up your box, and insert the box bottom through the inside of the box.  Here’s what it will look like from the inside:
19. Add Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive to bottom flaps, and hold in place until set.
20. You can now decorate your Petal Cone Take Out Box as desired.  In my sample, I cut a 1.25” strip of Very Vanilla Card Stock and embossed it before cutting each of the side panels to fit the box sides, and then wrapped the exterior with a little 5/8” Satin Ribbon

Another view from the top shows the petal flaps folded and closed: 

I bet you’re wondering how I made the trapezoid box now… and as promised, here is the secret…

Trapezoid Box Petal Cone Die Tips:

• Instead of cutting off the Petal Cone Die Cuts with the crease at the 2.5” mark in step 6, I aligned the scored line at 1.5”
• This of course, changed the length of the bottom quadrants… which now measured 2-1/8”
• Adding 1” as in step 11 (above) gave me a 3-1/8” square, which I scored at 1/2” all around.
• All the rest of the steps were the same for assembling the box.
• The band surrounding the trapezoid box was cut from Very Vanilla Card Stock at 1.5” by 8.5”and scored at 2-7/8”, 3-7/8”, 6-3/8” and 8”
• The flowers were cut from First Edition and Love Letters Designer Series Paper using the Extra Large Flower Punch and fun Flowers Bigz L Die… and I had to add an antique brad to set it off!

Hope you enjoyed today’s Super Saturday Tutorial!  I had a lot of fun making these boxes and can’t wait to invent something else with my Petal Cone Die and Big Shot Machine.  Back to the drawing board!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: big shot,machine,petal cone,die cut,die,trapezoid box,box,chinese take out box,take out box,super saturday,tutorial,super saturday tutorial,free tutorial,die cuts

Sketch Frenzy Friday Notably Stamped

This week’s Sketch Frenzy Friday inspiration comes from a sketch by Design Team member Robbie Rubala.  I think it would lend itself well to acrylic block stamping, don’t you?

But, that’s not what I did with this week’s sketch LOL!  Instead, I decided to do a Valentine Card with a little different style.  I used a combination of stamp sets, the faux stitching technique, and changed the proportions of the sketch a bit…

The ruched ribbon along the bottom of the card was done with mini glue dots, placing them appx. 1/8” apart, and then laying the ribbon atop of the mini glue dots.

I love, love, love antique brads… and here they flank the focal image from the Clearly For You Stamp Set.  Don’t they look nice in the Notably Ornate Stamp Set frame?  The frame is great for journaling, turning it 90 degrees made a nice frame too!

After stamping and coloring in the Crane image from the Clearly For You stamp set, I found myself wanting an oval acrylic piece to place on top of the punched image… but decided against adding the extra bulk to this card.

The Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team operates like a mini blog hop… and the next stop along the tour path is Tammy Baldwin’s creative site.  I’m sure she’ll have something fun to share!

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Challenge:

• Stamps:  Notably Ornate, Clearly for You, Tiny Tags
• Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
• Classic Ink:  Soft Suede
• Accessories:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Antique Brads, Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Metal Brads, Stampin’ Write Markers, small oval punch
• Technique:  Faux Stitching, DTP

Oooh… before I forget, tomorrow is my Super Saturday Tutorial!  Always free, the Super Saturday Tutorials can be found on the Tutorials Tab here at Created By You!  Tomorrow’s tutorial will feature TWO projects using the Petal Cone Die and Big Shot Machine… hope you’ll stop back by to check it out!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: card,card stock,stamps,ink,faux stitching,technique,sketch,sketch challenge,design team,sketch frenzy friday,super saturday,tutorial,clearly for you,notably ornate

Recycle, Repurpose and Re-Use… A Special Card

Today I’m sharing a beautiful element which I recycled, repurposed, and re-used  from a gift I recently received from Wendy Randall at the Stampin’ Up! 2011 Leadership conference. 

The beautiful hand-cut and punched focal image on this card was actually a gift tag wrapped around a stunningly beautiful Pashmina Shawl which Wendy brought back from overseas.  Of course, I loved the shawl… but I couldn’t fathom wasting such a beautiful element as the tag which was gracefully wrapped around the shawl.

In the photo below, Wendy’s tag is featured as everything attached ABOVE the top note die cut.  I loved the colors, distressing, and punches… and was flattered that she would take the time to create such a lovely tag to adorn the lovely scarf!

 

So… I had to preserve it.  Perhaps a scrapbook page would have been most appropriate… but then again, I may scrapbook the card LOL!  Isn’t it lovely?

To showcase the lovely tag, I attached it to an Always Artichoke Top Note Die Cut with my Big Shot Machine.  A little Chantilly Lace Crochet trim and cherry cobbler seam binding was secured with an antique grad and attached to the corner with a stampin’ dimensional.

 

En Francais, stamped with Soft Suede Classic Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock seemed to be the perfect setting for the beautiful tag… telling the story of travel, foreign lands, and more.  Aged and distressed with a sponge dauber, it paired well with the pretty little tag.

Recycle and re-use those precious gifts you receive from others.. whether it is a piece of card art, and ATC, or scrapbook page… It’s all art after all!  Stop by Wendy’s creative blog… tell her I said Hi.  I’m sure she’ll be pleasantly surprised!

I know I’m going to enjoy my genuine Pashmina Shawl for years to come!  Thanks, Wendy!

Stamps and Supplies used for today’s Recycled, Repurposed and Re-used card share:

• Stamps:  Notably Ornate, En Francais
• Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Old Olive
• Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Fun Flowers Die
• Classic Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive, Early Espresso
• Accessories:  Extra Large Flower Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Vanilla Rosettes, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Chantilly Lace Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, Sponge Daubers, Basic Jewel Pearls

See you tomorrow with a really fun card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team… hope you’ll join us and play along!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: recycle,repurpose,reuse,stamp,ink,card stock,the stamper,wendy randall,pashima,shawl,tag,card,scarf,distress,gift

Valentine Candy Pouch DCBD 212

Bright and colorful as a spring day, the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team challenge uses ink and card stock colors of Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and Peach Parfait.  There’s such a wide spectrum of cards and ideas created by the team this week, I hope you’ll play along with us!

With Valentines’ Day just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to feature a candy or treat holder.  This Bigz L Petal Cone Die came in handy, and was just what I needed!  The Bigz L Petal Cone Die is a So Shelli Favorite, and went together quite easily with just a little Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive! 

The bright colors of the Diva Coffee  Break Designs Team challenge were perfect for this little candy treat holder too… hope you like it!!

Using my Big Shot Machine, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, and several Stampin’ Up! Punches and stamps, I was able to add a little extra touch to the simple yet elegant Petal Cone.

Sponge Daubers and Melon Mambo Classic Ink were used to add a little extra color along edges, and atop the dry embossed elements.  I really like the look of Melon Mambo Classic Ink on top of the embossed Peach Parfait card stock… reminds me of ice cream!

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s DCBD 212 Valentine Candy Pouch:

• Stamps:  Clearly For You
• Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Old Olive
• Designer Series Paper:  First Edition
• Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Bigz L Petal Cone Die, Bigz L Fun Flowers, Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folders, Standard Cutting Plates and Premium Crease Pad
• Punches:  Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower, Decorative Label,
• Accessories:  Chantilly Lace, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive

Hope you will play along with the DCBD team this week!  I’ll see you tomorrow with another surprise project!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: card stock,ink,valentine,candy holder,candy,tote,petal cone,big shot,die,bigz l,embossing,folder,stamp,gift,Diva coffee break designs,dcbd 212

Color Challenge: Sale A Bration Bliss Elegant Birthday Card

Today’s Utah Divas International Color Challenge combination is one of my favorites… pinks and greens!  Many years ago I made a hand pieced and hand quilted Indian Wedding Ring wall quilt using the colors in this card (plus Navy).. the quilt had over 1600 pieces… teeny tiny triangles, and measured just 36” square.  I learned how to make the quilt with my good friend Lorraine Hare in the Pocono Mountains… lots of friendly fond memories! 

This elegant birthday card features the Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set Bliss… Can you tell I love this stamp set???  Also used on this card, the 13 piece Occasions Mini Catalog stamp set “Bring on the Cake”… I really hope this stamp set will carry over into the 2011/12 Idea Book and Catalog as it’s a very fresh and fun stamp set!  I think this would make a fabulous workshop card, don’t you?  The supply list for today’s color challenge card is actually pretty short!

Stamps and Supplies used for today’s Sale A  Bration Elegant Bliss Birthday Card:

Stamps:  Bliss, Bring on the Cake

Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake

Classic Ink:  Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin’ Write Markers, Antique brad, mat pack and paper piercing tool

Cardstock Cutting:

Very Vanilla:  5.5” x 8.5” and 3-3/8” x 2-5/8”

Always Artichoke:  5-3/8” x 4-1/8”

Crumb Cake:   5.25” x 4”

Pretty In Pink:  3.75” x 3”

Regal Rose:  3.5” x 2.75”

Creating the Card… The Step by Step Process:

• On the smaller Very Vanilla Cardstock, center and stamp the elegant motif with Always Artichoke Classic ink.  Immediately stamp ‘off’ to the right and left of the image you just stamped (no need to re-ink).  Tip:  Holding the image in place a few seconds longer on the second stamp-off, will allow the classic ink to absorb more into the cardstock… both right and left images will have equal inking effects.  I use clear mount stamps so can easily see where I am stamping each of the images… if you prefer, you can use a stamp-ma-jig tool to line up the image.
• Add Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose Cardstock behind the image you just stamped, and then set aside.
• The elegant motif from the Bliss Stamp set was stamped along the edge of Crumb Cake Cardstock with Crumb Cake Classic Ink.  Tip:  I find it easiest to stamp the center motif first, and then the two along the outer edge.  
• Ink sentiment from Bring on the Cake stamp set with Always Artichoke Classic Ink, center and stamp along the lower edge of the Crumb Cake Cardstock.  Again, a stamp-ma-jig tool can be used if you need more precision for the last two steps!
• Attach Very Vanilla Stamped image to the Crumb Cake layer, centering approximately 1.25” from the top edge.
• Use the mat pack and paper piercing tool to create pierced lines above and below the focal image.
• With an Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker, connect the dots you just pierced to create a faux stitched appearance.
• Attach to the Always Artichoke Cardstock.
• Use the mat pack and paper piercing tool to position and pierce lower right corner (see photo)through all layers of card stock.
• Make a ‘ribbon of hope’ loop with the pretty in pink taffeta ribbon, and slip between the prongs of antique brad, and slip through the hole you just pierced.
• Flatten the prongs on the back of the Always Artichoke Card Stock layer, and then attach to Very Vanilla Cardstock fold-over card base.
• Add basic rhinestone jewels to adorn your pretty birthday card!

Here’s the inspiration for today’s UDI 19 Color Challenge… a sweet little girls’ dress.  With all the green you see on this dress, one I expect to see a lot of green on the  Design Team cards this week…LOL, but not me!  I hope you’ll come play along with the Utah Divas International Team this week!

Over the past two months, I’ve been sharing cards and projects featuring the Bliss Stamp set.  The really GREAT NEWS is that as of today, you can get this set for FREE!  Bliss and several other items from the Sale-A-Bration Brochure are free when you place a merchandise order of $50 or more… visit my online stampin’ Up Store or call/contacting me to place your Sale-A-Bration order today! 

I almost forgot to tell you… During the Sale-A-Bration period, hostesses also earn free sale-a-bration merchandise.. now, isn’t that cool?  I’ve only got two open dates in February… Contact Me to schedule your workshop… both you AND your friends are going to have so much fun!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: color challenges,udi 20,utah divas international,sale-a-bration,bliss,workshop,occasions mini,birthday card,card stock,ink,paper,stampin up,paper crafts,indian wedding ring,stamp,stamp set,ribbon,faux stitching

Through the Looking Glass… Plant Hope Brayer Card

My brayer has been getting a lot of use lately, perhaps because it has been so cold here in Florida?  Most of the brayer scenes I create are tropical in nature… lamenting what could be  

Today’s card share reminds me of a porthole, or ‘through the looking glass’ from Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland fairytale!  The brayer scene was actually created on the 3” Circle before the card was conceived…. and once I had created the scene, I had no idea what to do with it!

With limited supplies accompanying me to Nashville, Tn. recently, I had to come up with a card befitting the scene… hope you like it!  Here is today’s card share… a tropical brayer scene as you peer through the looking glass or porthole!

 

After creating the brayer scene, a sponge was used to highlight the sun with So Saffron classic ink, and around the sun with Bashful Blue Classic Ink.  A Sponge Dauber and Basic Black Classic Ink were used to add the hillside along the lower right edge of the circle, and to blacken all around the edges of the 3” circle.

The outer circle, cut from Pacific Point Textured Card Stock measures 3.5” and was cut with the Big Shot Machine and Circle #2 Die.  A double loop bow tied on my fingers finishes off the image and card.

Stamps, Card Stock and supplies used in today’s Plant Hope Brayer Card Share:

• Stamps:  Plant Hope, Wonderfully Worn
• Card Stock:  Pacific Point, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Classic Inks:  Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Basic Black, Old Olive
• Accessories:  Stampin’ Write Markers, Brayer, Baby Wipes, Metallic Brads, 5/8” Satin Basic Black, sponge daubers, mat pack, paper piercing tool, Big Shot Machine, Circles #2 Die, 3” Circle Punch, Stampin Sponges

 

Hope you enjoyed today’s brayer card share!  I’ve got a great Utah Divas International Color Challenge Card to share tomorrow, hope you’ll stop back by and be inspired to play along with the Design Team!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: brayer,ink,card stock,card,tropical,plant hope,brayer scene,alice in wonderland,porthole,looking glass,stamps,sponges,dauber

Valentine Spinner A First Edition Card

Counting down to Sale-A-Bration?  You’re one of many!  The big Stampin’ Up! Annual Free Stamp Event begins on Tuesday January 25th, in just a few days!  I’ve already begun taking pre-orders… be sure to give me a call and get your order in too!  There are plenty of free stamps available during sale-a-bration too!  Once limited to those on the pages of the mini catalog, we now have a huge selection of stamps from the Idea Book And Catalog too!  If you haven’t received your Sale-A-Bration Flyer, use the Contact Me tab at the top of the page to let me know… I’ll pop one in the mail to you!

Today’s share is a Valentine Spinner Card using the Occasions Mini Catalog Stamp Set “Take A Spin”.  I knew I had to own this set just as soon as I saw it… what a fun set for kids and adults alike!  Game Spinner Hands are lots of fun too… so now that special card becomes a fun toy and/or game!  Here, I’ve paired it with fabulous Red Glimmer Paper and First Edition Designer Paper for a really fun, classic card design.

Red/Vanilla and Black remind me of the old newspaper joke… what’s black and white and read all over?  Of course that would be First Edition LOL… the specialty designer paper if perfect for wrapping small gifts, making layered flowers, and vintage items.  But it seemed to work well on this card as well.   There are actually 6 double sided designs in the 24 sheet paper pack… my DD was quite pleased that one of them bore the letter K… which is of course, the first letter in HER name.

The background on this card was stamped with Wonderfully worn, adding just a touch of color and texture.  The Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folder is one of my ‘go to ‘ folders when using my big shot machine, and of course adding more texture to an otherwise flat card.

The Take a Spin Stamped image was punched with a 2.5” circle punch, a contrasting 3” Circle was cut using the Big Shot Machine and the Circles #2 Die… perfectly nesting the design!  LOL… the Red Glimmer paper was a small leftover bit from my Leadership 2011 red dress swap for SUDSOL… I love the shimmery paper, and knew I’d find an appropriate home for the scraps and bits left over!

Stamps, and Supplies used in today’s Valentine Spinner First Edition Card Share:

Stamps:  Take A Spin, Wonderfully Worn

Card Stock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories:   Red Glimmer Paper, First Edition Designer Series Paper, Game Spinner Hands, Stampin Dimensionals, Big Shot Machine, Small Heart Punch, Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folder

Hope you enjoyed today’s Valentine Spinner Card!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: valentine,spinner,take a spin,stampin up,free,sale a bration,game spinner hands,glimmer paper,first edition,designer series paper,contact me

Super Saturday Tutorial: Botanical Gazette Mini Scrapbook & Gift Card Holder

Readers requested a tutorial for the Botanical Gazette Mini Scrapbook & Gift Card Holder featured in last week’s Sketch Frenzy Friday post… The Vintage Valentine Mini Scrapbook / Gift Card Holder / Card featured botanical gazette designer series paper, a ribbon rosette, and Ruffled Heart (also tutorials found here on Created by You.)

I didn’t want to bore you with exactly the same artwork… so I made another mini scrapbook / album/ gift card holder just for today’s Super Saturday Tutorial!  This one is not as so frilly, and will be for my DS who is a member of the US Air Force!

 

 

Stamps and Supplies Used in today’s Super Saturday Tutorial Sample*:

• Stamps:  Clearly For You, Sassy Sayings I (retired)
• Card Stock:  Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso
• Classic Inks:  Early Espresso, River Rock
• Accessories:  Metallic Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Big Shot Machine, Magnetic Movers and Shapers Punch Window Set, Cork Sheet, Stampin Dimensionals, Antique Brads, Neutral Buttons, Jewelry Tag Punch, Hemp Twine, Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper, Not Quite Navy Stampin’ Write Marker, First Edition Designer Series Paper

The DSP and layers used on the mini Scrapbook/ Gift Card / Flip Album were all cut 1/8” smaller than their landing pages… the instructions given in today’s tutorial will be for the basic construction of the card/album… you can enhance and/or change it up to suit your style and needs.

I love using cork sheets and the big shot machine on cards for guys… it creates such a masculine effect without adding a whole lot of weight.   The cork sheets easily adhere to cardstock and designer series paper using Tombow Multi-purpose adhesive too!  Nothing wasted here… I used the cut-out on the front of my mini scrapbook/card…

And the actual die cut on the next page.  A little remembrance ribbon was added, to let him know we’re always wishing our son a safe return from his trips in the line of duty.

Of course, this is a mini scrapbook/gift card holder from dear old Mom… so what mini scrapbook would be complete without a photo of us?  This photo was taken when he returned from Iraq… the first time.  It was a surprise… totally caught him off guard!

Our son is a big reader, and has quite an extensive library… he also loves video games, WII and all that stuff, so gift cards are always appreciated… On this gift card page, I changed it up a bit from the norm… tying the gift card in place with a little hemp twine… I think it turned out pretty cool, don’t you?

Today’s tutorial is for the basic construction of a similar scrapbook / gift card holder.  Decorating it with DSP and stamps will totally change the end results… but the concept is the same.  The card is dimensional, and so cutting it 1/2” smaller than the envelope leaves plenty of room for the resultant bulk.

Card Stock Preparation:

• Cardstock Base:  10” x 10” scored at 5” for card base (in sample shown, Sahara Sand)
• Flip Pages:  4” x 4.25”, 3.75” x 3.25”, and 3.5” x 2.25” (Early Espresso in Sample Shown)
• 3/8” wide Chipboard Scraps cut to 4”, 3.25” and 2.75”
• Scraps for Jewelry Tag Punches

Step by Step:

• Begin by scoring each flip page at 1/2” along the shortest side
• Add chipboard pieces to the back side of the scored edges.  This will help to accommodate the bulkier items in the scrapbook.
• Layer the top two flip pages together, aligning as desired.
• Use a Mat Pack and Paper Piercing tool to pierce holes through both cardstock and chipboard layers.
• Use brads to secure and flatten the prongs along the back.

• Repeat last three steps until all layers are attached with brads.
• Secure the final layer to the card front, and embellish as desired.

Still recovering from the flu… hope to be back to normal next week… this has been a tough one!

I’ve got a fun spinner card / Valentine to share tomorrow… hope you’ll stop back by!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: tutorial,stamps,scrapbook,mini,big shot,gift card holder,card,cardstock,designer series paper sleuths,card stock,ink,paper,album,super saturday

5 Minute or less, Stamped CAS Card for Sketch Frenzy Friday

Still recovering from the flu… today’s Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team Card took me less than 5 minutes to complete.  A clean and simple design, I stepped it up with a scrap of embossed cardstock, and basic jewel rhinestones.  Had a little difficulty photographing the Melon Mambo cardstock, probably should have gone outside for a better photo!

Today’s Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch was designed by Melissa Hedine-Tootle.  Hope you’ll play along with the team this week!

I chose the Bliss Stamp Set, and beginning with Blushing Bride Classic Ink, stamped the flourish image to the left and right sides of center.  Inking the same image with Melon Mambo Classic Ink, the central image and greetings were stamped.  A little bling was added with the help of basic rhinestone jewels… just a little bling can go a very long way!

The pretty petals embossed whisper white cardstock was a scrap left over from a series of Valentines cards I had made at one of my 2 for 5 stamping groups.  The photo makes it appear de-bossed, but the raised side is actually facing up.. kind of funny how that happened!

Stamps and supplies for todays’ Sketch Frenzy Friday CAS 5 Minute Card:

Stamps:  Bliss, Curly Cute

Classic Ink:  Blushing Bride, Melon Mambo

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Melon Mambo

Accessories:  Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Big Shot Machine, Pretty Petals Textured Embossing Folder, Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border Punch

The Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team operates a bit like a mini blog hop… the next stop on the hop is Tammy Baldwin.  Please stop by and leave her a sweet comment!

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a tutorial several of you have asked for based on the Mini Valentine Scrapbook Card/Gift Card Holder featured on the Sketch Frenzy Friday Tour a week or so ago.  You can view the original design and scrapbook here.

Stay warm and healthy!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: embossed,card stock,5 minute,card,cas,rhinestones,sketch frenzy friday,design team

Create A Cupcake CAS Birthday Card

I’m recovering from the Flu… and last night suddenly realized I hadn’t done my Creative Sketches Design Team Card this week!  Yikes!  I literally threw this card together using scraps on my Stamping Room table in about 10 minutes… and that’s including design time!  The theme of this weeks’ sketch was punches.  I had intentions of making some mystically creative card using punches… but that didn’t happen LOL! 

Returning home from the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN was a bit of a challenge… luckily, my DD was able to drive us home… I could barely keep my eyes open!  On Tuesday evening I slept a whopping 12 hours and then went back to bed for yet another 6 hours of sleep!  It was a fun conference filled with lots of friends, fun, and busy, busy times!

In between un-packing, sleeping, and prepping for upcoming classes yesterday, I did find time to clean out my wildly overflowing email inboxes!  One email I received was quite a pleasant and unexpected surprise… I won Shelli Gardner’s Creative Technique Challenge Contest on her So Shelli Creative Challenge Blog, which equates to yet another free stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

Stampin’ Up! has been very generous with both discounts and freebies for demos… in the last 30 days, I’ve earned, won, or been given SIX free stamp sets which I’m looking forward to creating new cards with!

Here’s my card for this week’s Creative Sketches Technique Challenge:

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Creative Sketches Technique Challenge:

• Stamps:  Curly Cute, Create a Cupcake
• Card Stock:  Not Quite Navy, Real Red, Whisper White
• Classic Ink:  Blushing Bride, Real Red, Not Quite Navy
• Punches:  Build a Cupcake Punch, Dotted scalloped ribbon Border Punch
• Accessories:  Build A Bear Designer Series Paper, Brads, 5/8” Taffeta Ribbon,Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Hope you’ll play along with the design team this week… we always look forward to seeing your creative ideas and talented contributions!  To play along, all you need to do is upload a card, project or scrapbook page to SplitcoastStampers, Photobucket, Flickr etc… and then visit the Creative Sketches Design Team Blog to add your creation!

I’m hoping I’ll shake this flu soon!  Stay warm and healthy… being sick really stinks!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: creative sketches,design team,so shelli,creative,challenge,stampin up,leadership,nashville,free stamps,demos,punches,build a bear,create a cupcake,build a cupcake,build

Step away from that Stamp… Another Bliss Card for Diva Coffee Break Designs Team!

LOL.. when I first received my Northern Flurry Textured Embossing Folder, I had so much fun with it… it seemed every card I made has that pretty snowflake embossed background on it… until one day my DD and one of my down-line staged and intervention and tried to steal my embossing folder!   I suspect that may just happen with the delightful Bliss Stamp Set!  The elegant motif is just so very versatile, and kind of like a welcoming pineapple!

With that thought in mind, I googled “pineapple and symbol” and came up with a LOT of information about the pineapple and it’s symbolism throughout Europe and Colonial America, a very interesting read if you’d like to check it out Click here: Pineapple.

Ahh… but you’re probably ready for the Diva Coffee Break Design Team Sketch, aren’t you?  When I first saw this sketch, I had absolutely NO clue what I would do with it!!  Then I was sharing some of the pretty prints and patterns from the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper with a friend and it came to me!

The Botanical Gazette DSP had a paper pattern that became the perfect background for the DCBD 211 sketch!

OK… lets see… border punch, two oval punches and a ribbon or divider across the middle.. hmm.   I had a scrap of paper on which I had already stamped the welcoming, almost pineapple motif onto a scrap of Very Vanilla Card stock.. so I started with that by punching it out with the Wide Oval Punch.. looked pretty cool… so I sponged the edges with a dauber and Early Espresso Classic Ink… and a card was born:

With a  little detailing with an Early Espresso Marker, Glimmer Brads, and Victoria Lace Trim… I think it came out all right after all!  What do you think?

Join the Divas this week, and upload your sketch based creation to the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Blog.  We’d love to see what you do with this sketch!

Today’s Tip for paper crafters from Created by You: 

• Use a mat pack and paper piercing tool to perfectly position brads in corners of card stock and designer series paper.

Stamps and Supplies for today’s DCBD 211 Sketch Challenge Bliss Card

• Stamps:  Bliss, Silhouette Sentiments
• Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
• Designer Series Paper:  Botanical Gazette
• Punches: Wide Oval, and Small Oval Punch
• Accessories:  Glimmer Brads, Stampin Write Marker, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

See you tomorrow with a Super Saturday Tutorial which I hope you’ll love!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: dcbd,stamps,card stock,ink,designer series paper,mat pack,todays tip for paper crafters,paper crafters,super saturday tutorial,diva coffee break designs,bliss,punch

Color Challenge: Bring on the Cake with a Colorful Balloon Bouquet

Things have settled down a bit from the hustle and bustle of last week’s Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee!  We all had such a good time… it’s fun to meet so many wonderful and friendly demonstrators from the US and Canada!  In spite of the weather, we have returned home safe and sound with lots of swaps, new business ideas, stamps, and new plans for our businesses!

Last week, I shared a Clean and Simple (CAS) Birthday Card for the Utah Divas International Design Team Color Challenge… This week’s Color Challenge Card is quite different!  A colorful balloon bouquet, and images from the Bring on the Cake Stamp Set and polka dot background really brought this fun little birthday card together for me!

Bright and bold card stock colors used were Garden Green, Peach Parfait, Real Red, and Basic Black.  I had a little trouble getting the peach parfait to show up true to color in this photo… but it is really, Peach Parfait!

 

A bit of scrunched ribbon was placed along the bottom of the birthday card.. I needed some sort of lead-in for the hand holding a balloon bouquet.  The ribbon scrunching technique was used to add the loopy ribbon to the card… but I used mini glue dots to attach it instead of Sticky Tape.  Picking up each Mini Glue dot with the tip of my paper snips, I can place and arrange the next loop easily!

The hand image includes the greeting… so to get the dimension and two tone look, I actually stamped it twice, once in Basic Gray, and a second time in Real Red Classic Ink.  An exacto knife was used to cut around the finger tips, and the new sign inserted beneath with a pop dot.  Of course, I could have just used a Stampin Write Markers and colored the stamp… but for some reason, I didn’t LOL!

The same is true of the Happy Birthday Cake image… again, I could have used Stampin’ Write Markers to color onto the stamp… but instead stamped the image first, and then used the markers to color just along the edges of the stamped image.  Distressing along the edges was done using the stampin’ up cutter kit!

Hemp twine was tied through an eyelet in each mini oval punched balloon.  I don’t use hemp twine a lot, often it seems a bit heavy for my cards and so I’ll opt to use linen thread… but this card needed the  balance of the heavier twine.  Adding a ‘comma’ to the balloon with a White Signo Gel Pen added a little dimension!

Don’t you just love your crop-a-dile tool?  It’s so much easier to set those silly eyelets.. and a whole lot quieter too… no more bang, bang, bang or shaking the table.  I’m always surprised when I meet someone who doesn’t own one!  It’s such a handy dandy tool, and of course you can get your crop-a-dile at my online stampin’ up store too!

This week’s UDI 19 Color Challenge Inspiration was a very yummy skewer of colorful veggies and fruit!  Take a look at the photo, grab your cardstock, paper and ink, and come play along with us!

 

Make a special card, project, scrapbook page… whatever your heart desires, and then upload to your online photo gallery (Flickr, photobucket, splitcoaststampers, etc.) or personal blog and then visit the Utah Divas International Blog and upload your creation using the linky tool at the bottom of today’s post!  We love to see your artwork!

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Bring on the Cake Colorful Balloon Bouquet:

Stamps:  Bring on the Cake

Cardstock:  Garden Green, Peach Parfait, Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Classic Ink:  Basic Gray, Real Red

Accessories:  Crop-A-Dile Tool, eyelets, Hemp Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Snips, SNAIL, exacto knife, cutter kit, 5/8” satin Basic Black Ribbon, mini glue dots, spiral punch, stampin’ write markers, Love Letters DSP, Signo White Gel Pen, spiral punch

Technique:  Ribbon Scrunching

I really liked how today’s Color Challenge Card came out… and I hope you do too!  See you tomorrow with another great challenge from the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: nashville,leadership,bring on the cake,ballon bouquet,crop a dile,love letters,udi 19,color challenges,utah divas international,splitcoaststampers,flickr,photobucket,design team,challenge,hemp twine,ballon,birthday card,paper,card stock,ink