Pretty Packaged Card

Today I am running late for several reasons #1 my kids keep killing each other #2 my camera batteries died, and #3 I was putting together a post, jam packed with FUN ideas for you to try!

So grab your coffee and get ready for a FULL post of fun!

In this post you will learn to make a Moving Mermaid card, be reminded how to make your own cloud template and use fantasy film, make simple “starfish” and how to MAIL these interactive, or more 3D cards, in style!!!

MOVING MERMAID 

Last August I made a Hula Kitty. You can find that —>here! I got many requests on “how to” do it. I did answer many of you privately. Well, now is the time to share it here.

When I saw this Mermaid from Lizzie Anne’s set By the Sea (FYI this is the “sister” set to Shore Thoughts which is where the Sun image is from on this card), I knew I had to make the Mermaid “swim”. That took me back to the Hula Kitty idea.

So here are two photos for you to view, the motion this Mermaid has!

Swimming to the right

Now swimming the the left

All you have to do is tilt the card from one side, to the other, and she is swimming side to side! Isn’t she so cute?

Moving Card-You need- one or two pennies,  1/2 inch Circle punch and Dimensional’s

QUICK DIRECTIONS-Punch 1/2 inch hole in cardstock. Layer 2 dimensionals stacked onto each-other on back of image, and place through hole in cardstock. Adhere penny to back of cardstock layer. It is important that is layer is on dimensionals so that the penny can rotate around!

I have another Make It Move <—-tutorial . If you like this one, but want a slider idea

Here is a photo once the layer is complete-from side view

See 2 dimensionals-penny is behind wave layer. My waves were done using my Creative Memories Wavy cutter. I LOVE that tool!!! I sponged the wave edges, each on dimensionals for depth.

Now for the Mermaid! I colored her with Copic markers, and used a clear Atyou glitter pen for her seashells, star fish, and the sun!

I made her tail using Fantasy Film, in waterfall. You can see a tutorial on Fantasy Film–>HERE. I thought it was just PERFECT for the tail. Shimmery, and fin-like!

NOTE:If you “Google” Fantasy Film you will come up with some X Rated material! LOL! I was informed by one of my reader’s when she tried to hunt some down. You can purchase it at most Stamp stores, or online venue’s. I am going to be asking Christine at All That Scraps to get some in. Since it has a variety of colors, feel free to give some input on your faves, so I can “make a list” for her to place an order!

Now I made the cloud, making my own homemade template. It is my most favortie way to create them! And CHEAP!!

Tutorial for that can be seen ->here

Lastly the Starfish! I loved the Starfish from the Shore Thoughts set, but by this card’s end I was TOO lazy to stamp/color/cut out the one’s in the set! LOL!

I used my SU! Star punch, and used the little elements from the stamp set (the swirl, and sand stamp) to create my own EASY starfish! I stamped ALL the edges with the sand image (on this I only did 1/2 so you get the “idea”), then I rounded the tips with my paper snips, and curled the ends under.

Now this is for the LAST idea.

I get so many emails asking me HOW to mail interactive cards, of bulky cards without ruining them, or how to go about sending them”in style”.

SEE TOP PHOTO!!! My Mermaid card in a box.

I put mine in the Clearly Creative Card boxes! Just secure the ends with tape, and put the mailing and postage labels on the back! Isn’t this the cutest way to send a special card? I wanted to add a few more things to pretty it up, so that is where the starfish and filler come in.

Now it will cost a little more to mail, but can you imagine how cool this would be to see when you open your mailbox? AND you can bet the women at the PO will take extra care not to squish it-unless they keep it (YIKES! LOL!)

This is going to my friend Jenn in Canada who made me the most BEAUTIFUL address book with all my PSF’s info! It was just the sweetest thing to do for us. I wanted to send her a special TY note, and I think this should do it! Her gift was so amazing and thoughtful. I am going to send her a GC via email , to an online store. I dont want to send one IN this card package-just in case.

So that is all for today! I hope you enjoyed it.

Tomorrow I will FINALLY have my seed packet tutorial for you.

Till then-

Lauren

 Stacks of Cupcake Wishes

This card uses : Cupcake single, and ribbon from American Crafts (which inspired by colors). You can never have enough birthday cards, and I feel this is very gender/age neutral.

OK I know some of you may yawn at this post (SORRY), but many people have yet to try one the the best, and simplest techniques of all time-MASKING and REVERSE MASKING!!!

I know I personally love the technique, and the first time I tried it, I was floored. Yeah I know, so not revolutionary but I was excited just the same. We have all been “there”. Remember the first time you tried embossing powder? LOL! I know I do! LOL!

OK, well I thought to put together this little tutorial because many people wanted to know how I made—-> this <—- cupcake card. Many of you seem to be visual learners, and I am not the best at just explaining things. I’m hands on and can look at something and just figure it out. So when I have to “break it down” I’m just not that great at it. Its better to show you, for me anyway

Any questions-just ask. Ill answer them for you.

DIRECTIONS for masking-click to enlarge photos please

Step 1

Stamp your image on a sticky note or eclipse tape (making sure the sticky strip has part of the image stamped!). Carefully cut out the image.

Step 2

Stamp image on cardstock.

Step 3

Place cut out sticky note image, over stamped image-like photo. Then stamp another image over it. I repeated this process for a third cupcake.

 For this one I did NOT ink the sentiment for the next layer of cupcake.

THIS is what it will look like. I made a trio stack of cupcakes.

 cool huh? Now its like you bought a whole other stamp isn’t it?

Now this lets you make things look like they are layered behind each other with out stamping through the image and looking messy!

Next up-many people had no idea how I sponged on my color so neatly! Here you go-

REVERSE MASKING-another fun concept, often neglected. Not one you will use often, but fun all the same.

Step 1

Take the paper, that you had cut the main image out from, and place it around the stamped image you cut.

Step 2

Take a sponge dauber and rub into ink pad of choice. Now lightly pounce desired color, in area of choice.

 See that the mask prevents it from going outside the stamped edges.

Here is the stack all inked. Now you can also see how I began to color in the sprinkles with my Singlo white gel pen, which I then use my markers to color over, so the sprinkles have color that can be seen.

Then color and design card as desired!

That simple.

 CRAFTY TIP -if I take the time to create a mask, I always out it in with the stamp so I remember I have it, and it is there if I want/need it again!!! No need to cut out a new one every time.

So that is it for today! Tomorrow is my Saturday Sketch! I hope you will come back to give it a try. I hope to get some stamp time in today. I haven’t gotten much done the last few days. Least not that I can share yet.

Till tomorrow-

Lauren

I have a fun post for you today! It is a ”For the Boy’s Challenge”.

If you are a mom of a boy, then you agree there just isn’t enough CUTE stuff for boy’s. What you can find, that is cute, you must get immediately! LOL! Girls can be so easy for me, but boy’s, are much more challenging. Let’s not get into boy gift/favor idea’s. What is even more funny, even though they are challenging, I enjoy coming up with ideas for them.

Charmaine and I have become great PSF’s over the month’s.

As of late, we are both loving Lily from Pink Cat Studio. We also LOVE Billy!! After some behind the scene’s ”chatter”, we decided it would be fun for us to give each other a challenge. I love doing a fellow blog challenge! It is always fun to see what other people come up with, using the same concept.

So here were the Challenge Rules!

1)We both had to use the Billy set

2) It had to be a party gift , or a party favor set. So I assumed a card, and gift/favor item.

Now in that set there are a few things we could choose from that would make our idea’s very different!You have a Pirate, Cowboy, Super Hero, and a boy with a frog.

We did NOT tell what each of us was planning on using. It was going to be a surprise!! I can’t wait to see what she decided on.

Here is my set-

 Super Hero Party Gift Set

I had a hard time deciding what I would do. I was leaning towards the cowboy. Noah has a birthday party to attend this coming weekend. I got out my Billy set, and asked him what HE wanted me to make for his friend, Austin’s party. Afterall he should be the one picking out what to give right?

He said “I like the super hero best!” That was NOT what I thought he would pick, but I did give him full authority!

 A is for Austin.

So here is a close up of the card. I used the Simple Alphabet for the “A” on his chest. When in doubt color block!!

Inside I stamped a sentiment from Verve Visual (starlight starbright)-that says “SUPERSTAR, thats what you are”. I thought that was cute.

 Noah also picked the paper after having several collections to choose from.

WOW! Talk about a challenge. The paper in this collection is by SEI-Such a Boy collection ( I LOVE that set, had it 2 years, and have never used it!!!). It is a great collection of unusal color’s I would not normally use. THIS is why I “collect” paper!

It is like a pumpkin, groovy guava, aqua mist, so saffron, choc. chip, gray, and black! I think I like it!

I colored him with various Copic Marker’s. I always have a scrap piece to practice my colors/blending on BEFORE I try them on my image I also like to test what colors work best with my paper.

Then it was the next deliemma, “WHAT do I do for a gift item?”

Well since he is a super hero, and there is a bit of a star theme, I decided to do a Star shaped gift bag!

I wanted to do these for a while, and most likely would have done one similar for the Cowboy theme.

I liked the dual sided stripped paper for this, so I went with that.

I decided to decorate it like my card-the You’re Super! sentiment, then the 3 buttons going across. I am on this kick of making these little banner style tags that go off the ends. Don’t know WHY!

To create this bag : I used my star Coluzzle template. I cut 2 of the largest star panels, then made it onto a bag-by cutting a panel.

FROM MEMORY-The panel was 3 1/2 wide by 8.

Using my Scor-Pal-

Along the 3 1/2 side I scored it at 1/2 inch, then 3 inch mark

Along the 8 inch side- I scored it at 2 1/2, then 5 1/2. 

That gives you a finished holder that is 2 1/2 inches squared. I adhered the 1/2 scored sides to the stars with  redline tape.

Then I debated on my handles! Ribbon handles would be too girly. I was scouring my stamp room, when I saw an empty Prima’s Paint Can! SCORE!!!!! I knew there was a reason to save EVERYTHING!

So I put in 2 large brass eyelets, one on each  side (just like on your prima paint can) then I put in the metal handle!!! I had to sqeeze the handle in a little, so the handle would not fall out of the eyelet holder’s.

 It was so PERFECT!!! It looks SOOOOOO much more professional I think :D. I love it.

I added a snippet of twill ribbon from Martha Stewart.

This star bag will hold a gift card to Toys R’Us. I think it will be a hit. I hope it will be!

Now, you need to go check out Charmaine’s set!! I know she will love to hear what you think.

Tomorrow is the PTI release! So I will have my projects for that posted here, then.

Till then!

Oh YEAH! I am SO relieved my blog is back in order. I was in quite the panic over here. I had to re-post some of my prev. post’s, but that is NOTHING compared to what I might have had to do! I am so thankful for the blog guy over at SCS for all his hard work! BIG THANK YOU TO SCOTT!!!

NOTE: My spell check STILL isn’t working and Im NOT re-checking this post AGAIN! So if you ahve issue’s with my mistakes-SORRY!! I’m wiped.

I missed all my blog reader’s I do have the BEST blog PSF’s ever! (I know, you read other blogs, but I still feel you are mine :D, as you all make my day) The ONLY good thing is, I got SO much accomplished yesterday-WOW! Lot’s to share.

 I have a nice long post for you today. I often “forget” that many people who come here are new, and learning.  Well, I guess we are all still learning. That is the fun of it right? I get many questions, and I want you all to remember NO question is stupid.

That brings me to the post for today!

Almost a month ago I posted my Papertrey Ink projects—>HERE. I got many questions/emails about HOW to make the pop up.

I am sure these have been around forever. There are many different ways you can use the same idea, and I will share some of th one’s I have done with you today!

1) Use your nestabilities

2) Use a coluzzel or other template

3) Use your stamps!

4) The CHEATER pop out!

So first up I will show you how to make a pop out card-using your nestabilities.

 Popped out flower

This card uses Borders & Corners (circle), and  Beautiful Blooms by PTI. Scallop circle nestability, paper by American Crafts, Punch  Bunch flower’s, made by ME

This card is made exactly like the Papertrey Ink card, linked above. Only that used a HEART.

Now it helps if you have a Scor-Pal (or other means of scoring) and a hobby blade (or other tool for cutting).

DIRECTIONS: click photos to enlarge please

Step 1

Cut your card base, and very LIGHTLY, use your Scor-Pal to score where your fold will be-this one fold in the middle.

Step 2

Pick, your nestability. Run your cardstock through your machine to EMBOSS the desired frame you would like to use on your creation-making sure that it is placed to POP OUT where you want on your fold line.

NOTE: My card, only a small part of the top of the circle will pop out at the top.

Step 3

 Now firmly score ON the score line-up to, but not going through, your embossed frame.

Step 4

Use a hobby blade to cut around your frame, up to the score line.

    This is what the finished edge looks like.

Obviously straight edges are more easy to cut.

Step 5

  Now decorate as desired!

Second one- Using a shapes template, such as the coluzzle!

 Headed for Stardom

Since this Bella *IS* a star-I felt she would be perfect in this pop out card! Love her!!! I have been BUYING Bella’s and not using them so I made myself a promise! USE THEM!

This card uses my Oh So Pretty Bella (who I cut out), my border’s & corners (circle) set, starlight starbright for the sentiment and swirl, my star coluzzle template, a star eyelet, copic markers, and Scenic Route paper (which is my current fave paper line I think).

You want to follow the same steps as above, you are just using a plastic template!

So lightly score you fold, and place template in desired position, then cut! Careful NOT to cut OVER into paper, past the score line!

 Line up template along light score- cut   done!

Now this card I did trim down the paper edge on the right after it was cut! For my patterned paper, I then used the size SMALLER template, on my coluzzle to make the outline of the star Cute huh?

Now we are going to do one using our stamps!!

 Wishing you Happiness

I LOVE butterflies, and this gatefold card has the butterflies interlock to hold it closed! I love this old SU! set called Butterfly of Happiness. Not sure if you can view it, but the Baroque bkgd is stamped in white on the base. The flowers are Stem Shilouettes I believe.

 Card open

Now this card can be seen on page 37,  in the May issue of  CARDMAKER magazine!! It was done for Scor-Pal!

So as you can see, the butterflies “pop out” from the fold. This is done the same as above! All you do is figure out WHERE you are scoring, then score LIGHTLY (you dont want a deep score going through your pretty image!!)

Stamp your image, then use your hobby blade to trim it out, on whatever side of the fold you choose.

When it is cut , you then score on either side, UP TO, but not through the image. DONE!

Make sense?

Now we have the cheater pop out, or so I like to call it that :D. You just take your image, then adhere it going over or outside the fold, or card line!

 Birds of Friendship

This card was made with Birds Galore by Inkadinkadoo, and was a sketch done by Kirsten You can view her’s –>HERE

Now many people have done these at the top and bottom of cards. They are the tent cards ( I think), and kickstand cards. Kirsten was the brain behind the kickstand cards, and you can view all of hers HERE <–

Its along the same idea, and defintely “easier” :D.

So that is it my friends! WHEW! Are you STILL reading.

I hope you get a chance to try one out, and found this somewhat helpful. If you do try it, Id love to see what you come up with!!! They are so much fun though.

I have another tutorial to post soon and tomorrow is a Saturday Sketch! YIPEE!! I am hoping to get to pre-post it, but we will see. I do need a shower, have kids to feed, a house to clean, dinner to cook (ugh second though Sub Way is sounding really good right now), a dog to walk, and games to be played.

Oh so much to share, so little time!

Have a great Friday, and check in again tomorrow!

Till then

After making THIS Onesie Bouquet, I got hundreds (no joking) of emails/request’s asking me to share HOW I got the baby onesie’s to look like flower buds. Many people wanted to order them. It would be rather pricey for me to sell them, if you count the cost of the items, and MY TIME

I was so overwhelmed, and flattered that SO many people liked it that much THANK YOU!

As I am going to share, it is actually REALLY EASY to make. It is however, somewhat time consuming if you are a little anal-like myself I need my onesie “buds” to be perfect. I do think I will make this for every new mom. It’s just a really FUN gift idea

Let’s get to it!

My fellow PTI design team member Geny, is due to have a bouncin baby boy this June! So I promised her I would make her one for her son Now the “tin” part isn’t done being decorated yet, because I ordered THIS SET, the other day, and am waiting for delivery Then if she does see this here on my blog she will still be a bit surprised by the decoration on the tin itself.

NOTE: This is not for contest or publication

If you decide to create one-send me a link! I would love to see it

 Bouncin Baby Boy Blue

So  I decided that white onesie’s would be best for the boy project, since I wasn’t sure if I were going with yellow, blue or red accent flowers. I think I should always have a pack on hand now! You just never know. make one in yellow and you are golden for a last minute gift for any sex child

You should get the 0-3 month size. a 5 pack is best!

I found this bucket at Michaels for $1.99, and it was just the PERFECT size! To me it screamed BOY! BUY ME! It has a cute handle, and I secured the top under the handle with a large glue dot.

In the girl tin I used the large heart tin from Papertrey Ink-I didnt want a heart for a boy though-needed to be more “rugged”.

I used some designer paper from SU! called the East Coast Prep collection (again-perfect!). I simply covered the bottom portion of the tin. Kept it simple. I plan on cutting out particular animals in the set I linked above, and adding them around the tin. I think it is pretty cute as is though.

WHAT YOU NEED

*Tin/container of choice* 5 pack of white onesies-size 0-3 months* White floral tape* Glue Dots* Leaves* Paper/Prima Flowers* Tin filler*

Decorate your container as desired FIRST! This will help determine what your flower theme will be.

Make sure your work surface is CLEAN!

If you want to see the photos closer-please click to enlarge!

DIRECTIONS

Step one

      Snap onesie bottom. Fold in either side.

Step two

           From top end, roll neatly into a snug ball. Wrap mid-bottom oprtion tightly with floral tape. You do not want to use any other type of tape because should the mom-to-be decide to USE the onesie’s, it would get gooey and stick to the shirts-ick!

Step three

 Now you want to fold back one of the edges, like a rose petal unfolding. It is also good to try to fold over the seam where the folded shirt ends to hide it.

Mini Dual Buds-Now if you look at my bouquet-I bought a 5 pk of onesie’s, but have 7 flowers. I did not do this with my last bouquet, but decided in order to fill this larger bucket I would make 2 of the onesies have double buds! So instead of 5-I have 7 buds!

Step one

 Fold in sides  like above. Then fold up bottom.

Step two

 Now roll from the side, in.

Step three

 Now fold the “jelly roll” in half. So ends come together. Tape like in Step Two above. Unfold the edges a little as above in step three above.

Last but not least

 Now it is time to arrange the onesie’s in your tin! make sure you put some sort of filler in the bottom. Try not to get a tin that is too deep. You may want to arrange the set up of your bouquet. Place larger/taller onesie flowers in center.

After they are all set, now for the fun! I like to choose a variety of flowers ot add in between, and on top of my “bouquet” I place them first-then, if I am happy I use glue dots to secure them all in place.

 Close up view.

For this one (since I know the mom is NOT going to use the onesie’s) I sprinkled some red glitter to finish it off.

I will shrink wrap this, tie it all nice with ribbon, and send if off in the mail!

Now this beats the $60 bucks you’d spend on a bouquet of flower’s that will die in 5 days.

I really hope you enjoyed seeing HOW it comes together! Now for a perfect card to accompany a Onesie Bouquet , can be found ->HERE.

So that is it for today! Thanks for stopping by.

OOPS! I posted this early by mistake! OH WELL!

 My Handyman!

Now is this set not adorable??? I believe he is called Jack of all trades! He is being released by C.C. Designs on the 4th.

I so needed another cool guy set! I LOVE cutesy. You can’t have a cutesy handyman without a tool box right? I  love making boxes and gift items-with cards to match. I had SO MUCH FUN making this tool box It was perfect with my handmade hammer accessory, and my cool Lowe’s gift card holder tin. I almost altered that, but liked it as is.

Here is a close up

 Handyman tool box

How cute would it be for your kids to decorate one for their dad? They can make/buy what they think should go inside of it?

 There is also a lined background coming out with this release and I used it on my toolbox. Can you see it? I stamped it in Walnut ink. I also used my Tim Holtz distress inks (my faves are linen, tea dye and walnut), and randomly rubbed them side to side on this for a woodgrain look. Added some screw style brads for that added “look” of a real tool box. I liked the pencil handle for a more handyman feel. The measuring tape ribbon was another cute touch.

I created the hammer just for FUN, as another thing to add to the box. It’s good size. Made with some punches. No biggie.

I made the tool box using a 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of Kraft cardstock.

Here is the template below-CLICK IT TO ENLARGE. Keep in mind Im NOT a pro making this-is just a little guideline to help you a bit, if you need a more visual idea. NOT a print and cut template!

Im no Paint Shop wizard. I recommend making any template with copy paper FIRST, that way you can work out any kink’s or question’s you may have. If you get it perfect first time, then you have a real template to reference in the future

THIS IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY PLEASE No contest or publication submissions.

Directions:

1)Along the 11 inch side - score at 3 and 8. This will be the SIDE panels of your toolbox and will be LONGER than the front/back piece.

2) Along the 8 1/2 side - score at 2 and 6 1/2. This becomes the front of you tool box.

3) Trim along scored edges to center. In photo you will see a little extra left on either side of the 3 and 8 mark. That is so you have excess on your panels that adhere the ends together. Cut away the X’s-that is excess cardstock

4) Use tag corner punch on tool box sides. I also cut 2  pieces of cardstock 1 1/2 wide by 3 inches long. Use tag corner on those as well. Punch 2 holes large enough to fit a pencil through. Adhere to inner side panels-as seen in photo.

5) For front of box cut away from panel as you see fit. I just used my ruler and hobby blade for an even look.

Decorate as desired!

Now for the card

My Sexy Handyman

The little square at the top is suppose to be like blueprints. I stamped the bkgd going across, then up and down for a grid paper appearance. I then scribbled 1 2 3 4-for like steps in the project. Scribbled a picture too.

Just a fun card.

Well I hope you likey!

Thanks for checkin in with me here.

Till tomorrow.

Lauren

 Kindness

Happy Easter everyone!

Hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends, or doing whatever else it may be that you have planned.

I don’t have an Easter card! GASP!! But, I do have a tutorial that I  have been asked to do, in it’s place.

Before we begin don’t miss your chance to enter the MYTIME MAIL—>HERE<—!! I will now draw the winner Tuesday.

Many of you contacted me, in response to my Pretty Paper Flower Favor, asking HOW did I make my paper flowers.

Well I am SO happy you enjoyed it, and are wanting to make your very own. It was VERY easy!

So here we go!

For the SMALL photo’s click to enlarge! Sorry but I only get so much room to post with :C.

Now I know this is going to most likely sound “info-mercial-ish”, but I assure you, its my HONEST opinon and I’m not getting paid! LOL! I just LOVED this book. I would recommend it to anyone.

 Pretty Paper Flower Favor

I bought this amazing book-well more of a magazine with step-by-step directions on HOW to use different shaped punches and shapes, to create paper flowers!

You can use them on cards, boxes, bags, frames, and all sorts of gifts.

I wanted to do a paper flower favor for myPapertrey Ink project’s when I came across this book!

The Paper Garden Summer Blooms collection by Susan Tierney Cockburn

I got my book from —->HERE

I LOVE creating paper flowers, and own MANY punches. This was SOOOOO up my alley!

The directions are clear, and very easy to follow. Each step includes a photo as well, so I truly believe ALL skill levels can create these flower bouquet’s, with this book.

 Here is a photo of the page I used to create my Papertrey Paper Flower favor. I adapted my flower to suit my needs, and match my project.

I say feel free to take creative liberty!

 You can see it clearly shows you the punches you need, as well as supplies. Each step has a photo so you know you are doing it correctly.

The neat thing is if you purchased some of the recommended punches, like I did, they are used in numerous flower’s through the book! So that is really cool too. You would be surprised at what you can do with some of the shapes.

It cost $15.25, and to me was well worth every penny. There are several series,  each feature different types of flowers. So make sure you get one that YOU feel you will most likely use.

My book here features directions on how to make the following flowers:

Buddlegja* Dahlia* Daisy* Geranium* Hydrangea* Lily* Magnolia* Nasturtium* Rose* Sunflower

These are some of my favorite’s, and upon viewing the book, you can certainly adapt a lot of the ideas

Now for HOW I made my flowers!

I used the following punches

 A star-burst, A Pear, and a leaf punch. I then added my SU! punch.

I then looked at my stamped flower from Boxes, Bags & Tags, and created the same number of petals.

I used Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush & Spring Moss-cardstock & ink for this collection

 PUNCHED-6 petals, 2 leaf’s, 1 star burst, and one mini SU! flower.

1-You color the bottoms of the “pear shaped” petals.

2-Then you take your embossing stylus, and press the bottom of the petal  in. This makes it pop up at the petal top.

3-Use your paper craft tweezer’s to curl the petal tops back.

4-Use a clear pop up glue dot. Lay on starburst shape. Then layer on your petals.

5-Next your place your smaller flower in the center-and push it down with your embossing stylus. This makes it all curl up, like  natural flower. I added a adhesive rhinestone to my center, but you could use a variety of other things, like liquid pearls.

6-For the leaf, you simply take your embossing stylus and draw the spine!!! Attach where needed!

Here is a top view from my favor

Now here is a card using that same flower idea

  Faith-

I used Everyday Blessings and Circle Borders & Corners on this card, as well as the Pink Patterns paper.

Now here is a close up view of the flower for the card sample at the top of this post. I used the book as a guide to create my own flower. It also shows you how to trim up some punches and get a whole new variety of looks!! REALLY EASY & FAST

On this card I used:

Define your life by SU!, Borders & Corners-square set, and Mixed Messages.

For punches I used a Marvy flower-layered 3 x’s, and My SU! flower punch (same as above), and the same leaf punch. DIMENSIONALS are crucial to this technique! The more volume you have the BETTER!!! IMO!

In the center of this flower I used Mirco beads.

So that is that! I hope you enjoyed it.

I still have a few tutorials left to put together, and I want to share my Daisy thank-you tomorrow. I MAY have time to get the kids room’s into a Smilebox for Tuesday-we shall see.

Anyway-thanks for reading! Let me know what you think of the tutorial, and if you try it on your own-or buy the book!

Happy Easter!

WOW! It is so hard to believe I have been blogging a year! TIME FLEW BY!

I never thought “I” would have a blog, let alone one people would actually VISIT!!!

I have come to get to know SO MANY of you, and you have read my babble on who knows what, for however long. You share with me and make me laugh and sometimes cry. Its just an amazing craft to be a part of, and stamper’s are the most amazing and giving/friendly people. You are all also so very supportive-so I thank you!

I want to celebrate my time here with you by giving back. Why? Because of of you totally make my day by checking in and even sometimes commenting, and sharing

That means MYTIME MAIL!!!!!

In this package the Random.org winner will be drawn on Monday. Its a value of  over $50!

This will make Monday a happy day for someone ( I hate Monday’s). I put together a package of some of my favorite things.

The winner will receive the following-

My Papertrey Party Pocket set  filled with 6 different Studio G stamp sets.

Current issue of Paper Crafts April/May 08. I have a project using Beautiful Blooms on page 68!!!

A acrylic set by Inkadinkadoo-has sentiments, flourishes and butterflies!!! SO ME!!!

A Stampin’Up! Accent’s and Elements kit

AND an SEI complete card kit! (I love SEI!!!)

All you have to do is leave me a comment. Tell me why you visit ME here. What you like or take away, if anything. OR what you want me to do in the future! Make it a better place to come to visit.

If you do the sketch that lets you enter AGAIN!!!!!

Remember you have till Monday!

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Now it’s Saturday Sketch time-and a tutorial! WOW! A lot in ONE day huh?

What did you think of the PTI release? WOW! Huh?

Did you check out all the gallery of amazing ideas put together by the Design Team? Check in the March 08 Release!

In case you missed this one:

Here is the Sketch-Since Im doing a tutorial on the umbrella-it would be really cool if you could try it. If not just use the sketch. It still qualifies for ANOTHER entry, if done by Monday morning

If you try it please leave another link in the comments section.

I wanted to share with you how I made this card, for the Papertrey Ink release today!

NOTE: I will share a different project each day till they are done, along with whatever else I have to share.

 Shower of LOVE

I was inspired to create this by the sentiment, and the top decoration of the label! Plus I LOVED that patterned paper, and needed to showcase how nice it is!

SUPPLIES:

This is a cute shower card or invitation for baby or bride, using our pretty patterned paper as your umbrella!Stamps- Boxes, Bags & Tags, Favor It Weddingscardstock- PTI select white, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush

This used Papertrey Ink Green Thumb, Simple alphabet, Everyday Blessings Patterned paper, Polka Dot ribbon in Spring Moss, PTI Select white, Spring Moss & Aquamist ink/cardstock, Polka Dot embossing folder, wire, coluzzel.

Well that is ALL!! I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and find time to give it a try.

I still have my guest designer stuff to show you-I SWEAR that will be tomorrow!!! I want to give it the proper attention!!!

It’s been a insane week here. I have so much still to do. I forgot this week is EASTER party stuff for the kids!! Now I gotta get cracking on some deadlines and get that stuff done too!

WHERE is March going? WOW! Time is whipping past me.

Once again, thank you so much for the support and checking in here.

Till tomorrow!

Are you enjoying the peeks of the upcoming Papertrey Ink  Release?

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to share in Day 3 of the PARTY!!!

As you may have read, this month is a Celebration theme for the release. What better way to celebrate than an all occasion party themed card and matching gift bag!

You know how much I love co-ordinating cards/gifts. I especially love one’s that can be easily created.

Papertrey Party Package

When I saw the set’s to be released this month I was absolutely ecstatic! (OK I know that is every month, but seriously!)

I fell in love with It’s a Celebration by Candice Agulair.

The adorable pennants just screamed PERSONALIZE ME!

Then, when I saw the Simple Alphabet- I screeched! YEAH! This is just perfect. I have been dying for a quality mini clear alphabet set. This has upper & lower case letter’s, as well as number’s and punctuations. It will retail for only $15! A MUST have. It stamps like a DREAM! No squishy unclear letters. FINALLY!

Throw in the New! Color’s Sweet Blush & Berry Sorbet, and I can’t get any happier! Well I can ,once I saw the patterned paper………………..:D

OK enough rambling! Let’s get to the details!

Party Pocket

Now this one is FUN!!

Supplies for Pocket

Scor-Pal, 8 1/2 X 11 piece of Spring Moss card-stock, ruler, hobby blade, redline tape, and Berry Sorbet grosgrain.

Directions for Pocket-click photos to enlarge

1) Take Spring Moss card-stock, and along the 11 inch side-score at 5, and 6 inches.

2) Turn paper to 8 1/2 inch side, and put top corner at the 8 1/2 inc mark, while bottom corner is at an angle, against the edge of the Scor-Pal (or 101/2 inch mark if you don’t have a Scor-Pal). Score at 7 1/2, 8 1/2, then 9 to the center score line for bottom. Turn card-stock and repeat step for all 4 corners.

3) Cut excess cardstock away. Score bag edges. The wide end, folds in, and the little fold, folds out. Trim excess at bottom panel as well.

NOTE: PrintableTemplate below for quick reference-click and print.

 If you are unsure what to cut off get rid of the dark gray!

4) Fold the ends, into the center. Take a ruler, and hobby blade. Trim excess card-stock. This is so you get even sides.

5) Apply adhesive to sides. Tuck in bottom folds first. Then fold pocket in half to adhere end pieces evenly.

6) Cut 2 even pieces of wide Berry Sorbet Grosgrain, and apply red-line tape to bottoms. Adhere inside bag. Then attach your pennant to the front.

Supplies for Pennant

Banner stamp in plain and stripped, ink of choice (spring moss, berry sorbet, sweet blush, old olive, and black), 1/16 hole punch or paper piecer, Needle, silver cord (or color of choice)and glue dots.

Directions for Pennant-click to enlarge

Figure out how many pennants you want for your banner. Choose your colors/and or word to be spelled.

1) Stamp the MIDDLE pennant FIRST! Then work your way from there out. This will ensure an even banner.

2) Use your Simple Alphabet, then stamp desired word. In our case P A R T Y.

3) Use a 1/16 hole punch, and punch holes on either side on the pennant corners. You may also use a paper piercer. You want your holes to remain small, so it appears that your pennants are hanging from the cord!

4) Thread your cord through the holes. Adhere to back.

5) Tie 2 separate bows using silver cord, then adhere to banner ends with glue dots.

6) Layer onto Berry Sorbet card-stock with dimensionals, then attach to the bag! DONE!

For the card!

Finished size- 4 1/2 X 5 1/2. Card base made with Spring Moss card-stock.

I followed the directions above, and created the exact same banner for this card.

I used the Pretty Pink Polka Dots, from the Pink Patterns Collection. I thought it made the perfect “gift”, tied nicely with my Berry Sorbet grosgrain.

 The patterned paper is YUMMY!!! You know how much I LOVE pink!!

Once the reveal hits, you will be able to see just how much I enjoyed using it. FYI-MORE tutorial’s to follow too!

I LOVE the color’s and assortment of design’s offered in the set. I especially LOVE the option of buying 6×6 or the 12 x 12. As you can see by the photo, the paper is a Perfect Match (HE!HE!HE!) to the ribbon and ink.

One question I have been asked is how does the Berry Sorbet’s paper/ink/ribbon compare to Stampin’ Up! Groovy Guava-since that was not a color compared on Nichole’s original post.

Here is a photo:

Top Layer on Left is Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet.

Bottom Layer on Right is Stampin Up! Groovy Guava

As you can see they are VERY different. Guava being more orange in tone.

Well that is it for me! I am so honored to have been able to take part in this today! I really hope you enjoyed my part of the peek!

Make sure you check Nichole’s blog each day till the release! There will be sneak peeks, as well as an additional daily sample, provided by an assigned Senior Design Team member!

Lisa’s stamped twill-HERE

and

Pine’s scrap page-HERE

Till tomorrow!

YEAH! The weekend is just about here. I am very excited about that.

So for the weekend-I KNOW Valentine’s day *just* ended, but in this industry, you have to be ready to move on to the next thing, and fast. Trust me, I have been in Easter mode for a month now, due to stamp releases! LOL! I felt like the stores had to catch up with us, for once.

Publications are currently taking Halloween ideas! EEEKKK! Needless to say “I” will not be submitting for that

OK so moving on-lets think Easter! I am going to share my basket’s and Blogger’s Challenge

 Purple Posie’s-in the PTI gallery

Women of Life, and Just Hatched were used on all of these samples. Flowers are popped out using the Cuttlebug Flowers #1 die. Not an exact match, but I still love the look

 Spring Garden-using patterned paper by Scenic Route.

I made these QUICK and cute Easter Baskets JUST from my large rectangle nestability dies!

You can stamp your basket’s, or use patterned paper. If mass producing-obviously EMBOSSING the edges takes MORE time-so you don’t have to do that.

 You could alter this design by using squares as well.

The tutorial/idea would be the same, just your measurement’s may change

For the purpose of this tutorial I a making my basket in a pattern, and a solid, so you get the visual idea. It also did come very cool.

DIRECTIONS: Click thumbnails to enlarge

Step 1

 Die cut your desired cardstock/paper. You will need 4. Two for the front/back, then two for the sides.

Step 2

I used my Scor-Pal, and scored in between the last scallop-edge to edge. See photo.

On the front/back piece ONLY score bottom. On side pieces score both side AND bottom.

-On the side pieces  snip the corner (triangle off)

Step 3

Bend all scored edges FORWARD. Apply adhesive to all bent edges.

Step 4

When putting together-line up the tops scallop to scallop.

       Photo of basket sides together, bottom of basket.  Bottom attached.

Using the LARGEST scallop rectangle, it  turns out to be 3 1/2 inches squared, for your bottom piece. It becomes a square due to the way the sides were scored.

Step 5

Add a handle! Just cut about 1 1/4 inches wide by 11 inches long-end will fit perfect. Just put ends on the inside! They will also keep the sides from buckling in

Here is our finished basket!

 Flowering Treats Basket

Now here is a close-up of my CLEAR-glitter egg! I found it an our local $1 spot! 12 for a $1.

I added a band to it, and used the bird from Just Hatched. Its the perfect thing for hiding the closure, and easily slides on and off. That means REUSABLE!

Please ask any ?’s you may have here, and I will edit to answer.

If you give them a try-well send us a link here so we can all view YOUR version.

I am making these for ALL my kids classmates-which turns out to be 36 baskets! I am also giving myself plenty of time, since Easter is ABOUT 4 weeks away. That is only 9 baskets a week. I could do 3 every other day. Very workable.

NOW onto mu blogger’s challenge! WHEW! Are you still with me???

We had to use a layout on page 42 in the SU! Catalog for our card.

Well, while using this paper I decided a card to match my basket would be PERFECT!

So, I used the bunny image from the New! Eggstra Special Easter, and stamped him-upside -down. I also used Essential Sentiments for the sentiment, and the Behind the Scenes bkgds as well.

I used my Sizzix flower pot die, and created a flower pot for his butt to pop out of. I got this concept after seeing some Whipper Snapper images at a store. I wanted the stamp-but figured I was better off making my own, with my already owned, cute set.

The bunny is flocked. So looks all soft and fuzzy in person.

I used some Doodlebug Paper frills for the pot flowers.

Added some Prima’s and DONE!

Well that is all for today! WOW! What a LONG post. I hope you enjoyed it though.

I would like for you to try out the baskets as PART of my Saturday Sketch.

Speaking of which I better get working on that

Till tomorrow!