Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  Hmm.... I bet you can guess what the kind of quote I would share with you today ... yes, you are exactly right!  I had to find the perfect New Year's quote!  I found several, but my pick for the day is this ... enjoy!

I picked it first because it looked "artsy" and then the sentiment ... perfect!

I am in the middle of cleaning my stamp shack so that I can get my stamping mojo going again.  It had gotten so bad that it was affecting my creativity!  And then I have to get January's class samples made.  So, when I do, I will have that to show you.  Also, expect from me, sometime this week, my annual favorites of 2013!  

Happy Stamping!
Tina

With Sympathy x 2!

Hello!  This is my second post for today.  I had to make a couple of sympathy cards for my stepdaughter's guy and mom a couple of days ago.  Even though the occasion is not a happy one, I still have to show you the cards I made.  And they are nice ones, at least I think so ... enjoy!

 

 

As you know, sympathy cards are the one time that I like the more simple look.  However, both of these cards still have "my look" and are not as simple as I have seen some people do.  They came out nice, didn't they?

Recipes:
Card #1 -
Paper - My Minds Eye Honey Cake 6 x 6 pad, Cardstock Natural White, Dark Brown
Stamps - Sentiment by Impression Obsession
Ink - Versafine Brown
Tools - Spellbinders Classic Circle, Border edge, Cuttlebug Diamond embossing folder, Stampin' Up Square Lattice embossing folder, Memory Box Prim Poppy die
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Brown Pearls

Card #2 -
Paper- Authentique Loyal Collection 6 x 6, Cardstock Natural White, Teal Blue, Olive Green
Stamps - Sentiment by Impression Obsession
Ink - Memento Black
Tools- My Favorite Things Scallop Edging border die, Spellbinders Classic Rectangle
Other- Ribbon by May Arts, Pearls

See you tomorrow for the words of wisdom post.
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  I have two awesome cards to show you for this week's sketch.  I went with a New Year's card and Debbie did one last Christmas card.  Let's get to it ... I will show you my card, Debbie's card, and the sketch we both used.  Oh, by the way, you will probably see that the sketch is similar to the sketch I used for one of the tags in my last class and one I turned into a card to send.  This is the sketch that I got my inspiration from!  Enjoy!

 

 

My Card

Debbie's Card

The Sketch

 

I love how they both turned out!  And, of course, you already know I love the sketch, this one and the variation that I did.  I see that we both added those little dots around the larger circle.  Wow, that really adds to the cards!  I am going to have to pin Debbie's card on my Pinterest Christmas board, as I think her card would make an awesome card to send next year!  I don't have that wise men stamp, but I have others that would work just as well.  What do you think of the last two sketch cards of the year?

 

I have another two cards to share with you.  I am writing that post now.  And then tomorrow, I will have the words of wisdom quote for you.  Also, Monday or Tuesday, I will work on picking out my favorites for the year.  That post is always a favorite!  On my agenda today is to clean my stamp shack room!  It is awful!  After that I can work on my next class samples.  I was at the store yesterday and they want me to have them done by the 1st!  Oh, by the way, if you are local, you should definitely go to The Crafty Scapper between now and Tuesday, as they are having a HUGE sale ... everything 50% off!  Believe me, I did my share of spending ... you should too!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Merry Christmas! Treats & Gifts!

Merry Christmas!  I promised you a post yesterday to show you a couple of handmade treat bags, but didn't get it written, so I am rolling that post into this one and showing you treat bags and the last three cards I made for gift cards.  First up, it the treat bag that Donna and I made together to give to our friends on the last crop night.  Donna found this pin here on pinterest.  You will see on the right side of the blog post, there is a link to take you to the tutorial.  We had got these adorable solar elves and santas that we wanted to put in the boxes, so we needed a little space for them to fit.  I adjusted the measurements just a little bigger, but not enough that it changed the look of the box.  Let me show you our treat box ...

 

 

The Front

The inside

The decorations on the outside came about as I had a bunch of these snowflake pattern paper circles cut out already.  They were the left overs from the snow globe card that I taught in my October card class.  We decided on the Hero Arts reindeer, as it would be easy ... this set comes with a die to match, so no fussy cutting.  All the pieces were cut, and the box still needed "something", that is when we decided an embossed background would do the trick.  So, we just added one more layer of red embossed with a folder she had.  (I think it was from Lifestyle Crafts).  Then we went to the closure.  We first thought ribbon.  But quickly found out, ribbon was not the way to go, and when we added the simple red twine, we decided ... perfect!  I love how these came out!

I have one more treat box to show you.  I had the store order for me a stamp from My Favorite Things of the a girl holding a nail polish bottle.  So cute and I knew it would be adorable to make something for the lady that does my pedicures.  This is what I came up with!  Enjoy!

 

I just made a small box and used two Spellbinders dies for the tall sides.  One in cardstock and one in pattern paper.  She loved it and so do I! 

Next, I want to show you three more cards I made for the three older grand kids.  The two younger grand kids I sent their money in the gift holders I taught in my class ... I had kits leftover and I figured I might as well put them to good use.  But, for the three older ones ... here's the deal, we usually give them money, plus some kind of cd they ask for.  But, this year, we didn't find out what cd they wanted so we got them a Target gift card and I knew if I just had a envelope for them, they would immediately know what was up.   So, I decided to make the cards to perfectly fit in a cd case and then I would wrap it as a cd and they wouldn't know what was going on until they unwrapped it.  It worked ... I heard the 17 year old say that he didn't know what cd we got him, that he couldn't remember telling us!  Here are the three inside the cases ... enjoy!

And here they are individually ...

 

And here is the inside with the gift card slot.  I saw this tip on pinterest ... it was so easy to make a gift card slot with the Stampin' Up word punch.  Wow, you think I would have thought of that idea before!  The set I used for the cards is the new set I ordered from The Cat's Pajamas.  So glad I got to ink it up for more cards this year!

That is it for the holidays for me ... no more Christmas images to be stamped ... woo hoo!  My room is a total disaster!  I am ready to get it cleaned up and things put away, especially all the Christmas papers, stamps, and stuff. 

I do have to make a couple of sympathy cards for my stepdaughter's guy's dad who passed away early this morning, so when I get those done, I will have them to show you.  And, I must get this week's share card done for Saturday.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! 
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Merry Christmas!

Hello!  As you know, my friend Donna and I got together quite a few times this season to work on Christmas cards together.  She had bought that Stampin' Up stamp they call Dasher and really wanted to make some cards with it.  We went looking for some ideas ... all I can say, is wow!  There are tons of ideas.  This is what we came up with.  Yes, we cased a card, see it here.  Of course, ours is different.  And we got to use our Spellbinders poinsettia dies too!  Here is our card ... enjoy!

 

 

 

I can't tell you what the paper is, as it was in a big 12 x 12 pad that Donna had in her stash.  Simple card, but oh, so pretty! 

As you are seeing this, we are probably on our way back from Gary's daughters house.  If all goes well, I will be back tomorrow to show you some little treat boxes. 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!   Looking for Christmas quotes on pinterest, I came across this pretty picture ... decided it was a must ... enjoy!

 

 

See you Monday for one more card. 
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  Another sketch share and another circle or square choice.  This time around, I went with a square and Debbie went with a circle.  Two more fun Christmas cards to share.  Let's get to them ... I will show you my card, Debbie's card, and the sketch choices we had.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

My Card



Debbie's Card



The Sketch Choices

Both turned out pretty cute.  What do you think?

See you tomorrow for the Sunday words of wisdom post.

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Happy Holidays with a Merry Wreath!

Hello!  I know I said I had two cards to show you, one yesterday and one today.  Well, as you see, yesterday has passed, and today is almost gone too!  I have been busy, busy ... lots of Christmas time stuff, like addressing and signing the 75 + cards I made, wrapping some gifts, making gift card holders for the grand kids ... etc.  So, this is what we are gonna do ... I will show you one today, and one on Monday.  Tomorrow you will get the Saturday share, and of course, Sunday the words of wisdom post.  Then, Tuesday, I 'll show you a couple of treat boxes, one I made and one that Donna and I made together.  And I should be even able to show you the gift card holders I made on Christmas Day.  I am setting up the Sat., Sun., and Mon. posts now.  Tomorrow, we are heading up to his daughters for the weekend for the family Christmas get together.  Here is my card for the day ... enjoy!

 

 

 

 

I used that wreath die on a Saturday share card a couple of weeks ago, but since it was new, I really wanted to get to use it again.  To show it off, I made a tent card.  So simple to make.  The foldover card is just smaller and the circles are adhered on the lower part, making sure that the whole card  doesn't stand taller than 5 1/2" to fit into your envelope.  The paper is Basic Grey.  And that fancy Circle die is a new set I ordered from Spellbinders ... love it!  The holly wreath die is also from Spellbinders.  The sentiment is a cheapy ... $1 stamp ... but it works!  What do you think?  Do you like this one?

 

Sketch share tomorrow.  Stop back by!

Happy Stamping!

Tina 

 

 

 

 

 

Same Sketch ... Different Looks!

Hello!  A couple of weeks ago, I did this card for a Saturday share.  Knowing I would probably like to make more of this card, I went ahead and cut as many pieces as I could out of the 6 x 6 pad that I used for my card, well, except for one of the panels.  In the original sketch, there was a rectangle angled panel behind the scallop circle (the original card had trees on this panel), as it was a pretty good size piece and I knew I would not have enough papers to add this, so I left it off.  You will see it is still a great sketch without it!  All my pieces were kit waiting for me to finish for a couple of weeks.  By the time I got to it, I decided on the ones that the papers were slightly different, I would stamp a different image ... just to not be so repetitive.  So, here are the three samples ... same paper pad, same cardstock colors, same layout, but different stamps.  Enjoy!

 

If you look real close, you will see that I did a little paper piecing on each card: Ruta (yes, my reindeer is a girl again this year!) had her front and hat in stripes, the birdie has a strip of red pattern on her ornament, and the Christmas tree has dot paper on the presents.  I love how all three came out, how about you? 

Recipes:
Paper - Carta Bella Merry & Bright 6 x 6 pad, Cardstock White, Red (not a bright red, not sure what to call it)
Stamps - Card 1: Verve, Card 2: Inky Antics, Card 3: Michaels Recollections set
Ink - Memento Black, Copics
Tools - Spellbinders Classic Scallop Circles, Classic Circle, Stamps for Life Scallop Border
Other - Rhinestones, Gelly Roll Glitter Pen

Donna & I got together yesterday and made two more card designs, 24 total cards that we split.  Now, I think I have enough made to send!  I think there is about 75!  I will show you those two card designs tomorrow and the next day.  See you then!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

From Rags to Riches? No, It Is Tags to Wishes!

Hello!  I had three kits left from my last class, so I decided to turn the three tags into cards that I could send!  After all, pieces were already cut and stamped, I just had to do a little creative creating. 

 

The first tag was the snow globe penguin tag (you will see it below).  I decided I would want to add it to a card base, but it took up most of the front of the card, so I thought of a card that I taught back in March, seen here. This card has a pop-up easel in the middle of the card.  It is perfect to showcase the snow globe!  Let me show you with instructions to follow.  Enjoy!

Penguin Card

Card Front Closed

 

Penguin Tag

Making this folded card is super simple.  All you do is make a regular A-2 size fold-over card.  Cut 
1 1/4" on either end only up to the score line.  Glue these two down to base.  (On closed card, you see the red/white pattern paper strips). Score just the middle section at 2" from the top fold.  This creates your easel. I added black cardstock here, so you can see this behind the snow globe when the card is closed.  The snow globe is only adhered on the before portion of the score line.  I popped up the inside sentiment, creating a stop for the globe.
 
Recipe:
Paper - Kaiser Craft Santa's List Line: "Plum Pudding", Cardstock White, Red, Black
Stamps - Darcie's Christmas Note, Inside Sentiment from Verve
Ink - Memento Black, Copics
Tools - Cuttlebug Polka Dot embossing folder, Impression Obsession Snow globe die, Spellbinders Classic Scallop Circle
Other - Quicky Glue Pen, Clear Glitter, Rhinestones

Next, is the ornament tag turned into ornament card ... enjoy!

Ornament Card

Ornament Tag

As you can see, my card is very much like my tag.  Really, the only differences is that I made a larger aqua panel, and extended the sentiment red/cream panels to take up more space on the card.  This sketch is actually a variation of one that will be next week's sketch with Debbie. 

Recipe:
Paper - Pink Paislee Snow Village Line: " Buttered Rum", Cardstock Aqua, Cream Red, Gold
Stamps - A Muse
Ink - Memento Black, Copics (onto glitter)
Tools - Elizabeth Crafts Ornament Dies, Cuttlebug Polka Dot embossing folder, Spellbinders Classic Scallop Circle, Classic Circle
Other - Glitz Ritz Glitter - Highlight Cool, Scor-tape in sheets, Gold cord from May Arts, Red Ribbon

The third tag is a round tag, which I originally thought I would leave as a round card, but then changed my mind and made the circles a little smaller to fit on a card and this is the result.  Enjoy!

Ornament Card



Ornament Tag

The card base pattern paper is the backside of the pink snowflake paper and I had just enough to make these three cards.  And the ribbon is not the exact same color, but it works! 

Recipe:
Paper - Crate Paper Bundled Up line: "Winter" (Pink/backside Words), "Sledding" (Dots), Cardstock Green, Cream
Stamps - Sentiment from AMuse
Ink - Memento Black
Tools - Spellbinders Classic Scallop Circle, Classic Circle, Impression Obsession Tree Border die
Other - Glitter strips from Elizabeth Crafts, Double Dot ribbon from Bo Bunny

What do you think?  Do you like my three cards, switched from tags?  I love how all three came out!

I have another set of three cards to show you ... will be back tomorrow or the next day!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  Today was an easy pick.  I put in the search box "Christmas quotes" and this is the first one I saw ... perfect for today ... enjoy!

I am getting close to finishing my Christmas cards, well, within 10 to 15, but that is better than it was.  I will be doing some posts next week to show you some of the new ones.  Take care and stay calm! 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  Another week and you have not seen me ... busy, busy ... it is that time of year, you know.  Every week my sketch card is supposed to be sent to Debbie early in the week, but this week it didn't even go in the mail until Friday.  Monday, my hubby and I got my new phones and by the time that I got Verizon to help me transfer everything over on both of them, it was late.  Tuesday, I went to Donna's and we made little treat boxes for friends.  I will be showing you those next week.  Wednesday, my hubby and I went out to do a little Christmas shopping, and so finally, Thursday I got to work on this week's card and also bring in the decorations ... now to just get them put up!  I know I am running out of time!  I really could use about 3 or 4 extra days ... do you know where I could order them?  Hee, Hee!  Also, last year, I think I was making three or four of one card idea and then moving on to another design.  But, this year, I seem to just be making additional ones of the Saturday shares.  Whatever works, right?  

Speaking of the Saturday's shares, I guess I had better get to today's card so I can get back to the cards and the decorations.  Debbie and I, unknowingly, picked snowmen for our theme for this week's card.  You will see how two cards, even with the same theme and sketch, come out so different by the papers and the stamps used.  Let's get to it ... I will show you my card, Debbie's card, and the sketch we both used.  Enjoy! 

My Card

Debbie's Card

The Sketch

At first glance, I liked this sketch and I still do, but I did have a little issue with making it all fit.  I originally had larger circles but had to cut them down when I could see there would not be enough room for my snowman panel.  By the way, this is a new stamp from The Cat's Pajamas ... I love it!  There is another snowman in the set with a guitar ... which I want to ink up if there is time!  Both sentiments on today's cards are great, don't you think?  What do you think of this week's sketch?

I will be back tomorrow for the Sunday words of wisdom post.  See you then!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  My pick of the day is a great friend quote!  Enjoy!

If I would have thought ahead, it would have been fun to print this one out, color it in and then post it for you!  I guess I should add that to my "to do" list! 

Never went out to my shack yesterday ... just too darn cold.  Will try today, so hopefully I will have something cards to show you this week.  Stay warm!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  Have you missed me this week?  I taught on Wednesday, so the three days before that, I was busy prepping for my tag/gift bag/gift card class.  There was so much die cutting to get done, my friend Donna even came over on Monday to help me.  Got it all done and had a good class on Wed. and planned to go back today for part two.  On Wed. it was 70 degrees, on Thursday it was 30 degrees and sleeting, well, not where I am, but where most people live.  Here, we just got some rain, a little thunder, a light snow dusting.  But, I cancelled today because the ladies coming couldn't get there and in fact, I think they are not even opening the store today, which is a great reason for me not to go!  Enough about that, let's get to the cards we have for you today for the share.  I will show you my card, Debbie's card and the sketch we both used.  Enjoy!

 

 

Tina's Card

Debbie's Card



The Sketch

At first glance, the sketch looked a little simple for my liking, but after doing it, I think I like it.  It would definitely be an easy "go-to"!  That little wreath I used is one of those D-lites from Spellbinders and it came by UPS on the exact day that I was making this card.  So perfect, don't you think?  Those little half circles at the top of the card are a little odd, but it does help with the balance of the card!  I took the picture of Debbie's card with the camera (instead of the printer scanner) so you could see the little 3D ornament she made for the "o" in joy!  Cute!  The other little embellishment, that little tree seems to be made of balsa wood or something.  What do you think of today's sketch?

I have two heaters that I can turn on in my shack, so maybe I will get out there today to work on some more Christmas cards.  I sure need to!  Time is a wastin'!  I will see you tomorrow for the Sunday words of wisdom quote.  Stay safe, stay warm!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  Today's quote is simple, but oh, so true!  Enjoy!

 

 

Just a reminder that this week is my teaching week and I have a lot of class kit prepping to do, so don't look for me until late in the week.  Have a great one!

Happy Stamping!
Tina