Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  Since it is Labor day weekend, here are a couple of patriotic images and sentiments for you ... enjoy!

 

Have a great weekend!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  Another week passes and another week without me making a bunch of cards to show you.  I don't have any good reasons, just doing other stuff.  The last couple of days I have been trying to figure out what my next class cards will be and I hope to work on them this weekend.  But, for today, I just have the usual Saturday share between Debbie and I.  So, let's do this ... I will show you my card, Debbie's card and the sketch we both used.  Enjoy!

My Card

Debbie's Card



The Sketch

First, my card ... this set from Inky Antics I have had for a least a year, and it has never been inked before now!  I thought my hippo needed a little color, so I named her Henrietta and painted her toe nails to match the papers!  I also added a little glossy accents!  Debbie told me she needed to do some baby cards, so that is what that is about!  I love this sketch.  I know you aren't surprised, as you know I love sketches with circles.  What do you think about today's cards and the sketch?

See you tomorrow. 
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  I get notifications on my cell phone when others pin my pins.  Okay, that sounded a little confusing, but I guess since most of you do pinterest, you'll understand.  Anyway, the point is, I can't tell how often I see that others have pinned this one saying and so I think I should share it with you here today.  When I first saw it, I thought it would be perfect to add to a card with my MFT girl holding the camera.  It would be, but it is also a reminder about life ... enjoy!

Have a great weekend!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  I am back with another share between Debbie and I.  This is one of those weeks where we had the choice of circle or square, and as we have been doing the last several months, I went square and Debbie went with the circle.  I still think this is humorous because when we first started doing the sketch a couple of years ago, we did just the opposite.  Oh well, let's get to today's cards.  I will show you my card, Debbie's card and the sketches we both used.  Enjoy!

My Card

Debbie's Card



The Sketches

The day I sat down to make my card, was the day after I had received my new kit in the mail from The Rubber Café, so that is where the papers, cardstock and stamp came from.  You rarely see me add gold cardstock unless it is the holidays, but I have to say, it came out very pretty!  And I love Debbie's card, with the big 'ole fan reminding us to "stay cool"!  The round/square sketches are not always on my "go to list", but I think this one should be!  What do you think?

I am off to teach my class today.  See you tomorrow for the Sunday words of wisdom post.
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Liberty to the Soul!

Hello!  My card today is one that Donna and I made 20 of to go into the troop boxes.  Monday night is our Blue Star Mothers meeting and it is a packing night.  Everyone will sign our cards and we will place them in the top of the filled boxes, as a thank you for fighting for our freedom.  Here is the card we made ...enjoy!

That really is a great saying ..isn't it?  The heart is from Unity stamps and the sentiment is from Stampin' Up, but they were made to go together, don't you think?

See you tomorrow for the Saturday sketch share!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream! (+ a "how-to")

Hello!  Today I have a card for you and also a share of a "how-to" that I promised you a couple of weeks ago.  I am sharing this how-to in my class this week, so I figured I had better get on the ball and share it with you here too!  First, let me show you my card.  I made the card especially for today's post, but it really is cute, so surely there would be someone to send it to for the occasion, just because.  Enjoy!

I have always loved this saying about ice cream.  Thanks to Rubber Café, it is a stamp!  The cone was one of those $.99 stamps from Imaginisce, but I liked it better than the cone on the stamp set, as the one on the stamp set is solid.  I am still having a hard time inking clear solid stamps and liking them once they are inked.  Anyway, the paper is from a summer 6 x 6 from Bo Bnnny, as well as the pink dotted strips.  Cute card, don't you think?

Now, to the embellishments .... see all those brightly colored baubles?  Those are handmade by ME!  Woo Hoo!  No, it will NOT replace my store bought rhinestones and pearls, but add to!  A saw on pinterest where they were melting pony beads, but they were saying they smoke up your kitchen, so I kinda put that idea on the back burner (ha, ha!).  Then, I saw where they were using Perler Beads.  You can find these in the kids section at a craft store.  They are designed to melt with an iron, therefore, no smoke.  This is similar to what I bought, so I would have choice of colors and the colors are already separated for me ...

The crazy part is that I saw several tutorials on pinterest and they all said a different oven temperature and a different time period to bake them, so I ended up trying a couple of them, to find which worked best for me.  Most of the tutorials said to bake the beads on parchment paper, but the first time, I didn't have any of this, so I used my Ranger craft sheet.  It worked okay, but then the next time, I had parchment paper to use.  One tutorial also suggested a glass dish is best, but I didn't see any difference.  The only time I had a problem was when I did 450 degrees .... I think it was supposed to be 10 to 15 min.  That time I must have let them stay longer as they kinda burned ... they didn't look burned but they changed colors, like the white became cream, and the blue was a dark green, go figure. 

I think I found the best temperature to be 285 degrees and 20 to 25 minutes.  The key is to line them up on the parchment paper with the hole at the top.  This takes a little time.  Here is a photo of my cookie sheet with them all lined up ...

This sheet had a lot of white ones as I was making them for my class kits.  One more note, I think I burned that one group because I was trying to cook them so that you would not see the small indention on the top of the bauble.  I think you can see what I mean if you look at the baubles on my card.  In class yesterday, one of the ladies was adding Glossy Accents over the top .... what a great idea!  I haven't tired it myself yet, but I bet this would help with the indention and also make them shinier, more like the ones that are sold in the stores.  Pretty easy.  If you experiment, send me a note or leave me a comment about it. 

Tomorrow I have  a patriotic card that Donna and I made for the troop boxes.
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  It is Sunday, so that means you get a favorite pick from my pinterest board ... enjoy!

Simple and so true!

This is my teaching week, but I have a couple of cards to show you, so I am hoping to get those on here for you.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  I am back today with another share between Debbie and I.  Let's get right to it.  I will show you my card, Debbie's card, and the sketch we both used.  Enjoy!



Tina's Card

Debbie's Card

The Sketch

I really like this sketch, as it is one that could be used with a lot of different images.  Don't you just love that puppy I used?  It is a brand new stamp set from Inky Antics.  Too cute!  Debbie's card is extra special as she did what we used to do, and that is use inks to create pretty papers.  She told me that all the papers were made using distress inks.  She even used distress ink on the ribbon to match! 
I should do that too, but for me, for now, it is all about the pretty papers, and that is okay.  Both ways make pretty cards!

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

Birthday Blessings!

Hello!  Today I have a birthday card I made for a friend from church.  The last time I made a card for one of the ladies, I was told that she has it sitting up where she can see it.  And right then, I thought, well, from now on, when I make cards for the ladies, I will make sure I make them an easel card, so that it can be easily propped up.  So, many times we give cards and the recipients don't really care about them, but when you know that they do, that is the time to make sure the one you create for them is extra special.  Here is my card, one of the front and one when with the easel.  Enjoy!

I think it came out pretty.  Truthfully I had trouble getting my coloring to match the paper.  I thought the flowers were colored too dark and with a  different tone, but instead of starting all over, as I had already done my cutting and everything, I restamped the three flowers right in the middle, and colored them differently.  It was a great idea, because it changed the tone problem I was seeing!  Just FYI, the paper is Graphic 45 and the stamps are from Inky Antics except for the happy birthday, as it is from Verve.

See you tomorrow!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Hello Butterfly! (+ Bonus Tutorial)

Hello!  My card for the day is on The Crafty Scrapper's blog.  But, I of course, want to share it here with you too.  One important element that I added on my card is a bow made with the We R Memory Keepers punch board.  Because it is simple to make, I decided to do a tutorial on how to make it.  The design team coordinator has expressed that we should limit our photos to four or five when writing our posts.  I went a little over as my post has six.  Here on my blog, there are no such rules, so I have added a couple of photos below to give you more visual.  Enjoy!

Hello!  Tina here, with another card creation, using some pretty papers and supplies from The Crafty Scrapper! 

In my recent class I taught at the store, I showed how to make an easy bow with the We R Memory Keepers Punch Board.  Below is a quick tutorial just for you.

First, cut the paper into 1" x 6", 1" x 4" and 1" x 1/2".  Take the 1" x 6" strip and insert in your punch board at the 3 inch mark and punch.

Turn it around and punch directly across from the first punch by also lining up the strip at the 3" mark.  After the two indentions are made, you will corner round all 4 corners with the corner rounder on the backside of the punch board.

 

 

 

Next, take the 1" x 4" strip and insert it in your punch board, this time at the 2" mark.

 

 

Again, turn it around and punch directly across from the first punch by also lining up the strip at the 2" mark.  The difference is this time, we are not going to use the corner rounder, but instead, insert each end into the front punch, as close to the middle as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your two strips should look like this ...

 

 



 

The shorter one will be the bottom layer.  The longer one will become the top.  On the longer one, take each end and make a loop where the rounded sides meet together. 

 

 

The small strip will go around the middle, or in the case, of the card I showed today, you can opt to add a button or other embellishment. Note here that the small strip might need to be trimmed width wise to make it fit.  I think the instructions I saw said to make it 1/4" wide, but I thought that wasn't wide enough, so I changed it to 1/2" and opted to trim slightly if needed.

 

 

That is it!  Easy Peasy!

You can find all the supplies and see this card in person at The Crafty Scrapper!

 

Recipe: (This is something else that is not seen on their blog)!

Paper - KaiserCraft Kaleidoscope Collection: "Expression" (floral), "Blank Canvas" (pink pattern), Cardstock White, Pink, Mint Green, Vellum
Stamps - Hello from Inky Antics Simple Sentiments set
Ink - Memento Black, Copics behind Butterfly Acetate
Tools - We R Memory Keepers Punch Board, Spellbinders Classic Circles, Classic Scallop Circle, Darice Wire Fence embossing folder
Other - Maya Road Butterfly Acetate, Button, Rhinestones by Queen & Co.

I love how this card came out.  In class, the bow was used like a bow on a gift box, but I wanted to create a card for their blog that showed the bow as just a card element.  I did just that!  So pretty, I think!  What about you, do you like it?

 

Happy Stamping!
Tina



 



Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  This is my pick of the day from my pinterest words board ...

Amen.

See you soon!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

August Class Share!

Hello!  This is my second post of the day, on this late Saturday afternoon.  So, if you missed my usual Saturday post, be sure to scroll down to see it.  I finished my class cards a day or two ago, but just now getting time to do the post to show you the next class samples.  Summer is a time where I can teach cards that combine the store papers with supplies that I have in my stash from companies they have ordered from before and can easily get.  I remember from when I had my store, there were certain times of the year, that you just didn't want to spend money ordering, knowing you would soon be ordering seasonal stuff that was so important.  In some ways, I love the freedom I have in creating with whatever will work.  My favorite kind of cards to make are ones that can be used for many occasions, so that you can just add your inside sentiment and be done.  And that is how these cards will be.  So, here are my class cards ...enjoy!

First up, is what they call a napkin fold card.  Not sure of this title, as I don't fold my napkins this way!  It is one of those folding type cards that look like it was hard to make, but really it is pretty darn simple to make!

 

When it is all opened up, it looks like this and that middle section opens up, so that you can add your sentiment and write your message ...

 

 Next, is a diorama card, one that we have done before.  But, a super easy one that I wanted to repeat.   The fun, creativity part is using die cuts to create the scene ...

 

 This is the backside where your message will go ...

 

 And this shows a side view, so you can see the "diorama" ...

And lastly, the third card is called a spring side card or I also saw that someone called it a twist turn card.  It's quite unique and one that was on my "to do" list! 

 

 This shows the opening and the place for your message.  Definitely, an interesting card!

Here are the class details ... Remember even if you are not local, or if you just can't come, I do kits that are complete with instructions and photos.  All you have to do is put them together!

Butterfly Smiles - Wed. August 20 11 a.m. and August 23rd 2:30 p.m. $25

This month's cards are all smaller size cards, but that doesn't change the fact that they are unique and creative. The first card is a napkin fold card.  I love cards that look difficult, but are so easy to make!  The second card is a fun diorama card using several die cuts from Impression Obsession. And, the last one is what they call a spring side card or a twist turn card.  Two diagonal score lines make this unique card.  No theme on the cards for this month, other than each has butterflies on it, hence the title.  All the cards would be perfect to send for numerous occasions.  I also have a small bonus project in class, where you will learn how to line any size envelope with the We R Memory Keepers punch board!   Please bring adhesive to include scor tape (1/8", and larger), clear adhesive (like glossy accents or quicky glue pen),  pop-up dots, detailed scissors, a bone folder (or other scoring tool), and your preferred coloring medium.  All other supplies provided.  (Copics used (for those who have asked to know ahead of time): card 3:E00, E35, BG57, G40, YR61, R32, R35, Y15)

I have to share one more thing about this class and it is about the class title.  Before. the cards were even done, I had that quote in my head ..."good things come in small packages" and so I thought I would just change that a little and call my class ..."good cards come in small envelopes".  Well, then, when the cards were all done and I was working on the bonus project of showing how to make an liner for any size envelope, I realized that none of the envelopes were small, so then I thought maybe I would change it to "good greetings come in small cards".  In the end, I decided that no one would "get it" (except you because I am sharing my thoughts), so I changed it to something simple because it seems that all three cards have at least one butterfly on them, not planned, but they do!

And lastly, the store has made signing up for classes, whether you are coming or getting a  kit so easy, as now you can do all of that directly on their website including paying,  Good job!  www.thecraftyscrapper.com

 

Thanks for listening to my thoughts.   I really love sharing with you.
Happy Stamping!
Tina  .

Saturday's Sketch Share!

Hello!  I know you are thinking I am really late today!  Yes, I am.  I had a meeting to go to this morning at my church and thought it would fine to wait until right after lunch to write my post for today.  And then something happened .... our electricity went out!  Yep, on one of the hottest days of 100 + degrees!  It was off for about 2 and half hours.  I guess it could be worse and it could still be off ... don't even think it!  I actually have two posts now late in the day.  Of course, this one will show you the cards that Debbie and I made with the sketch of the week.  And following this post, will be my August class share.  Below is my card, Debbie's card, and the sketch we both used.  Enjoy!

My Card

Debbie's Card

Looking at the sketch right now, I just realized I didn't add anything where they put that bow!  And neither did Debbie!  I honestly did not do it on purpose, but I also think it doesn't need anything else!  (Well, other than my rhinestone glued on better!)  As you know, most sketches are vertical, so it is nice to have a horizontal choice.  I like it, what are your thoughts?

Don't forget to look for my next post with my August class share.  And then tomorrow, I will share my quote of the day for my words of wisdom post.

Try to stay cool!
Happy Stamping!
Tina


Sunday Words of Wisdom!

Hello!  My pick of the day is one about faith and fear ...enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday Sketch Share!

Hello!  I am back today with another share between Debbie and I.  Let's get right to it.  I will show you my card, and then Debbie's card, and of course, the sketch we both used.  Enjoy!

My Card



Debbie's Card

The Sketch

I changed the tint on my card on the computer, as I was trying to make the light pink that I colored the shoes, to show up.  I think we both liked this sketch.  It has a lot of interesting elements I think.  I do want to make a couple of notes about my card, and the first is I used some of that washi tape I seem to be "collecting"!  I did layer the washi tape over the bright pink cardstock so it would have the same hue.  And second, see those baubles I used in the right hand corner?  They are actually Perler Beads that I melted in the oven!  I will be sharing a little how-to in one of my posts next week.  I hope you enjoyed today's cards. 

Happy Stamping!
Tina