Forever Friends

Today I have another card that would qualify for the challenge at Joan's Gardens.   I love to design this type of card - lace, frills and flowers.  I started off by using two of my favorite embossing folders.  On the top half of this card I used the Marianne Design (DS0908) embossing folder and on the bottom half I used the lower portion of the Sizzix "Thank You Set #5" (656983) embossing folder.  The Marianne folder was embossed on the left end of my card stock and then the piece was turned the other way and I used the bottom portion of the Sizzix embossing folder to create the lattice under the top embossed piece.  I had to place the card stock into the Sizzix folder twice in order to get the design all the way across.  It matches up perfectly when you do this.  

It is a little hard to see but I die cut the Cheery Lynn "Anastasia Border" (B136) and attached it between the edge of the two embossed sections.  This wasn't necessary but I felt like it gave a little more "frill" to the card.  On the top portion I used the Memory Box "Amira Flourish" (98183) to fill in the blank area of that embossed design.  That is such a gorgeous flourish and it fit perfect in that area.  A small pink bow was created with the "Bow Easy" and attached to the center of the flourish.  I have not made vellum flowers in a long time.  They are so dainty and look beautiful on Valentine cards.  To create these vellum flowers I used the Punch a Bunch "Cherry Blossom" sometimes it is called "Sakurus" flower punch and layered three of them for each flower.  In the center I added a small white Kaiser Craft pearl.  The die cut leaves around the vellum flowers are the Cheery Lynn "Olive Branch" (B147).  One Martha Stewart Branch was also added by the flower.  

The beautiful lacy heart is the Cheery Lynn "Celtic Heart" ((B144).  I used a Spellbinders heart to die cut a backing for it because I wanted to stamp the sentiment in the center.  The sentiment is from the JustRite "Friendship Blooms" stamp set.  I love having my JustRite stamp sets because they always have lots of sentiments.  The Celtic Heart was attached with dimensional dots.  The corners were die cut using the Marianne (LR0180) die.  This die also has doilies with it.  The outside border was punched using the Martha Stewart "Loop Hearts" border punches.

All the products used on my card can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.  

We are getting a lot of entries in the challenge at Joan's Gardens this week.  I hope you have joined in on the fun. 

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Heartfelt Creations Shadow Box Tutorial

 

Below is a detailed tutorial on how to create this Shadow Box.  This is the Shadow Box Joan loved and asked me do prepare a tutorial for.   This is one of the cards I designed for the new Heartfelt Creations Decorative Basket Collection.    

 

To create this shadow box, start with two pieces of card stock cut 6" square.  Score two opposite sides at 1/2".  This will create the "box".

Using one of the pieces just scored (which will be the top), place the largest Spellbinder "Lacy Square" die on the top portion of the center of the card.  I used a Cuttlebug border embossing folder to create an embossed design under the opening.  You cannot run both the Nestie and the embossing folder through the machine at the same time but you need to lay both pieces on there to know that they will fit.  

 

Once you have cut the "Lacy Square" out with the Nestie, you need to cut the center out  of that piece leaving just the scalloped border, so you can add that border inside the opening now in the shadow box.  I used my  Fiskars Sure Cut Paper Trimmer to cut that center out.  This paper trimmer has a wire that runs along the cutting line so you can see exactly where you are going to cut.  The little orange handle that houses the cutting blade has a line on it to use as a guide so you know where you will start cutting.  You line up that line at the point where you want to start and stop cutting.  I lined the blade up so it would leave about a quarter inch border around the scallops.  

 

This is what the die cut looks like once you cut out the center of the Lacy Square.

 

Next I embossed the smaller border under the bottom of the opening for the shadow box.  In this picture I have placed the scalloped border back in the cut opening.  That scalloped border needs something to attach to, so I used clear card stock on the back

 

 It is really hard to see, but I cut a piece of clear card stock to fit on the inside of that top piece - it covers most of the inside.  When I laid the front down on my desk, I also inserted the scalloped piece.  At this point it is just laying in there.

An opening needs to be cut in the middle of the clear card stock to create the opening.  I taped the white square, I had cut out, on top of the clear card stock over the opening - use removable tape .  This was done to hold it in place so I could cut around it, and get a perfect opening in the clear card stock.

 

The clear card stock was place on the paper cutter and the opening was cut out of it.  Cut all around the outside edge of that square - all the way around.

 

To attach the clear card stock to the inside of the top of the shadow box, I used 1/8" ScorTape around the edges and place it over the opening, making sure the cut edge of the clear card stock is centered over the front opening, on the top of the card.  If you find that is it off a little, you can use your small scissors to trim it up, but it should match up.

Next you need to attach the scalloped piece on the front of the card onto the clear card stock.  Use 1/8" ScoreTape around that narrow border.  When you place it back in the opening, the tape will stick to the border you have created with the clear card stock.  Isn't that a cool way to get those pretty scallops on the opening of your shadow box!

To attach the top and bottom pieces together to create the shadow box,  I used 1/4" ScorTape down both sides along the score line on the outside of the back piece.

You can attach one of the sides as shown above.  Before you attach the other side, you need to complete the inside of the shadow box.  I used the Heartfelt Creations "Basket Weave Background" (HFC 3413) for the background.  It was white embossed on green card stock.

To create the pink flowers, I used the Heartfelt Creations "Botanical Florals 1" and "Botanical Florals 2"  stamp sets.  The flowers were white embossed on pink vellum. They were cut out using the matching Spellbinder "Rose Creations" dies. The leaves are from the Heartfelt Creations "Leaf Medley PreCut Set" (HCPC 3405).  They were white embossed on white vellum paper and cut out with the matching Spellbinders "Foliage Shapeabilities" dies.

In order to shape the flowers, I spritzed both the flowers and the leaves with water.  This causes the vellum to curl up.  You need to pat them dry with a paper towel.  You can see the different in the flowers in the two pictures.  The flowers may completely curl up, but you can pull them out and shape them.

The center of the flowers were shaped with the tip of the white tool in the Flower Tool Kit.  You just push around that small opening causing the petals to curl up.

To attach each layer, a small amount of glue was added around the hole in the center of the flower, then using the "top" of the stylus in the Flower Tool Kit, push it down into the black mat.

Here is a picture of the top of that stylus.  On the other end, you can add different sizes of stylus points for shaping your flowers, and this end is used to press the layers together.  If you get glue on it, just wipe it off with a damp towel.  All the tools in the Flower Tool Kit are so useful for creating all types of flowers.

To create the stamens for these flowers, I used the "Sparkle" punch.  Every point was cut in half to cause it to "frill" out.

Three "Sparkles" were used for each stamen.  They were glued together and pushed down in the black mat before adding them to the center of the flowers.

Once the flower is all put together, this is how it will look.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. As you know, all the products I use can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Be sure to check back tomorrow.  Joan and I have some exciting news to share with you.

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Springtime

It is beautiful outside today even though it is still chilly out.  My tulips are definitely coming up so wanted to design a springtime card today.  I used three different stamps sets.  The bunny and basket are from Heartfelt Creations.  This stamp is "Bunny Bouquet" 778E,  The butterfly is from the "Nature's Note" set  and the sentiment is from "In Flight", both sets from Our Craft Lounge.  In case you can't read it the sentiment says "Just living is not enough said the Butterfly.  One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little Flower" by Hans Christian Anderson.

The lavender pendent was die cut with the new Spellbinders "Parisian Motifs" and the border along the top edge is from the "Parisian Accents" die cut set.  The sentiment was stamped on white card stock and cut out with the Spellbinders "Big Scallop Circles" die.  The Heartfelt bunny and basket were stamped, colored with Copic markers, and cut out with scissors.  The butterfly was white embossed on vellum and colored on the back and cut out.  Lavender Vellum flowers were created with the Martha Stewart "Hydrangea Punches".  All the elements were arranged on the card then four very small vellum flowers were made to put in the basket and one in front of it, to give the card more dimension.

I appreciate you stopping by and hope you are enjoying your weekend. 

All products used on this card can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Tea Cup Explosion Box Tutorial

This weekend Joan had a workshop at her home and I had the privilege of designing the products she would be teaching.  She wanted to use the Sizzix Big Die "3-D Tea Cup" for one of the projects.  Isn't it a great tea cup.  To give a surprise element to the project I asked if I could design an explosion box and have the tea cup in the center.  She loved the idea. 

To create the explosion box I started with a 12x12 inch piece of pink card stock.  Not all 12x12 card stock is exactly 12 inches so I cut it down to 11 3/4 inches.  I needed the box as large as possible in order for the cup and saucer to fit perfectly in the center.  This piece was scored at 3 3/4" on all four sides.  For the lid, use a 6 1/2" square piece of card stock and score it at 1 inch on all four sides. 

To create the box, cut away the four corners, cutting right on the score lines,  and your piece will look like this.  Use a bone folder to crease all the score lines.  The sides of the box will be held up with the lid and will fall down to show what is inside.

For the lid, cut a 1 inch slit up to the score line.  Do this on both ends of that side.  Turn the lid completely around and do the same thing on the opposite side.  Cut off the corners at an angle starting from score line cutting out to the edge. By cutting the corners off, the pieces will fit better when taped down.  Decorate the top of the lid first, then put ScorTape on each corner and tuck them in to create the lid.   

The products used to decorate this box are: as mentioned above the Sizzix Big Die "3-D Tea Cup;  JustRite "You Inspire Me" and "Mother Nature's Gifts" stamp sets; Martha Stewart "Monarch butterfly trim" punch; Martha Stewart "Monarch Butterfly" punch; Sizzix Corner Flourish #2; Sizzix Branch with Leaves; Nestabilities Lotus Pendant; Pink and Purple vellum for the flowers.  The saucer that comes with the die was too large so I used two Nestability ovals:  the smallest Petite Oval Lg and the second smallest Classic Oval Scallop.  The cup was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I did not emboss the handle to make it look more realistic.  The trim on the lid was something in my "stash".  It was attached with ScorTape. All products used for this project can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Two other projects were completed at the workshop and I will show them tomorrow.  I think every one had a great time working on this project.  Joan's next workshop will be in June.  These workshops usually fill up even before she announces them, so if you would like to attend, be sure and email Joan for date information and to make your reservation.  There is no charge for her workshops.  You can see the other projects and read about the workshops she had this weekend at Joan's Gardens.

A few weeks ago, I showed you a lid from another explosion box I made.  That one is a different size and I will post that box again showing the inside, and will give you the dimensions.  Watch for that one later this week.

Butterfly Votive with Vellum Flowers

Votive with no candle

Votive with lit candle in daylight

Votive with lit candle at night

Today I did not create a new card but was playing with something I have been wanting to do for a long time.  I had this votive and all it had on it were the white metal double mounted butterflies.  I wanted to add some flowers.  First I cut a Nestabilities Lacy Circle to attach to the bottom of the votive.  Before attaching it I embossed it with the Cuttlebug Dotted Swiss embossing folder.  I created a lot  of vellum purple flowers using the Martha Stewart Hydrangea punches and the green vellum leaves were punched with the Martha Stewart "Frond" punch.  I wasn't sure it would work, but I attached the flowers and leaves to the glass on the votive with "Tombo Mono Aqua Liquid Glue".  It worked -- at least the flowers are still on and I think they are there to stay.  This glue is clear so it doesn't show through the glass.

Well that was my quick and easy project for you today.  I love creating flowers out of vellum because they are so quick and easy to make, and can really dress things up.  Hope you enjoyed my "frilly" project. 

I am sure most of you have read my tutorial on how to make the vellum flowers, but if not, there is a link on my side bar.  The candle inside the votive has a battery - not fire.

All productds in "bold" can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Bird and Cage

I have had company and lots going on, so missed a couple of days of posting.  Today I wanted to use the Tim Holtz "Caged Bird" die for a birdcage to show off this pretty bird.    The design paper I used is from Graphic 45 "Le Romantique" paper pad.  The branches were die cut using the Sizzix "Birds & Branches Die".  The bird is from a K&Company Grand Adhesions Dimensional Stickers" pack. 

The birdcage was die cut and shaped using tools from the Flower Tool Kit available from Joan's Gardens.  Two of the branches from the branch die were used.  They were cut out using green card stock then the branches were sponged with a sponge dauber and brown ink.  Some green ink was sponged over it and the leaves.  Vellum flowers were punched using a Martha Stewart flower punch, shaped then added to the branches and around the bird.  The sentiment is from one of my favorite JustRite stamps sets "You Inspire me".  It was black embossed on green card stock and cut out with scissors.  A piece of velvet trim was added to the bottom of the card.

We have a lot of exciting things happening at Joan's Gardens this week.  Tomorrow Joan will be back with the weekly Tag Challenge.  I have my tag all ready and I am anxious for you to see it.  You won't want to miss the next Weekly Challenge at Joan's Gardens on Thursday.  This challenge is really exciting. Some fabulous prizes will be available for those that participate. 

All the products used on my card today can be purchased from Joan's Gardens.

Valerie's Gift Blog Hop

Shadow Box

Sentiment on Card

This is a special blog hop for Colleen Dickinson.  A new stamp was released by Whimsy Stamps and was named after Colleen's daughter, Valerie who passed away in a fatal car accident.  The name of this stamp is "Valerie's Gift".

Fourteen of Colleen's blogging friends are participating in a "surprise" blog hop using this cute stamp named in honor of her daughter.  I am so happy I was asked to participate.  I will be sending this card to you Colleen.   I created a shadow box to frame this cute stamp.  The front of the box was created using the Cuttlebug "Brocade Window" Cut and Emboss folder.  The image was stamped twice so one could be cut apart to make her dimensional.  Three pieces are dimensional:  The head and collar; the gift; and her boots.  She was colored with colored pencils and oms.  The bottom of the shadow box has a piece of lavender design paper attached to it.  Valerie was attached with two, double thick, clear glue pop dots, to lift her high from the bottom of the box.  Two rows of grass were cut with a Martha Stewart "grass punch" and added. There is a lot of dimension to this image.

The greeting is from the JustRite "Thinking of You" set.  It was cut out using scissors, sponged around the edges, and attached with pop dots.  I made some purple vellum flowers and added them to the greeting and around the frame.  Small pearls were added to the center of each flower.  Martha Stewart butterfiles were added to complete the card.  A piece of card stock was punched on two sides with the Martha Stewart "Swirling Lace" punch and attached to the back of the shadow box.

Here are all the bloggers participating in this blog hop for Colleen:

Mary Anne
Patti J.
Shirley    
Linda Payne
Dee Marie
Betty Benton
Patti Sue Nelson
Theresa Pollock 
Cheri Weston
Geri U. 
Rebekka Reed
Selma S.     (you are here)
Patti Painter
Olga

Have fun checking out all these beautiful cards.

All products listed in bold are available from Joan's Gardens.

One stamp, Two looks

Front of Gold and Black Card

(It's funny, I have to lean back from my computer to see the black.  For some reason it looks gray when I am close to computer screen.)

Inside Gold and Black Card

This card completed in Pastel

First, I want to thank all you for the wonderful comments on my post yesterday.  I have really enjoyed reading all of them.  It makes me feel good to know you enjoy my work. 

Joan and I both have been wanting a beautiful heart stamp to work with.  She found the two beautiful stamps used on these cards (the heart and verse) from Penny Black stamps.  The name of the heart stamp is "Love is the Message".  The name of the greeting, used inside, is "Dreams Come True". Joan has both these stamps in stock.  

Today I wanted to show you how different one stamp can look.  The first card was created using black and gold.   The card stock used for the card is ivory cut 5.5 inches square.   The border was created using gold card stock and the new Martha Stewart "Double Arches" punches.  Isn't it a beautiful frame.  The image was stamped, on black card stock,  with VersaMark ink and gold embossed.  The punched frame was backed with black card stock.  I wanted the design to be the focal point so did not add  a lot of embellishment -- only a black rhinestone on each corner. The image on the inside of the card is from the Studio 490, Wendy Vecchi,  "Botanical Art" set.  Both the design and the pretty greeting were black embossed.  I used the same punch as used on the front for just a border along the bottom.

The second card is very pastel.  I used a piece of ColorBok "Pearlescent Paper" for the background.  Using my ScorPal, I scored two lines around all the edges.  The heart image was stamped twice on white card stock.  One was cut out with the largest Nestability "Lacey Square" die.  It was embossed with the Dotted Swiss embossing folder.  The heart was cut out of the second image so it could be attached with dimensionals to give the card some dimension.   The ink used was ColorBox "Wisteria" Chalk ink.  

To add one more color to this pastel card, I made two small sizes of pink vellum flowers.  I used the Martha Stewart flower punch that has three flowers on it.  I am sure you are all familiar with this punch and know you can purchase it from Joan's Gardens.  The flowers were attached to the design on the card with a tiny dot of glue.  I pushed down in the center of each one with a stylus to be sure it attached to the card.  To complete the card, I added a bow and a few lavender pearls.  

Which card do you like the best? 

All products used on my cards can be purchased from Joan's Gardens. 

Vellum Lillies

Today was a happy day for me; I received a big box of new products from Joan's Gardens.  In that box are some of the new JustRite stamps Joan now has in stock.  I LOVE these new sets: "Mother Nature's Gifts" and "You're So Sweet".  Aren't they beautiful.  I had no idea what I was going to do when I started creating this card.  I thought the flowers, from "Mother Nature's Gifts",  would be beautiful white embossed on vellum paper and they are.  I decided to try something new -- well any way something I have never seen or done before.  I normally use markers to color on the back of vellum.  I wanted my flowers to be dainty so decided to try watercoloring on the back.  I used a pink reinker and a water brush to color on the back.  To my surprise, it curled the petals of the flowers and I was so excited the dimension it gave to the flowers.  The petals were all curling under (toward the backside) and I wanted part of them to curl forward.  I used a clean water brush to apply water to the front and happily found out the vellum would curl up.  Have you ever tried water coloring on vellum?   I'm sure you will have fun with this technique.  Wonder if I invented a new technique???

The back layer on the card was embossed with the Cuttlebug Dotted Swiss embossing folder.  The pink square was created with the Martha Stewart "Loops Heart" border punches.  Another piece of pink card stock was cut that would fit inside the one with the punched border and I scored 1/4" lines, using the new ScorPal,  going two directions to give the background texture. 

The beautiful greeting and border are from the "You're So Sweet" JustRite set.  It is so perfect for this card.  It was white embossed and cut out with a petite circle Nestability.  The center was sponged with some pink ink to help bring out the white embossing.  Doesn't it go beautiful with those vellum flowers - so dainty.  The flowers were arranged down in the corner and the greeting tucked in.  I had a piece of  a pink pearl flourish in my drawer and decided to add it.  I better tell you about the leaves.  They were white embossed with a stamp I have had for a long time and a marker used to color them on the back.  A pink bow and a single pearl were added to complete the card.  

What do you think about these new JustRite stamps.  You can order them now from Joan's Gardens. I know you will love them.  While you are ordering them, be sure to see all the other new JustRite stamps shown on Joan's blog.  

Thanks for coming by to visit.  Have a great weekend.