And They Lived Happily 4 Ever - TSSC 163 & Challenge 110

The title - don't most children's books end this way ---sort of!
I love making children's cards - but I have to remember not to put raised embellishments on them.  Experience with my grandchildren has taught me that.  The first they do - pull them off - so any childrens' cards I make everything is glued down flat!!!
This card for children is based on the Technostamper sketch challenge here, and also for Challenge 110

Stamps: Forest Friends, You're a Gem, Itty Bitty Bits, Inspired by Nature
Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Old Olive. Markers - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk designer series paper, Marina Mist,
Accessories:Perfectly Polka Dot embossing folder, Build a Cupcake Punch, 1" circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1" circle punch, small circle punch from Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Spiral Border punch, Crystal Effects

Enjoy - Just Add Ink Color Challenge

Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and River Rock - three colors for the Color Challenge with Just Add Ink here.  Since I am doing a class this week, I thought I would use the Acetate & Tissue Technique for this challenge, and I used a tutorial from Splitcoaststampers here.
I had to take a picture of the card sideways because of the reflection of the light on the acetate.
Stamp:  Upsy Daisy, You're a Gem
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Reinkers (Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight), Black Stazon
Papers: Cherry Cobbler, River Rock, Daffodil Delight, Acetate
Accessories: Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Tissue Paper, Small Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Stampin Dimensionals.

Gerbera Daisy - Stamping 411 Color Inspiration 151

The colors Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzelberry, and Pumpkin used together can be a challenge, because each on their own are strong colors. This was the Color Inspiration Challenge 151 with Stamping 411 here.
It took a lot of thinking and experimenting, but in the end fell back on my love of flowers, because you do see those colors together in nature- the Gerbera Daisy being one of them.
Here is my card:

Stamps: Build a Blossom, You're a Gem
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight. Chalks - pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise used for the background). Markers- Rich Razzelberry, Pumpkin Pie
Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Rich Razzelberry, Vellum
Accessories: Create a Blossom Punch, Round Scallop Punch, 3/4" circle punch, Small Oval Punch, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Dazzling Diamonds, Vintage Brads (upon which Crystal Effects and Aqua glitter was applied)
Flower: 6 small petals were stamped with Daffodil Delight ink and punched out using the Create a Blossom punch.  The rounded end was snipped to create the daisy-like petal and then inked with Daffodil Delight and curled under with a Bone Folder.  The other end was colored using the Rich Razzelberry marker.  The middle of the flower was stamped with Rich Razzelberry, punched out with the 3/4" circle punch and applied to the flower with a dimensional.  Crystal Effects and dazzling diamonds applied.
The completed flower was applied to a vellum round scallop circle colored with pumpkin pie marker using a dimensional.  I snipped slightly between each vellum scallop and curled the edges up slightly.
The panel was made using vellum embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder, matted with Tempting Turquoise.  A strip of Rich Razzelberry embossed with the Framed Tulip Embossing Folder was attached to each of the long ends.
The flowers were attached to this panel with dimensionals.

Template for Flowers - Build a Cupcake - from Video

This is the template I made showing how to cut the various petals using the various components of the Build a Cupcake punch. I used it on the video on making flowers with the Build a Cupcake Punch here, and there have been requests that I put this particular template on my blog.  I hope you find it helpful.

The component of the punch is on the left, and these are lines drawn where I cut in order to get the petal  shape I want.  To the right is a sample flower.

This is more of a close up and you can see the cutting lines better.

Let me know if this has been helpful

Springtime - Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 192

Spring is so close yet so far.  Only 3 more calendar weeks, and I can't wait!  It's been snowing the last couple of days - not enough to accumulate, but enough to make for gray days.  This card brought me a little closer to spring today.  It is based on the Stamping 411 sketch challenge here

Stamp: Eastern Blossoms
Inks: Black Stazon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Regal Rose, Rose Red, Real Red), Markers (Daffodil Yellow, Chocolate Chip, basic black), Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Tempting Turquoise, Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper, Whisper White
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 5/8" Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon folded in half, stitched and pulled into a floret, Flower Designer Brad, Stampin Dimensional

The Blossoms were colored with watercolor crayons and an Aqua painter.  On the center I used Daffodil Delight marker, and coloured the branch with a chocolate chip marker.
For the sentiment, I highlighted the word "Springtime"only with a black marker.

Flowers made with Build a Cupcake Punch.wmv

Sweet Summer - SFF

This is my card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge here

Stamps: Sweet Summer, Vintage Tags, Create a Cupcake
Inks: Basic Black, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Soft Suede; Markers - Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Papers: Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Blueberry Crisp Designer Paper
Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, 1 1/2" square punch, 1 14/" square punch, Window Pane, Always Artichoke seam blinding, Vintage brads, Stampin Dimensionals

Anniversay Lattice Card with Flowers

This lattice card features 3 more flowers made using the Build a Cupcake punch.

Stamp: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Soft Suede, Rose Red, Old Olive
Papers: Blushing Bride, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Spring Vintage Designer Paper
Accessories: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch (punched twice on Very Vanilla card stock to create the lattice opening), 5 Petal Punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Build a Blossom Punch, Scallop border punch, 5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, Rhinestone brad, pears, dazzling diamonds, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, Square Lattice embossing folder.

Flowers: Created using elements of the Build a Cupcake punch.  The middle one used the cupcake holder; the other two the icing. Each petal was scored with a scoring tool and the edges inked with Rose Red ink.

Lattice: Created by punching two 2 3/8" scallop circle punches overlapping each other.After embossing with the Square Lattice folder, the edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink, I glued 1/8" strips of Crumb Cake Card stock in a criss cross pattern on the wrong side of the paper using the scallop notches as a guide. These strips were also sponged with Soft Suede.
The middle flower was applied at the middle criss cross area (to hide it).

Forget Me Not - Flower made with Cupcake Punch

Okay, I'm back at the Cupcake punch challenge - and I've made about 8 different flowers.  The flower I have made for today's card is one of the prettiest delicate flower of spring - the Forget-me-not.  There's a reason they have that name - because once  you have them in your garden you can't get rid of them - in other words you can't forget them.  Somehow most people don't mind, because that spot of blue is so wonderful after the grayness of winter.

Stamps: Clearly for You, So Happy For You
Inks: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Black Writer
Papers: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight.
Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Scallop border Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Chantilly crochet trim, pearls, Stampin Dimensionals, 3/4" circle punch, Vintage brad (black)

Flower:  I will be making a video tutorial within the next couple of days on how to make flowers using this punch.  This particular flower I made from the icing (top) part of the cupcake
I made 5 petals which I attached to a 3/4" round circle with tombo adhesive.  The 2 flowers in the center are from the Boho blossom punch. the leaves from the 5 petal flower punch.

 This is my inspiration for the flower.  I took this picture last spring.

Owl Bringing Roses - DCBD Color Challenge 216

The Diva Coffee Break Design Color Challenge here involves using the following colors:  Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, and Rose Red.  This was not an easy color challenge to do as I was totally out of Early Espresso card stock with the exception of scraps.  This is what I came up with:

Stamp: So Happy for You
Inks: Rose Red
Papers:  Rose Red, Blushing Bride, Spring Vintage Designer Paper, Whisper White, Basic Black, Blushing Bride Designer Paper from Paper Pack, Early Espresso
Accessories: Framed Tulip embossing folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 1 3/4" round circle punch, Two Step Owl Punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Small Oval Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Stampin Dimensionals, Crystal Effects
Owl: Early Espresso body, Blushing Bride designer paper bib, Rose Red heart, carrying roses(covered in Crystal Effects) cut out of Spring Vintage Designer Paper.  Wings are from the Two Step Bird Punch.
Roses: Cut out of Spring Vintage Designer paper.  I put Crystal Effects on the lightest part of the roses.

Box of Cards - Workshop booking incentive

I've spent the day getting ready for a workshop this Saturday.  One of the things I did was to make two boxes of cards to be given to- hopefully - two guests for booking a workshop. If more book, then I'll owe them a box of cards.  But, the  booking must be made by the end of this Saturday's workshop. They also get a catalogue to take home with them.
Here's the project:

I used a tutorial from Splitcoaststamper here to make the envelope gift card.
Stamp:  Sincere Salutations
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Garden Gala Designer Paper, Rose Red, Old Olive
Inks: Old Olive, Basic Black, Real Red on the Rose
Accessories: Two Step Owl Punch to make the rose, 2 1/2: scallop circle punch, 5 Petal Punch, 1" circle punch (all needed to make rose), Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Linen Thread, 1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, red glue glitter (on rose).
Inside the box are 4 blank cards - one is a set of 4 Thank You cards, and the second set has no sentiment on it.

Stamp: Elizabeth, So Happy for You
Ink: Old Olive
Papers: Old Olive, Garden Gala Designer Paper, Whisper White
Accessories: 1/4" Early Espresso Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Pearls

This card is a partial CASE of the card made in our team meeting on Saturday.
Stamp: Nature Walk
Inks: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Papers: Whisper White, Old Olive, Garden Gala Designer Paper
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1/4" Early Espresso Grosgrain ribbon

Clearly for You

Today I'm taking a break from punch art and doing some stamping.  I'm also getting ready for a workshop on Saturday - making door prizes, hostess gift etc.
This is the card I made this morning.  Spring is 3 calendar weeks away (notice I said calendar), but my mind is already swinging to summer.  This card reminds me of a picture I have hanging in my hallway.

Stamp: Clearly For You
Inks: Baja Breeze, Rich Razzelberry, Markers (Rich Razzelberry, Always Artichoke - for the plant; Early espresso, Pumpkin Pie and Tangerine Tango - for the butterfly; Real Red and Basic Black - for the lady bug; Old Olive for the number stamp
Papers: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Rich Razzelberry, Spring Vintage Designer Paper
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, Small oval punch, Pearls, 5/8" Rich Razzelberry grosgrain ribbon.

For the image, I first stamped the background stamp with Baja Breeze. This was followed by the flower, butterly, lady bug and No. 5.  With the exception of the number, all stamps were coloured with markers.
All edges were either sponged with Baja Breeze or Rich Razzelberry ink.  To make the polka dot background blend in better with the color scheme of the card, I lightly sponged it was Rich Razzelberry.

Flower made with Build a Cupcake Punch

I know - I'm obsessed!!!  I have to be able to make flowers with all the punches.  Well, I thought about it all day and finally figured out a way.
The flower is made using the cupcake holder.  I'll show you the card so that you can see what I've been up to.

Stamp: So Happy for You
Inks: Pacific Point, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Papers: Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Blueberry Crisp Designer Paper.
Flower: Bashful Blue, Old Olive
Accessories: Framed Tulip Embossing folder, Build a Cupcake Punch. 3/4" round punch, 1/2" round punch, Modern Label Punch, stampin dimensionals, SU blue glitter.

If anyone is interested in a tutorial please speak up.  It's probably easier than trying to type it out.

The flower was glued into the center of a frame that I learned how to do at our team meeting on Saturday - but I did find a tutorial on Splitcoaststampers here


Below is a close up of the flower in the frame.

Happy birthday - Mojomonday Sketch Challenge

Today's card is based on the Mojomonday Sketch challenge here

Stamp: Create a Cupcake
Inks: Marina Mist, Basic Black, Old Olive
Papers: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Spring Vintage Designer Paper, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories: Framed Tulip embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, Scallop Circle #2, Colluzzle, 2 1/2" round circle punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Label Punch, 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Subtles designer button, Stampin Dimensionals



Flower: The flower was made using the Modern Label Punch, and the 3/4" round punch.  I saw it on Valita's you tube video here I did change the flower somewhat.  I added an extra petal, and an extra round of smaller petals and put a button with ribbon in the middle.  The leaf was cut freehand on the fold of a folded piece of old olive cardstock.

Build a Cupcake Hot Air Balloon - challenge 109

I finished this card last night but was too tired to post it. In my musings last night I visualized a hot air balloon and thought how  the cupcake punch would make a neat basket for it. 
This morning when checking my e-mail, I noticed that this blog had also posted a hot air balloon with the basket made using the Build a Cupcake punch . Great minds think alike ....We both had the idea independent of each other.
Here's my card.  It's for Challenge 109 as well .

Stamp: Create a Cupcake, Loads of Love Accessories
Inks: Pacific Point, Soft Suede, Basic Black, Markers (Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso, Marina Mist)
Papers: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Real Red, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, Build a Cupcake punch, Self Adhesive scallop edge & circle (with flower in it) die cuts from Ice Cream Parlor designer paper, linen thread. 1 3/4" circle punch, Oval Punch.

Homegrown Birthday - TSSC 162 & Challenge 109

This is a new stamp that I just got, so I had to play with it, to meet the criteria for 2 challenges - Technostamper Sketch Challenge 162 here  and challenge 109 - use the Big Shot.
Here's my card:

Stamp: Homegrown, Plane & Simple
Inks: Chocolate chip, Black Stazon, Basic Black, Markers - Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Riding Hood Red (to color beet)
Soft Suede - I applied ink to Clear Block C and stamped it onto Very Vanilla card stock and that provided a frame and background colouring for image
The image was stamped with basic black ink, and then stamped on another piece of Very Vanilla with Black Stazon, colored, cut out and glued over the black stamped image.
Papers: Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Framed Tulip embossing folder, Texturz Plate kit #4 (looks like wood grain) Word Label Punch, Modern Word Label Punch
I distressed most of the edges using a pair of scissors and then inking the edges well.
The Modern Word Label punch wasn't long enough so I punched out two - cut one in the middle, and the second one cut out a section of the middle.  This section I glued to the two ends of the first one - making it longer.

Build a Cupcake Happy Easter - Challenge 109

Again I'm experimenting with the Two Step Punches - this time the Build a Cupcake one.  I figure there has to be more things that could be made with this punch than cupcakes.
So, on my card today I made Easter baskets and used the Big Shot embossing folders for Challenge 109

There's a lot of detail on this card and it took me a while to make.  But I had a vision.....
Stamps: Create a Cupcake;  Buttons, Button; Build a Blossom;  Itty Bitty Bits;   Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Marina Mist
Papers: Memon Mambo, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Sweet Stitches Designer Paper, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, Build a Blossom punch, Small Oval Punch, 1" circle punch, The circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Photo Corner Punch, Word Label Punch, Modern Word Label Punch, Melon Mambo ribbon (retired), Vintage brads, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects, Green Glitter, Stampin Dimensional, Square lattice embossing folder, Texturz Plate Kit #4 (looks like basket weave), Framed Tulip embossing folder
How I used the Big Shot:  After layering the Very Vanilla, Early Espresso and Sweet Stitches designer paper, it was placed in a square lattice embossing folder and run through the Big Shot.  I believe this is referred to as inlaid embossing.
I used the Texturz Plate on the Very Vanilla strip upon which the Easter baskets are mounted.  I originally tried to use the Framed Tulip embossing folder, but it didn't work out, so instead of throwing it out, I used the photo corner punch on the corners and placed them on my card.

Here's a close up of one of the baskets.
How I made the basket:
.using the Create a Cupcake cupcake stamp, stamp on Very Vanilla card stock
.punch out shape with Build a Cupcake punch
.stamp one of the buttons from the Button, Button stamp set (I used Soft Suede on Crumb Cake).  Punch out the button with the 1" circle punch and adhere it to a piece of copy paper.  Reinsert the punch over the button until you feel you have the desired top shape of the basket handle.
.cut 1/8" strips of crumb cake for the handles and attach to the newly created basket top and the basket (I used tombo glue).  Before I attached I sponged all edges with chocolate chip ink.
.insert vintage brads where handle is attached to basket.  Apply crystal effects and green glitter
.stamp an image of a bird from the Itty Bitty Bits in Daffodil Delight.  Punch with 1" circle Punch, and apply crystal effects.  When dry attach to basket with a stampin dimensional.
.the brown stripe I from the designer paper.
The bow on the handle is made using linen thread.
How I made the Eggs:
.punch out 1 small oval in Very Vanilla.  Attach to copy paper with dotto adhesive and reinsert one end at a time back into the oval punch until you have an egg.  Use this as your template, and cut 9 more eggs.  I covered them with the designer paper, adhered them to the top of a 1" circle.  The bottom of the circle was attached to the back of the basket

Friend - Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 105

I know today is Monday - Family Day here in Ontario- a holiday - but I was too tired last night to even think about designing a card.
So, today, Monday, I am sharing a card made with the SSSC 105 which you will find at this site

Stamps: Nature Walk, You're a Gem
Inks: Early Espresso, Versa Mark, Markers.
Butterfly:  Pumpkin Pie, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Bee: Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue
Papers: Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Botanical Gazette Designer Paper
Accessories: 2 1/2" circle punch, Coluzzle, small oval punch, 3/8: Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, sticky tape, black embossing powder

The butterfly and the bee were embossed with black embossing powder, coloured on the wrong side and cut out.

Wolf Masculine Card - challenge 108 For You

Another card for challenge 108 - masculine cards.  I woke up this morning early, and I immediately thought of a technique I had not tried for a long time - and would be perfect for a masculine card - the faux leather technique with masking tape.  I used a tutorial from Splitcoaststampers here  even though I thought I could remember the technique.

Stamps: In Wildness, Clearly for You
Inks: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso marker
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper, Very Vanilla, Versa Mark Ink
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Ovals Die and Big Shot, Hodgepodge hardware, mat pack and piercing tool, masking tape, clear embossing powder.
A pattern was applied to the Crumb Cake layer using the Texturz Plate Kit #4.  Tip: I find spritzing the card stock with a little water prior to putting it through the Big Shot will result in a better pattern impression.  You'll need to let the card stock dry before attaching it to the card, but that doesn't take very long.

To make the faux leather panel I applied small pieces of making tape randomly to a piece of vanilla card stock (making sure to overlap them and leave no spaces) until the entire piece was covered.  Then I applied 3 colours of ink using sponges - first Soft Suede, followed by More Mustard, and then Crushed Curry.  The result was a little to light for the image I had in my head, so I applied Chocolate chip and I was happy.  Apply Versa Mark ink all over the panel, and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.

Best Wishes - Challenge 108 Masculine Cards

Another masculine card - this time featuring the buffalo - using the sketch challenge from Stamping 411 blog  I also embossed the background of the Very Vanilla card stock using various shapes of punches, but the picture does not do it justice.  This technique was described here in the same blog

Stamps: In Wildness, Vintage Labels
Inks: Markers (Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake on Buffalo; Wild Wasabi and Old Olive on the grass)
Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Papers: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper, Early Espresso
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, 1/4" Early Espresso Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Small Oval Punch

I loved doing Challenge 108.  These cards were needed for my craft shows this summer.

Bird of Paradise Tutorial

New Video on Stampin Up with Sheila Gardner

 This is a new video by Stampin Up featuring Sheila Gardner doing an overview of the wonderful array of products offered.  At the end of the video, there are 8 additional videos you can watch

Animal Stories Birthday - challenge 108

This birthday card is for a boy turning 2 - or any of the ages indicated on the designer paper.  I just put crystal effects on the number 2 to highlight it.

Stamps: Animal Stories, So Happy for You
Inks: Real Red
Papers: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Real Red, Whisper White, Play Date Designer Paper
Accessories: Square Lattice embossing folder, glitter brads (crystal effects and red glitter), Crystal Effects.

Everything on the card is securely put down.  The first thing young children do when they get a card is - put it in their mouth, or start pulling the embellishments off.  That's why I don't usually put raised embellishments on a child's card

Bird of Paradise Flower - Two Step Bird Punch & Mojomonday sketch

Just before Valentine's Day I entered into a discussion about favourite flowers.  Of course I expected roses, carnations, lilies, etc, but one young man said "Bird of Paradise".  Well, that gave me an idea - and I had to think about it for a while before I tried it.  I could make that flower using the Two Step Bird Punch.  But first I had to have a photo of the flower......

I tried to download one, but I guess they're all copyright.  So here's a link for you to check out.  There are a lot of pictures of this flower at this site

Here's my card.  I used the sketch challenge from Mojo Monday here

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush, Very Vanilla, Tangerine Tango, Garden Gala Designer Paper, Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Tangerine Tango, Concord Crush, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Scallop Circle #2 die, Circles #2 die, 2 3/8" circle punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Glimmer Brads, 1/2" concord Crush Stitched-Poly Ribbon,Scallop trim corner punch, Framed Tulips embossing folder, stamping dimensionals, white gel pen
I could put together a tutorial if there is enough interest.

Distressed Masculine Birthday Card - Challenge 108

The challenge - making masculine cards- is a timely one for me.  Craft fairs and farmers markets are starting soon, and these cards will be on my table.  I don't know how many times I have heard someone say "It's so hard to find a nice card for a guy!"  Well, I'm going to have lots of them.
I made this card a little differently.  As I started to put the card together, I got the idea to distress the elements of the card i.e. make it look old.
I did this by rolling the very vanilla cardstock in a ball and then unraveling it, leaving the crinkle lines.  Before I did that I used the background texturz plate to provide some texture and interest.
The edges were torn and folded in one corner, then further distressed by running the edge of a pair of scissors along the edges.  Chocolate chip ink was sponged on the edges and lightly rubbed on the entire front of the Very Vanilla panel - just to lightly highlight the pattern left by the texturz plate.
I distressed the other edges in the same manner.
The 1/8" very vanilla ribbon was aged by rubbing chocolate chip ink on both sides - then I shredded the ends.

Stamps: In Wilderness, Buttons, Button, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Chocolate Chip
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Background Texturz Plate, 1/2" round punch, 2 1/2" circle punch, Scallop border punch, 1/8" very vanilla ribbon. stampin dimensionals

The buttons were made by stamping one of the buttons from the "Button, Button" stamp set with Chocolate chip ink.  It was punched out with a 1/2" round punch along with 3 chocolate chip circles.  The layers were glued together with crystal effects and applied to the card with a glue dot

Owl Nurse - Two Step Owl Punch

Nursing was on my mind this week, as the committee in charge of organizing a reunion of my graduating class met this week.  They loved the box and rose I made, so that's a go.  Will have to make 43 - by next year.
So, when I saw this owl nurse this blog I just had to CASE it.  But I made some changes - made the cap look a lot like my nursing cap - along with the black stripe indicating RN status.  I put a stethoscope around her neck.

Stamp: Sincere Salutations ( A Get Well Card is obvious for this owl nurse)
Inks: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso marker, Black marker
Papers: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso
Accessories: Two Step Owl Punch, Two Step Bird Punch (wings & leaf and branch), Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder

Dahlia Folded Flower using Two Step Owl Punch

Okay, I'm back making flowers, but using a different stamp - the Two Step Owl Punch.  I haven't had the punch very long so having a wonderful time making creations.
This was inspired by a card I saw on monika's blog

Stamp: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Rose Red, Wild Wasabi
Papers: Rose Red, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Designer Paper from pack, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Two Step Owl Punch, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Scallop border punch, round scallop punch, Antique brads, rose red glue glitter (made with crystal effects, rose red reinker and dazzling diamonds), Small oval punch, Modern Label Punch

A tutorial of how this flower is made can be seen Lee Ann's blog

Easter Chicks - Two Step Bird Punch

These cute little Easter chicks were made using the Two Step Bird Punch.  I'm taking a break from flowers tonight.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Clearly for You, Silhouette Sentiments
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Markers (Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze
Papers: Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Accessories: Framed Tulips Embossing folder, Polka dot embossing folder (on photo corners), Small Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Photo corner Punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Scallop Oval punch, Stampin Dimensionals, Brights designer buttons

For directions on how to make the chicks, check out  this blog

Plane & Simple Happy Birthday

I made this card for Challenge 108 - Masculine cards - using the sketch challenge from Connie and Mary here

Stamp: Plane & Simple
Ink: Soft Suede
Papers: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper
Accessories: Square lattice embossing folder, 1 3/4" round punch, Scallop border punch, Word Label Punch, Modern Word Label Punch, Texture Plate from Kit #4

All edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink

Heliconia - Easter Flower & DCBC sketch challenge 215

Today's card is not only a flower made with the Two Step Bird Punch, but also is a card for the Diva Coffee Design Team sketch challenge #215 here

Again, I partially cased the flower from http://annscreativemoments.com/2010/03/20/easter-flower-with-the-bird-punch-heliconia/  The layout of the card and the colours used are different.

Stamp: Tiny Tage
Papers: Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Designer paper from Paper Pack, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery
Inks: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Basic Black
Accessories: Two Step Bird Punch, Extra large Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Corner rounder punch (retired), Scallop border punch, Tiny Tags punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin Dimensionals

The Flower: Punch 8 wings of the bird.  Sponge the outer end with Melon Mambo ink, and the curved upper end with Certainly Celery.  Place the petals in position as seen in the card.
The stem is a piece of Always Artichoke, as is the leaf.

Sentiment: Hello....Friends....Thanks so much

Loads of Love - cQc #72 colour challenge and challenge 108

This card meets the requirements of two challenges - a colour challenge, and challenge 108 - masculine cards. The colour challenge:  Cherry Cobbler, Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, and Kraft & white.
This is the card I came up with.

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories, Loads of Fun, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Baja Breeze, Markers (Tangerine Tango, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler
Papers: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, word window punch, Square lattice embossing folder, stampin dimensionals, Crystal Effects (on the car)

The clouds in the sky were sponged with  Baja Breeze, the road sponged with Not Quite Navy

Two More Flowers made with Two Step Bird Punch

As promised I have 2 more flowers made with the Two Step Bird Punch. I'm pleasantly surprised at the versatility of this punch.

Papers: Pink Pirouette, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Spring Vintage designer paper
Inks:  Rose Red, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Two Step Bird Punch, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Always Artichoke seam binding.

Again, I borrowed the idea from another demonstrator here and again made modifications.

Making the bud:
Punch out one wing per bud in Always Artichoke card stock.  Sponge edges with Always Artichoke ink
Cut a small V-shaped notch at the round end of the wing.
Punch out one wing per bud in Pink Pirouette.  Sponge edges with Rose Red Ink.
Punch out 3 branches and leaves in Always Artichoke and sponge the edges.
To make the bud, place the pink wing, pointed side up behind the green notched wing, making it look like the bud is emerging from the green wing.
Mount on card as illustrated in picture.

This flower was shown on this blog and again I modified he design.
Stamp: You're a Gem
Inks: Rose Red, Old Olive
Papers: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Old Olive, Spring Vintage designer paper, Daffodil Delight in center of flower
Accessories: 3/4" round punch, Boho Blossom punch, Ornament punch, Small oval punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Framed Tulip embossing folder, Scallop Trim Border punch, Chantilly Lace Crochet trim, Antique brad, Two Step Owl Punch (the eye only), Stampin dimensionals, red glue glitter

Making the flower:
Punch 10 wings in Pink Pirouette card stock, two 3/4" round circle, and one Boho Blossom Sponge all with Rose Red ink
Put a generous amount of Tombo glue on one of the 3/4" round circle.  Arrange the petals around the circle overlapping then slightly.  Apply the second 3/4" circle in the middle of the flower. 
Make small snips between every 2nd petal of the Boho Blossom punchie, and curl ends up with a bone folder. Punch a yellow eye with the Two Step Owl Punch and place in center of boho blossom.  With a chocolate chip marker, make dots on the yellow center.  Apply this unit to the top of the second 3/4" circle.

The stem is from the Two Step Flower Punch.  Fold a piece of Old Olive card stock in half, and cut leaves along the fold line.  With a stylus make the center of the leaves & vein marks.  Bend leaf along middle line.  Sponge with Old Olive ink

Another flower tomorrow

Extreme Surfing Happy Birthday TSSC 161

What young man doesn't like to extreme surf?  This is my card for the Technostamper 161 sketch challenge.

Stamps: Extreme Surfing, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Buttons Buttons
Papers: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Elegant Soiree designer paper
Inks: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Black Stazon, So Saffron. Versa Mark
Accessories: Texture Plate Kit #4, Scallop edge punch, 3/4" round punch, 1/2" round punch, mat pack, linen thread, Iridescent Ice Embossing powder, Crystal Effects, Word Label Punch, Modern Word Label Punch

The base card is Pacific Point, upon which is matted Whisper White which has been sponged with Pacific Point ink.  The next layer, Baja Breeze, was run through the Big Shot using a Texture Plate to provide the horizontal lines in the skyline.

Image:
Here's how I made the background for the surfer.
With Pacific Point ink I sponged around the outside edge of a piece of Whisper White card stock. I sponged over the same area several times until I got the depth of colour I wanted.  Then, with Baja Breeze, I sponged towards the middle, overlapping the Pacific Point sponging a bit - but leaving an uninked area in the center.  This was sponged with a bit of Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight.
The image was stamped with Black Stazon ink.
After the ink was dry, Versa Mark ink was applied to the entire surface and Iridescent Ice embossing powder was applied X2.  This gives the image a wet droplet look.

Button:
One of the button stamps from the Stamp set "Button, Button" was stamped on Whisper White card stock using So Saffron ink.  It was punched out with a 3/4" round punch, as were 5 other circles of the same size using So Saffron card stock.  The layers were adhered together with Crystal Effects.
A second button was stamped, and a 1/2" circle punch was used to punch out the middle of the button.  The edge of this was sponged with So Saffron ink and applied to the top of the button.  The entire top of the button was then covered in Crystal Effects. When dry, the button was attached to the card with a glue dot.
A reef knot was made with Linen Thread and applied to the top of the button.

Flowers Made with Two Step Bird Punch

I'm really having a lot of fun playing with the Two Step Punches.  This week I thought I would explore what more I could do with the Two Step Bird Punch than make species specific birds.
I realize I'm not the first one to make this flower, but I've made it my own by using more petals, and changing the inside of the flower. Here's an example from one of my blog searches  from this blog

The body of the bird is used to make this flower
Stamp: Because I Care
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Pear Pizzazz, Vellum, Whisper White, designer papr (unknown - but SU)
Inks: Tempting turquoise, Old Olive, Basic Black, Pacific Point
Accessories: Square lattice embossing folder, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Two Step Bird Punch, Round Scallop Punch, Boho Blossom punch, Pearls, Blushing Bride glitter glue (see video on making your own glitter/glue on my You Tube Channel), Scallop Oval Punch. 1" round punch

Here's how the flower is made:
.Punch 9 birds in tempting turquoise - sponge edges with Pacific Point ink Curl tail end of bird up using bone folder
.Punch 3 birds in Pear Pizzazz - make vein markings with a stylus - sponge edges with Old Olive. Bend leaf along center vein line to give it some depth and dimension
.Punch 1 round scallop circle. Sponge with Pacific Point ink. Snip 1/4" between every second scallop and turn edges up with a bone folder.
.Punch large flower from Boho Flower punch.  Sponge edge with Pacific Point. Snip 1/8" between each petal and turn edges up with a bone folder.
Putting the flower together
Place bird petals around a 1" circle that has been glued liberally - with the beaks toward the center - each bird beak overlapping the next one as you go around the circle.
Glue Boho blossom petal to round scallop circle, and attach this unit to the middle of the flower using stamping dimensionals.
Apply glitter glue to the edges wherever you would like it.  I put 5 pearls in the middle, but you can put a brad in there, or a button.
Arrange the 3 leaves around the flower and glue in place.  Now your flower is done.
The flower was placed on some vellum that had been embossed with the square lattice embossing folder matted with Tempting Turquoise.

This flower looks very different - and uses the wing of the bird only.  This card was inspired by Connie in her blog: http://connietumm1.typepad.com/blog/two-step-bird/
Again, I made modifications but the idea came from her.
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Garden Gala designer paper
Inks: Old Olive, Rose Red
Accessories: Scallop circle die, 3 1/2" circle die and the Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Two Step Bird Punch, Photo corner Punch, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon, Ornament Punch, Crystal Effects, Stampin Dimensionals

Punch out 3 wings for each tulip and sponge edges with Rose Red. Hand cut 3 1/8" strips of Old Olive for the stems.  Sponge edges with Old Olive ink.
The leaves were made by folding a piece of Old Olive cardstock and hand cutting 4 leaves of varying sizes.  Score leaves down the middle with a stylus and bend slightly.  Sponge with Old Olive.
The bottom of the ornament punchie was snipped off, embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder, and the edges sponged with Rose Red ink.

Putting the flower together
. 3 wings make one tulip.  Start with the petal at the back, and overlap the other 2 on the front, with the round side of the wing being the bottom of the flower.
.glue the stem under the flower
.place stems in vase in an arrangement you like.  Add the leaves last.

The vase of tulips was adhered to a round whisper white circle with stampin dimensionals.  This unit was then matted with an Olive Green scallop circle, the scallops of which had been pierced with a piercing tool.

Tomorrow two more cards made with the Two Step Bird Punch

Wishing you oceans of fun - challenge 108

Earlier I had made a masculine card for an adult male.  Today, I made a card for a juvenile male.

Stamp: Long Fellows (hostess set)
Ink: Stazon, Pacific Blue marker and aqua brush, Pacific Blue ink
Papers: Pacific Blue, Vellum, Whisper White, Elegant Soiree designer paper, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, Scallop edge punch, Twine, Crystal Effects, Texture plate and Big Shot

Lattice card with tulip and robin

I got the inspiration for this card from various sources.
For making lattice cards I found this source  very helpful.  The tulip, made with the owl punch was first made by Gretchen Barron on her blog
I made a few alterations from these sources and this is the card that resulted.

Stamp: Sincere Salutations
Papers: Tangerine Tango, Garden Green, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, So Saffron
Inks: Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede, Old Olive
Accessories: Top Note Die and Big Shot, Two Step Owl Punch, Small oval punch, Two Step Bird Punch, Chantilly lace crochet trim, antique brad, Scallop oval punch

The top note die was used to make the opening frame.  Strips of crumb cake card stock (1/8") were used to make the fence and posts.

First Anniversary Post

At the end of this month I will be celebrating the first anniversary of my blog.  I have learned so much in this year, and have grown as a demonstrator and card maker.
When I first started my blog I remember wondering if I would ever get 100 hits on my blog.  Well, I got 100, then 500, then 1,000, and now close to 70,000 individuals have visited my blog - visitors from all over the world.
I also have 76 followers.
My blog has won an award; some of my cards have won challenges I entered.
This week I am celebrating by posting some of my earlier cards, some you might not have seen because you weren't visiting me then.
Here are 3 cards from the early months of my blog.   Enjoy. Next Tuesday I'll post 3 more.

Origami Shirt and Tie - challenge 108

This card is easy to make, although the folds can be a bit fussy.  I used this site for instructions on how to make the shirt and tie.
The dimensions of the designer paper for the shirt:  8 1/2 X 9".  The tie I just eyeballed it.

The colour of the paper is a bit off - it should be green, not yellow.
Stamp: Sincere Salutations
Paper: The basic black base card is 5 1/2 X 11" folded in half to accommodate the size of the shirt.  The next layer is Basic Gray, followed by Wicked Fun Specialty designer paper (yes Halloween), Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Basic Black
Accessories: Black rhinestone for tie, Scallop oval punch.

Rose made with Owl Punch

My nursing class is celebrating a reunion next year, and I am on the organizing committee.  One of the events during this reunion weekend is a formal dinner.  For each of the graduates coming, a special necklace is being made, and I volunteered to make the box to put the necklace in.
The colours of the school is  Pacific Blue and Daffodil Delight - so those are the colours for the box.  When we graduated we were all given a dozen red roses to carry - thus the rose on top of the box.  I hope the rest of the committee will like what I have put together.
I made the rose using the Owl punch.

Papers: Pacific Blue, Rose Red, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Cherry Cobbler to sponge petals, Old Olive to sponge leaves
Accessories: Two Step Owl Punch, 2 3/8" circle punch, 3/4" round punch, 5 Petal Punch, Bitty box & envelope die and Big Shot, glue glitter made with Crystal effects, Real Red reinker and dazzling diamonds

Looking down on the rose.









The instructions for the owl rose flower can be found here

On the Green - challenge 108

Spring is 6 weeks away, and a lot of men and women are anxious to get onto the golf course.  So for this challenge - masculine cards- I made a golfing card.

Stamps: On the Green, So Happy for You, Season of Friendship, Inspired by Nature
Inks: Chocolate chip, Old Olive, Garden Green, Markers (Real Red, Chocolate chip, Garden Green, Basic Gray, Basic Black).  I coloured directly onto the "On the Green" stamp with these markers.  I stamped "# ONE" again, cut it out, and mounted it over the original sentiment with a dimensional.
Clouds made using Bashful Blue.
Papers: Garden Green, Whisper White
The grass at the bottom was hand cut on garden green card stock
Accessories: Stampin Dimensionals

Tea bag fold flower

Another use for the round scallop punch - make a tea bag fold flower - a modified version. The flower idea was inspired by here
I just fell in love with the flower and since I also like to do tea bag folding this is a perfect marriage.

Stamp: So Happy for You
Inks: Basic Black, Rose Red (for center of flower)
Papers: Concord Crush, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Round Scallop punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Scallop Trim corner punch, 5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, rhinestone, glue glitter (crystal effects mixed with dazzling diamonds), Framed Tulip embossing folder, 3/4" round punch.

A Pair of Parakeets - Stamping 411 Color Inspiration 150

The color challenge was to use the following colours:  Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, and Crumb Cake on the same card.
Well, I thought about it all weekend and I didn't get any inspiration until 10 p.m when of course I'm supposed to be off to bed.  But once an idea strikes me I have to put it to paper.  Besides the Grammy awards are on TV ....
Here's my card:

Stamp: So Happy for You
Inks:  The parakeet is coloured with Wild Wasabi and Certainly Celery inks.  The eye is chocolate chip, the beak crumb cake with chocolate chip sponging.
The branch is chocolate chip ink with Wild Wasabi used on the leaves.
The photo corner edges are sponged with Wild Wasabi ink - the crumb cake panel sponged with Chocolate chip ink.
Papers: Chocolate chip base card with a layer of crumb cake.  The photo corner edges are Certainly Celery.  Between the 2 embossing layers is a strip of Chocolate chip card stock
The colours of the birds were sponged onto whisper white card stock
Accessories: Two Step Bird Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Framed Tulip embossing folder, White gel pen (around the eyes), Stampin dimensionals