St. Petersburg Chain Bracelet

When I am not stamping I can be found beading and sometimes I can even be found cleaning the house and my workroom (but not very often!! LOL).

I have a closet full of beads but that does not stop me from buying more.  I believe it's called the Crow Syndrome.  A crow sees a shiny object and has to get it.  Well, it's the same with beaders.  SO easily distracted by a shiny bead!!! LOL

I LOVE beading and I LOVE teaching beading.

This bracelet is called the St. Petersburg chain.  I don't know the history behind the name or if there even is one.  I just like making them.  I will have a pattern for this stitch in a couple of months.  I'll post the notice when it's done.  I LOVE making these.  Actually, there are very few bracelets I don't love making.  I find beading very relaxing and I always LOVE new bracelets.

I thought I would take a day off from stamping and have some fun beading.  I just wanted to show you one of the bracelets I've made.  Click on the photo for a closer view.

Back to stamping tomorrow.  Sometimes you just need a little break from the everyday stuff.  I don't want to get burned out on stamping! And a day off was just what I needed on the last day of this very long wintry month!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Vintage Vogue Birthday Card Sketch Challenge

Oops, my background for this card is kind of blah.  I wanted to do a white on white card.  I was going to use a large white butterfly where the flower is but it was just too much white and it got lost in the card.  So I took out the "Vintage Vogue" set and stamped the large flower using Pretty in Pink ink.  I then cut the flower out and sponged the edges with Regal Rose.  I added a large pearl to the center of the flower and then (I obviously wasn't thinking) I added tiny pearls all around the large one.  One at a time!!!  I know, I know.  I told you I wasn't thinking!!! LOL  Click on the photo to view it closer.

The words are from the "Sincere Salutations" set.  And I did work in a tiny little butterfly on the top petal of the flower.  I also added a couple of little pearls to the butterfly. 

My card isn't all that great.  Now that I see it in the photo I think it's kind of blah.  Even with each layer having a different texture.  I should have added a scallop border along the left side or at the bottom of the square layer.  I may just do that and slip it under that polka dot layer.  It just needs a little something more.  I may remove that top layer and make the card into a notebook.  There's enough space at the side for the coils and it won't take away anything from the layout. 

Sorry I can't show you the sketch.  It was added to SplitCoast as a PDF file.  You can check it out here if you want to see it. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fancy Birthday Card

Here we have another set I don't use very often and I don't know why.  The "Flower Fancy" set is a very pretty one.  Maybe it's just that I have too many sets to choose from???  I saw this card on Deb's "Artfelt Impressions" site and just had to make it.  After all, I did have all the "stuff" to make this card!  It was such a pretty card and it stuck in my head for a few days and I just decided to make it and get it off my mind.

It was a very easy card to make too.  There are some subtle differences.  I used Whisper White card stock and the original was done with something else.  And the wording is different too.  Deb's card read "for you from me."  I am not sure what set that came from.  I needed a birthday card so I used the "Sincere Salutations" set on my card.  My words were added in the upper left and her wording was added on the left just above the scalloped edge.  Both ways look great.  I just thought I'd put them at the top since the top looked so empty to me.  Perhaps because I didn't have the flower stamped high enough?  Not too sure but I like the way it turned out.

This was a very fun card to make and it went together so quickly too.  The flower needed to be cut out and set on a Dimensional and I think that was the part of the card that took the longest.  Cutting out pieces always seems to take a bit of time.  All in all I am pleased with the way it turned out!  I've got a jump on my April birthday cards.  There's a lot of birthdays coming up next month!!!

And I even thought that this would make a fun notebook too!  Without the "Happy Birthday" of course.  I may have to try another one and make a notebook out of it, it was easy and quick enough to make!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Photos Are Back!!

Blogger is SO great at getting things fixed quickly. It seems that the photos are back on and now you can view them as they should be viewed! Thank you for your patience. I was a bit worried there. There is a place you can go for help and it was suggested by someone who works for Blogger that you remove some items in the "Edit HTML Tab". Ok, I can find that but I don't read HTML code very well at all. Fortunately as I was reading the code and getting frustrated because I couldn't find what they were talking about, I exited out of it and there was the photos. SO fortunately for me I didn't have to mess up the code!!! LOL

Thanks for your patience,
Wanda

Fancy Favor Box Purse Weekend Project

 There is a problem with Blogger.  I did some research and other people are experiencing the same thing.  SO hopefully Blogger will get this figured out soon.  In the meantime you can still see the photos by clicking on the tiny little square.  Actually this  post has two photos, sorry.  But if you look for the uneven indentations on the left you'll be able to see where the photos are.  And the little boxes are a light gray.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  I just hope Blogger figures this out soon. To the left of the 1st & 5th paragraph are the photo squares.  Click on them to view the images.

I was playing around with my Sizzix dies and thought it would be fun to make a purse with one of them.  Not that this purse will hold much but it's just too cute not to give it a try anyway.  You can fit some candies in it and give as a gift and I believe a lip balm would fit in this one too.  It's all in the die you use and how much you cut it down.

Using the "Fancy Favor" die I cut out my pieces in Real Red card stock.   Then I cut the top part off some.  It all depends on how tall you want your purse to look, what you want to put in it and what look you want to get.  This will work with any die that makes a bag and it can work with ones that make a box too but you will have to score the sides so they fold inward.

Before I assembled the bag I covered the front part of it with VersaMark and clear embossing powder.  Then I took my stylus and made wavy lines across and up and down on the piece.  I tapped the excess powder off into the trash and heat set it.  I measured my purse base and added enough card stock to cover the entire back and the front flap.  Score it before doing the technique on it.  The "Faux Leather" shows up better on the second photo.  And you can click on the photos for a closer view.  

After I did the leather look thing on the front and heat set it I folded the flap open and closed while it was setting up.  I didn't want the embossed area to crack upon initial use.  Once it was set up I glued the piece to the back of the purse. 

Next I poked a hole in the front and added a brad that I thought went well with the purse.  Then I took a piece of Velcro and added it to the inside flap so it would remain closed. 

These are very easy to make and would also make a great Stamp Camp item, a fun Make N Take, plus they work well for Hostess and Customer Appreciation gifts.  I have not made any to sell at the craft fair. I'll have to see if I can make one that will hold a small notebook and then maybe give the craft fair a shot with it!

Have fun with your Sizzix dies!  There's lots more you can do with them than just what they were designed for!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Faux Tile Technique Page

This tiny little dot to the left is the photo.  I have no idea what is going on with Blogger but if you'd like to see the photo you'll have to click on that dot until I get this figured out.  It's SO frustrating.

I found this fabulous card on the Stampin' Up! Stampin' Connection web site. There's just a few subtle changes to it but for the most part it's pretty close to the original one. I don't remember who the artist is that made the original one but if you know, please let me know so I can give them credit.

The main reason I did this card was for the "Faux Tile" technique. Another technique of the set. And the set is almost done and ready for sale soon.

This technique is done using your scoring tool. You can use a score mat or you can use your paper cutter and a scoring tool or scoring blade. Here I started the scores at the corners and made them one inch apart. When doing them at the corners you get diamond shapes. When doing them from right to left you get a square grid. Either way is fine and both give you a tiled look.

After I got my grid done I sponged the background. I didn't rub too hard I wanted to keep that grid area clean. Then I stamped my image on. Here I used a stamp from the "Just Believe" set. This is a fun technique and is SO easy to do.

Stay tuned to the announcement of the finished pages set #4!! You can purchase sets 1, 2 and 3 in my web store. They are on CD and designed for you to print out on card stock or copier paper. And with a couple of cuts they can be ready for a 6 x 6 background piece of card stock for you to use in classes or to put in a reference album for yourself.

I have tried 4 times to get the photo on here. I have no idea what is up with Blogger. I hope they get the bugs worked out soon. I'm afraid I am going to open my blog up tomorrow and there will be 4 photos of the card on here. I will try again tomorrow to get the photo pasted on here. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Awash With Flowers

I saw a card on page 19 of the Stampin' Success April 2011 issue and I wanted to make it.  But there was something about the card that just wasn't sitting well with me.  I liked the card as it was but yet there was something that it needed. 

I got out my Awash with Flowers set (one I hadn't used in a while) and stamped the flowers and leaves.  I colored them and cut them out pretty close to how they were done on the original card.  I cut the Pretty in Pink center strip and the Rich Razzleberry layer behind it.  As I was putting the flower together on a white background piece of scrap paper it dawned on me that I should try the background in white.  Oh, i almost forgot.  The flowers were colored in with a sponge and Pretty in Pink ink first and then Regal Rose in the center. The leaves were colored in the same way but using Pear Pizzazz.  I also sponged the edges of each flower petal using Regal Rose and I sponged the leaves using the Pear Pizzazz.

I did need to have green in the card because of the leaves so I used Pear Pizzazz card stock for the base of the card.  On top of that is a piece of white card stock cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".  I used the "Square Lattice" embossing folder on it and taped it in place.

Next I stamped the words on.  They were from the "Sincere Salutations" set.  I didn't want to get it all done with the paper piercing and find out I ruined it by stamping the words crooked.  Then I'd have to do all that paper piercing again!!   UGH!!

The original card was also stitched using a sewing machine.  I don't do sewing machines!!!  I don't like to sew but there is the alternate technique "Faux Stitching."  I punched holes in the card stock using the Mat pack and paper piercer. Then I took my white gel pen and drew in the stitch lines.  It probably would have taken less time to do this on the sewing machine but mine doesn't sit out so it would take that long to get it set up, threaded and sew the card stock.  And I am pretty sure I wouldn't get it straight!!

After I got the faux stitching done I affixed that layer to the Rich Razzleberry.  I wrapped a piece of linen around the layers twice and tied them in a knot off to the right. Then I taped the back of the piece and gently set it in place.  I didn't want to push down too hard because I needed to get the flowers behind it. 

I first assembled the big flower.  I had punched out a 1" circle and used it as the base for the flower pieces to be set in place.  Once I got it the way it looked in the magazine stuck it on the card.  I added the leaves and then began to add the other two flowers.  Then I pressed those two layers in place firmly.

On the buttons I took a fine point permanent marker and drew inside the circle part of the buttons.  The buttons just needed a little more definition.  And as was done in the magazine I tied some linen to the center of the buttons.  I set them in place with some Crystal Effects and I let them sit for a while to dry.  And the rest is history!! 

The cutting of the petals were what took the longest on this card and it really wasn't all that long.  I wouldn't want to make these for a swap though, I don't think I'd like to cut that many flowers out!!!  All in all it was fun and I can see myself making another one of these cards!

It's such a fresh spring looking card.  Maybe that is why I liked those flowers so much!  I have always wanted to copy a card from one of the Stampin' Up! books or magazines but never have.  I like how my card turned out.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

New Blog Look

Do you like the new look to my blog?  I LOVE it! My friend Sara over at Sara's Creative Adventures did it.  She's not only a sweet person but a very talented one too!  I just LOVE how wide the center part of my blog is now with very little stuff far off on the right and left.  I LOVE the colors she chose.  She also had GREAT taste too!  Don't you think so.  And what is so great is, this is SO me.  I think Sara knows me pretty well!!  I don't have the talent or the time do to this kind of stuff.  I am amazed some days that I can actually get my info posted on here!!! LOL

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sara for the fabulous job you did on my blog.  A few comments have come in saying that they like it.  Those comments are really for you!  Sara, you're the best.

Hop on over to Sara's blog and see what she's been up to. She is into card making, scrap booking and other crafting as well.  She has lots of ideas to bring you great inspiration!

I'll be posting my card in a little while. I need to finish putting it together and I need a little time for the Crystal Effects to dry.  I don't want the buttons sliding down the card while I'm trying to take a picture.  SO be sure to stop back!

Have a great day,
Wanda

Very Vintage Wheel and Paisley Petals Paper

This is not how the card looked in my head!!  It was SO much prettier.  But this is what ended up on paper so I'll share it with you anyway.  Luck you!

The base of my card is Basic Gray card stock, a half sheet folded in half.  The next layer is a piece of white card stock cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".  The Paisley Petals piece is cut 4" x 5-1/4" 

I used the fabulous "Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border" punch.  Half of it is hidden under the layer but it looks just like the half showing.  It makes a pretty dotted edge ribbon looking strip.  I slipped that under the border pieces.  My image strip on the border is cut 1-1/2" wide.  And the Basic Gray behind it is cut 1/8" wider than that.  And the length is the same as the Paisley Petals piece.  On my strip I had used the "Very Vintage" wheel.  Super easy way to make a card!

I used the scallop punch and Basic Gray card stock.  I used  a scrap piece of Bashful Blue and the 1-3/8" circle punch and I used the 1-1/4" circle punch on the "Happy Birthday" which I had printed on the computer.  I printed out a full page in Whisper White and Very Vanilla. I punched all of them out using the 1-1/4" circle punch and put them in a keeper that I had made.  This way when I need one for a card I know where it is and it's all ready to go.  Just speeding up the card making process!!

Now I will tell you what I originally wanted to do.  In the scalloped area I wanted to put the flower from the "Vintage Vogue" set.  I had it all cut out and no matter what color combo I used with the scallop and circle layer it just didn't work.  SO I remembered my stash of happy birthday circles and I grabbed one of them and set it in place.  After doing that it dawned on me that I was going to have my wording in that upper right part.  UGH!!  So now the card is a bit blah but it gets the message across!  I did have a LOT of difficulty matching the blues on this decorative paper.  There really is no current color that would match it nicely. Bordering Blue (a retired) color would be perfect with it.  I snuck in the piece of Bashful Blue, it's between a white piece and the gray so it worked.  And the ink I used on the wheel is also Bashful Blue.  But it's that scallop are that still bugs me.  You try this and tell me what would work in that scalloped layered space.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Under Construction

My Creative Corner will be under construction Friday Evening  March 25th.

Thank you for your patience.

Just Believe Birthday Card

I think the "Just Believe" set is such a pretty, fun and versatile set.  You can cover a lot of occasions with this set.  From birthdays to sympathy.  I found this card on the Stampin' Up! Stampin' Connections site.  It was made by Chat W.  I did change it a bit.  On her card where I have the happy birthday, she had "friend".  And at the bottom I used some pieces that were left from when I used the Lattice die.  On hers she had some other wording there.  Her white circle was bigger.  I just used the biggest circle punch I own.  I didn't want to take out the circle cutter.  It's such a chore to get it out, put it together and then put it away when I'm done, just for one circle.  SO since my circle was smaller my butterflies didn't fit on there like hers did.  She had the smaller butterfly above the bigger one.

I also had issues with that larger butterfly.  It is from the "Beautiful Butterfly" embosslit.  And of all the butterflies in there, the one with the embossed dots was my least favorite.  But once I played with it on this card I now look at it differently.  Funny how things work out isn't it?  

I really love the layout of this card.  I would like to make another card using this layout.  And I love the colors.  Though I think I would play with some different colors if I was to use this again.  And I will more than likely use that dotted butterfly again!!  I need to find a card that I can use a bunch of white butterflies on.  At the last swap I cut out a bunch of butterflies and kept the ones that weren't going to be used on my card.  I keep everything (hence the mess in my home!!).  

I made this card for my sister's birthday.  I didn't want to post it yesterday (on her birthday) because I didn't want her to see it before it was in her hands.  If she reads my blog!!!  We had snow yesterday so I was unable to get to her house to give her the card.  She may see it on here first after all!! Oh well! 

I think it's a very pretty card.  I want to try to do something different with the bottom part too.  These diamond things were fun to use but I was a bit surprised that they were not all the same.  They are a little of but it worked.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Aviary Meets Create a Cupcake

I screwed this post up. I think Blogger has a few bugs left to work on. I'm not a big fan of change and when the new change took place a few months back I was ready for it. The only problem I encounter is when I forget to add additional photos along with the first one. It seems that once you add a photo you are done. There is no going back and having the program upload another one. You have to do it all at once. Hopefully they will fix this soon.

Anyway, you can figure out the sketch layout by looking at the card. And you can also go to SplitCoastStamper's website and take a look at it there. I will see if I can try to post it later.  

I wasn't able to do that so I had to redo the whole post.  Bummer. But anyway, now you can see the original sketch.  Isn't it cool??  I LOVE it and can see myself making other cards with it.  I did flip the sketch for my card. 

And onto my card.  I had seen a lamp done using the "Aviary" set and the "Create a Cupcake" set. The bottom of the cupcake is stamped and then punched out with the cupcake punch and turned upside down to look like a lampshade.  I thought it was a fun card to make too!  The layers of my card are done in Always Artichoke.  I used Whisper White in the #2 spot. The #3 panel is done using the Paisley Petals decorative paper.  I added a piece of Always Artichoke to the stand and pearls to the stand bottom, lamp and the circles on the sides.  The lampshade is put on using Dimensionals. 

What a fun layout this was!!!  I was surprised at how quickly the card went together.  If you have time give this sketch a try.

Off to shovel.  We are getting snow (again).  I am a true lover of winter and snow but I am actually tired of it and am longing for spring.  I want to open my windows and I don't want to shovel any more snow!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Matchbox Die Purse Weekend Project

I made this adorable little box purse a while back.  I probably saw it on someones blog and just had to copy it.  If I did please let me know if it's your creation and I will give you full credit and a link back. 

To make this box I used the "Matchbox" Sizzix die.  The base of the box is just cut out of plain card stock. I folded it up as usual.

Then I put the top piece of the box plus a scrap piece in the textured Cuttlebug folder (I'm not sure what that folder is called).  After I got the texture on the card stock I ran my VersaMark pad over it and sprinkled on clear embossing powder.  Then I heated the powder up.  For the flap of the purse box I cut the scrap piece (which was clear embossed) 1-1/8" x 2-1/8".  Before gluing it onto the front of the box I added a colored rhinestone brad to it and I used a corner rounder on two of the corners. 

Oh and before I assembled the bottom part of the box I punched a hole in the end and added the ribbon.  After the ribbon was taped in I assembled the box bottom.  You don't want to tie a knot in the ribbon because it will be too bulky.  I just taped one end of the ribbon in one direction and the other end going in the opposite direction.  That will keep the ribbon as flat as possible. 

These little boxes are adorable and they really don't take that long to make at all.  The embossing probably took the longest. 

These would make great gifts for co-workers, a fun Make n Take, a quick Stamp Camp project and I may even make a few for the fall craft fair.  When I make them I think I will either use matching ribbon or color the ribbon to match.  The white ribbon is ok but it would be cuter if it matched.  These little boxes hold 4 Hershey Nuggets.  The are about 2" x 2-1/2" so you can find other things that size to fit inside them.  I was thinking about lip balm in it.  I am not sure if it will fit but there are so many brands out there and different sizes that I'm sure I will be able to find some to fit!

SO go have some fun making these!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Vintage Vogue Notebook and Clone

 The first notebook I made here was from a card that Cyndi had made for a swap a while back.  Since I didn't have the set and probably wouldn't be buying it I was going to remove the card from my stash.  It's such a pretty card and I thought it would make a fabulous notebook.  And it sure did.

Then I got to thinking, "what else can I use to duplicate this card and layout."   I used the Soft Suede card stock for my base and I used the Soft Suede decorative paper from the Neutrals pack.  That pack is such a great deal.  You get a variety of designs in the color groups.  I have used it a lot and still have lots left!!

I thought I'd try to make the "Vintage Vogue" set work with this layout and I did like how it turned out.  As long as you don't set them side by side and compare it does look great. 

Inside the flower I added a large pearl.  I also added some Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds to the inside of each flower.  I cut out the large flower (by hand - UGH).  I'm SO spoiled by all the fun punches but alas there is no punch for this flower. 

The words are from a special order stamp and they were punched out with oval punches and the oval scallop punch.  Both the flower and the word layers were set in place on the notebook with Dimensionals.  I usually don't like popping things like that up on notebooks because if you put them in your purse they will get caught up on stuff, bend, rip and get ruined.  Hopefully whoever buys these will know to use them at their desks!

I have a few other cards I want to convert to notebooks.  I LOVE making notebooks and the seem to sell so well. 

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric Pin Cushion Weekend Project

I just hate tossing "stuff" out that I think I can use someday!  I have several boxes full of things like that.  Today I decided to play with one of those pieces of "stuff" in the box.  I took out an empty Stampin' Up! accessories container.  I'm not sure what was in this container or if this was one I purchased.  I am leaning more towards a purchased one because it had "Stampin' Up!" stamped on the top. 

I had the Sweet Stitches fabric sitting out and thought I would merge these two items together.  I had the fabric sitting out because I thought it would be fun to make a pin cushion with it.  Then I ran across this container and this is what I came up with. A pin cushion that also holds my buttons, threads, needles, etc.  A traveling pin cushion!

To make this you will need the following items:

Fabric

Fiberfill

2 small buttons (I used the Brights Designer buttons)

Sewing needle

Thread

Fiberfill

White card stock

scrap copier type paper

2 buttons

Glue Stick

First I cut/punched out 7 circles measuring 2-1/4" out of card stock and one out of scrap paper.  Next I used the glue stick and stuck 6 of those circles together.  I set a weighted object on top of it and let it dry overnight.  I wanted to make sure it was nice and dry so it wouldn't warp when I put the pin cushion together.  I cut out a 4" circle of fabric.  I took the circle cut out of copier paper and folded in half and then folded it in half once more.  This was done so I could find the center of the glued stack and single piece of white card stock.  Next I took the piercing tool and poked a hole in the center of the glued circles, a hole in the single piece of card stock and a hole in the cover of the container. 

Stitch around the piece of fabric and add the fiberfill.  Before pulling the threads tight add the glued circle.  Now pull the threads tightly and tie off.  On a 10" to 12" piece of thread, run the needle through the hole in the glued card stock and come out through the top of the pin cushion.  Add your pretty button and sew back through the fabric to the hole in the glued circle.  Sew back through to the top one more time and back through to the circle.  Insert the needle in the hole in the center of the lid and next in the hole of the single piece of card stock.  Add the next button and sew back through to the top. You may have to feel around a bit with the needle to find the opening.  Sew back through the lid part and repeat this one more time.  Pull the thread tightly.  Hold the top button while pulling tightly and continue to hold this until you are completely finished with the lid.  Next, wind the thread 3 or 4 times around the button in the inside of the lid. Loosely wind it around one more time and slip the needle in the circle the thread created and pull tight.  You can add a dot of glue if you want.  Winding the thread around the button and a single knot should hold it securely. 

You now have an adorable pin cushion and the wording stamped on the cover is no longer visible.  This is great for those containers with labels on them that just won't come completely off! 

Fill it with sewing "stuff" and it's ready to use, toss in the car or give away as a gift!

These would be great for Stamp Camps or a fun Make n Take too.  I am thinking about making a few for the fall craft fair.  They are SO inexpensive to make too!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Matchbox Candy Holder Weekend Project

I know St. Patrick's Day was a couple of days ago.  You had your fill of green beer or now the bruises from being pinched are turning green!!!  But I just had to show you this cute box that Autumn had made.  She used the "Matchbox" Sizzix die.  I don't play with that die as much as I would like to.  This little box holds 4 of the Hershey Nuggets. 

The box is made using Wild Wasabi card stock.  I am not sure if that is decorative paper for the cover or if it's stamped.  The scallop was punched out using Garden Green card stock.

The cute shamrock was made using punched out hearts and the stem of the shamrock was drawn in.  And I'm not sure where the "Lucky" came from.  It was punched out using the Word Window punch. 

I thought this was so adorable and with Autumn's permission, (thanks Autumn) I just had to share it with you.  This matchbox can be used for almost any occasion you can think of.  You can even decorate the candies.  I like to stamp on mailing labels and then wrap them around the candies.  When I wrapped the candies with stamped card stock it was difficult to get them all to fit nicely in the box.  And the card stock didn't want to bend as nicely as I wanted it to. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Lattice Die and a Rose

Sue had posted a card on her blog using the Lattice Sizzix Die.  I liked how she cut it out in white and one in black.  She set the black one down first and then the white over the top so it looked like it had a shadow. 

That card stuck in my head for a few days and so did this rose!  Then I got the bright idea to combine the two and make a fabulous card.  One that will be almost impossible to mail!! It would have to be either hand delivered or put in a box.  There is no way this thing will go through the mail without being smashed.  I found the tutorial for the rose at Valita's Designs & Fresh Folds blog.  She has a great step by step tutorial and there is even a printable version so you can have it on hand anytime you need it.  I plan on making more of these beauties.  You make them using the Two Step Owl Punch. Yup, the owl punch!!!  You cut off the owls feet and you have nice rounded pieces for the petals.  It was surprisingly easy to make too!  Though I did wind the center of my flower a bit too tight but it still looks pretty. 

Isn't this a pretty combination?  The lattice and the rose!  These roses would make great corsages too.  I have future plans for those roses!  You could use this card for many other occasions.  A wedding card, birthday card, thinking of you, get well and a pretty Mother's Day card too!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

St. Patrick's Day Birthday Card

Hubby's aunt has a birthday on St. Patrick's Day and I am always on the hunt for some shamrock background paper. 

Now honestly, in person the colors on this card blend well.  In this photo the Old Olive looks so limy and it also looks like it doesn't belong on the card!  UGH!

Anyway, the "Happy Birthday" is from the "Curly Cute" set.  And the shamrocks are from  the "Lucky Shamrock" download.  I printed it out three times and then punched out the shamrocks. 

And on the inside of the card it reads "Happy 'o Birthday".  Cute, huh?  That was from the "On Your Birthday" set.  I didn't even know those words were in the set!!!  This was a very quick card to make too. 

I think his aunt will like this card.  I really like this layout.  It allows you to use those smaller image stamps.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Teeny Tiny Wishes Birthday Card

 It's Wednesday and that means it's time for the SplitCoast Sketch Challenge!  I LOVE this weeks challenge.  That #2 open area can be used for SO many different images I have.  Though today I chose to use decorative paper on that panel.

My background (#1) panel and the focal panel (#2) were covered with the new "Paisley Prints" decorative paper.  There are SO many pretty papers in that package.  I hope it comes out in a download.

The #2 panel paper is the backside of the #1 panel.  I wasn't sure which way I wanted it either.  The light background in the middle or where I put it.  I struggled with that for a long time.  All I knew was I wanted to make this rose.  And I'm sure you want to know how to make this rose too!  I got the instructions for it at Valita's Designs & Fresh Folds.  There is also a video that you can watch on how to make them.  I did watch it but didn't find it any more helpful than the download instructions. 

I REALLY enjoyed making this card.  Those roses are SO fun to make.  Though I'm not so fond of all of the sponging.  And to think, that use to be my favorite technique!!! 

The words came from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set.  One of my favorite.  And I layered the words on top of a piece of Night of Navy that I punched out using the Large Label punch.  There wasn't a whole lot to this card. It was basically simple to put together.  The rose does take a little time to make because you have to make sure the glue is set so you can go on to the next petal.  I did my flower first so the glue had time to set up.  I made another card with the rose and I'll show it to you in a couple of days.  It's very pretty and SO elegant looking.  Like I said, I LOVE making these roses.  Oh and don't forget to sponge the center piece before you cut it! 

If you have time give this sketch a try! Or give that rose a try.  Or both!!!  Have fun with it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Lucky Shamrock Candy Bag Weekend Project

Here is a fun way to whip up some "Lucky Shamrock" candies for your friends, co-workers, customers or even for the kids!!! Including hubby!  I made this for my hubby!  Hopefully he won't see this post before St. Patrick's Day but if he does it's ok, it's not like it's Christmas and I'm showing his gifts on here!!

To make this I used the "Lucky Shamrock" download.  I opened up the image and set it on the page.  First I printed it out at a size that I could punch out the center with a 1" punch.  It's very easy to do it and it really doesn't waste that much ink. Just be sure when you print you start out with one on the page and print it in a draft mode so it uses very little ink.  Then check the size of it with your punch or with the catalog the original image is from.  Once you are happy with the size fill the page with the number of them you need.  I needed 8 for punching out the shamrock and one more for the header. 

Once I got them printed and punched out I punched out eight 1-1/4" circles out of Garden Green and taped them with Glue Dots to the foil candies.  The Glue Dots seem to stick the best to that foil.  Then I taped the single shamrocks on top of the green circles.  I set them aside and went back to the computer to work on the background of the "Top Note" Sizzix die piece.  I deleted all of the shamrocks on the page and then I just shrunk the shamrock down to a small size. I printed out one to see if I was happy with the size. And luck was on my side, I liked how it looked.  So I did a copy and paste and kept adding the image until the page was full enough so I could fit it on my "Top Note" die.  I printed it out on card stock and then cut it to fit on the "Top Note" die.  I also cut out a piece of Garden Green on the "Top Note" die.  I trimmed the printed image so the Garden Green piece would be the border.  I scored both pieces in the center and then I taped the printed piece to the green piece. 

Next I got a little zip baggie that measures 3" x 5" (these work the best with the "Top Note" headers) and I filled it with the candies. I took the "Top Note" header and I stapled it in place.  Now I ALWAYS staple these type bagged "thing" backwards.  I am covering the staple with the scallop so when I staple it backwards, the back will have the smooth part of the staple and the front will have the bumps. And of course those bumps will be covered with the scallop image and the back of the header is nice and smooth.  Plus you don't have to think about one of those bumps catching on anything, including a finger if it didn't staple nicely!

Before attaching the scallop I added three little pieced of ribbon loops to the back, then I taped it in place and VIOLA, it was done!  This is something the kids can help work with you on too (if you let then in your workroom that is!!!).

I'll leave it on my worktable, hubby will probably not see it and if he does I'm sure he won't think it's for him!!

Have fun making someones day with a candy treat bag!!

Thank you ever SO much for visiting today,
Wanda 

On Your Birthday Birthday Card

I'm sure you are looking at this card and wondering why I would put the little library clip on the side of the card.  Well, that little library clip is not part of the card.  It's there to hold the card shut so I could take a photo of it.  This card was fun to make.  I tried a CASE from another card with this layout.  That card had words and I believe it had some type of butterfly too.  I have forgotten what the original one looked like.

On mine I used the "Elegant Soiree" decorative paper.  Mine is from the download.  I printed it out on 30# copier paper and cut it to fit my card. 

I thought it was fun that I actually got to use one of those "Vintage Flower Adornments" from the Occasions Mini Catalog.   I have had them sitting on the counter for a while now but have not played with them.  It did fit so well with this card. 

And I LOVE that butterfly.  It is from the "Nature Walk" set.  That is not a download, it is the actual stamp! 

I am thinking about giving this to my sister for her birthday.  Yup, both of my sisters have March birthdays.  One is on the 1st and the other is on the 23rd.  There are 4 family birthdays this month.  A busy month for card making!  And on that note I'm off to make the next card, this birthday is on St. Patrick's Day! So you can guess, it's going to be a green card!!! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Elegant Lines Sympathy Card

This is the card I made for our DIVA Day swap.  I was not able to attend it this month.  I was teaching at the bead shop!  When DIVA Day was scheduled I had forgotten to write my teaching days in my day planner and I took a big chance that it would be open for DIVA Day.  But alas it wasn't. I did want to participate in the swap so I made this card.  Our these was either a masculine card or a sympathy card.  Both of which I rarely have any extra on hand. 

The words on here are from the "Thoughts & Prayers" set. I punched them out with the large oval punch and sponged the edges in So Saffron.  The "Elegant Lines" embossing folder was used on the background.  I cut that piece just 1/8" less than the base of the card.  I tied a ribbon around it and then taped it in place.  I used the "Beautiful Wings" embosslit for the butterflies.  I sponged the edges of them using So Saffron.  I added a few of the Basic Pearls Jewels on the butterflies. 

It's a very simple card to make and yet a very elegant one.  Kind of a somber look to it. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Create a Cupcake Purse Card

This "Create a Cupcake" set and the matching punch are both very fun!  I saw a card similar to this one somewhere on the Internet and now I don't remember.  So if you are the author or know who made a card that is very close to this one please let me know.  The original card did not have the bling on it.  And it did not have the black around the punched out part.  And it didn't have the red on the right edges.

I will share with you how I made this card.  I first did the scalloped piece and taped it in place.  Then I made the purse using one stamp from the "Create a Cupcake" set and punched it out.  Then I took a piece of black decorative paper and punched out a 3/4" circle and folded it in half.  The purse handle is made by using two different size oval punches.  I glued the circle in place over the top of the cupcake base (turned upside down).  Then I taped the handle in place behind the circle part. 

Next I punched a hole with a 1-3/4" circle punch.  And the black layer around the opening was done using a 2" circle punch.  I added a bit of bling to it using stick on rhinestones.  And you can see one on the purse and 5 on the red scalloped border strip.  I did take the Real Red marker and colored the right edges of the card.  To do that I opened up the card and set it on a piece of scrap paper.  I then took my marker and ran it across it.  I did it like I was using the edge of my card as a rule and the marker to make the line on the scrap paper.  It made the edge color just thick enough to see.  I did try just using the side of the marker on the edge of the card stock but it just wasn't a deep enough mark to see the color very well.  I did this for the other edge of the card as well.

I didn't add any words to the card because I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for.  But the words will go on the upper part of the front of the card.  I may use it for either a thank you card or for an upcoming birthday.

It's a very quick card to make too!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Sizzix Box #2 Basket Weekend Project

Once again I didn't remember to take the photo at an angle.  GRRR.  It's ok, you can still see all the elements of this cute basket!

I know.  It's about time I post a weekend project.  It's been a while since I have. 

What I liked best about making this basket was I didn't have to do the majority of the cutting. And NO scoring!!!  I took a piece of Daffodil Delight card stock and cut out the Sizzix Box #2.  Then I cut the flap part off plus 3/4" more.  I did keep the flap part.  It is actually the top of the box.  I cut the small flap part off that and kept that rectangle piece.  It's the same size as the bottom of the box. Once I got the box glued on the side and put together on the bottom I glued that flap top inside.  Of course it's a perfect fit and it added some stability to the bottom of the basket! 

The front of the basket is decorated with a piece of card stock I had wheeled on with "Posy Party" mini wheels.  I bought two of the same design and I put then both on the wheel handle and stamped them in Regal Rose.  I colored in the centers of the flowers with Daffodil Delight and I colored the leaves with Wild Wasabi.  And a few of the other flowers I colored in using Pretty in Pink. 

The handle is a piece of Daffodil Delight card stock cut 5/8" wide and 8-1/2" long.  Before I set it in place on the basket I added a piece of rose colored ribbon to it.  You can kind of see that at the top of the handle.  To attach the handle I used two of the "Flower Brads".  I had bought them a while ago (probably because I saw a card done with them, of which I never did make) and I thought I should give them a try on the basket. The basket does have flowers on the front so why not add more to the sides and stick with the same "theme". 

And you can fill the basket as you wish.  I added three filled eggs and they fit in there perfectly.  What a fun little gift for co-workers, friends, customers, teachers, etc.  Using the die you can whip up a bunch of these in no time.  Decorate them as you wish. Use decorative paper to make it even quicker!  Decorative paper for decorating of course.  Don't use it to make the basket, it's not strong enough to support three of these eggs. They are a bit heavy. 

Have fun making them!

Thank you SO much for visiting,
Wanda

Nature's Nest Masculine Birthday Card

This is the first time I've used my "Nature's Nest" set.  I have had it for a very long time and it just sat on the ledge in my workroom.  This turtle is perfect for a masculine card. 

Our next DIVA swap is either a sympathy card or a masculine card.  I was leaning towards the masculine card and after I got done with this card I decided I didn't want to use it for the swap.  It's not that it would take too long for the gals to do. I would have most of the pieces put together so it would stay in the time frame allowed per card.  It was the Faux Snake Skin on the large layer that I didn't want to make a bunch of.  For one thing it takes a little while to make it and the other thing is it does remind me of snake skin and it has a gag factor of about 8 to it!!! LOL  I did do this background technique a bit differently than the original instructions say.  I ran my Old Olive ink pad over the paper towel and then I misted water over the top so the ink would run a bit to color the paper towel.  I used my embossing heat tool to dry it.  Then I added the Chocolate Chip to the paper towel.  Then you proceed to do the VersaMark and the embossing powder layers.  It worked well with this card and it's such a "guy" card too!

The words were done on the computer.  I print them out in a sheet and punch them out as I need them.  The Always Artichoke layer is stamped with the "Sense of Time" stamps.  And that set was used for the area behind the turtle. 

When I look at the picture of my card on this post it looks like the turtle is crooked and kicking up his back legs!!! GRRR.  I usually take my photos head on and lately I've been trying to remember to take them at an angle to catch any depth that has been added to the card with layers or Dimensionals.  And this time I remembered to do that and then it makes the turtle look like it's crooked!!!  I just can't win.  So lets NOT look at the turtle and look at the cool colors of the faux snake skin (and try not to gag!!!  LOL). 

I did have fun making this card but now I have to come up with a different card for the swap!  Back to the dawing board!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thoughts & Prayers Sympathy Card

My how these Wednesday's sneak up on me!  The time is flying by too quickly!  I'm so far behind on everything this year and that is not a good thing!  I needed to make 3 sympathy cards this month. And to top it off with, the theme for our DIVA Day swap is either a sympathy card or a masculine card.  I have chosen a sympathy card and will post that later, I haven't finished them yet.    I seem to be having some trouble with the body of this post.  If I hit return the cursor will go to the bottom of the last photo.  That creates a HUGE open space!  Blogger redid the way you add photos and its a lot easier but it created problems when you add more than  one photo.  SO please bear with me as I try to work with this new and yet frustrating change.  As you can tell, I don't like change! And I don't like it when computer stuff doesn't flow smoothly!!! LOL

Ok, onto my card.  I used some scraps of the Soiree decorative paper I had printed out from the download I purchased.  I just LOVE this paper!  The colors are the best!  I'm working on a project using these papers and it's SO pretty.  And of course I will share it with you when I finish them up!

This sketch was fun except for the cutting of that piece #2.  But once I got it all cut the rest was easy.  I do need a sympathy card so I went with that theme.  I used Marina Mist for the base of the card and the dark layer is Early Espresso.  Just those three colors, and of course Very Vanilla. 

I am not sure you can see it but on the little flowers I added a tiny pearl in the middle. If you click on the photo you may be able to see it better. 

The technique used here is "Direct to Rubber".  That is where you color directly on the rubber with the markers and then huff on it.  The steam from your breath moistens up the ink and the image stamps beautifully.  I'm not a big fan of this technique.  I like to just hit the stamp on the ink pad a few times and stamp on the paper.  I like simple!! LOL

If you have time, give this layout a try! 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Word Play Card

It took me a while to figure out how flip this card.  I had taken the picture with my cell phone. Then I emailed the photo to myself.  I open up email and the photo is laying on it's side.  UGH.  What do I do?  The flip option was not available on the program it opened up into.  I hate computer issues.  I get frustrated very quickly when things go wrong with the computer and I don't know what to do.  Our son usually helps me out with my computer issues.  He has my computer set up to remote connect and get on here and look around to see what is wrong.  I have no idea how things go wrong on here.  "I didn't do it!"  I think I told you this before but it is worth repeating.  He once told me I broke the Internet!!  And the funny part of that was that I believed him!  I had been web site hopping that day big time and got some kind of virus from one of the web sites.  So after he took care of the bug I was careful where I go on here. 

Ok, lets talk about this card.  First of all I want to say how cool the font is on these words.  It is from the "Word Play" set.  I don't have that one and I don't think it was on my wish list but it will be now!  Anyway, I was at Sue's on Monday and Autumn was there.  She had found this card on the net somewhere (like me forgot to make note of where she found it to give credit) and she wanted to make the card.  She asked me if I would help her.  Not that I was all that much help but I said I would.  She punched out all the parts for the key and lock and sponged them.  I put them together.  I also cut out the decorative paper that was cut out in the "Top Note" Sizzix die.  And Autumn did the rest. 

Isn't that lock and key the cutest?  When she was done with the punches and went to put them away, her arms were full.  I was surprised at all the punches that were used to make that lock and key.  But it's SO worth it! 

Here is the list of punches:
1. 119862 Designer Label Large Punch


2. 119868 1" Circle Medium Punch

3. 119881 Heart to Heart XL Punch

4. 117190 Jewelry Tag Medium punch

5. 119855 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval large punch

6. 119863 1 3/8" x 5/8" oval large punch

7. 119857 Word Window Large Punch

8. 119849 Modern Label XL Punch  WOW, huh???

I do like the card but don't think I'll be making any for my personal use.  Not sure I have all those punches either!!!  Oh, I probably do but don't want to take them all out.  Then you have to put them all away and that is the part I REALLY hate!!!  My workroom is pretty much cleaned up right now but that is only because I have stampers in the morning!  You should have seen it an hour ago!  Both worktables were full of papers and stamp sets, punches and scissors.  Such a mess.  But now it's clean and I am going to keep it that way!!!  LOL  I don't believe that, not for a moment.  I am not a neat stamper.  I wait until I have no room left on either table and then I clean things up!  Or when I have stampers coming over.  How can I discipline myself to clean up after each project???  The million dollar question!  And no, you won't get a million dollars if you tell me how! LOL  If I had a million dollars I'd hire someone to clean up after me!  LOL  Wouldn't that be nice?

I thank you SO much for visiting today, later in the week I will have a fun project for you! It's been a while!

Have a happy Stamping Day,
Wanda