Curly Cute Thinking of You Card

If you need a fun and yet quick card, this is the one to make.  You can use any size flower punch you have.  If the flowers are larger than you may want to use only 3 of them instead of 5.  

I punched out my 5 little flowers added a white brad on each one.  I did this after I put the flowers in place on a piece of white card stock.  Then I taped the white card stock to a piece of Cherry Cobbler that was cut 1/8" larger so it gave it a slim looking border.

I did tape the white piece on with Sticky Strip because all of those brads didn't allow the regular tape to stick.  Then I taped the Cherry Cobbler strip to the card.  I did this before I added the white flower strip.  It was much easier to add to the card when you do it that way. The scary part of this is that you could screw up the words and then you have try to get the strip off and start again.  You could always just use a couple of tiny pieces of tape to hold the top layers in place and then stamp the words.  Doing that would take a lot of the scare out of it, wouldn't it?  Too bad I didn't think of that while I was making the card!!! LOL

This is a very quick and simple card to make!  

I've made so many cards lately and I'm itching to do a weekend project or something else, so I think I will get something going to share with you soon!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fabulous Florets Thinking of You Card

Well, here you go!  Another card with a layout I didn't think I was going to be able to do.  Let me tell you, I struggled with the corner and border punch.  I just couldn't get them to match up once I got across one edge of the card stock.  I ended up punching out a corner first (which I did every time I tried this) then I worked my way along the edge of the card stock.  When I got near the end to where I was ready for the corner punch, I took a piece I had ruined and lined it up to see how much excess I should trim off so the edges and corners will line up.  After trimming it I was able to go all the way around the card.  Talk about a tedious job that was.  The rest of the card was quick and easy!!!  SO that all makes up for the edges being such a bear to do!! LOL

The flower is from the "Fabulous Florets" set and so are the leaves.

The words are from my favorite "Sincere Salutations" set.  

I used a piece of decorative paper in the Real Red color from the Decorative Paper "Brights" pack. I added a strip of black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon to it for a little texture.  I taped it in place and then added the flower and leaves. 

Other than the punched edges and corners I did stress a bit about the words. I no more got done finally getting the edges and corners done right and I actually hesitated with the words.  I thought, "What if I screw up the words."  Especially after finally getting the punching done right!!!  But I stamped them and it worked out fine.  I was thrilled to say the least.

On a personal note here, I would make another one of these cards, now that I have a "template" from one of my many attempts!  And when it was all put together, I did like the end result!  This card will be going out in the mail on Tuesday.  Off to a friend I have not talked to in a while!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sailing at Sunset

I told you the other day that I knew how to do a proper sunset on water!!!  Well, here it is.  I used the "Sailing" stamp image again and this time I made a smaller sun. 

I think this is the first time I've ever used More Mustard as the base of my card.  It was interesting but after adding the Marina Mist and smudging it up with Not Quite Navy, it worked out just fine.  

The colors on the sun were sponged in using Daffodil Delight, More Mustard and Pumpkin Pie.  I sponged a little Daffodil Delight into the water area.

Then I covered the sun with the circle I had punched out and proceeded to color in the sky and water with Marina Mist and then Not Quite Navy.  I added some Garden Green in the water so it was easier to tell where the water started and the sky ended.

Next I added a little more Daffodil Delight because I had muted the original sponging too much.

Once all that was done I stamped the boat on using black StazOn.   I stamped the boat one more time on a piece of scrap white card stock. I only stamped the sails part so I didn't need a huge piece of scrap.  I cut the sails out.  I sponged on a little Daffodil Delight on the one side of the sails and towards the bottom I sponged in some Marina Mist.  I set them in place over the stamped sails on the card front. I used Dimensionals to put them on the card.  I wanted them raised a bit.  It was just enough to give them the look of "catching the sunlight."  

The words were done on the computer and sponged with Marina Mist on the edge.  They were set in place on top of a More Mustard punched scallop and set in place on the card with Dimensionals too. 

I had a lot of fun making this card.  And I really do like the way it turned out.  It's fun when you have some great masculine cards in your stash!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fest and Circles!

This is SO out of my element.  Not the layering or the cutting out of the flower but the circles "thing."  Though I do like the results of it.  I did try to do a card with punched circles before and just struggled SO much with it that I became frustrated.  This card was not frustrating to do.  I had a bunch of flowers and leaves cut to with that out of the way the rest of it is suppose to be easy or easier, right?  Well, it was easy but yet not.  

All I knew about the outcome of this card was that I wanted the rose and leaves to be on the edge of a circle and the circle would have words stamped on it.  I got the words, the circle, the rose and the leaves.  Now how to arrange them so it doesn't look silly or like you just stuck them there because you didn't know what to do with them?  I finally got that flower circle done and then it started all over again.  What to do with the rest of the card.  I actually thought of just leaving the flower circle and calling it done.  But it looked to blah.  It needed more.  SO I mustered up some courage and a few circle punches and then scrounged around for some paper to work with.  I ended up using some decorative paper pieces from the Subtles decorative paper pack.  And a piece of Cherry Cobbler.

I punched out some circles and moved them around on the card.  Layered them.  Took layers off.  And then played around with them on the card front a bit more and this is what I came up with.  I actually think I like it!  Shocker!!  I know!! LOL

My biggest problem with this card was the bottom part where it was so open.  After I added a piece of ribbon the card just all of a sudden went together!  Imagine that. I could have saved myself a half hour if I had just added that ribbon on right away!!! UGH!

SO this is the card I came up with and I am pleased with it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sail Away Birthday Card

I saw a card similar to this on the Late Night Stampers (LNS) Demo's Only site.  I thought it was SO pretty.  It was made by a gal named Eileen.  Her sun was a bit smaller and her layout was from a recent sketch from somewhere else on the Internet.  I know of three places doing sketches, one of course is SplitCoastStampers and then there is the Mojo Monday sketch and this one.  Her post said that she made the card for this weeks sketch, so I am assuming it is from the LNS group but I could be wrong.  I do recall seeing that sketch but didn't make any mental notes of it and I wonder if I had would I remember it?  LOL

SO my card!  I really do like this sun in the background concept and I want to make another card using that theme.  I do know how to do a setting sun on the water and this card isn't even close!!  We have no plans for the Memorial Day holiday weekend other than having our son and his fiance over for grilling on Sunday.  A quite weekend.  I'm hoping to get the rest of my flowers in.  Hubby can plant his own tomatoes and peppers!!!  I don't like to get my hands dirty.  I don't really like outdoors in the summer either.  I will go outside in the spring for a while and in the fall but summer I can be found indoors with the air on!  Anyway, back to my card.  The stamp set is called "Sail Away" and it's just the one stamp in the set, which makes it a fairly reasonable stamp to buy if you want to make masculine cards.  Though I think you could make a nice sympathy card with this too!

I took a half sheet of Basic Black card stock and folded it in half.  I then cut a piece of Marina Mist to measure 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" and I ran it through the Lattice embossing folder.  Next I cut a piece of Whisper White card stock to measure 3-1/8" x 4-1/2".  I stamped the ship on using black StazOn.  Then I stamped the ship again on another scrap piece of card stock so I could cut out the sails. 

The moon was done by punching a 2-3/4" (or whatever size circle you want) out of scrap card stock and using it as a template to sponge in the colors.  I sponged in Daffodil Delight, More Mustard and Pumpkin Pie.  I also sponged in a little Pumpkin Pie in the water.  And I sponged a little Marina Mist in the water too.  Then I sponged the edges and the second set of sails with Marina Mist since I had the ink out and the sponge was ready to go.  I cut out the second set of sails and set them in place on my card using Dimensionals.  I taped the layer on and then taped that piece onto my card.

The words are from some I had printed out on my computer. I sponged the edge of that in Marina Mist too.  I set it in place on top of a black scallop circle.  I set that in place using Deminsionals. 

This card was actually pretty quick to make  and it turned out just fine.  But like I said, I want to try one with a better setting sun!  And of course I will share it with you!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Apple Blossoms Card

As I look at this card I am thinking that maybe I should have just left that rectangle of circles off the white piece.  They were such a bear to get on straight as it was. It took me 3 times to get it right and the third time I ended up using the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  I don't know why I hate to dig it out but I do.  And once I have it out I use it and the card is just fine.  Who knows what that is all about!!! LOL

SO for my card I used the "Apple Blossoms" set.  I stamped the flower from the set 3 times.  I cut one out so I had a full image.  Then I cut the next layer out and one more layer in.  I set them in place on top of each other using Dimensionals. And in the center of the flower I put a small pearl.  

Next I stamped the words on (which are from the same set!!!) and then I added the ribbon.  I taped the ribbon ends on the back and then tied a small piece of ribbon on the front for the bow.  Now adding the bow should have been done after the card was taped in place on the folded half sheet of Cherry Cobbler card stock.  But did I do it that way?  No of course not, that would have made more sense.  I put all the elements on the card and then tried to use my snail tape.  I ended up using some double-sided adhesive from a tape dispenser.  It was either that or glue.  And then once I got it all together I liked everything but the rectangle of circles.  I may have to try this again to see if I really would like it without the circles!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fest Sketch Challenge

I just loved this weeks Sketch Challenge at SplitCoastStampers.  I loved it because it had LOTS of layers.  See the sketch below.  Six layers, count them, SIX!!!  How fun is that?

So what was I going to make?  I still  had the words from the "All Holidays" set sitting out and it fit perfectly in the #6 spot.  I colored the words in using Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and a Basic Black marker.  I sponged the edges using the Cherry Cobbler ink pad.

The flowers were made using the "Flower Fest" set.  I had not used the big Mum looking flower yet.  There's a few other pieces in that set that I have not used yet too.  The butterfly and a 5 point flower.  I'll have to use them in a card soon so I can say I used every image in the set.  I don't often use every image in a set.  I often buy a set just because of one image in it!!!  Anyone else do that???  I don't want to be alone in that!  LOL  The flowers were made by stamping VersaMark on Cherry Cobbler card stock and then sprinkling white embossing powder on it and heat setting it.  I then cut the three of them out.

The leaves are done the same way as the flowers.  I used Pear Pizazz card stock for them. 

The #2 and #3 layers are done using the Neutrals pack of decorative paper.  

Assembly was easy, I just followed the layer placement on the sketch.  If you have time play with this sketch.  I'm looking forward to seeing what others on SplitCoast have done with the sketch.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fest CASE

For those of you who don't know what CASE means, I was told it meant Copy And Study Everything.  And I did copy this card.  Most of it that is.  I didn't have the ribbon that was used in thee original card by Regina at Stamps Alot.  My card is close and I like how it turned out.  

When I first saw this card I just fell in love with the look of it and I knew I HAD to make it.  I found some time this evening and headed to my workroom to get this card made so I could quit obsessing about it.  I kept the link open on my computer because I didn't want to lose it and it was also a reminder to hurry up and make this card.  Obsessing sounds like such a strong word but when you are thinking about a card a lot during the day and it lasts for a few days, well.... I call it obsessing!!!  Now that I have the card done I can obsess about something else!!! LOL

This card was made using the "Flower Fest" set.  I am now finding more and more samples I like that use this set.  What a fun set this is.  Though I am starting to get tired of cutting out roses and leaves!!! LOL  

I am going to be hanging on to this card for quite a while.  I may even just set it out so I can view it every time I am in my workroom!!  And it does feel good to get that card off my mind.  Last night I embossed the flowers and all the leaves and I even took a few minutes to cut them all out so I could actually finish the card tonight.  I was glad I did because I'm so pinched for time tonight.  I had a busy day and now I have to go finish cleaning up my kitchen and dining room so the appliance guy can come and remove the "other" dishwasher and install the new (hopefully working perfectly) dishwasher.  I have been dealing with Bosch and our new and damaged dishwasher since February.  Talk about a runaround.  And the time I've had to sit here waiting in those 4 hour windows for the repair guy to come.  UGH!  After the 6th time the repair guy said it's unrepairable.  But Bosch didn't believe him so we had to get a second opinion.  Fortunately this company is nearby and I am the first call in the morning for them!!!  And I won't even tell you the hoops that Bosch makes you jump through.  I just shake my head at all the stuff I was told, even the part where the repair guy said "it's an installation problem.  You need to cut part of the cupboard off, it's squeezing the machine so it makes the door read it's open."  It turns out the machine was damaged ("it looked like it had been dropped").  Good thing we didn't cut the cupboard, huh???  I shake my head as I type that.  Before any repair person tells you to cut your cupboards, get another opinion!  Anyway, a replacement dishwasher is being delivered at 8:30 am so I will have most of my morning plus the rest of my day to get my usual things done!  Let's hope this one works well!!!  Ok, enough whining.  More info than you wanted to know!!!  LOL

Take a moment out and hop on over to Regina's blog and see her card.  It's SO pretty!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Awash With Flowers Birthday Card

I ran across an old card layout.  For all I know it's one of the SplitCoast challenge ones from before I started doing them.  Not that I remember ALL of the layouts I've done....  but I don't recall doing this one.

I had a lot of fun playing with this layout and this stamp set.

"Awash with Flowers is such a fun set to play with too!"  For my card I did stamp the tulip type flower on card stock and cut it out after coloring it.  I'll tell you how I colored it later in this post.  The other flower is actually 3 flowers cut and assembled to resemble one.  I had made a card using that same flower a few weeks back. That pretty card can be found here.  It was one of the most favorite cards I've ever made.  Though it was mostly a copy it doesn't matter, I still like the looks of it.  You can see on the original card how one of the flowers were cut into two pieces and used to complete the "circle."  The other two flower pieces had the small petals cut off so they only have 3 petals each.

Ok, now I'm sure you want to know how I made this!!  And I'll share that with you.  First I started out with a piece of Basic Black card stock and I folded it in half.  Then I took a piece of decorative paper from the Neutrals Decorative paper pack and I cut it just a little shy of 5-1/2" and just a little shy of 4-1/4"  I just wanted the smallest sliver of black showing on the edge.  

The panels are very easy to do too.  The large one on the left is cut 3-5/8" x 1-7/8".  The Regal Rose piece behind it is cut 3-3/4" x 2" and the Pretty in Pink piece behind that is cut 3-7/8" x 2-1/8".  The top panel is cut 1-1/4" x 2-1/4" and I just added 1/8" to the next two layers.  And the flower panel on the bottom right is cut 1-7/8" x 2-1/4" and the next two panels I added 1/8" to when I cut them, just like I did for the layers on the long panel on the left.  These top panels are cut using Whisper White card stock.  

After I got all of the pieces cut I got my black StazOn ink out and was ready to stamp.  First I stamped the stem on the long panel.  Next I stamped the words on the top panel.  The words are from the "Sincere Salutations" set.  Then I stamped the tulip type flower and 3 of the other flower along with 3 leaves.  I cut out the tulip type flower, the other flower and the 3 leaves.   I cut the petal on the right side off on two of the flowers.  On the third flower I kept the petal on the left side and the next one. After all the cutting was done it was time to color!!

I sponged the color in on the flowers by first using Pretty in Pink ink.  Then I added just a touch of Regal Rose (sponged on) in the center of the flower and on the edges.  I colored the tulip type flower the same way except I was careful not to color in the center part of the flower.  I used the So Saffron marker to fill in the yellow center of that flower and I used the Pretty in Pink marker to color in the dots inside the yellow part.  The stem was colored in using the Pear Pizazz marker.  And the leaves were colored in by sponging them with Pear Pizazz.  When I was all done coloring the pieces I assembled the flower on the bottom panel and I taped it to the Whisper White card stock.  I taped the tulip flower in place and then I set the three panels on a piece of scrap copier paper.  I took my Silver Smooch Spray and gave the three pieces 2 sprays all at one time.

I taped the panels on their layers.  Then I set them in place on the card.  With a pencil I marked where I wanted to make small slits for the ribbon to go through.  The ribbon does show through on the inside of the card.  It was something that would be very difficult to do through just the decorative paper. I liked the ribbon there on the inside, it makes a nice holder for folded money!  Ok, back to the front.  I did add the ribbon after I made the slits and then I added the panels.  

The button is from the Subtles Designer Buttons pack.  I set it in place with Crystal Effects. You can also use a tiny glue dot to do this too.  After I got it all assembled it still looked like something was missing.  Especially in the bottom right corner of the left panel.  SO I decided to punch out some black dots and I glued them in place.  After doing that I felt the card was complete. 

Oh, I did forget one thing.  The sponging of the white panels.  I sponged them with So Saffron.  I sponged over the stem area about 5 times.  I had set the tulip flower on the stem and saw where it would be, I removed it and sponged outside that area a bit so when the flower was added it looked like I had sponged around the outside of it.  And I sponged the edges of the 3 white panels with the So Saffron.  Then I added the flowers!  There, I think that about covered everything!

This was a very fun card to make!! A bit time consuming but I had fun making it and that is what is important. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Circle Circus Meets Fast & Fabulous

A long time ago I had a card with a background similar to this but the circles were made using a round background stamp.  These stamps have long since been retired.  I always liked the look they created.  SO I hunted through the catalog to see what round stamp I could find and I came up with this circle one from "Circle Circus."  I have not played with that set much and I really should, it's got such fun possibilities to it.  Like this card for instance!

The flowers are from the "Fast & Fabulous" set.  I just stamped them in black.  The image from the Circle Circus carried the color for the card so nothing was needed on the flowers.  

And the words are from the "Sincere Salutations" set.  One of my favorite word sets! Hope it's in the next catalog.  I know it's been around for a while but it's such a wonderful set to have on hand for all of your greeting card needs.

My card was made using a half sheet of Pear Pizazz folded in half.  The white was cut at 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".  The colors on the circles is as follows:  Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight and Bashful Blue.  Black StazOn was used for the words and the flowers.  The Basic Black pad takes a little longer to dry for me so when it comes to black I can almost always be found using the StazOn.  And that's it.  It's a very quick and simple card to make. Oh and don't forget versatile too.  This could also be used for a sympathy, get well, Mother's Day, thinking of you and friendship.

edited on 5-23-11: I had the set listed as "Fabulous Florets" and it's really "Fast & Fabulous"

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

It's Graduation Time

My sweet friend Leah is among the talented stampers I get to be with monthly.  This month she was working on graduation cards.  At first I thought she was making them to sell but as it turned out she needed a bunch.  I believe she had over 10 going when I looked over.  WOW!!  

She was kind enough to let me share her wonderful card with you.  They are basically simple yet some elements do require a bit of time.  The word piece not only required cutting the piece but also clipping the corners.  And also the layer behind it!  

Then there's the scalloped piece which needed to be punched out along with the white circle. 

The graduation cap is from some sticker set she had gotten at the local stamping store.  She just set them in place on the circle.  

She added a piece of black decorative paper and a ribbon to cover the edge of the black paper.  I don't remember what school she said these colors were for but I'm sure for those of you not in our area school colors don't mean a thing to you since each school in any state has it's own colors!  I just love the concept of using stickers like that on cards!  Her cards were adorable and all ready to go for the upcoming open houses she will be attending.  I hope they are not all in one day!!

Thank you Leah for sharing your card with everyone!
And thank you everyone for stopping by today,
Wanda

Flower Fest Frienship Card

Thursday night at Stamp Till You Cramp, Sharon and I worked on this card.  It was one of those inspiration card.  I saw a card on Vicki's "It's a Stamp Thing" blog and I liked the upper part of the card. Well, I liked the lower part of the card too but I didn't want to do them together.  Plus I didn't have all the "stuff" to do the bottom part. 

I am not sure the size of her card.  It appeared to be longer than my card.  But then again the oval on my card is bigger so who knows the size of the card. Ok, I'm sure Vicki knows!! LOL

Anyway, this is what we came up with.  We used Cherry Cobbler card stock instead of the Poppy Parade.  I would have liked to use the Poppy Parade but I didn't have any decorative papers that would match so I went with the Cherry Cobbler and I liked it just fine.

I did the wording on the computer.  I had downloaded the "All Holidays" word images and I was able to scale it down a bit to fit in the oval.  The stamp image was just a bit too big.  

We arranged the flowers but felt that something was missing from the bottom of the oval.  We set pearls there but they just didn't do it, nor did the rhinestones.  I took out a small paper punch and punched out a bunch of black pieces and set them in place around the oval.  After a lot of moving them around this is what I came up with and I liked it.  It was just what the oval needed. 

The flowers were pretty but I thought they could use a bit of sparkle so I covered up all the paper around them and used the "Vanilla Shimmer" Smooch Spray and gave each flower a shot!  I removed the protective papers and was very pleased at the final outcome.

It's such a pretty card and Vicki had a great concept going there!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fancy Birthday Card

Need a birthday card quick?  Or maybe not a birthday card.  This is one of those very versatile cards!

For my card I used the "Flower Fancy" set.  Just one little flower from the set was all it took.  

I lightly drew a line where the ribbon was to be placed and then added the flowers.  I'm not sure if I erased the pencil mark or not but it doesn't matter, it's hidden behind the ribbon and if the one who got the card is snooping behind the ribbon, well then shame on them!!!! LOL

You can do this card in any of your favorite colors and use it for any occasion you need.  It's quick and simple to make too!

Want the measurements?  The base of the card is a half sheet of Whisper White card stock.  The pink layer is Pretty in Pink and cut at 5-3/8" x 4-1/8".  The top Whisper White layer is cut 4" x 5-1/4".  Simple as that!!  Now go make one!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fabulous Florets Sketch Challenge

 It's Sketch Challenge time!!!  I do like this sketch but I'm not so thrilled at what I did with it.  This is another one of those cases where it looked SO much better in my head than it does on paper!

I used the

Fabulous Florets set.  I stamped the images on Whisper White card stock and cut each piece out.  Thankfully I only made one card with all that cutting.  I wouldn't want to make that many cards for a swap!

Actually I don't mind cutting pieces out, it is fun.  I just wish it would have turned out nicer. 

What is nice about this card is it is very versatile.  It can be used for birthdays, thinking of you, thank you, Mother's Day, get well and even a sympathy card.  I LOVE it when I find a set that I can get a lot of occasions out of.  I often purchase those more than ones that are limited.  Well, except for ones with snowmen in the set!!! I'm a sucker for snowmen!

If you have time give this sketch a try.  I really look forward to Wednesdays and the Sketch Challenge.  It was many years ago that I started doing the challenge and I don't know what impelled me to start. Perhaps it was from surfing SplitCoast (SCS) site for the days posts and I noticed all the cards with the same layout.  I do remember that weeks before that I did see a lot of cards made with the same layout and I really liked the layout so I gave it a try and it was a matter of a week or so that I figured out it was a Sketch Challenge and the next thing I knew I was working them and posting them in my gallery at SCS.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Hello Blossoms

Well, what a fun little stamp this one is!!! I've had it for quite a few weeks and have not used it yet.  I had seen some cards made using it but wasn't in the mood to color in each flower individually.  I need to be in the right mindset to take on things like that.  I was ok with coloring in the green part.  I was hoping I could just stamp it all in green and cover up the flowers with the buttons but that didn't work.   Most of the flowers were bigger than the buttons.  SO I took my marker and colored in the leaves, stems and the grassy part.  I huffed on it and stamped it on my card stock.  I usually measure my card stock by the size of the wooden block.  I believe this one was 2" x 3".  

For the flowers I used buttons from the Brights collection.  In the center of each button is a brad I had cut the prongs way down.  There was less than 1/4" stub left.  I set the cut brads in place using Crystal Effects.  Once the brads were set I glued the buttons in place using Crystal Effects.  

I do like the flower part of the card but the left side sure could use some more work.  I am regretting the ribbon and placing that panel behind the flowers on there the way I did.  I can't take it apart because tape and decorative paper are not friendly when trying to reposition things.  If it were taped to card stock it may be easier to move so because it's taped to decorative paper I'm literally stuck with it looking this way!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Chalk Lines Technique Technique Page

I am starting set #5 of the technique pages.  Actually this is the second one for this set.  The first one will be the Faux Flocking.  When making the last set I counted wrong and made one too many techniques so I had a jump start on the next set!!!  Let's hope I can keep the momentum going!!!

This is an interesting technique.  You stamp your image, color it in with chalks and then erase the chalk in straight lines. You can see the lines SO much better in person.  

For this card I used the "Flower Fest" set and the "On Your Birthday" set for the words.  The base of the card is Whisper White and the accent color is Pacific Point!  It's a fun and pretty card, sure enough to brighten up someones birthday!

If you are interested in purchasing the technique pages, they are available in my web store.   Sets 1 - 3 are available on CD.  These pages are set up to print out, cut two sides so the page is 5-3/4" x 5-3/4".  They are then decorated in a Technique Club or Technique Class and set on a 6" x 6" piece of coordinating card stock and placed in an album for future reference.  Photos of the finished pages are included for reference.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Ladybug Weekend Project

Wouldn't this make a great summertime party favor???  I had seen this ladybug a long time ago, probably when these Sweet Treat cups first came out and I filed it away.  I didn't realize I had filed it away that long!!

This adorable ladybug is SO fun and quick to make too.  The part that took the longest was waiting for the glue to dry on the stick.  I was thinking that if I had a lot of these to make I would use a hot glue gun for that but then again if you have a lot to make by the time you are done with the last one the glue will be set up enough to handle.  I guess it's whatever you want to do to keep the stick on!!

To make this I just punched out some red card stock, I filled the cup with red candies and stuck the cup to the card stock.  I punched out small black circles and glued them to the outside of the cup.  And for the head I just punched out a 1-3/8" circle and glued it to the back of the red circle.  I used the white gel pen to dot in a couple of eyes. But I think those wiggly googly eyes would be adorable on it too.  I couldn't fine mine so I just went with the gel pen.  When I find the eyes I'll just glue a couple on and she will be even cuter!

These are a great thing that the kiddies can help make too for a class gift or just a single one for a teacher gift.  They are fun and easy to make, not to mention how adorable they are!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fabulous Florets Birthday Card 2

As you can see I am having some fun with the new "Fabulous Florets" stamp set.  I'm just SO ready for flowers right now.  But alas, we have rain again.  I know we need the rain but not every day!!!  I did see the sun for a brief moment one day this week.  Our temps are rather cool and it actually feels like April. Maybe that is why we have all this rain, we are a month behind.  I actually had the furnace off the other day when it got near 90 and was SO beastly humid.  But last night it was so cold in the house I had to turn the furnace back on.  

Ok, enough about the weather report here in Minnesota!!!  Let's talk about my card.  I challenged myself here and used the Tangerine Tango card stock.  I have hardly used the very first pack of it I purchased.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's that I'm not really into orange?  I don't know but I do like how it worked on this card.  

The base of the card is a half sheet of Tangerine Tango folded in half.  On top of that is a piece of white card stock cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/4" and I used one of the texture folders to get a pretty background.  I did stamp my words first.  They are from the "On Your Birthday" set.  Then I cut a piece for the layer behind the words.  I set it in place but did not tape it.  I wanted to make sure I like the placement of the flowers.  I stamped the flowers using black StazOn and I cut them out. I took a marker and a blender pen and colored in the flowers.  I set them in place around the card until I got them were I liked them.  Then I taped everything in place.  I was thinking of adding some green leaves to flowers but I wanted it to have the clean and simple (CAS) look.  I may try another one to see if I like the leaves on it or not.

Early next week I'll be getting a little blog candy ready for you all! It's been a while since I've posted some.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fabulous Florets Birthday Card

Blogger seems to be having a few issues, I guess over 30 hours of them but it seems to be working now.  It seems to always happen when I’m ready to post something!!! LOL  I thought I'd add a quick post before they need to tweak it again and the site goes down.  I don't know what the new upgrade to this is but I guess it cause the site to go down for repairs for a couple of days.  OUCH!!  I didn't want you to think I wasn't posting anymore!!!  I had a post ready to go for the Wednesday Sketch Challenge but I am not sure if it will be on here or not.  SO later today I will do some research and see where it went and if it's still on here I will make sure it gets posted!! Hope you didn't miss me too much!!! LOL

I am loving this new “Fabulous Florets” set!  I have seen so many beautiful cards done with it and I knew I just had to have it.

My card is a pretty simple one and it really didn’t take that long.  First I stamped the stem using Garden Green.  Then I cut the piece so it measured 1-3/4” x 4-1/4”.  Each layer behind it was 1/8” larger.  Then on a scrap  piece of white card stock I stamped the flower image using Melon Mambo.  I cut the image out.  That was probably the part of the card that took the longest and honestly, it really didn’t take that long.  I set it in place on top of the stem. 

I took a piece of white card stock and use the Polka Dot embossing folder and got a dainty little texture for the background.  I layered that on top of a layer of Regal Rose and then that was set in place on top of the Melon Mambo. 

I punched out a scallop from Melon Mambo and a 1-3/8” circle of Regal Rose.  The words were done on my computer and were punched out using the 1-1/4” circle punch.  The words layer was set in place using Dimensionals.  As quick and simple as that. And it’s so sweet and elegant looking too!  I have LOTS of plans for this set!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Touch of Kindness Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 It's Wednesday and that means it's Sketch Challenge time again!!!  I just LOVE this sketch!!!  I have a ton of images that will fit into that space!!!  I'm sure you will see me using this layout on a few more cards before the month is over!

For my card I used the "Lap of Luxury" decorative paper.  All three of those pieces were in the pack.  I thought I was going to have to use a piece of Concord Crush but as it turned out the backside of the striped paper had the dark purple.  It was great to get all those colors from one package!  

The image is from the "Touch of Kindness" set.  I have had this set for a little while and have not used it.  I have seen a lot of adorable cards made with it and was glad I bought the set but was a bit upset with myself that I had not played with it yet.  There is an adorable kitty in this set too (probably why I bought it) and I want to use it on a card soon too.  Probably using this same layout.  It will fit in the #4 space easily!!  

I made my card into a birthday card.  I still have 3 more to make to be caught up for this month!!  What a busy birthday month!!  The words were printed on my computer. 

If you have time, give the sketch a try!  This was a very fun sketch!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Happy Together Thinking of You Card.

I was just having some fun with the "Happy Together" set.  And also the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set.  I often use that set with the Word Window punch but some of the words fit perfectly in the oval punch, which I LOVE.  Wouldn't it be fun to have a larger Word Window punch and then another one that is scalloped???  Well, it's not invented (yet) so I used the ovals.  And of course the bird is in the round circles and scallop.  I just wanted to make a sweet and simple card but yet didn't want it to look like it was just thrown together in a matter of minutes.  Which it was sort of. It was not "thrown" together but it did go together in under 10 minutes!  SO quick and I think it's cute too!  I have a special person in mind that I have been thinking about lately and it's going to be going out in the mail tomorrow morning!!

This card can be used for quite a few other occasions too, it's got that simplicity to it that allows you to do that.  I just like the cute, sweet and quickness of it!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Sympathy Card

It's so sad.  I needed yet another sympathy card.  An old neighbor passed away this weekend.  He was in his lat 80's so I guess that's a pretty long life.  My mom said he never really did get his strength back a few years ago after heart surgery.  I use to go camping with his family.  His daughter was my best friend growing up and a matron of honor in my wedding. (Many years ago!).

So I went in my workroom and I had seen a card made something like this but I don't remember where I saw it.  I added different texture and I'm sure the color was different too. I needed blue!  The words were done on my computer.  I printed out a full sheet of them (and hope I don't use them up by the end of the year - except for making samples!).

It was an easy and quick card to put together too.  This layout would be great to make a set of card with for various occasions. I may do that later in the week and do some blog candy!  It's been a while since I've done any blog candy on here!  I have drawers of stuff and once I get into cleaning them this summer I will be posting a lot more blog candy!!!  I WANT my drawers cleaned and organized!!!

Anyway, the colors used her are as follows:  Whisper White and Marina Mist.  Some 1/4" satin ribbon, a scallop border punch and an embossing folder, the "Lattice" one.  And that was it.  I did stamp some words on the inside from the "Thoughts and Prayers" set.  

It's a subtle card and not too frilly so it will pass for a masculine card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Decorative Paper Purse Weekend Project

Here is a cute little purse you can make for a quick Mother's Day gift.  Or any other occasion you can think of.  

I whipped this little baby up in no time at all.  The paper I used here is from the "Paisley Petals" pack.  I cut the 12" x 12" piece of paper to 8-1/2" x 11" and put it in my printer.  I printed the pattern right onto the decorative paper.  When you are ready to print, make sure the part of the paper you like is not the part you want printed.  For my printer I put the part I wanted on the outside to the back of the printer so the part I wanted the printing to go on was face up on the printer.  I found the pattern here.  I downloaded it and then I just hit print. I did set my printer to a draft copy.  I didn't need a high quality print for the inside of the purse.  

The base of this purse is 1-1/2" wide x 3" long and it's 2-3/8" tall and from the bottom up it tapers to about 2-3/8" long to 1" wide.  It's a very nice size.  It's not so little as I opened this post with!!!

There is SO much you can do with this pattern.  I think the next time I make one I'll print the pattern on card stock and add pieces of decorative paper.  The decorative paper is SO pretty but it's not as durable as card stock is.  I had added a piece of Velcro under the flap and you have to be very carefully when opening it or it could rip.  

I did have fun decorating it as little as I did.  The scallop was made by first punching out a circle.  Then I took one of my scallop punches and punched over that circle.  I cut the scalloped circle ring between a scallop.  Then I snipped between every scallop about 1/4".  This allowed me to open up the scallops enough to let them bend a bit for a custom fit around the flap arch.  

The punched flower is from the "Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.  I added a 3/4" circle of Certainly Celery card stock to the back and attached the two pieces with a brad.  I affixed it on the purse with a Dimensional.  I added a piece of ribbon for a handle and I was done.  I did glue my purse together instead of taping it.  I don't find tape holds as well (unless it is the Stick Strip tape).  And that was it.  A REALLY quick purse to use as a gift or keep for yourself.  I want to try the Faux Alligator technique on it.  And alligator looking purse with this pattern would be adorable!!!

This was a fun project! 
Edited 5-9-11:  I have gotten a couple of comments stating that they can't access the pattern.  Blogger does not have anything on here that will allow me to reply back to the comments or those who leave a comment.  If you have any problems opening the pattern, please email me here and I will help you get the pattern.

Thank you SO much for visiting today and Happy Mother's Day!
Wanda

Beaded Beauty!

I thought I would share with you today a bracelet I had made.  On Tuesday I ran over to Bead Basics (where I teach) to pick up some of the new beads they got in.  These beads came from a mix.  I purchased #11's, #8's and a tube of mixed sized ones.  There were tiny bugles, drops, cubes and very tiny #15's in that mix, plus the regular size beads.  I dug out a pattern I had and played with it to make it work with these beads.  And this is what I ended up with.  I plan to give this to my sister.  She starts a new job on Monday and this will go with a lot of the clothes she wears.  She won't be getting it before Monday though.  I will be dropping it off at Bead Basics so it can be on display for a few days.  

This bracelet was a lot of fun to make.  Though I do have to say, I have never done the herringbone stitch with bugles before.  It was interesting and fun, plus I LOVE how they look with this.  It helped to give that look of undulation to the bracelet, along with pulling the thread tightly at the right spots too!

Fun, fun, fun is all I can say about this bracelet.  I wish I had more time to bead!  I found the pattern for this at Bead Maven's.   

I will have something stamped for you to look at tomorrow.  I wanted to share this with you today.  I was not able to stamp today, I am putting together those technique pages!!  It's a race with the clock!

Thank you for stopping in today,

Wanda

Stampin' Mist Technique Page Notebook

Well, I recounted and I needed one more technique page to make set #4 complete, and this one is it!!!  I have 4 techniques sitting in square boxes waiting to be put together.  That is one of my jobs this weekend.  Get all of those pages done so on Monday (yes, Monday) I will send out the email letting those on the list know the pages are ready!!!  If you'd like to be added to that list just email me here.  It will be a few weeks before the set #4 is available on CD.  I will announce that too!   

This fun technique involves some VersaMark, an ink pad and Stampin' Mist.  It's a very easy technique to do and the smell in the room when you are done is wonderful.  That Stampin' Mist smells SO good!!  Oh and it cleans your stamps too!!! LOL

To do this technique you first cover a piece of card stock with your ink pad.  I made sure mine was freshly inked so it didn't take so long.  Then you add VersaMark to the image.  Spray it with the Stampin' Mist and stamp it on the card stock.  When it dries it gives a light/dark bleached type look to it.  A fun technique!  And no, once the card stock dried it didn't smell like the Stampin' Mist anymore!! 

I had some papers that were already punched so I thought I would make a notebook using the technique in the background.  I do regret using the Aviary set.  Or perhaps I should say that I regret cutting the cage out.  A white background on an open cage doesn't make any sense at all!!!

Now I'm off to put those 4 sets together so I'm set for Monday!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today!
Wanda

Vintage Vogue My Digital Studio Card

I made the background on this card using the "Vintage Vogue" download and "My Digital Studio."  This one was actually pretty easy to make.  I opened up the "Vintage Vogue" folder and dragged the flowers over.  I did have to resize them.  What was funny about this is when I took the original stamp to the larger flower I had resized it to the exact size!  What an eye!! Ok, it was just sheer luck!  I placed the large flowers around and then I filled in with the smaller flowers.  And when I checked the size of them, they were exact too!!! Am I good or what?  I REALLY think it's the "or what" but I'm going to run with "good" for now!!! LOL

After I got the flowers placed I added the leaves. Which, by the way are not the exact size.  The are smaller than the rubber image.  So now you know that I really don't have that great of an eye for the size!!!  I told you it was just luck!

Once I got the leaves on and put behind the flowers (Ctrl and the arrow down key takes care of putting the pieces behind the flower, it moves it to the back).  I did pick a color (Old Olive) for the leaves before I added them all.  But as for the flowers I didn't add the color to them until I was all done.  I didn't want to have to be moving them around to get the colors to where they were pleasing to the eye.  It's not really a big deal but I didn't feel like moving each leaf every time I moved a flower.  I've done that before and realized that if I had added the color of my flowers first after they were placed where I wanted them, then add the leaves.  SO much less stuff to move around.  And I did have to move a few flowers even after I had all the leaves and colors in.  I just wasn't happy where they were at.  Once I was happy with it I printed it out and this is what I got.  I could have printed out a second one and cut out some flowers but after spending the time I did on the digital part I didn't want to spend much more time on this card. 

The words on the card are from the "All Holidays" set.  I think the swirls on the wording enhanced the look of the card.  I added some pearls to the center of the flowers and layered it on top of a half sheet (folded in half) of Old Olive.  Ok, I added it to the Old Olive card stock first and then added the pearls.  I've done it the other way and it's pretty difficult to add tape to the back of the card without causing warping or even folds.  Now I just need to add a trimmed piece of white card stock to the inside and it's ready to sign and give to mom on Sunday!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Vintage Vogue Birthday Card

 Do you hear circus music?  LOL  I had been playing with the "My Digital Studio" and the "Vintage Vogue" images last night.  I was working on a Mother's Day card and just abandoned it because it was going on 3 am.  I figured I would work on it later today.  Then it dawned on me that it is Wednesday and that means it's time for the weekly Sketch Challenge.  I printed out the challenge and looked for an image for the #5 spot.  I was going to use the cupcake and pedestal from the "On a Pedestal" set but thought the word sets in there went well together. SO I cut out that #5 piece and stamped both of the image stamps on it.  And from there I cut the other pieces. I wasn't sure what colors I as going to use so I saw the flowers I had printed out last night.  I opened up the software and moved a few flowers around, added a few more and printed it out.  I cut it for the background and then added the other layers.  I picked the colors I had used in the flowers.  When I got it all done and took the photo I began to hear circus music!!  I thought the card looked like I took it from the circus!!!  UGH!!!  I do like color in my cards but not all of it at one time! LOL  It was a fun sketch.  I SO love layers.  But I'm not so fond of how this card turned out!  Oh well, they all can't be winners!!!  I'm going to work on the Mother's Day card tonight and show you it tomorrow.  It's very lovely (so far) and not from the circus!!! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

The Open Sea Masculine Card

I am SO loving the digital downloads for the My Digital Studio!  I had some paper left over that I had printed out using the Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper download and I thought I would make a masculine card with it.  I liked the anchor part of this paper so I tried to keep as much of it as I could while cutting it to fit the card.

The ship was scaled way down.  I had made a few extra of those when I was making them for my tiny notebooks last week.  You can see them by clicking here.  A little bit of layering and a few minutes and I had a masculine card.  I did take one of those minutes and used the Lattice embossing folder and added a textured background.  It was just what the card needed.  If you click on the photo you can see the details of the ship better.

I will add this to my small masculine stash of cards.  You can never have enough nice masculine cards on hand!!!  This card can be used for quite a number of occasions too!  Gotta love that, I know I do!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Vintage Vogue Birthday Card

Once again I reached for the "Vintage Vogue" stamp set to make a birthday card.  It's such a pretty set and there is SO much you can do with it.  You know me, I LOVE sets that are versatile!

On the background of this card I used the "One Sheet Wonder" technique.  Then I cut a piece off the sheet I made and used it on the left side of the card.  I stamped those images in using Pretty in Pink.  The "friends" image was stamped using Regal Rose ink.  And the "Happy Birthday" is from the "On Your Birthday" set.  A set I don't use as often as I would like to.  When I take it out and use it I always ask myself why I don't use it more on my birthday cards?  It even has wording for inside of the card, so why not???  I have no idea.  I'm done trying to figure myself out!!! LOL

When I got done with the One Sheet Wonder piece and the Friend part the card looked empty.  That was when I decided to add the two ribbons and the "Happy Birthday."  It was just what the card needed!!!  This card opens up on the bottom.  There isn't anything special about the fold on this card.  It's just a girly card that is pretty quick and easy to make!

Thank you SO much for visiting here today,
Wanda

Pearl Resist Technique - Technique Page

I was SO excited as I was working on this technique!  Not because it was pretty and fun and easy.  But because it was the last one in this set.  Well, when I got the first page done and went to put it in my 6" x 6" album I counted the pages and I am 3 techniques short.  I can't believe I don't know how to count anymore!!! UGH!!  So it will be a few weeks longer before this set is complete.  Sorry to get your hopes up.  I will try to get them done soon so I can get them out those of you who are waiting for them.

SO let me talk about this technique.  I tried to get a good photo of it.  If you click on the photo you will be able to see it on a larger scale.  You will see what looks to be white squiggles.  Well those white squiggles is really the Shimmer Paint.  When the light catches it right it shows the pearl look but I just couldn't catch that right light.  

To do this you just take the Shimmer Paint and a wadded up piece of waxed paper and dab it over the card stock.  Then when it's dry you sponge in the colors you want.  It's very easy to do and SO pretty too!

I used the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch to make the flowers and a 3/4" circle punch to make the colored circles behind them. The words were done with the "Curly Cute" set.  This technique makes a very pretty and interesting card too!  I would LOVE to try this on a 12" x 12" scrapbook page for the background.  Can you imagine how pretty that would look?

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda