Best of Everything Wednesday Sketch Challenge

It's Wednesday again and the last day of the month. WOW, did August go by fast.  It seems the whole summer flies by after the 4th of July.

So since it's Wednesday that means it's time for the Sketch Challenge. 

This one was a lot of fun.  I LOVED those two panels.  I opted to use the new 2011-2012 "in colors" for my whole card.  Well, except for the base which is Chocolate Chip and the decorative paper which is from the "Well Worn" series.  

I used the "Best of Everything" set.  I had not used it yet.  I have seen LOTS of cute things made from it but have not had a chance to play with it.  So today I thought I would give it a try.  The tree image fit so well in the rectangle and I thought the bird would be great for the circle part.  I was originally going to put my ribbon there and tie a bow but the tree by itself just didn't look quite right!  So hence the bird!

I thought this was a fun layout though I'm not sure I would use it again too soon.  But then again one never knows.  Some image or images may come along that would work perfectly there and I'll be digging this one out to play with.  As with all of the sketches, I print them out and put them in an album.  My album is almost full and I'm going to have to shop for a new one in about another year.  I believe my album holds 400 photos and these print out the size of a photo.  This is sketch # 348 so in 52 weeks (a year) I will be needing a new album.  It's hard to believe there have been that many sketches!  And I started at #126 way back when!  I've enjoyed all of them.  Well, not the square ones at first.  I would opt out of the Wednesday Sketch on those weeks but I took on the challenge one time and conquered my fear of square cards!!  So now the only thing that keeps me from the Sketch Challenge would be health, family issues or vacation!  One thing nice about the sketches is that you can do them any time.  SO I could come back a week or month later and do the sketch.  So if I miss a week it's easy to catch up.

If you have time to play with this, I highly recommend you give it a try!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Big Shot Peekaboo Frames Tag

 This is recycling at it's finest!!!  This bottle use to contain a reed defusing fragrance.  It all evaporated or did whatever it does.  The bottle was empty so I tossed out the reeds and tossed the glass bottle and stopper in the dishwasher.  After it was all clean I set it in my workroom for a couple of months.  Last month I had made some bath salts and added some to the bottle and once again set it aside.  I don't want to rush into a project all at once!!! LOL

Today I was looking at the bottle of bath salts and I still had the "Sunny Fun" set sitting out.  SO I thought some flip flops would go well with bath salts!  I was thinking of how I was going to add it to the bottle.  The "tag"idea came to mind and as I was getting off my chair to pick out some papers I saw the new "Peekaboo Frames" die and thought I would try to make it work for my tag and here you have it.

I cut the round frame out twice, once in white card stock and once in Perfect Plum.  I cut the center part out of the plum colored piece and set it on top of the white piece for an added color frame around it.  I punched out a 1-1/4" circle and affixed it to the back of the tag.  I wanted to be able to open the front piece and have a solid back piece there.  

Next I stamped the flip flops, colored them and cut them out.  I set them in place on top of the flap. 

Inside I added the words "Relax & Enjoy".  I printed out the words on my computer and punched them out with a 1" punch and affixed them to the inside of the frame.  The second photo shows the flap open.  Now with adding that plum ring around the frame it allowed the flap to close again.  They will open and close again but the more you bend that score on the top part of the frame, the more it wants to stay open.  So with two layers for the flap to close into it stays closed!  I found that out by accident!! Don't you love it when you find something great by accident?  That is how most of my stuff is discovered!  LOL

So now it's ready for gift giving or for the craft fair.  I have not decided what I'm going to do with it yet.  But I am glad I got to use the flip flops from the "Sunny Fun" set.  That was one image I hadn't used yet (before that retires too).  

The bath salts recipe can be found here.  I don't usually color my bath salts.  I prefer to keep them white so I can use them with any color tags.  But last month I wanted to make colored ones for some reason.  Probably because I ran across a small bottle of colorant!!  That will do it every time!!!

This was a very fun project to make.  I wish I had more bottles!!  But at least this one was saved from the garbage.  Our city doesn't take bottles like this for recycling. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Touch of Kindness Greeting Card

I thought I would play with this stamp set before It retires.  I didn't see it in the new catalog but I have a feeling it won't be in the 2012-2013 one.  I just love this kitty and wanted to make a card using a few images from it.  Well, what a better layout than this to use several images!  There is only a couple of the small word images in this set that I did not use so I am happy to say I was able to actually use the bulk of the set before it retires!!!  

I have used this layout on a card a while back.  I don't use it too often because it takes a while to make because of all of the pieces there are to it.  But when I do make one I am happy with it and don't mind cutting all of those pieces!

And any chance I get to use the Color Spritzer Tool I grab it.  I LOVE using that thing!!!  I did learn that you should never NEVER toss out your old markers.   Yes, even if the tips are smashed down so they won't write at all!  You can take one part water to two parts inker and re-ink your markers.  Then you can use these nice juicy markers with the Color Spritzer Tool!  This also avoids anyone damaging the tip on one of the better markers!  I know, more stuff to keep around the workroom.  But if it's going to save your good markers from getting damaged it's SO worth it.  I like to ink mine up so they are REALLY wet.  They work SO much better in the tool.  A really wet marker is difficult to color with so if it's an old marker then you don't have to concern yourself with the coloring quality!  Anyway, I thought I would share that tip with you.  

I also did a fun thing for the grass on the card.  I was going to be using the "hello" image in the set and I had it out and ready to go. I took the Wild Wasabi ink pad and inked up the "hello" and stamped it and inked it several times under the flower so it looked like grass.  

I have someone special I am going to send this card to.  I decided that I was going to try very hard to mail out a card a week to those special people in my life.  It's sad that months and sometimes years go by that we don't contact our friends (except at Christmas with our annual Christmas card).  I make so many cards and I have 2 drawers full of various cards so it's not like I can't part with some.  And I usually make 5 cards a week and I try to do a project or something else but I do average 5 a week so I have plenty to pick from.  And not to fret if you didn't get a card from me (you are special to me) but I do have a LOT of people in my life and I'm guessing that 52 cards a year is probably not going to cover them all!!!  But my goal is to send out one a week and the first one went out today.  It's a great feeling to do this too!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Greeting Card Kids Notebook & Tiny Pencil! Weekend Project

I LOVE this time of the year!!  You can buy pencils for pennies on the dollar, notebooks, markers, papers, etc.  Last week I got these fun Mini 4" x 3-1/4" notebooks at Walgreen's.  I saw that Office Depot had some too.  I love altering these, especially this time of the year!  And now with this adorable "Greeting Card Kids" set, what a better image to put on the notebooks?  Inking up this image today made it official, I have used every image in the set.  Now how many sets can you say that about???  I don't get to say that very often.

I opted to use the boy image because there are so many things out there for the girls.  

To make the new cover of this little notebook I took Marina Mist card stock and taped it to the front and back.  Yup, you have to cover both!  Because these are so small I was able to find some scrap pieces that were big enough.  But that was just for one.  I have a few more I am going to be covering.  

On top of the Marina Mist I added a piece of card stock I stamped with the new "School Lines" image.  I colored it in with markers before I stamped on the card stock.  I trimmed it up a bit before I taped it in place.  

Next I added a Pacific Point scalloped Circle and then on top of that I added the image I cut out and colored.

And the little pencil.  Well, that was VERY easy to make.  You take a toothpick and your x-acto knife.  Set the toothpick on a surface you can cut on.  You need to determine how long you want the pencil. Set your knife blade on top of the toothpick where you want it cut at.  Roll the blade across the toothpick while gently applying pressure.  Make sure the toothpick rolls the whole 360 degrees.  You want the cut to be clean and even.  If it isn't even or a clean cut you can always sand it on an emery board.  Once it is cut then take your Daffodil Delight marker and color in the body of the pencil.  For the eraser I used Cajun Craze and for the tip, the lead part I used a black marker.  Let it dry before you handle it.  Isn't it just adorable?  I use to make bunches of these years ago when those miniature shelves and shadow boxes were popular.  I'd cut up a whole box of toothpicks and I would paint them with Apple Barrel paints and let them dry.  As they were drying I would take tiny wooden candle cups and paint them and when they were dry I'd add a bow to the front of them and then glue in the "pencils" with the points up.  I sold TONS of those things way back then.  Anyway, that is how you make this cute pencil!  Such a fun embellishment!

This was a very fun project and it is something that the kids can participate in too.  Let them decorate the covers of their on notebooks.  A personal touch is always nice!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Thank You Card

I still had the white on white cards on my mind.  Though this one is not entirely white on white.  I wanted to add a bit of color.  

The base of my card is white and on top of that is the Vintage Wallpaper texture.  On top of that I added the Lattice Die.  Now with things like that, things that are SO hard to tape down, I always use my Xyron machine.  It adds a layer of sticky to the back so when you are done cutting out your shape it is now like a sticker. You can just take off the backing and expose the sticky part and affix it to your card.  I got mine last fall at Michael's with my coupon.  And I use my coupon for more rolls of the tape stuff. With this machine you can make anything into a sticker!  I save the scraps so I can use my punches on them and just remove the backing and stick the pieces into place.  I don't remember how much the machine costs but the refills are $20.  That is when I use my half off coupons!!!  I don't use the machine too often but when I cut out pieces like this it sure comes in handy.  You don't need the big machine either.  I have yet to wish I would have bought the largest one.  

OK, so on top of the lattice layer I added a Pretty in Pink layer measuring 2-1/8" x 3-1/4" .  The stamped top layer is cut 2" x 3-1/8".  I used the Direct to Rubber technique for that.  And the words are from a custom made stamp I had done for me a while back at Vista Print.  I use it SO often too!  It comes in handy and it fit perfectly in that space.

I then added a butterfly from my container of them!!!  It looks like a science experiment gone bad in that container!!!  So many helpless butterflies!!  LOL

I added a few pearls around the card and it was finished.  Using all of that white sure gives it an elegant look!  I had a lot of fun making this card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Field Flowers Fun Fold Friday Card

I have made one of these Easel cards a while back and have not made one since.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe I just thought they were too difficult to do.  But much to my surprise it went together quickly.  If I were to make another one I would spend a bit more time on the front of the card.  

I do like how the inside of the card becomes decorated at the bottom because of the strip of paper (where the words are) and the punched edge (above the word piece). That edge is what holds the card upright like you see in the photo. 

I think this would be a FABULOUS photo Christmas card.  You can open it up and set it on a table to view all season long.  I have some extra snowman photos and I may have to give that a try.  

I found the instructions for this card on the Split Coast Stampers web site.  Just click here and you will be taken right to the link where the instructions are so you can get started on this gem right away.  If you get a bit confused by the instructions, scroll down and view all of the how-to photos.  Once you see more of the assembly it will all make sense.  I had a bit of trouble trying to figure out how to tape the scored piece to the bottom piece.  But after scrolling down and folding the piece and just setting it in place I could see where things go.  I marked the sides that needed tape with an "X" so I would remember which pieces get taped together.  I'd have to say that was the worst part of the card for me.  After I got it taped together the rest was quick and fun!  Give it a try!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thoughts & Prayers Thinking of You Card

A couple of weeks ago on some stamping blogs there was an all white theme going on that I just loved.  So, today I had a little time and thought I would give it a try.  

This is what I came up with.  The base of me card is a half sheet of Whisper White card stock, folded in half.  On top of that layer I added a piece that was cut 5-3/8" x 4-1/8" and textured using the Lattice Square folder.

I wrapped a piece of ribbon around the textured piece and taped it in place on top of the base of the card.  

Next I cut a piece of card stock cut 2" x 2-3/4" and I used a stamp from the "Fruits & Flowers" set for the green (stamped off) image.  The green is "Certainly Celery."  I layered that piece on top of a piece of white cut 2-1/8" x 2-7/8".  I set it in place over the ribbon using Dimensionals.

I wasn't sure what else I wanted to add to the card until I saw the butterfly I had in a container.  Actually, the container is full of butterflies from other projects.  When you cut one you cut them all on the die.  SO I just saved the ones I wasn't using at the time.  I taped the butterfly in place only on the body of the butterfly. The wings are not stuck to the card.  Then I added the tiny pearls down the body of the butterfly. 

And lastly I tied a piece of ribbon to the open spot on the right and that finished off the card.  I didn't realize how much fun white on white really is!  Give it a try sometime, you will be amazed!

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

Festive & Fun Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 This weeks Sketch Challenge over at SplitCoastStampers was a lot of fun.  I was not going to do any "holiday" cards yet but this layout just screamed "Halloween."  And what better set to use for this sketch than the new "Festive & Fun" one!

My very fun Halloween papers are from the "Frightful Site" download.I love the downloads because I can print out as much of one design as I need or want.  Sometimes you make a card and want to make more but you ran out of one design in your pack.  Well, the downloads take care of that for you.  I do upload my downloads to the Design Studio software but I also download the other file that will allow me to use these images in other software.  So if you don't have the DS you can still have fun with the downloads, especially the background ones!

Anyway, back to my card.  All three of these decorative papers are from the same download.  How cool is that?  There are several more designs in that "pack" and I do have to say, I like them all!  And I don't always say that about designer papers.  There are usually one or two in the pack that I never use. 

And how great was it that the "Festive & Fun" Halloween image fit in the #4 spot on the layout?  At first I wasn't sure it was going to fit and once I set the image on the #4 space and saw it fit perfectly I was then on the lookout for the background papers.  I colored in the Halloween images with markers.  I even got to use the new Wisteria Wonder marker.  It's a color I just love but have not used much at all.  It's on the witches boots. I was going to color them green to give the panel a bit brighter color look to it but I just had to use the Wisteria!!  

And then I had to take out my retired bat punch and add a bat to the corner.  I was wondering how to make a bat without this punch but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it's just easier to take the retired punch and make a bat with a single punch!!  I am sure there is a way to make one using several punches but I'm into quick and simple so the retired punch will sit in my drawer for a long time to come!

I do like how the card turned out and it really wasn't all that difficult to do.  The coloring took about the longest amount of time and it was just right from the marker. No blender pens or other techniques!  Simple and easy!  Gotta LOVE that!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thoughts & Prayers Thank You Card

The "Thoughts & Prayers" set is one of those that I find to be very versatile.  And you know me, I LOVE sets that are versatile.  This is basically a thinking of you/sympathy type set but with the right word stamps you can use it for so many other occasions.  

I used one of my favorite techniques on it too, direct to rubber.  That is where you color on the rubber with your markers. I always begin with the lightest colors and work darker as you go.  When you are all done coloring, the ink tends to be a bit dried on the rubber.  All you need to do is huff on the stamp, the moisture from your breath is enough to rewet the ink and you are ready to stamp.  Sometimes I can get two different cards from one "inking".  After huffing and stamping I will often huff again and stamp on another piece of card stock for a lighter look, a stamped off look.  It can be used as is or you can stamp over it with dark inked words.  

For my card I used Certainly Celery for the base.  Then I used Always Artichoke for the Square Lattice textured piece.  And then I used Cajun Craze for the vertical panel.  That piece was textured by using the new "Stripes" folder.  I put the card stock in one direction and textured it and then turned it a quarter turn and ran it through again so it gave it a square texture look.  What a fun way to get another texture off an embossing folder.  

Now before I put the card together I taped the Cajun Craze piece on top of the Always Artichoke piece and then added the ribbon.  I just cut my ribbon 8" long and taped the edges on the back side.  I then taped it to the base of the card.  I set the focal piece up on Dimensionals and I used Dimensionals on the bottom part of the oval.  Oh, on the oval I used a stamp that I had custom made.  I LOVE it because it's not only a nice font but it also fits in the oval!!!  I taped the top part to the end side of the focal piece and then added the Dimensionals to the bottom so it laid flat enough. 

Once I was all done with that I took the ribbon and tied a knot on and cut the ribbon.  I don't usually cut a piece of ribbon and tie it on, I usually just leave it on the bolt and cut it when I'm done.  I don't waste as much that way.  

And there you have it.  A very easy and very textured thank you card!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Altered Notebook Weekend Project

Today I was playing with the "Nautical Expedition" and "Open Sea" downloads.  I saw a notebook done by Deanna at De Stampin' Corner and I wanted to try to make one similar. I didn't want to copy it exactly but I did want to take some elements from it to make my own altered notebook.  

I had some copier paper cut so I just had to punch the holes in it. Once I got that done I cut up 2 sheets of Cherry Cobbler card stock and punched the holes in it too.  I set the coil in place and then proceeded to decorate the front. 

Since I didn't have the decorative paper or the stamp set I wasn't sure what I was going to do.  Then I remembered that I bought those two in a download because I just couldn't afford them both.  Downloads sure help the budget out!

SO I decided what decorative papers I needed and how many and I printed them out.  Then I opened up the Open Sea download and printed out the images I wanted to use.  Once that was all done, I cut and punched out the pieces I needed and just taped everything in place.  When I got all done taping I stamped the word "notes" on the front using a personal stamp I had made  especially for me.  Then I used the Stampin' Up! copyright stamp on the back because I'm going to be selling these at the craft fair in November.  And I had wrapped them up in cellophane and forgot to take a picture.  I had to take it an angle because the flash would bounce off the cellophane.  I managed to get a fairly decent photo so I ran with it!!  I needed to make a few masculine notebooks.  They make nice stocking stuffers for the dads and boys.  It's always so difficult to fill their stockings.  

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Flower Garden Embossing Folder Thank You Card

 This is one of the cards I got in a swap with our DIVA group, it was made by Autumn!

I don't use the "Flower Garden" embossing folder as much as I would like to and I don't know why.  Perhaps it's because I have too many other things to play with!!!  That sounds SO familiar!!! LOL

This is a very quick and simple card to make too.  The only thing you stamp on it is the "thank you".  Ya gotta LOVE that!!  I know I do!

Oh my goodness, it took me 15 minutes to type this much.  Every type with a curious cat on your lap?  It's VERY challenging!!! LOL

I think this is a very pretty card.  I LOVE the decorative paper strip too.  It's from the "Beyond the Garden" pack.  Another item that is on my wish list that I have not gotten to yet!!  And that wish list keeps growing and growing too!  Ever have that happen to you?  

Thank you Autumn for letting me share your wonderful creation with everyone.

And I thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

It's a Wrap Occasions Hershey Candies Weekend Project

Today's Weekend Project is a fun one.  It is not totally completed because I'm not sure how I wanted to decorate it yet.  I will do that another day and share that with you too.  I don't need it yet so I have time. And yes, I am planning ahead!  Shocker, I know!

I used the "Happy Cake Day" image from the new "It's a Wrap" stamp set.  I'm having a lot of fun with this set.   I posted some of these a couple of weeks back.  They were the "Thanks SO Much" ones.  You can view them here.  You can also find great tips and rules on wrapping these candies.  Hershey does have rules about what you do with their products.  It's best to follow those rules, especially if you are selling what you make.  It's always important to know what the policy of a company is before you head into a big project only to be asked to cease and desist!  

I thought it would be fun little thing to do with these candies for a friend who's birthday is coming up.  I used a container from the retired "Build a Brad" set.  I'm sure you can find other containers or you can use some of the Sizzix dies to make a box type container for your candies.  And if your budget is very limited you can always put them in baggies and make a header for them too.  Anything will work, especially if the decorations are very attractive and eye catching!

These candies are SO much fun to cover and I'm looking forward to the upcoming holidays to play with them some more.  I should be buying a package of these candies every time I get groceries so I have plenty on hand to play with.  Making these little candy covers is not only quick but a lot of fun too!!

Have fun making them!  And try not to eat all of the chocolates!!!  I usually buy dark chocolate because I don't like it.  That way I'm sure NOT to eat a single one!!  There are over 160 weekend projects on my blog, be sure to check out the link!  It will keep you busy for LOTS of weekends!!! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Nursery Time Fun Fold Friday Card

I have no link for you to click on to show you how to make this card so I’ll have to walk you through it myself!  Yikes!!  Actually, this is a very easy card to make.

First, take a half sheet of card stock and fold it in half.  On the front side of the card cut off 1-3/4”.  Finish up the edge by using a decorative edge punch.  Take a ¼ sheet of card stock and trim off 1/8” on two sides.  This is for the inside of the card.  Do not attach it yet.  You still need to tape the flap to the front piece behind it. This hides how you attached it.

Add a piece of decorative paper to the front.  I cut mine 2-1/2” x 5-1/4”.  My decorative paper is “Nursery Nest.”  I have used this paper on another project.  It’s a very fun bunch of designs. 

I cut the Pear Pizzazz piece 2-1/2” x 3-1/2” and I scored it on the long side at 3”.

Fold the score line and then tape this piece to the back of the white inside piece.  You will be adding tape to the ½” piece that is on the right after you had scored it.   If you’d like to stamp or decorate the inside, do this before you tape the flap to the piece.

Next, tape the inside piece down. 

The piece the cow is on is cut 2-1/8” x 2-1/4”.  I did stamp the image first and trimmed it down to fit in the space I needed it to fit in.  I colored the image in before I taped it in place.  After taping it in place I added the ribbon and the card was finished.

Such a fun fold!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Simply Soft Thank You Card

This "Simply Soft" hostess set is such a fun set to play with.  I love those two set stamp sets.  You stamp the main part of the image and then stamp on the color.  SO quick and easy.  Though I did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to do the colored part.  I wanted to make sure I got it on straight.  

The words are from a custom made stamp.  I LOVE those, they always come in handy and say exactly what I want them to say.  

The pretty little butterfly is from the "Kindness Matters" set.  I bought that set because I just LOVE the butterflies in it.  There are 3 butterflies in a row and I cut out and colored the middle one.  I set it in place on the card using Dimensionals.  It's very pretty in real life.  

This was a pretty easy and quick card to make.  Cutting out the butterfly was probably the thing that took the longest to do.  So that gives you an idea of how easy it was to do this card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Field Flowers Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 This was a fun card to make using this weeks Sketch Challenge at SplitCoastStampers.  That large #4 panel leaves you a lot of open space to be as creative as you want to be.  I was thinking of flipping it and doing a winter scene but I just can't get myself to do any winter cards yet.  Though I am now leaning towards a few Halloween cards.  After all one of our trees is starting to lose it's leaves.  Our black walnut tree starts to lose it's leaves in mid August.  I think it happens when the squirrels have taken all of the walnuts off the tree and the tree has separation anxiety!!! LOL  What I LOVE about that tree is, the leaves are small enough that they blow away so we don't have to rake them!  But then who does get the leaves???  Actually most of them are mulched up in the mower because, even though the tree is dropping leaves the lawn still grows and needs mowing.

Ok, back to my card.  Though I am sure you want to hear more about my tree!! LOL

I have used this "Field Flowers" stamp quite a bit and I do like it a lot.  I actually did go to my shelf and take it down to use it, it was NOT sitting on my table waiting to be put away!  It was not handy but it was the set I thought would look the best with the paper and ribbon I wanted to use.  

I had purchased a couple of yards of this ribbon back in February from a fellow demonstrator and I had not used it.  I had set the bag aside and when I saw this sketch I knew it was time to find that bag and play with that ribbon.  Fortunately it did not retire.  I hate it when I hang onto things and then they retire!  And it's not so much that I hang onto them on purpose, I just set them aside for a later date and sometimes it gets really LATE!! LOL

This is a very fun sketch and I highly recommend it.  If you have time give it a try.  You can even post your card on SplitCoastStampers for every one else to see too.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Fruits & Flowers Mojo Monday Thank You Card

 I don't get to play with the Mojo Monday sketch and as you can see it was finally on Tuesday that I got the card posted to!!  I did play with the sketch on Monday but it was too late to get it written up in time to be posted on Monday.  So I just left Herbert for my Monday post and moved the Monday sketch over to Tuesday.  

This was a fun sketch.  I really liked the two panels.  There was something about them that made me want to play with this sketch.

I used the "Fruits & Flowers" set.  I have had this set for a little while now and have not used it.  I have also had the Pool Party card stock and have not yet played with it either.  Or the ink or the decorative paper I bought.  I was removing a lot of plastic wrappers to make this card!!!

I have other plans for the stamp set but I did like this flower in it for Monday's sketch.  It fit the area without having to adjust the sketch to fit my stamps!  

This was a fun sketch and I can see myself using it again.

If you have time give it a try.  I love having these sketches on hand so I can change my layouts.  I tend to get stuck using the same few over and over, except for once a week when I do the SplitCoastStampers Sketch Challenge.  And now and then the Mojo Monday sketch.  I wish there was one for every day of the week.  Imagine how much fun that would be with all that variety??

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

Herbert the Hedgehog Beaded Critter

Herbert the Hedgehog is my latest beaded creation.

I put a pin back on the belly so I can wear him on my lapel or jacket!  I honestly don't know how the idea came to me but when it did I had a lot of fun with it.  It did take me three tries to get the head right.  The first one was way to long and he looked like an anteater!  So I shortened it up a bit and it was still too long.  Third time was a charm.  I got the face/head length just right and I attached it to the body.  I was SO excited when I got it finished.  I just liked how he turned out!

I have the pattern ready for sale in PDF format for an immediate download in my web store. There are more details on this pattern at my beading blog "Just One More Bead."

I am also going to put in the store the hard copy pattern that you see to the left.  It will have to be mailed (snail mail).

I will also be adding more beading patterns to my web store in the upcoming weeks.  I need to find out why I am limited to the size of PDF file and see if I can't get that changed.

I will have a card for you to view tomorrow.  I just wanted to change things up a bit today,

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Field Flowers Sympathy Card

Oh my, what a beautiful sympathy card the "Field Flowers" set makes.  These flower images are SO pretty. 

I needed to make a sympathy card and I suppose I could have gotten one from my stash but I just felt I needed to make a brand new one because it was a very special person who died.  

I found a card on page 23 of the latest "Stampin' Success" magazine.  Actually it just arrived in the mail yesterday.  I think it's fun to find a card in the magazines and copy it.  My card is a bit different from the original one.  I used the Scallop Trim border punch and on the original card ribbon was used on the right side of the flower panel and just a Scallop Edge punch on the other.  I used the same punch on both sides.  I did like how they ribbon was gathered on the original card but I didn't have any ribbon and even if I did, I don't think I would have spent the time gathering it to make it fit that edge.  It is very pretty on there but something I don't care to do.  I think it involves a needle and thread (which is WAY too much like sewing!!!).  

Another difference is the background decorative paper.  I used decorative paper and the sample in the book used the Dot, dot, dot stamp.  I was glad the decorative paper worked.  It's SO much easier to make the paper go on straight than it is to stamp the dots on straight.  I love to take the easy way any chance I get.

The original card had words stamped over the dotted paper.  I used an oval punch and a scalloped oval to add my words.  Both cards are great.  I can't say I like one more than the other, it's a toss up!  I do like the Crumb Cake and the Baja Breeze colors together. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easy Events Birthday Card

This is card from the last DIVA swap I was in.  I wasn't able to attend the event but I did decide to join in the swap.  Something I hadn't done in a long time.  

This card was made by Nancy. The decorative paper is from the "Just add Cake" pack.  I bought the download for the paper but have not played with it much.  I think I just have too much stuff to play with and not enough time to play with it all!!!  Sound familiar?  

The base of the card is So Saffron.  There is a layer of white card stock and then the decorative paper was set on top of that.  

One of my favorite things is the corner rounder on only two corners.  When that is done on a card it always catches my eye.  

This is a car that will surely brighten any one's birthday. 

Thank you Nancy for allowing me to share your wonderful card with everyone.

And thank you for stopping by today,
Wanda

Fun Fold Friday Bump Out Card

I'm late in posting this because of some Internet issues.  Issues have been resolved and I now have Internet access and telephone again!  I don't care so much about the phone, but take away my Internet and I'm lost!

Today's "Fun Fold" is by Priscilla Iver and you can find the link to the instructions here.

I used the "Field Flowers" set for the cover and on the far right side panel.  The rest of the images are from the "Crazy for Cupcakes" set.

I did like making this card but it did have lots of pieces to it and it was a bit time consuming.  I think what took the most time was trying to find the images I thought would look nice and fit in the space provided.

I did have a little issue with the instructions too.  I'm not sure if it was because I measured wrong or if the instructions were wrong.  I had to trim the pink piece on the angle a bit more on the right side.  And I didn't cut the white pieces 1/4" as the instructions stated.  I thought they looked just fine as they were.  I didn't think to remeasure to see if I had made the error (which is probably what I did, it sounds like something I would do!).  

I really didn't intend to make two balloons on the card but what I had in mind for one of the panels was a bit too time consuming for me. I had only so much time left to get the card done and I had to rush.  I do hate rushing with a card because I can't think clearly enough to make better decisions on what I want. What I really wanted for one of those panels is a package. I was going to cut a piece of card stock in a long rectangle and then add a layer of decorative paper.  Then I was going to take the new doily punch and cut it in half and sit it on top of the box to make it look like it's a bow.  But I ended up with 2 balloons. Which, now when I think about it, is ok because I will just put a 4 in one balloon and a 0 in the other and it's ready for the 40th birthday I was making the card for in the first place. So it all worked out after all!

It was a fun card to do and I'll have to give it another try in the next few months with maybe a Christmas or Halloween theme!

Hope you enjoyed the "Fun Fold Fridays" card.

Thank you for stopping by today,
Wanda

Edited on Sunday August 14th: There was an error showing up on the link to the instructions but it is fixed now.

Simply Soft Get Well Card

The "Simply Soft" is another pretty flower set that I bought and have not used much.  I don't know why, it's SO pretty.  Perhaps it's that at the time I bought these I was SO into flowers that I had to have them all.  It was a very long winter here in Minnesota and it seemed like summer was not going to happen.  And then it did and now I long for winter!!! LOL

The base of my card is Marina Mist.  I just LOVE that color.

I colored in the flower image using markers.  I wanted the leaves green and the flowers a different color so the only way to achieve that is to use markers.  And I did use Marina Mist ink on the bolder part of the flowers that you stamp on second.  

The words are from my computer and I just punched them out to fit the 1-1/4" punch.  I added the scallop and I set it in place with Dimensionals.  

I died some white satin ribbon with Marina Mist ink.  Doing that takes a while to dry so it's best to do that part of the card first so when you are ready it may be dry. Mine was not so I used my iron and heat set in the color and dried it at the same time!

I sponged the edges on all of the white layers.  This was a very fun, quick and simple card to make.  I have a friend that is having surgery tomorrow and this is the card I'm going to send her.  

I really like this set and I want to use it a few more times before everything stamping turns over to fall and Halloween.  I'm holding off making those things for a little while longer.  I still have flower stamps to play with first!!!  

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Field Flowers Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 This weeks Sketch Challenge was a fun one.  It had just enough layers and it had a nice large focal space.  I thought I would go with the black and white look for mine.  I had not done a black and white card in a long time.  Personally I find them more difficult than doing a colored card.  So it was a double challenge for me, the sketch and the color (or lack of color).

The base of my card is Basic Black.  On top of that (layers 1 and 2) are decorative papers from the Neutrals pack.  The flowers are from the "Field Flowers" set.  It was the first time I got to play with that set and after making this card and looking at a few samples around the net, I am SO looking forward to making more cards.  The flower images in this set are SO pretty.  There is a lot of fun detail but yet will require just a little bit of coloring to make it look pretty.

The #4 and #5 spot on the sketch were easy enough too.  I used ribbon for both of them.  I was going to use a circle and a circle scallop and make the card a birthday card but I think I've made a lot of birthday cards lately.  I have a drawer full of birthday cards and Christmas cards.  One of these years I should just use those Christmas cards for our cards and not have to make any (there are a LOT of cards in that drawer!!!).

If you have time give this sketch a try, it is a lot of fun.  I have some other images I want to use and they will work if I turn the sketch a quarter turn!  I'm looking forward to playing with this one again!

Thank you every so much for visiting today,
Wanda

Love & Care Birthday Card

The beautiful flower on this card is from the "Love & Care" hostess set from the mini catalog that expires at the end of this month.  I got the set and haven't played much with it at all.  So I thought I'd make a fun card with it. 

I saw this layout on someones blog and I really liked it and I thought it would be perfect with this flower image.  The flower was done using the "Direct to Rubber" technique.  You just color on the rubber with markers, huff on it and then stamp it on your card stock.

The words are from the "Happiest Birthday Wishes" hostess set in the new catalog.  A totally "hostess" card!!

This was actually a very quick and simple card to make and put together.  I can see myself making more of these cards and using this layout again!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Touch of Kindness Thinking of You card

Ok, I have to be honest here and admit that this is not my design.  though it does look like something I would do.  Maybe that is why I liked it so much.

I used the "Touch of Kindness" set.  It is available until the end of this month and I had not played with it much at all.  I saw this card on "Add Ink and Stamp" (Lisa's blog).  It was just too darn cute and I knew the minute I saw it that I wanted to make it.  And I did!!

Mine is not exactly like hers, though I did try my best.  The bottom green piece is up too high so you can't see the bottom of the bird feeder where the grass and a cute flower are.  My ribbon is different too, but different is good, I like how it turned out and that is the main thing (well, next to giving credit where credit is due!).  I also added the cute little butterfly to mine.  It was with the cat and after cutting the cat out I couldn't just toss that adorable butterfly so I added it to my card.

I just LOVE that cat on here and thought it was a fun set to play with.  I have a few more samples using this set that I want to give a try before the set retires or goes dormant or what ever it does.  

It was a fun card to make but you have to like cutting or you won't enjoy making it.  Not that there was a lot to cut out but cutting around small parts like the cats tail makes cutting not as much fun!  But all in all I didn't mind the cutting because I knew what the end result was going to be and I liked what I saw in the original card and I like how mine turned out.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Hello, Doily Thank You Card

This "Hello, Doily" stamp has got to be one of my most favorite background stamps.  What is nice with this background stamp is that you can use it as the focal point in a card too!  

This card was VERY simple to make.  Honestly!!!  I stamped the doily on the card stock using VersaMark.  I sprinkled white embossing powder over it and tapped the excess off.  Now you can use clear embossing powder because you are using white card stock.  But I preferred to use white because I wanted to make sure that lacy image was VERY white.  Then I heat set it.

I took a sponge dauber and Bashful Blue ink and sponged in my color beginning at the center of the doily image and working my way out.  I wanted the center to be darker then the rest of the doily.  It worked!!! I liked how the doily turned out. 

I was going to just stamp some words on the front and keep it even simpler but I thought I would add a bit of dimension because I was giving this card to a friend.  So I took out my custom made "thank you" stamp and stamped the words on white card stock.  I punched them out with the oval punch and then sponged the edges with Bashful Blue.  I punched out a Bashful Blue scalloped oval and taped it to the oval with the words on it.  I set it in place using Dimensionals.  I set the card front on top of a piece of Bashful Blue card stock and it was done.  Yes, as simple as that.  And lovely too.  Such a deal!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Flower Fest CASE (sort of)

My card today was going to be a CASE (Copy And Study Everything) but because I cut the decorative paper the wrong way (SO typical of me!!!) I had to try to work with it.  I hung in there and this is what I came up with.  The case was by Nance at Canopy Crafts.  Her card has a few more flowers on it and the orientation is different.  All in all I was pleased at the way it turned out.  Actually I was amazed that I was able to make it turn out ok.  And I was also amazed that I didn't just stick the cut piece of decorative paper in my emergency stash and cut a new one.  Now doing that is "SO typical of me!"  LOL  But no, I worked with what I had.

I don't seem to play with the "Top Note" die as much as I thought I would.  But when I see it done on a card I want to pull it off the shelf and play.

Nance cut 4 layers on her flowers.  I only cut three.  I wanted that third layer to be white so what you are seeing was intentional!  I did set them all up on Dimensionals.  For my flowers I stamped them on Whisper White card stock using Versa Mark and black embossing powder. 

After heat setting the powder I cut the flowers out by hand.  I did notice on the big layer, Nance used a punch. I was going to do that

(really) but I wanted my edges sponged so I had to cut close to the embossed lines.  On that tiny center layer I colored it in with a black marker, added a dot of Crystal Effects and some Dazzling Diamonds. 

Behind the flowers I used the Polka Dots embossing folder.

For the leaves I stamped them with Versa Mark on Wild Wasabi card stock and embossed them in white.  Fortunately I had some of these in my stash from a previous project.  I had made too many and kept them for a later project.  It's great when you can use the things you put aside!

I also did the wording differently too.  Nance stamped hers right on the decorative paper.  Such a great idea if you hadn't already taped it in place on the card.  And had the base of the card not been embossed with flowers and heat set already!  I used the "Happy Birthday" from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set, the Word Window punch and the Modern Label punch.

I tied a piece of black satin ribbon around the spot where the decorative paper and the other papers meet.  Nice way to hide them, huh?  The bow was tied separately and stuck in place with a couple of glue dots.

I like how my card turned out.  I still like the one Nance did but I am pleased with this one!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda