Vintage Vogue Friendship Card

It is sad that the Vintage Vogue set is retiring.  I have used it a lot so I won't be sad about that part.  But then again, I use that set a lot!  But I will probably be adding it to the massive pile of stamp sets I'm going to be selling.  It's time to clean house and make room for more.  And with Stampin' Up! cleaning house on their catalog I have a feeling there is going to be a lot more new stamp sets that are going to be a "must have!"  YIKES!!! LOL

Ok, onto this fun and oh so quick card.  If you are in need of a really quick card that doesn't look like you just threw one together, then this is the card for you!  

I took a half a sheet of Cherry Cobbler card stock and scored it at 4-1/4" and folded it.  Then I cut of 2-3/4" off the front.  I then punched the edge.  After punching I stamped one of the images from the set using VersaMark.  And then I embossed it in clear.  

Next I trimmed 1/8" inch off a half sheet of Whisper White.  I trimmed it on the short side (the short side was at the top of the cutter).  I scored it at 4-1/4" and folded it.  Then I trimmed the raw edge (on the short side, the 4-1/8" side being at the top of the cutter).  And finally I inked up the image with Cherry Cobbler and stamped it on the front lower part of the card.  That was it.  SO quick, so simple and very pretty too!  What more can you ask for?  

If you are looking for more quick cards to make just click here.  You will find over 200 of them!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Circle Circus Note Pad Holder Weekend Project

Today I made another note holder.  You can click here to see more details on a different one I made.  I had gotten these fun note paper holders at Target in their Dollar Spot.  I LOVE doing altered notebooks and note holders. 

To make these I take the whole thing apart.  I open them up, take off the tray and I usually use the paper that is included inside.  It's not the best paper but it's good enough for the little notes I write all the time.  I replace them with white copier paper notes that I cut to fit the holder.

For this holder I had taken white 30# copier paper and covered the outside of the holder.  The tray part that the paper goes in was already white so I didn't need to do anything with that.  I glued the paper to the holder and wrapped the edges over and glued them on the inside.  

On the front I used the Circle Circus set.  I had gotten this set because it looked like it would be a lot of fun but I have not used it much.  SO I thought I would play with it for the front of this note holder.  I got some fun bright colors out and just randomly stamped them on my card stock.  

Next I cut a piece of Pacific Point to fit the front cover.  From there I cut a piece of the Circle Circus stamped piece to fit on top of the Pacific Point.  I taped both of the layers together and then I taped them in place on top of the holder. 

I stamped a red image from the set and cut it out by hand.  I punched the scallop circle and taped the red piece on top.  I also punched out a little yellow flower shaped piece for the center.  I taped that in place and then cut the belly band.  I cut the strip 11" x 1" and wrapped it around the holder and glued it in place.  I centered the scalloped piece over the seams of the band. 

The part that I thought was a lot of fun was how I glued the tray back in place on the cover and slid the band on the note holder.  I set a heavy object on the holder and left it to dry.  When I came back everything was all set!  I LOVE it when I don't have to wait around for stuff to dry!!!

I find these very fun to make and love it when I can find fun ways to decorate them.  I'll be adding this to the box of stuff I'm going to be selling at the fall craft fair!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Faux Crushed Silk Technique Page

I was having so much fun playing with this new technique I came up with that I forgot I needed to post something on my blog.  I can't forget to do my daily posts!! This technique uses ALL Stampin' Up! products.

The stamp set used here is called "Upsy Daisy" and I will probably be selling it in my web store sometime in June.  I'll let you know when I put sets in the store.

The "Thank You" is from a personal stamp I had made for me many years ago.  I make lots of thank you cards and sometimes I just want to have one I know will fit in a particular punch size. 

The card stock used here is Basic Black for the base of the card, Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler.

The technique is very fun, a bit messy but that's never an issue, is it?  LOL  This technique will be added to the 5th pack of technique pages I make.  Each pack has 20 techniques in them. You can find packs 1-4 in my webstore.  There are still a few hard copies available and there is always the CD's.  The CD's have the techniques set up to print out on your computer.  You cut two sides and it's ready to tape in place on top of a 6" x 6" piece of card stock to be put in an album for reference.  There's no limit to the number of copies you can print so you can hold technique classes with it for years to come!  Each page also has a photo of a finished page for reference.  They're great for those who want to hold technique club classes.  You can find them in the webstore by clicking here.   

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Spice Cake Birthday Card

I'm a little late in posting tonight.  I totally forgot to write up my card.  I thought I did it but when I went to see if it posted it wasn't there.  UGH!!!

My card for today was done using Pool Party as the base.  The decorative paper is from the Spice Cake pack.  Yes, I do have a few pieces of it left!!  

The later under the decorative paper is Chocolate Chip.  And the top layer is Very Vanilla where I stamped the words from the On Your Birthday set.  That set is retiring and I'm going to miss it very much.  Though I am thinking of keeping it.  You can never have enough word stamp sets.  I like to have a variety of them and I do like to keep my favorites.  

The flower was made using the blossom punch.  I punched out two flowers and clipped the petals.  I curled them, using my bone folder, like you would curling ribbon.  I punched out a 1" circle of Chocolate Chip card stock and a 3/5" circle of the decorative paper for the center of the flower.  

I set the word panel on using Dimensionals and the flower was just taped in place on the side of the word panel.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I punched the edge of the Chocolate Chip card stock before I added the decorative paper.  

This was a fun card to make and it really didn't take much time at all.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Candy Bar Card Holder "Thing"

 Don't you just love the title of this post?  LOL  Score Pal calls it a Candy Bar Card.  It's a very fun project.  I hope you decorate the front of yours better than I did the front of mine.  I may redo it later tonight.  I like the flower idea using the punch that goes with the Mixed Bunch set. And I did stamp one of the flower images from the Mixed Bunch set to put on the front.  

To make this fun project I did go to Score Pal's web site and download the instructions for their candy bar holder.  I did get confused reading them though.  I wasn't clear on what side to score on.  I normally tell people to "score on the short side" or "score on the long side."  It seems to be wording that everyone understands.  So I struggled with it for a bit and then decided to just put the candy bar down on the scoring pad and just made the holder from there.  I am planning on making another one so when I get it done I will post my instructions and measurements here for you.  

I used the Spice Cake decorative papers on the front, inside and even the back.  I had layered them on top of a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock.  The holder is made using a piece of Pool Party card stock.  It's such a fun and pretty color.  

These are very fun gifts to make for birthday parties, co-worker gifts plus many other events.  And decorated for the holidays it would make a great stocking stuffer too!  

I hope you have fun making them.  And like I said I will post my version of the instructions for you.  Mine is all one piece where the Score Pal one is two separate pieces.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, I just found their instructions difficult to follow.  I'm going to give their instructions another try.  I was in a bit of a hurry and the feeling of being rushed may have caused me to not quite understand what is going on with the instructions.  I'll keep you posted on that too!!! LOL  Ok, I'm off to teach a class at the bead shop! 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Flower Fancy Wednesday Sketch Challenge

It feels like it's been forever since I did the Wednesday Sketch Challenge. I'm sure it was just a couple of weeks but it feels SO much longer than that. I LOVE doing these but lately I have been finding that I don't always have the time to play along when it comes around. I almost didn't participate in the sketch this week (again). Not because I didn't have the time but because I didn't have a clue to what I was going to do. I thought I lost my mojo but I guess it's still there. I wanted to make a card that would be simple enough to duplicate for a greeting card set and I do believe this one fits the bill! It didn't take long to make, it was simple and didn't require a lot of stuff to make it. Keeping it simple is what it's all about for me lately!

If you have time give this sketch a try.  There's not a lot to it and it can be used with LOTS of images, the #3 panel is pretty large.

The base of my card is Cherry Cobbler.  The #2 panel is done using Cherry Cobbler ink and one of the flowers from the stamp set. 

The flower in the #3 panel was stamped using black StazOn and colored in with markers and a blender pen.

The scallop and circles were punched and the Happy Birthday words were done on the computer. 

Oh and the Lattice textured background is an embossing folder.  And that is it.  Quick, simple, easy and clean!  And get this, I didn't even copy this card! It's been awhile since I've come up with something on my own.  SO I guess the mojo is still there!!!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow, I am working on a very fun project that would be fun gifts for several occasions and holidays!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

In Wilderness Masculine Card

Today I am going to share a card with you that Terri had made for one of the Technique classes.  The technique that night was the Faux Leather. It's a very fun technique.  I had done this one a while back and I really enjoyed it.

To make the leather looking piece you take a piece of card stock, doesn't matter if it's regular or glossy.  Then you cover it with VersaMark.  Once you have it covered you sprinkle it with clear embossing powder.  Next you take your bone folder and draw lines with it all over the piece. Make them squiggly, some close together and some far apart.  Then you heat set the embossing powder and that is it.  Easy Peasy!!  And a fabulous effect 

This is such a fabulous masculine card.  I don't have the In Wilderness set but if I did I'd make a few of these to have on hand for the guys I need to make cards for this year!  

Terri's Technique Classes are a lot of fun and I love seeing and chatting with the gals, they are all so nice and friendly!  It's a great group!

Give this fun technique a try!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda  

Trendy Tree Masculine Card

After finding out what stamp sets are retiring I decided to play with the before I say goodbye to them!  Today I hopped on over to Split Coast Stampers to see what fun samples were there using the Trendy Trees set.  I have always liked this set and have used it a lot.  I am sad to see it go but ok with it because I did get some use out of it.  While at Split Coat Stampers I found this pretty layout. A very simple card with not a lot going on but yet elegant enough for me to want to copy it.  If you head on over to the original card by stamper camper, you will see a few differences.  On that card the decorative paper is really card stock that is clipped at the top edge to resemble grass.  I opted for the decorative paper with the stripes.  Not that I didn't like how the original card was done, I just didn't want to clip paper.  I wanted to make it a quicker card.  I also omitted the pierced circle around the trees.  I did like it but I didn't want to do it.  Other than that this card is very similar to the one at Split Coast Stampers.

The decorative paper is from the Subtles Pack.  I have lots of sheets of that stuff left to use up.   I have a feeling that is going to retire to.  I did cut out the trees after stamping them.  And yes, I did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the tree trunks.  I stamped the tree tops first and then the trunks.  And get this, I only did it once.  Many times, even with the Stamp-a-ma-jig I still get it off kilter. 

The base of the card is Whisper White and so is the next layer.  That layer I cut at 4" x 5-1/4".  And the decorative paper is cut at 58" x 4-1/2" 

And the words are from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  And that was it.  Very quick, very simple, very clean and very masculine!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Mother's Day Gift Weekend Project

As I was cleaning in my workroom I ran across a can I had saved.  Yup, you will find some interesting and odd things in my workroom!  I don't like to toss things out that I think I can use.  Recycling is always a great thing and I will often use things like cans, jars and containers at least one more time before I put them in the recycling bin.  And yes, I am aware that when I put them in the recycling bin they get made into new stuff.  But I am just prolonging the process for the item I'm keeping!!!  The item I kept this time was a short tin can.  I think it contained water chestnuts.  Those cans are always nice to use because there isn't anything stinky in them.  I do wash them in the dishwasher but sometimes I think some things (especially things with garlic) have smells left behind.

To decorate my can I just wrapped a piece of decorative paper around it to see how long and wide I needed to make it.  I cut the paper to fit and glued it in place.  I don't like to use tape on these because the tape leaves the paper with a texture where it is set.  Glue dries thin, plus I take a bone folder and slide it around the can to spread any thick spots of glue and to just even out everything.  And I set it aside to dry.

I moved on to the lid.  I made a round circle for the top of the can.  I cheated a bit here.  I used a piece of white label and punched out a big circle and stuck it on top of the lid.  Then I made the flower.  I used the Daisies #2 die.  I cut two of each piece and glued them together.  I punched out an Old Olive circle and glued that in the center.  I stuck the flower in place using a pop up glue dot.  Then I used the new blossom punch and the decorative paper matching the paper around the can and cut one flower out to cut up to use as leaves.  I glued them in place. 

To finish up the can I tied a piece of ribbon around it and added a tiny glue dot under the knot of the bow to hold it in place.  That was it.  A very easy and quick gift to make.  This is something even the kids can help with.

A note about the lid of the can.  The can was opened with a European can opener.  They open on the side edge instead of the top.  When you are done with your decorating you can add some candies and then take some crazy glue or Crystal Effects and glue the lid on.   It is now ready for gift giving. 

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda

Thanks a Million Card

Ok, today is a new day and a new post.  I'm going to post early so I make sure I know what I'm doing on here.  There's so much change for me here.  I am using a lap top to do this, which is not in my comfort zone. Blogger is now laid out different for those of us posting to it.  I had to download my pictures in a different way because my computer is broken.  I am not use to this keyboard.  I'm not use to this much change at one time!  I did get my photo orientate before I put it in the file I download from.  And here I am, trying to pretend I know what I'm doing here!! 

Let's move onto my card.  The background is Pacific Point.  A beautiful color and one I don't se very often.  I found a card on the net and wanted to copy it.  Upon a closer look at I noticed that the card was put together differently than I thought it was.  I went with what I thought I first saw.  The stamp set used her is Fabulous Florettes.  There is decorative paper to go with this set but I didn't have any so I just stamped the flower image all over a piece of card stock and cut it to fit.  This technique is called "One Sheet Wonder."  The decorative paper had some green in it but I didn't want to color in the background so I left it white.  I saw the original card at "A Stamp Above"  The words there were stamped and then punched out using a round circle punch.  I used the circle punch but I punched out the background piece.  I stamped the words on a piece of card stock and then set it in place behind the punched piece.  The flower layer is set on top of the embossed layer.  The flower was stamped, cut out and colored with Pacific Point and a blender pen. 

It was an easy card to make and very fun too!  Now to get it addressd and ready for Monday morning's mail!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Aviary Notebook

My post for today is a fun notebook.  It started out as a card but as I began putting it together it started looking more and more like a notebook to me instead of a card. 

The pretty decorative papers used here is from the Spice Cake pack.  I cut each strip 1" wide and the longest I cut at 3" and the rest are cut a 1/2" less than the one before it.  

I used the die cut for the tag.  I stamped the bird, cage and stand using the "Aviary" stamp set.  

The "notes" is from a personal image I had made up yeas ago.  I make notes of notebooks and it was a perfect one for me to order!

I set the tag in place with Dimensionals as well as the notes layers.  I then added some rhinestones on the cage and stand to give it a little bling and it was done!

Now if I can get the photo on here later I will certainly share it with you.

On a personal note here.  After finally getting this post on here and all the frustration involved with it I can officially say that I am not happy with the changes that Blogger has made.  I had to switch from Foxfire to Explorer in order to get the arrows to work to select the links or photo icon to add my photo.  UNREAL. Why do they have to mess with things all at once?  Why can't they make little improvements so we can adjust to them little by little?  UGH.  Anyway, here is my post for today!  Finally!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Please check back later. I am experiencing problems posting here. Sorry for the post delay, Wanda

Just Believe Mother's Day Card

I didn't do such a great job taking the photo here.  It would seem that I cast a shadow over the bottom part of the card.  See why I prefer not to go into the photography field?  LOL

And once again this is not an original card.  It was made by Julie at Julie's Stamping Spot.  Her card was a thank you card using the thank you from the Just Believe stamp set.  I have had a lot of fun playing with this stamp set.  This image is one in the set that I have not used very often at all.  It's a pity too because it's such a pretty image.  

As I look at this I can see that I did not get the words straight.  UGH!!! I even used the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  I thought it was straight!  I could always stamp the words on a separate piece of card stock and cut it to fit but that just seems like a lot of work for a handmade card that is made nicer than some of the purchased greeting cards I've seen. 

The words are from a favorite set called Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I have used that set a lot and I'm pretty sure I have not used each word image in it.  And it does cover a LOT of occasions!!  The words were stamped using Lucky Limeade. 

The base of this card is made using Crumb Cake card stock.  The green torn piece is Lucky Limeade and on top of that is a piece of Calypso Coral decorative paper from the In Colors pack.  The stamped image was colored in using markers in More Mustard on the flowers and Lucky Limeade on the leaves and border.

A piece of white satin ribbon was tied around the top layer and taped onto the base of the card.

This was a very quick card to make and I thought it was SO pretty.  I am SO into the Clean and Simple (CAS) look and this card fits in that category!  I had a lot of fun making this card (even with the crooked words).  If you are looking for some quick cards, just click here.  There's over 225 to see!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Quick Post it Holder Weekend Project

 I'm about ready to go crazy here.  But why you ask?  LOL  This computer is driving me nuts.  I was able to rotate the top photo but not the bottom photo.  I figured it would be ok to post it sideways, you just have to turn your head to see it.  It went into my folder that way and when it was downloaded here it was right!  So I just roll my eyes, remind myself that my computer really is my friend and continued on with the post!!! LOL

So here I am, continuing on with the post.  And speaking of post, I decided to cover a Post it note pad for a friend.  What surprised me the most was I only had 15 minutes to come up with an idea, get it done, take the photos and get out the door!  It's amazing what one can do under such pressure, isn't it?  

I have this wonderful and fun Domestic Goddess decorative paper that I have hardly used and I know it will be retiring.  All of the decorative papers seem to retire after 1 year.  SO I looked through the pack and picked out this checkered paper.  It's so pretty and so easy on the eyes!

First I set the pad on my cutter to measure it.  Then I cut some white card stock.  I didn't cut it exactly though.  I left less than 1/8" on each side and I was going to trim the bottom piece off but I decided to leave it and add the "notes" there.  

Then I cut the decorative paper to fit the top and the remaining piece of it was long enough to cover most of the bottom part.  It was cut small enough so it wouldn't show that it's not long enough!

The "notes" layers were set in place using Dimensionals.

On the top of the notepad I set a fun flower I made using the Flower Daisies #2 die.  What a fun die that is!  I cut 2 of each size and off set them a bit before taping them together.  In the center of the flower I added a 3/4" round circle of Pumpkin Pie card stock and it was done.  I set the flower in place using 2 pop up glue dots.  One was not quite enough.  There's a pretty deep hole on the back side of the flower from all of those layers.  And you know, when you set anything in place like that with a pop up glue dot, it's NOT going anywhere!  

And there you have it.  A fun gift in less than 10 minutes.  It probably took me longer to take the photo and type this up than it did to create this little gem.  This would be a fun item for a Stamp Camp, a Make n Take or for your hostess or customer appreciation gift.  With a Christmas theme it would be great for stocking stuffers!

Check out my other weekend projects.  There's over 190 of them.  That oughta keep you busy for a while!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easy Events Baby Card

I was in need of a baby shower card and I saw this card done by Connie at Inkspired Treasures.  I thought it was cute and colorful so I decided to copy it.  

Of course there were "things" on the card that I didn't have.  I didn't have the scalloped from the Perfect Pennants die so I used  a flower die and cut two of them out and taped them together.  

I normally cut my layers at 1/8" and Connie had cut hers at 1/4".  Comparing the cards I should have went with the 1/4" layers.  It's very difficult to see on here the white layer, the base of the card. 

I didn't have any Lucky Lime decorative paper so I used Old Olive.  It did work but it's not as bright.  The Old Olive worked and the card is still pretty, just not as pretty as Connie's is.  As I typed that I had a big grin on my face.  The gals who come here to stamp say the same thing to me and what do I tell them?  Never compare your card to another! DUH, what great advice!  LOL  I am happy with the way the card came out and I'm sure the one who receives it will like it too and will never know it's not an exact copy!!!

This was a fun card to make and I may use this layout for some more images in the Easy Events set!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Mother's Day Card

As I was surfing the web I ran across a beautiful card at Stamping to Share and I just had to make it.  Though I didn't have all of the materials to copy it exactly I did what I could with what I had.  Now to be honest here, this is not an easy concept for me to handle let alone do.  On a "normal" day I would have waited to make this card.  Why the wait? Well, because I didn't have the Pacific Point ribbon or the leaf stamp (whatever set that was from and I know I would have taken time to page through the catalog to find it).  But I am slowly learning that I don't need to own it all!  Plus having a very FULL craft room speaks volumes!!

SO off I went to see what stamp sets with leaves in them would work.  Well, I didn't have any, not current sets anyway.  And the lazy part of me didn't want to dig out an old catalog to find a leaf set!  SO I thought the embosslit would work nicely.  I cut out 3 of them on the Big Shot.  Then I proceeded to follow the card as it was done at the web site.  I did have some green ribbon so I substituted the green for the blue.  It worked well enough.  It just kind of looks like more leaves sticking out. 

Then came the words.  I had the set, that wasn't the issue.  I didn't stamp it straight enough so I had to fix it.  I ended up stamping it on card stock and then punching it out with the large oval punch, sponging the edges and setting it over the other words using Dimensionals.  

I did have the tiny brads that were used in the center of the flower but I didn't think it went well with the card so I added a rhinestone instead.  It complimented the flower nicely and tied the rhinestones on the butterfly in with it.  I may add one on the bottom of the "t" in mother just to give it a bit more balanced look. 

It all worked out and the card is done!!!  Thus proving to myself that I can make do with what I have!  And I'm not obsessing about the leaf stamp set or the ribbon.  Both will probably be retiring anyway and I hate to buy things this time of the year.  I want to save for the new catalog!!!  They always put TONS of stuff in there I think I can't live without!!! LOL  I will be getting some of my stamp sets out here soon and adding more to my web store.  I need to make room for new stuff.  

I want to find some Mother's Day cards that are pretty and yet quick and simple to put together.  There's a lot of kids that shop at the garage sale and I want to have some inexpensive cards for them to buy.  Some kids find things for their moms for Mother's Day at the garage sales.  I think it's sweet and I'd like to have some cards for them to buy to.  I may just sell them at cost so the kids will have a card for mom.  Anyway, that is a few weeks away so I have time to surf some more.  Just so I don't get distracted (again!).

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Notebook and Beaded Pen Weekend Project

Does this box look familiar?  It should, it is what the large clear block came in.  I know, I just have to save everything.  But see, it actually came in handy.  I believe this is the last clear box container that I had left.  I managed to use them all.  Recycling is such a good thing!!  

The backing of the container has a piece of cardboard (from a pack of 12" x 12" decorative paper) and a piece of Cherry Cobbler decorative paper taped to it.  I wanted the container to have a nice completed look.

The notebook contains about 50 sheets of card stock.  I redid the card that Terri had made for me and added the "notes" the front of it.  

I also included a beaded pen.  I printed out a page from the 1st Edition download onto a 8-1/2" x 11" label.  I cut out the length I needed for the pen and sponged some Crumb Cake and More Mustard over it to give it the vanilla look since I didn't have any large labels like that in vanilla.  White was just too bright for the pen.  

I put the label on the pen and then the double stick paper and then rolled the pen in the micro beads.  And that is it.  So easy and quick to do!  I put the pen in one of those 1" x 8" cellophane bags and folded the flap down a bit more than usual because the pen isn't all that long!  It made the pen look more expensive and impressive too!

Now I have a nice pen and pad gift in a great package all ready for the craft fair!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Mini Notebooks

Still playing off Terri's Fabulous card and technique page I ran with the image.

I liked how she had made this flower circle on her technique page so I thought it would look great on mini notebooks.

I stamped the flowers, punched them out and sponged the edges.  That all went well, sort of.  As I was punching them I began to question how Terri got more of the flower image in the circle.   Of course it was a bigger punch.  SO I began punching the Early Espresso scallops and realized they wouldn't fit on the front of the notebook.  End result was I had to go with the size I originally punched.  And that was ok, because they do look nice on the front of these notebooks.

These notebooks measure 2.5" x 2.5" and I made them using "recycled" paper.  I print a lot of stuff and when I need to cut the paper down I save the scraps if they are big enough and I cut them into 2.5" x 2.5" pieces and set them aside for punching another day.  Well, that day came!!  I had a stack of paper and I punched them.  And while punching them I set them next to Terri's technique page and I thought her design would look great on the cover.  

The punch machine I use is called "RubiCoil."  There are several places that carry them.  You can Google it for the best price.  I had gotten mine at My Binding.  My machine is very old now.  I've had it for over 10 years and I have used it a lot.  One of the springs did break on it and I was able to order more.  I think the shipping cost more than the springs did.  They were easy to replace (replace both when one breaks) and I was back in business!  I do coil the notebooks by hand.  The machine that does that is very expensive and it really doesn't take all that long to do it.  I usually have things set up so I can work things like that during commercials when I'm watching tv.  The difficult part of that for me is that I usually watch cable and the channels I watch don't have commercials.  But there are a few shows that I have to watch (like The Walking Dead) and they do play commercials.  Like I said, it is very easy to do and I make LOTS of these little notebooks.  They sell well at craft fairs for me.  I don't charge much, I want to sell them and I usually sell out of them.  I try to have several hundred of them ready by fall. Some have Stampin' Up images on them but most of them have some winter images, stickers, etc.  They make great stocking and purse stuffers.

I am off to finish up the notebook I told you I wanted to make using the same image from Terri's card I posted yesterday. I'm excited to get it done because I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Easel Card

So, yesterday I showed you how to make an Easel Card.  Today I am showing you an example of a full size Easel Card.

This card was made by my dear friend Terri.  This is one of the cards she used in her class.  I SO love this set and this card is just stunning.

I LOVE the textured background that is done using an embossing folder.  The Dotted Swiss scalloped circle behind the focal panel is a wonderful touch.

My favorite part of this card is the decorative paper the bow is wrapped around.  The top part of it is curled down a bit to give it that distressed look. 

Terri pays a lot of attention to detail.  That is something I lack.  I do love detail but I don't always add a lot on my cards.  I guess I figure if I added one texture or one layer with sponging it's good. This card has lots of layers, sponging, texture, dimension plus it's an Easel Card!  Terri never ceases to amaze me with her card creations.  

This card can be used for so many occasions too, like birthday, get well, thinking of you, friendship, thank you, sympathy and even an anniversary card. I love cards that are versatile!

I just love how this card looks and I am thinking of remaking the front of this card and adding it to a notebook!  I'll share it with you if I get it done!

I hope you're having a creative day!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by,
Wanda

Easel Card Technique Page

I know, it's about time for a technique page.  I've gotten so far behind them and on everything else in my life!  Do we ever catch up on things???  

This is a very fun Technique and I copied how Terri had done her file card for the gals at the Technique Class.  This was one of those techniques that is fun but I wasn't sure how to get the idea across but after Terri had made her file card I just did mine on a smaller scale.  I need to keep mine in a 2" x 2" space.  It worked out and that is the main thing.

To make an easel card you need to cut your card stock to measure 11" x 4-1/4".  Score and fold in the center on the long side.  Decide which will be your front and fold that piece in half taking the edge of the front and folding it towards the center fold, creating a "mountain fold."  

To decorate the card, take a piece of card stock and decorate it. You can layer it to add more beauty and depth to your card.  It's the same as making a card front.  Just keep the finished size 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".  Tape the bottom front fold.  Line the card front to that taped area and set in place.  

To help the card stay open (or leaning) you will need to add something to the inside.  An embellishment or paper layers will work.  I like to add a Dimensional under mine to get it some extra height and then I know the front flap is going to lean against it nicely.  Now, where to put that layer or embellishment.  I just find the center or close to the center and that is where I line up the top edge of my piece I'm using to hold the card open.

And that is it!  These are a very fun card to make and SO pretty and easy to display!!  

This technique goes into set #5.  I still have a few of some of the other sets still available or you can get the 4 sets on CD.  You can print the instructions out for your class, decorate them in class and even make a card sample in class.  It's your class you can run it as you please!  There is no limit to how many of these you can print out.  The CD also comes with photos of a finished technique page for reference.  You can get these in my webstore. 

Click here to see the 87 other technique pages. 

Thanks SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 WOW, I actually had time to play with the Sketch Challenge.  And what is most amazing was that I remembered it was the Sketch Challenge time.  I missed it last week because I totally forgot what day it was!  Having hubby home for a few days always messes me up!

This sketch was fun and challenging at the same time.  I didn't have all the same size circle punches that were used in the pattern/sketch.  A couple of mine are a little different in size and it just had to do.  I used the pretty Spice Cake decorative paper and Early Espresso for the base of the card.  I normally layer everything in my cards but since I didn't have all the circle punches I wasn't able to layer them. I suppose I could have gotten out the circle cutter and glass surface thing but it's a lot of work for a few circles.  I don't use it much because I find it such a chore to get it set up, cut a circle and put it back. Though for this it would have been a few more circles but it didn't matter it was still too much effort to get it out, set it up and cut the circles.  I much prefer punches!! They are quick and easy and there is less of a chance of ruining one than with the cutter.

My image came from the Best of Everything set.  I had seen a lot of samples using that set and wished that I had bought it.  I was looking through my stamps the other day and there it was.  So, do you think that if you wish for something hard enough you get it or do you think I bought it and forgot I had it?  LOL  I like the wishing part.  Too bad it really doesn't happen like that!

I did have fun with this sketch but doubt I would use it again anytime soon.  Well, unless I see one of the new posts using this sketch on Split Coast Stampers that is a MUST copy!!!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda 

It Has No Name

Here is one of my newest bracelets I designed.  The idea came to me when we were up in Duluth this past February.  

It was a lot of fun making it.  I loved how it started out and as I was working on it and trying to figure out where I was going it had some pretty interesting shapes and stitches to the end of it.  And as I worked on it, it began to take shape and this is what the final outcome is.  I wish I wouldn't have taken apart the original test piece one!  It was a mess but yet fun to see how it evolved into this!  I would try something and sort of like it so I'd leave it.  As I looked at it I would change it a little and sometimes add something more and sort of liked what I saw and continue on until I REALLY liked what I saw and then I stitched the same pattern for an inch or so and knew it was what I wanted.  I then started this bracelet and took the other one apart.  Like I said, I wished I would have kept it or at least have taken a photo of the mess!! LOL  It would have been fun for you to see how it evolved into what you see here. 

I will be writing up a pattern for this to put in my webstore soon and for me to teach class with as well.  I am looking forward to teaching this one.  It's easy enough because it's so repetitive.  I think my students will like making it and I feel that they will catch onto the pattern quickly and be happy with it too.  I LOVE watching the students make bracelets with my patterns.  Mostly because I am in awe of the colors they pick.  It's fun to see your creation in so many different colors.  At times I have to take a photo of their bracelets because I want to make one out of the colors they chose.  I have the photos but have yet to make the bracelets in those colors!!  I need a year with nothing else to do but bead!!! LOL

I will post to here when I put this in the webstore.  The sales from my bracelets are going towards the purchasing of Christmas gifts this year for a family of 5 children.  We want them to have a very Merry Christmas.  They come from a struggling family.  The dad works but his job doesn't pay well and they make enough to barely get by.  It's sad but we know we can brighten their holiday!  Anyway, I'll let you know when it's available!

And as the title of this post states, "It has no name."  I have not given the bracelet a name yet.  I'm drawing a blank but I'm sure I will come up with one before I finish making the pattern!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Apothecary Art

This is such a beautiful card.  I had received it from my dear friend Terri.  This is still available in the Occasions mini catalog.  You can order yours here. 

I have had this card sitting out in my workroom because I find it absolutely stunning.  It's simple yet elegant.  I LOVE cards like that.  This one looks very simple to do too.  One stamp and no coloring.  The image was cut out using the Framelets Labels Collection die.  And the top flap part was made using the Edgelets die.

I did get the Edgelets die and the Framelets dies but I did not order this stamp set.  I wasn't sure if I would get a lot of use out of it.  I still have plenty of other sets I have not used or have hardly used and I need to play with them before they retire!   I don't mind sets retiring as much as I mind them retiring and I haven't used them much or at all.  So this one I am going to pass on and will probably regret it but I just can't justify buying it!

So if you are in need of a quick, elegant and yet simple card, this is the one to make.  And the variety of occasions you can use this image for is a GREAT plus!  It would work perfectly as a wedding card, birthday card, get well card, thinking of you card, thank you card and even a sympathy card. talk about versatility!

Thank you Terri for the beautiful card (she's SO good to me!).

And I thank you every SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easter Treat Box

WOW, did I ever struggle to get a photo on here today.  Every time I downloaded the photo it was sideways though it was the correct orientation in the folder I was taking it from.  That was so weird.  After the 4th time I finally got it right.  Or I should say it finally got downloaded the way I had it set.  It wasn't me!!  Believe it or not!!! LOL

This was my last little Easter project.  I ran across a clear pillow box and I filled it with 10 Butterfinger eggs.  They fit in it perfectly.   It was as though the box was made especially for them and I mean custom made.  The eggs don't wiggle in there at all.

I stamped and cut out the bunny from the Everybunny set.  I colored him and then glued him in place on the box.  I didn't think the tape would hold as well.  The words were also from the set and I glued them in place too.  I tied a ribbon around the box and it was done!  

This was a very easy project to do.  I wish I would have found these pillow boxes sooner, I think I would have made a lot more of these for little gifts for the Easter dinner guests. 

Happy Easter and thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easy Events Birthday Card

WOW, in getting things ready for Easter Sunday I nearly forgot to do my daily post!!!  

Today I chose to work with the Easy Events set.  It's a fun set to have because it seems to cover a lot of holidays and events.  The images are simple and easy to color.

I stamped the flower image and I punched it out with the 1-14" square punch.  Then I punched out 3 1-3/8" squares in Certainly Celery.  I colored the flowers in with the Real Red marker and the leaves in Certainly Celery.

I added a strip of Real Red decorative paper and behind that is a piece of Certainly Celery card stock that was punched on the edge.  

The words came from the Petite Pairs set.  I punched them out with the 1-1/4" circle punch and behind that is the Certainly Celery circle cut out in 1-3/8" circle.  Then that was set on top of the Real Red scalloped circle punch.

The white background was done by using the Lattice texture folder.  I think that is the name of it.  It's a fun texture to play with!  And the base of the card is done in Real Red.

This was a very quick and simple card to make, in spite of all the layers!!!  Punching the squares and circles makes using lots of layers quick, easy and fun!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Paisley Petals Birthday

Personally I think I like copying other people's cards than coming up with my own idea!!!

This is what happens when I am left with no inspiration.  I had some decorative paper from the Paisley Petals pack sitting out so I thought I would play with it.  I want to try to use up as much of my decorative papers as I can since most of them will retire when the new catalog comes out.  And note to self here....  don't buy so many decorative papers next time!  

I used Always Artichoke for the base of my card and for the "flap" part on the front of the card.  Both pieces of the decorative paper are from the same Paisley Petals pack.  

On the flap I used one of the new Edgelets.  You really don't have a lot of control when putting that little strip of metal on the machine to cut it.  It slips and slides.  It's just best to tape it down exactly where you want it and that is what I did.  It didn't move an inch and it cut  the piece out exactly where I wanted it to be.  I did the same with a piece of Always Artichoke to slide under the decorative paper.

Once I taped all of the pieces together I took the piercing tool and poked holes along the edge. Then I took my white gel pen and drew in some stitching lines.  Next I added the ribbon and the words were assembled and set in place using Dimensionals.

WOW, was that ever a quick and easy card to make!!!  It would be a great card to use for your Make n Take or even a Stamp a Stack card!

Thank you SO much for visiting,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

This is sort of a CASE card!  I mean sort of because I didn't copy it exactly.  All I really changed was the color and papers.  I used the same layout and stamp stamp with the flower punch.  To set them side by side they are not a total copy but to look at the layout it is the same! It's hard to explain what I mean!!! I'm usually not at a loss for words!!! LOL

I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set and punch. I stamped the flower image using Pear Pizazz ink and for the center of the flower I used More Mustard.  I wanted the colors to match the colors in the decorative paper.  The flowers in the paper don't really match the punched flower but I like the colors here.  The decorative paper is from the Spice Cake pack.  

For the words I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes set and punched them out with the word window punch.  I layered it on top of a piece of Early Espresso card stock that was punched out using the label punch.  

It really was a fun card to make.   And it didn't take all that long either.  This would be a fun card for a Stamp a Stack.  Though I think I would find some decorative paper to better match the punched flower!!!  LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

I honestly don't know the name of this decorative paper.  Perhaps it's because I don't own it!! It is very pretty though.  I am SO loving this Pool Party color and the decorative paper is so pretty with this card.

This card is a bit deceiving too.  The Birthday wishes, from the Sincere Salutations set is stamped and then punched out and taped to the inside of the card.  The oval on the outside is punched out to match the word oval. I was told by one of the gals at the Stamp A Stack (SAS) to put both pieces of card stock together, line up the words and punch them both.  Then the words are suppose to fit in the oval better.  Well, needless to say I didn't follow her directions when I got to that part of the card and it's obvious that my words didn't fit well in the oval.  I wasn't sure I wanted to try to punch two layers of card stock at the SAS on a punch that wasn't mine.  I think it turned out just fine and no one will really notice it's a hair off!

The flower was stamped (from the Mixed Bunch set) and punched out.  The layers were taped together and the ribbon tied on.  The flower was set in place using a Dimensional.  And a pearl was placed in the middle and the card was done!!!  It was a quick and simple card with a perfect touch of cuteness.  Terri is SO good at designing her cards for the SAS and my sister and I look forward to going to it in May!!  I'm sure my sister will insist we place yet another order too!!!  She's breaking my wallet!!! LOL

I thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Pocket Silhouette Quick Card

WOW, talk about a quick card.  I think it took me longer to gather the "stuff" to make this card than it did to stamp it and put it together!

I was in need of a quick card but yet I wanted it to have some texture.  I used the new small oval die here.  First I cut my Very Vanilla card stock 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  I needed it cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" but I needed to give myself some wiggle room in case I didn't get the stamped image exactly in the center.

I stamped the image and then lined up the embossing folder around it.  I ran it through the Big Shot and then cut it to fit my background paper.  My background paper and ink is Soft Suede.  A color I don't use very often but do like.

The words are from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  It is a quick and simple masculine card!  Making cards this quick leaves me wanting to make another card.  I just don't feel like I really got to stamp!!! LOL 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Masculine Card

Today I am going to share with you a masculine card!  We just never seem to have enough samples of those, do we?  This was one of the fun cards from last weeks Stamp-a-Stack (SAS) I attended.  I used the tree image from the Lovely as a Tree set.  The decorative paper is from the Well Worn pack.  It's perfect for this image and for a masculine card.

This card could also be used for a thinking of you card and even a sympathy card. 

My sister and I had a great time at the SAS and on this card I didn't even have to help her with the bow!!!  Shocking, I know!!! LOL  I can say this stuff because I know she doesn't read my blog!  I'll tell you more stuff about her some day too, she'll never know!!! LOL  And yes, she is the one who is weird about birthday milestones.  Or I should say was.  No, wait.  She is still weird about it because this birthday she was happy because now she was just old enough to get the senior discount at Perkins.  She's so funny!!! Ya gotta love her!

Anyway, back to this fun card.  The tree was stamped on the oval and then the edges were sponged.  Then it was set in place on top of the layers using Dimensionals.  As simple as that!  It was a quick card to make and I went home with two straight trees and one crooked one! Two out of three isn't so bad!!! LOL  My nephew is having his birthday on the 8th (same as our wedding anniversary) and I'll just give it to him.  He won't keep the card anyway!!!  So there! 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Card Holder

Here is the little project I was working on.  I saw this beautiful card on the net somewhere. Once again I forgot where I found it and who was the original designer of it. If you know, please leave the info in a comment and I will get it posted.  Most of the time I get the credits on the post but this time I totally forgot where it came from.

It was a fun card to make.  SO fun that I thought I would do 4 of them for a set of cards to fit in my card holder.  You can purchase the card holder here, it’s still on sale!   And you can see more of these card holders here.  Just scroll down a couple of posts after you click on the link.

I used the Mixed Bunch set for the flowers and the words came from my favorite “Sincere Salutations” set.  I have this feeling that it will be retiring this year.  Doesn’t matter, I’ll still use it.  If I see a card made and I don’t have the word set I just substitute it with one I have so I’m sure that is what others will do when they see this set used on my cards.  I find one that fits in the space provided and says what I want it to say and it’s good to go!!  Simple as that.

The flower here was punched out with the fun punch that was made for these flowers!!  The leaves were stamped in Old Olive, punched out and cut into pieces.  Lots of punching on this card.

The flowers were stamped in Daffodil Delight.  The raised flower was stamped using Cherry Cobbler.  I did huff on the rubber before I stamped it on the card.  I wanted a nice solid image and it worked each time!! Ya gotta LOVE that!  LOL

This was a fun project to make and I’ll be wrapping this one up to sell at the fall craft fair.  I want to have a dozen or so for the fair.  I’ve made a few of them but have already sol some of them too.

I'm off to create something else to share with you tomorrow!

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda