This is it!

   

   Reminder: It is the last day of March which means it is the last day of Sale-a-bration - the last day for Free Stamps (among other things)! Click HERE for details or to order. 

   And a big thank you to Cynthia for awarding me the Leibster Blog award and Melissa for the Versatile Blog award. Thanks ladies!! 

   I have been thinking about today's card for a few days now. I wanted to make it fancier but time was a factor because I needed a card to send out to my daughter. So I ended up with this clean and simple card and you know what? I love it! 

  Bethany, my daughter, loves music so it was a perfect choice. All I did to make this card was stamp the bird cage from the Aviary stamp set. Then using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the bird on the top of the cage. I didn't want to put the bird in the cage because I wanted it to be free. And because he is free, he is singing a happy tune!

  The musical notes were punched from Newsprint designer paper and adhered to the Very Vanilla cardstock. I was going to add a sentiment but changed my mind. I felt it would detract from the simplicity.

 Stamps: Aviary

 Paper: Very Vanilla cardstock, Newsprint designer paper

 Ink: Basic Black

 Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch

Have a creative day!

More Freebies

   Did you know that some of the stamps in the current Idea Book and Catalog are Free with a $50 purchase? It's true, and today's card uses two of such stamps!

   But don't hesitate to take advantage of this wonderful Sale-a-Bration sale. Tomorrow is the last day. Click HERE if you would like details.

  This is a 3 x 3 card and uses the Dots, Dots, Dots background stamp (a free SAB option) and Flowers For All Seasons (also a free SAB option). Both of these can also be purchased - as opposed to free - if you want to do it that way.

 I used Watercolor Pencils for this card and wow I haven't used them in ages! What fun they are!

Stamps: Dots, Dots, Dots and Flowers For All Seasons

Paper: Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Perfect Plum

Ink: Old Olive, Black Stazon

Other: Water Color Pencils, Blender Pen, small Oval Punch, Basic Pearl, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Mini Glue Dot

 Have a wonderful day.

3 More Days

   Only 3 more days to take advantage of Sale-a-bration! If you would like to know more about this wonderful sale and/or view the special Sale-a-bration catalog, click HERE.

  No stamps were inked in today's card. Instead, I used the fun, bright elements from the Ice Cream Parlor Paper and Accents Pack and the coordinating buttons from the Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon and Button Pack. Both of these packs are available for FREE through Sale-a-bration!

  I added a punched flower pot by using the Build a Cupcake punch and some Basic Rhinestones for some bling. The flowers and borders are all precut and sticky so this card is so simple to make!

Stamps: none

Paper: Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor dsp (Sale-a-bration)

Other: Build a Cupcake punch (Occasions Mini), Basic Rhinestones, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon and Button Pack (Sale-a-bration), Ice Cream Parlor Paper and Accents Pack (Sale-a-bration)

 I have some more cards to show you this week and I haven't forgotten about the Faux Mother of Pearl tutorial! 

A Peak at New Stamp and Paper

 March is winding down which means Sale-a-bration is almost over too. So don't wait if you have your sights set on one of the many sets you can choose from.

  April is just around the corner! That brings me to today's sneak peak of a stamp set and designer paper that are actually  sneak peaks from the Idea Book and Catalog being released in July! Woo Hoo!

  The frame is one of four - I love them all.

  The paper is gorgeous.

  They are both available April 1st by hosting a workshop or placing an order. Details will be coming soon!

Stamps: Four Frames (promotional), Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper, Paisley Petals designer paper (promotional)

Ink: Black Stazon, Stampin' Up markers

Other: Basic Pearls, Blender Pen, Scallop Trim Border punch, Finial Press embossing folder, Decorative Label Punch

  

Thanks for looking!

Bridal Box Tutorial

  

 I put together a picture tutorial for the Bridal Box I created using the Petal Cone Bigz die. I tried to be as clear as possible but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

 If you missed that blog post and the Control Freak's Blog tour featuring Wedding Projects, click HERE. You can still take the tour - just follow the links. It's worth it!

 I tried to conserve cardstock as you will see.

1. Cut 2 of everything with the Petal Cone die and Large Heart punch. Use a Crease Pad!

2. Cut one, 11" piece of Scallop from the Tasteful Trim. Cut it into 3 pieces and emboss.

3. You will need to make a bottom flap for the box. That way it stays securely closed. 

4.To attach the bottom flap from step #3, two of the petal cone box's flaps need to be cut. Refer to the photo.

5. After you cut of 2 of the flaps from the bottom of the box, make sure you trim them so they are 1" wide. They will go on the front of the "dress".

6. I placed the bottom of the box so it opened in the back.

7. Make sure the scallops line up. Attach with sticky strip.

8. Attach the 2 half circles and heart bodice.

9. In this photo I left the back of the bodice plain. In the 3rd photo above it is embossed. Either one works.

10. Tie a 6" piece of ribbon around the waist. Trim to fit.

11. Ten punched bitty flowers and one 3/4" circle.

12. Crumple the little flowers and attach one by one to the circle building up the bouquet. Add tiny pearls to the center of each visible flower. Trim the banner sashes and attach to the back of the bouquet.

13. Add medium sized pearls to the scallop trim.

 This could be done in different colors for bridesmaid dresses or party dresses. 

Control Freaks Blog Tour - Wedding Theme

Welcome to this month's Control Freak's Blog Tour! 

The theme is "Something borrowed, something blue" - Weddings to be exact! How fun is that?! 

The tour officially begins on 

Sunday, March 20th 

  If you arrived here from the brilliant Jan Tink's blog then you are exactly where you should be! If you are beginning with my blog, that is ok too because the Tour goes full circle. Just follow the links. You won't want to miss a thing - trust me!

  Here is the scenario: You are invited to a wedding and you need a special card for the special couple. You want something elegant and "different". That is what I was envisioning when I created this card for the newlyweds. 

Disclaimer: White cards with shimmer are very hard to photograph! 

  The background was created by painting my French Filigree Background stamp with Frost White Shimmer Paint and then stamping directly on Whisper White cardstock. Once it dried thoroughly I trimmed it, popped it up with dimensionals, and mounted it to the embossed card.

 The flowers, from Growing Green stamp set, were done with the Mother of Pearl Technique. I used a Blender Pen to add the color rather than a sponge or brayer because it gives better color control. 

If you are not familiar with this technique, I hope to post a tutorial soon. 

Stamps: French Filigree Background, Growing Green, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery

Other: Frost White Shimmer Paint, Blender Pen, Big Shot, tief, dimensionals, oval punch, Mini glue dots, Basic Pearls, Bitty Punch Pack

  Now you have your special card but perhaps you aren't just a guest at the wedding, but a part of the wedding! All you need is a special box for: the wedding gift, the wedding party, favors for the guests, or favors for the bridal shower?  I have just the thing!

  I used the Petal Cone Bigz die and some punches to create this elegant "bridal dress" gift box. Change the colors and it  becomes a "bridesmaid dress" gift box!

  Little Pearls accent the scalloped skirt and the flowers in the bouquet. For the print on the sash I used white address labels because I couldn't locate my clear labels. Clear would work much better!

  If you have simpler tastes, here is a simpler version! I couldn't decide which one I liked best so I decided to include both in today's tour.

   The sash was left blank on this box but you could use the sash to write to/from, or a special note. 

  These boxes open at the bottom and I will be posting a free tutorial showing you just how I made these - top to bottom.

Stamps: None

Paper: Whisper White

Other: Big Shot, Petal Cone bigz die, Tasteful Trim bigz die (I checked and it is still available), Elegant Lines tief, Large Heart Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Bitty Punch Pack, Basic Pearls, White Organza Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

 Next stop is the amazing Dawn Olchefske's blog. Either click on her name above, or on the icon below to move forward. Enjoy the tour!

   I hope you'll come back and visit some time soon.

Table Setting Die as Background

  

 Reminder: Control Freaks Blog Tour is on Sunday, March 20th. Wedding projects!

  Today's card is a compilation of elements I had on my craft table - in other words - rejects of other projects. lol. 

  The strip of Botanical Gazette designer paper across the front is cut with the Table Setting Die. I was experimenting with it for a different card but that didn't work out. So I resurrected it for this card!

  The stamped oval in the center is also a reject, but I loved how it looked, so I saved it. And the decorative label that is behind the oval came from my box of rejected punched and die cut shapes.

  I only sponged the decorative label shape by the way. The sponged look on the designer paper is all part of the paper. 

  To add some visual interest to the card, I stamped the spray of foliage with the Baby Blossoms stamp set. And if you look closely there is a Basic Rhinestone on my bouquet of flowers for no other reason than I had one Rhinestone left on the sheet and I wanted to use it so I could throw away the paper. Real creative. lol.

  That was my creative process on this card. My problem is I have more rejects waiting in the wings! 

Stamps: Baby Blossoms (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Botanical Gazette dsp (Occasions Mini)

Ink: Rose Red, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Decorative Label punch, Oval punch, dimensionals, sponge, Basic Rhinestone, Big Shot, Table Setting die, Perfect Polka Dot tief

 Thanks for stopping. If you are Irish - Happy St. Patrick's Day and enjoy your corn beef and cabbage!

A Touch of Green

I'd like to thank Fiona at Creative Kaszazz Butterfly for giving me the Versatile Blogger Award. It made my day! If you have a moment check out her blog (give it a chance to change to white background)

   As a final tribute to St. Patrick's Day and all things green I made this little Shamrock treat holder with the Petal Card Punch and some other punches.

 You can see how small it is, but not too small to hold M and Ms or other small candy (or whatever).

Here is a view from the top.  

  The top consists of four hearts punched with the Large Heart Punch. I trimmed off the tips before adhering them to the 4 flaps of the box. I was going to leave it just like that but decided to add the stamped image to the top. 

Stamps: Lucky Shamrock

Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

Ink: Wild Wasabi

Other: Petal Card Punch, Large Heart Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

Enjoy! And have a wonderful stamping kind of day!

Good Memories!

   Today's card is a result of this week's color challenge at Create with Connie and Mary. It can be found  by clicking HERE. 

These are the colors: Real Red, So Saffron, Crumb Cake and White. 

  I know these are not the easiest colors to work with but for me they bring back wonderful memories. I knew immediately what I wanted to do with my card! I love when that happens don't you?

   When David and I moved to Massachusetts February 1, 1981, we were newly married, poor, but full of hope, and excited to be starting a church with only 3 other couples! They (the other couples) had found a second floor apartment for us in a big old house. It was huge and had a fireplace and pantry and a claw foot bathtub. We LOVED that apartment! 

  Well the kitchen in that apartment had beautiful wainscoting top to bottom and apparently it needed painting so two of the men in our "church" painted it before we arrived. The bottom was a lovely So Saffron color. The top was a warm Crumb Cake. Seriously! 

  Now I love red and decided to buy some red accents for my kitchen. Red and white checked curtains, a red bowl, and a red teapot are what I remember best. I also had a little round table in the kitchen where I visited with friends and drank tea made with my red teapot. Good memories!

  My card is based totally on that much-loved kitchen, and my beloved red teapot, and good memories of friends.

  The bottom half is Pawsitively Prints II dsp. The top half is stamped with the background stamp, Solid Stripes (a SAB option). I made the "tablecloth" with one of the scallops left over from the petal cone die. I embossed it for some texture and to give it more of a "tablecloth" look.

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Morning Cup, Solid Stripes background stamp (SAB option)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pawsitively Prints II dsp, Watercolor Paper 

Ink: Black Stazon, Crumb Cake ink; So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Real Red markers

Other: Blender pen, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, Word Window punch, Oval punches, Big Shot, Petal Cone die, Vintage Wallpaper textured impressions embossing folder, Mini glue dots, dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

  To finish the story - we stayed in that apartment for 3 years and then bought our first, and only, house. Of the 3 couples we began with - 2 of the couples have passed away and the other one moved out of state. Our church has grown way beyond 3 couples. lol. The red teapot met its demise when I accidently let it boil dry and put a hole in the bottom. I cried. 

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me. 

A First For Me

  I don't know - maybe a few years back - Stampin' Up! began to sell 3" square cards and envelopes. They caught on like wild fire and 3" card samples can be now be found throughout the catalog, and  all over the internet for that matter. 

  Well a few weeks back I participated in a swap over at Stampin Addicts. We swapped 3 x 3 cards and today's card is the very first 3 x 3 card I have ever made. And what a blast it was to design and make this little card!! 

  Once again I used Bold Blossoms stamp set and the Build a Cupcake Punch for the flower pot. I tried to convey the idea of a potted flower on a window sill.

  I also tried to incorporate the Sale-a-bration paper, buttons and ribbon called Ice Cream Parlor. The colors are so bright and cheerful. They remind me of spring, and butterflies, and flowers!

  This is a close up of the flower with its Ice Cream Parlor Button and Rhinestone center. 

  To make the stamped portion of the flower I stamped it once, and then without reinking I stamped again. That is why it looks so "full". Note: I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

      To mail this size card you must use a standard envelope. A 3 x 3 envelope will not work.

  3 x 3 cards? I'm a fan! 

Stamps: Bold Blossoms (Occasion Mini)

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor Paper and Quick Accents Pack (SAB)

Ink: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point

Other: Crimper, Build a Cupcake Punch, dimensionals , Basic Rhinestone, Scallop Border Punch, Mini Glue Dot, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack (SAB)

 Have a good one!

For a Bird Lover

   Some of you who know me well, may remember when I went to Kenya, Africa a few years ago to visit my missionary friend who lives there. That was when I fell in love with Africa. 

  Well my friend is still over there and is having a milestone birthday next month. I won't tell you how many years but it is significant enough that our church is collecting birthday cards to send her. Obviously she is very special to all of us!

   Because she is an obsessed avid bird watcher, I made her a  birthday card that a bird lover would love! They don't have robins in Africa but they sure do in Massachusetts (not that I have seen any around here lately). I thought a robin would be a good reminder of New England. 

  The sketch can be found HERE at Create with Connie and Mary. If you are looking for Stampin' Up! only site that is a great place to get inspired you may want to check out Create with Connie and Mary. Unfortunately I didn't finish this card in time to enter their challenge this week but I still love the sketch!

  To make this card I dragged out my hardly ever used Watercolor Crayons.  First, I lightly misted each stamp with water, then colored directly on the stamp with my crayons. This method can be a little tricky depending on how much water is on the stamp so you have to just go with it. The eggs were a little more challenging because I had to stamp them twice. The bird and flowers were easy.

Stamps: Nature Walk, Bring on The Cake, Tiny Tags

Paper: Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip, Natural Ivory, Botanical Gazette dsp    

Ink: Chocolate Chip ink and marker

Accessories: Big Shot, 3" circle die, Circle Scissors, Watercolor Crayons, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, sponge, dimensionals, Color Spritzer Tool

  This card is 5 inches square and fits nicely into one of our square envelopes. For once I don't have to worry about bulk or weight because it will be one of many cards bound for Africa!

Thanks for stopping by.

Build a Cupcake Flower Pot

   

   I was going through some old magazines and came across a card using this layout with the scallop square. 

  I liked the scallops at the bottom and the scallop square, which I must confess, I don't use nearly enough. That is what drove me to use this layout. I also don't use the plaid designer paper from Pawsitively Prints so a piece of that found its way onto the card as well.

 And once again Bold Blossoms stamp set came into play. It really is a fun little stamp set. So after stamping my flowers I came up with the idea to add a flower pot to one of the flowers, but how to make it?

  I discovered that the cupcake liner part of the Build a Cupcake Punch makes a great flower pot. To give my "flower pot" some texture, I crimped the cardstock with my Crimper tool before punching it.

  The butterfly trail was added by hand with a Daffodil Delight marker. I added it as an afterthought. It coordinates with the flower stems!

Stamps: Bold Blossom

Paper: Pawsitively Prints II dsp, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White cardstock

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Crimper, Button, brads, Mini glue dots, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Square Scallop die, sponge, Oval punch, Corner rounder punch, Build a Cupcake Punch (Occasions Mini)

Happy stamping!

For a Friend

  I needed a "thinking of you" card to give to a friend who is struggling. She is definitely a no frills kind of gal so I went with a no frills card. At least it is no frills compared to some of my cards! lol!

  The top panel was embossed with the Elegant Lines textured impressions embossing folder and the smaller panel is plain except for the stamped sentiment. That is pretty basic. Both are layered on Regal Rose cardstock. Now there is a color I haven't used in a while!

   Fortunately the Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon coordinates beautifully with Regal Rose so I added that, along with a Rose Red Vintage Flower Adornment in the center of the bow. Simple but elegant!

Stamps: Sincere Salutations

Paper: Regal Rose and Whisper White

Ink: Regal Rose

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Lines tief, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Rose Red Vintage Flower Adornment

  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Back to Reality

  I just got back to reality (read cold, snow, and work) after a week's vacation in sunny, warm Florida! It was a wonderful time made even more so because our 3 daughters flew down and met us there. I soaked up time with them as much as I soaked up sunshine! 

  While I was gone I received so many lovely comments on my blog. Thank you! And I received the Stylish Blogger Award from several creative stampers, including:

Lucia Dawe at Ink Me Baby One More Time

Rachel Takala at Stampin' Silhouettes

Judy Marshall at Brown Paper Packages

  Thank you Lucia, Rachel and Judy for the award! If anyone would like to know 8 random things about me and some of the blogs that inspire me, click HERE. 

  Because I was away, I haven't had a chance to stamp so today's card is one I had hanging around. But first let me say that one of my favorite sets in the Occasions Mini is Bold Blossom, a simple floral set that includes a thank you sentiment. It is one of those sets that I can use when I need a card, and need it quickly! 

  Today's card, with a few variations, is straight out of our Stampin' Success magazine. I love the colors and the layout....and of course the stamps! It fits in our Small Open End Envelope (3.5" x 6. 75").

Stamps: Bold Blossom (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze textured

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz

Other: Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, paper piercer, Brad

  I am itching to get stamping but I will be working all day today. If I don't post for a few days that is why. But thanks for stopping by. Hope you are having a great weekend!

Directions for the Pot of Gold

Yesterday I showed you a 3 dimensional Pot of Gold As promised, I wrote up some directions in case you want to make your own.  

The pieces you will need.

  Once you cut your pieces you will need to score and trim.

To make the box, fold on score lines and adhere the ends with sticky strip. Then add sticky strip to the sides and adhere to one of the trimmed circles.

The top of the box should line up with the top of each circle. 

Trim the strip of cardstock at an angle for a finished look.

I added the handle by piercing a hole in each side and attaching with a brad. I don't have a photo but if you refer to the finished product, you can see how it looks.

I hope this helps.