Bright daisy

Reno weather has been sporadic lately.  80 degree day followed by snow the next.  Here's a bright card to remind us that summer IS on the way!  The technique is a basic reverse stencil.  I used the medium daisy on the Daisies#2 Die.  By placing it against the Glossy White Paper and sponging around the shape, I ended up with white daisies!  For the center, I used a Sponge Dauber and smudged (a very technical term) some So Saffron ink onto the paper for a bit brighter center to the flower.  Since the Die has three sizes of daisies, you could change up the sizes of the flowers, but I liked the one size.  I like the way the Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon offsets the orange.  This combo came from my Color Coach.  The color coach actually suggested Pacific Point for Tanagerine Tango, but I wanted a softer look.  After sponging all of the daises, I had a very tangerine daisy!  So I incorporated it into the inside of the card!  Look!

I made two tags that pull out of a transparent pocket.  The pocket is super easy to make.  I took a Clear Translucent envelope (pg 171 of the idea book 102619 $4.95 for 50) which people often miss in the catalog, and cut off the top.  I adheared it to the card inside which actually gives you TWO pockets.  The backside of the envelope creates one pocket, and the envelope itself creates a second pocket.  The tags could hold gift cards, or maybe pictures or little notes.  The main panal on the right inside could have a sentiment, or maybe a larger picture.  I think this layout would make a great card to send to a grandparent.  Pictures of the kids on the pull-out tags, and a family picture on the right!  Good Christmas card idea!

Thanks for stopping in. 

Kristine

Mother's Day Scrapbook spread

My best friend had a baby a little over a year ago.  I'm creating his scrapbook.  In honor of Mother's Day today, and the fact that my family is letting me have time to do whatever I want (!), I have scrapbooked another page for Kyle's book!  I have to tell you all, I LOVE this little boy.  Here's his page for September 2010.  (Yes, I know I'm a tad behind.  He won't mind.  He's an easy going little dude.) 

A close-up of left-side.

And the right-hand side.  Get a look at those peepers!  Gor-jus!

His spirit just shines through.  I love the belly too.  Baby bellies are the best.

Happy Mother's Day to you! (Especially you, Colleen.  Love ya!)

Kristine

Two ribbon tricks!

Today's cards both use ribbon.  I have a trick to share with you for each.

Number one is a card that mimics a store front window.  I'd like this store since it sells cupcakes!  For awhile, I saw awnings on cards.  Haven't seen any lately, but I wanted to give it a try.  I think it's cute! I used the Word Window Punch to create the stripes.  Simply punch and adhere to a strip of cardstock.  Fold the ends in opposite directions and adhere to your project.

This card qualifies as a punch art card.  The only stamping on the card is the sentiment, from the set in the last Occasion Mini Bring on the Cake.  That set is no longer available, but I'm a hopin' that it makes it into the new 2011-12 Main Idea Book and Catalog coming out in July.  It's a great set.  I hope you purchased it!  If not, cross your fingers along with me for the July release of the new catalog!  I did offer Glimmer paper to the ladies at the workshop, but my sample has just basic Real Read hearts and cherry.  I used the Cupcake Punch to make the cupcakes (uhhh, yeah duh Kristine).  The paper wrappers of the cupcakes are crimped using the Paper Crimper.  Just crimp a strip of paper before you punch it with the Cupcake punch.  Super easy.  I think this is the kind of card that has a wow effect, but really is simple to put together.  The bow is a "Stay Put Bow" taught to me by a wonderful demonstrator, Mary Fish. 

Here is a picture tutorial for the stay put bow.  It really is simple and keeps your bow from loosening and sliding off the project.  First, place a hole in your cardstock where you want the bow to be.  I have punched a 1/8" hole.

Take your ribbon and pull both ends from the back to the front side of the project.

Take the loop hanging from the back and bring it around the sides of the project to the front.

Pull the two ends tight and place one end on each side of the ribbon you looped around.  No need for someone else's finger.  You can now easily tie the two ends!

I did a simple knot and then trimmed the ends!  Waalaaa!!

The next card is striking in its simplicity. 

The card is a CASE from my upline Linda Gutierrez   She made a bunch of samples using the Four Frames Stamp set and the DSP Paisley Petals.  These two items are not available right now, but will be in the new catalog. (They were a promotion in April)

 I want to show you how to make the bow on this card without having a HUGE lump due to a knot.  The larger ribbon can be hard to use for this reason.  I never want a huge knot, and bows can be ginormous with 1 1/4" ribbon!  So, here's what I did.  First, wrap the ribbon around the card to get the length you want.

Next, figure out how long a ribbon "tail" you want and snip a hole into the center of the ribbon.  I gave myself  about 2" from the end before I snipped.  This is a small snip.  Don't get all crazy and make a big hole! :-)

Now, pull the other end of the ribbon through the small hole.

I used an Antique Brad on this card, so I opened the brad's legs and wrapped them around the ribbon.  (Is it just me, or did that last sentence sound...ummm...naughty?) Trim the ends of the ribbon, and another Waaa laaaa!!!

  It's not bulky at all! You could even mail this!

Well, thanks folks for stopping in.  I hope you find a opportunity to do a ribbon trick or two! 

Kristine

Voila

Today's fun card uses the retired set Viola.  I did a technique called Paper Piecing.  I stamped the chef onto DSP and then cut out the pieces I wanted.  That is how his pants are herringbone and his chef coat polka dot!  He seems such a happy guy!  Can't you just hear him singing?  His raised eyebrow makes me smile.  So much attitude in that one detail.

This is also a different fold.  I made a 1 1/2" lip to fold over the card.  The card is held closed by the scallop oval.  Here's the inside of the card.

Stamp: Viola

Card stock: Wild Wasabi, Basic Black , Whisper white, Night and Day DSP

Inks: Stazon, Wild Wasabi marker, Basic Gray marker, Daffodil delight marker, Blush Blossom marker

Punches: Scallop Oval, Medium oval, small oval, ticket corner

Accessories/Tools: black brads,dimensionals, Blender pen, Stamp-a-majig

I really like the Wild Wasabi and the Basic Black together.  It did take some time to cut out his pants and jacket, but I really like the way he turned out! 

Thanks for stopping in.  Happy wishes for you!

Kristine

A sneek peek

This cute little scooter is part of a set called On the Grow which will be available in the Summer Mini Catalog.  Isn't it too fun?!  I always wanted a scooter.  Yes, a bit of a geek I am.  This card feels a bit Parisian to me.  I have not one idea why these colors say Paris to me, but they do!  Maybe it's the polka dots??  I have to say that out of all the Seam Binding Ribbon, this Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon is my fave.  I like the lightness of the seam binding ribbon.  It makes a card easier to mail when the ribbon isn't weighing it down or making a big lump that won't go through the postal machine.

Stamp: On the Grow

Dies: Scallop Frame Oval

Paper: So Saffron, Red Riding Hood, Baja Breeze, Love Letter DSP

Inks: Baja Breeze, White Gel Pen, Stazon Black, Red Riding Hood, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green

Punches: Photo Corner, 3/4" square

Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Saffron brads

This is a swap I did for a group of Demo swappers I belong to.  Can't wait to see the swaps I get!  I really like this Summer Mini.  Some good masculine sets too!

Thanks for stopping in.  Happy Spring!

Kristine



"Purse"only speaking

Until recently, I did not make many 3D projects.  But now I see so many cute things that I must try them for myself.  Case in point, this little purse!

I have made many of these purses of late-- for raffle prices, guest prizes, and for my friends.  They are just so cute!  They are made using the little composition notebooks that you can buy for less than $1 at the big box stores. I must confess that this is not my idea.  The kudos belong to a wonderfully inventive stamper, Becky Roberts, who has a blog named Inking Idaho.  She has provided a tutorial on making these nifty purses!  Isn't she wonderful!  Rather than re-invent the wheel and tell you how it's done, I'm going to send you to her tutorial! Click here to see the how tos! 

Next up is a "purse" that I designed based on a card box I saw at my friend Mary Cargill's, a fellow SU demonstrator. (Hi Mary!) I wanted my card box to look more like a spring purse!  Here's what I came up with...

I was tickeled pink when it was finished!  My children and even DH said it was cute.  My, my, my, such flattery! It uses a SU stamp block case (which only demos can purchase, so be nice to your demonstrator if you want one! hehehe).  I placed a Trinket Key coming out of the front pocket since that is usually how my keys ride in my purse.  Amazing that I have never lost them. 

Here's a side view.

When opened there are cards for the recipient to use.  These are very simple cards which all use the Sweet Summer Sale-a-Bration Set and the always classic Sincere Salutations.  They are what I call "Onederful" cards since they are single layers and easy peasy, get-out-the-door-now cards. Stazon Black Ink and markers of your choice are all you need besides some Whisper white Card stock.  I made 8 cards to fill this purse.

Here are the 8 cards.  They were designed by my upline Linda Gutierrez. Pretty "Onderful" huh?!

Have I overused the word wonderful? Maybe I should get out the thesarus...hmmm. Snazzy, ideal, beyond compare... are those synonyms for wonderful?  OH!!!  I know a synonym for wonderful!  YOU!

Thanks for checking in with me. (Or should I say checking up on me?)

Kristine

Top Fold with an inside slider

Today's card is another card with a different fold for the opening.  It is a card I made for my Swap Group. 

(Side note: If you like making cards, and want to be a part of my Swap Group, please contact me.  We use SU only materials, but the materials do NOT have to be current.  It's a wonderful way to get usable cards for giving, and at the same time enjoy your hobby and share some of your own creativity and skill!)

Here is the front of the card...

Stamps: Perfect punches, Live like you mean it

Card stock: Close to Cocoa, Whisper white  DSP: ? I can't remember it's name!

Inks: Chocolate chip, blushing bride, Certainly Celery, Bashful blue

Ribbon: Blushing bride 1/2" poly twill

Punches: Decorative label, Wide oval, Curly label

Isn't it pretty!  A couple things I want to point out.  See that delicate edge on the blue stripe border?  I made that using the Curly Label Punch!  I LOVE it when a tool or stamp set can be used for more than its intended purpose!  More bang for the buck!

It's easy to make this border.  Draw a pencil line where you want the edge of the border to be.  Then line up the punch on the pencil line and punch!  I slipped my paper into the punch only about 1/4" .  Below is a sample of how I did the punching, but I'm using the Decorative Label Punch in this sample.  . 

As you can see, I used the points on the punch to line up against the pencil line.  I also used the Decorative Label Punch to mat my sentiment, which I think makes a nice continuity on the card front.  To open the card, the decorative lip lifts and... 

a little note, which is adhered under the ribbon, slides up!  The DSP makes the pocket for the slider note-card.  Cute huh?!  I copied this fold from a card that came from convention.  I thought it too clever!

 Thanks for sharing a few moments of your day Inking out loud with me. :-)

Kristine