A Spooktacular Birthday! ("Spooky Treats" Sept. 2022 Paper Pumpkin Alternative)

Believe it or not, this card started with the thought that I needed to make a birthday card for my son-in-law, which falls in mid-October. I began by perusing my Splitcoaststamper challenge list to see which challenges might spark ideas for my card design. I happened on a spider card in the Featured Stamper challenge that gave me the idea to do something about Halloween for his card as he loves really getting into Halloween and finding spooky places to visit to celebrate this holiday. This got me started with all kinds of other ideas about using the new September Paper Pumpkin Spooky Treats kit and making an alternative design card, etc. All ideas gathered from selected challenges eventually jelled into this Halloween card for his birthday: 

                              

Ingredients: Stampin' Up: Cardstock--Basic Black, Pacific Point, Crushed Curry, Whisper White scraps. September 2022 Paper Pumpkin (plaid, spider, ghost, stars). Punch: 2" Circle. Embossing Folder--Square Lattice. Other: Core'dinations Core Couture--Black Tie glitter paper. Dies--Spellbinders Petite Scallop. Ink--ColorBox Cat Eye-Charcoal (edge distressing). Punch--EK Medium--Victorian Corner; Copic Markers--Spider re-color. Chatterbox sentiment & verse (computer-generated/ Font-Phantom Fingers). Size--Slimline = 3.75 x  8.75-inches.       

PAPER PUMPKIN SEPT. 2022 - SPOOKY TREATS - ALTERNATIVE DESIGN

This kit is all about Halloween treat boxes, but I decided my alternative would be a card instead. I used the plaid intended as a treat box and trimmed it for the slimline card front. To the plaid, I added a Pacific Point cardbase and a Black Glitter cs mat layer. I replicated a larger version of the white w/black scalloped edge sentiment circle, included in the kit, with a Black Glitter scalloped die-cut overlayed with a 2" white punched circle to host the kit's spider, web, and ghost die-cuts on my card. After adhering my three scalloped circles to the plaid card front, I embedded them by embossing the entire plaid card front plaid and circles with a retired Square Lattice EF. I adhered the spider, web, and ghost onto card front circles. I adhere the Black Glitter mat layer to the Pacific Point cardbase, and added my plaid card front on top. I printed my sentiment "We've Arrived!" onto Crushed Curry cardstock and fussy cut each words into a rickety, weathered, and distressed sign. Voila...there is my alternative design for the new Paper Pumpkin...definitely not a treat box!

Candy Cane Wishes for Christmas!

 I still have very few Christmas cards ready for Christmas giving this year. It is starting to weigh heavily on me that I'm so far behind; therefore, my next card must be a Christmas card for my stash! I just received my Sweet Candy Cane stamps/dies and the Christmas Banner stamps/ dies that I ordered from the current Stampin' Up mini catalog so I'm eager to try them out. 

The Sweetest Christmas dsp in that same catalog has a lot of wonderful patterns and strips. I decided on a criss-cross background effect by using a striped diagonal paper pattern overlaid with the diagonal panel die-cut. I used all three colors in the striped paper on my card front stamping and die-cuts: Real Red, Garden Green, and Pool Party, plus I added a bit of aqua glitter paper to add some sparkle and bling! 

As most candy canes come in individually wrapped, clear cellophane wrappers, I decided to cover my Real Red, ink-stamped canes with Scotch clear packing tape to resemble these cellophane wrappers. This is an idea we used in a class card designed by Dar Peterson that I borrowed. I am pretty happy with the way my card looked upon completion...take a peak below at the finished card:

Ingredients: Stampin' Up-- Cardstock: Basic White, Garden Green, Pool Party. DSP: Sweetest Christmas. Stamps/Dies (J-D 2022 Mini): Sweet Candy Canes/ Candy Cane dies; Christmas Banner dies (pine boughs). Ink: Real Red. Punch: 1-1/4" Circle. Ribbon: 3/8" Pool Party Sheer. Gems: Elegant Faceted Gems. Other-- Paper: DCWV 6"x6" Glitter Pastels Mat Stack. Spellbinders Dies: Splendid Circles. Scotch 2" Clear Packing Tape.

Christmas Trees Black & White

 I really got the COVID lost mojo syndrome!  I have just been so unmotivated to do most anything, including one of my favorite pastimes...making cards!  I made only a few Christmas cards, and only those that I didn't have to mail got delivered, because they were VERY local!

Here's an example of how unmotivated I was...I revisited a card I designed back in 2018 and really loved.  I decided to try motivating myself by re-making just a few for two family members that I really needed to give a card to and who didn't receive this design in its first go round in 2018.  This wee bit of motivation only started about six days before Christmas...YIKES!  See this card's design and this year's first completed card below:

Ingredients:  Paper:  Stampin' Up--Whisper White (cardbase); Recollections Signature Glitter Paper/ white; Core'dinations--Black Tie.  Dies:  Spellbinders--Tear Drop Circles; My Favorite Things--Stitched Circle STAX, Stitched Snow Drifts; Sizzix TH-Alternations--Woodlands; Cottage Cutz Expressions--Merry Christmas.  Stampin' Up: Metallic Stars (retired).  Inside:  DCWV--Silver Stag Star dsp.  SU--Basic rhinestones.  SU--Silver Glimmer paper.  EK Victorian Photo Corner punch.  Chatterbox verse.  Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

Fall Happy Birthday!

I have oodles of birthday cards to make for Fall, and this one is for a cardmaking good friend.  I wanted to make her a Fall card with a little bit of a vintage flair.  After checking out several Splitcoaststamper challenges, I knew exactly what I wanted to do! 

Ultimately, I ended up casing a card designed and  developed by my sister, Heidi Gonzales, over five years ago, because I had a stash of her leftover papers and elements that she used, including a delightful "Autumn Wind" digital bookmark image, some the ribbon, and the recycled lace.  I made my own oval layered backdrop and sentiment to finish my card.  

In keeping with one set of SCS challenge requirements to add things of  Scottish, Irish, and Welsh tradition, I have included the plaid on my card, which is important to all three countries, and depicts their family or clan heritage.  No two families or clans use the same plaid.  I've also included acorns, representing the Acorn Oak, which once formed over 1/3 of the tree coverage in all of the British Isles and was important to the shipbuilding industry.  

My thanks to Heidi for allowing me to case her card...it has such a lovely vintage flair and perfect Fall elements!  Take a peek at the results of my finished card front, as well as my coordinating interior design and Chatterbox sentiment and verse. 

Ingredients:   Papers:  Stampin' Up Cardstock--Crumb Cke, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Antique Linen.  Stash: unknown acorns and plaid.  Digital Pre-colored bookmark: Autumn Wind by Digital Papers.  Chestnut Roan ink distressing.  Dies:  Stampin' Up--Layering Ovals; Spellbinders--Classic Ovals LG, Classic Scallop Ovals LG, Petite Ovals LG, Petite Scallop Ovals LG.  Recycled Lace (bottom edging on old over-blouse.  Ribbon Stash: Silk Variegated; Pumpkin Stickers; Gold Metallic gems.  Linen Twine (acorn).  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse.  Size: 4-7/8" x 6".

Birthday Wishes for a DIL Who Brings Sunshine!

My daughter-in-law celebrates her birthday in mid-August, but we will be celebrating her a little bit late this year during our family camping trip coming next week.  Actually, we will be celebrating three birthdays in one celebration while camping:  my daughter-in-law, my youngest daughter's mother-in-law, and my own.  The menu includes barbecued baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, honey baked beans, corn on the cob, and strawberries and cheesecake.  Boy does that sound like a gourmet meal or what?

Well back to the card.  I decided to do a bit of coloring and fussy-cutting on this card, and since it's summertime, a little Magnolia Tilda stamp in a summer sundress and bare feet seemed the perfect image to choose.  Of course, I had to color her hair milk chocolate brown because that is my daughter-in-law's hair color, and that, plus adding some other "M" colors, makes the card a perfect fit for the Splitcoaststampers Alphabet Challenge, Letter M!  Tilda's sundress dress will be pink tones, and I will also add a double layered background frame and a bit of lace, all things that will fit other challenges in keeping with my challenge keep-up and catch-up goals!

After compiling all my thoughts from five different challenges and my mojo going full steam ahead, I finished the birthday card, and also created the perfect inside design and verse to fit the fact that we'll be celebrating her day just a little bit late.  Composing the birthday verse brought to mind the perfect sentiment for the card front as well!  Take a peek below at my finished card for my daughter-in-law who brings sunshine to our lives!

INSIDE VIEW
UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Ingredients:  Paper products:  SU Cardstock--Whisper White, Pool Party.  Papertrey Ink: Bitty Dots/ Brown.  Pattern:  Unknown/ stash.  Stamps: Magnolia/ Sundress Tilda.  Copic coloring.  Dies: Spellbinders Labels 9 Nestabilities.  Punch: EK-Victorian Photo Corners Medium (inside).  Colorbox Chestnut Roan: Edge distressing.  Stash: 3/8" Cotton Lace; Rose Pink button; Embroidery string.  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse.  Size: 4-3/4' x 6".  

Birthday Hugs!

One of my dearest friends celebrates her birthday in April; therefore, a birthday card is definitely in order!  Since my right knee replacement, I have not been back to my crafting table for several reasons:  1) it is still early in recovery to have my knee in an unelevated position and bent to 90 degrees for any great length of time; 2) stair climbing, where my crafting table is located, is still quite painful and difficult; and 3) lengthy standing and getting up and down from a seated position repeatedly is painful and difficult.  So, needing this card, I decided now was the time.  All this said, I did get the card done, but now I think a day of elevated recliner rest is needed.

Take a peek below at Sandy's finished birthday card; the inside verse and design follows; and if interested, "The Card Story" can be seen even farther down.

Ingredients:  Papers: Recollections Kraft pack; Stampin' Up cardstocks--Crisp Cantaloupe, Very Vanilla; DCWV French Country stack; scanned music sheet on vanilla cs (butterflies).  Dies:  Spellbinders Labels 17.  Punches:  Martha Stewart--Monarch Butterfly; Three-in-One Butterflies; Stampin' Up--Elegant Butterfly.  Pearls: Stampin' Up.  Offray Ribbon Roses.  Hug Snug Apricot Seam Ribbon.  Maya Arts Jute Twine.  Stash: Black & Rhinestone button trim.  Chatterbox verse/ computer-prepared.  Size: 4-5/8" x 5-7/8".

The Card Story

I have had the layout for Sandy's card in my mind's eye for several months, and just before surgery, I made a quick sketch in my layout idea book for future reference.  I also knew I wanted butterflies and music paper on the front and on the butterflies.  Before I actually began, I checked a few SCS challenges to give me some inspiration for the colors I might use with my music paper. 

I had the idea of a two-panel veritical layout, but I wanted the edge to be curvy rather than just boxy straight lines, but did not have a wavy edged border die that would work where the two patterned papers would meet.  Then, I had a "light-bulb moment". . . I thought maybe a decorative rectangle or square die might work if I only ran it partially through the Big Shot.  I found the Spellbinders Labels 17 fit my idea and the biggest die in these nested dies would be large enough for the height I wanted my card to be.  

Take a peak at the card above and note where the black music paper meets the floral rose patterned paper.  I die-cut my "rose" paper only allowing part of the die to enter under the Big Shot roller press and then cut the top and bottom straight just after the corner curve was complete with my paper cutter.  A smile appeared, showing how pleased I was about how well it worked and how good it looked with the two papers joined together!

My butterflies were the next item to work out.  I decided to punch my butterflies out of cream background music paper that I made by scanning a song sheet onto a piece of vanilla cs with my printer.  My butterfly punch that was just the right size for my little square mats is the Martha Stewart "Monarch" punch with lacy holes in the butterfly wings.  It was pretty, but it some color peaking through the lacy holes, but I did not have a solid butterfly that matched the "Monarch" shape.  Another "light-bulb moment" when I thought of trying the solid Stampin' Up "Elegant Butterfly" punch, which is a bit smaller and has a totally different wing shape than my Monarchs.  It didn't really seem to matter about the shape as long as it filled most of the lacy holes on the wings and as a bonus, I really like the little bit of the cantaloupe cs peaking out on the bottom of the wing.  From this point, the card fell together like clockwork, and I was totally happy with the results as I think my friend will be.

XOXO Valentine!

I recently purchased the Bloomin' Hearts die from the Stampin' Up 2016 Occasions mini catalog, and I was determined I was going to make a card with it this year.  It seems I usually buy new products during a holiday time, and I don't end up using it until the next year (or even after)!  I was also determined I would use it with a black, white and red color scheme. . .but read on. . .it didn't turn out to be black, white and red!

Making the Card---

While going through my stash of Valentine papers to use for my two friendly cards, which you will see posted at some point in February, I came across what I thought was patterned paper that matched my color idea with white and black mini checks and red hearts on alternate checks.  So, I pulled it out of the stash box and set it aside to make later, because I needed to finish any cards I had to mail, or like my two friendly card that I would be seeing the recipients soon.  

Today, I was all excited, because this was the day I got to use my Bloomin' Hearts die and my black, white, and red color scheme.  All this while the checked paper had been patiently waiting, and my subconscious creative mojo had been stewing over this paper.  Before I even started, I had decided who would receive this card and the style and design I would use.  I was going to make a gatefold card using a black cardstock base and red glimmer paper for its middle layer and for the die-cut heart with a doily underneath my heart.  Lo and behold, this paper was NOT black, white and red, but dark brown, white and red!  "OMGosh, what to do now!"  I had the card layout all visualized, all I had to do was plan the cutting sizes and get to work cutting!  Not to fear, I easily decided an Early Espresso, red and white card would be just as pleasing. . .problem solved.

The paper is double-sided and had a red foil heart border on the back pattern.  I thought this would be kind of cute to add instead of having only the checked pattern, so I planned accordingly.  After I glued the delicate filigree heart die-cut onto my doily, I still felt it was a little flimsy to be the piece you grabbed to open the card, so I thought a large, red cardstock scalloped heart cut with my Scalloped Circle dies would add to its sturdiness and look nice on the backside when the card was opened as well.  This idea worked very well.  

Next, because I decided the white in my paper pattern was actually more of a pale cream and the border was definitely a darker cream, I made my popped flowers on my red filigree heart of a pale cream glitter paper that I had in my stash.  NOTE:  the filigree heart die comes with two little flower dies, one larger than the other, to add where the filigreed heart has these flower shapes in the its pattern.  I finished adding these, the other embellishments, and the sentiment, and satisfied with its look, I proclaimed it done.

For those of you who have viewed and read my blog before, you know what comes next. . .creating and finishing an inside design and verse that compliments my card's, hopefully, creative front.  

Recipe:  Papers:  Cardstock-Stampin' Up Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Red Glimmer; DCWV-Glitter Cardstock Stack; Pattern-TPC Studio--The Reasons I Love You/ Little Lovin'.  Stampin' Up Stamps: Bloomin' Love.  Stampin' Up Ink: Cherry Cobbler.  Stampin' Up Thinlit die: Bloomin' Heart.  Spellbinders: Scallop Circles.  Stampin' Up punch: Word Window (shortened).  Wilton 4" Doily (Michaels).  Queen & Co. Twinkle Goosebumps-Red.  Size:  5-1/2" x 6".

Thank You. . .Hydrangeas...What a Lovely Gift!

While vacationing in Seaside, Oregon for my birthday at my daughter's beach house, Michele's sister-in-law brought over a lovely bouquet of the largest, darkest purple and darkest blue hydrangeas I have ever seen.  Now, if you don't know, hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers since I was a little girl, because they flourish in my hometown of Eureka, California.  These flowers just love that cool coastal weather found in both Eureka and Seaside!  I had to find a way to bring them home so that I could continue to enjoy them some more.

I wanted to thank Julie and her family by making and sending a little thank you card for remembering me with this special gift.  I thought I would share her thank you card with my blog readers.  I decided to pull out some of my older Stampin' Up products that I haven't used in a while because I just love this stamp set and this patterned dsp paper.  Julie's card is a circle-shaped card, made with the largest Spellbinder Classic Scallop and plain dies, but the rest of the card uses Stampin' Up products. 

Next is a quick peek at the card's inside.  The leaf is done with the Gently Falling stamp set, which has outline stamps and inside filler stamps.  By over-stamping, you can put the two together to look like my leaf.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up paper: Cardstocks - Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Very Vanilla; Pattern dsp - Spice Cake (retired).  Stampin' Up stamps: Gently Falling (retired).  Stampin' Up Inks: Soft Suede, More Mustard.  Stampin' Up pumches - Modern Label (retired), Word Window.  Stampin' Up: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled ribbon.  Spellbinder dies: Scallop Circle/ Plain Circle Computer-made sentiment and inside verse.  Font: Abbeyline/ Cheddar Cheese BTN (BIG).  Size: 4-1/2" diameter.

Christmas Snowflake Wishes

This snowflake Christmas Wishes card was inspired by one made at Liz Thayer's 2014 Totally Lovin' Christmas camp.  I decided to make my version of one of the very feminine cards, and I had my mother in mind as I worked.  Mine would be larger than the original, though I stayed with the pink theme as I loved the look of it.  Following are the changes and tweaks I made to the original design.  

The pink snowflake section of my card is a bit wider, but I kept the cursive writing section the same as the original.  I also added more underlying layers with a Basic Gray cardbase added and additional layers in Natural Ivory and Silver Glimmer cardstocks.  In addition, I added a Basic Gray scalloped layer to my Christmas sentiment, dropping it and the bow a bit lower on my card.   

I thank Liz for her idea and hope she would approve of my "tweaked" version of her design that retains the look and flavor of the original.

Below is the view of my interior of this card, which I created to compliment the front design, topping it off with my little Christmas verse completed on the computer.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up cardstocks:  Basic Gray, Natural Ivory, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer.  Stampin' Up stamps: Endless Wishes (2014 Holiday), Background Builders (2013-14 Annual).  Stampin' Up Ink: Basic Gray.  Stampin' Up Accessories: Frosted Sequins (2014 Holiday), 5/8" Satin Ribbon-cream/ Venetian Crochet trim (2014-15 Annual).  Spellbinder dies: Ovals, Scalloped Ovals SM.  EK Scallop Corner punch (inside).  Sentiment-Computer-made (CAC Champagne font).

A Niece-in-Law's Birthday

I missed a birthday for one of my niece-in-law's birthdays while getting ready for my California trip, Easter cards, and several birthday's in Washington before I left.  Since it was going to be late without time to prepare the card's verse or finish inside embellishments, I decided to use a card ready from my already-made stash, and do the finishing touches after arriving in California where she lives.  

This card's original design idea was by Liz Thayer, with my own personal modifications.  I enlarged my card, added several background layers, changed the stamped image, added a Spellbinders' Deckled Rectangles die-cut behind the image, and added the green pearls.  I composed the inside verse and added embellishments to coordinate with the front image.  I hope Danielle will enjoy her belated birthday card.

Recipe:  SU Paper: Whisper White cs, Rich Razzleberry cs, Old Olive cs, Sycamore Street dsp (2013 SAB).  SU Products: Patterned Occasions stamps, Rich Razzleberry ink (oval distressing), Delicate Details Lace Tape (halved), Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Designer Frames Embossing Folder (oval), 3/8” Striped Organdy ribbon (Old Olive). Spellbinder dies: Ovals SM, Deckled Rectangles SM.  Queen&Co.: Olive half-pearls.  Inside - EK punches: Daisy Scallop edger, Scallop Photo corners.

Vintage Girl and Her Easter Bunnies!

I found this cute little vintage digital postcard image online today and thought what a cute Easter card it would make.  I had to work with it a bit in PaintShop Pro because it was pretty narrow and I knew I would want to frame it with either a circle or a square frame.  I added an extra border around the image to widen it and cloned and smudged in the background color shadings all around the picture, so that when I printed the image, it wouldn't jumped from a nice shaded background to the white of the cardstock showing in the picture frame.  It also had some printing at the top and bottom right, which was extremely light and totally not legible in such a small image.  It cluttered up the image, thus I decided to removed it entirely.  Now, it was ready to size and print for my card.

I found some pretty pink and green papers and decided to do an alternating crisscross paper pattern for the background behind my little framed girl and bunnies.  I also decided to try applying a light film of glitter to the picture to add a different flair, using spray adhesive.  I think I like the way it turned out.

Recipe:  Paper: Stampin' Up Whisper White (base); WRMK Cotton Tails 6x6 pad (patterns); Martha Stewart Love Notes Mat pad; Bazzill Irish Eyes (frame). Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Squares, Squares LG.  Vintage Easter digital image (online).  Stampin' Up Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  HugSnug seam binding: Moss Green/ Vivid Pink.  Prima paper flower.  Recollections colored pearls.  Colorbox Chestnut Roan sponge distressing.

Mom's Beautiful Easter Egg!

In my newly created stash of vintage Easter images, there was one image in particular that jumped right out at me and said, "This is the perfect image to make a card for Mom for Easter...she absolutely loves the colors in this beautiful decorative egg."  The decision was easy, but finding just the right papers with the right color hues was not so easy.  I must have looked through almost all the paper I own (and that is no small amount), but still I procrastinated and looked some more.  Finally I found three that I was satisfied with.  So, to work I went and created a simply vintage Easter egg card just for Mom.

While I was at it, I noticed that the Shabby Tea Room is having a challenge, which also helped to inspire my card, so I decided I should enter the Week #213 - Floral Fantasy challenge with Mom's Easter card made just for her.  The challenge requires you to create a project inspired by the multitude of soft pastel roses in the photo provided and to include flowers and ribbon/ lace.  

My card inspiration for this challenge and for Mom's special Easter card is shown below.  Don't forget to go and check out the other cards entered in the Shabby Tea Room challenge this week by clicking on the link below:

http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2014/04/week-213-floral-fantasy.html

Recipe:  Bazzill Lily Pond cs (base); Deck the Halls (mat); Basic Grey Serendipity 6x6 pad; Authentique Promise-Four 6x6 pad.  Spellbinders Floral Ovals + Ovals LG.  HugSnug seam binding-Moss Green + White Copic colored R14.  Prima paper flower.  Queen&Co. Pearls.  Elmer's Craft Bond adhesive spray.  Stash: Crystal glitter (used on image + frame).  Colorbox Chestnut Roan sponge distressing.

A Birthday Cupcake!

It's my niece's birthday during the month of February, and I wanted to make her a card.  I used a card design similar to one made at Liz Thayer's March SAB 2013 cardmaking fest.  My card is larger and square, and I gave added more mat layers, embossing the whte layer.  I used my Deckled Rectangles Spellbinder die to edge the little greeting's green mat and the oval to cut out the embossed oval holding the cupcake stamp.  Pearls were used in the lower right corner to add embellishment detail.

Niece Angie and my oldest daughter were the best of cousins and friends during their growing up years because they were closest in age.  When our family began moving around the country with my husband's job, we tried to get the girls together for summer vacation visits.  Either Angie would fly to our location, or Michele would return to California (where she was born) and visit wth Angie.  I think they like that best as cousin Angie had a swimming pool, plus Grandma's and many aunts and uncles lived in the vicinity.  To this day, they remain good friends and were in each other's weddings.  So, we send birthday wishes to this all-growed up niece via my little homemade card!

Recipe:  SU Paper: Whisper White cs, Rich Razzleberry cs, Old Olive cs, Sycamore Street dsp (2013 SAB).  SU Products: Patterned Occasions stamps, Rich Razzleberry ink (oval distressing), Delicate Details Lace Tape (halved), Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Designer Frames Embossing Folder (oval), 3/8” Striped Organdy ribbon (Old Olive). Spellbinder dies: Ovals SM, Deckled Rectangles SM.  Queen&Co.: Olive half-pearls.  Inside - EK punches: Daisy Scallop edger, Scallop Photo corners.

Vintage Halloween!

I really wanted to make a vintage Halloween card, I selected a little girl holding a pumpkin candle to light her way from my stash and designed my card around her.  This card is definitely for my mother.  I think she will really like this cute little girl image for sure.  I wanted three distinct layers beneath my framed image, so I actually built this card from the top down to get my layer sizing compatible with the size of the framed image.  I'm sure it could have been done the normal way---from the bottom up--but I do seem to choose the more difficult method at times!  LOL  I then composed a little verse for the inside and add decorations and embellishment to compliment the front of the card.  I can't wait until Mom gets a chance to open her card!

Recipe:  Stampin' Up cardstocks: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White.  DCWV Halloween & Fall Stack (2011), Paper Pizzazz (stripe).  Digital vintage image (2.65" x 2.10"). Colobox Charcoal (distressing).  EK Large Scallop Corner punch, Spellbinders die: Classic Rectangles & Scalloped Rectangles.  Recollections flower. Stampin' Up Dazzling Details. Stash: ribbons.  Computer-made verse. 

A Raven Visits West Virginia!

I attended a craftmaking affair last year, on my annual fall visit to my mothers, at the Rock, Paper, Scissors store in Redding, CA, which has now, unfortunately, closed since that visit.  We made several Fall/ Halloween items: two card, a paper sack gift card holder, a framed papercraft project, and a Harvest mini block.  Each was taught by a different store design team member or local craft artist.  The framed papercraft project was taught by Sara Moreno, and I loved its design, but as I do not generally decorate my walls for Halloween, I decided to turn my project into a card.

My card retains the flavor of the original project using the same papers and center design embellishments; but, I made the following changes.  I re-sized the orange word mat layer to a 5-1/2" card size and placed it on a black cardbase.  I moved the dripping ooze border and the black bow to the top of the card.  I added a ribbon strip over the ooze edge, silver sparkle to the rosette spines, offset the button in the center design area, and gave the raven a little back bead for its eye.  I was very happy with my card and decided it was perfect for a visit on Halloween to my daughter and her husband in West Virginia.  I hope they like my raven card, and it makes their Halloween more fun knowing they are remember and loved!

Recipe:  SU Basic Black (base), Authentique Enchanted-Haunted, DCWV Fall & Halloween stack (2012), SU Whisper White.  Spellbinder die: Fleur de Lis Squares. Martha Stewart punches: Icicle, Spider Web corner.  SU Dazzling Delights Silver.  Rosette (handmade). Black seam binding ribbon crinkled.  Colorbox Charcoal (sponging/ distressing).  Stash: Orange button, Black twine.

Thank Yous Are in Order!

I went to another of Liz Thayer's wonderful cardmaking events a few weeks ago.  It was called a Card Buffet, and this one had a little different slant.  There were 20 cards to pick from that you could make within the time frame of the cropping event all designed by Liz.  As everyone attending was a seasoned cardmaker, there was no instructions only the sample cards available to look at for assembly.  There was a set price for the first three cards and each card thereafter only increased your price by $1.00!  Now THAT is a bargain!  Of course, I wanted to make all 20, but unfortunately, I could only fit five in during the 3-hour period that we had.  But, Liz assured us that in the October Card Buffet coming soon, we would have another chance at those we missed, plus there would be some new additions as well!

I wanted to send a little thank you to both Liz for all of her hard work designing and making our sample cards and to Trish, who opened up her home for this event.  We surely appreciate Trish (and her husband) for allowing us to come in and invade their space, messing it up with lots of paper scraps and pieces that you know ended up on the floor instead of the wastebasket! 

As I was already running late getting cards mailed, I had no time to come up with a brand new design and make cards from scratch.  So, I dug into my stash to see what was there.  I came up with two cards from a set that I made during the first few months that I started to make cards!  I always loved these cards and especially the paper with the little soft glitter added to the backgrounds. They were perfect for what I had in mind.  I did a little re-do on the sentiment for one to fit the occasion better and created an inside design for each to coordinate with the outside.  I also switched out embellishments on the outside to pearls on one and totally added them to the other so that I could use complimentary pearls on the inside!  AND, drum roll. . .I actually made the "hello friend" card a bit shorter so that my pink scallop trim would fit on the inside better.  (For those of you who read my blog. . .I am always changing card kits I buy, and one of the things I most often do is to make the card larger. . .but not this time!  LOL.  I was pretty happy with the end results. 

  

This one is for Liz.  I hope she likes my little thank you card and her Starbuck's liquid refreshment!

This one is for Trish.  I hope she also likes my little thank you card and her Starbuck's liquid refreshment!

(Credit and thanks to my sister, Heidi Gonzales - My Lil' Scrap Corner (www.mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com) for the class where she taught me how to make these cards...my very first cardmaking class!)

First Class Event: Totally Loving Christmas!

In mid-August, Liz Thayer had her annual stamping camp event:  Totally Loving Christmas!  We spent the entire day making ten wonderful Christmas cards with Stampin' Up's newest line of stamps presented in their Holiday catalog booklet.  For me, I am so thankful for this wonderful event, because it gives me a head start on the many Christmas cards I want to make for the upcoming holiday season.

I know Liz spent many, many hours getting this event put together for all of us who were delighted to attend; therefore, I always like to send Liz a little thank you card with a Starbucks gift card to provide her with a probably much needed recovery caffeine "pick-you-up."  For her thank you card, after giving it some thought, I finally decided on just the card.  

Last year, I belonged to Becca Feeken's Amazing Grace kit club for the short time it was available...I love Becca Feeken's lovely card designs.  In the very first kit, there were stamps to make a card that depicts the words "First Class" on the front. . .so perfect to tell Liz what "First Class" events she always put on for all of who are lucky enough to get to go.  Because this card's design was so perfect just the way it was, my card re-creation follows Becca's design almost entirely, except that I changed the flower embellishment.  I thought it needed a softer look than the one provided with the kit.  I loved making this card with the new Spellbinder postage dies and the JustRite stamp set that came in the kit.  I hope Liz enjoys it as well!

Recipe:  Neenah Cardstocks: Classic Linen Natural White cardbase, Classic Crest Cream. 7Gypsies cardstocks: Canyon Brown, Mulberry +Antiquities Postale DSP. JustRite stamps: Signed Sealed Delivered (First Class background + Cents). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, StampinUp Rose Red, Colorbox Chestnut Roan (distress). Spellbinders: Postage Die Frame (kit exclusive). Hug Snug Mastic Beige seam binding ribbon. Want2Scrap Finesse White Swirls.  Triple pearl hat pin. Wood flat bead. Adhesive half-pearl. Silk & Organza flat flowers.

Easter Peeps!

More using up my stash!  The four little chicks on this cards were pretty plain as they came in the package.  I gave them each a cracked shells so just their heads were peeping up and out!  Then, I joined them up with the chick paper from my stash. . .added a little trim, a little ribbon and a sentiment and voila. . .not a bad looking card.  I think it turned out kind of cute.  I have somebody in mind for this one, hope they like it!

Recipe:  Cardstock: Stampin'Up Baja Breeze, Whisper White, JoAnn's Multi-pack blues. Pattern: Moxie Easter Doodle, DCWV Carte Postale pad (egg shells). Sentiment: Computer-generated.  Dies: Spellbinders Petite Scallop Ovals/ Petite Ovals, Grand Scallop Ovals (inside).  Punches: EK 1-1/4" square, Stampin'Up Scallop Square, EK 3/8" Ribbon Slot Edger, Stampin'Up Scallop Trim. Recollections chicks. JoAnn's 1/4" loop ribbon.

Mom's Easter Card is Hatched!

I finished my Mom's card, and I must say, I really liked making this card.  I started with wanting to use up my little furry chick from my stash.  The idea of the chick hatching came from a card I saw on Stampin' Connections last year by Carolyn Beam.  I borrowed the idea, and embellished from there.  Thank you Carolyn.

I used lots of "gotta' make it work ideas" that I had never done before, though I'm sure cardmakers with many years of experience probably have and know a better way to do it.  Following is a list of some of new things tried.

I don't have an egg-shaped die, so I tried using ovals, and though more symmetrical than some eggs, I think it worked.   I used two embossing folders on the same paper: one for the sky and one at the bottom so it wouldn't be so plain.  Finally, the ribbon wasn't the way I wanted it, so I colored in the white parts with Copic markers to match the Midnight Muse cardstock on the trim.  After all that, following is my Mom's card!

Recipe:  Cardstock:  Pool Party, Whisper White, Midnight Muse (Stampin' Up); Patterns: Prima Madeline Collection, Webster's Pages Your Life, My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Hazel, Kaisercraft Bonjour Collection.  Stamp: Delightful Dozen (Stampin' Up).  Ink: Stampin' Up Baja Breeze, Pool Party .  Recollection aqua petite pearls.  Stampin' Up Midnight Muse Satin Stitched ribbon.  Chestnut Roan Cat Eye.  Tools: Spellbinders Ovals SM; Lifestyles Pinked Squares.  Stampin' Up Embossing Folders: Clouds, Perfect Polka Dots.  EK Double Crochet Lace punch.  Stampin' Up Modern Label punch.  SU Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit (Sizzilit).  Scotch foam tape. Scotch 1/4" tape glider, mini Glue Dots.

Get Well to a Long-Time Friend

Just a few years ago, we re-located some old friends from our early twenties that had been missing from our lives for over 40 years while we were busy being transferred many times by my husband's employer, only to find that they have been having some fairly serious health problems.  To cheer up Marlene, who is having some severe back problems with surgeries, infections, and the list goes on, I remodeled a card from a stash of kits I had on hand.  The original card was designed by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (www.lilscrapcorner.blogspot.com).  I thank her for the inspiration and the original kit.

I composed a little verse and decorated the inside of the card before sending it on its way.  I hope Marlene enjoys the card!

We are certainly hoping her pain and infections diminish and for further good news on her recovery!