Sentiment Card Challenge

We often design beautiful cards and then struggle with sentiments.  I know lately, I have really been struggling to design at all.  The stress of real life can really get in the way of crafting. 

I enjoyed throwing myself back into designing for this week's challenge at Scrappy Frogs!  The challenge was to include the sentiment on the face of the card. 

I have a real love for the Magnolia line, so I used my beloved Copic Markers to color one of my favorite images.  I had some really old but super cute papers from Cherry Arts (I don't think they are even still around), and I know they would look great with the colors I chose for my image.

The flowers and buttons are from Making Memories, and that cute little border punch is one of the new ones that hubby got me from the Martha Stewart line.  He really spoiled me with crafty gifts this Christmas!

I hope you enjoyed this card, and please hop on over to Scrappy Frogs and join in the challenge.  :).

Happy New Year, everyone!

Pop-Up Penquin Card

I had a lot of fun making this card, but it did take me a lot longer to complete than I planned.  The directions for this card came initially from Card Maker magazine.  There were a few things that I had to figure out a bit further from the directions, and I did somethings using my Cricut instead of the Spellbinders dies.

To get started on this one, I cut a 4" x 12" piece of red cardstock.  I used the Core-dinations red.  I scored at 2" 4" 8" and 10" using my ScorPal.  Then I marked the middle of the card 6" with a light pencil mark.  For the folds to work out, be sure to be accurate on your measurements for everything.  You are going to use the 6" middle markings on top and bottom to score an X in the middle section.  Line your score mark with the top of the 6" and the bottom of the 4", then the top of the 6" and the bottom of the 8".  Flip and repeat.  You will end up with a scored X in the middle portion of the card.  Fold all vertical lines as valley folds, and fold all diagonal lines as mountain folds.

I used my Cricut for the card front.  You can use a number of cartridges to complete this project.  The Accent Essentials, From My Kitchen, and Preserves cartridges all have scalloped circles and regular circle cuts on them.  I set my machine on Real Dial Size.  I used the Accent Essentials, and I cut my scalloped circle at 4.75".  I repeated the cut with my Preserves cartridge, and it came out a little different with the same setting.  I cut my center circle at 3.75".

I used my Inkadinkado stamp set and chose the penguin.  I stamped him first on a post-y note to make a mask.  I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink, because I planned to color my images with my Copic Sketch markers.  I stamped the center penguin first centering him visually.  I covered him with my post-y and then stamped his two friends.  I added the snow mounds using my Copic 0.5MM Multiliner pen.  I wish now I would have snapped pictures during the coloring stages to show you exactly how I created the feathered blue in the snow.  I will remember that next time.

I colored the image using my Copic Sketch markers (colors listed at the bottom of this post).  I placed the scalloped circle on top of the card for centering.  (You want the scallops to cover the fold points when the card is finished).  I adhered the stamped image to the scalloped circle using Mono Liquid Adhesive, because I wanted time to be able to be sure my image was centered correctly.  I placed it aside so I could add randomd drops of Icicle Stickles for the snowflakes effect.  I then added Liquid Pearls on centered on each scallop. I  must admit that I need to work a bit more on my technique with this product.  Some of my pearls are better than others.

I Cut four strips at 3.75 x 1.75" using patterned paper, and two strips of red cardstock at 1.5" x 3.5".  I adhered complete strips centered on the outside flaps of the card.  Layering red cardstock over patterned paper.  For the folded sections, I marked the center of the remaining two patterned strips, and cut them at a diagonal.  Placing the center mark and the corner along the paper cutter line.  This gave me my long piece and my two triangle pieces cut perfectly for both sides. I adhered those on each side.

Next came the snowflakes and decorations.  The snowflake brads, snowflake die-cuts and star punch out were all random items in my stash.  I used clear Twinkle Jewels for added effects, and I adhered those using Glossy Accents.  Lastly I accented all of my decorations with Icicle Stickles.

Once everything dried, I adhered my center medallion to the center square.

And there you have it!  My very first pop-up card.  Wow, now what to try next?? The challenge ends in just a couple of days!  I have to pick something harder for my final card.  Any suggestions??

As always, I would love to hear your comments!

Products used in this project are available at Cutters Creek:

Cricut Expression
Cricut Cartridges - Accent Essentials, Preserves, From My Kitchen (circle & scalloped circle cuts)
Copic Sketch Markers

• Colors used:  0 (colorless blender), 100 (black), B0000, B000, R17, R22, R27, R29, Y38, G05, G17, G20

Copic Multiliner Pen 0.5MM - Black
Twinkle Jewels
Glossy Accents
Mono Liquid Adhesive
Core-dinations Cardstock
Ranger Stickles - Icicle
Liquid Pearls - White Opal
ScorPal
Inkadinkado Stamps
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad

Other items - Patterned paper - red glitter snowflake Imaginisce - Snowy Jo
Snowflake Brads
Die Cuts snowflakes (2) & Die Cut Stars (4)

Scrappin' and Chattin' Blog Hop

Welcome to Scrappin' n Chattin's   First Ever Blog Hop!

If you made it here from Sue's Blog, you are right on track.  If you came to my blog first,  please click here to go to Abby's blog to start the hop from the beginning.  Be sure to visit and comment on each blog to be entered for the "BIG" prize.  Remember, you need to follow the blog hop in order.  You are collecting secret words hidden in each post that enable you to win the BIG GRAND PRIZE!    Once you complete the hop, return to Abby's Blog, follow the instructions, and you will be entered to Win, Win, WIN!

One lucky winner will receive 2 new Cosmo Cricket collection kits (Togetherness & Mitten Weather) including Ready Set Chipboard. As well as a new Cosmo Cricket (Matilda) 6x6 paper pad!

With the winning stuff covered, let me thank you for coming by!  I always love guests, and I am super excited about this blog hop.  It is our first after-all :)  The theme for our hop is "favorite things".  For me, when it comes to crafting, I have way too many items in my favorites pile.  Right now my Copic markers are at the very top of  my list.  I also love the Magnolia stamp line, Martha Stewart punches, my Cricut, my computer, my ATG gun (even though I am longing for the new pink one), Stickles, and so much more!   ~LOL~  Like I said, crafting is my weakness.

For this blog hop project, I knew I was starting with my Magnolia stamps and my Copic Sketch Markers.  I picked my Copic colors based on the papers I chose for the finished project.  I colored two images, and added Glossy Accents to the shoes.  I guess I should tell you that I made two images because I let my husband choose the image that he liked the best for the card.  He got the honor, because I was making this for his mom's birthday.  After much deliberation, hubby picked the cake image.  I added Diamond Stickles to the candle and the cake for a little frosty sparkle. 

Front View

 

My card base was 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" and was made with Bazzill Basics Blue cardstock.  It was scored at 2-3/4" and 5-1/2" to form an easel card.   The Patterned papers are from DCWV paper pack Nana's Kitchen.  The white cardstock is also from Bazzill (Prism).  The  dark blue paper layer is cut at 5-3/8" x 5-3/8" then layered with the checkered cardstock cut at 5-1/4" x 5-1/4".  The "lace doily" is white cardstock cut at 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" and then punched using Martha Stewart's Punch Around the Page set in Eyelet Lace.  The pink plaid is cut at 2-5/8" x 5-1/2", and then layered with the pink patterned paper cut at 2-1/2" x 5-1/4".  Next I added the Recollection Mulberry Flowers using Mono Liquid Adhesive, and then I tied my bow with White Satin Offray Ribbon.  A small dot of Mono Adhesive under the bow's knot keeps it securely in place.  I used a Scripto lighter to lightly burn the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying (just be careful not to set you project on fire--seriously).  I glued the half paper doily to the strip using my Glue Glider Pro.  Then I attached the completed piece to my card using foam tape for dimension.  I stamped the "Make a Wish" sentiment using Colorbox Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink on the Bazzill White cardstock.  I layered it with pink and blue patterned papers.  The completed piece was added using foam tape.  I cut one cupcake from the pink patterned paper, and added it with foam tape.  Then I added my Magnolia image using foam tape.  Then the finished card front was added to my card base using 1/2" ScorTape for strength.

Inside of Card

For the inside, I used the measurements listed above for my blue basic layers and my lace doily.  I used the Martha Stewart Double Loops Punch Around the Page set this time on the doily.  My sentiment was stamped using Colorbox Chestnut Roan ink with a Studio G Sentiment stamp from Micheal's $1 bin.  I added the 2-1/2" x 5-1/4" pink patterned paper to my blue base with my Glue Glider Pro.  Then I edged it with White Satin Offray Ribbon taped to the back with regular Scotch Tape.  I added my doily image using Mono Liquid Adhesive.  The lace band was created with a 2" strip of Bazzill White cardstock punched with Martha Stewart's Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch layered over a 1-1/4" strip of Bazzill Blue Cardstock layered over a 1-3/8" strip of blue patterned cardstock.  The embellishments were cut from the DCWV Nana's Kitchen patterned paper, added with foam tape, some with one layer of tape - others with 2 layers of tape, for added dimension.  The finished inside layer was added to my card base using my 3M ATG Tape Gun.

Easel Back View

 Lastly, to give the easel a finished look, I made another "lace" strip from the Bazzill white cardstock.   Start with a 2" layer of cardstock, and then punch using the Martha Stewart Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch.  This was added to the cardbase using my 3M ATG Tape Gun & Mono Liquid Adhesive.
 

Tilda with a Cake - Close Up

Supply List:

• Papers:  DCWV Nana's Kitchen, DCWV Home Accents, Bazzill Basics, and Bazzill Prism Premium cardstock.
• Copic Sketch Markers
• Ink:  Colorbox Chestnut Roan Chalk ink
• Stamps Studio G Basics $1 stamps at Micheal's
• Ranger Diamond Stickles
• Glossy Accents
• Ribbon - Offray 
• Flowers - Recollection Mulberry Paper Collection
• Tools:  Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Double Loop Set,   Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Eyelet Lace Set,  Martha Stewart Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch, ScorPal, Fiskars Paper Trimmer,  Making Memories Bone Folder, QuicKutz Pick Up Tool, and Martha Stewart Craft Mat
• Adhesive:  Mono Liquid Adhesive, Glue Glider Pro, 3M ATG gun, ScorTape, 3D Foam Adhesive, and Scotch Tape

Blog Candy Time!!!

Now for the fun stuff~  I am giving away 2 blog candies in honor of our first blog hop.  Here is what you need to do to enter.  First, they are limited to the United States.  Sorry, international shipping is more than I can cover right now~  These boxes are heavy!

75+ Papers, Die Cuts, Chipboard, Alphas, Stamped Images, Page Kits, Design Template, Stickers, 3  Mini Albums, handmade embellishments, epoxy stickers, vellum tags, findings, metal tags & MUCH MORE!!

Candy #1 ~ This is the biggest, so it requires the most "work"~  For your one entry become a follower of my blog, and promote this blog hop on your blog.  Leave me a comment including your blog address telling me you have done both. (I will be checking the blogs to be sure this is fair).

Want a couple more chances to win???

For up to 2 extra entries, promote this blog hop on Facebook and/or Twitter.  Leave a comment on this post letting me know what  you said/did.  Post your Facebook name or Twitter account name.  That's it!

You can have up to 3 entries for this prize.  Be sure to check back on Monday (8/16) to see if you have won.  If the prize isn't claimed by Friday (8-20), I will draw a new winner on Saturday!

50 Sheets of paper, alphas, 3 mini albums, Stickers, Stamped Images, handmade embellishments, Vellum & chipboard tags & More!

Candy #2 ~ this one is easy ~ Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment below saying you only want to be entered for drawing #2.  You don't have to do anything else.

Easy Peasy!  Same rules apply.   Be sure to check back on Monday (8/16) to see if you have won.  If the prize isn't claimed by Friday (8-20), I will draw a new winner on Saturday!

Now don't forget there is also the Blog Hop grand prize.  Be sure you visit every blog on the hop and leave a comment to be entered to win this fabulous prize!

Next stop is Vicki's Blog.  She has a great project to share, and a personal blog candy offered, too!   Hop along and thanks again for stopping by~  I hope you visit again soon and share my blog with your friends,  because bloggin', scrappin' and chattin' is a (secret word) "community" of wonderful people~

If you happened to get  lost along the way, the hop order is as follows:

• Abby's Blog ~  Start Here
• Theresa's Blog
• Sue's Blog
• Laura's Blog ~YOU ARE HERE
• Vicki's Blog ~Next Stop~
• Kim's Blog
• Suzanne's Blog

Oh, I forgot to mention this project is also my entry in the challenge #11 over at Party Time Tuesday~

Back to Creating!

Here is a graduation card I made for my cousin's daughter's 8th grade graduation:




















I wanted to do something a little different, so I used old cd's from our computers. My crop-a-dile was perfect for making the holes in the CD's for the binder ring. I used my circle cutter to make perfect circles to cover the cd's, and I used Creating Keepsakes papers. I adhered the papers to the cd's using tacky white glue, and let it dry overnight.

I used Creating Keepsakes sticker sentiments. I jazzed them up with Clear Stickles. I had some small Offray ribbons that I cut to decorate the cd's and the binder ring.

I hope you like the card!