Watercolor Wonder Folding Photo Album Tutorial

 I found a very fun tutorial for making this great "Folding Photo Album."  You can find the tutorial here at NiNi. Scrap 'Paradise.  It's a French blog but hopefully your computer will translate it.  I don't do metric very well so I did measure in inches and I will share my findings with you.  You can actually make it as big or as small as you wish, it's up to you.  

My album measures 5-1/8" x 5-1/8" x 3/4"  

For the outside piece I a piece of Basic Black card stock 10-3/4" x 5-1/8".  The first one I scored at 4", 4-3/4" and 10".  The second piece I cut my card stock at 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" and I scored that one at 3/4"  

For the inside piece I cut a 8-1/2" x 11" piece of card stock to 10-1/4" and I scored that piece at 5-1/8".  I cut a second piece at 5-1/4" x 11".  I scored that one at 5-1/8" and at 10".

To assemble my album I used liquid glue.  When making albums like this I prefer to use glue because it dries VERY firm so my album actually has some substance to it when I hold it.  It has the feeling of a hard "book board" cardboard.  

I cut some Island Indigo for my layers.  You will have to click on a photo to see that since the base of my album is Basic Black.  I chose a "basic" color because I had lots of it and I though it would be easier to build off of it with my layering.  I also chose the Watercolor Wonder decorative paper to decorate my album.  You can layer and decorate as much as you would like.  Personally I thought this was fun but a lot of time invested in it.  More than I cared to spend on it, which means I probably won't be making another one anytime soon!

I added layered "frames" and on many of them I only glued 3 edges so it became a pocket for adding more photos or for journaling.  I added stamped and punched flowers, tags, tabs and of course pockets.  There were no real diagrams on how to do each page so I was on my own.  I just kept adding different layouts for the pages and was REALLY glad when I had finished it.  I had set it aside to dry but still needed to do the front.  You can get some fun ideas using the pages posted on the link.  

For the front I used the En 'Francais background stamp.  I stamped off twice so I could get a softer image so it can be used as a background for a photo or words.    I also added a stamped and punched flower to the front.  

The album stays closed by some button magnets.  I hid them behind a couple of flowers.  You can see one of the flowers on the second photo, on the right inside the album.  See the little flower?  Behind that is a magnet.  And on the bottom photo, on the left side you can see a yellow flower.  The magnet is hidden behind that.  These are very strong magnets and the still "stick" between all that card stock.  

Be patient, these take a lot of time to make!  I made this for a friend and I'm sure she will find a use for it!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Six-Sided Sampler Masculine Birthday

I found a very fun card made by Shannon at EZ Peasy Cards while I was surfing Pinterest.  I know, that really surprises you!!! LOL  I seem to live on that site lately!  Anyway, I ran across this fun masculine card that I just had to make.  I have a masculine birthday coming up in a couple of weeks and now I'm ready for it.  I think it's a perfect card for the guy I'm sending it to!  It was very easy to make.  In fact it was so easy that I made three of them.  I just had to because of the Lattice textured paper.  I ran a quarter sheet through the embossing folder and cut it to fit, which meant I had two thirds of it left.  SO, why not make 3 cards.  I have 2 other masculine birthdays coming up before the year ends plus I could always change one over to be a Father's Day card.  To make this card I used Whisper White for the base and the front focal piece.  Then I had taken the 3 textured pieces and set them in place on top of the card base.  I did glue them, only because tape doesn't like to stay stuck on the card stock once it's been textured.  I don't know why I don't have much luck with that.  But glue is ok, I'm good with that.  

Next I stamped the images from the "Six-Sided Sampler" set.  I stamped 3 of each color/image.  And then before setting them in place (using Dimensionals), I stamped the background behind them with dots from the "Gorgeous Grunge" set.  I LOVE it when I get to play with that set. I think it's my favorite go to set for background fun!!!  

I did do my wording differently.  I didn't have the words that work with the new little ribbon punch.  So, I used words that were printed on my computer, a layer of Pacific Point and a Basic Black scallop.  Oh and I forgot to mention I used Gumball Green ink for my green piece.  The word layers were set in place using Dimensionals.  And that was it.  Very simple, quick, and a perfect masculine card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Peaceful Petals Birthday

"Peaceful Petals" was the stamp set of choice for today!  I thought I had better break it out and play with it.  I thought all of the flower images on it were pretty and it was a bit difficult to choose when it came to making this card.  

I used the pretty dotted paper from the "Sweet Sorbet" designers series paper pack.  I just love ass the designs in this pack.  It's not too often that every sheet in a pack is one that I like.  Most of the time there are a couple that are not so favorable.  Which is a good thing actually.  Then you can use the one side up!!!!  But when all the designs are great it's tough to decide which ones you want to hoard!!! LOL

For today's card I used the "Peaceful Petals" set and I colored in the image using markers and a blender Pen.  I used Crisp Cantaloupe, Old Olive and Daffodil Delight.  Black StazOn was used to stamp the images and the words.  And the words are from the "Wetlands" set.  

I used the "Dotted" embossing folder on the Pool Party card stock and the base of the card is Basic Black.  It's a pretty simple card to make using a few punches and Framelits!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Scalloped Tag Topper Punch Business Booster For You

 Get out your business cards and make them into something that the ones who get them keep them for a while!

I took my business card and used the new "Scalloped Tag Topper Punch" and punched it.  Then I took two sheets of copier paper and cut them the same size as my business card (before punching).  For the backing I used a piece of Whisper White card stock that was cut the same size as the business card.  Then I punched the copier paper and the Whisper White card stock.  

Stack them all together with your business card on top and tie them with some Baker's Twine. I did glue the twine because I didn't want it to come untied.  As simple as that.  Now when someone gets one of these business cards they have some note paper in their purse as well.  Your card will be in their possession a bit longer!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Watercolor Wonder Post-it Note Holder Weekend Project

 I have not done a "Weekend Project" in a while and I thought I would play with the new scalloped tag punch to make one. 

I cut my Watercolor Wonder decorative paper 2" x 5".  I punched the scalloped edge and then proceeded to wrap the paper around my 1-1/2" x 2" sticky note paper.  I creased the edges with the bone folder.  You want them nice and sharp.  Once I was done doing that I folded the top flap shut like you would if it were all put together.  

Next I took a pencil and marked on both sides of the center scallop.  I took my craft knife and cut a line dot to dot.  This slit is for that tip of the scallop to go through to hold the cover down on the note holder.  

Then I picked out a flower I liked from the "Petite Petals" set and stamped it using Crisp Cantaloupe.  I punched it out and set it in place over the opening of the tag using a Dimensional.  I didn't really want that part of the tag to show.  Be careful not to press to hard on the flower when the top flap is shut, the Dimensional is partly exposed and can stick to your note paper.  Use a little corn starch on the exposed Dimensional to make it not sticky anymore.  You can also use some clear tape but that will show.  After adding the flower I added a Candy Dot to the center, tucked the tip of the scallop in the slit I created and it was done!  Oh SO simple and quick too!  These would be great for little Hostess Gifts, Customer Appreciation Gifts, Make n Takes or just to have for yourself!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

My Mother So Very Grateful

Today I played with the "My Mother" set and the "So Very Grateful" set.  The two go so well together.  

I had stamped the flowers from the "So Very Grateful" set and I had colored them with markers and a blender pen.  I used Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, and Daffodil Delight.  My card stock is Whisper White and Crisp Cantaloupe.  Pumpkin Pie card stock just seemed too dark for the flowers.  The blender pen washed out the color a bit so Crisp Cantaloupe is the better choice!

After I colored the flowers I cut around the image.  UGH!  It's called "fussy cutting" and it sure is fussy! But since I was only making one card it was ok.  I certainly wouldn't do that for a swap!  I don't enjoy cutting out images, that is why I buy sets that have punches or dies that go with them!!!

But all in all it was a fun card to make and the cutting really didn't take that long to do.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Express Yourself with Petite Petals

I SO love the Red, Black, and White cards.  So when I saw this scrap piece of Real Red card stock on my worktable I thought I would see what I could do with it.  

I thought it would be fun to add some red "Petite Petals" flowers.  I wanted to use something that I didn't have to cut out.  These flowers have a punch that goes with it!!!  I LOVE that whole concept!!  It makes it easier and quicker to make a fun card that looks like you spent a lot of time on.  I stamped my flowers using Real Red ink and I punched them out.  Then I added a 1/4" Basic Black punched circle to the center of each flower and in the center of that black dot I added a white candy dot!  The flowers were set in place using Dimensionals.  

I added a strip of black polka dot paper on top of that red strip of paper that started this whole mess!!  And above that I used the "happy birthday" from the "Express Yourself" Hostess set.  

This is such a simple card to make.  The layout is very easy, the flowers were extremely easy to do and it's in my favorite color scheme!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Happy Watercolor Birthday Card

When I saw this set I knew I had to buy it!  It looked like a very fun and versatile stamp set to play with. And it is!!!

I saw this card at Terri's Stamping Technique Night last week.  I thought it was such a fun card that I had to give it a try.  I did change the words though. The original card had the dots in just one spot and it had a birthday wish across it.  I didn't have the birthday greetings image so I thought I would add more dots (stamping off) and then place the scallop words over it but yet have some of the dots show!  I like the outcome of this card.  It's fun, bright, and cheery too!  I'm SO ready to make spring like cards.  With 57" of snow laid on us this season I'm ready for it to melt and to see green again!  And what is sad is, I LOVE winter until this one!!!  It was too long, too much snow and just too darn cold.  This week I'm going to be playing in dirt!  I have a bag of dirt (in the house all warmed up) and I'm going to start some seedlings.  Once they are big enough (and the snow is gone) I'm going to put them in the small greenhouse we have and get them started for spring planting.  I'm not sure what I'm going to plant first but it's going to bloom!!!  LOL

Ok, just a few more notes here on my card.  I used the small butterfly punch and Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, and Pistachio Pudding card stock.  The little background images are stamped in those same colors.  I searched through the Candy Dots to find colors that were close to the in colors used here.  And lastly the words were done on my computer and punched out using the 1-1/4" circle punch.

Fun, quick, and easy!  Ya gotta LOVE that!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Love & Sympathy Thumping Technique

I found a pretty card while at Split Coast Stampers and I thought I would recreate it.  I liked the whole concept of the card but I thought the colors were too light.  Well, the flower was too light, the leaves were ok.  But of course I didn't pay attention and I colored the leaves in with Always Artichoke instead of what I thought was Old Olive!!!  But it's still pretty.  

I also used the "Thumping" technique on the flower.  I colored the flower in with Pink Pirouette and then thumped on Melon Mambo.  Thumping is where you just take your marker and sort of bounce it on the rubber.  You hold it like you're going to play the drums.  Or you can hold it however you want, just so it's lose in your hand.  Allow the marker to just tap/bounce on the stamped image.  

Once you are done, huff on the image and then stamp it.  It's an easy technique to do and fun too!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Blessed Easter Birthday

Yes, I still had the "Blessed Easter" stamp set sitting on my worktable.  So because it was at hand I thought I would play with it.  But I will tell you this, I did have to get out the oval framelits!!!  And those I actually did put back when I was done!

For my card I used the Real Red marker on the tulips and I used Old Olive ink and a blender pen for the greens.  It's extremely simple to color and actually, it was an extremely simple card to make too. It went together fast and you know I love that!

The words were done on the computer and the "Decorative Dots" embossing folder was used for the background.

See, I told you it was simple.  This would be a perfect card for a Stamp-a-Stack.  It would also make a nice thinking of you or sympathy card as well as the birthday card and Easter card.  Such a versatile stamp!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Teeny Tiny Wishes Washi Birthday Card

Today's card comes from Terri.  She made this as one of her technique cards.  It's a pop up card.  I will share that technique with you another time.

I just wanted to share with you how fun, quick, and simple this card is to make.  

Washi tape makes making cards so much quicker. It's so pretty and easy to use.  

I posted a card on January 30th that Terri had done using these elements.  This card is just turned around.  Fun, huh?

This is a very fun card and I found it interesting how just turning the "Top Note" piece and using the same elements you can make a totally different card.  I thought it was very clever!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Blessed Easter Birthday Card Epsom Salt Technique

 Today I'm going to share with you a card that Terri made.  Notice the white on the flowers?  And if you look close you can see the fun white "glaze" on the background.  

This is a fun technique but you do need to have drying time patience.  To do this technique you will stamp your image on using StazOn ink.  Mix equal parts of Epsom salts and boiling water.  Dissolve the Epsom salts and then take a brush (a foam brush works well) and swipe it over the card.  You will want to cover the card and try not to repeat a spot.  Now you will need to let the card stock dry completely before coloring the image or assembling your project. 

Here Terri covered the white piece and also she stamped the tulips on Real Red card stock and covered it with the Epsom salt wash.  Once it dried she cut out the pieces and set them in place.  It's an easy project to do, you just need to be patient while the  paper dries.  You can use the heat tool to assist in the drying.  Fun technique, huh?

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Blessed Easter Birthday Card

Today I thought I would play with the new "Blessed Easter" card but I didn't want to make an Easter card.  I masked off the "Wishes for a Blessed Easter" part and stamped the image using black StazOn.  I stamped the image on the new "Watercolor Wonder" decorative paper.  I have several packages of it so I'd better get some use out of it.  I LOVE the splashed paper in the pack the most and so far I've been hoarding it.  I need to just take a breath, use it and let it go!!! LOL

So for today's card I used the Pacific Point and Gumball Green flowered piece as the background on my focal piece.  Oh there is some Smoky Slate in the background too but not too much of it is exposed in the piece I cut off.  I did try to stamp the image so the green part of the flower stamped in the green area and the flowered part stamped in the blue area.  It worked out pretty well too!  I did have to cut the paper at an angle which used most of the 6" x 6" piece that I cut.  I'm not too sure I would make very many cards like this since it did waste a lot of decorative paper.  I'm into using the paper, not wasting it (or hoarding it!!).  

Once again I  punched my Gumball Green scallop from layered piece.  No one will know there's a piece missing (unless you tell them!!!LOL) and I did the same with the Pacific Point (larger piece), I punched the 1-3/8" circle from there.  The card has enough layers to hide the punched areas and even running my fingers over the area I can't feel where I punched them from!

The words are from my computer and punched out using the 1-1/4" circle punch.  And lastly the Whisper White background is from the new "Decorative Dots" embossing folder.  I am having a lot of fun with that folder.  It's a Sale-a-Bration item so I doubt it will show up in the new catalog, but one can hope, can't they?  I'm going to use it for a long time after it retires!!! LOL

This was a fun card to make but like I said, I doubt I would make very many more due to the fact that it uses a lot of the decorative paper (but only if you try to get the blue on the flowers and the green on the greens).  If the color lineup doesn't matter then you can make quite a few cards using this paper.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Another Happy Watercolor Birthday

I still had the "Happy Watercolor" stamp set out so I thought I would attempt to make a card on my own, without the help of Pinterest!  It doesn't happen too often lately. It seems that I find cards on Pinterest and I just HAVE to make them.  But today I was able to just play on my own!  Shocker, huh? LOL

I used Melon Mambo for my color today.  I also used the "Decorative Dots" embossing folder on the background.  What a fun folder that is!  I LOVE the "Dotted" folder but this one is more random thus making it more fun!

I stamped the image on a piece of Whisper White card stock and layered it on a piece of Melon Mambo.  Actually, what I did first was to stamp the background behind the flower.  I inked and stamped each time. Oh and yes, I did mean to turn the stamp the opposite direction on the second and third stamping.  It was not a mistake!  

Once again I punched out the scallop from behind the larger Melon Mambo layer. No one's going to know it's missing!!!  I layered the piece using a 1-3/8" black circle and the words were done on my computer and I used the 1-1/4" circle punch.  Easy Peasy!!  And super quick too. You know how much I LOVE cards like that.  This would be a perfect Stamp a Stack card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda