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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Wednesday Sketch Challenge The More the Merrier Pumpkins

I was SO glad I had a few moments to play with the Wednesday Sketch Challenge today. I especially like this sketch because it allows you to use some of the smaller stamps I have.

The background was made using the Cuttlebug Pumpkins embossing folder. That one is not only great for Halloween but I can use it on fall cards as well.

The decorative paper is from a pack I got last fall at Archiver's. I ran across it a few weeks ago when I was trying to get my workroom cleaned up. It's going to take a month of Sunday's to finish that job!!

And the stamp set is Stampin' Up!'s "The More the Merrier." It's a fun and versatile set. It covers several seasons/holidays. I cut the pumpkins out and then colored them with markers. I added wiggly eyes to a couple of them, they looked like they needed a little something!!!

The leaves are from a couple of small punches I had and I just used some scraps of card stock to make them. Aren't they just adorable?

I tied on a piece of black ribbon and the card was complete. Give this sketch a try if you have time, it's SO much fun!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A Bermuda Blue Helping

Here is another card from the Card Buffet. (click here to read what the Card Buffet is all about).

I love the simplicity of this card. Not to mention the WONDERFUL Bermuda Blue and Rich Razzleberry (one of my favorite in colors!).

Now I have paged through the catalog 3 times trying to find the name of this set. And 3 times I'm sure I've overlooked the set. And after the 3rd time I gave up looking. SO, I have no idea what the name of it is. I know it was on my wish list!!! And I thought it was a current set but I had no luck finding it in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. I'm sure one of you readers will know the name of it!!!

It was a very easy card to make too. I did add the words on this card because I needed a thank you card.

Isn't it just an adorable card? Another fun creation by Sue!!! I can't wait to attend her next Card Buffet!!! They leave you "hungry for more!" LOL

Thank you SO much visiting by today,
Wanda
(In the first comment left on this post I was told the set used here is "Garden Greetings." Thank you for letting me know!)

Monday, September 28, 2009

A Helping of a Masculine Card

Here is another card from Sue's FABULOUS Card Buffet. The images here are from the Stampin' Up! "Totally Tool" set. I don't have this set. I'm still playing with the last tool set they came out with.

The photo doesn't do the card justice. It looks SO much nicer in person. I thought it was great that she included masculine cards in the buffet. We all need them and most of the time we have trouble finding one. Now I have one on had for when I need it!

This card was fun and pretty easy to make too. You just tape the layers together, emboss the images and add the button. Thanks Sue for another great card.

Thank you all SO much for visiting today,
Wanda


Sunday, September 27, 2009

Delightful Decorations Ornament Card

This is the card I made for the Card Swap at the Stamp Share yesterday. I think the layout is from one of the Card Sketches from SplitCoastStampers a while back. If not then it's an original!!! Doubt that though!!

The background is Very Vanilla layered on top of Real Red card stock. The patterned paper is from the Stampin' up! "Merry Moments" designer paper package. I wasn't sure about mixing the stripes with the snowflakes and dots paper but it worked. I think it was because the colors all go together or maybe I just caught a break on that one!! I really liked both papers and wanted them go together on the card SO much.

This card had a lot of pieces to it but it was SO worth it. The bulb is from the "Delightful Decorations" set and I punched it out with the "Ornament" punch. Such a great idea Stampin' Up! had making that punch! I LOVE it and it sure makes me want to use that set more because I don't have to cut the bulbs out by hand!!

I stamped my bulb using Real Red craft ink and embossed it using clear embossing powder. I made two ornaments and on the second one I punched out a 1" circle. I added a brad to the center and taped it in place on the bulb using a Dimensional. I added a dot of Crystal Effects and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds over the top of it. I wanted the center to have a little sparkle to it.

I would like to use this for our Christmas card this year but the ribbon would make the card cost more to mail. And with as many cards as I mail out it's just not economically feasible.

I thought it was a fun card to make. All 17 of them! 15 to swap, one for the display board and one for me! And I do like the colors, it's a very festive looking card!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Fancy Favor Die Cut Bag Weekend Project

Today I am at Terri's FABULOUS Stamp Share. It has been SO long since I've been able to attend one. I hate to miss them. There is so much information floating around at it. There's always card samples to see and take photos. There are lots of business ideas being shared. There are card swaps and demos. I will be doing a demo today. I'm a bit nervous about it but I am always nervous when I get up in front of a group of people. I do get over it and I usually do just fine. SO I bet you are wondering what it is that I am going to demo. Well, the title of this post probably gave it away! And the photo gives it away too!!!

This bag is not very difficult to make but there are a lot of steps to it. Here is what you need to do to make this cute little bag.

1. After you run your card stock through the Big Shot using the Fancy Favor Die Cut , cut off top edge.

2. Fold in bottom flap and punch hole. Drop the card stock all the way to the bottom of the punch, center it and punch out shape.

3. Add a piece of window sheet to the opening. I used Crystal Effects to glue the window sheet in place

4. Fold on all score lines and tape the box together.

5. Cut 2 pieces of card stock for the bottom and the inside bottom. Measure the bottom of the box
to get the card stock size you need.

6. Using the Large Scallop Circle die cut, cut one out of card stock or decorative paper. Set it on top of the bag and mark the sides for cutting. You can cut a scallop circle out of copier paper for a template to make it easier for measuring. Score 1-1/2" from the longest part of the scallop. Tape piece to the back of the bag. If using a decorative paper scallop you will still need to make a piece out of card stock. You need the top of the bag to be firm.

7. The Merry Christmas is from the “Teeny Tiny Wishes” set. The words were stamped with Real Red ink and punched out with the “Word Window” punch. The “Modern Label” punch was used with Real Red card stock and the words were taped on top. The piece was then affixed to the bag about 1/8" up from the bottom and centering it.

8. The bulb is from the “Delightful Decorations” set. It was stamped on Very Vanilla card stock using Real Red Craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. Two images are needed here. One is punched out with the ornament punch and the other is punched out in the center with the 1" circle punch. A scissors was used around the circle to cut little curves out to make it look more like a snowflake. A brad was added to the center of that piece and attached to the bulb with a Dimensional. A touch of Crystal Effects was added to the brad and Dazzling Diamonds was sprinkled on. I added a half-round pearl from the Pretties Kit to the center of the bulb.

9. Fit the embossed bulb in the window on top of the scallop and under the Modern Label piece. Lightly mark around the bulb with a pencil. This will help you to see where you need to add your adhesive. Here I used the Crystal Effects. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow it to adhere. The tip of the bulb is tucked behind the words and this is what keeps the flap shut.

10. The “holly” leaves were made using the Sizzix “Little Leaves” die cut. I cut little curves in the leaves to form the holly and then I taped it in place on the bag.

Fill the bag!

I filled my bag with those round red and white peppermint candies. Starlight mints I think they are called.

Isn't this a fun little bag? And yet another way to get more use out of your Sizzix die cuts! I hope it's a hit at the Stamp Share! Wish me luck!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, September 25, 2009

Sweets from the Buffet!

Here is a sweet card I made at Sue's Card Buffet. Sweet? Must have been dessert!!! LOL I really like this set. It can be used for so many different occasions. The image is from the Stampin' Up! set "Thoughts & Prayers." I have made many cards using that set. I also have a couple of projects coming up using this set too!

I love how you can add the flowers right to the image and they are just the perfect size.

I didn't add any words while I was at the Card Buffet. I wasn't sure what occasion I wanted the card for so I left it blank. The set comes with words and you can always add words from other sets too.

Now I can see this set as being one that people at the Card Buffet would take more than one helping of!!! I LOVED it! It was fun, quick and very easy to make too!

Another great card from your Card Buffet Sue! Thanks SO much for the fun day!

Thank you all SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Sharing What They Make

This is a card one of my stampers and DEAR friend Ann made. I am just loving this decorative paper she got. She added this beautiful paper. It matched the Stampin' Up!'s Lovely Lilac card stock perfectly!!! The word set she used was from the "All Holidays" set. I have used that set SO many times. It's got such a great variety of stamps that cover many occasions.

She uses a swirly Cuttlebug folder on the white card stock. Isn't it just a FABULOUS card? And of course I just LOVE the layout. It's got such a clean crisp look to it.

Ann is a wonderful stamper. She's very creative and talented. She has a great eye for color too! I love seeing her creations and many times I ask her if I can take pictures of them. She always says yes! I wish I could find some of the other photos I've taken of her cards. I have no idea where they are but when I do find them I will be sure to post them here! Oh and she even gave me one of the cards! Isn't she just the sweetest!! I'm SO fortunate to have a wonderful friend like her. She's always got a smile on her face and she brightens up a room when she enters it! Ann, you are the best!

Thank you all SO much for visiting my blog today,
Wanda

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wednesday Sketch Challenge The More the Merrier

I am such a snowman lover and don't hate me but I am SO looking forward to winter. Maybe not so much the many months of winter but I want the snow!!!! I LOVE making snowmen! We rarely get a good wet sticky snow to make a snowman and when I hear we're getting snow I do double time and get my work done so I am ready to go out and play in the snow with high hopes that it is snowman snow. I have made snowmen as far back as I can remember! I have LOTS of photos too! I'm hoping to do a scrapbook page with them all on it! I'll have to save room for future ones too!

This card was very fun to make. I used some retired decorative paper from the Stampin' Up! "Four Seasons" pack. I remember buying that pack of paper because of the snowflake design in it!

I colored my snowmen with markers from the Soft Pastels group. I sponged the edges in Bashful Blue. The tiny snowflake that is very difficult to see in the photo was done using the Cuttlebug snowflake die and some foam floor insulation stuff we had left over from having the kitchen and dining room floor installed. It looks like a frosty snowflake. I added some ribbon and then a rhinestone from the "Pretties Kit" on the snowflake. It was a very fun and pretty easy sketch to do!

If you have the time play along. You don't need to submit your finished card to SplitCoastStampers if you don't wish to. You can just make a card using the layout they provide and learn new ways to add papers and embellishments to your cards!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Ornament Punch Ornaments

Oh my gosh, these ornaments were SO fun and easy to make. We made these at Terri's FABULOUS Stamp Camp! (Along with 4 other projects I will share with you in the near future). The Stamp Camp was SO much fun and the projects were the best. I can't even tell you which was my favorite because they were all just TOO fabulous! For those of you in Terri's group that couldn't make it to her Stamp Camp, I will show you what you missed out on. It's going to be painful to see! I'm SO glad I had that day free to join in the fun!!

These adorable ornaments were made using the new Stampin' Up! "Ornament" punch which is designed to go with the "Delightful Decorations" stamp set. Of the 4 bulb images in that set, this one was my favorite. I used it on all the way around the card.

To make these we stamped and punched out 6 images. Then we folded them in half and taped the pieces together. They were SO simple to make and yet so elegant to see. I plan on making a number of these to hang on my tree, to decorate the garlands, to give to friends and to adorn Christmas presents! These would also be great for a Make n Take, Stamp Camp (obviously!!!) Craft Fairs, Customer Appreciation gifts and Hostess Appreciation gifts.

Aren't they just adorable? Terri is SO creative and talented. Stay tuned for more of the Stamp Camp items to come.

Thank you Terri for the FABULOUS time and projects!

Thank you all SO much for visiting today, Justify FullWanda

Monday, September 21, 2009

A Healping of Puns from the Past

Here's another fun card I did at the "Card Buffet. "Click here to read what a "Card Buffet" is. I don't have this set. I didn't think I really liked it much until I made this card. It's a VERY cute set. I'm not sure if I'm going to get it or not. I have an extremely LONG list of sets that I want and I will add this one to the very bottom. We'll see if I get there!!!

This Stampin' Up! set is called "Puns from the Past." Those of you who know me know I'm not so fond of puns but I do like the images in this set. Who says you have to use the word, right???

I am very fond of Red, Black and White cards. They have a certain appeal, don't they? Oh and sponging the edges on the small tile pieces was a perfect touch for this card.

Isn't it just a fun card to do? And it didn't take long. OK, the pieces were cut for me but to look at the card there isn't a lot to it and to remake it at home I would still say that it wouldn't take long to do it!

Sue is SO talented and again, I had such a fun time at the "Card Buffet." Thanks SO much Sue for inviting me!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda


Sunday, September 20, 2009

A Blast from the Past!

Here is a set that I still like to use, it's the Stampin' Up! "Art of Life" set. These long flowers are perfect for these kinds of notebooks, don't you think so?

This was such a fun set to play with too. I made LOTS of cards and of course LOTS of notebooks using this set. But alas, it's one of those sets that I am going to have to say goodbye too to make room for more current sets! I hate saying goodbye to my stamps! I suppose I could get another bookshelf to put more on but then I would just wish for yet another one when I fill up that one!!! I know that because I've already done that!!! LOL

The Eggplant Envy really set these colors in motion, didn't it? What are the colors you are asking! They are Ruby Red and Garden Green. Just two simple colors and when Eggplant Envy is added it creates a beautiful harmony, don't you think so? These are such fun little notebooks to make too! I was asked to show a tutorial on how I make my notebooks so later in the week I will be doing that for you. Then you can see how simple they are to make. These little notebooks don't take up much room in your purse either. They are great for Hostess Gifts, Customer Appreciation Gifts, Stamp Camp, Make n Takes, Craft Fairs and even party favors.

Oh and this is the last of the notebooks for a little while. I have more buffet cards to show you and some that my fabulous stampers have made plus a few of my very own!!! SO stay tuned!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Falling Leaves Buffet Style

Here is another card I made at Sue's "Card Buffet." This one is one of my favorites of all the cards I made there. Ok, they are all favorites but this one is at the top of the list.

The images are from the Stampin' Up! set "Falling Leaves." It's a new one in the catalog this year and of course it's on my wish list!!!

I LOVE what Sue did with it. It's such a nice clean crisp looking card. The original had words on the front but again I didn't add any. I thought it would be a great masculine birthday card so I just left it as it is and will add the words when I need to!

Don't you just love the look of this card? And the colors? It was made using all the new in colors! Just too too darn cute!! Sue is SO talented, isn't she? Thanks Sue for the fun card and a wonderful time!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, September 18, 2009

Season of Frienship Buffet Card

Ok, I'm sure some of you are asking what a "Card Buffet" is. It's kind of like a Stamp-a-Stack but better! Well, I think it's better!! Every thing is cut for you (I LOVE that!). The cut card stock and everything you need to make the card is in a tote. The table the totes were on was FULL! You pick the card you want to make and take the tote to your table and put it together. Now here is the fun part. If you REALLY love that card you can have a second helping, or third or even a fourth!!! You can make as many of that card as you like and you only pay for the cards you make! How cool is that. What I especially liked about it (other than all the fun cards there were to make) was that you took the tote back to your space. You didn't have to hop from table to table. You could leave your tape and bottled water in one spot and not have to remember to pick things up and move them to the next space. You had your own space the whole time you were stamping.

I didn't make duplicate cards, I just made one of everything!!! It was such a fun time and Sue sure knows how to put on a good spread!!!! I LOVED every minute I was there. The cards were nothing more than FABULOUS! Most of them were quick to make too! And I didn't feel stressed when I sat down to make the card. It just seemed easier to do the cards when you aren't hopping from space to space. It may just be me but I liked stamping the cards like that SO much more than a Shoebox Swap or a Stamp-a-Stack.

The images here are from the Stampin' Up! "Season of Friendship" set. There is suppose to be some wording in the piece that was cut using the Word Window punch. I opted not to add any words at the time because I wasn't sure what I was going to use the card for. At most of these events I tend to not use the wording so I can add them at home when I need them for whatever occasion I need that goes with the card.

Isn't this card just a fun one? I had a great time making it. Oh and I didn't mess up any of the buffet cards either! Must have been from the no stress feeling I had! Don't know for sure but every card I made went smoothly!

Thank you SO much for visiting,
Wanda

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Autumn Harvest

This is another card that turned out differently than what I had in my head. I'm not liking the way the pumpkin is against the background. I was going for a clean and simple look. And somehow that pumpkin just blends to much instead of stands out like I hoped it would. Oh well, I gotta show you that all of my cards don't always turn out too!!! This is how we learn, right?

The decorative paper came from the Stampin' Up! "Cast a Spell" pack. This paper is more for Halloween but I managed to work it into a fall "harvest" card!! I have to have paper that I can use for more than just one occasion since I am not good at using the paper up before it retires.

The pumpkin is from the "Autumn Harvest" set. I stamped the image using StazOn, colored it using a blender pen and a marker. Same with the leaf. I used Basic Black and Dusty Durango card stock and the new Dusty Durango Polka Dot ribbon. I LOVE how thick that ribbon is, it allows you to turn it over and have a solid piece of ribbon showing!

Tomorrow I will show you a card from a Card Buffet I was at! And I'll explain what that is all about too!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today!
Wanda


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wednesday Sketch Challenge

I am SO loving these Sweet Treat cups! I used one last weekend at a FABULOUS and SO fun Stamp Camp and then the one I used here. I was on my own with this one and I managed it just fine. These cups are fun and easy to work with.

I was very happy that I had some time to play along with the Sketch Challenge at SplitCoastStampers. I SO look forward to these challenges. It's so fun to play with different layouts. I tend to find myself using two or three over and over again. Thank goodness for the weekly challenge or I would be stuck in a rut with my old layouts!

There isn't much stamping on this card at all. Just the Stampin' Up! "Sweet Centers" image. I punched out the hole with a 1-3/4" circle punch. This hole is perfect for the Sweet Treats cup. I thought about putting candy in the cup but when I was digging for something in my workroom drawers I ran across this little opened package of plastic spiders. I only had 4 so I put them all in the cup. Now I'll always know where they are!!! LOL

I added a few bat eyelets that I also found while digging, along with a lot of other things I didn't remember I had!

The main part of the card is Eggplant Envy card stock. The decorative papers were from a stack of papers I had gotten last fall at Archivers. I loved how they all went together so nicely.

This was a very fun sketch to play with and I highly recommend you to give it a try! Play with a new layout now and then, it's good for you!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Three Little Words Shoebox Swap Card

This is the card that Sue L. made for the Sunday Shoebox Swap. It was difficult to take a picture of because the white card stock on the front is the Shimmering card stock. I had never worked with it before and thought it was a lot of fun!

I LOVE the colors here and the simplicity of this card. Talk about a quick card to make! If you click on the photo you can see it up close and personal. You can see that the shimmering white was not only run through the crimper but also through the Sizzix using the flower folder. It really added a lot to the card and it's so sad that it didn't photograph well. It is absolutely stunning in real life!

Thanks Sue for such a fun and different card to make.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Monday, September 14, 2009

C is for Cat

This is the card that Sue A. made for the Sunday Shoebox Swap. I actually bought this set but haven't put it together yet. I bought it to use on my scrapbook pages of my cats photos. I thought it would be fun to use it as a background piece on my pages. I have plans for it, just haven't put the set together and applied them!!! But I will soon.

Sue probably bought this stamp set because she is as much of a cat lover as I am!

This card was fun to make and I LOVE all the layers. Sue is a very creative person and thinks outside the box. I LOVE how these layers are offset, it just keeps the eye busy enough but not distracting.

The cat, paws and words were heat embossed. It was a very easy card to make. Now remember I'm saying this because I didn't have to cut all that card stock!!! LOL Actually I think if I did have to cut my own card stock this card would still be considered and easy card. It's not hard to cut card stock, it's just a bit more time consuming when you have lots of layers. But this card is SO worth it! I had fun making it and I liked the end results. Oh and best part..... it actually turned out like the demo one!! I didn't mess this one up! Shocker, huh?

Thanks Sue for the fun design and layout, I LOVED making this card.

Thanks SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Now for Something Completely Different

Wasn't that a line from the Monty Python show? I use to watch that many years ago and I think hubby has it on DVD. Nothing I care to watch now! Anyway, I just thought I would post something different today. Other than stamping I LOVE to bead and I also LOVE to play with polymer clay. It just seems that I don't have time for them all anymore. The clay has been set aside for a while now but I am starting to get the urge to play with it again!!! My worktables are now the plastic kind and polymer clay and plastic don't agree with each other. So I will have to work in a smaller area on a smooth ceramic floor tile. Where there is a will, there is a way!!!

SO back to this post. This is a bracelet I made for a shop I teach at. The pearl element was from a pattern but I didn't like what the original designer did with them so I played around with it and this is what I came up with!!! It was a hit at the bead shop and I will be teaching it this fall. I'm SO looking forward to those classes!

I just wanted to show you what I do with my time when I am not stamping!! Don't ask to see what my house looks like, I would rather stamp or bead! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Heartfelt Thanks Notebooks

Ok, just can't help myself!!!! I'm SO into notebooks lately and they are SO fun to make. And I know, a lot of you are waiting for them to turn up in the web store and they will be shortly, please be patient.

These were fun and quick to do too!!! This stamp set helped make it quick. These two step sets are nice to use because when you are done stamping you don't have to do any coloring!!! I did use my Stamp-a-ma-jig on this. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and I wanted the flowers, stems and leaves to be as close to the matching petals and leaves as possible.

I like the clean look of this notebook cover too. It's simple enough to do yet has a touch of elegance to it too!

These make great Hostess gifts, Customer Appreciation gifts, Craft fair items, Make N Takes and even a fun and useful Stamp Camp item.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, September 11, 2009

Robot Birthday Card

Ok, I'll give you one more day's break from notebooks!!! Today I'm going to share with you a card that Juliann made for the Sunday Shoebox swap. I don't have this darling set. This little robot character is just TOO cute!!! This little guy came from the Stampin' Up! "Lots of Bots" set.

What looks like a ribbon under the large oval is decorative paper. Isn't that just too cute?? Where the paper ends on the right side is the edge of the card. That is where the card opens. Don't you just LOVE the non-traditional opening of cards? It's fun to play with something different now and then!

There wasn't a lot of coloring on this either which made the creation of this card a quick one!! And of course the new "in" colors were fun to play with too!

Thanks Juliann for such a fun card!!!

And thank you all for visiting my blog today,
Wanda

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Bermuda Bay Fifth Avenue Floral

I was going to post another notebook but I thought you'd be tired of seeing so many in such a short time!!! I'll save it for tomorrow!!!

I was playing with the Stampin' Up! "Fifth Avenue Floral" set and glossy card stock!!! I just LOVE glossy card stock and the fun things you can do with it. I LOVE how the ink goes on it so smoothly, almost like a photograph.

For my card I used VersaMark and clear embossing powder. I used the new Bermuda Bay ink pad and brayered the color on. One of my favorite techniques because it's so easy to do and the effect is nothing but fabulous!!!

I used the Bermuda Bay polka dot ribbon on here too. I debated on whether or not to turn it over and keep the ribbon a solid color or show the polka dots. The solid ribbon distracted too much from the card so I obviously went with the polka dots.

This is a fun set and I hope to have time to play with it more before it retires!!!

This card would be great for many occasions too! Another versatile set. Something I LOVE when I buy a set!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Wednesday Sketch Challenge Haunted Hill

This is the card I made for the Wednesday Sketch Challenge over at SplitCoastStampers. Once again I was thrilled that I was able to have a little time to play. And sorry to say I am not thrilled with this card. It did not turn out on paper like I "saw" it in my head!! That happens to me a lot more than I care to mention! Most of the time it turns out in my favor but this time..... ick!! It's not on my favorites list!!!

I used a couple of wheels to make this card. The focal piece was done using the Stampin' Up! "Haunted Hill" jumbo wheel and the spider webs are done using the "Web" wheel. The little bats on the Pumpkin Pie card stock were done using the "Halloween Backgrounds" stamps.

The cute little ghosts came from an old punch I had.

I wheeled the image on using black StazOn. I colored in some of the areas with markers and sponged in the sky and grass. Sponging on glossy card stock is such and easy way to color. The glossy card stock is very fun to work with too!! The colors come out more vivid and sharp on it.

Maybe later in the week I'll try to make another card using this fun layout but not today. I have WAY too many things to do before I can play with stamps!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today, Wanda

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Technique Tuesday Technique Page

WOW!!! Don't fall over. Two techniques in one month!!! And within 7 days of each other too. I must be getting serious about this Technique Tuesday thing!!! Well, we will know more about that next Tuesday!!! LOL

This a very fun technique that works well not only for backgrounds but for focal pieces too. All you need is a template, a stylus and a light source. I used a light table for my work. It was easier for me than standing at my window working. Especially when you are making over 30 of them!!! Pop a movie in the DVD player and emboss away!!! I like dry embossing better than heat embossing because I don't burn my fingers on this technique!!!

I took a little chalk on a Q-tip and rubbed the color on the raised area.

This is a very easy technique to do too!!! The possibilities are endless with this one!! This is the 12th page in this set (only 8 more to go until this third set is complete!!!) You can see more technique pages here.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Monday, September 07, 2009

More Notebooks!

I ran across some pieces of card stock that were already cut and colored. Hmmm, I must have been going to use them for notebooks. But how on earth did they get were they got?? I must have been going to have company over in my workroom and shoved them somewhere out of the way! To translate that it usually means to shove them somewhere where they will never be seen again!! But I did find them and the best part, I remembered what I was going to do with them!! SO I opened my tote that I have a bunch of copier paper all cut and punched and took some out. I did have to cut the front and back pieces and punch them but that was ok, the bulk of the work was done on these already.

The images here came from the Stampin' Up! "Bouquet" jumbo wheel. I LOVE those wheels and I have WAY too many of them!!! But that's ok, you never know when you are going to need one!!! They sure do make wonderful backgrounds and borders. Plus some of them even make wonderful focal pieces!!!

These little notebooks are 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" and make great gifts for your customers or hostesses. They are great for a Make N Take, craft fairs and many other occasions.

The coloring on here was done using sponges. It was just SO quick to color that way and easy too!!

I have stacks of cut copier paper for these little notebooks and all that needs to be done to them is have the holes punched. I should be able to get at that later in the week. I will be offering them in my "No Yard, Yard Sale" blog until I can get them in the store. You can sign up there to receive by email the latest posts and know when the notebooks are ready. Or you can click on "Followers" and be notified in your Google Reader. These little notebooks do sell out fast and I will try to keep them in stock. When purchasing you can let me know which color of Stampin' Up! card stock you'd like on the front cover. Sign up or check back if you are interested in these!

Thank you SO much for visiting my blog,
Wanda


Sunday, September 06, 2009

I See Stars!

This is the card that Sandy designed for the Sunday Shoebox Swap. This one (for me) was a bit tricky. But after I examined the original I did manage to figure out it. This card has two folds, one on each side. Hmmm, wouldn't that make it a "tri-fold" card then??? LOL

When you open it up the side that goes in first is the one that has the textured card stock and the button on it. Very clever card. Oh and I did learn to add the button after you have assembled the card. You can get them centered better!!! I'm not even going to tell you how long it took me to finally figure out that simple thing!!! LOL It's such a cute little card. All folded up it measures 4" x 4".

Such a fun little card. The words at the top read "What can I say? You made my day!" Isn't that just the sweetest? Oh and I LOVE the colors on this card too!!! Great job on this Sandy!!! Thanks for bringing such fun talent to the group!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Magic Cubes!!!

I was shopping at Kohl's a few weeks back and found these fun cubes on clearance for only $2 each. Such a deal!!! I didn't care much for them when I saw them but as I looked at them with "different eyes" I could see how they could magically turn into something I would like!!!

Just adding a different cover to the cube made a huge difference. Then adding a few embellishments and it magically transformed into something that is even "cute!" I liked the touch of lace on the top. I used the "Eyelet Border" punch for that. I added a ribbon around the cube and punched out some ovals. The word is from the "Note to Self" set. The only reason I bought that set. I figured because I make so many notebooks that "notes" stamped on it seemed appropriate. I'm sure it's not the last time you'll see it either!

Didn't a bit of ribbon, some punches and different colored paper just transform this ordinary box into a "cute" one? I started with the green paper and when I finished with it I liked what I saw but when I used the black paper I REALLY liked the outcome there!!! Can you tell the black ones are my favorite??? LOL

Click on the pictures to view the photo up close.

I LOVE altering "things". I have over 40 more altered items on my blog. Just click here to see them! Happy viewing!


Thanks SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, September 04, 2009

Happy Together and Adorable too!!!

This is the card that Denise made for the Sunday Shoebox Swap. This is such a cute little set, isn't it? I love those little quails and every time I see the words "Happy Together" it reminds me of the Justify FullPartridge Family and their theme song, "C'mon Get Happy!" Haven't seen that show in years!!! Isn't it funny how some shows come back and others just never seem to reappear? But that's ok, I don't think I was all that fond of the show, the song just stuck in my head now and then. LOL

This card was done using the "Sizzix Scallop Square" die cut. Being it was a Shoebox Swap everything was cut and folded for us!! Gotta just LOVE that. I know I do!!! (insert cheesy grin here!!!).

This card is just to cute and it was very simple to make too. And once again, gotta LOVE simple!!!

The Word Window punch eas used here for the words. You can use many different word stamps and use this for other occasions. And you know how much I love stamps that are versatile.

Didn't Denise do a wonderful job on this card? Thanks Denise, I just LOVE it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda




Thursday, September 03, 2009

Recycling Almost Finished Cards!!!

Have you ever run across some cards you had started and just didn't want to even finish them anymore? I do that a lot. I don't have the heart to toss them in the recycling basket so I stash them away. Now why do I do that? Do I think that some day I will run across them and they will have magically been finished for me? Or do I think that they will some how disappear and I won't have to give them another thought??? Why do I do that? The question of the day!!! LOL

In my quest to get some areas of my workroom cleaned up I ran across this unfinished card. Now by the looks of this image (knowing it's been retired for a while) you can tell how long I've had the unfinished project here!!! I do remember making cards like this but I didn't remember I had parts left over!!! Actually all it needed was to be mounted on card stock. Since this image was retired I thought I would just make it into a notebook. I found a tote full of copier paper all cut and punched. SO making this notebook took only a few minutes!!!

I do like the colors of this card. I'll have to look through my stamping sets and see what I can use that will go well with these colors!!! I'm sure I'll come up with something!!!

I have LOTS of projects going on this time of year and most of them I will share with you here. Some of them are not stamping related, that is why I said "most of them!"

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Wednesday Sketch Challenge Dasher

This is the card I made for the Wednesday Sketch Challenge at SplitCoastStampers. I thought it was a very fun and simple sketch this week! And I kept it fun and simple. I used the Stampin' Up! "Dasher" image. I stamped it on Whisper White card stock using black ink. I layered each of the pieces of the card on Basic Black card stock. The dotted paper is from the "Night & Day" decorative paper package. I thought it would go well with this card.

I used the Cuttlebug Snowflakes folder for the background and I added a black and white polka dotted bow. It just needed a little something more and that was it! It just finished off the card somehow!

Now if you have time play with this sketch!!! You don't need to download it to SplitCoastStampers if you don't want to. Just have some fun with a new layout!! I am SO hooked on the Wednesday Sketch Challenge and I look forward to them every week!! And I'm thrilled when I have time to play along!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Technique Tuesday Technique Page

This is a fun technique I saw while I was blog hopping a while back. It's "Faux Embossing Folder" technique. It gives the impression of having been embossed using those plastic embossing folders. I LOVE using those folders. They sure can enhance the background of a card or scrapbook page.

For this one I used the "Heart to Heart" punch by Stampin' Up! You can use any stamps you need to create a background to go with the theme of your work. The main thing to know with this technique is to be sure to glue the edges down securely or it will just look like a punched piece glued onto a piece of card stock. You will not get that embossed effect you were looking for.

I would VERY much like to try to keep Tuesday's for "Technique Tuesday" and do a page a week. Now wanting to do this and actually doing this might be a feat in itself. You see, I am not only making one page, I am making a total of 31. One for my techniques book and 30 to sell. SO it takes me a while to get all the pages done. I like to get them to the point to where they are ready to tape and then I take them with me on day trips or when I take my mom to the doctor and need to wait in the waiting room. I get a lot of taping done then!!! You would LOVE my setup in the car (as a passenger of course!!!). I have this fun mat, it is for cutting on one side and ironing on the other. I set the ironing side on my lap (because it's nicely padded) and I set up my little DVD player with it's battery all charged. I plug in the headphones and pop in a movie. Then I slide my seat back and I have room on the cutting mat for the DVD player and my pages!! I sure can get a lot done on the road!! And hubby enjoys the peace and quite, except for a laugh now and then depending on the movie!! LOL

Anyway, this is the 11th page in the third set of pages! Only 9 more to go and the set is complete and will be ready for sale!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda