Saturday, April 30, 2016

A Birthday Bouquet and Rose Wonder Birthday Card

WOW, what a fun and simple card this was to make.  Plus it was quick.

I found this card at Stampin With Marcy.  I thought it was such a pretty card that I had to make one.  I didn't have the wording that Marcy used, and I didn't need one with the wording she used, so I changed it to a birthday card.

I SO love this "Birthday Bouquet" decorative paper.  It's soft and sweet looking.  It just makes me feel calm and happy looking at it.  

The words are from the "Rose Wonder" set.  I need to get use to using that Happy Birthday because my favorite from the "Wetlands" is retiring.  Not that I can't use it but I try to stick to current product in my posts.  Though I have been known to use retired things now and then just because I didn't own anything else that would work!

This was a super fun card to make and one of my favorite things, it was super quick.  Though I am getting in the mood for one of my favorite "many layers" cards.  I haven't done one in a while and I have some sets I think I could have fun playing with using lots of layers!! So stay tuned!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, April 29, 2016

A Rose Wonder and Rose Garden Sympathy Card

I saw this elegant looking sympathy card on Pinterest using the "Rose Garden" Thinlits and the "Rose Wonder" stamp set. I found the original card here.  I didn't add the ribbon.  For two reasons, one I didn't have that ribbon and two it cost more to mail a card when there is a ribbon knot on it.  I tried to keep this card as clean and simple as possible.  And in doing that it made it super easy to make too.

I use my Xyron machine to put a sticky back on my cut outs. You just out your card stock in the front of the machine, crank the handle and the card stock comes out the back with a layer of double sided sticky attached to it. The back side had a protective layer so you can remove it when you are ready to set your image in place.  Before I bought that machine, I use to spray the pieces with some 3M spray glue.  And before that I used white glue and a toothpick.  I find the Xyron a much easier and quicker way to go.  I don't use it often so I don't complain about how often I run out of the sticky stuff.  I think it goes a long way. I do make sure my paper is as wide as the machine allows. And I keep the scraps because I can always cut more images out when I need them.

The words here are from the "Rose Wonder" set.  I stamped them using black Memento ink. I fussy cut the frame and I set it in place using Dimensionals.

It is very elegant looking.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Botanical Builders Box Pleat Technique Mother's Day Card

Today I am going to share with you one of the cards I received in the latest swap.  This technique is the Box Pleat.  You can see the card I had made using that technique here and there's a link to the easy instructions.  

This card was made by Nancy.  I love how she used the pleats on both sides of the card.

Here's a tip if you are planning on making a number of these cards.  Score your big sheet of decorative paper first and then cut the strips.  It will save you a lot of time.  Oh and if you are thinking of buying something from Stampin' Up!, I highly recommend the "Botanical Builders" framelits.  I have gotten a lot of miles out of those!  I still like them and will be using them for a long time to come.  And here's a tip when cutting out a flower.  Use scrap pieces or cut your card stock to fit the item. Then load up your Sizzix plate with other flowers and parts so you get a bunch of extra pieces to have on hand.  Why not run more than one or two things through at a time.  Now when you need a quick card you will have the pieces or most of them!  It saves a lot of time.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A Rose Wonder and Botanical Blossoms Birthday Card

Hello!  Glad to have you back.  Today I want to share a fun and super easy card with you.  I found a card made by LeAnne Pugliese at Wee Inklings.  I'm sorry but I can't find her exact card.  Mine is very similar to hers.  Where I have the flower, she had a layered stamped bird and I used different words than she did.  But the layout is the same.  It was the layout that really got my attention.  

To make this card I took a half sheet of Whisper White card stock that was cut at 4-1/4" x 11".  I folded it in half.  Then I took a piece of the "Love Blooms" decorative paper from the 2016 Occasions catalog.  I set it across the bottom left corner and taped it in place. I trimmed any excess with a scissors. Then I took a strip of another design in that same pack and I made sure I had a factory cut edge and I kind of cut the rest of the piece at an angle.  I taped it in place and I had to trim up the three edges.  And that was it.  Now it was ready to embellish and stamp.  First I stamped.  I wasn't going to waste my time with the embellishment if I messed up on the words.  One thing I often do in cases like this is, I will use removable tape on the decorative paper, just in case I mess up. Yup, I've been known to really mess up a card!!!  I don't share everything with you on here!!!  Those types you would end up rolling your eyes at me. So I spare you from getting your eyes lodged in the back of your head!  LOL

Once I got the words on I took out the "Botanical Builders" framelits and cut my pieces.  I used Whisper White, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz.  I used a Candy Dot in the center of the flower.  I set the flower in place using a Dimensional.  And that was it.  Easy Peasy and super quick!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A Petite Petals and Teeny Tiny Wishes Birthday Card

I wanted to make a card using a piece of Lost Lagoon. It's such a pretty color.  I have some pieces plus a whole package left and it's going to be retiring in a little over a month.  SO sad, but I knew that going into it!!

For my fun card I took a half sheet of the Lost Lagoon.  I added a layer of Basic Black that measures 3-1/4" x 3-1/4".  I cut a piece of Whisper White to measure 3" x 3".  I punched out 4 leaves from the retiring "Bird Builder" punch.  I am going to miss that punch, mostly for the leaves.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a new leaf punch or die. 

I stamped the "Petite Petals" flowers using Lost Lagoon ink. I punched them out with the little matching flower end. Fortunately this set is not retiring, nor is the punch!!

I set the flowers in place using Dimensionals.  In the center of each flower I added some enamel dots.  Those will be retiring too.  I am actually trying hard to use up some of these fun supplies.  I don't know why I hang onto them until they are close to retiring.  I could be using them all along.  Sometimes I forget about them and sometimes I just don't want to use them because I'm afraid of using them up.  Now that would only result in buying more if I REALLY liked them.  SO what's the issue here Wanda????  LOL  A moment on the analyst's couch might be in order here !!! LOL 

Okay, back to the rest of my card.  The words are from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set (which is not retiring, but the "Word Window Punch" and the "Label Punch" are.  How am I going to make pretty layers without those two punches???).  

This was a fun set to make.  It was super easy and quick to make.  If you need a fun quick card, this is the way to go.  This would be a very pretty Mother's Day, Get Well, or Thinking of You card too.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Monday, April 25, 2016

A Blossom Builder Thinking of You Card

I found a fun card made by Tina at Stampin' Studio.  I did change the colors and the orientation of the flower and words but the concept is the same.

I like the layout of her card, so I put it in one of my many Pinterest folders to save for another day.  Well, today is that day! 

The base of my card is a folded half sheet of Poop Party.  I used a tiny strip of decorative paper from the "Botanical Gardens" paper pack.  I used the 3 Way punch to make a nice ribbon end look.  I used the 2-1/2" circle punch and a 2" circle punch for the circle frame. I punched it out of Crushed Curry.  The flower was cut using Cajun Craze.  And for the flower center I used some scrap Crushed Curry and Daffodil Delight.  A Pool Party Candy Dot was added to the very center.  I set the flower on the ring with the leaf behind it using a Dimensiona.  To make sure the leaf is in the right stop, I set the leaf on the Dimensional and then I decide where I'm going to set the Dimensional on the back of the flower. That way I don't need to use any additional tape for the leaf. It can be difficult to attach something that thin without making a tape mess.  

The words are from the "Sheltering Tree" set.  I an in dire need of some new word sets.  I hope there are some fun ones in the new upcoming 2016-2017 Catalog.

This was a quick and fun card to make.  I love the business of it yet it has a simplistic look to it.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda


Sunday, April 24, 2016

A By the Tide Magic Card Technique Birthday Card

Today I am going to share with you one of the cards I received at Terri's recent Technique Tuesday night.  The technique the prior month was the "Magic Card".  These are very fun to make and when you pull the tab, it's like magic!!!

I made one several months back, you can see that card here.  There is also a link to the instructions.   And there is another sample here you can see.  I used the "Sheltering Tree" stamp set to make that one.  

This technique has been around for quite some time but I had never tried it. I've received several cards using the technique and have liked what I saw but I just never took the time to do it.  And when I did finally do it, I was surprised at how little time it actually took.

The card posted here today was made by Tanya.  I like how she just stamped the sea horses on the window sheet and then stamped the ocean fern and fish using different colors.  There was no other coloring involved.  Just two different color inks. Though on the front she took some extra time to color and cut out the shells and starfish.  This card has lots of dimension to it. Plus, who doesn't love a mechanical card?  Especially when "magic" is involved!!! LOL

These are fun to make. Give it a try.  And thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda



Saturday, April 23, 2016

Blossom Builder and Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Bath Salts Gift Bag Weekend Project

While looking though my notebooks, I ran across a recipe for bath salts.  I have not made any in a long time.  They are super easy to make and the link to my easy recipe can be found below. 

For my bag I used the "Birthday Bouquet" decorative paper. I took a 5/8" x 10-1/2" strip of Mint Macaron card stock to make a band for the bag.  I didn't like the idea of stapling the bag closed.  It's too pretty of a paper to do that plus the paper will probably rip when someone opens it.  I embellished the band with a flower and leaf from the "Blossom Builder" Thinlit set. I also cut the heart out from the "Mini Treat Bag" Thinlits. I cut the Mint Macaron and Whisper White at the same time.  I trimmed the edges of the white so it would have a nice border around the heart.  Next I took the "My Friend" from the "Six Sided Sampler" set and stamped the white heart. I taped the two hearts together and added a flower.

Next I mixed up a batch of bath salts.  You can pour as much 
as you want in the baggie.  I get my baggies at Wal-Mart in their craft section.  My bag was a little large so only one fit in the gift bag.  I usually make smaller ones. That way you can say something like "empty the entire contents of one bag into your bath water, relax and enjoy".  Now I will have to change mine to "add one Tablespoonful to your bath water, relax and enjoy." 

When you make these, it's best to include an ingredients list and directions.  Especially if you make them to sell.  A tip on making the bath salts.  Use a glass bowl to mix it in.  Plastic bowls will hold the smell of the fragrance oils and some of them will start to "melt" the plastic.  They are fine in the plastic bags after they've been thoroughly mixed. I don't know how long they will keep in the plastic bag.  Most people use them soon after they receive them, so I have no feedback on that part.  

You can find my recipe here.  Sometimes you can find a good price on Epsom Salts at Walgreen's, but I usually get mine at Wal-Mart.  

Have fun making these!  They make great gifts for friends, teachers, customer appreciation, hostess appreciation, co-workers, and stocking stuffers.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Botanical Builder & English Garden Lip Balm Holder Weekend Project

Today I wanted to play with something more 3-D than just a card. I had opened up one of the drawers in my workroom and I saw a tube of lip balm.  I had not made a lip balm holder in a long time and there's been so many stamp sets that have come and gone since then that would have been great for this project.  

The pattern is a very simple one and I had found it on Split Coast Stampers.  Here's a little tip for you though.  Not all lip balms are the same height or roundness.  You will need to adjust the top and bottom four cuts so you can add your lip balm.  I would cut and score a piece of copier paper and practice with that before I cut my decorative paper.  

I used the "English Garden" decorative paper here. I embellished it with a flower from the "Botanical Builders" framelit dies.  In the center I added a Daffodil Delight candy dot.  Those are retiring and I have a lot of them to use up! I'm such a hoarder.

Now before I assembled the front, I layered my decorative paper on a piece of Mossy Meadow card stock.  I took some ribbon (mine is retired but I need to start using things up around here) and I taped it to the front center of the holder. Then I glued the layers in place.  You really do need to use glue here because tape just won't hold.  Unless you use some really strong tape.  I prefer the glue because I know that once it dries it's going to hold.  I did set a punch on top of it while the glue was setting up and while I was working on the flower and leaf.  

The reason this lip balm is white is because it is designed for you to add your information on it.  Print it out on a label and wrap it around the lip balm.  Now when you give these to your customers or potential customers they will have your info.  Business cards get lost, misplaces or tossed, but most people hang on to their lip balms!!  LOL

Here is another tip for you if you are planning on making a lot of these.  Print out the pattern from Split Coast Stampers.  Cut it out and use it as a template.  Make sure you mark your top and bottom lines so your holder is custom made for your lip balms.  Those top and bottom lines are what keep the lip balm from falling out of the holder.

These are very fun and really quick to make (and a template would speed up the process!).  Click here to see the Valentine's Day one I made. I made a Halloween one that included a little mirror tile on the inside!  I can't find the link to that, sorry.  I buy my bulk lip balms here.  Have fun making these!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thursday, April 21, 2016

A Happy Birthday Everyone and Blossom Builder Birthday Card

The "Happy Birthday, Everyone" set will be retiring at the end of May.  It was a fun Hostess set to play with. I LOVE the large wording.  It covers a lot of real estate and allows you to use some smaller embellishments.  

Here I used the flowers from the "Blossom Builder" to give the card a splash of color and dimension.  It worked out well!  

The decorative paper is also retiring, as all packets of decorative paper do at the end of the catalog season.  I often wish some would carry over but it's always fun to play with new stuff!

This was a very fun card to make.  I had a stash of cut flowers so it was even super quick as well! And even if I would have had to do the flowers, it still would have been a quick card.   

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda
 

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A Vivid Vases Mother's Day Card

"Vivid Vases" is a set I have not played with much at all and now it is soon to retire.  The 2016 retired list just came out.  You can view it here and you can order from there too.  But you need to do it soon, I was on there today and some things are already gone.  And once they are gone, they are gone!

For my card I used the "It's My Party" decorative paper.  I have a huge stack of that to use up by the end of May!!!   

I opted for the "Z Fold" card.  I saw a card similar to this and liked the fold.  I didn't care much for the words that were under the vases so I just added different words.  The "Happy Mother's Day" was done on the computer and printed out. I set that in place using Dimensionals.  

I stamped the image on Whisper White card stock and colored it in using markers.  I did use the blender pen and Smoky Slate for the vases.  

It was a super easy card to make!  I will be selling this set in my web store.  I need to get a lot of the retired stamp sets out of my workroom (to make room for more!!! Shhhh).  I have not gotten rid of many of my stamp sets and it's now time.  The link to my webstore can be found here and also on the right sidebar of this blog under "Shopping is just a click away."  I don't have any stamp sets listed as of this date.  But in a few days I will be posting some that have already retired.  I can not post the ones that are retiring at the end of May, I actually have to wait until the end of May to do that.  

I did like playing with this set and I may use it again before the end of May.  I do like how this card turned out.  It will be a great card for a wonderful mom!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Botanical Builders and Box Pleats Technique Card

Tonight is Terri's Technique Night and this is the card I made for the swap.  

I used the Botanical Builders for the flower and leaf.  I set it in place with a Dimensional and added a pearl in the middle.

I used the "Love Blossom" 6" x 6" decorative paper stack. There's lots of paper in that pack and I was glad I was able to use some of it for this card.  To make this technique you need an 11" strip so I just scored the 6" decorative papers and taped two together just at the right spot so you can't see it was added!!!  Now I had a long enough pleat for the card.  

I tried out this technique earlier this year.  You can see that card here.  You will find the link to the instructions there as well.  

For this card I used Blushing Bride for the top layer.  The base of the card is Whisper White.  Next I cut a paper doily in half and set it in place.  Then I made the pleats and set them just a hair on top of the doily.  I added a 1/2" strip of Garden Green card stock.  I added the flower using a Dimensional.  It was pretty simple to make and I was surprised at how quick all of these went together. 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Monday, April 18, 2016

A Botanical Builder and Rose Wonder Wedding Card with Corner Fold Technique

I was not cleaning off my worktable, I just moved some stuff and found these pieces cut out in gold just sitting there.  I must have had something in mind for them.  So I thought I would take them and whip up a quick wedding card with them.  

I used the Decorative paper from the Neutrals 12" x 12" pack for the background.  The square piece is a piece of Basic Gray card stock and the base of the card is Basic Black. I added a piece of Whisper White to the inside to so I could stamp some words and write on it.

The words are from the "Rose Wonder" set. I used Basic Gray ink.  I punched it out with the large oval punch.  I then punched out two pieces of Basic Gray and layered them behind the word piece.  It would be nice to have a scalloped oval punch to go with this one!

The Corner Flip technique is very fun and easy to do.  I like it because once you make the flip part you can use smaller images for that space.  Here I added the gold flower and leaf.  I was glad I was able to use them up before they either got ruined or retired!!!  You can find the instructions for the Corner Flip technique here.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sunday, April 17, 2016

A You've Got This Box Pleats Technique Birthday Card

Here is a fun technique card.  I had made one a while back and you can see that card here.  You can also find the instructions for that card there as well. 

This card was made at Terri's Technique Tuesday night.  We used the flower from the "You've Got This" set. I'm not sure what set the words are from, I don't have that set, sorry.

This is a very fun and easy technique to do.  We learn 2 techniques and I think this is the one I am going to pick to do my swap card with.  I have 2 days to workup my card!!! Nothing like waiting until the last minute.  I had a whole month to get them done!!!

Have fun with this cute technique.  Oh, a fun note.  When you see the instructions, you do need to make the strip as wide as they say but you can make it as tall or as narrow as you wish. And I do recommend taping down the pleats!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Elmo Pyramid Pals Gift or Candy Box Party Favor

Today I would like to share with you one of the fun "Playful Pals" Pyramid Pal Thinlit's die box I made.  

As you can see it's Elmo!!!  I thought it would be fun to make him into a party favor.  It can also be used as a gift box (without the window if you want to keep what's inside a secret).  Before I put the box together, I punched a hole and added a piece of window sheet to the inside.  Now I had a cute viewing window.  I added some red mini M&M's in a piece of cling wrap and tied it shut.  Don't make it too big or it won't fit inside and then the back won't close either.  

Here is how it's made:
I made my red pyramid (leaving the back open for candies or gifts) and then I punched out some circled for the eyes, nose and mouth. It was super simple to make.  I did stamp some curly "fur" on the outside using Real Red ink before I put the box together.

Yup, as simple as that.  He was SO quick and easy to make.  And REALLY fun too!!  They don't take much card stock and you can use scraps for the details.  And he would be a great addition to a kids party!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Friday, April 15, 2016

A Guy Greetings and Wetlands Masculine Birthday Card

Sometimes I have to laugh at myself when I'm putting my cards together.  I wanted to use some of the decorative paper from the 12" x 12" "It's My Party" paper stack but I wanted it to be as masculine as possible.  So I found this one.  The beige colored piece is the backside of the balloons.  

I had a car already stamped and thought I would use it.  As I was starting to put the card together, I realized the car was stamped on Very Vanilla.  So I got out a piece of scrap Whisper White and stamped a car in black.  I cut it out and then cut a layer of Mint Macaron.  Next I stamped the words "Happy Father's Day" and layered them.  I added the Dimensionals and was just about to set it in place and realized that balloons and Father's Day don't seem to go together so well.  It's a birthday card with all of those balloons on it.  So I stuck the words to the package of Dimensionals so I can hopefully remove it later and use it on another future card. And after I typed that I checked the packaging and the word layer was kind of stuck so I had to rethink it.  I noticed that my glue dots were sitting there with a strip of the paper hanging on it so I tore off pieces to protect the Dimensionals.  Now I can move on!!!  I stamped the "Birthday Greetings" from the "Wetlands" set and punched out a Mint Macaron scalloped oval. I taped the two together and added Dimensionals to the back.  I set it in place on the card.  It looks a little bare because the Father's Day words were wider and longer and would have looked nicer there.  But it is what it is!  I wish Stampin' Up! would come out with a masculine paper stack every year.  I like having masculine paper to play with.

This was a very quick and easy card to make.  I want to try this layout again and use the Father's Day piece I have ready to go!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A You've Got This and Wetlands Birthday Card

Okay, I hope you noticed that I did not make a card using the March Paper Pumpkin supplies!!!  I actually moved on!!  I thought it would be fun to play with the "You've Got This" set.  I like this flower but I'm not a big fan of fussy cutting. Once in a while I will be in the mood for it but not so much anymore.  Not since most sets come with matching dies or punches.  

I stamped the background here using Mint Macaron.  The background image comes with the stamp set.  Then I used the large dotted embossing folder to give that background a little texture.  

I found some fun decorative paper in the "It's My Party" 12" x 12" paper stack that I thought would go well with this card.

I used Perfect Plum and a blender pen to color in the flower. The center of the flower is Hello Honey.  The stem of the flower is Pear Pizzazz.

I found the words in the "Wetlands" set.  I stamped them using Perfect Plum ink and I used Perfect Plum card stock and the oval scallop for the back layer.  I set that in place with tape and the flower was set in place using Dimensionals.  I am thinking about adding a little bit of the "Wink of Stella" to give it a little sparkle.  I haven't decided yet!!

It was a fun card to make and the fussy cutting really didn't take that long, I just like to whine!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

A Botanical Builder and March 2016 Paper Pumpkin Friendship Card

I had as much fun making this card as I did playing with what came in the March "Paper Pumpkin" kit.  

For this card I added a folded half sheet of Bermuda Bay card stock. A trimmed layer of Soft Sky.  A piece of Soft Sky Designer Series Paper from the Subtles 12" x 12" stack.


I used a scrap of Bermuda Bay for the flower that was cut using the "Botanical Builder" framelits.  The center of the flower was made using a scrap piece of Soft Sky and the leaf was made using a scrap piece of Cucumber Crush card stock.  
I set the flower in place using a Dimensional.  The center of the flower is a coiled piece of the white and green Baker's Twine that came with the Paper Pumpkin kit.  


The Bermuda Bay banner ends on the left side of the focal panel are stickers that came in the kit.  The words are also from the kit.  And the piece they were stamped on was a folded note card that I cut in half and used the "front" part of it.  I layered that with a piece of Bermuda Bay card stock.

I had a lot of fun playing with this card.  Mixing the kits, card stock, and decorative paper is a lot of fun.  I can't wait to see what the April Paper Pumpkin kit brings!!!  I got an email saying it's on it's way!!!  YAY!!  This is the last one I will make using the stuff from the kit, for now. I want to play with it more to use it up but I have other cards I want to make.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

A Botanical Builder March Paper Pumpkin Birthday Card

I found a fun card to make using pieces from the March 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit.  I liked how Beth did this card. I foudn it on Pinterest. I liked it so much that I had to give it a try myself.  I LOVE that background paper.  It's actually an envelope from the kit.

I did have to use some outside stuff.  I had to cut flowers from the "Botanical Builders" framelits.  I also used the oval punch, oval scallop punch and he words from the "Wetlands" set.  

It was fun to do and I LOVE how it turned out.  It's also a color thing for me. I love these colors together.

Thank you for stopping by today,
Wanda

   

Monday, April 11, 2016

A Happy Happy Paper Pumpkin Card

Today I was putting away the cards I created using my latest Paper Pumpkin kit. I had some pieces left because there was a project in the kit I didn't think I would use, so I didn't put it together.  I was looking at those pieces and thought I could do something with them and this is what I came up with.

I did use a piece of Decorative Paper in the Bermuda Bay color.  I punched out a round scallop and added the words to it.

The pieces below the circle are stickers.  I cut the solid one in half the long way and added it to each end of the middle strip.  I took one of the circles and stamped a small flower in the center (or near the center UGH!!!).  I added rhinestones to both circles.  And it's all done on a textured background of Whisper White card stock.

It was fun to play with those pieces.  I think I'm going to look online to see if I can fine what other's have done with their kits besides doing what the kit was set up to make.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Put Your Party Pants On Birthday Card 2016 Occasions Decorative Paper

Today I thought I would play with some pieces sitting around in my workroom.  I had the balloons punched out from some other project.  Or they were punched out because I had a small scrap of card stock and the punch was handy.  I don't remember, all I know is they were sitting on my worktable. 

The words are from a stamp set that I don't know the name of. I tried to look for it but had no luck. It is from a set that we used at Terri's last Stamp-a-Stack.  I used it for some cards I had made there and there was a little piece of card stock left so I stamped a couple of them to take home.   

The paper is a scrap piece from the "It's My Party" 12" x 12" paper stack.  I have barely put a dent in that HUGE stack of decorative paper.  And there's SO many pretty designs in it too.  A super good buy!

I used Mint Macaron for the base of the card and Melon Mambo for the accents.

I was able to put a fun card together and clean up a few things off my worktable at the same time! Yay me!!! LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, April 09, 2016

A Blossom Builder and Petite Pairs Peek-a-Boo Technique Card

This is a very fun technique to do, the "Peek-a-Boo" technique.  I was looking at all of the Designer Series Paper I have and found some sheets I have not touched.  I thought this sheet was too busy but when I saw a card done using this technique, I thought I would give it a try.  The original card was done by Marcy.  I could not locate the card on her site but here is the link to her blog "Stamp With March".

I am also providing a link to the instructions to make this fun card.  Click here for the instructions. Oh and it's SO simple to do.  You can make the left side as wide as you want too.  That would give you more room on the right side for larger wording.

Give this technique a try!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda
 

Friday, April 08, 2016

A Birthday Bouquet Designer Paper Birthday Card

This is one of my most favorite card layouts using Decorative Series Paper (DSP).  I love how you can just take a panel of DSP and add a layer, then just decorate as you wish. 

This card is from Terri's wonderful Stamp a Stack.  We used the "Birthday Bouquet" DSP.  I LOVE these little ice cream cones.  They just scream birthday.  After layering, we tied a ribbon around the panel and set it in place on the card front.  

I don't know what set the words are from. It's obviously a set I don't own.  There were lost of choices to pick from for our wording.  This is what I chose for all three of the cards I made.  I thought it was a fun and festive looking font. The words were stamped and punched out and then set in place on top of a scalloped oval layer.  Dimensionals were added and the words were placed on the card.  It was a very quick and simple design.  This layout is one of those that not only make quick and easy, but it allows you to use up scrap strips of your DSP.  Isn't it a fun card?

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Thursday, April 07, 2016

A You've Got This and Papillon Potpourri Card

I was thinking of making a birthday or a thank you card. This one settled it for me.  I can use it for either!

I used a folded half sheet of Whisper White card stock for the base of the card.  I took a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of card stock and stamped the "Hardwood" image using Soft Smoke ink.

I stamped the flower from the "You've Got This" set using white embossing powder.  I colored it in using So Saffron ink and a blender pen.  I colored the center using Calypso Coral. When you color on something that was embossed, be sure to use a paper towel or tissue to wipe off any excess ink or it could get on the side of your hand then transfer to your paper. So as a rule of thumb, I always have a tissue ready.
For the stem I used the Thinlit circle dies and cut a 2-3/4" circle.  I stamped only the stem of the flower on it using Pear Pizzazz ink.  I colored in the stem using the Pear Pizzazz marker.  

I took a scrap piece of Wisteria Wonder and stamped the butterflies.  I punched them out and set them in place with Dimensionals.  

It was an easy card to make and now I have a fun birthday or thank you card to mail out this weekend.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

A You've Got This and Wetlands Birthday Card

While looking through my stamp sets, the "You've Got This" set caught my eye.  It's been a while since I've played with it. I think that happens every time something new comes out! Even though the 2016 Occasions catalog items are still available, I thought I would set them aside and play with some from the current 2015-2016 regular catalog.  I tend to purchase too many stamp sets and I always feel that I don't get to play with them enough before they retire.  But yet it's fun to have a lot of different sets, so I can totally understand the neglect, if it can be referred to as that.  Anyway, I pulled this set out along with the Pool Party ink and card stock and started to play.  I wanted to keep it simple and clean.  I think I accomplished it.

Stamp the flower image first. Then stamp the background image.  I did stamp off once but I'm thinking stamping off twice would have been better.  Though I do like it like this too.  Then I took my blender pen and colored in the flower.  I used the Daffodil Delight marker for the flower center and Pear Pizzazz for the flower stem.  And that was pretty much it for the coloring.  Easy Peasy!!!

The words are from the "Wetlands" set.  I used the oval scallop punch and the large oval punch.  I didn't really measure the flower.  I just trimmed it after I stamped it, just eyeing the edges.  Then I added the Basic Black layer to it and had a sharp looking edge.  

It was a fun card to make and an easy image to work with.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Tuesday, April 05, 2016

A Birthday Bouquet and Papillon Potpourri Butterfly Vellum View Technique Card

At first glance this card looks out of focus.  Well, that's what I saw when I looked at this photo.  

This is a fun and easy technique.  It's also pretty and unique. You will need the thicker vellum for the base of this card. Cut an 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of vellum and fold it in half. 

Next I took a piece of Blushing Bride card stock cut 4-1/4" x 6".  Fold it in half.  You can use any color you want, you can use Whisper White and stamp images on it.  I opted to add decorative paper to mine.  I used a scrap piece from the "Birthday Bouquet".  I taped that layer on top and then I taped that folded piece to the inside of the vellum card.

And finally, I stamped a butterfly from the "Papillon Potpourri" set.  I used Black Memento ink on the Pool Party piece of card stock.  I added 3 rhinestones to the center of the butterfly and then I set it in place using a Glue Dot.  As simple as all that!!  And it's so pretty too!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Monday, April 04, 2016

A Petite Pairs Botanical Builder 2016 Occasions Catalog Birthday Card

Today I opened up the little container that has a bunch of flowers, leaves and flower pieces in it.  I thought I would whip up a quick card with stuff I had on hand.  I need to start using up this stash of flowers from the "Botanical Builder" because it may retire at the end of May and I'll have all of these pieces I won't want to waste my time on. And if by chance it makes it into the catalog, well I'll just start another stash!  I got this huge stash by cutting out other flower parts while cutting the ones I needed.  I didn't want to waste the pass through the Big Shot and there's always lots of scrap paper to use.  I loaded up the plate before I ran it through the Big Shot.  I'm glad I did because I've got some stuff to use in the event I needed a quick card.

I used Tempting Turquoise and Pool Party for the main colors.  The decorative paper is from the "Botanical Gardens" 12" x 12" paper pack.

The words are from the "Petite Pairs" set.  I like to use those a lot. I'm hoping that set doesn't retire. It's nice to have small wording sometimes.

I set the flowers in place using Dimensionals and a pearl in the centers. That was it.  SO easy and quick!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Sunday, April 03, 2016

A Tag Talk Stamp a Stack Birthday Card

Today I am going to share with you another set of cards I made at Terri's fabulous Stamp a Stack.  These were fun and festive.  I LOVED the colors here and found it difficult to pick which side of the "It's a Party" designer paper to use.  

To make this card we also used the Banner Triple punch, the 2" circle punch and the "Label Bracket" punch.

These are great cards to whip up if you need a card in a flash. 

The colors used here are Watermelon Wonder, Mint Macaron, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, and Whisper White.  And we used Memento Black ink.

I had a great time making these and I do plan to make more in the future.  I bought the HUGE 12" x 12" It's a Party" paper stack.  There 48 fun sheets in that stack, you can't go wrong!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Saturday, April 02, 2016

A Botanical Builder Happy Birthday, Everyone Drapery Fold Technique Card

This Drapery Fold technique is a very fun one to do.  Also quick and easy!!  I have tried this technique one other time. You can see that card here. The instructions for the card are also found there as well. 

Personally, I think ribbon would be prettier where the Mossy Meadow green strip is, but I don't have any coordinating ribbon.  My current colors ribbon is very limited.  I manage with very little and spend my money on stamps and papers.  

I used the Botanical Builder to make the flower and leaf. That is one set I have used the most of all the sets in the 2016 Occasions catalog.  

The card that I made back in 2012 was a Christmas card and it is embellished a little different than the one here. That will give you some idea as to how to decorate your own.  

What is fun about this fold is, you can cut the height of your decorative paper whatever size you want.  Shorter will allow you to have more room at the top for your words or images.  There's lots of possibilities with this technique.

Have fun with it!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda
 

Friday, April 01, 2016

A Petite Pairs Birthday Bouquet Tower Card Technique

Today I want to share with you a fun technique I found at "Stamping with Linda".  She has a video with full instructions to make this fun card.  I pretty much copied hers except for the words.  

This is a super easy card to make.  I like that it folds flat and fits in the A6 envelopes.  

3 of the panels have decorative paper and one is white so you can write your sentiment on it.  You will see that more clearly in the video.  

This is done by scoring at 2,4,6,8" a lot like the 2,4,6,8" box, but this is much quicker.

This is such pretty paper and I like this concept of a stand up card.  If you have time, give this technique a try.  It's so quick and simple, plus unique!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda