Gorgeous Grunge

I found this card on the net.  It was made by Becky at Scrappin' and Stampin' in GJ.  I'm not sure what the GJ means, I didn't find anything on her blog that said what it means but it's where she's stamping!!!  

I did make a little change to it.  I didn't have any real buttons so I used the Sizzlet ones and I'm ok with that.  Now the card can be mailed without any extra postage.  And I used a different texture on the side.  I didn't have the Chevron folder so I just used what I had.  

The words are from the "Express Yourself" hostess set and the set used here is "Gorgeous Grunge".  The more stuff I see made with this set the better I like it.  I wasn't too sure of why I had bought it but now I'm glad I did.  

The colors used here are Island Indigo, Strawberry Slush, Smoky Slate and the buttons were done using Pool Party cardstock.

This was a very simple card to make.  It does have a lot going on in it but it's actually pretty simple to do!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Field Flowers Meets Flower Shop

Here is another card I found at Becky's Stampin and Scrapping blog.  The moment I laid my eyes on this I knew I just HAD to make it.  

The base of the card is Whisper White.  The Pear Pizzazz layer is cut 3-1/4" x 4-1/2".  The dotted layer is cut 1/8" smaller on two edges.  I did stamp the flower stem from the "Field Flowers" set before I ran it through the Dotted embossing folder.  

The flowers are from the "Flower Shop" set and they were stamped with VersaMark and embossed with white embossing powder on vellum paper.  Then they were punched out and set in place on the stems.  A large pearl was set in the centers of both of them.  

A ribbon bow was added to the stem area of the card.  The words were stamped using the Petite Pairs set and punched out with the oval punch.  And to finish that off the oval scallop punch was used for the layer behind the words.  

This was a very simple card to do and I didn't even mind using the embossing powder and heat tool!!!  That is how bad I wanted to make this card!!!  This would also be a very pretty get well card, thank you card, thinking of you card, Mother's Day card, and even a sympathy card.  But I opted for a birthday card.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp

I made this card using the new "Another Thank You" photopolymer stamp set.  I LOVE that set.  It's completely clear.  You can see exactly where you are stamping the image (providing you are using the clear blocks with it).  

This card is very simple to make.  I took a half sheet of Whisper White cardstock and folded it in half.  Then I took a 1/4 sheet of card stock and cut 1/8" off a short side and a long side.  

Next I cut my decorative paper 1-1/4" x 3".  The length can vary depending on how big the bottom image is going to be.  

My colors here are just the Coastal Cabana, ink, decorative paper, and ribbon.  

This is quick, simple and pretty too!

Note added on 8-30-13: The ribbon is the new Stretch Ruffle Trim

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Gorgeous Grunge Thank You Card

Today's card was cased at "Scrappin' and Stampin'.  I have found some fun cards there.  Check out Becky's  blog if you have some time.

I liked this card because it reminded me of those melted crayon pictures I've seen on the net.  I want to make one of them someday too!  I will probably gather the crayons a week or so after school starts.  That's when the stores start clearancing them out.  I buy my craft scissors at that time too.  I go through a lot of them with beading.  The FireLine just wrecks scissors and I avoid using my good scissors on that stuff!  

Ok, onto this fun card.  I started out with the Daffodil Delight in the center.  Then I used Garden Green, Pacific Point and Eggplant Envy.  Then on the other side of the yellow I used Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and then I finished off that end with Eggplant Envy.  After I stamped the lines I cut my cardstock.  And get this, I didn't even use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to do this!!!  It was easy enough to line up the image.  I buy the clear block stamp sets so I can see through the block to know where the image will go.

The words are from the new"Another Thank You" Photopolymer stamp set.  I LOVE them! They are totally clear and you can see EXACTLY where they are going to stamp.  And they stick extremely well to the clear blocks.  You can even scrub hard on your stamp scrubber and they don't come off.  I hope Stampin' Up! comes out with more of these.  And they are a lot cheaper than the other stamp sets!!!  I LOVE that too!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Gorgeous Grunge Birthday

I found this card at "Dawn's Stamping Thoughts" blog. I had been blog surfing and I ran across this card that Dawn had posted and I just LOVED it.  It is really SO much prettier in person.  There is a slight difference in my card.  I used some in color decorative paper.  I didn't have the black paper that she had used.  But it still worked.  Oh and I changed the words and the way they were cut out.  Plus I added some rhinestones to the butterfly.  I just thought this was such a stunning card that I actually obsessed about it until I finished making it!!!  LOL  I have to say, I was very pleased with it when I finished it.  I love the colors and the layout is nice too.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,Wanda  

A Flower Shop Birthday

Today my card is cased (sort of) from Amy at "Amy's Paper Crafts." I say "sort of" because I made a few subtle changes.  I didn't have the same scallop dies or the same wording or the same decorative paper.  But the layout is the same. It looks a lot like Amy's card but in a different color scheme.  I did change the flowers too.  She had made only one flower using this image and the other two were done using two of the other flowers in the set.  It was a fun card to make though!!!

I started out with a half sheet of white folded in half.  Then a piece of the in color decorative paper cut at 4" x 5-1/4".  The white strip is cut at 5-1/4" x 1-7/8".  The black strip was a bit trickier.  I used the Edgelits Adorning Accents die.  I cut one side and then I set the white piece on top and lined up the die to match the already cut side.  I set in place on my cardstock using a couple of sticky notes.  I taped the black piece to the white and then added the ribbon.  I cut my ribbon and taped the ends to the backside.  Then I tied a bow to the front.  I prefer to do that on my cards because it's not only easier but I can always get my bow in the exact spot where I want it!  

I stamped the words on, they are from the "Simply Sketched" set and then I taped the decorative paper to the front of the card.  I did mark the center of the white piece so I knew where to put the yellow flower and then I just eyed it for the other two flowers.  I used the Boho Flower punch to get the pieces for the centers of the flowers and lastly I added a large pearl to the center of each flower.  Oh and the flowers were set in place using Dimensionals.  As simple as that.  It sounds like a lot of stuff but it went together very quickly. Hmm, could that be because the flowers are punched out and not cut by hand???  Ya gotta LOVE that!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Blooming With Kindness

While surfing the net and of course Pinterest I ran across this fun card.  I am so loving the simplicity of it and yet it has an elegant look to it.  I can see doing these as a set of cards for a gift for a friend and using different colors too!  I may give that a try in a few days.  I have a list of things I want to make first.  I'd LOVE for that list to stop growing for a while!!! LOL

Ok, so onto this fun card.  I found it at Scrapin' and Stamping.  

To make this card I used Primrose Petals cardstock and ink pad.  I stamped the large Blooming with Kindness image on the bottom part of the folded cardstock.  I used ink instead of VersaMark.  VersaMark would probably show up a little bit lighter.  I didn't even think about using it because I had the ink there and I didn't want to wash off my rubber stamp to use ink on it later.  Talk about lazy!!! LOL 

My Whisper White focal panel is cut 3" x 4-3/8" and the Basic Black piece behind it is cut 3-1/8" x 4-1/2".  I stamped the flower on the white piece and then I just used the stamp again (without reinking it) on the right side and then I stamped on the cardstock in the bottom center and off to the right a little where there was a white gap that I didn't like seeing.  All that from one inking!

The words are done in black StazOn using the Simply Sketched set.  And that was it.  Talk about quick, simple and elegant all in one card.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Accordion Fold Technique

Last week I participated in a card swap.  I have not been in one of those in a very long time and it was super fun.  I will share my card with you in a few weeks.  Mine had a Christmas theme and personally I think it's a bit too early for Christmas things.  After Labor Day maybe!

The gals usually put their names on their swap cards but this one had no name.  So if you know who made this card please let me know so I can give them credit.

I love the versatility of this card too.  The bottom is open to add wording if you like or just send as is for several occasions.  I am fond of black and white cards too!

To do the accordion fold you just cut your 12" piece of card stock to 3/4" wide, to whatever width you want and score every 1/4".  Then you just fold like an accordion.  I glued my seams together, I didn't think the tape would hold well enough.  Glue dots to hold down the piece is very helpful too.  I set mine on glue dots and then I used hot glue to hold them more permanently.  And on my card I did not use 12" paper, I used the 11" card stock.  It was harder to fold but I got the same results.  I think if I had used decorative paper I would not have needed hot glue, a glue dot would have worked just fine.

The background paper here was done using one of the small "Mixed Bunch" images.  And the decorative paper is from the "Modern Medley" pack. I have the pack but haven't used it yet.  Don't ask what I'm waiting for!!! I'm not hoarding it, I just haven't been that creative to dig it out and play with it!

This is such a pretty card and I think I could see myself making some in the future.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

By the Tide Masculine Card

I was having some fun with my embossing tool.  Sometimes I'm into embossing and other times I try to avoid it. I guess it's a "mood" thing for me!  And today's card shows I was in the mood to emboss!  I embossed the background where I stamped the "Off the Grid" image.  And I also stamped the "gorgeous Grunge" splash and dots.  

The words in the small almost hidden panel are from the "By the Tide" set and they are stamped using Soft Suede.  It almost looks like they are embossed too.  

The front panel is done using the ferny looking embossed thing!  

To get the fun looking background colors I used my sponge and ink pads.  My cardstock is Very Vanilla and I first sponged on Daffodil Delight, then the Pistachio Pudding.  Next I used Coastal Cabana and then I lightly used some Pacific Point.  On the focal piece I used a lot more Pacific Point and I kept the Daffodil Delight and Pistachio Pudding to the middle around the sea fern.  

My splatters in the background were done using Pacific Point ink.  And for the tiny word panel I kept the sponging to the lighter colors.  The focal panel was set in place using Dimensionals and that was it!  Pretty easy, just a little time consuming.

Edited on 8-26-13: The original post title was "By the Sea Masculine Card"  The set is called "By the Tide".  Oops!!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Fitting Occasion Birthday Card

I have not played with the "A Fitting Occasion" set much at all.  I wanted it because it covered a lot of occasions but the pieces in the set are small so you need to find the perfect layout for these small pieces.

This is one of my favorite layouts.  I have played with it for quite a few years now and I make several cards a year using it.  And it happens to be perfect for this set.

And another reason I decided to use this set was that I needed to make a new card using this layout.  Someone had ruined my display card and it was looking pretty shabby sitting on the ledge in my workroom.  

I am not so fond of the colors I picked but I saw some other small images that I will be wanting to use this layout on in the near future so I'm ok with this card (for now)!!! 

I don't remember what post has the measurements so I will just list them again here (though they could be found on the sidebar under "measurements", possibly or probably!!!  But first I must share with you where I had gotten the layout from.  It's from Kwerner Design Blog.  

Now for the measurements.  The base of the card is a half sheet of cardstock cut on the short side at 4-1/4".  Fold it in half.  The white piece is cut at 3-1/2" x 4-5/8".  The next layer is cut 3" x 4-1/8" and the decorative paper layer is cut 2-7/7" x 4".  I lightly tape the decorative paper layer and the next one together where the circle will be cut out.  And here's the trick to cutting the circles out. Once the decorative paper is lined up on the next layer and there is a little bit of tape close to where you are punching out the circle, center the sides of the 1-1/4" circle punch and punch from the end between 1/2" to 3/4".  The tape will more than likely be in the circle that is punched out.  You don't need that piece but you can save it for a future project.  Next take the decorative paper piece and set a piece of scrap copier paper behind it and take the 1-3/8" circle punch and line up the punched circle.  Here you will be punching a thin ring off that punched circle.  When you are done the two layers and two punched circles will line up perfectly.  I hope I explained that clearly.  

The stamped piece was done on a scrap piece of Whisper White and set in place with Dimensionals on the back of the two top layers.  Before that top layer is set in place you will need to add the ribbon.  Then set that piece on top of the Whisper White piece, which should be set on the card base before you add the top layers.  And that's it!!! It's not that difficult to make at all!  Give it a try and let me know how you do!

Thank you ever so much for visiting today,
Wanda

Label Love & Chalk Talk Famelits

Framelits happen to be one of my favorite cutting tools to use.  Though a punch is quicker and just as fun but not if you have to do a LOT of them.  With Framelits I can cut at least two pieces of cardstock at a time.  I have not tried three, I didn't want to push my luck. It's extremely difficult to punch 2 pieces of cardstock at a time.  It's not impossible but it takes a lot more effort and your hands will get tired before you complete a big project!!  Trust me on that one.  And another great plus to Framelits, I have yet to have one go dull on me.  

This was a quick and fun card to make.  And as I am looking at it while I type up this post I can see that I got the "Label Love" Happy Birthday image crooked.  I thought it looked straight when I stuck it on there.  UGH!! I think an appointment to the eye doctor may be in order!!! LOL

The decorative paper is from the "Gingham Garden" pack.  This pack has SO many fun images!  

The color used here are: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White and Pacific Point.  The ink is Old Olive and I added a piece of Daffodil Ribbon.  It's a quick card to put together.  I just wanted to play with the "Chalk Talk" Framelit.  I have lots of plans for that Framelit!!!  

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Rev up the Fun! Masculine Card

This is one of the cards I did at Terri's Stamp a Stack last week.  Now this Chevron border punch was not on my wish list at all.  I saw it in the catalog and it did not interest me in the least.  Well, now it does!!! LOL  I guess I had to see it in person to know how fun it can be!   I can now see many things that I can do with it.  UGH, another thing to add to the ever growing list of stuff I want!  

The cardstock used here is Island Indigo.  It's such a pretty color of blue, isn't it?  

The Very Vanilla piece was cut at 4" x 10-1/2" and then folded in half.  Then the Chevron punch was used through two thicknesses of the Very Vanilla.  In doing that you can now see the blue from the base piece (which was cut 4-1/4" x 5-1/2").  

The set used here is the "Rev up the Fun!" set.  Another item that I will be adding to my wishlist.  I don't have enough masculine sets.  Though I did save the really nice detailed motorcycle stamp from a couple of catalogs ago and I think it would fit in the 2-1/2" circle.  The larger 3" circle was done on the Big Shot with the "3" Circle Original Die".  And last but not least, the decorative paper is from the "Soho Subway" pack.  When you see it all put together here it's so pleasing to the eye.  Terri has a great eye for this stuff!  I think I need her to come over and give me some decorating tips.  I'm one that just hangs up what I like regardless if it goes with the other stuff in the room!  

This was such a fun card to make and I LOVE the layout!  I will be making more like this in the future using what "stuff" I have (after I get my hands on that Chevron punch!).  I do know the ship from "The Open Sea" set works in that 2-1/2" circle too!  I will show you that one tomorrow!

Thank you SO much for stopping by today,
Wanda

Label Love and Gingham Garden Washi Tape

Today's card is from Terri's Stamp A Stack last Thursday.  There were 5 cards to make and I thought this was my favorite.  All of them are so wonderful and I know the next card I post from that night I will tell you it was my favorite!!!  It's hard to pick.  I guess it depends on what day of the week it is or what mood I'm in.  Today I must be in a bright and cheery mood!!!  LOL

This card was fun to make. I am SO loving Washi tape.  We just took the tape and ran some of it across the bottom of the card and wrapped it around the back about 1/4" and that's it. Because it's tape, it sticks (hence the word tape in the name of it!!), there's no gluing or cutting of anything.  I LOVE that.  On one of my previous posts I put some tape down on cardstock and punched it out.  LOTS of things you can do with Washi tape!

The words are from the "Label Love" set.  We stamped the words and then punched them out.  Then we punched out a Melon Mambo piece and a Daffodil Delight piece and cut them in half.  Then we layered them behind the stamped piece to give the illusion of a larger label punch!!  Fun and fabulous idea.

This card went together so quickly.  That is another reason why I am SO loving the Washi tape!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,

Wanda

Flower Shop Birthday Card

I found this card by Julia at Paper into Love while surfing over a week ago.  I became obsessed by it.  I couldn't wait to find time to recreate it.  I just loved the colors and of course this fun image from the set of 6 flowers.  This card is such a bright and cheery one too!  It just makes me feel happy when I look at it.

It was super easy to make too.  The ink colors used here are Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding, Daffodil Delight, Crisp Cantaloupe and Strawberry Slush.  The words were done using black StazOn.  And those words are from the "Perfect Pairs" set.  

The base of the card is Pistachio Pudding and the centers have the new Dazzling Diamonds replacement.  I'm not sure of what the name of that product is right now.  I don't have my catalog with me right now and my memory fails me. 

This was a very fun card to make and I would love to make more.  This is the kind of card you would want to do on an assembly line type setup.  Just lay out the cardstock and stamp all of one color first and them move on to the next and so on.  I didn't like making just one card only because I had to wash off the ink from the first color and move to the next and make sure the stamp was dry.  It would have been SO much easier making 4 cards at one time.  But much to my regret I didn't.  This would make such a pretty get well card too!  And a thinking of you card as well!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda