Just Believe Mini Notebooks

Still playing off Terri's Fabulous card and technique page I ran with the image.

I liked how she had made this flower circle on her technique page so I thought it would look great on mini notebooks.

I stamped the flowers, punched them out and sponged the edges.  That all went well, sort of.  As I was punching them I began to question how Terri got more of the flower image in the circle.   Of course it was a bigger punch.  SO I began punching the Early Espresso scallops and realized they wouldn't fit on the front of the notebook.  End result was I had to go with the size I originally punched.  And that was ok, because they do look nice on the front of these notebooks.

These notebooks measure 2.5" x 2.5" and I made them using "recycled" paper.  I print a lot of stuff and when I need to cut the paper down I save the scraps if they are big enough and I cut them into 2.5" x 2.5" pieces and set them aside for punching another day.  Well, that day came!!  I had a stack of paper and I punched them.  And while punching them I set them next to Terri's technique page and I thought her design would look great on the cover.  

The punch machine I use is called "RubiCoil."  There are several places that carry them.  You can Google it for the best price.  I had gotten mine at My Binding.  My machine is very old now.  I've had it for over 10 years and I have used it a lot.  One of the springs did break on it and I was able to order more.  I think the shipping cost more than the springs did.  They were easy to replace (replace both when one breaks) and I was back in business!  I do coil the notebooks by hand.  The machine that does that is very expensive and it really doesn't take all that long to do it.  I usually have things set up so I can work things like that during commercials when I'm watching tv.  The difficult part of that for me is that I usually watch cable and the channels I watch don't have commercials.  But there are a few shows that I have to watch (like The Walking Dead) and they do play commercials.  Like I said, it is very easy to do and I make LOTS of these little notebooks.  They sell well at craft fairs for me.  I don't charge much, I want to sell them and I usually sell out of them.  I try to have several hundred of them ready by fall. Some have Stampin' Up images on them but most of them have some winter images, stickers, etc.  They make great stocking and purse stuffers.

I am off to finish up the notebook I told you I wanted to make using the same image from Terri's card I posted yesterday. I'm excited to get it done because I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Just Believe Easel Card

So, yesterday I showed you how to make an Easel Card.  Today I am showing you an example of a full size Easel Card.

This card was made by my dear friend Terri.  This is one of the cards she used in her class.  I SO love this set and this card is just stunning.

I LOVE the textured background that is done using an embossing folder.  The Dotted Swiss scalloped circle behind the focal panel is a wonderful touch.

My favorite part of this card is the decorative paper the bow is wrapped around.  The top part of it is curled down a bit to give it that distressed look. 

Terri pays a lot of attention to detail.  That is something I lack.  I do love detail but I don't always add a lot on my cards.  I guess I figure if I added one texture or one layer with sponging it's good. This card has lots of layers, sponging, texture, dimension plus it's an Easel Card!  Terri never ceases to amaze me with her card creations.  

This card can be used for so many occasions too, like birthday, get well, thinking of you, friendship, thank you, sympathy and even an anniversary card. I love cards that are versatile!

I just love how this card looks and I am thinking of remaking the front of this card and adding it to a notebook!  I'll share it with you if I get it done!

I hope you're having a creative day!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by,
Wanda

Easel Card Technique Page

I know, it's about time for a technique page.  I've gotten so far behind them and on everything else in my life!  Do we ever catch up on things???  

This is a very fun Technique and I copied how Terri had done her file card for the gals at the Technique Class.  This was one of those techniques that is fun but I wasn't sure how to get the idea across but after Terri had made her file card I just did mine on a smaller scale.  I need to keep mine in a 2" x 2" space.  It worked out and that is the main thing.

To make an easel card you need to cut your card stock to measure 11" x 4-1/4".  Score and fold in the center on the long side.  Decide which will be your front and fold that piece in half taking the edge of the front and folding it towards the center fold, creating a "mountain fold."  

To decorate the card, take a piece of card stock and decorate it. You can layer it to add more beauty and depth to your card.  It's the same as making a card front.  Just keep the finished size 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".  Tape the bottom front fold.  Line the card front to that taped area and set in place.  

To help the card stay open (or leaning) you will need to add something to the inside.  An embellishment or paper layers will work.  I like to add a Dimensional under mine to get it some extra height and then I know the front flap is going to lean against it nicely.  Now, where to put that layer or embellishment.  I just find the center or close to the center and that is where I line up the top edge of my piece I'm using to hold the card open.

And that is it!  These are a very fun card to make and SO pretty and easy to display!!  

This technique goes into set #5.  I still have a few of some of the other sets still available or you can get the 4 sets on CD.  You can print the instructions out for your class, decorate them in class and even make a card sample in class.  It's your class you can run it as you please!  There is no limit to how many of these you can print out.  The CD also comes with photos of a finished technique page for reference.  You can get these in my webstore. 

Click here to see the 87 other technique pages. 

Thanks SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Wednesday Sketch Challenge

 WOW, I actually had time to play with the Sketch Challenge.  And what is most amazing was that I remembered it was the Sketch Challenge time.  I missed it last week because I totally forgot what day it was!  Having hubby home for a few days always messes me up!

This sketch was fun and challenging at the same time.  I didn't have all the same size circle punches that were used in the pattern/sketch.  A couple of mine are a little different in size and it just had to do.  I used the pretty Spice Cake decorative paper and Early Espresso for the base of the card.  I normally layer everything in my cards but since I didn't have all the circle punches I wasn't able to layer them. I suppose I could have gotten out the circle cutter and glass surface thing but it's a lot of work for a few circles.  I don't use it much because I find it such a chore to get it set up, cut a circle and put it back. Though for this it would have been a few more circles but it didn't matter it was still too much effort to get it out, set it up and cut the circles.  I much prefer punches!! They are quick and easy and there is less of a chance of ruining one than with the cutter.

My image came from the Best of Everything set.  I had seen a lot of samples using that set and wished that I had bought it.  I was looking through my stamps the other day and there it was.  So, do you think that if you wish for something hard enough you get it or do you think I bought it and forgot I had it?  LOL  I like the wishing part.  Too bad it really doesn't happen like that!

I did have fun with this sketch but doubt I would use it again anytime soon.  Well, unless I see one of the new posts using this sketch on Split Coast Stampers that is a MUST copy!!!  

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda 

It Has No Name

Here is one of my newest bracelets I designed.  The idea came to me when we were up in Duluth this past February.  

It was a lot of fun making it.  I loved how it started out and as I was working on it and trying to figure out where I was going it had some pretty interesting shapes and stitches to the end of it.  And as I worked on it, it began to take shape and this is what the final outcome is.  I wish I wouldn't have taken apart the original test piece one!  It was a mess but yet fun to see how it evolved into this!  I would try something and sort of like it so I'd leave it.  As I looked at it I would change it a little and sometimes add something more and sort of liked what I saw and continue on until I REALLY liked what I saw and then I stitched the same pattern for an inch or so and knew it was what I wanted.  I then started this bracelet and took the other one apart.  Like I said, I wished I would have kept it or at least have taken a photo of the mess!! LOL  It would have been fun for you to see how it evolved into what you see here. 

I will be writing up a pattern for this to put in my webstore soon and for me to teach class with as well.  I am looking forward to teaching this one.  It's easy enough because it's so repetitive.  I think my students will like making it and I feel that they will catch onto the pattern quickly and be happy with it too.  I LOVE watching the students make bracelets with my patterns.  Mostly because I am in awe of the colors they pick.  It's fun to see your creation in so many different colors.  At times I have to take a photo of their bracelets because I want to make one out of the colors they chose.  I have the photos but have yet to make the bracelets in those colors!!  I need a year with nothing else to do but bead!!! LOL

I will post to here when I put this in the webstore.  The sales from my bracelets are going towards the purchasing of Christmas gifts this year for a family of 5 children.  We want them to have a very Merry Christmas.  They come from a struggling family.  The dad works but his job doesn't pay well and they make enough to barely get by.  It's sad but we know we can brighten their holiday!  Anyway, I'll let you know when it's available!

And as the title of this post states, "It has no name."  I have not given the bracelet a name yet.  I'm drawing a blank but I'm sure I will come up with one before I finish making the pattern!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Apothecary Art

This is such a beautiful card.  I had received it from my dear friend Terri.  This is still available in the Occasions mini catalog.  You can order yours here. 

I have had this card sitting out in my workroom because I find it absolutely stunning.  It's simple yet elegant.  I LOVE cards like that.  This one looks very simple to do too.  One stamp and no coloring.  The image was cut out using the Framelets Labels Collection die.  And the top flap part was made using the Edgelets die.

I did get the Edgelets die and the Framelets dies but I did not order this stamp set.  I wasn't sure if I would get a lot of use out of it.  I still have plenty of other sets I have not used or have hardly used and I need to play with them before they retire!   I don't mind sets retiring as much as I mind them retiring and I haven't used them much or at all.  So this one I am going to pass on and will probably regret it but I just can't justify buying it!

So if you are in need of a quick, elegant and yet simple card, this is the one to make.  And the variety of occasions you can use this image for is a GREAT plus!  It would work perfectly as a wedding card, birthday card, get well card, thinking of you card, thank you card and even a sympathy card. talk about versatility!

Thank you Terri for the beautiful card (she's SO good to me!).

And I thank you every SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easter Treat Box

WOW, did I ever struggle to get a photo on here today.  Every time I downloaded the photo it was sideways though it was the correct orientation in the folder I was taking it from.  That was so weird.  After the 4th time I finally got it right.  Or I should say it finally got downloaded the way I had it set.  It wasn't me!!  Believe it or not!!! LOL

This was my last little Easter project.  I ran across a clear pillow box and I filled it with 10 Butterfinger eggs.  They fit in it perfectly.   It was as though the box was made especially for them and I mean custom made.  The eggs don't wiggle in there at all.

I stamped and cut out the bunny from the Everybunny set.  I colored him and then glued him in place on the box.  I didn't think the tape would hold as well.  The words were also from the set and I glued them in place too.  I tied a ribbon around the box and it was done!  

This was a very easy project to do.  I wish I would have found these pillow boxes sooner, I think I would have made a lot more of these for little gifts for the Easter dinner guests. 

Happy Easter and thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Easy Events Birthday Card

WOW, in getting things ready for Easter Sunday I nearly forgot to do my daily post!!!  

Today I chose to work with the Easy Events set.  It's a fun set to have because it seems to cover a lot of holidays and events.  The images are simple and easy to color.

I stamped the flower image and I punched it out with the 1-14" square punch.  Then I punched out 3 1-3/8" squares in Certainly Celery.  I colored the flowers in with the Real Red marker and the leaves in Certainly Celery.

I added a strip of Real Red decorative paper and behind that is a piece of Certainly Celery card stock that was punched on the edge.  

The words came from the Petite Pairs set.  I punched them out with the 1-1/4" circle punch and behind that is the Certainly Celery circle cut out in 1-3/8" circle.  Then that was set on top of the Real Red scalloped circle punch.

The white background was done by using the Lattice texture folder.  I think that is the name of it.  It's a fun texture to play with!  And the base of the card is done in Real Red.

This was a very quick and simple card to make, in spite of all the layers!!!  Punching the squares and circles makes using lots of layers quick, easy and fun!!

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

A Paisley Petals Birthday

Personally I think I like copying other people's cards than coming up with my own idea!!!

This is what happens when I am left with no inspiration.  I had some decorative paper from the Paisley Petals pack sitting out so I thought I would play with it.  I want to try to use up as much of my decorative papers as I can since most of them will retire when the new catalog comes out.  And note to self here....  don't buy so many decorative papers next time!  

I used Always Artichoke for the base of my card and for the "flap" part on the front of the card.  Both pieces of the decorative paper are from the same Paisley Petals pack.  

On the flap I used one of the new Edgelets.  You really don't have a lot of control when putting that little strip of metal on the machine to cut it.  It slips and slides.  It's just best to tape it down exactly where you want it and that is what I did.  It didn't move an inch and it cut  the piece out exactly where I wanted it to be.  I did the same with a piece of Always Artichoke to slide under the decorative paper.

Once I taped all of the pieces together I took the piercing tool and poked holes along the edge. Then I took my white gel pen and drew in some stitching lines.  Next I added the ribbon and the words were assembled and set in place using Dimensionals.

WOW, was that ever a quick and easy card to make!!!  It would be a great card to use for your Make n Take or even a Stamp a Stack card!

Thank you SO much for visiting,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

This is sort of a CASE card!  I mean sort of because I didn't copy it exactly.  All I really changed was the color and papers.  I used the same layout and stamp stamp with the flower punch.  To set them side by side they are not a total copy but to look at the layout it is the same! It's hard to explain what I mean!!! I'm usually not at a loss for words!!! LOL

I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set and punch. I stamped the flower image using Pear Pizazz ink and for the center of the flower I used More Mustard.  I wanted the colors to match the colors in the decorative paper.  The flowers in the paper don't really match the punched flower but I like the colors here.  The decorative paper is from the Spice Cake pack.  

For the words I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes set and punched them out with the word window punch.  I layered it on top of a piece of Early Espresso card stock that was punched out using the label punch.  

It really was a fun card to make.   And it didn't take all that long either.  This would be a fun card for a Stamp a Stack.  Though I think I would find some decorative paper to better match the punched flower!!!  LOL

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

I honestly don't know the name of this decorative paper.  Perhaps it's because I don't own it!! It is very pretty though.  I am SO loving this Pool Party color and the decorative paper is so pretty with this card.

This card is a bit deceiving too.  The Birthday wishes, from the Sincere Salutations set is stamped and then punched out and taped to the inside of the card.  The oval on the outside is punched out to match the word oval. I was told by one of the gals at the Stamp A Stack (SAS) to put both pieces of card stock together, line up the words and punch them both.  Then the words are suppose to fit in the oval better.  Well, needless to say I didn't follow her directions when I got to that part of the card and it's obvious that my words didn't fit well in the oval.  I wasn't sure I wanted to try to punch two layers of card stock at the SAS on a punch that wasn't mine.  I think it turned out just fine and no one will really notice it's a hair off!

The flower was stamped (from the Mixed Bunch set) and punched out.  The layers were taped together and the ribbon tied on.  The flower was set in place using a Dimensional.  And a pearl was placed in the middle and the card was done!!!  It was a quick and simple card with a perfect touch of cuteness.  Terri is SO good at designing her cards for the SAS and my sister and I look forward to going to it in May!!  I'm sure my sister will insist we place yet another order too!!!  She's breaking my wallet!!! LOL

I thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Pocket Silhouette Quick Card

WOW, talk about a quick card.  I think it took me longer to gather the "stuff" to make this card than it did to stamp it and put it together!

I was in need of a quick card but yet I wanted it to have some texture.  I used the new small oval die here.  First I cut my Very Vanilla card stock 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  I needed it cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" but I needed to give myself some wiggle room in case I didn't get the stamped image exactly in the center.

I stamped the image and then lined up the embossing folder around it.  I ran it through the Big Shot and then cut it to fit my background paper.  My background paper and ink is Soft Suede.  A color I don't use very often but do like.

The words are from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  It is a quick and simple masculine card!  Making cards this quick leaves me wanting to make another card.  I just don't feel like I really got to stamp!!! LOL 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Masculine Card

Today I am going to share with you a masculine card!  We just never seem to have enough samples of those, do we?  This was one of the fun cards from last weeks Stamp-a-Stack (SAS) I attended.  I used the tree image from the Lovely as a Tree set.  The decorative paper is from the Well Worn pack.  It's perfect for this image and for a masculine card.

This card could also be used for a thinking of you card and even a sympathy card. 

My sister and I had a great time at the SAS and on this card I didn't even have to help her with the bow!!!  Shocking, I know!!! LOL  I can say this stuff because I know she doesn't read my blog!  I'll tell you more stuff about her some day too, she'll never know!!! LOL  And yes, she is the one who is weird about birthday milestones.  Or I should say was.  No, wait.  She is still weird about it because this birthday she was happy because now she was just old enough to get the senior discount at Perkins.  She's so funny!!! Ya gotta love her!

Anyway, back to this fun card.  The tree was stamped on the oval and then the edges were sponged.  Then it was set in place on top of the layers using Dimensionals.  As simple as that!  It was a quick card to make and I went home with two straight trees and one crooked one! Two out of three isn't so bad!!! LOL  My nephew is having his birthday on the 8th (same as our wedding anniversary) and I'll just give it to him.  He won't keep the card anyway!!!  So there! 

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda

Card Holder

Here is the little project I was working on.  I saw this beautiful card on the net somewhere. Once again I forgot where I found it and who was the original designer of it. If you know, please leave the info in a comment and I will get it posted.  Most of the time I get the credits on the post but this time I totally forgot where it came from.

It was a fun card to make.  SO fun that I thought I would do 4 of them for a set of cards to fit in my card holder.  You can purchase the card holder here, it’s still on sale!   And you can see more of these card holders here.  Just scroll down a couple of posts after you click on the link.

I used the Mixed Bunch set for the flowers and the words came from my favorite “Sincere Salutations” set.  I have this feeling that it will be retiring this year.  Doesn’t matter, I’ll still use it.  If I see a card made and I don’t have the word set I just substitute it with one I have so I’m sure that is what others will do when they see this set used on my cards.  I find one that fits in the space provided and says what I want it to say and it’s good to go!!  Simple as that.

The flower here was punched out with the fun punch that was made for these flowers!!  The leaves were stamped in Old Olive, punched out and cut into pieces.  Lots of punching on this card.

The flowers were stamped in Daffodil Delight.  The raised flower was stamped using Cherry Cobbler.  I did huff on the rubber before I stamped it on the card.  I wanted a nice solid image and it worked each time!! Ya gotta LOVE that!  LOL

This was a fun project to make and I’ll be wrapping this one up to sell at the fall craft fair.  I want to have a dozen or so for the fair.  I’ve made a few of them but have already sol some of them too.

I'm off to create something else to share with you tomorrow!

Thank you for visiting today,
Wanda