More Punch Art

It's Friday!!!!  I cannot believe this week has just flown by so fast.  Maybe it is just that I have been busy.  Tomorrow is another crop party here at my home.  It is a time when friends and family get together and scrapbook and make cards.  We all pretty much work on our own projects but there is much fun and laughter going on the entire time and we even learn from each other.  I can hardly wait.

As I said earlier this week, I have been working on samples of my punch art.  I shared a few items with you on Monday and thought I would share a few more today.

 

Now I love bears so this guy was a lot of fun to make.  He is very simple and very versatile as his scarf can be any color you wish and can be done with designer paper.  

 

This happy trio show 3 different creations that come from one punch:  the 2 step owl punch.  The lamb's face is the owl body minus the feet.  He is perfect for a new baby card.  The penguin is of course the owl body minus the ears.  You saw this little guy a few days ago on my Santa penguin card.  The chef uses the "vest" of the owl punch.  It is used to make his hat, face, chef coat and pants.  I learned him from the punch queen, Ellen Kemper.  He is the most adorable little chef I have ever seen.  

 

These are too cute for words.  When I was younger, I took dance lessons from our next door neighbor.  She had a poodle named Chop Chop.  While he was black and mine here is white, I couldn't help but think of him as I made this one.  The peacock is one of the funniest birds I have made.  My daughter burst out laughing as soon as she saw him.  She loved the expression on his face and the color scheme I used for him.   By now, I hope you are seeing how much fun punch art can be.  

 

Last but not least, here is a little girl I use for my bridal shower cards and one who is a shopaholic.  Since making these, I have made another one who is a dancer with long hair.  This is my favorite bridal shower card to make.  The accent color of the ribbon and bouquet can be adapted to match the colors a bride has chosen for the wedding.  The brides hair can also be made to match the bride.  These girls are fun to make.

Well I am sure by now you can tell I love punch art.  I have made other items since photographing these.  Perhaps one day I will share those too.  For now, I best finish all my preparations for tomorrow.  Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you Monday.  Thanks for stopping by today. 

 

Trick or Treat

I cannot believe that today is my 100th blog.  It does not seem like I have done that many but I guess I have.  Thanks for all of you who stop by to read it every day.  You are truly appreciated.

Now it is time for another Halloween card.  If you remember, I shared with you a Halloween wreath I made using a punch earlier this week as part of my punch art samples.  Today I want to share the card I used it on with you.  Halloween is my husband's favorite holiday so you can be sure we do not skip any part of the festivities.

 

My base card is a 4 1/4" x 10" basic black, scored at 5 1/2".  I used a layer of basic gray cut at 4" x 5 1/4".  I ran this through my Big Shot using the Spider Web impression folder.  I then took my basic gray ink pad and rubbed it over the top of the web to highlight it.  As you can see, it does streak the paper a little too but no worries.  I think it adds to the spookiness of it.  I have a small 3" x 3" square of basic black that I ran through the big shot using the Vintage Wallpaper impression folder.  Now let's take a look at that wreath a little closer.  

 

The punch I used to make the wreath is the BoHo Blossom punch.  I used only the large flower from it.  I punch out about 8 in Pumpkin Pie and 8 in Elegant Eggplant.  Cut the flowers in half.  Punch out of a scrap piece of paper a 1 1/4" circle.  Punch out a 1 3/8" circle around the hole of the circle.  You will use this ring to adhere the flowers to it.  Alternating colors, adhere the flowers to the ring.  Once you complete the ring, You can decorate it any way you want.  I chose to add black glitter and a black ribbon.  Now onto the greeting.

 

I took my photo from the side view hoping you could see the flecks of orange glitter in the lettering.  I used a Halloween embossing powder made of black powder with orange glitter in it.  I heat embossed it.  It gives it that shiny look.  I love the overall effect.

Well that's all for today.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  See you tomorrow.

Christmas in July

I have to share with you a card I made this past weekend.  This is one of my all time favorites and some of you may receive one this Christmas.  Let me first show you the little guy who is the star of the card.

 

Ta Da!!  Here he is, one of Santa's many helper penguins.  Isn't he adorable?  These little penguins are the easiest little guys to make.  All you need is the 2-step owl punch and a scrap of tangerine tango for his beak.  The santa hat he is wearing is a stamp that I happen to have on hand.  Sadly, it is not from Stampin' Up!.  If you were one of the people who ordered the Sock Monkey stamp set and the accessory set for it, you will have a santa hat in that.  However, this set is now retired.  I would recommend looking at local craft stores for a hat stamp if you really want one or you can do what I do----make one using punches.  I start by punching out a 1 1/4" circle.  I then take my 3/4" circle punch and punch out a small piece from the 1 1/4" circle.  Then I trim it into the hat shape I want,  I punch a word window out of white, reinsert it and punch again to trim it to a smaller size.  The circle punch from the itty bitty punch pack makes the perfect pom pom ball.  I will try to show a card soon using my punch hat so you can actually see it.  

Now for the unveiling of the card.  Drum roll please..........

 

The base card is a 4 1/4" x 11" whisper white, scored at 5 1/2".  The first layer is a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of marina mist.  I ran it through the big shot using the Northern Flurry impression folder.  I then took a piece of whisper white and tore 2 strips that were 4" wide.  I adhered them in layers, one higher than the other.  I used my two way glue pen to add glue to the top of each layer and sprinkled on Dazzling Diamond glitter.  If you look at the close up of the penguin, you can see these layer.  I then used the same glue pen and ran it over the snowflakes that had been impressed and added Dazzling Diamond glitter.  The snow that is "falling" from the sky were added by applying dots of Tombo liquid glue and sprinkling glitter on them.  Finally, I took my little penguins with their santa hats, which were glittered, and added them onto the card using dimensionals. 

Stampin' Up! has a site for demonstrators only that is much like Facebook.  We can add pictures of our projects we make to share with other demonstrators.  I added this card onto it yesterday and have had oodles and oodles of responses to it.  Therefore, I declare it is a hit!!!  I hope you enjoyed seeing it.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  Please come back tomorrow and visit again.  Thanks for dropping by today.

Paper Folding

A few years ago, my mother in law showed me a technique she had learned to do when making cards.  It is a paper folding technique called Iris Folding.  It sounded difficult but once I did it, I found out how easy it was to do.  I wanted to share a card I made recently using Iris Folding.

 

You begin by tracing a pattern onto a piece of card stock.  In this case, I used a teddy bear.  I used my light box to trace it.  Once finished, I carefully cut it out using a craft knife.  That left the shape of the bear as an outline.  Some patterns you use for this are available online.  They have the shape and the recipe for the paper to use.  It will tell you if you need 2 ,3, 4 or more different designs of paper as well as have a numbering system to guide you in your placement of these sheets.  Basically, it is simply cutting or tearing strips of paper to fit the space and folding it to give the nice edges.  

 

In this close up you can see I used 4 designs of paper that coordinated.  You will follow the number pattern (1, 2, 3, and so on) to lay the folded strips down.  Although you might be tempted to do all on one design of paper at a time, you will not achieve the spiral effect you should.  You must go in numerical order to have it turn out right.  You can also see the folds.  The strips are adhered to the back of the design as you lay them down using ordinary every day scotch tape.  I added a few gems to my teddy to give him eyes.  In the center, it is your choice to either leave it open allowing the card stock you attach this to to show through or you may do what I did which was put a piece of paper over the hole to close it.  The gem is just for added decoration.   Since the bear is a little bulky when finished due to the layers of paper and tape, I like to attach it to another piece of card stock using either eyelets or brads.  This piece you attach it to could be the front of your card or another piece of card stock you will be attaching to your card.  

Many of the designs need a piece of card stock that measures 4 1/4" x 5".  This is the size of my normal cards so it basically will become the front.  I added glitter glue dots to spruce it up a bit.  I promise that even though I have probably confused you, it really is a simple technique and easy to learn.  You can always Google "Iris Folding".  There are sites with free patterns available as well as instruction.  I bet you could even find a video on YouTube if you look.

Thanks for stopping by today.  See you tomorrow.

My Weekend Project

A couple of weeks ago, I had a wonderful lunch with my 2nd mom, Linda, and my adorable husband, Dave.  While on our way home, Dave an his mom began discussing other ways I could expand my business.  As you know, I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, but I also have my own small business called Sharyn's Stamp Biz that I run where I make handmade cards and custom invitations to sell.   Now I am just beginning this business so I am always looking for ways to expand.  They came up with a great idea.  They suggested that I sell components to make cards such as punch art creations that people could purchase and build their own cards around it.  So I got a slow start on it this weekend.  I thought I would share some of what I did.

 

These are a few of the punch art creations I wanted to start with.  I can tell you that little cat in the picture is a big hit with a lot of my customers.  I will go through these a couple at a time. 

 

I made a bunny similar to the girl in this picture for an Easter card.  She is just too cute and I think she would be great even on a birthday card.  I wanted to be fair and make a few boys too.  These are pre-glitter (you didn't really think I would go without glitter did you?).  The girls get little bows in their ears while the boys have bow ties.  Too cute!!

 

I have to be honest, the wreath is upside down in this shot.  The bow goes on the bottom.  I will be posting a card later this week that uses this wreath.  I learned to make it last year from Dawn Griffith.  I made Christmas Cards using it.  The other day I happen to see one of the cards that was left over and thought I could use the design for other occasions.  So this one is for Halloween.  The dress is something new for me.  I happened upon a video by Bonnie Mountford.  I thought these were so cute and wanted to make one right away.  I took dance when I was young and this actually reminds me of a costume I wore for a performance.  I could see using this on a scrapbook page or on a card for a little girl or even a big one.  I plan on making more in other colors.

 

Last but not least, here are my final critters I worked on.  The cat you have seen before since I have used it on cards already.  The elephant is the one I used on the get well card I made for my aunt.  The puppy is new.  Another inspiration from Ellen Kemper.  I could not help but smile when I saw him.  I do plan on making him in black since my little dog, Sadie, is black.  

I also made a cute little penguin this weekend.  While it is not in the photographs, I promise you will see him this week on a card.  I worked on some other items too but did not want to overwhelm you with them.  I will share more as I get them done.  All those coming to my crop this weekend will be able to see these in person and may purchase them or place an order for them.  I can hardly wait to see everyone.

Well I have bored you long enough.  I best get back to work.  Thanks for stopping in today.  Please come back tomorrow. 

There's A Monster On My Card!!

Well I guess that it would be better to have one on a card than under your bed.  Ever since I saw Disney's Monster Inc. years ago, I have a new found affection for these creatures.  When the 2010-2011 SU! catalog came out last summer, it had a stamp set in it called Make A Monster .  Needless to say, I ordered it rather quickly and could not wait to play with it.  I will admit that other things did become more important and I completely forgot I even had the set for a while.  When I saw it on my shelf the other day, I knew it was time to play. 

 

Sorry about the lighting of these pictures.  One of the bulbs in my lamp went out and I cannot seem to find the right one anywhere.  

Back to the card, these little creatures just make me laugh.  The stamp set comes with 3 bodies, 5 sets of eyes, 4 mouths, and 3 head toppers ( I say that because they are not all hair).  I stamped my bodies first and then added the eyes and hair and mouth.  Yes I know the green one does not have a mouth.  My daughter pointed that out to me repeatedly.  However, I did not want to put his mouth on his body so I left it off.  I colored them using my colored pencils.  The little circles stamped in the background on the white and pacific point are actually another set of the eyes from the set.  

 

The "Happy birthday" comes from the stamp set called curly cute.  I stamped it in versamark ink and heat embossed it using the tangerine tango embossing powder.  I love this stuff.  The color really popped and the effect is so cool.

 

Here is a closeup of the little monsters.  I don't know if you can see the background very well on the tangerine tango piece of card stock, but I ran it through the big shot using the new Stripes impression folder from the 2011-2012 catalog.  I added a little texture but did not take away from the overall monster look.  I can't wait to make more of these little guys!!

Well, that is all for today.  Time to run a few errands.  Hopefully there will be stamp time later.  Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend.  See you Monday.

Love Dragon

Now although it is not anywhere near Valentine's Day, in my opinion, there is always time for love and for sharing how you feel about your significant other.  Today's share is a card I made for my husband for Valentine's Day this year.  I did make a second one for my sample book but I wanted to share the first one first.

 

He is such a sweet looking dragon I am sure he never caused any problem in the village.  He is made using all punches except for his neck.  That I simply used left over scraps to make.  His eyes and teeth use the retired small oval punch.  The black of his eyes is from the retired horizontal punch.  You can just use a scrap.  His snout is the wide oval.  His bottom lip is the large oval and his head is made with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  As for the scales, I used the now retired star punch.  These were punched from the glimmer paper to match the hearts I punched using the small heart punch.   I used Always Artichoke card stock to make him.  On the one for my sample book, I used Wild Wasabi.    The saying could be changed for any occasion and you could do a thought bubble.  Use the flower from the itty bitty punch pack to made thought puffs going to the bubble.  It would be just as cute.

Well that's all I have for today.  Thanks for stopping by and I will see you tomorrow. 

It's A Purple Princess Coach

I believe I shared with you a beautiful pink princess style coach several weeks ago.   I made it using punches for a card I gave to my little niece Miss Kara.  It had to be one of the prettiest cards I have made.  So when I was putting my sample book together the other day, I wanted to include one like it.  Since I no longer have the pink one I made another.  This time I made it in purple. 

 

The base card and the trim of the coach is a color called Elegant Eggplant.  I highlighted the edges of the coach with this ink too to add depth.  The background is embossed with the impression folder called Petals A Plenty.  I used a white gel pen to highlight the centers of the flowers and little dots on the paper. The coach is attached to a Top Note die in shimmer white paper.  This was cut using the big shot.  The "Happy Birthday" stamp is from the set Curly Cute, stamped in Elegant Eggplant on shimmer white paper, then layered on a piece of Elegant Eggplant.

 

Here is the coach close up.  The body of it is made with the wide oval punch, which has been run through the big shot with the Elegant Bouquet impression folder.  The door is a large oval punch.  I adhered it and then trimmed the bottom to fit.  The roof has 2 hearts from the Heart to Heart punch.  The little coachman seats were made using the retired horizontal slot, but a scrap of paper could work too.  The frame for the seats and the coach's wheels were cut with the big shot using a sizzlit die called Scribbles Swirls.  The coach was then accentuated using - what else - glitter!!!

I like it as much in purple as in pink.  I cannot wait to try another color.  This design was a definite hit with my niece and I am sure other little girls will love this too.  

I am still putting my sample book together.  I have a hard time choosing which designs to use and then of course I have to make one.  I owe my family a big thank you for all their help in choosing the designs.  

I so appreciate your thoughts and comments on all my cards.  Thank you so much for dropping by today to see this one.  I will return tomorrow with another design.  See you then.

I Dig Dinosaurs

In the new Stampin' Up! catalog, there is the cutest stamp set called Dinoroar.  It features 4 of the cutest dinosaurs I have ever seen.  I am always trying to find stamps to use for cards for little boys.  When I saw this one, I knew I had to have it.  Here is the first card I played with this set with:

 

I only used 3 of the dinosaurs for this one, but I promise I will use the 4th soon.  Just look at those happy faces.  They are just waiting to bring joy to some little boy or girl.  I have to include the girls since my youngest daughter loves dinosaurs.  I decided to create the background for this card myself using chalk.  I did my best to make the sky, sun and mountains.  

 

I tried to get a little closer to the dinosaurs for this shot.  Not sure I really succeeded.  I stamped the dinosaurs on whisper white paper, colored them using colored pencils, and cut them out.  They are adhered to the card using dimensionals.  All in all I know this set will be used quite often for the little gentlemen in my life!

Well, my husband's aunt did get home from the hospital on Sunday.  She was in good spirits and of course happy to be home.  Unfortunately, she still does not feel well and will need to take it easy for a while.  My thoughts and prayers are with her.  I am happy to help in any way I can.  

Well, I have another full day ahead so I best get busy.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Get Well Wishes

Nothing is worse that when you are ill, especially when that illness takes you into the hospital even for a short stay.  Well, when my aunt developed a blood infection, that is where she ended up.  It was very important to me to be sure to be there for her and her husband as much as possible.  They are the sweetest people and I love them dearly. 

Needless to say, I had a pretty busy weekend.  I ran errands for my family as well as for my aunt and uncle and made sure to go to the hospital to spend time with her too.  Now being a card maker, it would not seem right to go without a card for her.  So I made one for her with one of her favorite animals on the front.  I think I learned to make this little guy based on a design by Ellen Kemper, yes the punch queen herself. 

 

He is such a sweet little elephant.  My aunt loves elephants so it just seemed to be the perfect card to make for her.  He is made using the 2 1/2" circle, 1 3/4" circle, Heart to Heart, Butterfly, Word Window, and Modern Label punches.  Now I did use the retired slot punch for his eyebrows but you could just use a scrap.  I trimmed a thin piece of basic black off for the tail and cut the end into small strips.  The DSP I used in the background is a retired paper but trust me there are lots of great papers available in the new catalog that would be just as cute.  

 

Here he is close up.  I did sponge the edges of all the gray pieces with gray ink just to accentuate them.  His ears are made from the butterfly punch.  I did punch 2 whole butterflies and attached them be adhering 1/2 of each to the back of the head.  The trunk is the word window, sponged on the edges and "wrinkles" were added with a fine tip black pen.  Only one modern label is needed for his feet.  Simply cut it in half and attach.

Here is the inside of the card.  The saying on the front and the stamp used inside are from a retired Stampin' Up! set.  However, I do not know the name of the set.  It was given to me by a friend already put together and the label with the name was not on the container.  Again, I am sure the new catalog has some cute set that would work well too.  

I think my aunt really loved her card.  She thought to elephant was so cute and his expression was just right.  I am glad it brought a little ray of sunshine to her day.  

Well, I am off and running again.  Thanks for stopping by today.  See you tomorrow!

Another Cute Kitty

It's Halloween time!!!!  Okay so I am a few months early.  However, in card maker time, I am right on schedule.  I made a stack of those cute little kitties I have been showing you in gray, black, and white.  I thought, why not dress another white one up for Halloween.  If you remember, I dressed one as a witch a few weeks ago.  This time she has her mask on for all to see. 

 

I love this little cat!!!  Her mask is so pretty.  She is out on a starry night ready to trick or treat.  I don't know if you can see the word "Spooky" or not.  Let me show you a better picture of it.  

 

I stamped this using VersaMark ink and heat embossed it using black embossing powder.  The stars were made using a glitter glue.  The orange card stock was embossed using the perfect polka dots impression folder.  To make the mask, I used 1/2 of a curly label punch.  Then I used the circle from the itty bitty punch pack and punched where the eyes will go.  

 Now I have to be honest.  This is just a sample card front that I am putting in my sample book.  So this only used a 1/4 sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" card stock.  I make these to do trades with other card makers.  It is a great way to share ideas and find new inspirations.  I will end up making a complete card of this to sell or send to someone but I wanted to tell the truth.

I want to wish you all a very peaceful weekend.  I also want to ask for prayers for my husband's aunt who is in the hospital with a blood infection.  She is very special to our family and we hope she is better soon.  

Have fun and stay safe.  See you Monday.  Thanks for stopping by today.

A Card For Your Favorite Guy

Hello everyone.  I hope your week is moving along smoothly.  I cannot believe it is already Thursday.  Where does the time go? 

Today, I thought I would talk about the most difficult cards for me to make - masculine cards.  I don't know why but I can sit all day and create cards for any occasion, for any female or child, but when it comes to the cards for men, I just always seem to struggle.  I guess I am always attracted to the cute stamps and as my husband has repeatedly pointed out, men do not necessarily like cute.  So when Stampin' Up! came out with the Totally Tool stamp set, I bought it as quick as I could.  Of course, I did not do anything with it for awhile but at least I had it.  I have slowly started making a few cards with it and wanted to share a pretty simple one with you today.

 

As you can see this really is a simple card.  One of my husband's favorite things is his peg board in his shed where he can store tools and they are always within easy reach.  So I thought why not create a peg board on a card.  I started by stamping the tools I wanted on brushed silver card stock.  Then I cut these out and using my handy SU! markers, I colored the handle of the hammer and the saw.  I then took a piece of Crumb Cake card stock and cut it to be 4" x 5 1/4" and ran it through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots impression folder.  I then laid out my tools on the polka dotted piece and decided where I wanted them placed.  I used my adhesive runner and attached them to the card.  Now you could use glue dots or dimensionals if you like for this.  It your choice how you want to do it.  Then I took my paper piercing tool and made the holes for the brads.  Put your brads on and attach it to a Early Espresso base card.  The "happy birthday" is from the Teen Tiny Wishes stamp set.   I stamped it using Early Espresso ink, punched it out using the word window punch and then layered it onto the modern label punched piece.  Okay, so it has no glitter and is not that fancy, but in my opinion most men do not look for the shimmer or fanciness on cards that women do so I think it is fine.

I wanted to wish all my fellow demonstrators who are attending convention this weekend a very fun filled time.  I know there will be lots of excitement.  

Give this easy card a try and let me know how you do.  Be sure to come by tomorrow and see what I come up with.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Ink Resistant Paper

I thought I would share a card with you today featuring with a foil design which gives the paper shine, texture and pattern.  The really neat thing about this paper is that the foil part also resists ink.  Let me show you what I mean.

 

As you can see, the background of this paper has a lovely swirl design on it which is a foil design.  The colors of the background are pink, white, and blue.  However, when I started this card, the background was only white.  Because the foil resists the ink, I was able to sponge on the pink and blue in a random pattern.  Once I was done sponging, I would wipe over the area gently using a tissue.  Any ink on the foil design cam right off.  I will tell you this paper was a bride specialty paper offered 2 catalogs ago by Stampin' Up!.  I was so sad to see it retire.  The pack had other patterns in it that were wonderful too.  I have looked in the new catty but do not see any foil design paper.  I guess we will have to hope they eventually bring another one on board to offer.  It is so nice to be able to choose a pattern and make it the color scheme you want it to be.  

The beautiful butterflies were made using the die for the big shot called what else, Beautiful Butterflies.  I cut them out of vellum.  I made sure to cut two of each size.  I brushed the edges of all 4 with Bashful Blue ink.  The bottom one is adhered to the card while the top one is only adhered along the center of the body.  This allows the wings to be free and move.  To create the body, I punched out 2 word windows, one for each, trimmed them to the size and shape I wanted using my paper snips, and of course glittered them.  Once they dried, I attached them along the center to the butterflies.  I added little dots of glue to glitter to the wings.  

Well, that's all for today.  I am busily putting together a scrapbook of samples of my work as a portfolio.  Guess I better get to work on that.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  See you tomorrow!!

It's Turkey Time

As I was looking through the pictures of cards I have been sharing with all of you.  I saw the white kitty dressed as a witch for Halloween and my stain glass Christmas designs.  I had all sorts of card but no Thanksgiving.  Now how can I pass by a day that celebrates all our blessings, all we are thankful for, and all that great food!! 

So I decide to change that by making a Thanksgiving card.  I found a cool turkey stamp that I had and went to work.  Now my glittering fingers were itching to use all that sparkly stuff.  So what better way to do that then by making my turkey a stain glass turkey!!  I must say I was thrilled with my revelation.   So I found colors of glitter that would work well for fall and set to work.

 

Isn't he cute in his top hat?  As you can see, I used a chocolate brown, sand, and 2 harvest colors of glitter for his body.  The base card is a green called Always Artichoke ( I love the names Stampin' Up! gives their papers and inks!!).  The layer on top of it is Cajan Craze.  I ran it through the big shot using a new Houndstooth impression folder from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog.  The turkey is on acetate and is attached to a square of whisper white using glue dots and a nice corner punch (not from SU!, sorry).  

Here is a little closer look at Mr. Turkey.  I know it is difficult to see all the colors and details on him.  Let me assure you in person, he looks magnificent!  I did sponge the edges of the square with Cajun Craze ink just to allow it to blend in subtly with the background.  

 

This is the inside of the card.  This is a greeting stamp I found on clearance on day in my local craft store.  Because the outside of the card has so much shimmer to it, I wanted to bring a little of that inside too.  I used a harvest blend of glittery embossing powder and heat embossed it.  First, I stamped it with VersaMark ink on whisper white card stock.  Next, sprinkle your embossing powder over the stamped area of the paper.  Shake of the excess and use your heat tool to bring the powder to life.  I used the ticket corner punch for the corners of the whisper white and inked the edges with Cajun Craze ink.  It is layered on a piece of Cajun Craze card stock.  

All in all, I am pleased with the turn out of the entire card.  I cannot wait to make more.  Let me know what you think by leaving me a comment.  Don't forget to stop by my store to see what's new.  Thanks for dropping by today.  See you tomorrow!

Owl Girl

This was a nice weekend for us.  My sister and I went on Saturday and had our hair done which is always fun as the ladies who work in the salon are full of stories that make you laugh and laugh.  After, I spent a relaxing evening with my husband.  He made the most delicious bar-b-que chicken on his grill.  He smoked the legs and thighs for almost 2 hours.  It was so juicy and flavorful--yummy!  It was a real homemade meal as I made homemade potato salad and homemade cream style corn to go with it. I wish you could have been at our table.

Sunday is always a day to worship.  My husband had to work this day so I spent a good part of it with my sister crafting.  I love my craft time!!

Today's share is a card that I made a few months ago.  It sold very quickly at my April crop.  I came across a picture of it recently and wanted to share it with you. 

 

Isn't my little owl girl just adorable?  I used the wonderful 2 step owl punch to my owl.  I put a piece of DSP into the punch to make the dress.  Now the ruffle border was not made with the owl punch.  I actually used the scallop oval punch punched around a large oval hole.  I then cut it in half and adhered it to the bottom of her dress.  Then I trimmed the sides off so that it would be the perfect fit.  As you can see, I used the little heart from the owl punch in the center of her dress and placed a bead on it.  I also used the heart from this punch to make the beak.  I punched it out of tangerine tango and adhered it to the bird right at the v-neck of the dress.  Then I placed the eyes which covers the top part of the heart leaving the "beak" revealed.  She is perched on a branch from the 2 step bird punch.   Behind that is a 2 3/8" scallop circle punch embossed using the elegant lines impression folder.  Behind that is a beautiful quilt.  I started my quilt by using a 3 3/4" x 5" piece of whisper white card stock.  I used my handy 1 1/4" square punch to punch squares of of the DSP set I used for the owl dress.  I adhered these in a random order on my whisper white piece.  Once that was complete, I ran it through the big shot using the top note die.  I added the little "x"'s with a fine tip black marker to complete the quilt look.  It is layered on a piece of Not Quite Navy which had the corners rounded using the corner rounding punch and was then run through the big shot using the Vintage wallpaper impression folder to emboss it.  It was all then assembles on a base card of Marina Mist, I think.   

I love the quilt look and of course the little owl too.  I will definitely be making another one of these.  It is just too cute not to make one.  

Well, I am off to work hard on many things.  I appreciate your comments and encourage you to leave more.  Be sure to visit my online store and see all the cards I offer for sale.   Of course, feel free to order as many as you like.  

Thanks for dropping in today and I will see you tomorrow.

Cajan Kitty

Now before we go any further, I must tell you that the cajan in the title refers to a card stock color, not a nationality.  These little cats I have been making have become very popular with my fellow crafters.  In fact, I think I will do a punch art class and teach them how to make this little kitty.  It is one of the easiest items to make. 

 

The base card for this is made with cajun craze card stock.  The dsp used on top is from the designer hostess set out of last year's catalog.  It is a peach parfait piece.  I highlighted the flowers on the dsp with orange glitter and also did the center of the flower on the greeting stamp.  This stamp comes from the Oval All stamp set.  The strip across the dsp is a piece of whisper white layered on top of a piece of cajun craze.  I then ran it through the big shot using the impression folder Petals-A-Plenty.  I then highlighted the center dots of the flowers as well as the other dots on it with the cajun craze SU! marker.  So far not too complicated.  Let's look at the kitty.

 

He is exactly like ones you have seen on my blog before.  Easy to make and very fast.  I highlighted the nose of this one with a little chalk just to make it stand out.  I have to tell you I made another card exactly like this except I used a Happy Birthday greeting last Saturday at my crop.  I never even got to photograph it or inventory it.  One of my friends wanted to buy it and take it home.  She loves these little cat cards.  So of course, I let her have it.  I knew I could put another one together.

Here we are again at the weekend.  While this has been a busy week in some ways, I have also not felt well for part of it.  I look forward to next week being a much better week in terms of feeling good.  I wish you all a wonderful weekend and look forward to your visiting again.  See you Monday.  Thanks for dropping in today.

Cute As A Bug

Well with the new catalog here, the stamp set Just Buzzin' By has officially retired.  I really will miss using that set for my classes.  Everyone seemed to love those little bees.  However, I still have one bee that I can use and I know he will never retire.

 

Is he not one of the cutest little bugs you have ever seen?  I just love him.  As you can probably tell, he is made completely from punches.  The only part of him I free handed is his antennas.  His wings are made using vellum.  I punched out 2 wide ovals and sponged the edges with bashful blue ink.  Then I added dazzling diamond glitter to them.  The ornament punch makes up his stinger and his head.  Just the edge of a black one lines the top of his head.  The 2 step bird punch is used to make the whites of his eyes.  It is the bird's wing.  The rest of him is made from circles.  Here is a closer look at his face.

 

He is just so sweet looking.  Now I have been stung by a bee once when I was very little.  It got me right on the top of my head.  I remember it hurt.  But this little guy wouldn't hurt anyone.  In fact, I think he could makes someone feel better.  I highlighted his cheeks using chalk just so he would have that rosy look on his face.  I made multiples of this guy to have on hand.  He can be used for many different occasions.  

Well, that's all for today.  I will be back tomorrow.  I hope you will too.  Thanks for stopping by today!

A Beautiful Butterfly

This past weekend I held a crop at my house to kick off the new catalog.  It was a great day of sharing the new items, showing samples I had made, and spending time with wonderful friends.  I am so thankful for all the crafty stampers in my life.  They really inspire me. 

I also got to share my cards I make to sell and was lucky enough to actually sell a few.  I realized today as I sat to type my blog that there was one I sold that did not get shared with you first.  I apologize for this.  I always try to share the card first.  So I wanted to share it today. 

 

One thing I love about this particular card is the quilted butterfly.  I have made lots of quilt cards most use the top note die for the big shot as the quilt.  This one used the Bigz Beautiful Butterfly die.  I love the color it adds to the card.  The blue butterfly behind the pink one is from that same die.  The 2 butterflies on top of the others are from the embosslit die called Beautiful Wings.  It not only cut out the butterflies but embossed the flourish you see on the front.  I added glitter to this flourish and then placed rhinestones down the middle to form the body.  The Vintage Wallpaper impression folder textured the very vanilla cardstock.  I used small butterflies from the embosslit folder to add to the greeting.  They along with the rim of the large oval have been glittered too.  

I was sad to see this one go.  It was definately one of my favorites but I know it will bring happiness to someone.  There's also the fact that I can make another one.  

That's all for today.  I hope to see you back tomorrow.  Feel free to send comments my way.  I enjoy getting them.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Do You Know How To Iris Fold?

Today's share is highlighting a technique called iris folding.  It is a paper folding technique that can create some beautiful cards.  I thought I would share one I made a while ago for one of my daughters.

 

On this particular card, the iris folding was done to make the dolphin.  I start with a template of a dolphin which I trace and then use my hobby knife to cut out.  The template I happen to use is designed for iris folding therefore it has the pattern on it and tells me how many different colors or styles of paper I need to use.  In this case, it is 4.  The technique is quite easy as it only involves cutting strips of paper (or tearing them), folding them, and using a good tape to secure them down.  The finished product leaves the hole in the center which I chose to leave empty.  Sometimes I put a piece of paper there too or I will use a gem to add a little bling.  Let's take a closer look.

 

I used a gem to make the eye of this little guy.  In case you are wondering, I used a sticker set I found at a local craft store to make the rest of the outside of the card.  Now your iris fold dolphin will be a little puffy and thick.  I like to adhere mine by using either eyelets or brads.  Then I know they are secure.

I have several different patterns for this technique so you can expect to see it again in the future.  Let me know what you think of it.  I have also done this with left over wrapping paper as well as with ribbon.  

I will be back tomorrow with another card to share with you.  I hope you stop by to see it.  Thank you so much for dropping by today. 

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day everyone.  I hope your weekend was fun and that you have lots of exciting plans for today too.  Since I have plans with my family I will make this posting short and sweet. 

 

I thought I would share this fun Uncle Sam card with you in honor of this special day.  Sadly, the small star punch used on his hat is now retired.  As you can also see, I chose to write the greeting on this card instead of use a stamp.  I like the personal touch it gives.  Let's look at Sam a little closer.

 

Of course, there is glitter on his hat.  After all he is an important man and deserves to look his best.  I love making him since he is so easy to do.  You could chose to do a full body Uncle Sam but I like doing just his head.  It takes less time and allows us to get a close up of him.  While it is hard to see in the picture, I did use a little light pink chalk to highlight his nose and cheeks.  Otherwise, it is all punches and a little fine tip pen to make the eyes and mouth.

Well, that's all for today.  I hope you have a wonderful day with friends and family, good food and fireworks.  Be safe and I will see you tomorrow.  Thanks for dropping by today.

Stain Glass Christmas, Take 2

Yesterday,  I shared a stain glass Christmas card with a beautiful poinsettia on it.  Today, I want to continue the stain glass theme by sharing one more card I made using this technique.  Many people I know have called me crazy for doing these cards.  Yes they take time and patience, but the end result is so worth it to me.  So let's see what I came up with.

 

Well, what do you think?  I like the simplicity of this stamp.  This was actually a pretty quick stain glass piece to make in terms of how long it does take.  I chose a gold candle for this one, but silver would look good too.  Again, the DSP is from the Christmas Cocoa set which is retired.  The white piece I attached the candle to is actually a piece of shimmery white paper.  

 

The shimmer of the paper does not show in the photo but I promise it is there.  I went with the traditions colors of Christmas for the holly and berries.  One variation I could do would be to make the berries either gold or silver and then make the candle red.  I think that would look pretty too.  

 

The greeting I used comes from the stamp set called Curly Cute.  This one is also still available in the new catalog.  Once again, I chose to stamp directly onto the DSP using VersaMark ink, then heat emboss it using gold embossing powder.  For some reason when I make Christmas cards I love to make them sparkle if I can.  Guess it is just because of my love of the holiday.

Tomorrow is my open house/crop party.  I am so looking forward to seeing everyone who is planning to stop by.  Whether they just drop in to get the catty and say hi, or they stay and craft with me for awhile, I know I will enjoy the day.  I hope all of you have a great weekend.  Please let me know what you think of the card.  Thanks for stopping by today.  See you Monday.