Season's Greeting Card

Hi everyone and Happy Holidays!
     Wow! Can you believe it? It's that time again already.  Yep! It's hustle-bustle time.  Time to get the Christmas Card production line in gear.  This year my goal is to make at least 3 Christmas Cards.  Now I didn't say I was going to send them out, I said I was going to make them (lol).  So far, I'm doing good.  I completed card number one.  I wanted the cards to be clean and simple but with a statement!  Card number one is a clean and simple one and I think the red really makes the statement.
The supplies I used for this card are as follows: Real Red card stock from Stampin Up, JudiKins China Red embossing Glitter, Recollections white cardstock (#65 lb), Stampin up classic ink pads- Handsome Hunter, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, and Real Red.  I used a DeNami 2012 stamp set; unfortunately, it doesn't have a name.  It come with 4 mini stamps: a pine leaf, holly leaf, holly berries, and a pine cone.  Believe it or not, this was my first time using the stamp set since I purchased it at convention in 2012. If they don't have the stamp set anymore, I'm sure they have put something equally cute in it's place.  DeNami Design always has such cute little stamps and stamp sets for every occasion. The greeting is a retired Stampin Up stamp set called "Peaceful Season".  For the of the card I just repeated the them in two of the corners. 

Til' next time...Hugz from me!

 

Graphic 45 An Eerie Tale and Rare Oddities Mini Album

Happy Halloween,
      I finished a mini album tutorial by Kona Raven.  Her mini album is called Regions Beyond Mini Album.  The tutorial gives you 2 versions to choose from, one saves you a little paper.  Click on the link above to get to her Etsy Shop. Click on this link for the You Tube video .   My finished mini is 4.5" x 6.5", it has 3 total pages but there is a lot of interactiveness!!  Because I work full-time, it took me about a week in total to complete this mini.   Not a lot of embellishment because the paper is beautiful and the interactiveness inside.   Tutorial also comes with a video and it's priced right!  I hope you give it a try.  Til' next time...

 

Hugs from Your Grace!

 

Graphic 45 Prima Doll Altered Door Hanger

Howdy folks,
    It's been a while since I last posted.  I want to make this a quick post because I have so many projects in the works.  I recently returned from a trip to Europe and I have many, many projects planned for the thousands of pictures that I took.   This is a project I was working on before I left for Europe.   I used my favorite paper line of course...Graphic 45's French Country.  I covered the front and back of the door hanger (which I purchased at Hobby Lobby).  I sanded the paper edges flush with edges of the door hands, as well the center whole.  I inked the edged with Vintage Photo Distress ink.   I put the paper on using Mod-podge. The Prima Doll is Priscilla.  I was inspired to use Priscilla after returning from France and seeing the Moulin Rouge theatre.  I covered her using Glitz 6x6 Paper Pack "French Kiss" and some scrap harlequin paper I got from Hobby Lobby ( I think it's call Harlequin Script).  I coloured her with Copic Markers.  I used Recollection and Prima roses, I cut out a tag from the paper and back it on black card stock and popped it up on foam dots.  I also backed the doll with foam dots.  The lace is from Hobby Lobby.  The medal embellishment "Enjoy Life" also comes from Hobby Lobby.  I put a chipboard Fleur-de-Lys in the top right corner, I inked it with Black Soot distress ink and put an overlay of clear sparkle ink using my Atyou Spica pen. The feathers are from JoAnns.  I used a small piece of Graphic 45 paper from a different line, I think it was Trans Atlantic and also cut out a couple of the stamps from the same paper...And viola!!  I love how it turned out.  This was a really quick and fun project.  I've seen many Prima Doll tags and altered door hangers out there but if you haven't done one, I hope this inspires you to give it try.  Til' next time...

Hugz from Your Grace!

Another Note Card Set and a Shaped Card

Hi y'all,
     Quick post ( I say that every time don't I??).  Finished a couple quickie projects this week that I want to share.  First is a note card set using Spellbinders A2 Valiant Honor die . I am only showing one of the cards (the demo) because I didn't like the way the picture of the set came out (so just imagine 4 more just like the one in the photo below).  I used SU Almost Amethyst card stock and Almost Amethyst classic ink, Recollections white card stock, and Spellbinders Font One - Upper Case.  To glue down all the fine areas I used a Zig 2 way glue Squeeze & Roll pen.  I followed Becca's tutorial, though I had to do a few modifications.  Since they are note cards and I wanted to be able to mail them; I left off the fluff (pearls) and I didn't bother making the box.

 
     Next, is my cute (if I do say so myself...and I do) little shape card.  I am not big on shape cards at all but I really like this die and thought it made a lovely little card.  I used Spellbinders Labels Forty-Two and Labels Forty-Two Decorative Accents dies, SU (2014-2016 In-Colors)  Lost Lagoon classic ink pad and coordinating card stock, the cream card stock is from JoAnn's, the patterned paper is an old Webster's Pages 6x6 pack that had samples from 3 different paper packs (Spring Market, Yacht Club, and Country Estate), the dark green card stock (used leaves) is from my stash, the leaves were punched using the MS rose leaf punch, the rose buds are from Hobby Lobby, the greeting/sentiment stamp is from Crafty Secrets "Grand Greetings", and I popped the center piece up on some mini foam squares.

 

 

Both of these were really quick and very simple cards.  On the "Should I try this Project Scale" I give both an easy to medium minus.  Once again, basically the dies do all the heavy work.   

 

Til next time...hugz from moi

 

Box with Note Cards set

Hello my crafty friends!
     Today, I am sharing a  little box that I saw on Becca's site Amazing Paper Grace. Her box is just stunning!  I decided that I would do a demo box first (before I jack-up some good card stock).  So I kept my colours really simple and used as much scrap cardstock as I could.  I followed Becca's tutorial on YouTube, you can check it out here. This project also gave me an opportunity to play with my bow maker. The pale greenish-blue card stock is some faux suede paper I have had in my stash for years. The white cardstock is Recollections, the ink is SU Pool Party, the ribbon is from our local specialty craft store Big Mouth Scrappers (Forney, TX) hi ladies!!! The dies I used were Spellbinders Arched Elegance and Arched Elegance Pocket.  I used Scor-Tape for the box construction and my ATG to adhere the panels. The background stamp is my favorite SU stamp "En Francais".  I believe the background stamp is long since been retired but you might be able to find it out there on EBay, Craig's List...one of those type places.  You might even check with a local SU (Stampin' Up!) Demonstrator, they may be able to help you hunt one down (caution it may be a bit pricey).  The cards are really elegant.  The inside of the note card has a liner that is partially attached. You can catch a glimpse in one of the side view photos.  I really like how it turned out.  Now I can make it for-real-real (lol). It took me about 2 hours in total including watching the video and pre-cutting all the pieces.   If I had to say the ease of making this project would be a medium.  The most challenging part is the box lid.  Give it a try!

Until next time...

 

 

 

 

Hugz from Moi

 

 

 

Getting in The Spirit with Spellbinder Nested Stars

Howdy folks!
   Just dropping in to share a quick and cute little card I just made.  This is a plain and simple A2 card with a blank inside.   I used JoAnn's and Michaels cardstock, SU Poppy Parade Classic Ink Pad, SU retired stamp set  Perfectly Penned, Spellbinders Stars, Spellbinders Belly Band 2, a Gelly Roll White Gel pen for a little faux stitching.   I saw a similar card on the internet some years ago and kept thinking I wanted to make this card.  Well of course I didn't write down the artist name or the website.  I searched all over today, looking for that card but could not find it.  I could not find a tutorial on how to line up the stars (somebody needs to really get on that). I just kept thinking about it, cut several demos trying to get it right and finally it clicked!  Thank goodness, I was getting tired and this was supposed to be a 30 minutes to 1 hour card.   When I actually figured it out, the card took less than 30 minutes to cut and put together.   Now that I have the concept down, maybe I'll try it using some patterned paper.  This would be a great graduation card layout.  And...If you have the patience of Job, you can do these as invites to a 4th of July celebration.  Now, I'm thinking about all the other nesties dies I can use with this technique!    I hope you give it a try.   Here's my attempt.

 

Hugz from Moi!

  

Diamond Filigree Background Stamp

Hi everyone,
    I hope all is well for you this evening.  I felt a little energetic and decided to play in my craft lab today.  I will share my little creation later in the post.  First, I want to share some sad news...I decided to close my store.   Yeah, I wasn't selling like I thought I might, even with self advertising on FB.  Although; I have to say, I'm really not broke-up about it.  I NEVER planned to have 25 cards in the store at one time let alone 100, which is what I was paying for.  I did it for one month and that was enough for me.  Just more work that I didn't need.  I don't mind selling my card and altered projects but when it turns my crafting into another job, that is where I draw the line! So no sorrow or sadness, more like a relief; one less thing to monitor and worry over.  Other sad news, my blog has been acting up really bad.  My post for Mema's Crafts last challenge did not post as scheduled.  I have timed all my post for her challenges and they have all posted automatically without a problem until this last one.  So I just corrected that and it is now posted.  The card is called the Graduate (I think).  It's really cute (once again, my thought).  
   Okay, so on to what I did today.  You know how you just keep collecting beautiful dies and stamps and say you are going to make something but you never do; then life gets in the way and then you don't have time?? Well, I decided today, I had some energy, I got out some stuff, look at some cards that inspire me and got to work.  And so that I would stay focused, I decided to take my energy as far as it would go and stop there.  My problem is I over work it and try to either come up with some spectacular design on my own and try to finish it all in one night.  I mentally and physically exhaust myself, I get frustrated, I end up rushing through the project, not giving it my best, disliking it, not finishing it, and being pissed because I wasted my crafting supplies.  Well, I just decided that would be a NO for today.  I would do what I could and when my mind started to wonder too much, that was it for that project or card for the day.  I was able to get the front of the card done today.  I did not do the inside yet but it will be something simple maybe just plane colour coordinated panels and I haven't made an envelope either.
   I used the JustRite Stampers Diamond Filigree Background stamp to make this adorable little A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2") card.  I also used Spellbinders Belly Bands Two, Stampin UP classic ink and cardstock Marina Mist, Recollections White cardstock, some white seam binding (love seam binding!!), some Recollections tiny flat pearls, and Wild Orchid Craft white Sweetheart flowers.  What a simple but elegant little birthday greeting.  Tip: Background stamps can be very difficult to control if you don't have large and steady hands (I have neither).  Thinking within my crafting box...I decided to use my Prima doll block.  The large Prima doll stamping block (I do not believe this to be it's official name) measures 6" x 8", this is more than enough room to accommodate most of your background stamps.  It also has a handle for even better control and pressure distribution.  So, if you don't have one, this is one of those highly recommended items (smile).   For my next venture I'm going to try a little game. I'm going to close my eyes, spin around my craft lab (pray I don't fall), point to something, and whatever I see when I open my eyes is what I have use in or on the next project/card.  Enjoy...

 

Hugz from Moi

The Graduate

Hi everyone,
   I hope this is a quick post, I'm tired from an unexpected trip to the capital today; waaaay too long a story to share.  Well anyway, sad news...Lesia from Mema's Crafts is retiring her challenge blog...boo-hoo (sad face with poked-out lip). So if you haven't, please join the design team in showing Lesia how much we appreciate her for her tremendous work, awesome creativity, and thoughtfulness during her challenge reign. Awesome work Lesia, thank you for the opportunity to show case my talent!   Ok, so for our last challenge the theme is "graduation" or a "masculine card".
The month of June plays host to graduations and Father's Day.  Father's Day is Sunday June 21st.  Come hang out for the last time with the M&M girls and Lesia for our June challenge.  Also, I will give you a hint...I WOULD LEAVE A COMMENT!    Well my peeps, like I said, I'm a little tired...no, I'm a lot tired so I'll say goodnight for now.  Enjoy the card, chat soon.  I chose the digi image called "The Graduate" our sponsor is Cute as a  Button check out her FB page.  She has some really cute images. 

Supplies used:
Black, red, and white cardstock; Bo Bunny-Enchanted pattern paper, JustRite Stampers Vintage Labels 5 die templates, Stampin Up Labels punch, image was coloured with Copic markers, Atyou Spica gold pen. The greeting is from the computer and MS Word, the sentiment is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Hugz from moi!!
 

Fish in a Bowl and a Wedding Card

Hi everyone,
Today I am sharing my cute little Mema's Crafts DT inspiration card.  The inspiration for this card can be found on YouTube (see link below). The challenge will be posted on Monday, May 4th.  Our gracious sponsor for this challenge is I Break for Stamps! and the theme is everyone's favorite...Anything Goes! Come join in on the fun for your chance to win a really cute digi. Our mission for May's challenge was to make 2 cards or projects.  One using an image from I Break for Stamps digis and the other was to use flowers of some kind.  I used the Fish for my DT inspiration card.  The digi can be found by clicking the link.  I Break for Stamps also has the pretty flowers I used for my 2nd card- 2 toned chocolate Sweetheart Flower.  I used the fish because he reminded me of something from the "Little Mermaid".  I'm not sure what kind of fish he represents but for me, I made him a Gold Fish by colour (lol).  PS: if this is you first time trying the water card with the treat cups; be patient. It took me 3 times before I was okay with the results.  He is my supply list and some photos my fish card:

Title/Theme: Gold Fish in Bowl
Date: 050115 (this is the date I made the card)
Tutorial/Video:  Fishin' Around Card   By Esther Boyle
Category: Many Occasion
CS:  Recollections white, Stampin Up Marina Mist, Old Olive
Patterned Paper/CS:   N/A
Flowers/Greenery:  N/A
Ink (s): STAZ-ON Black, Stampin Up Chocolate Chip and Marina Mist
Marker (s):  Tim Holtz Distress Markers Stormy Sky, Faded Jean, Peeled Paint,  Wild Honey, Forest Moss, Broken China, Tumbled Glass, and Mustard Seed.                             
Embellishments:  N/A
Stamp/ Set(s): Stampin Up By the Tide, Just Rite Stampers Large Fancy Sentiments, Autumn Leaves (Stampology) Fourishes v.2, Magnolia Seaweed
Adhesives:  ATG runner, Scor-Tape, and Hot Glue Gun
Punches:  Stampin Up 1 ¾ circle punch, 1 ½ punch (generic)
Die(s): N/A
Tools (other): Stampin Up Textured Impressions Embossing Folder “Fancy Fan”, and items in a basic crafting tool kit.
Misc.: No. 1 paint brush, Strathmore 140lb (cold press) Watercolor Paper, Stampin Up Diamond Glaze, Water, Stampin Up circle Treat Cups.
Card Dimension: 4 1/4" x 5 3/4 "

The embossing folder I used worked out well. I made it look like waves on the front and when you open up the card they look like sea shells. 



 

I love how the Diamond Glaze looks like sparkling sand on the bottom of the fish bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

I added a place for a gift or special message.  I Made this card for a wedding but this layout works well for many occasions.

 

 

Well that's it for now  but I'll be back real soon with my last couple of Mother's Day cards.   Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the challenge! Hugz from me.

Mother's Day Greetings

Hi everyone,
   I hope all is well.  Just a few words about some new cards I made.  With Mother's Day fast approaching, yes...May 10th is almost here; I thought I better take this opportunity to get started (while I got my mojo).   Here are a couple of cards that were inspired by a Stampin' Up demonstrator.  Unfortunately, I got her name from my Lesia and I can't remember what it is. I think this card can be found on Split Coast Stampers. The link will take you to Split Coast Stampers, not the actual cards. I did alter the card and created my own measurements for each piece of the card and made a coordinating lined envelope for each card.  Being a former Stampin' Up Demonstrator, I still have a lot of the old stuff around.  It might be old but it still makes a beautiful card. The supplies I used were: Stampin' Up retired DSP, smooth card stock ( retired colours Sage Shadow and Rich Razzleberry), retired Crumb CakeTaffeta ribbon, retired stamp set Well Scripted (one of my favs), Recollections white cardstock, Paper Studios pearls. And what even better...I sold the burgundy one already in my on-line store My Enchanted Paper Creations.  Well once again, thank you for stopping by.

 

Hugz from moi

 

My Enchanted Paper Creations Store Open!

Hey everyone! 
Good news (I think)!  My scrappin' BFF Lesia of Mema's Crafts and our newest paper crafting convert Lady Kre of Fun KREations have encouraged me to sell some of my handmade paper crafts.  It took them a little nudging but eBay surly pushed me over the edge with their jacked-up fees!!  So, I am open for business! As tedious and detailed as paper crafting can be, I think opening the store was work!  And you know me...if I think it's going to turn into a 9-5 type situation...that's a wrap!! I already have a full-time job.  However, if I thought it would pay off my student loans, I'd be working like a blessed Hebrew.  Ok, so a little bit about the store; the name...wait for it...MY ENCHANTED PAPER CREATIONS!!!  I know, imagine that, very creative wouldn't you say?   And of course no store opening goes without issues. For the most part I think I worked them out.  We (meaning me) are still in the probationary period with the running of the store thing, so there are a limited number of cards in there currently.  Next month I will decide if I want to take it to the next step and pump up the volume of cards to sell.  Below is the newest card with the matching lined envelope available in the store now. 

Supplies: Creative Imagination patterned paper, Michaels Vanilla CS, Spellbinder die templates-Basic Banners 3, Nested Lacey Pennants, Labels 11, and Grand Labels 11, Stampin Up stamp set Bring On the Cake, Cherry Cobble Stampin' Write marker, Studio g Alphabet Stamp Set, WOC rose buds, and Tim Holtz Distress Ink Antique Linen.  Other supplies: clear Velcro dot, Hemp, corded ribbon, hot glue,  

Thanx for stoppin' by Hugz from moi

 

Bows, Buttons, and Ballerinas

Hey everyone, just a quick post to tell you about Mema's Crafts April challenge.  This month's theme is Anything Goes with a twist: use a punch or a die.  This month's sponsors are Rick St. Dennis and Stitchy Bear Digital Outlet so be sure to stop by Mema's Crafts to join in on the fun and an opportunity to win some pretty cool digital images.  For my DT inspiration projects I did a tag (cut out on my Cricut Expression using Rick St. Dennis' image Bows & Buttons and for Stitchy Bear I used the very pretty ballerina silhouette called "The Rehearsal".  The patterned papers for both projects was Hobby Lobby, I used Spellbinders Mega Ovals for the tag and I used their Opulent Ovals for the Ballerina card.   Thanks for stopping by until next time...

Rick St. Dennis- Bows & Buttons Tag: SB Mega Ovals, Black CS, Patterned paper by Paper Studios, Feathers, Recollection paper rose, sheer ribbon, Copic Warm Gray markers, 3 flat back pearls

Stitchy Bear Card: Pattern paper (Paper Studios) "Kirby Teesdale Studio", Green textured CS, SU lace border punch, SB Opulent Ovals, SU Old Olive Satin ribbon, SU Labels punch with matching shadow punch, 3 different brown inks, pink ribbon and some old book pages.

 

Hugz from Me!

 



 

 



 

Prima Doll Swing and Bling

Hello to all my crafty friends.  It has been a while since my last post ( I feel like I'm saying confession...lol).  However, that doesn't mean I haven't been working on a few things.  I have one super huge project that I hope to finish by the summer; I'm making progress but it's slow.  To break up the monotony of my large project, I thought I would try some little projects in between.  I'm sure you've all seen and or have some of the Julie Nutting Prima Dolls.  I have gone absolutely crazy for these little cuties.  OMGosh!!! They are the hottest thing since sliced bread!  If you haven't had the pleasure, they are a must darling! I'm so excited to share my latest one (I've only done 2).  I could not find the name of this one anywhere on the package. I guess I could have looked that information up on the net, but...not!  So, we'll just call her "Swing Dress Girl"; hmmm that might even be her name (tapping my chin).  Oh well, moving right along.  I really don't like to enter challenges but since I am on Mema's Craft's DT and March is the DT challenge; I guess I better throw my hat in the ring.  Lesia  was kind enough to supply each M&M girl with a Prima Doll, with the instructions to create a project.  I created an interactive tag set.  I will upload my project to Mema's Crafts challenge blog and you all will vote on the project you like the best.  I believe Lesia has set up the challenge for you to vote twice if you like.  And of course, she has a very nice gift from the random drawing.  You have to meet some requirements to be eligible to win the gift, like you must vote on a DT project and you have to leave a comment.  See the Mema's Crafts Challenge Blog for instructions.  We also have Kenny K as a Sponsor for March.  Did you know Kenny K has clear stamps now?! You can find them at KennyK.com , they are really cute and they come as a set so you can really dress-up your cards and projects.  Well, I'll stop chatting your eyes out and share my project.  I did a tag with a matching box and matching gift card holder using my favorite paper line Graphic 45.  I used the Couture paper pack.  Other supplies: DCWV Glitzy Glitter Cardstock Stack the 12x12, but you could probably use the 6x6, Peacock feathers from JoAnns, Bling from Hobby Lobby, Copics to colour her skin and hair, Sizzix die "Curly Gate" #658221.  The tag I cut on my Cricut Expression (4" x 7.50"), Tag, Bag, and Boxes I, Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink, Hot glue gun, Stampin Up bling,  and black foam tape.  I made the box using a tutorial by Bona on her  LiveLoveScrap YouTube channel. Thanks Bona for an awesome tutorial! Check it out, you'll love it. I adjusted the measurement to accommodate my tags dimensions.  Thanks for stopping by...until next time.

 

Hugz from me