Friday, November 29, 2013

Another Hearts Afire Card

Did you have a good day yesterday celebrating Thanksgiving?  We are so blessed and thankful to spend time with our oldest son and his family and to hold our granddaughters in our arms.


This is the 3rd of 4 card samples for my January 7th class at AZ Scrapbooking store in Green Valley, AZ.  I used a Spellbinder scallop circle die to cut the yellow card stock and Labels 3 die for the red.  And circle was just pleading for the Spirelli technique so, of course, I listened and did.  Have you figured out how I did the text label?  I used the scallop circle die on the 2 pieces for it, too!


And the heart needed a touch of bling.  A little red rhinestone sticker from Stampendous just fit the spot. I'm still debating about adding these little rhinestones to the text banner.  What do you think?

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a most wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:” - Thanksgiving Proclamation - George Washington 1789

The proclamation is longer than that and is a great read.  Check it out HERE.

May the true meaning of this day live in your hearts and be reflected to others.  We are enjoying our time with our son, daughter-in-law, and wonderful granddaughters. Yesterday I had the opportunity to help feed the homeless and felt most grateful for the time spent with those less fortunate.  To see the gratitude in their faces and joy of having a meal is most precious.  



Wednesday, November 27, 2013

2nd Hearts Afire Card

Hump Day. No desk today as we're in California with our gorgeous granddaughters, son, and daughter-in-law.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm so thankful for a wonderful family.

I've scheduled these posts prior to our trip but do have the laptop to moderate comments and whatever.  This card is the 2nd of 4 card samples for my January class.


I've made a lot of cards doing this cut-out design.  I seen a Valentine card on Pinterest doing something like this with the hanging heart and thought, yeah!  A card is born.


This particular stamp by Inkadinkado had 4 little circles that were just begging for rhinestones.  I could not deny the heart.  And it really made it pop!  I used a Spellbinder scallop circle die to cut out the yellow card stock.  I was going to use a circle punch but it needs to be sharpened as it wouldn't punch.  But I do like the effect.

I hope you have a fabulous holiday and don't forgot to be thankful for the blessings you have.  I know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for God's grace and mercy.  He has sustained me through many trials and I know He's there for the ones coming.  All praise to God.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Hearts Afire Card Class

I have to have my January class card samples in to the store where I teach just after we get home from celebrating Thanksgiving with our kids so I have been going like crazy finishing them along with the supply list and directions.  And now I can start showing them to you!


This one is a triply play technique card.  I hope I can get across to the gals how to cut with their paper trimmer or have a ruler, kraft knife, and mat to do the cutting.  All stamped hearts are from an Inkadinkado set called Hearts.  There are 13 in the package.  The text image here is from a Hero Arts set that I use a lot.


I stamped off the heart once before stamping on my white card stock so that it would be pastel enough for the text to show nicely.  I added some red Stickles but will use red rhinestones in the class.  The banner is raised and you can see the score lines to make the folds.  I had to double layer the foam mounting tape to get the height I wanted. 

Are you thinking this far ahead?  I sure hope not!  This was real difficult to prepare this far ahead.  This class is scheduled for January 7th. 

Friday, November 22, 2013

Hexagone Ornament Card

Tomorrow we'll be heading out for California to see our oldest son and his family for Thanksgiving.  I've been getting cards made to keep my blog going.  Here is a card I finished earlier this week.


I've done this kind of design using circles and then seen something like this on Pinterest but can't remember where at this time.  The stamped image is from a stamp set called Contemporary Greetings by Red Rubber Designs.


I used a Fiskar punch and you can see how I folded the paper here.


I punched an extra hexagon to adhere the folded one to.


I did some trimming and added more bling to the ornament.  I think if you make 2 of these and adhered back to back with some ribbon.... it would look great on a tree!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

My Workdesk and a Sparkly Snowflakes

This will be my last WOYWW until I get home from CA for Thanksgiving which will be about 10 days.  So no, I'm not quitting....  just going to see our kids and granddaughters!!  We're leaving Saturday and plan on spending a day in Barstow, CA playing tourist.  And, if you're new to the What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday blog tour you need to click on Stamping Ground which is Julia's fun blog and prepare to see desks all over the world!!  Be sure you have your favorite beverage as you can spend a lot of time blurfing (blog surfing).


I guess this is the 233rd week of celebrating desks.  That's a LONG time and I sure have been enjoying the opportunity to see what others are creating and their space to do it.  So, what's on my desk?  Left to right, paper trimmer, ribbon, Christmas stickers from Jolee, white embossing powder and spoon, glue dots, purple brad/eyelet folder, Crop-a-dile, black ink pad, sanding block, bone folder, and scissors.  I've been working fiendishly getting my January card samples done (have to have in to the store a few days after we get home) and other cards to keep my blog going.  I will have the laptop with me to moderate comments or whatever.

And do you do Pinterest?  I have a great time looking at all the inspiration, recipes, home interests, and more that's there and recently I seen a bunch of Christmas cards using wreath stamps when I had a TA DA moment!  I had all these snowflake stickers by Petaloo called Holiday Dazzlers - Snowflakes.  Can you see the light bulb over my head???  (And I really doubt I was ever the first to think this thought and if I look hard enough I'd probably find some cards like this.)


I cut a piece of white card stock 1/8" smaller than my base card, die cut a scalloped circle out of it, then ran it through my Big Shot with the Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder.  That got pop dotted on the card base.


Then, on went the snowflakes but I added a little angel from a pack by Jolee's Boutique to the center snowflake.


And a banner.  All stamped images are by The Angel Company from a set called Noel Noel.  I scored the ends of the banner and double pop dotted for the height.


Now the inside.  I had 3 snowflakes left so I just had to use them.  I inked the stamp with black then stamped off on scrap before stamping the inside so that it wouldn't be so black.  I got a little heavy handed on the ends of the stamp but it isn't too bad...

So now, please leave me a comment about my desk or card then pop on over to Julia's for more fun!

Monday, November 18, 2013

4th Pink Snowflake - A Neg/Pos Design

I've been hustling trying to get ready to visit kids in California for Thanksgiving.  I'm needing to get my Valentine card samples done for my January class as we have to have them in to the store just a few days after we get back.  Rush, rush, rush!  And I want to have blog posts scheduled for the time we're gone...  Rush, rush, rush.  Anyway, I do have to show you my last class card for my December 10 class.


I've done negative/positive cards before and thought, why not with the smallest snowflake die in the Impression Obsession set?  Definitely a different look.


And of course, it needed bling! I think a punch may have worked better but I still like it.  What do you think?
 I need to start packing as we leave in a week!  So looking forward to seeing our son and his family.  
(And I have my Valentine card samples done and directions & supply list written.  Boy golly, I am ready!)

Friday, November 15, 2013

3rd of 4 Pink Snowflake Cards

Now that I have my 4 Pink Snowflake cards completed I've been busy making up card kits for my "A Christmas Gift" class that didn't go.  One lady called barely the day before the class which is a no no, we instructors (especially those of us who don't live near the store) require 48 hours.  Plus I need to work on my January class samples next week as Debi need them right after we get back from visiting kids in California.  Stressed!!   This class is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 1 pm.


Same dies, same paper.  I embossed the brown with the Cuttlebug Snowflake folder then sanded for this look.  And for the ends of the banner.... I used the corner of a "square" punch!  How cool and easy!


This time I added LOTS of rhinestones.  They will make it a bit difficult to mail as you would need a couple pieces of card stock or a thin piece of chip board to keep the rhinestones from poking through the envelope then you'd pay extra postage.  But I like the look and hopefully I'll have "students" who do to!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

WOYWW and 2nd of 4 Pink Snowflake Cards

Ah, Wednesday.  Another hump day.  Another middle of the week.  Another view of my desk and the desks of many!  I have been taking part of this international blog hop for the past year or so.  It's great fun to travel the world and getting great inspiration and organizational ideas from other crafters.  This is all organized by the wonderful Julia Dunnit of the Stamping Ground.  Please visit her blog after mine (if you haven't come here from hers to begin with) and be sure to have your coffee, tea, water, or whatever as you'll lose track of time looking at all the desks.

I'm glad I got some of these completed as this past week has been a bugger.  I'll tell you more later.  But first, here's another card sample for my December class that I'm currently working on.


I like the layout of this card and have used it many times.  It's another classic to my way of thinking.  I really like this snowflake die set by Impression Obsession except that you can't pop dot the flakes, much too delicate.  The text is from a set by Lawn Fawn and the paper is by Pebbles and BoBunny.  And, of course, the twine is from The Twinery.


I added the large rhinestone in the center of the snowflake for that touch of bling.  The brown circle is made with a 2 1/2" circle punch and it is pop dotted over the twine.

Did you know I now have the template for the Gatefold Easel card?  Just go to the  Resources & Tutorials button under the banner and click on the technique.  That will take you to the post where the template and some directions are located.

As to my last week, my mom has been diagnosed with MDS, a "pre-leukemia".  Her hemoglobins are down to 8.9 and dropping rapidly.  We started her on a series of shots (4) for the next 8 weeks to see if her bone marrow will kick in and start working.  If so, great.  If not, she'll be starting on hospice.  I've been trying to stay strong but know that she may not be with us much longer.  My dad is struggling, too.  They've been married 55+ years.   I'm praying for God's will to be made known to us and we will have peace and comfort.  She is ready to "go" as she calls it.

Now that I've unloaded my heart to you, please visit the Stamping Ground and continue your tour.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Happy Veterans Day!

Today is the day we celebrate the sacrifice our veterans made in all wars or conflicts to protect our freedoms (including religion) and the freedom of others.

November 11, 1919 was when this memorable day was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson and was called Armistice Day.

On June 4, 1926 the U.S. Congress passed a concurrent resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue another proclamation to observe Armistice Day but it wasn't until May 13, 1938 that it was declared a national holiday.  On June 4, 1954 Congress amended to act and replaced "Armistice" with  "Veterans" to include ALL veterans rather than just those of World War I.  And so it is today.

I made a card to celebrate this day.  Paper is by Pebbles.


The banner was cut off of one of the card stocks in the package.  There is no stamping on this card.  They layout was on 365 Cards yesterday.


I did add the little red buttons for a bit of embellishment.  Seemed to me the card needed a touch of oomph. What do you think?

(Don't know what happened but this posted early.  I must not have clicked something right.)

Friday, November 8, 2013

Pink Snowflakes

Again, I'm working on some class samples.  I recently have been liking the color combo of brown and pink and just purchased the Impression Obsession snowflake dies.  They are very delicate when cut and I have not figured out a way to raise them on pop dots or glue them so have been running them through my Sticker Maker to make sure they are adhered completely.   I've got 2 cards completed and need to make 2 more by Monday when we have our store/instructor meeting to set up our classes for December.


The text is white embossed using a set from Lawn Fawn.  I prefer the saying Merry Christmas but I don't have any stamps from the store that say that.  I must use store product for my classes.


Here you can see the delicate cut of the smallest snowflake in the 3 in the set.  I added some clear rhinestones to add some bling to the card. This is a simple design yet I like how the snowflakes seem to add an elegance to it.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Wednesday Workdesk and a Lit-up Snowman

It's another beautiful Wednesday and another opportunity for you to see my desk and the projects I've been working on.  I want to thank Julia at the Stamping Ground for bringing together crafters from all over the world into this gigantic blog tour.  It's great fun looking at the work areas and seeing so much inspiration!


Let's see, there's black rhinestones and glue dots on the left.  My Big Shot with some OLD oval dies in the middle.  And a 1/4" hole punch, scissors, ribbon, and misc. on the right.  Want to see what I was working on?



I seen the most cutest snowmen while on Pinterest and went looking for my battery powered tea lights.  (I have no idea what the black line is at the top of the picture.)  I will redo this little guy with a better hat brim and ribbon but isn't it just too fun??  I colored the nose with a Copic marker and changed up the eyes to the googly type.


The back piece has a hole where the switch is to make turning on and off easier.


Here he is lit up.  I just have to smile when I see this.  I found the idea at Inking Idaho and plan on making a bunch for family as maybe ornaments or package toppers. 


And my redone guys.  I used the same die but shaped the brims a bit more.  The snowman on the right is an ornament.  I need to buy better, or really, more appropriate ribbon to do these.  Guess I need my Joann's coupons and go shopping!

Now, please leave a comment if you will then click HERE to go to the Stamping Ground and enjoy!



Monday, November 4, 2013

Stay Tuned....

This Thursday is my hubby's birthday and I've been working on his card.  I had a set by A|Muse Studios called Hey, Man! that I haven't used much (and it's no longer available).  It had a couple stamps in it that reminded me how much he sleeps in front of the TV (and I mean sleep) in his big blue recliner.  Paper is a pack from Pebbles called Basics.  It's a pad of 18 different designs with 36 papers that are A2 sized when folded on the pre-scored line.


This is a basic design and I love the paper combo.


I tried to get a good view of the TV but it just wouldn't work.  I clear embossed the screen (since I can't find my bottle of Crystal Lacquer or whatever it's called) and colored with a couple Copic markers.


The recliner is not quite as dark as his but he'll notice the similarity.  I found the sentiment online and changed it up a bit (husband was friend in the original).  I think he'll enjoy this.  We'll probably go to the Texas Roadhouse for his special dinner.  He enjoys the food.  It is VERY loud and I'll take my ibuprofen before we get there as I usually get a headache from the noise.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown..... November Challenge

Hmmm.... Saturday and I'm stamping!  Hubby is outside working on something for a guy so I got to blurfing and seen this November challenge on 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown.  And I thought.... why not!!!  I should be a little bit productive, shouldn't I??


The paper is from The Angel Company.... one of the many 8x8 pads that I collected when I was a demo with them.  And the stamped images are from Red Rubber Designs, a beautiful set called Hung On a Tree.


I did some simplistic coloring with my Copics and added a touch of the Stardust Clear Gel pen to the "dots" of the berries.  The card is 4.75" square so I'll have to make an envy for it since it won't fit an A2 envelope.

If you are interested in joining in on their challenges I do have their blog button in the sidebar.


Friday, November 1, 2013

Memory Works closing

I just received an email that another scrapbooking company is closing.... Memory Works.  Bummer.  They carried great paper from many companies.  They will be closing their doors December 31, 2013.  And another one bites the dust.