Fabulous Flamingo Birthday

 

This a fun card using some of the summer colors and papers that have now been retired.

CTMH supplies - 

Cotton Candy (Z2193), Thistle (Z2640), Black (Z2105) and Lagoon (Z2195) Inks
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)
3D Foam Tape (Z1151)
Calypso Papers (X7210B)
Calypso Sequins (Z3215)
Silver Shimmer Trim (Z1799)
Tickled Pink Stamp (C1651), and Thin Cut (Z3228) - both retired

Edges of the front papers were highlighted with cotton candy and lagoon ink.  the flamingo's wing was elevated with 3D tape.  This is one of my favorite stamps - one of the new thin cuts for this year.  The inside sentiment is Tim Holtz's "Crazy Talk".

Thanks for visiting.  Please share your questions and comments.  I enjoy hearing from you.

Blessings,

 

Philippians 4: 8

Crazy Birds Birthday

Over a year ago, my friend Christine at I Am Cocoa's Mom posted a Hallowe'en cascade card using these adorable stamps.  I resisted the urge to buy them until last week, when I couldn't stand it any longer!

The Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Bird Crazy stamps and dies were perfect for a birthday card for a friend.  The accessory "Crazy Things" and "Crazy Talk" stamps were great fun for completing the card.  The dies that go with the stamps are extremely detailed and wonderful for giving cards a 3D look.

The eyes and balloons were cut separately and covered with Liquid Glass (Z679).  The separate wing, lifted up with 3D Foam Tape (Z1151), holds the balloon strings, cut with the intricate dies included in the accessory pack for Crazy Things.

The sentiment inside is stamped in Barn Red (Z2104) using the "Crazy Talk" verbage.  There is a saying for every holiday in this terrific collection!

Copic pens are such fun to use on these projects - I can't tell you what colors I used, there are so many on all the different little pieces of this card.  The edges of the front papers were all distressed to complement the wood texture of the background paper.

Other Close To My Heart products used in this project include:

Rustic Home Fundamentals Paper (Z3262)
Chocolate (X5643), Slate (X5930) and Colonial White (1388) Cardstock
Sanding Kit (Z1294)
Black Ink (Z2105)
Ponderosa Pine Ink (retired)
Neutral Baker's Twine (retired)

Thanks for following along on this project.  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know you stopped by to visit!

Blessings,

Phillippians 3:13-14

 

Another Cute Critter

The Spring Critters Stamps and Thin Cuts are so versatile - here is another one used for a "guy" birthday card.  I love these stamps because they can be used for so many different types of cards.  This card was for my husband's birthday and he really liked it.

 Here's a close up showing the sentiment a little more clearly.

Seen from the side, the fox is elevated from the card on a spring adhesive, adding yet more whimsy - it wiggles when the card is pulled from the envelope or when the card is moved around - great fun!

All the card and paper edges are sponged with ink to add interest.  The Confetti Wishes papers and Spring Critters stamps are now retired.  Other supplies used:

Inks - Eggplant (Z2647), Saffron (Z2651), Black (Z2105)
Clear Sparkles (Z3274) 
Shin Han Markers (to color Mr. Fox)
White Card and Envelope (X254)

Thanks for following along on this project.  Stop by my blog again and please tell me how you like my posts.

Blessings,

 

Phillippians 4: 8, 9

Bouquet Greetings

These cards use the beautiful "A Bunch of Love" Stamps (C1647) and corresponding Thin Cuts metal dies (Z3251) from Close to My Heart.

 Shin Han markers in R11 Carmine (Z2448), R140 Lt Orange (Z2455), YR24 Marigold (Z2457), GY234 Leaf Green (Z2454), G46 Vivid Green (Z2466) and BG61 Peacock Green (Z2461) colored the flowers and leaves.

The May Stamp of the Month "Celebrate With Cake" (retired) provided the sentiment and flowers for the inside of the anniversary card.  Shin Han marker colors used for the flower colors are listed above.

 

Other CTMH supplies:

White cards and envelopes 5 1/2"x 4 1/4" (X254)

Florentine Paper (retired)

Rose Gold Foil Tape (Z3218)

Watercolor Paints (Z3132) and brushes (Z3188)

Medium Round Waterbrush (Z3225)

Black (Z2105), Ruby (Z2170), Peacock (Z2649) and Ponderosa Pine (retired)

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) 

Sparkle Asst, Brown and Tan (retired)

3D foam dots or squares are used to lift the stamps up from the card front for added interest.

As the card says, thanks a bunch for following along on these projects.  They demonstrate how some little changes can make very similar cards useful for a variety of occasions.  I love the look of these cards because they're so bright - just right for spring and summer, as well as cheerful for autumn and winter - any season.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know - I love to hear from you!

Blessings,

 

Romans 8:38,39

Father's Day Card

Although summer is still a couple of weeks away, Father's Day and grilling season is already upon us.  The clean lines and spots of color on this card are sure to please any man.

Close To My Heart Supplies

Artbooking Cartridge (Z3169) p. 64 Overlay "Freedom"
Artistry Cartridge (Z3167) p. 32 "Away We Go" (1.75"h x 2.45"w)
Daisy White Cardstock (1385)
White Cards and Envelopes (X254)
Enamel and Glitter Duos - Blue Dots (Z3122)
Kaleidoscope Papers (X7202B)
"Framed" SOTM 1508 (retired)
Smoothie (Z2196), Peacock (Z2649) Inks

Other Supplies

Sizzix Embossing Folder #657196 "Distressed Frame A2"
3D Double-sided Adhesive Dots

The embossing layer made a nice base for the card front.  The "Freedom" overlay went on top of that, using bits of kaleidoscope paper in back of random designs to add color.  The blue dots also added glitter to the white background.  

Enjoy your Father's Day with friends and family.  Thanks for following along on this project.

Blessings,

Phillipians 4:19

Spring Wishes

Our neighbor celebrated his 90th birthday recently.  This is the card I made for him.  The frog and greeting are both from the Close To My Heart new product line of stamps and "thin cuts" - die cuts that coordinate specifically with certain stamps and can be used with die cut hand-crank machines like Cuttlebug or Sizzix Big Kick.  This set is Spring Critters and Thin Cuts.  It was available through April.  Most of these are so popular, they sell out before the end of the catalog run!  The nicest thing about these coordinating sets is the ability to precisely cut the design - no more "fussy cutting" around a stamped image!!

Other supplies used include:

Confetti Wishes papers and complements (retired)
3D Springs (retired)
White Cards 4 1/2" x 5 1/4" (X254)
Inks - Black (Z2105), Sweet Leaf (Z2153)
Green Enamel and Glitter Duos (Z3123)
Shin Han Markers - Vivid Green (Z2466), Leaf Green (Z2454), Lt Orange (Z2455)

 

The 3D spring behind the frog gives it a nice bounce when it's pulled out of the envelope.

This was a quick, simple card and lots of fun to make.  While the papers are retired, I still have lots left and will likely use it to make more of this happy little style!  Thanks for joining me today.

Blessings,

Luke 10:25-37

Spring Birthday Scene Card

Happy Spring!  Here is a bright card made with the Cricut and CTMH Artfully Sent Cartridge.  This card is a variation on the folding card made on p. 33.  The card is 5" x 7".

Other Close To My Heart supplies used include:

Confetti Wishes Paper and Complements (retired - use Zoe - X9197B, Kaleidoscope - X7202B or  Calypso (available in May)
Daisy White Cardstock (1385)
Inks - Thistle (Z2640), Buttercup (retired - use Honey - Z2162)
Enamel and Glitter Duos - Blue Dots (Z3122)
Artfully Sent "Just To Say" Stamp (D1629)

Other Supplies:

ek Corner Scallop Tool

For the main card, cut one "whole" card as directed (at 7") and one "front half" (the one with the scallop design) in contrasting paper.  If you are unsure about how to place your paper to get that half a card right, go ahead and cut the whole thing, slice off the back and use it later.  Glue the 2 pieces together, matching the design.  Instead of folding the card OUTward, fold it INward and glue it down.

Cut the corresponding sentiment sheet (at 7").  I used the corner scallop to add pizazz.  Some stick on compliments and the edge stamping completed the inside.  The blue dots are on the front of the card at the center of each scallop.

Such a fun card to make - very versatile and a great look that will change with the different papers and embellishments used.  Thanks for joining me!

Blessings,

John 3:16

More Winter Birthdays

Winter days are hard upon us - a good time for making lots of colorful cards to brighten up gloomy days.  Both of these cards are made using the Close To My Heart Artfully Sent Cartridge (Z3168).   

This first card is on p.25.  Other CTMH supplies used include:

Clear Sparkles (Z1752)
Free To Be Me Papers (retired)
Lagoon (X5762) and White Daisy (1385) Cardstock
Stamp - "4 My Friend" (retired)
Glitter Gel (retired)

For the cover, cut 2 of the base scene - one from the white and one from the colorful paper.  Cut 1/8-1/4" margins on all four sides (I used 3/8") of the colored paper to create interest.  Glue the two layers together, making sure to line up the cut sections and folds.  Cut the "Happy Birthday" Cake, line it up and glue it to the front of the card.  Embellish it with glitter, sparkles, and contrasting paper under the cake "layers".

The inside of the card is a simple greeting, offset to show only when the card is opened.

The second card is on p.7.  Other CTMH supplies used include:

Artfully Sent Stamp "Just To Say" (D1629)
Thistle (Z2640) and Lagoon (Z2195) Inks
Confetti Wishes Paper and Compliments (retired)
Glitter Gel (retired)
White Daisy Cardstock (1385)

Cut an extra cupcake out of a contrasting color using the "scene" layer (same layer as base card).  Use a small piece of scrap that covers the area of the cupcake.  Trace and trim the 1/2 that doesn't get cut on the Cricut.  Make sure the cupcake is placed on the front of the card to exactly cover the base cupcake.  OR - leave it the plain base color and fuggedaboud this step, hah!

Cut half the scene layer using a contrasting paper for the flip-side of the scene card, again using the scene base card.  You can cut the entire card, if you want, then slice off the half that won't be used or measure to cut just the front half.  Again, glue the two layers together, matching cuts and folds.  Embellish the cupcake to bring out the stars on the "icing".

Make the white card and stamp around the edges, alternating ink colors and sentiments, "Happy Birthday" and "It's Time To Celebrate".  Embellish by putting scrap paper in back of the cut out stars and compliments on the card.

 Here's the completed card, ready for our cute little grand-niece.  She'll have fun opening this.

Thanks for following along on these projects.  Enjoy them and let me know if you have questions or comments.  See you next month!

Blessings,

Luke 12:22-31

Valentines for Everyone!

So, mid January, we had what became known as "Snowzilla" or "Snowmageddon" here in our neck of the woods, because anything over 2 inches of snow is considered catastrophic and completely unmanageable.  Church was cancelled all over parts of Tennessee and Kentucky!  The angels sang, I'm certain of it.  In any case, it was quite beautiful here for a couple of days, impassable on local country roads for about 5 days, and a big ole' mess on ALL the roads for about a week.  Great weather for staying indoors and crafting, reading, watching movies, cleaning house (WHAT!?!  NOT!), and eating a pot of homemade soup.

In any case, I got a head start on my Valentines for this year.  Is it just me or does everyone have a craft room that looks like a party exploded all over it when they're working on a project?  Between choosing papers, inks, stamps and designs, I make a mess.  It's a FUN mess, though!

This year I used the remains of last year's CTMH Heartstrings WOTG for Valentine cards, including the stamp set, and these other Close To My Heart supplies:

CTMH Artfully Sent Cartridge (Z3168) (pp. 36 & 37)
Shimmer Tape, Red (Z1848) and Silver (Z1799)
Clear Sparkles (Z1752)
Daisy White Cardstock (1385)
Ruby Cardstock (X5927)
Red Glitter Paper (Z3075)
Dimensional Elements - Hearts (retired)
Stamp - Beloved Bouquet, January SOTM (retired)
Stamp - Coming Up Roses, Jeanette's Archive (retired)
Note - Both stamps were used for the phrase "Happy Valentine's Day" and may be substituted with another of your favorite stamps.

Other supplies included scrap papers for pink and red hearts, the arrow on one of the cards, and small bits of yellow for the flower in "Love Bug".

The Artfully Sent cartridge creates beautiful 5"x7"cards.  Two of them are "pop up" type cards.

This card has a plain front if not embellished using the "pocket card" feature available on the cartridge.

The inside of the card "pop up" opens to the lacy heart.The arrow and small heart in the middle are also part of the cartridge.

A bit of red shimmer tape adds interest to this card.  

When opened, the cutout heart provides a place for your greeting.

This little card was made from "leftovers" of last year's Heartstrings WOTG.  Still pretty cute!

Finally, three versions of a very cute "pop-up" card for the children.  Since the 3D dimensional element hearts are no longer available, cut out hearts of red glitter paper, or other embellishment add interest to this card, which otherwise has a plain front.  On the third card (pictured in back), I used a textured, very pretty paper that made up for lack of embellishment.

Inside, the VW pops up, complete with silver shimmer tape for bumper and details!  The "Love Bug" cuts on the Cricut are done at the same time as the VW in red and white.  I added the yellow in the center of the flower because I liked that better than the white.

Thanks for following along.  May you enjoy a wonderful day with your special Valentine!

Blessings,

Psalm 1:1-6

 

Winter Birthday

Happy New Year to everyone!  Here's hoping the holidays were filled with good things and good times spent making good memories.

This card was fun and easy to make.  I like it because it's perfect for a winter and holiday season birthday.  Which is exactly why it was a lovely card for our daughter!

Close To My Heart supplies used:

"Lovely Lily" Stamp - B1401 (retired) - front sentiment
"Joyful Birthday" Stamp - B1419 - inside sentiment
"Always Grateful" Stamp - C1559 - Trees
Ponderosa Pine Ink (retired - use Topiary Z2155 or New England Ivy Z2135)
Brown Glitter Paper (retired - use Gold Z3076 or Green Z1847)
Brown Opaques (retired, use Brown and Tan Sparkles Z1753)
Liquid Glass - Z679
Colonial White Cardstock - 1388
Colonial White Cards and Envelopes - X1410

Colonial white cardstock was cut at 4" x 5 1/4" and stamped with trees alternating 1st and 2nd generation stamping.  Another colonial white cardstock piece was stamped with the front sentiment and applied to the glitter paper with liquid glass.  It's important to use liquid glass when applying the cardstock to the glitter paper as many ordinary adhesives will not work.

Add sentiment to the inside of the card.  Embellish the front as desired (sounds like a recipe - "garnish for presentation", doesn't it?).  I used Brown Opaques, which are no longer available, so I suggest using Brown and Tan Sparkles, which come in assorted sizes, 108 to a package.

This card also works well as a plain note card, greeting card, thank you card or just about any other application.  I really like the tree motif.  If you have any questions about this project, send me a note.  Thanks for following along!

Here's to a wonderful year of crafting and making new friends.  See you next time!

Blessings,

Romans 8:28