Folder card

Ever since the envelope punch board came out (my latest favorite tool!), I have seen so many cute "folder" cards and had to give it a whirl myself.

I took the opportunity as it came when I was asked to create a "welcome back" card for a co-worker.

As I usually do, envisioned the design on my paper before I got started. Here are some tips for you on how I started:

1. Create a sketch by drawing how you want your card to fold/open.
2. choose your card front layout: there are a gazillion card sketches to choose from (i.e. pinterest)
3. Choose your colors. I usually choose 3-4 colors.
4. for each layer of your design, describe what you want to do with it (i.e. color spritz the doilie) 

Notice how this is just a ROUGH sketch because once you get started on your actual final product, things change. So, be flexible when you create!

I created this card with the retired ribbon slide (2012 Holiday catalog) and I just wasn't sure on this being the final creation.

I fiddled with different ribbons and papers on the ribbon slide for a while then finally decided that the ribbon slide wasn't going to work. So, I chose a vintage faceted button.

Ahhh, much better, no?!

card size is 5.5" x 4.25"

It made sense that the ribbon slide was too modern for the Doillie I have in the background.

The tabbed insert makes the card look like a real folder.

 

I made sure to give my co-workers signing the card enough space to write their message.

Supplies used:

• cardstock: crumb cake, calypso coral, very vanilla
• DSP (designer series paper): epic day this and that  
• inks: soft suede, black
• stamps: occasions alphabet
• punches: word window, dotted scallop ribbon border (cut strip in 1/2)
• pretty print embossing folder
• paper doillie
• vintage faceted button
• white twine
• pool party ruffled ribbon (retired)
• envelope punch board

I would love to hear what you think about my latest creation by leaving me a comment below! 

Until next time....

Hybrid Boss's Day cards

This week has been a super busy week for me in my work and personal life. Of course, I had been requested to make 10 Bosses' Day cards for work just to add to the mix!

It's times like these when I say, "Thank goodness for My Digital Studio!" because it helped me make 10 (1 of which is feminine) quick card fronts then I embellished them with some 3-D elements ( in other words: hybrid cards)

Thanks to my "card sketches" pinterest board, I found a masculine layout that I could use for these cards. This sketch was created by Anna-Carin. Simple and masculine.

 My Tips:

• use the Surprise Me feature under the Combos tab of the Choose Color icon in MDS to select your color combinations. In my case I used: soft suede, island indigo, old olive, and baja breeze.

•  I used the "clockworks" digital stamp brush set then resized and colored each gear to match my color palette.

•  I resized the watch so that the middle of it would be 1.75"....just the right size for me to use my 1.75" circle punch.

• I added a 2" square piece of window sheet with glue dots between the card front and the card base before adhering. The window sheet resembles the face of the watch. 
• I stamped an extra gear using the clear mount stamp set to make the lower left gear "pop". Then I added a candy dot in the middle.
• for a feminine design, I used a different color combo (calypso coral, pear pizzaz, bermuda bay, crumb cake) and substituted the gears for some flowers.

Supplies Used (masculine card):

• cardstock: crumb cake, whisper white
• ink: soft suede, old olive
• punches: 1 3/4" circle
• My Digital Studio: clockworks stamp brush set 
• embellishments: old olive 1/8" taffeta ribbon, soft suede candy dots. 

 Supplies Used (femenine card): 

•  cardstock: crumb cake, whisper white
• punches: 1 3/4" circle
• My Digital Studio: together forever stamp brush set 
• embellishments: crumb cake 3/8" taffeta ribbon

Halloween treats

It was a fun-filled Saturday morning with all the kiddos and adults that attended my special workshop. This was actually my first time hosting kiddos and must say that it went better than I expected. I'm glad I thought out the process of what I was going to do ahead of time. Looking ahead paid off!

Everyone said they enjoyed their time and projects they made. I knew these projects had to be easy, quick, and cute so I figured some punch art would be fun for them to put together. A BIG plus is: you use minimum supplies!

Frankenstein trick or treat bag and bat candy corn bag

Now that I think of it, I should have shown you all the adorable projects these kids made. They're all so different and fun in their own way. These kids have some imagination!!!

MY TIPS:

• I used MDS (my digital studio) to create the "Trick or Treat" and "Boo" stamp images by using my paintbrush to randomly color orange on the words.
• Frankenstein's face and hair was cut out using the Top Note bigz die
• Frank's bolts on the side of his face were made using the smallest ticket from the ticket duo builder punch 
• i created the bat wings using the butterfly punch and the itty bitty circle punch  by snipping the butterfly in halfway lengthwise then using the bitty circle to create the arch in each wing.

 SUPPLIES USED (Frankenstein bag):

• cardstock: pumpkin pie, basic black, whisper white, gumball green, basic gray
• inks: basic black, craft white, gumball green
• punches: 1 3/4" circle, 1 1/4" circle, small oval, ticket duo builder
• top note bigz die
• witches' brew designer washi tape
• (non-SU!): medium craft bag (I got mine from Hobby Lobby)

SUPPLIES USED (bat candy corn bag):

• kit: pumpkin pie goodie gear simply created kit
• cardstock: basic black
• inks: white gel pen
• punches: owl builder, butterfly, itty bitty circle
• black stampin' glitter
• (non-SU!): candy corn, googly eyes

 Thanks for stopping by! Until next time....
 

World Card Making day

Today is World Card Making Day and I'm super excited that I got to get up super early (before my baby wakes up) to sit at my stamp haven and get creative! 

Stampin' UP! is having a World Card Making Day contest and I went ahead and submitted my creation to them. Who knows, maybe I'll be one of the 100 randomly picked winners?! Learn more at http://www.stampinup.com/home

This card is masculine and monochromatic. Hope you enjoy it!

Supplies Used:

• cardstock: gumball green, pear pizzaz, summer starfruit, very vanilla
• inks: versamark, gumball green
• stamp set: six-sided sampler
• embellishments: hardware clip essentials
• ribbon: linen thread, chevron pear pizzaz   
• woodgrain embossing folder

Go ahead, create a card! 

Then show Stampin' UP! what you made. 

Happy World Card Making Day!!!

5th year anniversary card

My husband and I just celebrated our 5th year wedding anniversary and, naturally, I made a card for my dear husband.

In case you may not know, the 5th year wedding anniversary gift is wood which signifies strength, solidity, and warmth. I didn't gift my husband an actual piece of wood but I created this card to resemble wood.

 I used the card sketch below from June's Mojo Monday.

MOJO296

 Supplies Used:

• cardstock: early espresso, whisper white, bermuda bay, pistachio pudding, crumb cake
•  stamps: memorable moments
• inks: early espresso, crumb cake, bermuda bay
• thanksgiving tablescape kit (background paper)
• punches: 2 1/2" circle, 1 3/4" circle, heart
• woodgrain embossing folder
• paper piercing mat & paper piercer
•  neutrals candy dots

View & shop for your Stampin' UP! supplies at my online store located on the left of this page. 

Until next time.... 

His & Hers birthday cards

September stamp club was super fun! I sure hope my gals enjoyed their projects as we put together a His and Hers birthday cards! They look like they're enjoying themselves, don't they??!!

 My card design was "cased" from one of this year's convention presentations. I knew I had to make one of these as soon as I could. Here's what Shelli featured at convention.

I decided to create a His & Hers birthday cards considering that I pretty much have a birthday every day this month plus there's always a birthday card to be made for someone, right?!

The awesome part about these cards is that when you open the top flap, the sentiment comes right out with it! Super COOL!

My TIPS:

• cut your base cardstock to 4 1/4"x11" then score at 1 1/2"
   and 7".
• use sticky strip on the edges of your card base to create the pocket as shown below.

•   create the inside piece by cutting a 3 1/2"x3 1/4" piece of cardstock and scoring it to 1/4". 
•  Adhere sticky strip above the score line.

• Place the 3 1/2"x 3 1/4" piece of CS inside the pocket then fold top flap over the CS piece to adhere.

Supplies Used for "HER":

• cardstock: crumb cake, crisp cantaloupe, summer starfruit, very vanilla, silver glimmer paper
• DSP: birthday basics
• inks: crisp cantaloupe
•  stamp set: chalk talk, yippee-skipee!
• punches: extra large oval, hexagon (to flag the ends), scallop edge border, itty bitty shapes
• framelits: chalk talk
•  My digital studio (for the bow)
• polka dots embossing folder
• black embossing powder 

 Supplies Used for "HIM": 

• cardstock: crumb cake, whisper white, bermuda bay, gumball green,  basic gray
•  inks: basic gray, gumball green, bermuda bay
•  stamp set: morning post alphabet, memorable moments, dapper dad (retired)
• punches: 1/2" circle
• argyle embossing folder

 Thanks so much for stopping by. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me by clicking on the link on the left column.
Until next time....

Build a banner Blog HOP

Welcome to the Go Stamp It blog hop!
You are sure to love the creativity that this group of ladies bring to the crafting table (if you haven't already)! 
I am stop #5 in the blog hop and sure hope you enjoy what I have to show you.

For some reason, I had crafter's block this week and just couldn't get this banner situation worked out the way I wanted it so I had to resort to a simpler project.

I started off with dip-dye technique that was demonstrated by Stampin' UP's concept artist, Jen C. I was sure my banner was going to come out as beautiful as Jen's (below) but I was wrong.

Created by Stampin' UP! concept Artist, Jen C.

Dip-dye technique using water (tried to fix in the pic on the left, without fixing on the right)

On the first attempt I just couldn't figure out why my banners turned into an ugly brown and crinkled once it dried. After quite a while, I figured out that I used water instead of alcohol as my medium. DUH!!!
After figuring out that I needed to use alcohol, I created another set of banners using the dip-dye technique. Needless to say, I MUST be using the wrong ink because the same thing occurred......it dried to a light brown color. I tried covering it up by sponging some of the ink but it ended up looking worse. UGH!

 I kind of gave up and just said "heck with it!", but the thought of the ugly brown lingered in my head. Plus, I didn't think it was Blog Hop - worthy.

So once again, I'm at my crafting table coming up with a different option.

I wanted to create a fun and colorful banner for my son, Nathan's room. His room is Goofy (Disney) themed. So, I decided to resort to simply using the ink pads and markers.
 

Notice how  the outside edges of the banner are colored? I used the striped template from the build-a-banner kit as my guide.I then used the fine tip of  my marker to outline the circles and letters.

Finished project. Canvas frame painted by my dear friend Emily; Banner created by me.

I'm pretty happy with the turn-out of these banners but somewhat disappointed with the dip-dye fail =o(

Supplies used:

• buil-a-banner kit (pg 31 of Holiday catalog)
• markers: pear pizzaz, tangerine tango, chocolate chip, pacific point.
• inks: pear pizzaz, tangerine tango, chocolate chip, pacific point.
• sponge daubers

As I close, I do ask for your help and comment below on what I should try to make this dip-dye technique a success. Any suggestions???

Thanks for reading my post!! Up next, stop #6 with the lovely, talented, and wonderful DENISE SULLIVAN.

1. Linda Shillingburg -  http://lindasstamptherapy.wordpress.com/
2. Sami Brown - http://samisstampinspot.blogspot.com
3. Caren Curtis - http://creatingwithcaren.blogspot.com
4. Ronna Powers - http://ronnaspaperplace.blogspot.com
5. Jessica Lewis - http://scrapsprinklecrop.blogspot.com     <--- YOU ARE HERE
6. Denise Sulllivan - http://gostampit.blogspot.com
   
   

Stampin' UP! Thankful projects

I feel like I haven't blogged for a while.....but I'm back now.

This weekend has been so fun because of several reasons: I got to see and share time with my long-time friend, Barbara, and we got to do some crafting together. She also hosted this month's stamp club/workshop at my place, which was super duper fun! I believe all the ladies had a great time together (including myself)!

It's hard to believe that the holidays are coming soon but we must start to think ahead for the gift-giving season.

Barbara and I created the design of this card and are very happy with the turnout. What do you think?

 My tips:

• don't have the sentiment you want? no problem. I used My Digital Studio to create the sentiment on the front of this card in the colors I wanted. L.O.V.E. IT!
• Use the circle thinlit to trim your designer paper to fit around the edges of the card.
• use the rock n' roll technique plus an extra touch of color with the tangerine tango marker to create the multi-color leaf.
• cut the burlap ribbon in half then remove the fibers to create the knot on the stem of the leaf.
•  use a quickie glue pen (not SU!) to give the leaf a little bling-effect.

Supplies used:

• cardstock: very vanilla, soft sky
• designer paper: sweater weather*
• inks: chocolate chip, tangerine tango, crushed curry, soft sky marker (for the pearls) 
• stamp set: magnificent maple*
• punches: 2 1/2" circle, corner rounder
• thinlits: circle flip card, label (comes with the circle flip card thinlit set)
• ribbon: 1 1/4" burlap ribbon*
• embellishments: pearls
• gold glitter*
• My Digital Studio
• Quickie glue pen by Sakura (not SU!; purchased at a scrapbooking event)
• sponge daubers

* denotes items from the 2013 Holiday Catalog 


A matching "Thankful" jar was the perfect pair to the flip card we created. This jar was designed with the idea that you can place it at the center of your dinner table and every once in a while think and write down the things that you are thankful for. Place those little notes in the jar then read them again at the end of the year. I look forward to getting it started in my home as well!

This jar came together super fast because most of it was already pre-cut, thanks to the tablescape kit in the Holiday Catalog!
You can make at least 10 jars that would serve as thoughtful gifts.

My Tips:

• all you really need to put everything together are glue dots for this project (gotta love those things!).

Supplies Used:

• Thankful tablescape simply created kit*
• pint-size canning jar (I got mine from Wal-Mart) 
• punches: 2 1/2" circle, modern label
• secret garden framelits 
• My Digital Studio (for the sentiment)
• bronze button (retired)

* denotes items from the 2013 Holiday Catalog 


I'm very thankful for the ladies that make it possible for me to create every month, I couldn't do it without them! 

Thank you for stopping by! I want to hear your feedback on these or other projects. Don't be shy to drop me a line by making a comment below!

Until next time! 

 
 

Stampin' UP! August Promotions

August is here and is going full speed ahead!

I'm super super super excited to introduce to you this month's promotions and products!

First up, is the 2013 Holiday Catalog, filled with many super duper fun products! Click the image below to view the catalog or you may request a copy from your local demonstrator.

Request your FREE Holiday catalog from me at jretana06@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Next, are the label and circle thinlit card dies. OH MY GOODNESS!!! 

circle thinlits

label thinlits

These thinlits go with the following stamp sets:

Label Card Thinlits Die (item 133479):

• Happy Day Stamp Set (item 130294 W item 130297 C)

Circle Card Thinlits Die (item 133480):

• Worth the Wait Stamp (item 131094 W)
• Five-Way Flower Stamp (item 131088 W)

Both card dies pair well with:

• Oh, Hello Stamp Set (item 131931 W item 130733 C)
• Yippee-Skippee! Stamp Set (item 131341 W item 131344 C)
• Really Good Greetings Stamp Set (item 130330 W item 130333 C)
• Regarding Dahlias Stamp Set (item 130324 W item 130327 C)
• These dies also work well with our new magnetic platform (item 130658) so you can place the dies exactly where you want them

  Watch all the super fun projects you can create in the video below:



To order your thinlits, go to my Online Store by clicking on the image to the left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best of 25 years - Halloween stamp set is this month's stamp set. Get yours at my Online Store.

 
View the flyer on the link to the right of this page.


Have a wonderful start to August. Until next time!!!

Stampin' UP! convention 2013 events

This is the most difficult post to write because of all the fun things I would like to share with you but don't worry, I will spare you from having to read my every detail of my trip to Utah ;o)


Day 1 of SU! Convention

I arrived the same day the convention started with plenty of time to grab some lunch before the opening general session began. My upline, Denise Sullivan, friends Caren and Carol, and I were at a really good Mexican restaurant called the Blue Iguana.

Then we were off to start the first general session with The Voice's Ryan Innes singing "Be the difference".
If you have time, you can watch the opening session yourself, below.

 

After general session, we had an opening social where there was demonstrator booths, project displays, a service project, and much more!

The service project was one the highlights of this night and I was so involved in it that I didn't take the time to take any pictures (I regret not doing that). Stampin' UP! created the opportunity for demos to participate in creating birthday kits for children in the Utah hospital that celebrate their birthdays as they receive their treatments. My heart is soo very glad for that opportunity. I heard that the kids received their gift and I'm sure their faces shone as they opened them. 

Next up, here are a few projects from the demonstrator's booths (one of which was a male demo, Brian King).

created by demonstrator Brian King

 

created by Hispanic demonstrator

Created by German demonstrator Jenni Pauli

beautiful project displays

project displays

The day went by super fast, but I was pretty tired after all the activities. I was amazed at all the beautiful projects demonstrators and SU! staff had created, there's so much to see! Pictures don't do them justice. You have to be there to really enjoy all the intricate details of each project.

I will share with you day 2 of my convention experience in a couple of days so stay tuned...

Until next time, check out the latest products and promotions on the right side of my blog page.