Tag: bless others

Crafty Thursday #19: Shadow Box Cards

Hello, hello!

There are so many…SO MANY!…wonderful card creators out there online, and so many with You Tube channels. I mentioned a few in my last post about using card sketches, and my terrific team leader Lorraine just had a card featured as the inspiration for the August 2024 Oh So Inspired Hop which is hosted by (Call Me) Crafty Al. You can find so many great ideas to CASE (Copy And Selectively Edit or Copy And Share Everywhere). My Shadow Box Cards are inspired by Juli Baca of Sunny Day Stamping.

All stamped images and paper patterns copyright of Stampin’ Up!

I made the Peach Pie one first, and since I am woefully bad at making boxes, it took me a bit of time to get my score lines all properly aligned (which has absolutely nothing to do with Juli’s excellent instruction sheet). I’ll list all products used at the end of the post. Die cutting the circles was a breeze, the square needed to be a tad more centered, and turning it to create the diamond, well, I should have gone down one size. But, card making is a creative process, and there are no accidents, just happy discoveries! I used Tear Tape to secure the edge of the box, as I wanted a good hold. If you use the Tear Tape, be sure to align it well before you press it. You write your message on the back of the card, and it’s probably a good idea to write your message before you attach the back. Again, crafting is an adventure, lol.

I made the Summer Splash one next, and I did much better with the scoring and folding alignment. I feel that this is a great card to make using the Simply Score Board. I used my Trimmer, which has both a cutting and scoring blade. Ah, the shopping list certainly is never ending. 😉

I went back to the circle die cut, and I have been waiting for an opportunity to use this particular designer series paper. This shadow box technique was perfect! I love the soft colors and it makes an elegant card. Crooked was kind of my thing for the day, hahaha! And, I will say right here that I am not usually a fan of wasting expensive designer paper on an envelope, but these cards seemed to override me.

The last one is where I tried out the diamond shape. I will give it another go with the smaller die, because, who doesn’t love a diamond? These are also colors that I don’t often gravitate to, and I really liked the effect of the coordinating colors! On this card front I stamped with Versa Mark ink to get that tone-on-tone look, and I thought the punched image showing some of the paper on the back was a fun touch. I also got a bit creative and used the scrap that was left from the envelope flap to decorate the front of the envelope.

All in all, I had a fun afternoon creating these shadow box cards. They fit in an US A2 size envelope (4 1/4 in. x 5 1/2 in.), and I would suggest using the non-machinable stamps. They are a bit more expensive at $1.19 each, but your card will arrive in good condition.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these Shadow Box Card creations! Thanks for stopping by! I’m hoping to get back to You Tube in September, so keep an eye out!

God Bless,
Barb

Barbara Haropolous, Independent US Stampin’ Up Demonstrator

PRODUCT LIST:
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Summer Splash, Peach Pie, Lost Lagoon, Basic White

Stamp Sets: Thoughtful Wishes stamp and die bundle, Labeled With Love stamp and bunch bundle

Die set: Stylish Shapes, includes circles, squares and banners used

Ink: Lost Lagoon, Peach Pie, Copper Clay, Gina K Designs Onyx Black (see my blog post comparing black ink pads), Versa Mark

Stampin’ Blends Markers: Peach Pie, Shy Shamrock, Summer Splash

Designer Series Papers: Frames and Flowers Specialty 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper, Unbounded Beauty 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper

White Envelopes, A2 size from envelopes.com

Other Tools: Stamp Blocks Clear Bundle, Paper Trimmer, Tear Tape Adhesive, Tombow Tape Runner, Art Glitter Glue

Crafty Thursday #18: Card Sketches

Hello everyone! Good to be back to the blog!

I’d like to share about card sketches today. Why? Because, this seems to have exploded online in the last month! Call them what you will (patterns, designs, templates, recipes) but this seems to be the latest buzz in the card making realm. In fact, the new 2024-2025 Stampin Up! catalog has 20 card sketches throughout the pages, and all of them are showcased along the bottom of page 22. Drop me a comment if you’d like a paper catalog, or see the right sidebar for a digital version.

What is a card sketch? It’s simply the pattern you will use to create a card. You can find them on Pinterest (look for me while you’re there!), on You Tube, the sources are endless! My wonderful Team Leader, Lorriane Cich has some great videos using her simple and elegant sketches; check her latest on using Designer Series Paper squares. I have printed numerous instruction sheets from many of the people I watch, and I have Julie Bolhuis’s book with 54 fun fold templates.

Essentially, you follow the directions! It’s like following a sewing pattern or a cake recipe. Gather your ingredients, measure them, and add them in the correct order. A sketch typically doesn’t have directions to go with it, so it’s a “use your imagination” type recipe rather than specific ingredients. You don’t have to use a specific color card stock or the exact circle die. You can pick and choose from among your stash of great supplies! Is it fun to get “all the things”? Of course it is! But, the point of using a sketch, with no specific products attached to it, is for you to use the products and supplies you already have. I bet many of you have an entire shelf of stamp sets, card stocks and ink pads. Dig in and find ones that you haven’t used in a while, and CASE a sketch! (Copy And Selectively Edit)

To show you just how simple this can be, I will share what I am working on creating to keep my card ideas and ones I’ve made. It’s simple dot grid notebook paper that I printed from Printable Paper. I like the dot grid because I can make nice, straight lines or other shapes and get them pretty good on scale. I’m sure there’s a way to do this digitally as well, but I just like the feel of plain old pencils and paper. 🙂

I used the left side to sketch out the card base. To the right, I have a place for the date, who I CASE’d it from or is it my own idea, the dimensions, card stock and Designer Series Paper used, stamp set and any other pertinent info. I did realize after I copied my template and punched it for my disc binder, that I forgot to make a spot for inks used! *facepalm* But, there’s plenty of room on the back of the sketch for other comments and instructions, so…yeah, let’s go with that! Then you simply sketch out your design pattern.

In my example, I’m using my team leader Lorraine’s latest team challenge. It featured an A2 size card (5.5 in x 4.25 in), an embossed layer, 3 rectangles and a sentiment strip.

I created 2 cards using this sketch; a vertical Christmas card and a horizontal anniversary card for my hubby (we celebrated 41 years on Tuesday!) I used the ideas and modified to my supplies and needs. I added a bit of bling to them as well, but this is a simple and easy pattern to follow without any extras. On the Christmas card, I only used two of the three rectangles. Another modification that is easy to make once you have the basic idea. I have the template tucked into the back of my binder so I can print more when needed. And, don’t forget: no naked envelopes! 😉

There are several sources for free PDF’s to keep a card sketch list. Search on Pinterest or Google for “card making supply list.” You can also purchase a Creative Companion, which is a collab between Trinity Stamps and Mary Gunn of Craft Roulette. I highly recommend you watch an episode or 6 of Craft Roulette. It’s fun and informative and you’ll have more card ideas than you can make!

I hope this has helped you in your card making and crafting endeavors! Do you keep a sketch/pattern book of your creations? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for popping in! See you next time, and blessings to you!

Barb

Barbara Haropolous, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, USA

In the Word Wednesday #17: The “Silly Dove” of Hosea

Hello, dear friends!

As I study through the book of Hosea with my small group, it has been a constant reminder that we, here in 2024, are really no different from Israel in 700 B.C. Our idols might present themselves differently, but they are still idols that keep our eyes off of God and onto ourselves. This study has also been mirroring much of what I’m reading in the devotional book by Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies.

This particular phrase caught our collective attention this past week: “Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense…” (Hosea 7:11a). At first glance you must wonder what this reference means. Scripture refers to the Holy Spirit coming as a dove on Jesus after His baptism (John 1:32). It also admonishes believers to be gentle/innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).

When you look into the behavior of doves, a new understanding opens up. They are social, but they get easily lost. They flap around aimlessly, looking for places to perch. They know where to find the places the other doves are hanging around, but they seem unsure if they want to stay.

Hosea is likening the behavior of Israel to doves. They want to be with the other Israelites, but they get easily lost in the world and all it’s attractions. Although they have a fine homeland, given to them by God, they don’t seem to want to perch there. They have His word, written on their hearts, but other things keep taking precedence. They know where to go for socializing (The Temple courts) but, gee, that mountain over yonder, with all that other stuff happening, it looks kind of appealing.

We, as believers, know where to hang around (church and church functions), we know what to base our life on (The Bible) and that this world is not our home and we should fix our eyes on heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 12:1-2). But we have the problem of self, of sin, of wanting what we don’t need and shouldn’t look for.

As Tripp says in the devotional, we have Jesus, and the amazing grace that God pours out on us. Will we still stumble? On this side of eternity, yes. But, God…God and His mercy restores us again and again, and rescues us from the idol of “self.”

Don’t flap around like a silly dove; get grounded in GRACE and His word daily. Run back to Him when you stumble or fall and soak in some of that mercy before you get back on your feet to move forward again.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20, ESV

God Bless,

Barbara

Happy Father’s Day Exclusive Recipe!

Hello friends!

Today we celebrate the men in our lives; our own fathers, our husband’s, uncles, anyone who stood in as the father figure.

I like to recall the great times I was blessed to have with my father, my Uncle Jim, celebrating my hubby with my kids. Now, two of my sons are fathers, and it’s an honor to see them grow into their roles and raising my amazing grandies.

My hubby is a wonderful father, my best friend and we’ve been blessed with 41-derful years.

He’s not much for sweets, usually. I decided to snazzy up a favorite, and I’m happy to share the recipe with you!

Coconut and Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

1 stick butter

1 bag mini marshmallows

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coconut flakes

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 box of Rice Krispies, less 2 cups

Melt the butter, then add marshmallows, stirring till almost liquid. Remove from heat and add vanilla, mixing in well. Add coconut, mix in, then add the cereal. Stir, stir, stir till combined, them add the chocolate chips. Mix well. Pour into a 9 in x 13 in baking dish lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Using another piece of wax/parchment paper, press it down and even out. Place in fridge at least an hour before serving. Cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!!

Most of my family, 2024; my Dad and I, circa 1963

I know these man made holidays can be painful. Many did not have a father they could rely on, for many reasons. There has been a lot of trauma in my life as well. But, as the Bible says, I try to keep my focus on whatever is true, lovely, noble, honorable. I hope you know that your Heavenly Father will never let you down. He is always watching, always listening, always merciful when we come humbly before Him.

Have a wonderful day, whomever you are celebrating 🧡

Till next time, God Bless

Nothing Crafty Thursday

Well, friends, that header says it all! 😉

It’s been a rough week here, so nothing crafty happened, with the exception of my web cam arriving.

So, I will try for a live tomorrow (Friday, June 7) at 1:30 mst. We can look at the different sizes of the Stampin’ Emboss and Die Cut Machines and maybe peep in the catalog at some stamp and die bundles which are all on sale this month!

Check my Facebook and You Tube channels! 😁

Have a great day!

Till next time, get creative and bless someone!

Barb 🌻

Crafty Thursday #17: The Double Z Fold

Hello Crafting Friends!

Let’s take a look today at the Double Z Fold card.

A Double Z Fold will have the folds on both the left and right sides, and the centers can either overlap or meet in the middle. It stands up nicely for display. I will show you an overlap example and a project sheet with all the measurements will be available to newsletter subscribers.

The Overlapping Double Z Fold: I began with a 12 in x 12 in piece of colored card stock. In my examples, I chose the new 2024-2026 In Colors! They are just so bright and pretty; they feel so summer!

For the Designer Series Papers, I used the 2024-2026 In Color (this paper is available in all the Stampin’ Up! color families!) and Thoughtful Journey. I love the watercolor images on the Thoughtful Journey papers; both sides are beautiful. I used a scene, and cut my paper so that it would stretch across both sides of the card. The colors are soft, and the sentiments from the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set fit perfectly with the peaceful feel of the card. I used the Heartfelt Hexagon punch and stamp set for the focal image on all the cards shown in this post. It’s such a versatile set! The brass butterflies and Petunia Pop ribbon finished the look off nicely.

On the other card, I used the same Pretty in Pink card stock, and the 2024-2026 In Color Designer Series Paper. I love anything polka dot, and I thought the Pebbled Path ink really gave a nice contrast; who doesn’t love pink and gray? It’s a classic combo! Pebbled Path is a 2022-2024 In Color, so you want to grab it while it’s still around! I punched a hexagon in Pebbled Path card stock to shadow the focal image, stamped a few curly-doodles on the inside, and added a strip of the DSP along the bottom. I added some playful hearts and finished it off with the Basic Gray and Smoky Slate Pearls. The focal image has dimensionals on the back of the right side only, so the left side slides underneath to help it stay closed.

One the second set of cards, I have used some retired Designer Series papers, along with some coordinating new products. For the wedding card, I broke out some of the new 2024-2026 In Color Specialty Glimmer Paper and the Bee Builder punch to add some sparkly hearts! The Pumpkin Pie color worked so well with the colors on the DSP! I also used Pumpkin Pie cardstock on the belly band and some Pumpkin Pie ink blended on the focal point, which made it pop all the more! On the sympathy card (I told you this was a very versatile stamp set!) I added the background hexagon in Pretty Peacock cardstock to offset the Lost Lagoon ink, and kept the embellishments to a minimum. I feel understated is the way to go with a sympathy card.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the Overlapping Double Z Fold card. As you see, there are many occasions to use this card for. Come back next week for another set of cards using the new In Colors and Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper. It’ll be SIP cards; Stamps, Ink and Paper! If you shop for any of the products I’ve linked today, please use my Host Code, which is on the sidebar. I appreciate your support!

I plan to do two live demonstrations in June; if you are signed up for my newsletter, you can get all these details right in your inbox!

Thanks for spending some time with me today. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

Till next time, Barbara

In the Word Wednesday #16 God Is My…

Hello, hello!

I’m coming to the end of my devotional book, Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler. Last week, there were several names I learned about, all having to do with God being our Dwelling Place (Moan (ma-OHN)), our Refuge (Machseh (mach-SEH)), our Shield (Magen (ma-GAIN)), our Fortress (Metsuda (me-tsu-DAH)) and our Strong Tower (Migdal-Oz (mig-dahl OHZ).

This week, I’m focusing on the verses that discuss God as my Dwelling Place. I’m still continuing on through the book (this week is Judge, but I really want to keep my focus on what God is to me. To really make it personal. I looked up the verses and copied them into a document in several different versions/translations. The collection of verses are all in Psalms (my all time favorite book in the Bible!) All are linked in the English Standard Version, but you can search them in the version you prefer on Bible Gateway.

Psalm 27:4-5

Psalm 31:20

Psalm 90:1-2 I am partial to this verse, in particular, in the King James Version

Psalm 84:10-12

I’d like to share the document with you. I hope that it blesses you as you read all the things that God Is.

Thanks for coming by! Have a wonderful week!

god-is-my-Download

Stampin’ Up! June 2024 Promotion!

BIG NEWS!!!

💥 June 5 – 30, Stampin’ Up! is having a HUGE “Bundle” promotion! There are so many great bundles in the new catalog!

💥 Get an additional 10% discount on stamp and die bundles only. Not applicable on suites or stamp and punch bundles. Stamp and die bundles are normally 10% off, and in June you get even MORE off!

💥 Save 10% on BOTH the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (White or Boho Blue)!!! THIS is a great deal! The machine comes with all plates and is ready to go! You only need to attach the crank handle and you can die cut and emboss to your heart’s delight!

💥 The 10% discount will automatically apply. There’s no special codes needed for the promo! Please, though, do use my June Host Code, which will be available on June 1!

💥 Get your shopping list ready for June 5! Shop early, as products go FAST, FAST, FAST!

👉 Please note: Close To My Heart products are not included in this sale

#creating #createandblessothers #stampinopolous #stampinup #cards #cardmaking #papercrafts #salesalesale

Happy Sunday! 5.19.2024 Update

Well, friends, it has been a hot minute.

We both had some minor health things to deal with, and all is well. It was a trying few weeks, and I am ready to get back on track with my cards and creating 👏

I’m working on some fun folds, and my May Paper Pumpkin kit arrived. What a great kit! I will do a live unbox and card creation tomorrow. (May 20, 2024) I hope Streamyard has gotten the bugs worked out so it can be on both Facebook and You Tube. Please check both to find me! If you Subscribe to either, you’ll get a notification when I am on.

Here’s a peek at my fun folds. Video coming soon! I hope to see you there!