Tag: creating

Crafty Thursday #15: One Sheet Wonder! Featuring the New Online Exclusive Flowering Zinnia Suite

 


MARCH 2024 HOST CODE: T9DBMCCP

Hello Crafting Friends!

It’s been quite the day around here, with waiting on the big snowstorm to hit Denver. Thankfully, the hubby and I headed out yesterday and got on some staples. I made a nice crock pot full of sauce and meatballs (pictured on my Instagram) before I got started creating my 12 inch x 12 inch One Sheet Wonder. I think it’s a tad unique, if I do say so myself. 😉

I’ve been waiting to get into this suite…as of today, it’s unavailable, but fear not! It WILL be back in stock because it’s a hot seller! (ETA, end of April: Designer Series Paper is currently available, as of this post) The Online Exclusive Flowering Zinnia Suite has everything to make spectacular cards! I’ll show you a few others I made below. Let me show you what I created with this suite!

I don’t know why, but I’m a bit obsessed with Slimline Cards, and the minute I saw this paper, I knew I had to make some! I will link all products used at the end of the post. I’m hoping to get a companion video up on Friday (or later tonight) on my Facebook and You Tube pages to demonstrate exactly how I cut the Designer Series Paper. There’s very little waste, which is what I was aiming for…who wants to waste such gorgeous paper?! I used the sheet featured in the Stampin’ Up! stock photo. It was designed to make cards with little waste. I’ve already seen many beautiful samples online. But, I think I came up with a fun and unique pattern…

I had the dimensions for a normal sized Slimline Card, but I wanted to be able to use as much of the pattern on the sheet as I could. It wasn’t quite high enough to make the 9 inch long version, so I made a 6 1/2 in one! It will still fit in a standard business sized envelope. As you can see, I got to work cutting up the card stock, then I turned to the 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper. I had to use math *shudder* but I survived. The way my OSW goes, you get a total of SIX cards, three of the Short Slimline Cards, as I’m calling them, and 3 standard A2 cards. The cutting is a little unusual, which I why I will try to get that video up. I will explain it as best I can:

~ Start with your 12 x 12 sheet with the patterns to the left and right of the cutting blade. You will be cutting on the white space with this particular paper. 
~ Cut at 5 1/2. You’ll have 2 12 inch long sheets, one at 5 1/2 inch high and the other at 6 1/2 inch high. Set aside the taller one.
~ Cutting with the white space of the12 inch side across the top of the trimmer, slice this piece into 4 inch panels. These will be the front panels of the three A2 cards.
~ Take the taller piece, again with the white space of the 12 inch side across the top of the trimmer. Cut this into 3 1/2 inch panels. There will be one 1 1/2 inch piece left over. Cut this into three 1/2 inch strips. These will be the front panels and decorative strip of the Short Slimline cards.
To cut the A2 card bases:
~ Using 8 1/2 x 11 in card stock, cut in half on the 11 inch side at 5 1/2 inches. Score @4 1/4 inches.
To cut the Short Slimline Cards:
~ Using 8 1/2 x 11 in card stock, on the 11 inch side, cut at 7 1/2 inches.
~ Rotate the card stock and cut at 6 1/2 inches.
~ Rotate back to the 7 1/2 inch side and score @ 3 3/4 inches.
Other supplies needed are:
* Stamp set of choice
* Die cut or punched shape for your focal image
* Coordinating ink
* #6 envelopes for the Short Slimline Cards (link to envelopes.com I am not an affiliat 
You will also need some panels of Basic White for the inside of the cards; 4″ x 5 1/4″ for the A2 cards and 3 1/4″x 6 1/4″ for the Short Slimline Cards.
To assemble the cards:

~ Fold on the score line, “bump” side to the inside. 

Burnish with your bone folder. 
~ Add the inside panel with adhesive of choice (stamp first, if desired)
   ~ A2 card: add the front panel, centering so there is 1/4″ border on either side of panel. You will have to trim off a scant amount from the top or bottom, depending on how you want your image. Attach to all 3 bases and let dry (if using liquid glue) before trimming the extra. 
   ~Short Slimline card: add the front panel, centering for a 1/4″ border around whole panel
~ Add your focal image/sentiment and any embellishments.

I’d love to see your cards using this One Sheet Wonder! You can post them on my Facebook page, in the comments under the corresponding post to this blog entry.

Here are the ones I made using the Flowering Zinnia Designer Series Paper and some using the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper. 

Thank you so much for stopping in! I hope you create some beautiful cards this week and bless others!

Barbara 

*any links provided are for my online store through Stampin’ Up! I earn a commission on any sales from those links.

*Please use the March 2024 Host Code at the top of the post when ordering. This helps me earn products to show you! If your order is above $150 in product, don’t use the code, as you will enjoy your own rewards! 

*If you’re interested in joining Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator or as a discount shopper, you’ll get $125 worth of products of your choice in your Starter Kit for only $99!. Email me for details!

Products I used in my examples:

Stampin Up! Colored Card stock, Petal Pink 146985 and Garden Green 102584 (Annual Catalog, pg 122-123)

Heartfelt Hexagon Punch 162888 (Jan-Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 12)

Nested Essentials Dies 161597 (Annual Catalog, pg 165)

Perennial Postage stamp set 162598 (Jan- Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 25)

Perennial Lavender 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper 162593 (Jan-Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 23, linked above)

Flowering Zinnia 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper 163469 (Online Exclusive, linked above)

Sweet Sorbet 1/4″ Bordered Ribbon 162558 (Jan-Apr Mini Catalog, pg 9)

White 3/4″ Frayed Ribbon CLEARANCE ITEM!!! 158138

Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins 163484 (Online Exclusive)

Brushed Brass Butterflies 158136 (Online Exclusive)

Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels 158130 (Annual Catalog, pg 140)

Classic Stampin’ Pads, Garden Green 147089, Early Espresso 147114, Petal Pink 147108, Flirty Flamingo 147052, Berry Burst 147143 (Annual Catalog, pgs 122-123)

In the Word Wednesday #11: Using Stamps in Your Faith Journal and Planner

Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m so glad you came for a visit. Pour some tea or coffee, pull out your faith journal/planner and some supplies and let’s get creative!

Wait a second…what does stamping have to do with worship?

 We worship the CREATOR of the universe; the sun, moon and stars, mountains, valleys, birds, butterflies, rivers, lakes, oceans, you get the picture. Why not incorporate creativity into your journaling? 

I don’t always “feel” like it; sometimes I just want to write, write, write. But there are times when some pretty stamps or washi tape (and let’s not forget stickers…but that’s a whole different rabbit hole!) inspire some praise, or worship can inspire the decor! 

You don’t need to run out and buy anything; chances are if you read this blog, you already have stamps, ink and paper. 😀 Why not use them for more than card making?

I wanted something a bit different this year for my planner, and I decided to once again try out a disc-bound system. My friend Kristi of LifeinLine123 creates really nice, functional pages that you can print and use in your planners or journal. All her info is in the link, she’s passionate about incorporating faith into planning, wellness, and all of life! Here are a few shots of my February spread and weekly pages. Nothing too fancy, just reminders to trust God as I make plans, write appointments, etc.I also have a spiral notebook that I use for worship and prayer. 

Who doesn’t love Washi tape? I’m pretty low on it, but I’m NOT low on ink and stamps!

I used the Easter Lilies and Courage and Faith stamp sets on the February monthly spread. 🠞

I love me a good Bible verse set! Encouraging words for the month are always good to review. I love the background stamps, too, to add just a bit of interest to the pages. If you use Kristi’s or any printable pages, you don’t have to disc-bind your journals. You can 3 hole punch, put them in plastic sleeves, the sky is the limit! If you have a comb-binder, you can do that, too. I may splurge on some better quality printer paper as I go forward. 

🠜Here I’ll use the tiny heart from the Sending Love set to mark off my daily goal boxes..SO CUTE!!! 💛 I think that tiny heart is my very favorite stamp. Do you have a favorite stamp or set? Break it out and use it for more than cards! 

I’ll share my March spread at the end of February…it’s birthday month 🎆and I’ll try adding some fun papers to my monthly and weekly spreads, as well as some hand made dividers using a retired color card stock and some overstock of Sale-A-Bration DSP.

I hope this inspires you to get out some ink and stamps (and, maybe some washi 😉 ) and do a little creative stamping in your journals or planners.

Till next week, stay creative and prayerful!
Blessings

Barbara 🌻

Saturday Stampin'

Happy mail today! 🎉
Remember my order that I almost ordered the day before the sale? Well, I ordered the correct day, and got my new supplies today! Fun new DSP, inks, and card stock colors!
Supplies used:
》DSP: Zoo Crew
I wasn’t sure I would like this DSP: oh, my, it is SO MUCH FUN!
》Stamped With Love stamp set
This stamp set is fun, too! I love, love, love that tiny heart!

》Inks: Lemon Lime Twist, VersaMark for the tone-on-tone, Memento Tuxedo Black, and Melon Mambo for that adorable heart!!

I’ll be experimenting more tomorrow, and I have a few other cards to show you. Two sets of cards, using the pre-made card bases. One set was very simple, the other a bit more. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,
Barbara 
*All Stampin’ Up! links are mine, and I make a commission

Read about the seal of the Holy Spirit on your heart  

#creating #createandblessothers #stampinopolous #stampinup #cards # cardmaking #papercrafts #newsupplies #happymail

In the Word Wednesday #2

 Good morning! (ugh, it’s probably afternoon)

Psalm 119 is an amazing, wonderful, epic prayer. Of the many topics the 176 cover, it’s most often a prayer to stay close to God, walk humbly in His ways and asking God to stay close. There’s repentance, confession, personal and corporate intercession, even some prayer for enemies to be vanquished. 

In Psalm 118, if I might digress a moment, is a passage that I have been praying daily for Israel.

All the nations surround me;

   in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

They surrounded me on every side;

   In the name of the LORD, I cut them off!

They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns;

   In the name of the LORD I cut them off!

I was pushed so hard that I was falling, but the LORD helped me (Psalm 118-10-13, ESV)

Back to Psalm 119, it is an acrostic piece, which means that the first letter of each verse corresponds with a letter of the alphabet. There are 22 sections, each beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I think I have decided that my favorite passage is from verses 33-40. Yesterday, I was attempting some stamping art, using a technique called stamping off. You load your stamp with ink, then stamp once on a piece of scrap paper before stamping on your project. I have a naturally heavy hand, so I think I need to practice this a bit more! I also used my blending daubers on one to bring just a bit of color. Here are my efforts so far:

I’ll be making a few more, hopefully with less “typos”!! hahaha

What are you doing creative today that incorporates faith? Please let me know in the comments!
Be blessed!
Barbara 

Crafty Thursday #1: Quarter Gate Fold Card

 Hello! Thanks for joining me on Crafty Thursday!

I find a lot of card inspiration on You Tube and Pinterest. I saw the card I made today by Stamping Queen Bee on You Tube. I’m calling it a Quarter Fold Gate Card; it’s a variation of the Gate Fold card that I posted about here.

This card is a great vehicle for displaying both sides of the 12×12 Designer Series Paper. I have been wanting to use the Winter Meadow DSP with the deer scene, and this card was perfect for it! The small trees were also a great choice to use with this card design. Stampin’ Up! DSP’s make card designing simple. All of their papers are double sided and all of their products are designed to work together. I was able to choose the coordinating inks to go along with the DSP. (I kind of wish my closet was this easy to coordinate!) 

I used the Christmas Classics stamp set, which is in the Sept-Dec 2023 Mini Catalog. I love the fonts on the sentiments, very clean and classy. The holly, and pine boughs make it a perfect, cozy and beautiful card. The Seasons Greetings sentiment was perfect for the envelope flap…yes! Don’t forget to decorate those envelopes! I used my Modern Oval punch for the front sentiment. 

On the inside of the deer scene card, I decided not to put in a white interior piece; the paper is light enough to write on. (the picture is a bit dark) Again, I stamped the Seasons Greetings sentiment across the top, and added Poppy Parade berries for some accent color. Of course, if I change my mind before sending, it will be quick and easy to add that interior piece. I finished off the front of each card with a few Blooming Pearls for a little but of bling.
Please let me know if you try make this fun fold card. A free instruction sheet is available to download here.
Thanks for joining me today! Please create and bless others!
Blessings!
Barbara
Read more about Jesus’ parable of the pearl of great price
*All links take you to my Stampin’ Up! shopping page.

Gate Fold Card

 

My shipment of new Stampin’ Up! products arrived this week, and I’ve been busy, busy, busy! I had some organization to take care of first (we’re in a small apartment, I need to be smart with our spaces!) but I finally got down to making some cards using the new products!

Aren’t these cards beautiful? The technique is called the Gate Fold, and I made one with a belly band (middle) instead of the “gates” on the front. In the second photo, you can see how the cards open. One opens side to side and the other top and bottom. I added a thin piece of the Designer Series Paper on the inside for a little extra flair. 
The belly band slides off to reveal the beautiful DSP I used on the inside as well. The paper leant itself so beautifully to add a sentiment, and carry the snowy forest theme to the inside.
I just love the deep, bold colors of the card stock in contrast with the softer tones in the Winter Meadow Designer Series Paper. Together, I think they make stunning cards! The other designs in this package are just as stunning, be on the lookout for more cards using this paper.
I used the new Christmas Classics stamp set on the first two cards, and a retired set, Flurry of Wishes, on the third. 
The first Gate Fold card used Garden Green card stock, and the second one, Mossy Meadow. 
The punch used for the sentiment is the new Modern Oval punch. I like the size (approx 1 3/4 x 2 in), it’s just right for many sentiment-al occasions. To conceal the seam on the belly band, I snipped off the top and bottom to fit it on the band. The shape lends itself well to adjusting to fit the space needed. 
I finished them off with a little bit of bling, using the Blooming Pearls embellishments.
The wood coasters were made by my son. They’re coming in quite handy in my card making endeavors! 
For a printable GoogleDoc tutorial of how to make this card, click here! 
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Barb