The Bridal Collection - Part 4

Finally, my last installment of the cards I'd delivered to the bridal shop, A Beautiful Touch, back in January. You can see my other Bridal Collections here:  Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

The shop owner told me there are many brides who have beach themes for their weddings.  With that in mind, I created a card that could be given to a couple for their engagement or wedding, or just to the bride for the shower.

You can see a peek of a seahorse stamped inside the card in the following photo.

Stamps: seahorse - heart - Year Round Sentiments; sentiment - Best Wishes - Hero Arts Paper: Creamy Caramel, Whisper White - SU Ink: white - Ranger; Close to Cocoa - SU; Frayed Burlap - Ranger Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; burlap ribbon; fabric medallion accent - Webster's Pages Accessories & Tools: Scallop Tag punch - Martha Stewart; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box; starfish; white craft paint; glitter; rhinestones - Queen & Co.

The owner also mentioned many brides LOVE their bling, so I kind of went all-out on this next one, which was very tricky to photograph.  It's got a shimmery silver layer on a gray card base, a strip of metallic-looking studded ribbon trim from Webster's Pages, and glossy accents on the flowers of the cake. There's also a piece of black glitter cardstock, and rhinestones.  And when you've got black AND white, the camera is very confused as to how to read the light.  Sheesh!

You can see the gloss on the flowers better in the photo below.

Stamps: Wedding - Hampton Art Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White - SU; black glitter; silver shimmer - WorldWin Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko Fibers: sheer black ribbon; stud ribbon trim - Webster's Pages Accessories & Tools: rhinestones - Queen & Co.; Floral Ovals die - Spellbinders; Copic marker; Glossy Accents - Ranger

I love the sweetness of this next one.  I created my own background with old Stampin' Up! stamps: Canvas background, and a white flourish in the corner from Baroque Motifs.

I love topiaries.  This one - Flourishes / DIY Topiaries -  was sitting in my UFO (unfinished object) box, colored and waiting to be used.  I added a tag and sentiment from Verve.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Canvas background - SU; DIY Topiaries - Flourishes; Love Story - Verve Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White - SU; floral pattern - Lost & Found/Madison Avenue - My Mind's Eye Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko; Crumb Cake, Whisper White - SU Fibers: gingham ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon; vintage thread Accessories & Tools: doily - Wilton; Copic markers; Scallop Tag punch - Martha Stewart; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box; pearls - Queen & Co.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the finale of the collection!

The Bridal Collection - Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of the Bridal Collection I delivered to A Beautiful Touch in January.  If you'd like to see the rest of the collection, here is Part 1 and Part 2.

A beach theme is popular for weddings.  I had it in mind when I created this card --

These rich purple blossoms from Prima remind me of orchids, a very tropical flower.  I added a frosted gem to the center of each, because they look like sea glass.  The burlap has a beachy feel, and the swirls on the embossing folder resemble waves.

Stamps: Everyday Sayings - Hero Arts Paper: Fine Linen - PTI; Old Olive - SU Ink: Crumb Cake - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: burlap Accessories & Tools: D'vine Swirls embossing folder - Cuttlebug; flowers - Prima; frosted gems - Heidi Grace; Branch punch - Martha Stewart; circle, Ribbon Banners dies - Spellbinders

More beachy feel on the next one.  I am very, very happy with the way this turned out!  So many 'natural' touches here:

The embossing reminds me of tossing waves, as do the swirly die cuts.  Pearls come from oysters, and I've got scallops here.

After stamping the Blockheads seashells with cocoa ink, and sponging them with subtle Distress ink colors, I applied a thin coat of shimmer paint.  (all supplies listed below)  I've still got a bit left of this fabulous abaca ribbon left from years ago (here's a current link if you'd like to buy a similar roll), and topped it with peach-and-gold ribbon from Webster's Pages.  The branch punches, done up in cocoa, remind me of sea fans.

ETA:  I'm entering this at Simon Says Stamp's 'Wedding or Anniversary' challenge.

Stamps: Happily Ever After - PTI; seashells - Blockheads Paper: kraft, Vintage Cream - PTI; Close to Cocoa - SU Ink: Close to Cocoa - SU; Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Tattered Rose, Scattered Straw, Walnut Stain - Ranger Fibers: abaca ribbon; peach and gold ribbon - Webster's Pages Accessories & Tools: Branch punch - Martha Stewart; Ivory shimmer paint - Creative Inspirations Paints; pearls - Queen & Co., Recollections; Elegant Lines embossing folder, Wide Oval punch - SU; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box

The next card is similar to one found in the Bridal Collection - Part 2.

I love how Bella Toile / Stampin' Up! looks stamped in white on a black background.  Added some more goodies found in the bridal section of the craft store in a corner (leaves, flower topped with pearl), and added a swirly die cut.  There's a thin strip of black glitter cardstock along the long edge, too.

ETA:  I'm entering this at Sentimental Sundays challenge, 'Make Your Own Background.'

Stamps: Happily Ever After - PTI; Bella Toile - SU Paper: white - PTI; Basic Black - SU; black glitter - Colorbok Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko; white - Ranger Accessories & Tools: sheer white flower/pearl, white leaves - bridal section of craft store; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box

I'm unveiling the last part of the Bridal Collection tomorrow.  Be sure to stop back!

The Bridal Collection - Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the Bridal Collection of cards delivered to A Beautiful Touch in January.  If you missed it, you can see Part 1 of my Bridal Collection here.

The owner of the shop gave me some ideas for themes for the cards.  One was BLING.  On this next card, I used a beautiful Prima gem atop the bow, and some shimmery patterned paper.

Can you see the iridescent shine on the damask paper below?

ETA:  I'm entering this card at Simon Says Stamp 'Wedding or Anniversary' challenge.

Stamps: Happily Ever After - PTI; Vintage Oval Frame - Verve Paper: black glitter - Colorbok; white - PTI; pattern - Garden Vignettes - My Mind's Eye Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: black ribbon - Stamp Simply Ribbon store Accessories & Tools: rhinestone sparkler - Prima

Another popular theme for weddings is lace-and-burlap.  I tried to give the feel of it with this card:

I stamped Bella Toile background (SU) on a kraft base.  The large lace flower was assembled from a strip of gathered lace, wound 'round and 'round, and topped with a sheer flower (it included the large pearl)  from the bridal section of the craft store.

Loving this Happily Ever After set from Papertrey Ink.  So many mix and match sentiments.

ETA:  I'm linking this up to Sentimental Sundays 'Make Your Own Background' challenge.

Stamps: Bella Toile - SU; Happily Ever After - PTI Paper: kraft, white - PTI Ink: white, Frayed Burlap - Ranger; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: burlap; gathered lace; twine - Creative Impressions Accessories & Tools: Deco Fan punch - Martha Stewart; pearls - Queen & Co., Recollections; Fancy Tags Three die - Spellbinders; Classic Tags die - Memory Box; sheer flower topped with pearl - bridal section of craft store

Yet another theme that's popular with brides is using "something blue" from the old saying,

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

I split up the sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Happily Ever After, and set each oval atop a black layer stamped with Bella Toile background from Stampin' Up!.

Stamps: Happily Ever After - PTI; 'wishing you...' - Truly Appreciated - Hero Arts; rose - Elegant Flowers - IBS Paper: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Whisper White - SU Ink: white - Ranger; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko; Bashful Blue - SU Accessories & Tools: large oval punch - SU; sheer flower w/pearl, white leaves - bridal section of craft store; pearls - Recollections; Corner Flourish die - Spellbinders; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger

Tune in tomorrow for another post full of bridal inspiration!

Got Extra Cards?

If you've got more handmade cards in your stash than you know what to do with, consider sending them to Operation Write Home.  Be sure to visit their site for all the important guidelines (like, no glitter, for example).

OWH collects handmade cards from crafters all around the U.S.  These are processed by volunteers, then shipped overseas where our troops are.  Our servicemen and women can 'shop' for cards they want to send back home to loved ones.

While email can be a wonderful way to keep in touch, a handmade card with something as precious and personal as handwriting inside is even more special.  These cards become cherished keepsakes.  Who saves emails and puts them on display?

OWH is a win-win for everyone:

• It's a beautiful way for crafters to say a heartfelt thank you to those who protect our freedom.
• In a landscape void of color, our cards provide a touch of beauty for the troops to see and choose for their loved ones.
• Families treasure the cards and handwritten messages while they for their beloved military hero to return home.

I am honored to have been interviewed in 2011 by my local NBC and CBS TV affiliates.  I finally learned how to embed videos in my blog post, so here you go!

NBC:

CBS:

You can always click on the tab under my blog header, See Me On TV,  for more information.

Thanks for supporting our troops!

Bits and Pieces Make A Baby Card for Jinny

This is my second post for today.  Please click HERE for 'The Sympathy Blues.'

My friend Jinny had a baby boy recently, and I made a card to celebrate the sweet little one's arrival.  Turns out, there's a challenge created with her in mind at The Shabby Tea Room!  So glad to be able to play there.

I am introducing a series of posts which focus on using the Bits and Pieces we all have in our craft supplies. You know, those things that get cast aside for use at a later time.  Maybe it's an image you already stamped, or a die cut that didn't find its way onto a current project.  These little bits are one reason I love to play at Shopping Our Stash, which I'm entering this week.  (Their current challenge is to make your own embellishments:  my stacked-button/bow element qualifies, I do believe.)

On today's card, I've got a scalloped-rectangle frame (the negative of a die cut), the paper-pieced onesie, and those sweet little clouds.....all items were lying in a UFO box (Unfinished Objects, a term from my friend Bonnie).   They came together like they were meant to be!

Here's the STR inspiration pic.  I happened to use pennants in my card, and lots of blue and cream, too.

The sweet little pennant image is from Sending You Sunshine / The Craft's Meow, and the clouds and onesie are from Inspired By Stamping.  I added iridescent Stickles to the clouds, and a bit on the pennants, too.

Jinny loves buttons and twine, so I added some in the top corner for balance.  I stacked two Stampin' Up! retired buttons, and added vintage thread.  Oh, and the sentiment, seen above, is from Verve's Munchkin Phrases.

Sorry this post was a bit wordy.  I had so much to tell ya!  Thanks for coming by today.  :-D

Stamps: Sending You Sunshine - The Craft's Meow; clouds and onesie - Oh, Baby! - Inspired By Stamping; Munchkin Phrases - Verve Paper: Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, blue plaid pattern - SU; small check - Webster's Pages Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko; Soft Sky - SU; Frayed Burlap, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain - Ranger Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; vintage thread Accessories & Tools: buttons - SU; iridescent Stickles - Ranger; Scalloped Rectangle die - Spellbinders

The Sympathy Blues

This is one of two posts today.  Please click HERE for 'Bits and Pieces:  A Baby Card for Jinny.'

Hello everyone!  For those of you who follow me, you know that I am continually making things to stock my card basket at the local art gallery.  These sympathy cards are heading there.  Both versions are similar, with just minor differences on each:

A 'Colleen Bow' here on one of the cards...

I used Everyday Sayings / Hero Arts for both versions, beautiful K & Co. die cuts, and some gorgeous snippets of retired Stampin' Up! papers.

I really like certain colors for sympathy cards.  Blues and greens are good ones, I think.  They are cool and serene.  What colors do you tend to use for these cards?

Stamps: Everyday Sayings - Hero Arts Paper: Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, damasks, stripe - SU Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: white seam binding - Hug Snug Accessories & Tools: doilies - Wilton; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger; floral die cuts - K & Co.

Giant Shamrock - A Tutorial

Hello, everyone!  I made a few St. Patrick's Day cards to deliver to Arts Plus Gallery recently, and this is my favorite:  a big, bold 3D shamrock set upon an inky black base.

See the fabulous dimension?   Even after it sits in the envelope for a while, the petals perk right up when allowed to 'breathe.'

Here's a little tutorial I made for you:

Punch out 6 hearts from green cardstock.  Ink the edges with a slightly darker green ink.

Score down the center of each heart.  I lined mine up on an old Fiskars cutting board with a scoring blade.   Saves time to do many at once; just make sure you hold securely down or they'll scatter! 

I have two Fiskars boards:  one is dedicated to cutting, the other to scoring.
That way, I never need to change out blades.  

Flatten along the score line with a bone folder.

Apply glue (I use Aleene's Tacky Glue A LOT.) to one half of one side of each heart. 

I skipped the photo about embossing the black card base, but I figure that doesn't need explaining.  ;-)  Arrange each 'petal' on your embossed card base, and add a hand-cut stem.  Use clear stamping blocks to help weight down the shamrock as it dries.

Super easy, super cute!

Challenges entered:

• Shopping Our Stash - 'Embellish Me' - create your own embellishment
• CASology - 'Jump' - when I was a kid, it was fun to jump in a bed of clover...that is, until I realized BEES like clover, too.  Then, it wasn't so fun!

• The Card Concept - 'A Floral Theme' - well, now, would shamrocks/clovers be considered a flower, or a weed?  ;-)  I hope I'm allowed to stay and play!  The style for this card is Clean & Graphic.  

By the way, some of you have asked how my bridal cards (I still need to share more of them) are selling at A Beautiful Touch bridal boutique.  I sold two!  And hey, that's pretty good for a start.  This is not yet their busy time of year, and we've had so much snow that the shop's been closed many days.  Both the sweetheart-of-an-owner and I feel confident that the cards will be a popular add-on purchase once the busy season gets going.

Paper: Basic Black, Green Galore - SU Ink: Garden Green - SU Fibers: Peapod twine - The Twinery Accessories & Tools: Full Heart punch; Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder - SU