Just Give Me Stamps...

With Gratitude...

Happy Monday to you!  Gratitude is a wonderful way to start off a Monday, don't you think?  Being grateful is one thing I am constantly having to remind myself to do.  I don't know why it is, but it seems that I can always come up with a hundred things that are wrong or I would like to change and sadly, often do.  When in reality there are far more things for me to be grateful for, but I have to really stop and make myself think about them.  I have a sign in my kitchen that reads, "Less Attitude, More Gratitude".  Originally I thought it would be a great reminder for our children, but it has turned out to be more for me I think!

On the note of gratitude, here is a thank you card I created...

This is a card I created a while ago when I had some time to just stamp whatever I wanted!  I love those times when I have no plan...but just start creating and go with the flow!  :-)  So, I started with no idea of what the end product would look like and this card is what resulted! 

I used my all time favorite Verve set, Thankful Accents!  I discovered something really fun while creating this!  See that frayed ribbon?  Yeah, that was a complete accident!  LOL! 

Here's how I stumbled upon the fun ribbon look on my card above!  While making my card I tied a piece of twill around my card and was almost finished with my bow when I noticed a small string handing off one end.  Not thinking it would completely unravel, I pulled on it (smart, I know :-).  Well, it DID unravel...and quickly!  I was so fascinated with how quickly it was unraveling, I untied my bow and kept pulling on the string!    I LOVED the wavy took to it! 

I decided that the wavy look was more fitting for my card, so I went with that!  :-)  One hint though...when I tried to duplicate my "mistake" for the photo above, it took a couple of tries to find the right string to pull!  LOL!  

Well, my older two are off to camp this week, so I better go and help them finish packing!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope your day is FILLED with things to add to your gratitude list!  :-)  ~Laurie

 

Stamps: Thankful Accents (Verve)
Paper: Ivory, Vellum, English Moss patterned paper (Colorbök)
Ink: London Fog Versafine
Accessories: Fancy Tags 2 (Spellbinders), Buttons, Plaid embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Flower, Punch (Stampin' Up!), Oval die (Spellbinders), Rhinestones, Diamond Stickles, Clear Detail e.p.

The Grand Calibur...Waltzingmouse Style!

Happy Sunday to you!  Have you seen all of the amazing projects the Waltzingmouse Stamps DT have been creating these past few days?  If not, you can see all the links on the Waltzingmouse blog (trust me, you won't want to miss them!!)!

For three days, the DT will be featuring projects and/or tutorials made using Waltzingmouse Spellbinder's compatible stamps and the new Grand Calibur machine!  We were blessed to receive a Spellbinders Grand Calibur before Christmas and can't wait to show you what we've made with them!  :-)

Today, I have two projects to share with you...and a tutorial to boot!  :-)  Just a little warning though...this post is pretty long.  :-)  BUT, you will want to read on, because there are some AMAZING prizes being given away!!!  Just sayin... 

My first project is a 4" notecard set (you can see the tutorial for this holder HERE).  For the cover, I used the Fancy Phraes set combined with one of the Spellbinder's Fancy Tags.

 

  In this photo, you can see the 4"notecards and matching envelopes tucked away in their little holders!  :-)



For my little notecards, I used the Faux Fun Circles combined with the Victorian Alphabet (and some K & Co. patterned paper).  I just love how the Victorian Alphabet lends itself to simple and elegant monogram projects!

For my next project, I created a little heart shaped goodie box...perfect to give away to that someone special!

I started by stamping the large heart from the Seasons of Love set and then adding one of the coordinating sentiments (also included in the Seasons of Love set).  Using my Heart Nestabilities, I not only cut out the stamped image...but created the larger heart shape of the box!

In this top view, you can see all the goodies I stuffed into the heart box!  Yummmm!

Okay, I've been waiting patiently to SHOW you just what I love about the Grand Calibur so much!!!  If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time, then you surely know HOW much I love my Spellbinders dies!!  I mean, there is hardly ever a card or project I don't use them on!  LOVE them!! 

Because I use my Spellbinders so much, I spend a lot of time at my die cutting machine...cutting...embossing...and repeating!  LOL!  Two things struck me right away about the Grand Calibur and I wanted to go shout it on the rooftops how wonderful this machine is!!  First off, even though this machine is created for the new Grands dies it also works with my beloved Nestabilities!!  Not only that, but you can fit a TON of them on the cutting plate!!!  (Insert me doing a happy dance here!)  You can see by the picture above that there is still a lot of room left...and I used the largest heart dies! 

 Secondly, I adore the design of the new cutting plates!!  There is just one base plate (and all the plates are very clearly marked) that you place your dies cutting side up.  Then, to cut you use the cutting plate.  Then...GET THIS...you don't have to move your dies!!  They stay right there on the base plate.  To emboss, all you have to do is place the included tan embossing plate over the dies and then add the pink embossing plate on top (see photo below)!!

I have to tell you, I have been spending a LOT less time in front of the die machine with this baby!  I can cut all of my die cut pieces in one swipe!  Happy sigh...

 

So, do you want to know how I made my little heart box?  Here's some instructions and some photos to show you how I did it.  :-)

 

To start, you'll need two scalloped heart die cuts (I used the largest scallop heart die) and a piece of cardstock measuring 2" x 6".

Score the piece of cardstock at 1/4" on both long sides and then fold in half as show in the photo above.

Next, cut little slits on both of the long ends.  This will help it fold around the heart shape better.  :-)

For the last step, add some strong adhesive to the backs of the heart die cuts like shown above.  Then place the strip of cardstock in a sort of V shape onto one of the heart shapes.  Then repeat with the second heart.  Voila!  A fun little heart box to fill with something special!  :-)

So, are you ready to hear about all of the fantastic prizes?  One lucky customer who places an order between Friday the 21st and Sunday the 23rd will be randomly choses to win their ENTIRE shopping basket for FREE!!!!  Wooohoooo!!!!

That's not all though!  Leave a little comment love on the DT posts and you could win a Waltzingmouse stamp set of your choice!! 

Before I go, I will leave you with the links to the other DT ladies that have some fantastic projects for you to see:  Belinda, Claire, Jennifer, Lynn, & Sandie!

Have a great day!  Hugs, Laurie

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

 Hi there!  Have you seen all of the amazing gift ideas that the Waltzingmouse designers have been sharing?  All of these projects are for the Waltzingmouse 12 Days of Chrismtas! 

Today, I will be sharing a project (and template) of one of my favorite gifts to give - handmade cards/envelopes in a custom made box! 

 I made three cards (and envelopes) and packaged them in a coordinating gift box.  I embossed the small rose (from the Roses in Bloom set) using clear embossing powder to create the subtle tone on tone background.  I added the "Mom" sentiment because this gift will be for my mom.  :-)

 Here's a close-up of some of the embellishment details I added to the front of the box.

 

Because I wanted the cards to be "all-occasion", I did not add any sentiments.  Just like the box, I embossed the small rose (from the Roses in Bloom set) using clear embossing powder.

How would you like the template for this card box?  Yes?  I just happen to have one handy here...  :-)

  
(Click template to see it larger)

Here are the instructions:

1. Trim cardstock to 11" wide by 7 1/2" long
2. Score cardstock as shown above (black lines)
3. Cut on red lines (as shown above).  Discard grey shaded parts.
4. Add adhesive (see above) and assemble box!

I created this to have a "flap" that closes on the top so no adhesive is needed for the top.  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Make sure to check out what Mona has created for you tomorrow (the 11th Day of Christmas)!  Hugs, Laurie

Christmas Tag & Holder...

 I'm back today to help wrap up the Stamper's Dream JustRite Christmas Week! 

 
When I first saw the new Holiday Cheer set, I thought the petite size of the images would lend themselves nicely to some tags.  That's when the idea for this project hit me!  I created three different tags, and a packaged them up in a custom holder!  (The holder is just a "card" with a wider spine.) 

I broke out my "Figgy" Basic Grey paper and chose several coordinating patterns for my Tag Holder cover.  I just adore these colors together!!

  
For the inside, I again chose some paper from the "Figgy" Basic Grey pad to dress it up a bit.  The little pocket is 3/4" deep so that it can fit all the embellishments I added to the tags!  {{grin}}

 
This is probably my favorite tag!  These colors just make me happy!!  After stamping my image (also from the Holiday Cheer set), I colored them in with Copics and then used Circle Nestabilities/punches to cut them out.

 
For my second tag, I switched up the layout a bit.  I added some strips under the middle panel and secured them with some messy stitching.  To finish it off, I added a little rhinestone to the center of the snowflake!

 
Three different tags...but they all use the JustRite Holiday Cheer set and the "Figgy" Basic Grey paper!

I have to share with you how I created the tag base!  I wanted something more than just a plain old rectangle, so I started hunting through my Nestabilities to look for something that would make a pretty tag "top".  When I came to my Labels 6 Nesties I found what I was looking for! 

 
After trimming  a piece of cardstock to 3" wide, I wove the die through the cardstock because I only wanted the top of the tag to be cut.
  
This is what it looks like after running through my machine (I use a Cuttlebug).  You can then trim the tags to any length you need (mine are trimmed 4 1/2" long).

Make sure to check out what Christina & Karen have created!  They are both sharing some JustRite projects today as well!  :-)

Thanks for poppin' in today!  I hope your Friday is fabulous!!  ~Laurie

 

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer(JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Early Espresso (SU!), White c.s., Basic Grey Figgy Collection
Ink:  Distress Inks, Dark Chocolate Memento Ink, Chocolate Chip Craft ink
Accessories:  Clear Detail e.p., Circle and Labels 6 Nestabilities, Circle Punches, Ribbon, Cord, Rhinestones, Buttons, Sewing machine

Note Card Holder Tutorial...

Woohooo!  I've finally finished it!  :-)  You've asked me for a tutorial for the Note Card Holders I have made, and {{finally}} here it is!  :-)  I've taken step by step photos for this quick and easy project as well as measurements and instructions!   Enjoy!  :-)

To start, you will need a piece of cardstock cut to 5" x 11" for the card holder base.  For the pockets, cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 3 1/4" x 6 1/4" (for the thicker card pocket) and 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" (for the thinner envelope pocket).

Score the largest piece of cardstock at 5" and 6".

Score the larger pocket piece at 1/2" and 1" on three sides as shown above.

Score the smaller pocket piece at 1/4" and 1/2" on three sides as shown above.

Using a bone folder, crease each scored line on all three pieces of cardstock.  This is a VERY important step and will make for a cleaner end product.

Cut the bottom "squares" from each of the scored pocket pieces as shown above.

Add a strong adhesive (I like Scor-Tape) to the outside scored part of both pocket pieces as shown in the picture above.

Here's a close-up picture so you can see exactly where the adhesive goes.

Peel off the backing of the adhesive and fold the bottom flap and adhere to the sides as shown in the picture above.

Adhere the pockets to the inside of the Note Card Holder.  I like to place the thinner pocket (for the envelopes) on the left and the thicker pocket (for the note cards) on the right.

Here's a tip:  Use your bone folder to press on the flaps inside of the pockets to ensure a strong bond.

Voila!  Your Note Card Holder is finished! 

**NOTE**  This tutorial was created to fit 4" square envelopes (I buy mine from Papertrey) and 3 3/4" square note cards.   

Oh, one more thing,I created the pockets to hold 6 envelopes and notecards.   

If you decide to make one of these fun little holder, make sure to leave a link in the comments...I would love to see what you create!  :-)

I will be back in a little bit to share my finished project!  
Hugs, Laurie

Cough Drop Holder and a Tutorial!

Happy Tuesday!  Remember THIS tissue holder that I made?  I had every intention of getting a tutorial put together for you, but in between all of the doctors appointments we've had this past month I just didn't have the time.  Until NOW that is...  :-)

I've posted the instructions as well as step by step pictures over at the Stamp a Sweet Impression Blog!    I hope you go and check it out!

While I was creating my Tissue Holder box, I thought that it would also be a fun Cough Drop holder...and the Doctor's Orders set just happens to have an adorable image to match!  :-)

 

Here's a peek at the inside...

 

I hope you all are having a great week so far!  :-)  ~Laurie

Gift Card Holder & a Tutorial...

Happy Tuesday!  Today, I sat down and created a little gift card holder for a girl that has been babysitting our boys for us.  She has refused to let us pay her anything (we've tried...MANY times), so we got her a couple of iTunes gift cards (something every teenage girl can appreciate, right?)!  :-) 

I used this Music Player stamp from A Muse to decorate the outside of the gift card holder.  For embellishments, I added just a *hint* of Stickles on the music player, some ribbon, & a Jumbo Grommet (from the new SU! Occasions mini catalog).  The paper is some that I found in my stash (I couldn't find a brand name on the back, sorry). 

As you can see, my colors were taken directly from the gift card (they are definitely not my normal go-to colors!!) LOL! 

 

After I made this, I got to thinking how useful this template is going to be (with all of the weddings and graduations coming up - not to mention birthdays!)!  So, I thought I'd share the directions on how to make this quick little gift card holder!

 

I started with a piece of cardstock (here, I used Raspberry Fizz) measuring 3 3/4" x 7" and score it at 2 7/8" and 5 3/4".

 

I then used my Stampin' Up! Scallop edge punch and created a decorative border along the 1" side of the c.s. as shown in the above picture.

 

To secure the "gift card pocket", I stapled each side of the scallop border flap very closely to the edge (you need enough room for the gift card).

 

To hide the staples (and make it prettier :-), I added a strip of patterned paper (measuring 3 3/4" x 3/4") across the scallop edge flap.  I also added a a black backing (that made with my largest scallop Rectangle Nestabilities) to hide the back of the staples as well as cause the colors to "pop" a little.  If you don't have Nestabilities, just cut a piece of c.s. slightly larger than the closed gift card holder.

Well, that's it from me tonight...  Hugs, Laurie

Recipe Box Tutorial...

I've finally got the Recipe Box tutorial all finished!  :-)  Just to warn you...this post is long!  I don't know about you, but I'm a VERY visual person, so I've included a lot of pictures.  Also, I've had a lot of requests for the recipes I mentioned in my first Recipe Box post (for the Strawberry Spinach Salad and the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies), but because this post will be plenty long I'm going to add those in a separate post.

   

First, you will need a piece of c.s. that is 6 3/4" x 10 3/8" (this will be the bottom) and a piece that measures 7 3/8" x 11" (this will be the top).

 

Score the 6 3/4" x 10 3/8" piece at 2 1/2" on all four sides. (Click on the pictures to make them larger.)

 

Score the 7 3/8" x 11" piece at 2 3/4" on all four sides.

 

Crease all score lines using a bone folder (on both the top and bottom pieces).

 

Make vertical cuts (following the score lines) to create "flaps" in each corner on both the bottom and top pieces of c.s.

 

**Optional** - I like to cut off part of the flaps (see picture above).  I find that it makes for a nicer finished product, but this step is completely optional.

 

Using a strong doubled sided adhesive (I like Scor-Tape), assemble both the bottom and top pieces.

About the dividers (that go inside the box), I made mine 5 1/4" x 3 1/4".  I also adhered the circle tabs (see pictures below) so that they stick up exactly 1/2" above the top of the divider.  This is important because I have created the top of the box longer...to accommodate those tabs.  If you would put the tabs flush with the top of the dividers, the top of the box would be too long.

Here are some additional pictures of the box and the dividers I created...

 

I used my two absolute favorite Recipe type stamp sets....the What's Cooking? set by Hero Arts and the Recipe Borders & Centers set (by JustRite Stampers).  Note...I've had some emails asking questions about the JustRite Recipe Borders & Centers set...and if it's easy to use and what else is needed.  Answer...it's VERY easy to use!  I LOVE that you can customize the centers with the borders you want, and you can't beat the price!!  As far as what you need, well this particular set fits the1 3/16" wood stamper, so you would need that.  Also, these new JustRite sets are all "pre-conditioned"...meaning they are ready to stamp right out of the package!  :-)

Isn't this apron the cutest??  I LOVE it!!  :-)

 

The bowl is colored with Copics onto Neenah Natural White paper and glued onto the divider.

 

I LOVE making breads...and this is divider will probably hold the most recipes...even more than the main dishes!  :-)

 

Isn't that spatula cute??  I wish I felt the same way about "real" spatulas....  LOL!!  For some reason, I love to bake, but cooking....not so much.  :-)

 

Desserts.....need I say more?  LOL!

 

Here's another look at the finished box...and below is a close-up picture of the pie (I added Diamond Glaze to the pie dish to make it look more like glass.  :-)

 

Thanks for stopping by!!  (Don't forget to check out the next post for the recipes).  :-)   ~Laurie

Supplies   Stamps:What's Cooking? (Hero Arts), Recipe Borders & Centers (JustRite Stampers)   Paper: Vintage Cream, Riding Hood Red Pattern Prints (Stampin' Up!)   Ink:  Chocolate Chip craft ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink   Other:Copic Markers, Clear Detail e.p., Chipboard Swirls (Maya Road), Pearls (Kaiser Craft), Ivory Crochet Ribbon, Vanilla Taffeta ribbon, Spoon charms, Circle punches

Potted Geraniums...

Happy Sunday!!  I hope you all are having a wonderful Mother's Day!  We've had a pretty quiet day here.  My daughter and I are trying to recover from yet another cold!  I don't think we've ever been as sick as we have this past four months...but I think it has to do with our very crazy weather (warm then cold then warm then cold again).  My DH did get me that Copic Airbrush kit..and I'm anxious to try it out!  He is also going to fix dinner..YAY!!

While my little guy was sleeping, I slipped away to my stamp room.  I've had this gorgeous Geranium stamp (from Northwoods) for a while now, and I really wanted to stamp my Mother-in Law a card with it!  My husband's parents still live in Switzerland...and one thing I always look forward to seeing during our visits over there, is the many, many geraniums!!  I have no idea what their National flower is, but it should be the geranium!  :-)  They have them in window boxes (you almost can't find a house without these displayed on their windows), in planters, & in gardens.  My Mother-in-Law is no exception...she has a beautiful collection of these wonderful flowers!

I embossed the stamp using Smoky Gray Versafine ink and Clear Detail embossing powder.  I then colored it in using my Copic markers.  After it was colored, I inked up my Linen (Stampin' Up!) background stamp with Sahara Sand ink and stamped it over my colored image.

I mounted the flower image on to Cameo Coral and Close to Cocoa cardstock and then layered it on to some Memory Box patterned paper (from their Flirt Collection).

The Merci sentiment is from Inque Boutique's French Fancy set.  I stamped the Merci onto Shimmery White cardstock and punched it out using my small oval punch.

Here's a close-up picture to show the sparkle I added to the bow.  Using my Sakura Stardust pen, I highlighted parts of the bow.  It tends to go on kind of strong (at leas for my taste), so after I apply it to my stamped image I take my finger and blot it just a little.  This not only softens the shine, it also blends it with my image better.

I've had many emails asking me how I shade/sponge my cards.  When I was making this card, I took a few pictures to show you.

There are two different ways I like to sponge/shade.  The first way is to "rub" in a circular motion (I usually use a lighter shade for this - here I am using Creamy Caramel ink).

I love the look this gives my stamped images...darker on the edges and fades slightly towards the middle. 

As you can see from the graph paper, I always start on my scrap paper and work in.  This gives me more control over how much ink saturation there is.  (As I mentioned above, I rub in a circular motion).

The second way I shade my edges is to sponge the edges directly.  I hold my paper at an angle (as seen in the photo) and gently "swipe" the sponge across the edge of the cardstock.  I tend to use a bit darker ink for this (here I am using Close to Cocoa ink).

Here is what it looks like when it is finished.  I really like the look of shading...and use it on a lot of my cards.  It adds warmth and depth...and usually helps my focal images pop out a bit.

The stamps, Memory Box paper, Versafine ink, Clear embossing powder are all available from Stamper's Dream store.

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Recipe   Stamps: Geranium Pot (Northwoods), Linen background stamp (Stampin' Up!), French Fancy (Inque Boutique)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Memory Box patterned paper (Flirt Collection)   Ink: Versafine Smoky Gray, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel   Other: Clear Detail e.p., Copic markers, Small oval punch, Corner rounder, Dew Drops, Sakura Stardust pen

Mini Bind It All Tutorial...

I was going to just tell you how I made my journal (see THIS post), but if you're anything like me then pictures will explain much more than just words alone.  :-)

I purchased a Bind it All machine several months ago, excited about all of the creative projects that I could create with it!  Well, after it arrived, I was a little intimidated by it all.  I set it aside, thinking that when I had time I would read all the directions, watch the DVD, and practice making stuff.  Well, I never seemed to have time...hehehee...because there it sat until just a few days ago!  (blush)  So, just in case there are others out there that either have a BIA (Bind it All) machine and have yet to use it or would like to have one but think they look to "hard"...this mini tutorial is for you!  :-)

I started with 2 8 x 8 Zutter Chipboard covers and hand drew a wavy line at about 5 1/2" wide.  Since this part will be covered up with cardstock, I didn't worry about erasing and re-drawing my line until I was happy with it.

I then used a craft knife to cut on the line that I just drew.  I first cut the top cover, then traced around the wavy edge onto the bottom cover (so they would both be the same).

The thing that most impressed me about using my BIA...is that I didn't actually watch the DVD that was included in the box with it.  (I know...should I really be admitting that...hehehe).  My point is...that it is not as time consuming to learn to use and it looks!    There is a small little booklet with step by step instructions (with pictures..woohoo!)

Punching the holes was very easy!  There is a little black slidey thingy (very technical terms) on the side that ensures that the holes are perfectly spaced ( you can see it in this picture right next to the already punched holes).

After the holes were punched, I glued the cardstock pieces that I pre cut and stamped onto the chipboard covers.  Even though I was careful in my measuring and cutting of both the chipboard and cardstock, there were still some rough edges on the chipboard and places where the cardstock overlapped.    To fix that, I took one of the files in the Basic Grey Precision set and sanded/filed the edges until they were all smooth.

There was one thing in the little instruction book that didn't work for me.  Maybe I just couldn't figure it out...hehehehe.  Anyway, the way that it said to assemble the layers made it so my covers didn't match up.  So... I assembled my layers in the following order:  Inside pages, back cover, & then the front cover.

For this journal, I used a silver 3/4" BIA coil (This was the perfect size for both covers and 40 something white cardstock pages).

This was the easiest part of the whole thing!  I placed my notebook into the slot on the BIA with the open side of the coil down and pressed down on the handle!  That's it!

I truly am so excited about this!  I really can't believe that I waited this long to use this wonderful machine!!!  :-)

I have 2 more Bind it All projects started...and I will be sharing those with you over the next couple of weeks.

Have a wonderful day!