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Friends Stick Together - MFTWSC39

2011-10-01T14:12:00Z

Good Saturday Morning!

Happy World Card Making Day!

I was up first thing this morning before the sun came up and headed to the basement stamping!

Ahhhhhhh love it!

It's been quite a few days since I'd gotten inky and I was getting antsy to get at it again.

I created this card below with a new MFT set that arrived in my mailbox yesterday! FUN!

The layout comes from this week's MFT Sketch #39. First Class Friend was used along with some Cosmo Cricket Clemantine designer paper.

Well in between making cabbage rolls and perogies today(for our Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend) I hope to get a little more stamping in today ;)

Enjoy your Saturday!

Fabric Links

2009-08-15T13:34:00Z

For today, a few fabric links...since fabric is SO hot lately. :o)

Printing on Fabric:

Printing fabric--great instructions (with freezer paper) by Kathy
& a search on Kathy's blog for "fabric" (such stunning work!)
found thanks to Lynn's fab fabric flowers SCS challenge

Printing on Fabric

Printing/stamping Fabric Alternatives:

--StickStock (Specialty papers) by Close to my Heart the ink really shows nicely.

--Claudine Hellmuth's adhesive-backed canvas is printable too
(Here's a new CHA Summer 2009 demo video where she stamps on it)

--Grungepaper by Tim Holtz
--Pabric (never tried it but it looks cool!)

Pen & Ink & watercolours on muslin (tutorial) by Abby
Fabric embellishments by charmedgirl77
Stamped T-shirts by Mackenzie (too cool!)
DIY fabric stamp pad by Jezze (fabric paint)
Design sponge makes wicked stamped tea towels

Pink Cat fabric challenge

Stamping on Velvet

alcohol inks on fabric from joggle.com
& their stamping on fabric article
Yoli's alcohol ink scarves tutorial
Kristin's easy fabric printing tutorial (homemade stamps!)

Cuttlebug:

Cuttlebugged fabric

Fabric flowers by Allison, Christine & Nathalia
Leather in the Cuttlebug by Terrie

Cuttlebugged felt:

Needle sharpening pin cushion from Crafty Pod (clever!)
Die cutting fabric in the Cuttlebug

Copics on Fabric:

Stamped, Copic coloured, & Cuttlebugged fabric:

Nichole's fabric (with Nestabilities & Copics) tutorial & (links to gorgeous DT fabric work too)
Suzanne's stamping & Copics on fabric tutorial (video)

Cricut:

fabric in the Cricut (video)

Fabric boxes:

Fabric panels for boxes:

How to make a fabric gift box (very little sewing) by cyberseams

Thanks so much for stopping in! :o)

TDSC08 Color Challenge

2009-06-04T14:18:40Z

Good Morning Everyone!!

It’s Thursday and that means another challenge. This week the challenge is going to be a color challenge. The colors are:

We would love for you to play along with the challenge. Just create a card and post it on your blog or gallery using the keyword TDSC08 and then link it back to the comment section of this post. We can’t wait to see what you have created.

*I am helping Toni out and am so new to wordpress, so once I figure out how to upload pics I will put the DT sampes up. Until then, feel free to visit the girls blogs and see what they have created. Sorry for the inconvenience. ~Mandy

*Thanks Mandy, I didn’t have time to put the DT samples up but we will get those up soon!

Sand Castle Kind of Day - Tutorial #217 and Blog Candy

2009-05-30T12:43:19Z

Is it time to hit the beach? I love beach scenes. But, since I live in Ohio I don’t get to see the ocean and sand very often. I have found I can create one when I want to escape. So this morning I took a trip to the beach for a little R & R in stamping.

I also have a bit of blog candy for you. I am giving this Card away along with the Beautiful Inkadinkado Sand Castle Stamp I created it with.

To throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win this card and stamp, please leave me a comment on this post telling me to enter you. If you are getting this blog update via e-mail you will need to click this link and then leave a comment on the post: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/05/30/sand-castle-kind-of-day-tutorial-217-and-blog-candy/

I will select the winner on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 using a random number generator. Good luck everyone!

Now let’s go to the beach!

Supplies:

Stamps: Inkadinkado Sand Castle

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Pacific Point & Creamy Caramel

Ink: Stampin’ Up Creamy Caramel, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Versamark pad & Marker, Prismacolor markers, White Gel Pen, Post it Note, Brayer, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, Sponge, Ribbon, Red Brads

Are you inspired by this Blog? One way for you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. You can order from me 24-7 from this link: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com if you are within the United States. Want a copy of the current mini catalog, just e-mail me your address and I will pop one in the mail to you.

Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.

Stamped the Sand Castle on a 3.5″ x 4″ piece of Whisper White card stock by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then Creamy Caramel ink before stamping it.

Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored in the castle with an Eggshell Prismacolor marker.

Added Blondwood Prismacolor Marker to the darker areas of the castle.

Getting darker yet I added Walnut Prismacolor Marker to the right side of the shadow areas.

Added a touch of Deco Peach Prismacolor Marker to the shells.

Colored in the flag with a Crimson Red Prismacolor Marker.

Colored over the castle and the shells with a Versamark marker and heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Now that my images are heat embossed I can brayer my back ground in and the embossing will resist the ink.

Brayered Baja Breeze ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered a bit of Pacific Point ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Creamy Caramel ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Masked the sky area of the scene with a Post it note.

Sponged Pacific Point ink at the post it note edge and onto the card stock to create a horizon line.

Wiped the ink off of my embossed images using an old cotton towel.

Sponged a bit more Pacific Point ink at the top of the card stock to create some interest in the sky area.

Sponged a bit of Close to Cocoa ink under the castle to create a bit of a shadow.

Added white gel pen dots at the water edge to create foam.

Used my Big Shot and the dot Texture plate on my Pacific Point Panel.

Sponge a bit of Not Quit Navy at the top of the main image panel. Also sponged Not Quite Navy around the edge of the Textured Pacific Point Panel.

Assembled the card, added ribbon and red brads.

Here it is finished measuring 5.25″ square.

May your day be filled with relaxing scenes. If not, make one!

Until my next post. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Dayton, Ohio

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Columbia, Missouri

Lynchburg, Virginia

Greenwood, Indiana

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Phoenix, Arizona

Jacksonville, Florida

Salem, Oregon

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

Link to my Stampin’ Up website were you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net

Here is a link to all of my tutorials: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge #34 "Oceans 11"

2009-05-30T14:30:00Z

Welcome Everyone to our 34th Cinema Card Creative Challenge, where today we are totally excited to feature the movie Oceans 11 :) This movie was originally made in 1960 with 5 of the famous Rat Pack (including: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford - what a crew! This same concept was redone in 2001 with the whole new Rat Pack - including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, the late Bernie Mac and Julia Roberts. Since its release in 2001 , the remake has done amazingly well and has gone onto create 2 more sequels - each charming, witty and brilliant. If you haven't seen these movies yet - we are sure you will find them clever and entertaining.

The requirement this week is to use brads

in your creations (brads for Brad Pitt (lol!).

This week we have 2 wonderful Guest Designers Nellie and Robin- who were our Audrey winners from last week for their beautiful creations (Nellie's creation, Robin's creation) from the movie Twilight (our 32nd challenge) creations!Thank you so much ladies for being our guest designers - your creations are simply Vegas style beautiful!

Brooke's Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

This movie is one of my DH's favorite's he looks forward to the new "Oceans" coming out each time.. I have to say I really enjoy them as well... There are a lot of pretty faces to look at in the "Oceans" movies... Another fact I learned while reading up on this movie... It's a re-make... Hello... What planet do I live on... Not sure how that slipped past me... It is a "Rat Pack" movie.. I am SO going to get my hands on this flick... Here is a link to the original info on I.M.B.D.

What a COOL cast...

Come over to my blog to get the Card details... ( I will post at the end of the day)

Hugs

Brooke

Sankari's Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

Ever since I first saw this movie (the 2001 version) - I was totally charmed by the Clooney-Pitt duo and the was totally loving what director Steven Soderbergh did with this all-star cast - seriously LOVED the the dynamics between all the characters and the music and the quick witty lines and the uber coolness of it all :)

I went with the charm aspect and how Julia Robert's character is George Clooney's missing link - and that in the end he wasn't just pulling the heist of the century for the sake of the money but also for love - hence the sentiment: You are my Lucky Charm...

You can check out the card details on my blog

HOpe you all have a chance to play along this week!

Hugs to all,

Sankari :)

Nellie's Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

Thanks to Sankari and Brooke for selecting my Twilight book for the Audrey, I am completely honored to be a guest designer again this week!! Oceans 11....soooo much eye candy....I LOVE this movie! George Clooney is my favorite. He is soooo sexy. For this card, I decided to find a Las Vegas sign template online. It was really easy, I was able to change the text to make it match my card. (Check out my other card using different text over at my blog) After changing the text, saving image and printing it onto vellum, I just cut it out, and added the brads (he he, BRAD Pitt)....I used some fantastic Hambly clear overlays to give it the 'Vegas' swanky casino look and I used a shimmery gold Hambly screenprint as the base. This was a fun card to make. OOh, and I added some liquid glass for the 'lights' and then sprinkled some glitter! Yay! i [heart] glitter. Enjoy!

You can check out more details of Nellie's glitterlicious card on her blog: HERE

Robin's Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

My inspiration for this card was pulled from many things. First, the suit is similar to what a lot of the Danny’s team wore, the buttons are brads (ala Brad Pitt), the poker chips and cards are from the casino and ‘good luck’ can work towards the gambling and the heist in the movie. Also, the two aces represent eleven.

You can check out more details of Robin's beautiful suited up card on her blog: HERE

--------------------------------------------

Last week's movie was the romantic fantasy Cinderella inspired movie: EVERAFTER. We adored all of your beautiful and elegant entries - and also how you came to your inspiration for your creation. Thank you so much to each of you who participated - there are so many new faces and so many familiar faces :) A big welcome to all of our new players and a big hello to all our returning players :). Here is a little collage of all the beautiful flourished entries -

One creation that caught our eye was Elana's beautiful card inspired by Drew Barrymore's dress. The colors, the sentiment were just so perfect and golden flourishes were a beautiful touch! Elana, we hope that you will display your Audrey on the sidebar and that can join us next week as our Guest Designer!

Don't forget that if you play along with us for creating a creation for this movie

(Ocean's 11) - that you can be entered to be a guest designer

for next week's challenge:

So are you ready to play along!!?!!!

We sure hope you join us this week! All you have to do is to make a card or layout or altered project that is inspired by the movie: Oceans 11. The inspiration for your creations can be from the music, the characters, the dialogue, the costumes, etc. This week's requirement is to add some brads to your card (a little or alot) to your card.

All you have to do is to link your creation to our blog by commenting on this post with a link to your direct post with your creation. You can add the direct link of your blog post to Mr. Linky - not your whole blog - because it makes finding your card int he future much easier. Kristina Werner has created a wonderful video showing how to do this.

Please link to our blog by this Thursday, June 4th by 9pm PST!

Can't wait to see your creations!!

big Hugs to All!!!!
Sankari and Brooke!

PS - We have a some yummy blog candy coming your way in 2 weeks! Along with a special guest designer! Can't wait for the Cinema challenges coming up! In the meantime - hope you have fun with all the eye candy in this movie and have fun playing along!!!

CADEAU SUR TEMPORELLE

2009-05-30T20:20:02Z

Blog Candy, avis de cadeau !

Give-Away, Blog Candy, Blog-hop... Traduisez "cadeau" ! Quelque soit le nom que porte ce phénomène, Tempor'Elles cède à la mode et vous propose à son tour un lot de scrapmatos à gagner !

Pour jouer, rien de plus simple... Annoncez le jeu en publiant l'image ci-dessous sur votre blog, et faites-le nous savoir en laissant un lien vers votre article dans les commentaires.
Le 21 juin, jour de l'été, le nom du (de la) participant(e) qui sera tiré au sort remportera tout ce qui apparait sur la photo !

Bonne chance ! ALLEZ VOIR LE LIEN SOUS L'IMAGE

LAISSEZ UN COMMENTAIRE SUR CE LIEN

http://temporelles.canalblog.com:80/archives/concours/index.html

Cinema Saturday – Ocean’s 11

2009-05-31T02:04:40Z

Welcome Everyone to our 34th Cinema Card Creative Challenge, where today we are totally excited to feature the movie Oceans 11 This movie was originally made in 1960 with 5 of the famous Rat Pack (including: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford – what a crew! This same concept was redone in 2001 with the whole new Rat Pack – including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, the late Bernie Mac and Julia Roberts. Since its release in 2001 , the remake has done amazingly well and has gone onto create 2 more sequels – each charming, witty and brilliant. If you haven’t seen these movies yet – we are sure you will find them clever and entertaining.

The requirement this week is to use brads

in your creations (brads for Brad Pitt (lol!).

This week we have 2 wonderful Guest Designers Nellie and Robin- who were our Audrey winners from last week for their beautiful creations (Nellie’s creation, Robin’s creation) from the movie Twilight (our 32nd challenge) creations!Thank you so much ladies for being our guest designers – your creations are simply Vegas style beautiful!

Brooke’s Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

This movie is one of my DH’s favorite’s he looks forward to the new “Oceans” coming out each time.. I have to say I really enjoy them as well… There are a lot of pretty faces to look at in the “Oceans” movies… Another fact I learned while reading up on this movie… It’s a re-make… Hello… What planet do I live on… Not sure how that slipped past me… It is a “Rat Pack” movie.. I am SO going to get my hands on this flick… Here is a link to the original info on I.M.B.D.

What a COOL cast…

Come over to my blog to get the Card details… ( I will post at the end of the day)

Hugs

Brooke

Sankari’s Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

Ever since I first saw this movie (the 2001 version) – I was totally charmed by the Clooney-Pitt duo and the was totally loving what director Steven Soderbergh did with this all-star cast – seriously LOVED the the dynamics between all the characters and the music and the quick witty lines and the uber coolness of it all

I went with the charm aspect and how Julia Robert’s character is George Clooney’s missing link – and that in the end he wasn’t just pulling the heist of the century for the sake of the money but also for love – hence the sentiment: You are my Lucky Charm…

You can check out the card details on my blog

HOpe you all have a chance to play along this week!

Hugs to all,

Sankari

Nellie’s Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

Thanks to Sankari and Brooke for selecting my Twilight book for the Audrey, I am completely honored to be a guest designer again this week!! Oceans 11….soooo much eye candy….I LOVE this movie! George Clooney is my favorite. He is soooo sexy. For this card, I decided to find a Las Vegas sign template online. It was really easy, I was able to change the text to make it match my card. (Check out my other card using different text over at my blog) After changing the text, saving image and printing it onto vellum, I just cut it out, and added the brads (he he, BRAD Pitt)….I used some fantastic Hambly clear overlays to give it the ‘Vegas’ swanky casino look and I used a shimmery gold Hambly screenprint as the base. This was a fun card to make. OOh, and I added some liquid glass for the ‘lights’ and then sprinkled some glitter! Yay! i [heart] glitter. Enjoy!

You can check out more details of Nellie’s glitterlicious card on her blog: HERE

Robin’s Card Inspired by the Movie: Oceans 11

You can check out more details of Robin’s beautiful suited up card on her blog: HERE

If you’d like to play along, please upload your card to PCP and include the keyword “cinemasaturday” (all one word, lowercase). Copy the URL of your card location and then enter it in the Mr. Linky on the Cinema Saturday blog Have fun, and thanks for playing along!

Thank you CARDS magazine

2009-05-31T23:00:00Z

I would like to take this opportunity to thank CARDS Magazine & Alisha Gordon for the amazing opportunities they have afforded me, while working with their publications. As I have shared with you before, they are absolutely AMAZING to work with & I truly feel so, so blessed. I was asked to be the June 2009 Cards Featured Designer & I could NOT be more honored & humbled. I hope you'll check out this issue, absolutely PACKED FULL of amazing inspiration, YET AGAIN, my interview & Alisha's Card class. Thank you Alisha, & CARDS magazine for such an honor & blessing!

ALSO! Today is my day for Creatively Yours Senior DT project @ the Cuttlebug Challenges, today's project is staying with the "Party theme". Hope you'll check out the invites/cake/party favors I created for my daughter's birthday party this year.

Also, I wanted to remind you that June 1st, Monday morning, means.....

Sumthin’ Bout Summertime Blog Hop & Contest

You are cordially invited to the first ever Embellish-It.com Blog Hop! We wanted to kick off summer in a big way so come along and get inspired, play a little game and enter to win an American Crafts Prize Package & a Stampavie Stamp !

How to Play

Hop along from Blog to Blog in the order given below. Each blog stop will provide one letter to a mystery word. At the end of the hop on June 3^rd, unscramble all the letters to figure out the mystery word, and post your guess in our forum in the specified post below.

On June 1^st start at the Embellish-It.com Blog, then head to the IT-Girls blogs in this order:

Christine
Cindy
Danni

June 2nd head to
Julie
Kim
Michelle

June 3rd head to
Lee
Suzy

The Hop ends at the EI Forum on this post where you can unscramble the letters and post your guess word!

One winner will receive a prize package consisting of a Stampavie Stamp, American Crafts papers and Thickers, and ribbon. Value of prize is approximately $25. The winner will be announced on June 21^st, the first day of Summer!

ETA: You WILL need to register to the forum (quick, free & easy) to be eligible to post your guess, participate, chat & be eligible for the amazing prize

Rules:

You can post your guess anytime between June 3^rd and Midnight CST on June 20^th, 2009.

One entry per person please. We apologize, but due to high shipping costs, you must have a North American address to ship your prize package to.

AND, something I hadn't share yet! I will be giving away a card kit to 1 (one) lucky participant in my challenge, announced tomorrow morning in my blog hop post, 4:00 a.m. PST, & you'll have until June 8, 2009 to complete & link the challenge in the comments section of tomorrow's post.

Will you come visit me & play along? I sure hope so!

Remember, START HERE, Monday June 1, 2009, & I'll see you AT THE HOP! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend! (We will be out of town this weekend so I look forward to starting my week with you!)

hugs & so much love!

danni

Such a Shell Summer!

2009-06-01T00:02:00Z

I must be into turtles lately!! I just ADORE the look on this Whimsy Turtle!

And speaking of Summer AND Whimsy Stamps....have you checked out the challenges over at the Whimsy Stamps Challenge Blog yet?!! This one was created for the Summer challenge going on right now...you have about 1 week left to play along! Starting June 8th, the challenges will start coming every week with something new and a wonderful display of yummy eye candy from the Challenge DT to inspire you EACH WEEK! :) **Don't forget that you can ALWAYS use another image besides the Whimsy images to play along...they just want to see your creations!**

For this little turtle, sometimes it can be hard to imagine the different things you can do besides just stamp and color in the image. If you know me, then you know I like to "alter" things a bit or I like to try and see my images in a different light to bring out the 'Hidden Potential' in it. So with some punched out flowers and a butterfly, I've found that I've created a lovely sweet Summer scene!! :) Check this one out:

Now what else do you think of when you think of Summer? I think of going to the lake and watching those beautiful fireworks above my head! So is this sweet little Whimsy Frog! I used a set of fireworks stamps and stars that I had to make it look like froggie is sitting at the lake watching the fireworks going off above him! :)

I thought you might like to see some close-up detail of froggie's eyes and the sparkle from the water and the fireworks! His eyes just look like they are mesmerized by the lights!! :)

I also got one more item that may be of interest to you as well!! BLOG CANDY!!!
Do you remember all the sneak peeks from all the Whimsy DT members all this past week?!
Well, if you go visit Denise, you will see a post about these:

Prize 1 is the BRAND NEW animal releases and Prize 2 is the BRAND NEW Connor and Emma releases that she will be giving out to those that helped spread the word about Whimsy Stamps!
You have until June 1st...TOMORROW...at 8:00 AM EST....so you better HURRY NOW!!! Go see Denise's give away NOW and it's also pictured in my sidebar if you'd like to get to it from there.

You can also purchase these BRAND NEW RELEASES, in case you didn't get lucky enough to win by clicking HERE! Check them out!!

Thanks for stopping by tonight!! Now go on over and check out the Whimsy Challenge blog and well as Denise's NEW RELEASE blog candy give away!!!

Are you up for a challenge?

2009-06-01T01:28:00Z

Before I get to the challenge, I wanted to quickly share a layout that I created today of my daughter, Taylor. She has really had a tough time in school, but finally this year, she's getting the hang of it and got all A's and B's. We are so proud of her. It hasn't come easy for her because of her ADHD. It was a blessing to find the right medicine for her to help her concentrate on school and now to finally see her being successful and more confident! I can't believe she's going to be in 4th grade next year!
I used a variety of Melissa Frances products on here. I cut the middle of the scalloped paper out and added another patterned paper behind it. Then I added a little bit of yellow paint around the edges before I stitched with red thread to brighten it up a bit. The chipboard stars were white before I added a coat of red paint.

Supplies:
Background paper and scalloped paper: Attic Treasures line by Melissa Frances
Blue die cut paper: Fresh Twist line by Melissa Frances
Chipboard stars: Melissa Frances (painted them red)
Foam number: Close to My Heart
Black letters: Pink Paislee - Fashion Script
Pin: Fancy Pants
Rub ons and resin photo corner: Melissa Frances
________________________

So, here's the challenge for May over at Label Tulip...

Rather than focusing on products or techniques, this month's challenge is more about the content of your page. Scrap something that nobody knows about you. It doesn't have to be some earth-shattering secret. It could be a funny story from when you were little, a hobby that nobody knows you're interested in, a page about how you still collect Beanie Babies. Don't worry, your secret is safe with us!

Uploaded HERE in the Label Tulip forum by June 18th for the chance to win a RAK put together by Label Tulip! Here's a peek of what you will be playing for:
Hope you can play along!

Embellish It! Senior Challenge

2009-06-01T03:58:00Z

Embellishments are the finishing touch that can bring a project from mediocre to amazing in just a matter of minutes, but they also can get to be expensive, especially some of the more intricate versions available on the market today. This month I have challenged the senior design team to take the path that Michelle Wooderson has explored lately (such as demonstrated in her posts HERE and HERE) and create their own embellishments with supply basics in their stash. Not only is Michelle's whole idea fun & economical, it also allows you to customize color & style to give you coordination possibilities for nearly any type of project.

I thought I would start you off with my new little exploration, the world of crocheted flowers. There are several big-name manufacturers that carry these little homespun beauties, but they can run anywhere from 50-75 cents each and the color selection can tend to be quite limiting. I decided to go on the hunt for a crochet pattern I could use to create my own, but after hours and hours of research and trial runs, I never found anything that I was completely happy with. So I combined several aspects from different patterns that I liked and created my own method. It's quick, easy and inexpensive to build your own little stash of crocheted flowers, ready to use in your paper crafting adventures.

I have created a step by step tutorial that even a beginner could follow along with.

4 yards DMC cotton embroidery floss (about half a standard package)
US size 2 crochet hook

You will notice that I decided to use DMC embroidery floss instead of the traditional crochet thread. I chose this merely for the color availability. I was able to find the floss in all of the Papertrey colors and with that as a resource I will be able to create these flowers to coordinate with all of my projects.

If you would like to see my list of PTI/DMC numbers, you can access it HERE.

ABBREVIATIONS

(you can click on each stitch for step-by-step video tutorials that I located)

ch= chain stitch

sl st= slip stitch

sc= single crochet

dc= double crochet

3dc= three double crochets in same stitch

Step 1: ch 5. Join with sl st to form ring.

Step 2: Add 10 sc through ring.

Step 3: sl st to top of first sc.

Step 4: create a small petal in the first sc using the following pattern (sc, 3dc, sc).

Step 5: continue creating a small petal in every other sc with the same pattern (creating 5 petals total). sl st to join with first sc of first petal. You can stop here and fasten off for a small flower that measures approximately 1-inch in diameter. Or you can continue to create a more elaborate 2-layer flower.

Step 6: flipping to the back of the flower, sc down through base opening of small petal.

Step 7: ch 3, and sc through next petal base opening.

Step 8: repeat 4 more times in each opening. sl st through first sc, creating a series of 5 loops total.

Step 9: create a large petal in the first loop using the following pattern (sc, 5dc, sc).

step 10: continue creating a large petal in each of the remaining 4 loops with the same pattern. sl st to join with first sc of first petal. COMPLETE! These really only take a matter of minutes to put together, and once you have the hang of it, it's something you can do while watching tv or waiting in the doctor's office.

The perfect finishing touch for the center is one of our vintage buttons.

(click the image for an enlarged view)

Here is a quick little card I put together using my handmade flower and a few of my favorite stamp sets: Birds of a Feather for the sentiment, Beyond Basic Borders for the border and Background Basics: Text Style to accent the leaves I cut from cardstock (inspired by a recent post by Dawn).

I'm looking forward to using these little beauties in the future. I mean, what's not to love? They are even post office friendly!

OTHER FUN FLOWER RESOURCES...

Here are some other interesting resources that I stumbled on along the way that I thought you may find of interest.

Crochet Pattern Central shares an entire library of flower patterns, all for free!

You can register to receive the Lion Brand Yarn Newsletter yourself HERE. Every week they provide a new flower pattern!

If you like to do things by the book, THIS ONE is an awesome resource.

Now for even more AMAZING, economical embellishment options, be sure to check out what the rest of the gals have done!!!

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson

CLICK HERE to read more from Becky Oehlers

CLICK HERE to read more from Lauren Meader

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson

CLICK HERE to read more from Kelly Lunceford

On a side note, I wanted to take a moment to thank Kelly for particpating with us for the past two months as our Distinguished Guest Designer! She has inspired me SO much in the different ways to utilize our products and she has been an absolute joy to work with. We are thrilled that she will be continuing on with us in her participation within the Timeless Template Team. Look for more of her work during the upcoming countdown week and in the future! Thank you, Kelly!!!

I hope you have all been inspired to start mass producing your own embellishments after all of the idea springboards that have been presented today! We would love o see what you do! Please feel free to leave a link in the comments section! Happy stamping!

Supplies for my project, please visit individual team members blogs for complete instructions & supplies for their projects...

Stamps: Birds of a Feather, Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics: Text Style

Ink: Vintage Cream (leaf border), True Black Detail (sentiment), Versamark (text leaves), Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo (card edges)

Paper: classic kraft, ripe avocado

Other: new leaf vintage button, needle & thread, handmade flower (directions above)

Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

Embellish It

2009-06-01T03:55:31Z

Its the first! So this post is all about facing a Challenge! Keep reading.

Before I begin I have NO IDEA what is up with my photos running into the sidebar. I resized a few times with little success. I honestly don’t have time to resize each one for the 5th time, then reload! GRR This post ended up taking several hours because of it, and I am over it. I hope you get the general details of it all. SORRY!

Alexa-Beautiful Girl

It is NOT often I do a “scrapbook page”.

I have to be REALLY inspired by something to even THINK of it. I had a particularly inspiring “photo shoot” with my daughter Alexa. She is ALMOST 10!

She was in a Spring Concert at School a week or so ago. She looked ADORABLE in her new dress that she picked out. We curled her hair, and got her ready- all pretty, so we had a photo session outside before the Concert.

To me, these are some of the BEST photos I have ever gotten of her! She was SOOOO “Alexa” when she is NOT in front of the camera. She usually can’t pose or makes funny faces, when you tell her to smile. She just contorts her face so unnaturally! LOL! So I just tried to let her be natural, herself. Cracking jokes while I took photos. THAT actually worked!!

I KNEW I wanted to capture them in a special way-forever!

This page just FLOWED out of me so easily. I’m beyond proud of it-especially my SUBJECT-Alexa :D)

She, to me, is like a butterfly. Hence my page. It is more than just a pretty page to me. It is capturing my thoughts, feelings and journey with my little girl, who has changed so much over the last few years.

This seemingly fragile human being, that started with so many odds against her, and despite it all, has morphed from the caterpillar (who avoided getting eaten by the “birds”-aka all her life obstacles) into a BEAUTIFUL butterfly. Spreading her wings, and taking flight. Never did I think I would have such a blessing in my life 10 years ago. Many times I thought I would lose her sweet little life. I always cry when I type these posts about her. I hate that!

I could go on and on, but will end it there. I get very emotional when I think of Alexa and her journey through life. I already know I will ALWAYS be so proud of her and where she will be in life. I am now! And Im so thankful for our journey. ALL OF IT. Thankful that God chose me, off all the people in the world to take her journey with her. What a blessing she is.

Now I switch my emotional gears to the project challenge.

That then lead me to the challenge that Nichole posed for her design team.

We were to create our own embellishments, inspired by some embellishments on the market, that you could purchase. Our goal was to share how much more affordable-and even how EASY, it is to create your own.

I was inspired by Heidi Swapp Butterfly Ghost Shapes, that I had for like a year, and couldn’t bare to use up, since you only get 6 in a package for $3.99 and UP! That is INSANE.

See photo:

This is what comes in the package -these are the 3 shapes

You receive : 2 large, 2 medium and 2 small acetate butterflies as shown.

So I figured I could EASILY make my own, for FAR LESS! Maybe even BETTER

I began my venture with Papertrey Ink’s Clearly Creative Cardstock

You get 10 sheets for $6.00. That means MY cost per sheet is 0.60 CENTS!

THIS receipt is the breakdown of the cost for making my OWN!!

Its actually CHEAPER than that! LOL! Read on.

So I used my Cuttlebug butterfly die for my largest butterflies.

You can get 15 of the LARGE butterflies from ONE sheet costing ONLY 0.60 cents. You’d have to buy 7 or 8 packages of the Ghost Shapes to get that many of the largest butterfly shapes-costing upwards of $28-$32! What a savings!!

For my Med. size I used a Whale Butterfly punch by EK Success

I always keep the paper backing on till I’m done so I don’t LOSE anything I punch/die cut!

Now I can get 16 medium butterflies from one HALF sheet-or 32 per full sheet of acetate.

I the used a Martha Stewart Butterfly punch for my smallest butterflies.

I got 28 per half sheet of acetate, or 56 per full sheet!!!

Here are a few of the shapes I got from ONE piece of acetate-and I could have gotten even more!

I just figured getting even 4 each per sheet is WAY more for your money ( UNDER 0.60 cents) as oppose to the $3.99 and up for ONLY 6 shapes that are store purchased.

That is where the recipt total came in

I then recycled the package that the Heidi Swapp Ghost Shapes came in, and put MY own butterflies inside!

This is actually FULL of various shaped butterflies for a FRACTION of the cost!!!

I used one butterfly that I decorated for embellishing the front.

This is the product with my finished scrapbook page, that utilizes my embellishments: one of each size butterfly ON my page

Here is how I designed my own embellishment further by getting inspired by ANOTHER product

Notice my “B”.

Now here is what inspired my butterfly design

These are self adhesive acetate letters by Making Memories that sell for about $6 each

I used the “B” on my page. I loved the addition of the COLOR and FLOURISH on each letter, so I used that to further inspire yet another embellishment option for my plain acetate butterflies

Here is a bit of a closer look at the B and the dimension my butterflies gave to my project.

Here is what I did:

I just stamped my acetate butterflies using the flourish from With Sympathy, and White StazOn

I added my color by using my own technique-Poppin Acetate with Jewel Tones Pastels

In SECONDS-a gorgeous butterfly embellishment!

I added some adhesive pearls to my butterfly centers, and was DONE!!

one more photo

So there you have it!

Now I can make SO many various embellishments JUST like these to suit ANY project!

I can die cut or punch ANY shape from the acetate I want or need, and I can embellish it without worry if I ruin one!

Supplies:

Stamps: With Sympathy (Flourish on butterflies), Friends til the End (flowers on white layer), Beautiful Blooms (sentiment)

Cardstock: Clearly Creative, White, True Black, Hibiscus Burst

Ink:True Black, Hibiscus Burst, White StazOn

Pebbles Pearlescent Pastels

Vintage Buttons , adhesive pearls, Making Memories Adhesive letter B

Cuttlebug butterfly die, EK Success butterfly punch, Martha Stewart punch

Now be sure to check out the design team!

Becky O

Kelly Lunceford- Template Team

Lisa Johnson

Michelle Wooderson

Nichole Heady

Pine

Im sure this will get you making your own embellishments in no time, while saving yourself some money and using what you have! WIN! WIN!!

I hope you enjoyed my project

Thanks for stopping by. I’d love to hear your thoughts, or if you give this a try too.

Embellish It

2009-06-01T03:59:00Z

Edit: Prize Drawing Winner......the winner of my Copic prize drawing is Tessa Wise! Congratulations Tessa, I've emailed you already for you contact information! Thanks to everyone for playing along and I 'll be bringing you more Copic posts soon!!

It's June 1st already, can you believe it? It's time once again for the Papertrey Senior Design Team Challenge and this month's is right up my alley. Nichole has challenged the Design Team to create homemade embellishments for a project. As you know, I've been doing a lot of this lately. The process of creating these little embellishments is so fun! Let's get started.

I first cut some 5-1/2" strips of Stamper's Select White Cardstock and punched the edges with a scallop border using an EK Success slim line border punch.Using the fun Day at the Beach stamp set, I embossed some images onto the cardstock strips using Clear Embossing Powder.

Then comes the really fun part. Using the Copic markers in YG93, YG13, Y35 and RV32, I colored horizontal lines across the strips. I used one full swipe across each time and kept on layering the colors, overlapping them a bit to blend them. The more you layers of lines you add, the darker the colors. I'm trying to achieve a certain tropical look that will match another embellishement that you'll see shortly. You can see how the clear embossing resisted the markers, leaving some fun sun and star fish elements showing through.

I wanted my embellishments to look a little vintage, so I used my Ranger Distress Ink Pad on the edges of the embellishment strips.

Next, I used The Essential Glue Pad and a big swirl from Fancy Flourishes to randomly stamp images onto the colored strips. Very sticky stuff.

I then dumped Glitter all over the strips to cover the stamped swirl images. I tapped off the glitter and gave the back of the strips a good flick with my fingers to remove the excess glitter.

And here's my finished glittery embellishment strips. The Copic colors I chose match the patterned paper(K & Company Wild Raspberry) I'm going to use for my finished projects. Zoom in on any photo to see the glittery details better.

Next, I created some fun focal point embellishments for a few summer time cards. I used more fun images from Day at the Beach to create a tropical drink theme. I did margaritas that have glittered rims for the salt and a cute little lime. And for the other drinks, I used colors from the embellishment strips to create a layered, fruity drink with more glitter for added sparkle. I want one!! And check out those cute sentiments...just chillin' and bottoms up...too fun! Vintage Buttons tied with twine finish off the embellments that have been punched out with circle punches.

And here's a fun basket full of finished cards. Be still my sun loving heart!

For all of the cards, I used a Kraft Cardstock base that has been stamped with a Background Basics: Text Style font stamp in Fresh Snow Ink. The edges of the cards were inked with Fresh Snow ink right from the pad. Rectangles of various patterned papers adorn the center of the cards. I love that these cards have a fun, tropical feel to them but that I was able to use more muted background papers.

Here's a close up of the glitter strips, the circle embellishments, more tied buttons and a snippet of Sweet Blush Twill Ribbon. Yummy little morslets of goodness!

And here's my margarita themed cards using green background papers and Vintage Buttons. Do you know how much I love margaritas? Lots...but I haven't had one in ages!!

And a close up shot of more glitterfication (new word). You should see these in person because it's so hard to capture them in photos! Come on over, we'll have a margarita...along with chips and salsa!

So bring on summer!! Turn on some Jimmy Buffet, slip on your flip flops and enjoy a nice cold tropical drink.

Annnnd, check this out: Nichole did the math for me and guess how much my glittery embellishments cost to make? NINE CENTS EACH!! That's a dime with change left over, peeps! If I were to go buy my glittery embellishments along with the circle images, I'd pay well over $5 bucks for that package. I think I should treat myself to a margarita with all that money I saved! The products Nichole used to figure the cost were consumable products, the rest were items you most likely have in your stash like stamps, the inks, punches, etc. So go make some some fun embellishments of your own, it just takes a little creativity.
And if you want to be even more inspired, be sure to visit the other PTI Designers' blogs. Kelly Lunceford is playing along too.

Nichole Heady
Becky Oehlers
Heather Nichols
Lauren Meader
Lisa Johnson
Kelly Lunceford

Have a great summer everyone! I'm very, VERY excited for the June Release at Papertrey so stay tuned!!

TPE- Challenge #17

2009-05-31T21:03:00Z

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Time for Challenge #17 here at The Pink Elephant!!

Not only are we excited to bring you our challenge this week. We are absolutely ecstatic to bring you a bit of happy news!!!

First off, I am proud to introduce this week's Guest Designer, my daughter...Hannah Boyd.
She was over the moon when I asked her to be our GD. So happy and super excited!!

Hannah Boyd

We aren't stopping there. Our next announcement is a BIG One! Please join us in welcoming our New Design Team member... Frances Byrne aka Stamp Owl!!!
Frances we are honored and overjoyed to welcome you to The Pink Elephant family!!!

Frances Byrne

As you can see from the banner above, our challenge this week is a

Recipe Challenge
for this recipe you must use:
3 buttons, 2 layers and 1 sentiment
Please feel free to interpret the 2 layers anyway you like, just
Have fun and enjoy!!!

Design Team Samples:

Tina Quinata

Trudi Wilbur

Lori Boyd

Carol Houghton

Robin Willis
Ann Cutts

Challenges will begin on Mondays and Close Sundays at 12 midnight EST !!
Winning entry (along with two runner up entries) will be announced on Tuesday Evenings.
If you upload your project to SCS please use keyword TPE, but also add a link to it in Mr. Linky so we are sure to see it.

This week our prize is:

Cosmo Cricket Rub ons

Eyelets

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Challenges are open to worldwide participants. All projects are welcome...cards, layouts, altered items and any other paper projects. To enter, post a link to your creation in the Mr. Linky box below. For complete instructions on how to enter challenges, there is a tutorial in the FAQs on the sidebar.

**note: If you have any trouble with Mr Linky, please just add your name and direct link in a comment telling us that you are having problems and one of the dt members will be happy to add your link so you are entered into our challenges.**
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CAS17 Challenge - Towel Inspiration

2009-06-01T04:37:00Z

I love the new Clean and Simple (CAS) challenge over at Splitcoaststampers. I find myself gravitating toward that style a lot. Especially when my creative juices have dried up....CAS seems to be the only thing that is possible for me.

So, I checked the thread and the CAS #17 challenge that Jen had up was an inspiration challenge. She gave us THIS LINK from Land's End with towels and totes. I saw the solid blue striped towel and had to go with it!!

The card was simple, and is actually a SCRAP card as well!! I used 1" strips of blue in 3 different shades found in my blue scraps bag. I also pulled that fishy out of my image scrap bin. I had stamped and colored a bunch of them a long time ago (see, this is why I never throw anything away). To color him, I had actually dry brushed some blue and purple watercolor paint (remember you can

click on the image to see it larger) onto white cardstock.

I added this great sentiment from an add-on set to the Pond Life stamp set from Papertrey Ink and popped that little swimmer up on dimensionals.

This was an increadibly easy card to make and used a ton of scraps. I can see this same card made in different colors with different images and sentiments!! Wow, what a great way to use up some of my many pieces of scrap!

Supplies: Stamps - Fishy Friends (Stampin' Up!), Pond Life Sentiments (Papertrey Ink); Ink-Versamark, Basic Black (SU!), Paper - 3 shades of blue (one is definately Night of Navy and I think the middle color might be Buckaroo Blue but I am unsure of the lightest shade), White; Other - watercolor paints, paint brush, white embossing powder, dimensionals.

Thanks for dropping in! Don't forget about the smARTworks tea party coming up on Wednesday. We were challenged to create a card without using white!! Come and play with us!!

Donelda

embellish it

2009-06-01T04:00:00Z

Every month when it's time for the Papertrey Ink senior design team challenge, I am always amazed at how the last month has seemed to fly by. My girls have 4 days of school left before summer break and it doesn't seem possible that the school year has come to an end!

This month we were all inspired by our fellow team member, Michelle Wooderson, who has been making lots of awesome embellishments from supplies that she already has instead of going out and spending the money on the premade embellishments that you can buy out there on the market - I especially have spent lots of time looking at this post.

I took on the challenge and incorporated it into a project that I have been working on the past couple of weeks (and actually something I started last fall!) I follow Ali Edwards blog regularly and last fall she posted the guidelines to create a "Week in the Life" album. You can see links to all of the postings that she shared about this project here. I took the pictures and wrote lots of notes last fall during the week of the challenge. I finally got back to the project a couple of weeks ago and am so happy to have finally completed it! You can see my whole album here. Let me share what I did to create the embellishments for my album...

For the first set of embellishment cards, I used some patterned paper (from Crate), New Leaf saddle stitch ribbon, New Leaf vintage mix buttons, super scalloped circles punched from Dark Chocolate Bitty Dot cardstock, and Dark Brown flowers die cut from felt using some flower Cuttlebug dies.

I layered the ribbon and flower shapes onto my cardstock base and then machine stitched down the middle of it to hold everything in place. Then I stitched on the buttons with the button twine.

I stamped the the vine image and thank you sentiment from Beyond Basic Borders and other sentiments from Journaling Linesto finish off my embellishment cards. Nichole did a cost breakdown for all of us on what our embellishments cost us to make...

(I forgot to let Nichole know that I used a felt square instead of cardstock, but they work out to be the same price - and you really could use cardstock if you didn't have felt!) SO affordable and, really, so easy to make.

I also did up a card with one of my embellishment cards!

Onto a few more embellishment ideas that I used for my album...

Remember all the polka dot paper that I have been making using this technique? I punched circles from a piece of it and layered it onto this punched scallop square (Stampin' Up!) punched from kraft paper.

I stamped on a monogram "N" and "08" for the year. I stapled it onto more Crate paper and used it several other places in my album.

Next, I pulled out some metal tags I had bought a while back (I think from Walmart?) and covered them with white acrylic paint (this is the Blank Canvas color by Claudine Hellmuth - my new favorite acrylic paint.)

After the paint dried completely I stamped sentiments onto them with True Black ink.

I used a piece of hemp twine to tie the tag onto a length of ribbon (this ribbon is from a cute little yarn shop near Two Harbors, MN called Playing With Yarn), and attached it to another piece of Crate paper.

Here's one last embellishment made with some plastic, felt flowers I had in my stash, more circles punched from my premade polka dot cardstock, and some brushed silver brads.

Here's a peek of a couple of the completed pages from my "Week in the Life" album. The embellishment cards worked perfectly in my album. I really followed Ali's template and ideas and then really made it my own with my custom embellishments.

I am thrilled to have completed this project. Again, you can find the full album here (these are just the pages from Monday of that week.)

I know that you will want to see what the other designers created for this challenge: Nichole, Michelle, Becky, Lauren, Lisa, and our guest designer Kelly is playing too! I know that I am inspired to create more custom embellishments for my projects - and I can't afford not too!

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy June!

Embellish It!

2009-06-01T04:00:00Z

One of the main reasons that I began stamping, was to be able to recreate embellishments, tags, etc. for a fraction of the cost. I really liked how easy is was to mass produce invitations, cards and gift items without having to buy multiple packages of embellishments to get my projects completed. I was so thrilled with this month's Papertrey Ink Design Team challenge to recreate or create some embellishments from the fabulous products that Papertrey Ink carries.

Is it any surprise that I decided to include accordian flowers, ribbon and buttons? I had so much fun creating this fun embellishments that could easily be added to gift packaging, cards, tags, etc.

For those of you who are visiting for the first time or for those who may have missed it, you can check out a step by step tutorial on how to make accordian flowers. For these particular flowers, I used Papertrey Ink's Friend's 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper. Since this paper measures 8 inches, I cut two 2 1/2 inch strips for each flower. I simply joined the two pieces together into a long strip once I had accorian pleated each strip. I did use my pinking shears on one side to create more of a *flower* feel. I like how it turned out.

For the gathered ribbon, I simply cut 16 inches of assorted Papertrey Ink ribbon, baste stitched it with my sewing machine and pulled one strand of thread on each side to gather it. Once it had been gathered evenly, I tied the thread on each end in a knot, trimmed the thread and began attaching it to the ribbon.

To attach it to the button, simply add about 3 or 4 craft glue dots to the back of the pre-threaded button. Once you have the glue dots in place, begins adding the ribbon, carefully keeping the front of the ribbon on the outside (it can flip if it gets too gathered). Once you have the entire length of the ribbon on the button, use a few more glue dots to add it to the accordian flower. I would recommend having the project you will be adding your embellishment to, ready and available so that it can be adhered right away.

Do you remember those Target dollar spot magnetic frames from a few years ago? I kept quite a stash on hand and decided to add some magnetic strips to the back of my embellishment and create a fun frame to keep in my studio. Since the embellishment has so much going on, I kept the frame simple and plain so that it wouldn't detract from the photo.

I had so much fun with this challenge. I actually have another little something up my sleeve using this basic design, but in a different way that I can't wait to show you! You also won't want miss what the other gals have come up with...seriously amazing! You can see all of them here including Nichole's project as well!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies
Stamps: Mixed Messages
nk: True Black
Paper: PTI White, Friends 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper
Accessories: Assorted PTI ribbon and buttons, crochet thread, sewing machine and thread, glue dots

~ Official Our Craft Lounge Blog Hop! ~

2009-06-01T06:00:59Z

Hi Friends!

So you are probably wondering WHY this is an “official” blog hop….. as opposed to an “unofficial” blog hop. Well I’ll tell ya! I have been doing design work for Our Craft Lounge here and there for the last few months. The owners of OCL were not certain they really wanted an official design team, so ‘friends’ would post with the new sets whenever needed. Well, a few days ago I got a phone call from Cambria asking if I wanted to be on the “official” team. I couldn’t have said yes fast enough. If you know the OCL gals, you know they are just something special. I had to get in on that! So I add Our Craft Lounge to my list of design teams!

Wait til you see the rest of the awesome talent on this team!! I will be listing the girls shortly. First, let’s get on to the hop! If you arrived here via Heather’s blog, you are spot on! If not, you may wish to start back at Amber’s blog to get the whole show!

First, there is a June sketch challenge over at the OCL forums. You can see it here, but I am also posting a copy of the sketch below. Also, to kick off the new season, there is a brand spankin’ new swap! You can see those details HERE.

Here is this month’s sketch:

If you play along, use keyword OCL03 in your upload and be sure to post a link in the OCL forum referenced above so we can all find it :).

Anyone who really knows me is aware of my absolute adoration for all things oriental. I think I was Japanese in a former life! So I chose to use Our Craft Lounge’s Oriental Gardens for this sketch.

I stamped the main image on creamy caramel cardstock and colored the blossoms with a white watercolor pencil. I wanted to give the feel of the Japanese boxwood gardens. The small black panel is embossed with the cuttlebug floral screen embossing folder.

Here are my deets:

Stamps: Our Craft Lounge’s Oriental Gardens

Colors: Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Kanji dp, Basic Grey dp

Ink: Versafine Black Onyx

Accessories: build a brads, ribbon, floral screen ef, hole punch, white watercolor pencil, dimensionals

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Ok! Now a list of the new team!!!

Amber Hillman http://www.ambersantics.blogspot.com/
Beth Silaika http://www.freckledandfun.com/
Carol Halvorson http://www.happinessblooms.blogspot.com/
Charmaine Ikach http://www.oodabugalley.blogspot.com/
Cindy Lawrence http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/
Deb Felts http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/
Denise Marzec http://www.thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com/
Heather McNally http://heathermcnally.blogspot.com/
Holly McMillen http://toyzhaven.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Kendra Wietstock http://kendrawietstock.blogspot.com/
Kisa Peters http://kisaspapercuts.blogspot.com/
Lila Holgate http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitc … mpers.com/
Pam Hooten http://www.pamhooten.blogspot.com/
Valerie Stangle http://www.valeriestangle.blogspot.com/

The OCL Chicks:
Cambria Turnbow http://cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com/
Joy Kennedy http://joyofstamping.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Debbie Corbori (OCL Illustrator) http://www.dbdoodle.com/
Marianne Walker (OCL Illustrator) http://www.ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/

Check out all their blogs!! You will NOT be disappointed

Well, I think it’s time to send you a hoppin’! Off to Kendra’s blog to check out what our fearless leader has in store!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a very blessed day!

~~ Holly ~~

Embellish It!

2009-06-01T04:00:13Z

Our senior DT challenge this month was to make our very own embellishments. This is such a fantastic and EASY thing to do, just by using your leftover scraps of cardstock! This is a great way to use those long thin strips that hang around in your folders. You can even make them ready to sell just by adhering them to some clear cardstock and adding a simple hanging tag! So here is how I made some embellies for an invitation card kit all ready to be boxed up and sold!

I took the open flip flop image from “Day at the Beach” and stamped them using Palette Noir ink and then colored them using copics that matched Raspberry Fizz and Summer Sunrise cardstocks.

I then punched out the flip-flops using a 1 1/4 inch punch. Then I took scraps of my Raspberry Fizz and Summer Sunrise cardstocks and punched circles using my extra jumbo scalloped circle punch by Marvy.

Then using my Tsukineko glue pad, I stamped the thong part of the sandals onto the colored flip flop image. Then I took my pliers and dipped them into glitter!

I then cut some Papertrey Clearly Creative Cardstock, which is nice and thick and durable. I placed dimensionals onto the back, and then took a mini glue dot and placed it onto the paper backing of the dimensional. This will adhere the dimensional to the clear cardstock.

Taking a tag punch and some mono multi and my cropadile, I made a tag already for hanging. This ensures the user that while they are creating, they can hang up the embellies if need be. It also finishes up the project to look 100% professional.

My finished invitation kit, all ready to be boxed up! And how much did this cost me? Take a look:

I don’t think I will be buying too many embellies from now on! Not when I can make them myself!

Check out what the other girls have done!

Michelle Wooderson

Lisa Johnson

Lauren Meader

Heather Nichols

Kelly Lunceford is playing too!

Stamps: Day at the Beach

Paper: Bitty Dot Basics, White, Summer Sunrise, Raspberry Fizz, Clearly Creative Cardstock,

Ink: Palette Noir, Copics

Other: Glue Pad, Glitter, dimensionals

ReCreating, ReInvEnting and REdesigning Paper

2009-06-01T04:29:00Z

May has been an wonderful month for The Next Step and there have been some amazing projects posted to our month long challenges. It has been so much fun to see the different ways that each of you have found to be creative with your stamps. We will be reviewing all of your submissions and will post the winners at the end of this week. Check back on Friday for the results. Congratulations to all of you for playing along with our challenge and stretching your creative wings.

This month we want to see more of you get involved and show us your projects. If your children are out of school for the summer, get them involved and let them create some projects. Show us what you all created, we want to see your redesigned papers.

Now for some new inspiration that will hopefully get your creative minds going. We have great things planned for you in June and our challenge will hopefully have you sorting through your stash of papers.

We know you have them ... those papers that you have looked at over and over and thought…

What was I thinking when I bought this paper???

I will NEVER use this color, design, pattern or You fill in the blank______

Why do they have to put so many sheets of the same paper in the combo packs?

…..Or as in the case of some of mine.

That stuff has GOT TO BE 10 years old by now, maybe they will reprint an anniversary version and it will be back in style.

Well this is your month to disguise those awful reminders.

So you first mission is to find some papers that you know you will never use in their current state. Once you have them out, you are going to use some of your paints, sprays, fabric, and left over rub ons to totally change the look of them.

My first contestant was a beige paper that I bought about 4 years ago while visiting my sister in Ohio. Some how the muted toned garden paper never worked its way in to my projects.I started by spraying the paper with some of my paint misters and gave it a yellow orange peach glow. The paper was pretty but needed a little more contrast so I painted black acrylic paint on bubble wrap and stamped it on the page.

If you do not have spray bottles of paints, here is a home made preparation that is inexpensive and gives your paper a beautiful color.

Unsweetened Kool Aid (about 20 cents a pack)
Tiny spray bottle (travel cosmetic section - WalMart 97 cents)
pour a small amount of kool aid in the bottle
add 1/3 hairspray and 2/3 water to the bottle

The hair spray helps it allow the paint to dry quicker and acts as a fixative. You can leave out the hair spray if you wish. You can also soak papers or tags in this mixture and get a beautiful dyed paper.

This months RAK will include a spray bottle with Luminarte Powder to make your own mister.

I then cut out some flowers from a graphic black and white left over piece of paper and misted it with yellow spray paint.

On this page all of the products are over 4 years old except for the flowers. I feel pretty happy with the results of this page.

My next project was to alter a piece of paper with black paint. I mixed a little black acrylic paint with hair spray in a small bottle. I then spritzed it on the paper for a splattered abstract effect.

To add a little detail I tool some random large stitches in the corners. This is a great way to add sewing to a page with very little work. Simply stitch through the paper and then go back through the paper with you needle approximately 3-4 inches away. Tie off the ends of the thread and tape them down on the back of the paper.

I next stamped a border for the outer edge of the photo and then ended up putting a matte around the edge of the photo.

To finish off the page I used left over number rub ons to alter the paper.

These are just a couple of techniques that you can use to alter your paper. I will post creative uses for your scrap papers on Friday June 5th.

Most important of all we will show case the winning projects for the month of May.