Happy Anniversary!

This little card just came together from some odds and ends I had lying around after finishing other projects.  Sometimes my penchant for hanging on to things comes in handy. The fan and card were made with the Cricut Pagoda cartridge.  The flowers were made with the Art Philosophy (Z1686) cartridge.  

Additional CTMH supplies:

Inks - Sweet Leaf (Z2153), Lagoon (Z2195) 
Bitty Sparkles - (Z1263) 
"The Happy Couple" Stamp (D1539) 
The other 2 little flowers are retired. 

Sentiment

Now my only other challenge is making a gift box to put this fabulous little card into for the lucky couple!  There's always another project!

Blessings,

1 John 1:5 - 2:2

Monogrammed Note Cards Make Great Gifts

Don't you just love Christmas? I know I sure do, but I want to give everyone a gift and I just can't afford to so shhhh I want to share this little project with you so maybe you too can use it this Christmas season for a little gift to give someone you care for. This is a direct scrap lift from Kristy at Scrapin On My Door and I am so excited to share this project with you again!  I shared it last year with a video camera that you couldn't see very well so I thought it was worth a revisit... and I promised I was only going to share what I was actually making for my needs this Christmas.

Above is a close up of one of the portfolios that hold the note cards and envelopes, don't you just love the shimmer?

This is how the front looks and as I show you in the video you can alter it to what you like, be it with or without embossing. Wide or narrow bands, you do what you like the looks of.

Here is the inside notice it has 4 monogrammed note cards and 4 envelopes. Isn't that a wonderful set? I keep these on had for a quick gift, all I need to do is make the scallops, circles and initial and glue them on and viola they are done. All the sets in the video are without the monograms as I will do that as soon as I complete my set of names.

Here is another color, don't you just love how they look good with any coordinating color combination? Great for any season these card sets are awesome.

This is the photo of the set that Kristy made for me at Craftin On My Door, aren't they gorgeous? See what I mean any color and the gift is just right! I think I have shown these note cards to everyone that has been to my office in my home, because I love this gift! So let's get to work.

Now wasn't that easy... but we aren't done yet. Let's get theses put together so you too can make these awesome note card sets.

These little monogrammed note cards are perfect for gifts for this holiday season. I hope you get the opportunity to make a few. I hope you enjoyed today's post. Your sweet - sweet word encourage me and your comments continue to inspire me to continue sharing with you. Have a blessed day.... See you Saturday.

Father's Day Pegboard Card

Hey everyone...it's Sonya from Sonya's Paper Trail and today I'm sharing the card that I made for my husband for Father's Day.  My husband is one of those guys who can fix anything, which is probably a good thing since I tend to break a lot of things!  

Here's what I created for him:

 

The base of this card is from the Silhouette Online Store.  I decided that rather than cut out the tiny tools that went with the card cutfile, I would use my stamps to create the tools.  I used the "Totally Tool" stamp set by Stampin' UP! and colored those tools using my Copics.  I then fussy cut around each one, and adhered them to the pegboard with dimensional foam dots.  The lettering was in the original cut file, but rather than use paper (which I figured would tear), I used some vinyl and it worked like a charm.  Don't forget that vinyl sticks to paper and can make your life a lot easier, especially with scripty greetings!  Oh...and on the pegboard, I used a lot of chalk ink to make it look more realistic.

I hope you have a great day!

Pop Up Photo Frame Card

Hi!  It's Christine from http://iamcocoasmom.blogspot.com/ to share a Pop Up Photo Frame card with you today.   Like most families we share photographs via social media, but just occasionally, I love to send a photograph to share a special moment.

Last week my sister mailed a giant box to our house containing Master J's birthday presents.  He ripped into that box and demanded that we open each and every toy as it emerged from the packing paper!

His favorite, however, was the Thomas the Train bubble blower and after dinner, we filled it up with bubble mix, found two AA batteries and sent him off to bubble the yard.   He bubbled his Dad and Mom, his Grandpa and me, and even tried to bubble Cocoa but that wise puppy would not stay still and be bubbled!

We took pictures and video, of course but I wanted to do something special as a 'Thank You' for my sister. I remembered seeing a cute photo card holder on Pinterest and decided to search for something similar in Design Space.  Aha!   I could not find a photo frame card but I did find a card with the right pop up mechanism.

I inserted the card onto my mat and resized it to make a 5.5 by 4.25 card.  Then I added a square and  unlocked the dimensions to make it 5.5 by 8.5.  Using the align button, I aligned the two images horizontally and 'ungrouped' the pop up card.  I selected the score lines and using the arrow keys, I moved them across until they were in exactly the same place on my card.  The pop up card (minus score lines) was deleted.

Next, I needed the opening for the photo and I kept it simple by just adding a rectangle centered in the top half of the remaining card using the score lines for guidance.  I selected the rectangles and hit 'slice.'  Then I selected the sliced image and the score lines and hit 'attach.'  Now all that remained was to choose a frame to make the opening look finished and I was done!

Now for the fun part - embellishing the card.  I searched for birthday images and arranged them on the front of my card and around the frame,  Time to cut and assemble.

Just FYI - the score line are at 3/4 inch, 1 1/2 inches, and 5 inches.  Here's how the score lines are folded.  (Actually, there are two extra score lines indicating the center fold line.  Ignore these.)

I cut a regular A2 card with my cutter, scored and folded across the center and lined up the two pieces of my card.  I attached the top and bottom edges and checked that it folded correctly.  (It will not be completely flat.)

Then I attached the sides together just beneath the opening and the card was ready to embellish.

Here's the finished card from the side:-

And inside:-

I'll write a note to my sister and have Master J. add his name.  I think she'll like it!

O.K.  Are you thinking how useful this will be for special Halloween pictures, or Christmas pictures?  How about Graduation pictures for elderly relatives who don't Facebook?  Or even on an interactive scrapbook page?   Oh the possibilities...  Hope you find this a useful file : )

Thank you, Sheila for allowing me to share my fun card today.   : ) Christine

https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/28904416

Handsome Fellow

Hello Sassy People!

I believe there is a time in every crafter’s life when he or she gets burned out or lose their creative flow. I was there about a year ago. I would get ideas, but when I would go into my crafting space, things would not go right and I would be frustrated and leave. Although I was afraid, I took a well needed break. The reason why I was afraid was because I did not want to be so far gone that I did not return to something that was once enjoyable for me. 

After not even going in the room for months, I entered the zone. I felt on papers, I organized some items, I purged, and then something happened. I was inspired again! I rediscovered old items and rekindled love for machines I pondered on getting rid of. I was in love with the craft I started to despise! 

One of the first things I did was enter a challenge on one of my frequently visited forums. I had not used my Explore except for once (just to make sure it worked) and there is sat. The Cricut Challenge Forum allowed, actually forced, me to learn Design Space and use the Explore. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it cut. While the program lacks some features I use in other software, it is easy to use. This month, I joined a “lift” challenge as well. 

Why did I share all of this? Well if you ever get to that place, it is ok to take a break. When you finally feel inspired, join a challenge or two. Challenges make you accountable for creating (at least for me) and you can have encouragement from fellow scrappers! It was exactly what I needed after my slump.

Today, I am sharing a “lift” from a young lady who goes by Liljenny1. The challenge is to lift a layout of the person who signed up for the challenge ahead of you. While there was a lot to choose from in her gallery, I chose this one. It is a pretty clean and simple design. This is the first traditional scrapbook page I made in over a year and the first one of my son! This photo was taken on Resurrection Sunday. Here is my version:

I used navy Bazzill cardstock as the base. The photo was matted on white Bazzill cardstock. The pattern papers came from the DCWV Guy Stack and the Swagger stack by Fancy Pants. I did a few fishtails on the ends of those to add to the design (and to make it my own). I used brads I had in my stash to add a little interest to the page. The sentiment is from the Lovely Floral Cricut cartridge. It is on foam squares for dimension. I also added a little journaling to the page in a white gel pen and that is it! 

I hope you enjoyed today’s project! Remember to check back regularly for more inspiration, Kenya~

Thank You Card - Anna Griffin Style

It's Saturday morning and a great time to make a card using some of Anna Griffin's supplies and your Cricut Explore and Cuttlebug! All kinds of fun! Grab a cup of coffee and join me in making this great thank you card.

See how easy it was I chose my papers from the last HSN special featuring Anna Griffin, then I got the Anna Griffin Lace dies that my friend Pam Ramesh of the BugBytes gave me for my birthday. I am not much of a die cutter so I didn't do that on line but cut my pieces out. I had trouble with one Sizzix die but I think I used to light of a cut of paper.... but I still used it anyway.

Didn't the card turn out beautiful? I am so excited as I even used my new Minc. AWESOME!

My flower was off Design Space free to subscribers. I just searched for a rose and chose the one I liked, did a print and cut and this card was ready to go.

I want you to see the close up so you can see how detailed this card is. And, you can also see it has plenty of layers and dimension.

And the last little close up. I sure hope you enjoyed today's post and learned a little something. As you can see I had fun with all my new goodies and had so much fun. Thank you again Pam... love you and hope to see you soon.

Thank you for your sweet-sweet words of encouragement. Your comments continue to inspire me to continue sharing with you.

Have a blessed weekend!

Father's Day Card from a sketch

Hi Everyone,

Lisa from Lisa's Craft Room here to share my project. I joined a sketch challenge and decided that I would post my finished card for my project. I thought I would make mine a Father's Day card, seeing that it is Sunday.

For my card, which is a 3 1/2" x 5" base in whisper white card stock, I embossed a piece of chocolate card stock which is cut at 3" x 4" and the patterned paper which is cut at 2 3/8" x 3 1/2". The tag was made using the scallop tag punch. The ribbon is Early Espresso and the sentiments are from Sheltering Tree and Teeny Tiny Wishes. All the products used are from Stampin' Up.

I'm so glad that we are in the "KISS" (Keep it simple sassy) season because I am finding it hard to get creative. 

Thank you so much Sheila for having me and thank you all for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend. 

Fathers Day Card

 Good day! Sheila here and I can't wait to show you this easy little Father's Day card, using the 'Make it now" feature on Design Space. It only took me 1/2 hour to choose the papers and cut the card out. The blue is the only new sheet of paper all the rest was from my scraps.

I had a lot of fun making this card and it really went pretty fast. The matching envelope I thought I would never get straight. Make envelopes are easy but you must start with the right size to make it work. What's that saying measure twice and cut once! I learned the hard way.

I thought coupons would be a great idea. I remember making something when we were first married, but I can't remember what it was for, you know birthday or something. The coupons are always fun. You are looking at what will be my handsome hubbies favorite... The Free Car Wash. Let me tell you he will break out the camera for this as I have only washed the car by myself once in 45 years! Yep this will be his favorite!

The free batch of cookies will also be a favorite as we don't have children so we don't make cookies at this stage of our life, however he would love this too.

Date night is interesting. I have no idea where he will want to go.

He will like this too as he is always asking when it is my turn to buy!

This is going to be a hard one as he gets up everyday at 6. He'll probably want to change this for another car wash!

Everyone love a bear hug do this will be great.

And see how nicely it fits in the envelope. I sure hope you liked today's project.

Thank you for joining us today, and thank you for your sweet-sweet words of encouragement. Your comments continue to inspire me.

Have a blessed day!

A Fun Father's Day Card

Hi, crafting friends! Grace Baxter here of Grace Notes for Today and I'm excited to share my June card for the Sassy Lady's blog. This one is especially for the dads out there.

In planning a card for a young dad (my son), I thought about his favourite sports. Golfing is one that he really enjoys.  

The card started out looking proper and dignified with its gray pinstripe base. And while it's sharp, I knew I couldn't let it get stuffy. That isn't my Son, so ... to make it youthful, I designed a frame from golf ball paper in the shape that resembles a truck tire. I've had this paper for years, expecting to use it for scrapbooking which never happened. Can anyone relate? LOL!

The Front

As usual (being a stickler for detail) I wanted the golf ball, tee and grass to look REAL! As it turns out, the grass looks as though it is growing right through the centre of that ring of balls.

Ball on tee:  The golf ball cut already had the markings for the bumps and divets. Love that.

Tee in the grass:  To make the tee sit IN the grass and not appear to be stuck in front of it, I cut an extra layer of grass and snipped it to look real.

TEE-rific sentiment:  Prepared this on the computer, framed with a grass green CS. I like a little hardware on men's cards, so I attached the sentiment frame with metal eyelets and twine. The back is also popped with dimensionals. In fact, the entire white frame is popped!

Inside

For the verse inside, I wrote a poem that uses a play on words having to do with golfing. "Punny" or what!

I printed the verse onto white cardstock, punched the corners, and inked all the edges in pale green first, then gray over top (narrower).

I really like this technique for added dimension. Another frame of grass behind ties it all together.

Cartridges Used

Elegant Edges - golf ball frame Everyday Paper Dolls - tee, golf ball and flag.

I'm sure I've hit a hole-in-one with this card for my Son. (Hee-hee, couldn't resist.)

What do you think?

I'd love for you to drop by my blog at

Grace Notes for Today.

Take a look around and say 'hello' in a comment while you're there.

FOILING ON VINYL

Hi, everyone, it’s Charlotte C with a very quick post this week.  I learned something recently and just had to try it and share it with you.  Foiling is such a rage recently, and I know a few of us have a Minc machine.  I have the Heidi Swapp Minc.  However, if you don’t have a laser printer, but you use vinyl, you might like to try this.  I know for vinyl users there’s always scraps of vinyl to be had and this would be a good way to use up those scraps to color coordinate them to a project.  The Hello on the card I’m showing here was actually a scrap of matte teal Oracal 631 vinyl, but notice it’s pink and matches the foiled card front exactly.

 Using your Cricut or a die (I used a Lawn Fawn die here), cut your word or image.  Weed all the vinyl except your image and leave the image on the backing sheet.  Trim the backing sheet close to the image. Run it through your Minc as you would anything you want to foil.  Now you can use your transfer tape to remove the image and place it where you want.  Do not put transfer tape on the vinyl before foiling. 

Haven’t tried glossy permanent vinyl yet, but I’m sure it will work fine, though I don’t know if you put it outdoors how the foiling on vinyl will hold up.  I might have to try that and report back.  I have used black vinyl, cut out a star and bow, foiled them with pink and gold sheets and they came out great. 

Thank you, Sheila, for inviting me here again.  Hopefully this post will inspire more use of the Minc machines. 

Gap Cards - The Wedding Version

Hi!   It's Christine from iamcocoasmom.blogspot.com stopping by to share my easy peasy gap card technique using Cricut Design Space. Warning - looooong post!

We've called this little corner of the Pacific Northwest 'Home' for longer than DH and I have ever lived anywhere including England, where we were born.  We've also had homes in Bahrain, Singapore, New Brunswick and Alberta, (Canada) Tennessee, Maryland, Utah, and of course, Washington State.  This means, of course, that many of the cards I make have to be flat enough to pop in a regular mailing envelope.  This presents a problem for the resident cardmaker - moi - who is a big fan of bling, dimension, embellies, ribbon and layers!   Enter the Gap Card which allows me to add dimension, visual interest and that personal touch, without costing $15 to mail.

Here's my latest gap card designed for the wedding anniversary of a couple of friends, but it could just as easily be for a wedding or for a bridal shower with different die cut embellishments.

Deep breath!   Here we go!  In Design Space, use the 'Insert Shapes' button to add two squares and a score line to the canvas.  Resize one of the squares to the size of the finished card - in my case 5.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall.  Change the color of the square.  Rotate the score line 90˚ and change the height to a little longer than the width of the card.  Select the card and the score line and click on 'center' under the 'align' button.

Next, take the second square and resize it to a little longer than the width of the card (5.75) by 1.5 inches.  Position the rectangle over the card below the score line and with the edges beyond the sides of the card.  This will be the gap.  Try the 'gap' near the score line, near the bottom of the card, or anywhere in-between until you get the look you want. 

 The next step is to insert the text.  Type in the word(s) you want to fill the gap and experiment with the font until you find one that suits the mood of the card AND has a shadow layer.   Activate the shadow layer by clicking on the eye in the Layers panel.   Position the text over the gap and resize it so that the shadow layer is slightly larger than the gap.

You can see that I added two more text boxes to my design outside the gap and resized them to complement the gap word.   Move the gap word to the side and 'ungroup.'  Select the shadow layer only, and duplicate.   Save, save. save!

Slicing time!  Select the card and the gap rectangle and 'slice.'  Now the gap rectangle will become the same color as your card.   Move away the 'gap' and the extra ends and delete both of them.

Welding time!  Select one of the gap word shadow layers and position it over the gap in the card.  You can use 'align' to center it if you need to.  Select the card and the shadow layer of the gap word and 'weld.' Once again, everything will be the same color.  Perfect!

Select the card and the score line and 'attach.'  Choose any other die cut images that you would like to add.  I chose wedding bells and intertwined rings, added them to the canvas and resized.  Lastly I used 'sync' to consolidate my color scheme and SAVED!

Here's another look at my finished card.  The color palate is subdued for this card.  But I really, really want to try this card in teal and cream, or fuschia and pale pink.  Mmmmm.

And the innies:-

Bonus card for reading to the end of this post!   Here's a gap card I created for my DH's fishing buddy, Dan.  I used the Mickey font for this one but we won't mention that!  Love how we personalized this card including a genu-wine fly tying knot tied by DH to embellish the front.  Cool!

Thank you Sheila for allowing me to share today.  Do try an easy peasy gap card.  You'll be addicted too!   : ) Christine