Card Trio for my May Scraps and Prayers Class ... Total Technique Fun!

Today, I have a trio of super fun cards to share with you.  We will be making all three of these at our May Scraps and Prayers class.  They include several fun techniques. 
One card involves watercoloring the flower from our Beautiful Day stamp set.  The second card uses our Daisy punch and has a couple of super fun and easy techniques using two of our Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (TIEF).  The third card has yet a third technique for using our embossing folders.  It's also fun and super easy.  We'll be using the Stamparatus, too, so that our stamping will come out just perfect.  I think you'll love this class!  Pay to register soon, to save your spot.

If you live in my area, I hope you'll come and join us for an evening of fellowship and creative fun.

UP NEXT:

May 13 --- Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $18.
We'll be making 3 beautiful cards ... with watercoloring and trying fun, new techniques using the Stamparatus and we'll try THREE fun 'tricks' with embossing folders.  It won't be all Brusho for this class but it will be all fun! 
PLEASE PAY TO REGISTER ASAP.  
CLASS SIZE WILL BE LIMITED TO 10 MAX!!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LISTS:
     Occasions Catalog Retiring Products List
     
     Annual Catalog Retiring Products List

SAVE THE DATE:   

June 23 ---  2:00-5:00 / Get ready for fun!

Summer Open House Party 

with our new catalog. 

Floral Card with Aqua Painter

One of my great loves in life is playing with color.  I love how the colors blend and change with the light and how they're influenced by other colors around them.  I love painting and coloring as I play with color.  Yesterday, I finished painting a couple of little storage containers for my studio and then I played with seeing how our new and old colors work together.  After all that, and because they're painting our house right now (exterior), into my little head pops the idea of trying a new color for our front door.  Imagine my delight when the painters rang our doorbell this morning and presented me with a huge color swatch paint sampler.  Yippee!  Right now, our door is red.  I've always been disappointed in the original job on it because they didn't sand it first and they didn't use the exact color I'd wanted.  It was ok at the time, I guess, but as time marched on, it has faded a lot and looks more of a pinky red and now has a lot of wear and tear on it.  Yay!  Time for a change.  (I know.  It's a sickness:)  I'm actually thinking of a black.  With all those colors, I chose black???  Well, yes.  I think it will be nice.  I'd suggested a turquoise or a beautiful teal and my husband actually had an opinion --- a quick no.  I'm taking a day or two to think about it.
Now, let's get back to using color in our artwork.  I first learned to color my cards using watercolor pencils.  I loved how you could add shading and darker areas.  Then, along came the Aqua Painter and my life was forever changed.  My favorite go-to method of coloring is using it with just a puddle of ink in my ink pads.  The trick is using the least amount of water possible.  Those who tell me they hate using this method, it always turns out to be that they're using too much water.  Hey, that's why they make paper towels, my friends:)
For today's card, I chose a stamp that has beautiful shading already there.  The detail is incredible.  This is a super easy technique.  You stamp your image in black (or dark gray) and then, once the ink is dry, you color it with your Aqua Painter and puddles of ink colors of your choice.  Fun!  Easy!  It's a great technique.  Here's my card.

Isn't this a beautiful stamp?  The little 'Levi' tag adds the perfect touch of elegance to the card, using a Berry Burst ribbon with beautiful silver edging.  I love this ribbon!

I've used Berry Burst and Old Olive for my card.  Keep this card design in mind.  It works for lots of large, single images.  Tip:  When you use Whisper White as your card base, use the thick CS.  It holds up nicely.

That's it for today.  I'm off to work in my studio.  I need to stay here pretty much all day because yesterday, I took my first solo drive to get my hair cut and then ran a super quick errand on the way home.  Later in the afternoon, we went to Target to get some essentials.  I realized that I'd overdone it for the day because I could barely push the cart and began having severe hip and knee pain which increased as the evening went on.  I had a very painful evening, went to bed super early, had a painful night which eventually settled into some actual sleep.  By morning, I was feeling much better.  I just can't seem to find the right pace for me to enjoy life without constantly overdoing it.  Hope you're keeping me in your thoughts.  I need all the help I can get:)

JULY HOSTESS CODE:   

HPWJY6EF

 
My July Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift 
--- First dibs on 'shopping day' for you to shop.   
     You will be a VIP shopper!  
     See shopping days listed below.
--- Equal credit from your order to use @ sale.
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

My July Hostess Code Special runs through to the end of July.  We'll have a new code for August. 

Important dates to remember:

Aug. 13 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
     Joy Sampler / Pay to register at least 2 days before class. 
Aug. 18 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
     Color Your Season Cards -- Brand new!!!
     Fall, All-Occasion, and Christmas cards!
Aug. 26 / Summer Open House Party  / PLEASE RSVP!!!
     2:00-5:00 / a no fee event
     Super fun fellowship, stamping, goodies, and shopping!
     It doesn't get better than this!
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.
Sept. 8 / FREE STAMPIN' BLENDS CLASS
      1:00-4:00 / Let's color!!!
Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
Sept. 29 / FREE BRUSHO CLASS
       1:00-4:00 / This should be the most fun ever!!!

If you've earned one of my Sept. Free Classes, contact me if you need to attend on a different date.

Shopping Days for my little sale:

July 30 / 5:30-6:30 / VIP Shoppers may come at 5:00
Aug. 13 / Before or after Scraps and Prayers
Aug. 18 / Before or after Saturday Stampers
Aug. 26 / as a part of my Summer Open House Party
               2:00-5:00  
               (I cannot begin earlier than this.  
               You may stay until 5:30 if you need more shopping time.) 
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Bella's Step Card and Measurements for Making Your Own

It's not much fun when you've been on strong antibiotics for a while and your doctor checks your infected incision and says: "Oh geeze!"  I'm now on 2 super strong meds and get to go back again next week.  My world is full of doctor checks, lots of bloodwork, PT, meds and ice bags.  My sweet husband is all that's holding down the fort.  Toby Joe continues to stay constantly by my side.  Keep the prayers coming.  I've enjoyed all the cards sent, too.  If you'd like to send one, it would truly make my day ... hint, hint, hint:)
Now, let's think about something a lot more fun than infections.  Today's project --- a card using a darling puppy stamp, along with my favorite color story --- Dapper Denim and Lemon Lime Twist. 

After watercoloring the sky and the grassy background, I added some stamped grass over the watercoloring using the High Tide stamp set.

A peek inside my card.

Here's a close-up of my watercolored puppy.  I think he's so cute!  Love this stamp set!!!

It was fun to add the little strip with the sentiment on the lower section of my card.

I wanted this card to stand up on display for a while, so I added the 2 little strips inside to keep it from opening all the way and falling flat.  If you leave off the little 'support' strips, you can open your card and add text and/or a message inside.  Otherwise, you'll need to add this on the back of your card. 

Click here  ...
... to see the measurements I used for my card.  I searched the web for the size I wanted and what did I find ... my own daughter's blog! 
How fun is that?!!  After figuring out the measurements and all, I simply added CS and/or DSP to each section in 1/4" increments.  It's really pretty easy.

Schedule Change: No September Classes!
September classes are no longer on my schedule, due to fighting the infection of my incision.  I'll keep you updated on my progress and class schedules, so check this blog frequently. 

Tentative October Classes:
October 9 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Fall Decor Project
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Beautiful Christmas Cards

Click to see September/October Hostess Special:

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Check back soon to check for class updates.

A 'Crafting Forever' Cute Little Sign for my Studio

I had this cute little sign back in my storage room for a while and had used it with products from our previous Annual Catalog.  I painted it to go with my updated decor in my studio.  I thought it could use a display update since the previous products I had on display in it had retired.  Our Crafting Forever stamp set was the perfect choice to use for this project.  This involved a lot of fussy cutting, but I think it was worth it.  Enjoy! 

My little sign has a pot of paint brushes, a cute little 3-D hanging sign, a colorful pen and 3 old fashioned clothespins (love!) wrapped with Baker's Twine.  The vintage clothespins and pot of paint brushes are totally me and the old fashioned pen reminds me of my daddy.  He loved this style pen and I used to spend many hours watching (and later helping) him fill the pens from various jars of ink.  He had blue, black, red and even green inks.  He also had a variety of rubber stamps --- the old kind with handles.  Hmmmmm ... that's a lot of 'genes' I inherited:)

I watercolored the images, using inks and my Aqua Painter.  The background paper (gorgeous Lemon Lime Twist!!!) is from our Eastern Elegance DSP (from our Eastern Palace Suite).  It's so much fun to create something like this that you can enjoy in your work space.  I hope you'll try creating something fun to enjoy in your space.  It puts a smile on your face and gets your creative juices flowing.

August Classes:
August 14 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 -- a fabulous book box with cards project. 

THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY STAMPERS CLASS IN AUGUST, DUE TO MY SURGERY.  CHECK BACK FOR SEPTEMBER DATES AND CLASSES. 
  

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Beautiful You Front Step Card

In today's post, I'm sharing one of the cards we'll be making at my Saturday Stampers class this week (July 15).  This card is called a Front Step card and, amazingly enough, it folds flat to fit a regular envelope.  I chose the gorgeous color story of Dapper Denim and Lemon Lime Twist ... again.  I love them together!

I watercolored the beautiful lady, using inks and my Aqua Painter.  I added a second oval behind her and watercolored it, to add extra color and dimension.  This layer is optional.

It is surprisingly easy to make this kind of card.  I'll share more after my class this week.

In the image above, you can see how I've folded it flat.  This really does fit into a regular envelope.

In the side view below, you can see how it's constructed.

This card was inspired by a wonderful lady on a blog I discovered recently ... Jan B, at JanB cards.
http://www.janbcards.com/

July Classes:
July 15 -- Saturday Stampers     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 -- fun techniques to create 6 cards.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT JULY SPECIALS BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGES ON THE LEFT.  

August Classes:
August 14 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 -- book box with cards project. 

THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY STAMPERS CLASS IN AUGUST.  CHECK BACK FOR SEPTEMBER DATES AND CLASSES. 
 
BE SURE TO SIGN UP EARLY BECAUSE CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED AND ARE FILLING UP FAST!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Crafting Forever, Card 1

When I first saw our new Crafting Forever stamp set, I knew it would be on my 'gotta have it' list.  I love the images and the sentiments are great, too.  My two favorites - "Crafting Forever! Housework Whenever.' and 'Do Something Creative Every Day.'  I pretty much do something creative every day.  It's just a part of my life.

I enjoyed using the scallop thinlit again from our Seasonal Layers thinlits.  I know it will be busy most of the time in my studio.  Scallops add such a nice touch to projects.

I watercolored the image on the front of my card, using my Aqua Painter and inks directly from my stamp pads.

I really like this Pick a Pattern DSP.  It's so bright and cheerful.  I find myself using it quite a bit lately.  In spite of the watercoloring and a lot of layers, this was still a pretty easy card to create.  I like it a lot.  In my next post, I'll share a second card using this same stamp set.

Don't forget:
I posted the winners from our party in my previous post.  If you haven't looked, be sure to check them out.  The prizes will be in your bags when you pick up your orders.  They're already on their way here from Utah!  Yay!!!  I'll let you know when they're here, sorted, prizes and surprises added, and ready for pick up.

NEWS FLASH:
At this point, it looks like I can hold all my classes before a surgery I'm having later in July.  My other surgery will be in August.  I will be able to have the August Scraps and Prayers class, but have to cancel the Saturday Stampers (for August 19).  I'm planning on teaching both classes in September and will keep you posted if I need more time to recover.  Be sure to keep checking my blog to get all the up to date news.
MORE GOOD NEWS:
By popular demand, I'm changing our August Scraps and Prayers project to sharing with you how to make my book box.  That was a huge hit at the party.  I look forward to sharing this!
More good news --- Several of the cards that people especially likes were the tri-shutter, the 'hugs' card and the front step card.  These will all be included in our July Saturday Stampers class!!!

BE SURE TO SIGN UP EARLY BECAUSE CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED AND ARE FILLING UP FAST!!!

July News Coming Up Next ... Stay Tuned:)

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Glammed Up Little Piggy

Say hello to my glammed up little piggy.  I think this stamp set is just cute as can be.  I'm very partial to stamp sets that are nature related and can be used really creatively with many artistic techniques ... but ... sometimes you also need some stamps that are just cute and fun.

I colored her with inks and my Aqua Painter.  I switched to Stampin' Write Markers for her tiny 'feet' and then went over them with Wink of Stella.  She sparkles:)

I love that our Glitter Enamel Dots come in graduated sizes.  They're so pretty.

The sprig of ribbon adds the finishing touch.  This is certainly a happy card!

Before you go...
I'm working ever so hard to get ready for my big Open House/New Catalog Party (Sunday, June 25).  I hope you've put it on your calendar, if you live in the area.  My goal is to have the absolute best party ever.  Get ready for some creative fun.  Let's party!!!  RSVP by June 23.  If you can't come, you may order online through my website, using this HOSTESS CODE:

YAGNA44P

YOUR ONLINE ORDER, USING THIS HOSTESS CODE THROUGH MY WEBSITE, WILL BE SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME.

Remaining June Events:
June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

5 New In Colors All In One Card

Even with all the wonderful new and old ways to add coloring to a project, one of my favorite techniques is still using an ink pad and my Aqua Painter.  It's quick, it's easy and it's fun.  Make a puddle of ink in the lid of your ink pad.  Add a few drops of water, if needed.  Pick up your Aqua Painter and let the fun begin.  I used all 5 of our new In Colors for this card.  

I added a few speckles from Awesomely Artistic and a greeting from Best Birds.  When coloring with the inks and Aqua Painter, you can lighten or darken the shades of colors depending on how much water you use.  I was using Whisper White CS, rather than Shimmery White or watercolor paper, so I couldn't use too much water or go over the same spot too long, or I would break down the fibers in the CS.

Did you notice the new Glitter Enamel Dots?  I am in love with them!  They come in varying sizes AND varying shades of Dapper Denim, Crushed Curry, Berry Burst and Old Olive.  Love!!!

SECRET MESSAGE:
If you live in the area, you can stop by and pick up your copy of our new catalog.  Call first so we don't disturb the baby's nap, please.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Bunny Business ... Stepping It Up

Today's post is all about bunny business ... note card size.  Enjoy!

UP NEXT:
April Events:
April 22 / Saturday Stampers / Birthday Bonanza / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / NOTE:  NEW DATE / Birthday treats, too!!!

May Events:
May 8 / Scraps and Prayers / Plant Decor Project / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Prepare for some super fun!

May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / THIS IS ALL NEW -- NEW PRODUCTS / NEW PROJECTS / SUPER FUN!!!

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / Make a project that you can use every year as a part of your decor.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.