More On Framelits and Thinlits Storage AND Updated July Class Schedule

I've had a lot of questions and feedback from many, various sources on how I created my storage system for my Thinlits and Framelits.  Today, I thought I'd add a little more about it.  It sounds like a lot of you are working on creating your own system.  Wonderful!

The questions were all about how I had made the dividers.  
So, here's what I did:
1.  Cut CS ( I used black.) to 6 X 7 1/2" pieces.
2.  Cut DSP to 6 X 6 3/4" pieces.
3.  Create file tabs using the Envelope Punch Board.
4.  Attach DSP to black CS.
5.  Type and print labels on computer.
6.  Punch out labels with Scallop Oval Punch.
7.  Attach labels to divider cards and you're all ready to set up your file.
Tip:
Make extra dividers to have on hand for when new products come out from Stampin' Up!

Here's a link to my original post on my storage system. 

http://nannastamps.blogspot.com/2014/02/oh-yes-i-did.html


Remember, it all started out with a rugged sewing machine drawer.
Tip:
If you are looking for a vintage sewing machine drawer, you need an extra long one if you want to accommodate 2 rows of cards like I did. Some drawers are not this long.

My magnetic cards came from Stamp-N-Storage.

So, if you haven't started your storage system yet, you have no reason at all not to get started.  If you don't have a vintage sewing machine drawer, get one of the boxes from Stamp-N-Storage or look for some other type of container that will be fun and work as the correct size.

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

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Happy Watercolor Flower

My card today was inspired by some I've seen online with this type of design, but I went about it a lot differently.  I made mine using our Circle Collection of framelits dies.  I opened my card up completely, cut the circle, then scored and folded back the cover of the card.  Because I decided to add the ribbon trim to my card, I folded the front back so that you still see part of the card base to the left of the ribbon trim.  This gives a completely different look to your card.

The stamped design is actually on the inside of the card and shows through the opening to the front.  Because so much of the inside shows, I used 2 layers inside the card and then coordinating trim on the edge of the front.  I added an embossed strip of CS to the front, to pull all the colors together.  My color story is directly from the Sweet Sorbet DSP, playing with Crisp Cantaloupe and Sahara Sand.  This was a really fun card to create.

Design Tips:
I knew I wanted some kind of 'trim' extending over the left edge of my card and chose the Stretch Trim ribbon because it was out and in use with all my projects using our Sweet Sorbet DSP.  Your supplies can often guide the direction you go in your creative process.  You could easily change the entire color story and try using the edge of a punched piece of CS using one of our border punches or our Tasteful Trim die instead of a ribbon trim.

The flower was stamped onto the inside of the card.  Only the stem will end up showing, so stamp in the color of ink you'd like for your stem.  I actually used Sahara Sand, because I was making the entire card in soft, subtle colors.
The top of the flower was then stamped with black StazOn ink onto watercolor paper --- two times.  The first flower top was cut out completely and adhered flat onto the inside of the card over the previously stamped image.
Only part of the second flower top was cut out (See photo.) and adhered with dimensionals.  This gives an incredible dimension to the flower.

The linen thread was tied into a bow, a glue dot was rolled up and stuck to the back of the bow to adhere it to the card.
The envelope is lined with Sweet Sorbet DSP.  The card base is Sahara Sand.

You can't see it, but I stamped a message on the inside of the card, on the bottom left.  It says:  "You make me happy."
I think anyone would enjoy getting a card like this.

... and one final note:
The size and shape you choose to cut for your 'opening' will be based on the size and shape of your stamped image.  Place different sizes and shapes of framelits over the image you are thinking of using and see how it all works together.

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

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Oh, yes I did!

If you remember my new storage system I went to recently for storing my Thinlits and Framelits, then you know that I showed you a blank canvas, as far as the container goes.  If you know me at all, you know I could not leave it at that.  I just love taking some cute old thing, like a sewing drawer, and making it pretty... fun AND functional.  Would you like to see what I did next with my little sewing drawer?

I cut large pieces of black CS and cut the top edges to look like file folder tabs, using the Envelope Punch Board.  I typed a sheet for the labels I wanted and then just punched them out with the Scallop Oval punch.  All the dividers have coordinating designs from the Modern Medley DSP.  I decided to keep the front all polka dots.  My cute little box now sits out on my bar, close to my Big Shot, with all my Thinlits and Framelits within easy reach.  This was a fun project and my box has turned out to be super handy.

I've been kind of crazy about collecting Scrabble tiles for a long time now, so I have several jars full of them.  I thought it would be fun to use them to label my box.  I like to decorate in a way that I can change down the road, if I decide to update it again, so I did not want to affix my tiles to the front of the drawer directly.  Instead, I chose to cover a piece of black CS with DSP and attach the tiles to that.  I scored the 'sign' in 2 places at the top and cut the back flap just slightly shorter, which allows it to hang over the edge of my box.  It literally sits on the front edge of my box.  I like it!

TIPS:
I got my 'cards' for storing my Thinlits and Framelits from Stamp-N-Storage.  They have TWO sizes of cards.  Mine are the larger size.  I have several sizes of old sewing machine drawers (Yes, I know... I have a 'thing' about boxes, too:) and this is a longer drawer.  You need a longer one to be able to have TWO rows of cards stored in it.

For storing my embossing folders, most any size of sewing drawer will hold two rows of folders, easily.  These are also handy being stored this way because they are so easily accessible.  I do not like clutter and mess (even though I create a lot when I'm working) because it gets in the way of my creativity, but I do like to have things handy.  You never know when you might walk by them and be struck by a super creative idea!

WARNING:
Sometimes, often late at night (I am a night owl!) a little voice gets into my head and whispers:  "What if we just tweaked this a bit over here?"  Whenever that happens, the next thing I know, I find myself 'upgrading' my organization in my studio.  This happened last night and I ended up with an amazingly improved work area behind the bar where I stamp.  This means... you will be seeing some new shots of my studio soon.  If this gets that little voice whispering inside your head too, well... you have been warned.  You're on your own.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blog world.  Have a great day.  Come back soon for more creative inspiration.

Click here to learn about my Stampin' Tokens program.

Have a great day and go stamp something beautiful. 

Click here to learn more about upcoming classes.

A Cute Little Note Card for Spring and Some Coloring Tips

Today, let's enjoy a touch of Spring, with a cute little note card.  The temperatures are supposed to go up this weekend, so this will really get us looking forward to Spring.

This card will be one of the choices at my next Friday 3-4-5 Card Buffet.  I got carried away this time and, instead of 12 choices, you'll have 14 choices.  Cards left over after the class will be available for the next Walk-In Wednesday (March 27).

And now --- a touch of Easter spells Spring, for sure!

The patterns of eggs in the DSP inspired me to pull out the Everybunny stamp set, so I could use this adorable little bunny.

The colors in the DSP help do all the planning for you --- ribbon, ink colors --- all made simple.

 

As you know, I love to coordinate the envelope with the card, so I stamped this same little bunny onto the envelope.  

I've used one of my favorite tools for coloring for this card --- the Aqua Painter.  I did not even take the time or trouble to squeeze the ink pad and make a puddle of color (in the lid) for painting my images, although you certainly could do so.  

What I did was even quicker and easier AND helps to keep you from getting too much liquid on your brush tips.  I squeezed my Aqua Painter just enough to get the brush tip damp.  You do NOT want too much water on your brush tip!  Then, I just stroked directly over the ink pad to pick up the color for my painting.  The more color you pick up, the darker your image will be.

NOTE:

• Do you see that the image on the envelope is slightly darker than the image on the card?  To do this, I just picked up more color.  
• As with all watercolor painting, your image will always dry slightly lighter.
• By controlling where you apply your color, you can add beautiful and subtle shading to your images.
• Because I'm not getting my images too wet, I used regular Whisper White CS and stamped with Basic Gray ink.
• If you want your coloring to be wetter, use Shimmery White CS or watercolor paper and stamp your images with StazOn ink.

 

My finishing touches:

• a sprig of ribbon, in a knotted bow
• sponging around the punched pieces
• attaching the punched pieces with dimensionals

I hope every bunny enjoyed my card today:)  Now, go stamp something ...  and have a great weekend!    

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

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Gingerbread Garland

Here's a cute Christmas card I made using the little gingerbread man from the Scentsational Season stamp set.  I wanted it to look like a gingerbread garland, so I made 3 little men, using the framelits to quickly cut them out.

I wanted them to have a vintage look, so I added some sprigs of pine from the Watercolor Winter stamp set.  I also sponged around the edges, to really get into the vintage look.  To create the garland effect, I used linen thread behind the gingerbread men.  I didn't really want to make holes in them, so I just added the linen thread behind them and popped them up with dimensionals.  At one side of the garland, I added a bow with long ties, using linen thread.

Sometimes, it's the extra little details that can really make a card.  Notice that I sponged around each gingerbread man and the scallop oval tag, as well.  I stamped off to lightly add a sprig of pine over the tag.  The buttons on the gingerbread men are really dots of cherry cobbler Dazzling Details.  It's like a glitter glue --- glitter without the mess --- love it!  The finishing touches were a glimmer brad on the tag and linen thread around the cherry cobbler seam binding.

Hope you enjoyed my cute little garland today.  Now, so stamp something... and have a great day!

Orchard Harvest Fall 'SWOW' Card

Here's another fun Fall card using the Orchard Harvest DSP.  This one is a little extra special because I used an embossed layer over the top in the same color.  This is a fun way of adding a lot of texture and wow to your project in a very simple way.  I only used a tiny strip of DSP so you'd really see and enjoy the texture in the background.

This is the kind of card that would be called a 'swow' card.  I learned this term at the Chattanooga Regionals.  It means it's simple and yet a wow.

Today, I'm working all day in my studio.  I love when I have a day like this!

I'm working on a tutorial for a double packet pouch for one of today's projects.  Come back tomorrow to see it and how to make it.  What's really funny is that I set it out before I went to bed so I could work on it today.  When I got started on it today, I realized that my daughter was working on a tutorial for the same exact project!  This happens to us a lot!  I told her to quit thinking so much like me!

When I post mine tomorrow, I'll give you a link to my daughter's post so you can see another idea.  I taught my team how to make this at our August Team Meeting.  I'm not sure why I didn't get it posted yet ... too many projects ... too little time:)  Anyway, I know you'll like it, so be sure to come back tomorrow to see it.