Burlap Leaves

In my previous post, I promised to share more Fall leaf projects with you.  While I had out my leaf framelits, I decided to try something new... cutting burlap ribbon.  I loved it!

Here's how I did it:
1.  Coat burlap ribbon with Mod Podge.
2.  Let dry completely.
3.  Turn over and coat other side.
4.  Let dry completely.
5.  Cut out leaves with leaf framelits.
NOTE:
You will need 1 or 2 shims to help cut through the burlap.
Cut off any needed edges with snips.

The stamping is done by inking with VersaMark ink, then Cajun Craze ink, and then heat embossing with clear EP.

I only used 1 leaf on this card because I didn't want to take away from the simple, yet elegant stamp.  It is highlighted by sponging, using lighter colors as you get to the center.

I used gold ink to stamp the inside of the card and the envelope.

Now, that's not all I have to show you, so be sure to come back for more creative projects for Fall... and more!

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Creating Some Beautiful Fall Leaves

Remember this card from my previous post?  I promised to share with you how I made the leaves, so that's what we'll do today. 

This is how I did it:
1.  Start with a 4 1/4 X 11" piece of CS (Whisper White or Very Vanilla).
2.  Sponge various Fall colors randomly over the entire piece of CS.
3.  Heat set inks with heat tool.
4.  Stamp a few gold speckles and emboss with gold EP.
5.  Once it cools, place leaf framelits along strip and start cutting your leaves.
6.  With this size of CS, you'll be able to cut a lot of leaves. 
7.  Enjoy using the leaves on your projects.

Here are some shots of the process:

I liked this technique so much that I made a few more pieces of sponged CS.  Come back to see what else I made with it all.  I hope you'll get busy making some beautiful Fall cards now, too.

- 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.

Another Fall Card with Some Special Touches

Here's another card I made using the design I shared here.  On this card, you'll notice some special leaves.  I made them myself, to add some special touches to my card.

I added a few gold speckles, for some added textures.

The inside is prettied up, too, with just a couple of special touches.

So now you're probably wondering how I made the leaves.  Come back for my next post and I'll tell you all about it.

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- 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. 

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Give Thanks for All Things

As we approach the upcoming holidays, I am reminded of all the many blessings I have in my life for which to be thankful.  Here's a card in celebration of it all.

I've stamped the leaves in Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and gold metallic inks.

I love our little wooden accents.   Sometimes I add color to them.  I decided to just leave these as is.

 

As one of our stamps says:  "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful."  I have a lot in my life right now that has the potential to really get me down.  I'm trying to keep my eye on that which is positive and really focus on the good things in life.  It sure helps all the rest:)

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- 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. 

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Here's the Scoop on My Card Design

Remember these 2 cards?  I liked the design of the one on the left so much that I used it to design the Fall card on the right.

... and remember these 2 cards?  I used the design on the left to inspire my Fall design on the right.

Yes, I'm sure you see the card peeking out on the far right.  That's for another time.  Come back and see lots more ideas for design inspiration for Fall cards... and more.  I've been super busy in my studio and have lots to share with you.

- 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.

Hello Fall Card

We have a fun new stamp set and I've been playing with it a lot as I have fun making up some new Fall card creations.  This one features stamping and embossing and a familiar design.

It only takes a 1" strip of DSP to make the inside really look pretty.  I always add a white or vanilla to the inside of cards with a dark card base, so you can see your message on it.

Can you see the gold embossing?

I embossed a coordinating envelope, as well.

Did the card layout design look familiar?  Come back for my next post and I'll tell more about this layout, as well as the one I used in my previous post.

- 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 First Day of Autumn and Exciting News

It's the first day of Autumn, my absolute favorite time of the year.  Let's celebrate with a Fall card!  I also have some exciting news, so be sure you read the entire post!

One thing I love about living in Illinois is seeing the beauty of the seasons as they change.  OK, I could do without so much winter, but a little is fine.  Autumn is my absolute favorite season and my favorite seasonal cards to make... because of the rich colors.

I stamped with Cajun Craze and Encore Metallic Gold Inks.  The design in the DSP kind of reminds me of Indian Corn.
If you look very closely, you can see the gold shimmer on my card, for my finishing touch.

I added a little stamping on the inside and on the envelope.  In my future posts, I'll be sharing more Fall cards, using a variety of stamps and papers so be sure to come back and see them all.

And now, before I go, I'd like to share some other exciting news with you.  We are getting ready for some puppy love in our home.  We got to meet the entire family Saturday... the mom, the dad and all 5 babies.  The breeder is keeping 1 of the boys, so I took photos of the other 2 boys and the 2 girls.  How will we ever choose who gets to come home with us on October 6?  Here's a peek at these adorable Cocker Spaniels.

Here are the 2 girls:

Here are the 2 boys:

another shot of the 2 girls:

1 of the boys:

We've been wanting a Cocker Spaniel for several years now and, when it didn't work out to adopt sweet little Sammy, we went back to our original plan of finding Cocker Spaniel puppies.  I'll keep you updated on further puppy love soon.

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- 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. 

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Quick And Easy Cards, Part 2

Today, let's add a few more quick and easy cards to inspire you.

Which do you like better... triangles... or diagonal stripes?

Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn and I have a card just for the occasion.  Be sure to come back and see.  Have a beautiful day.

- 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. 

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Quick and Easy, Part 1

Sometimes you need a card in a hurry.  What better way to do it than quick AND easy.

The top layer of each card is a Project Life card.

Look VERY closely and you can see that I've added some scoring for added detail.

- 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. 

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