OSW Tutorial Series, Part 6

I have one more OSW card for you today and it's a Fall card.  Right now, it's that crazy time of the crafting year when you switch back and forth between seasons and holidays and it's all just plain fun.

I got to thinking that, especially with Christmas card-making time fast approaching, let's get even more bang for our buck and cut a 12 X 12" sheet of DSP into 1" strips.  Now, you can use them for 24 cards!  That's a big deal when you're making a bunch for Christmas.  You'll also have 12 (1") squares left over.  These can come in handy for cute little accents on other cards or for scrapbook pages.

This card has a top layer that is embossed and then gently sponged in random places to highlight the 'brick' wall look from the embossing.  I attached this layer with dimensionals.

The leaves are heat embossed with Gold EP and then cut with our framelits.  I added a sprig of linen thread to tie it all together.  This card is a good example of how a 1" strip can work nicely to highlight a card design.  You wouldn't want a larger strip because it would fight with the leaves and it would cover up too much of the embossed layer beneath it.  I really like how this one turned out.

For more ideas... 
          click here to check out my Pinterest board.

I hope you enjoyed my little Tutorial Series.  By now, you should be totally inspired to make some OSW cards of your own. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

OSW Tutorial Series, Part 5

For today's OSW card, I have another Christmas card for you.  This one uses DSP from one of our 6 X 6" Paper Stacks.  With a couple of simple cuts, you can really get a lot of cards from a Paper Stack. 

This is cut from our Merry Moments Paper Stack.  It is full of great DSP for Christmas.  However, many of the papers could be used after is Christmas is over, as well.
Tips:
Cut the 1/2" strip off the top of the sheet first.
Then cut the sheet in half.
Notice that I've used the 1/2" scrap for part of my card.  I just turned it over to the reverse side.

I also added a tiny sliver of Silver Glimmer Paper.  With strips this thin, you can get a ton of them cut from one sheet of Glimmer Paper.

I added a silver star at the top and then attached sequins and pearls over each of the dots on the Christmas tree stamped image.  The folded doily just adds a nice finishing touch.  Once again, this is a pretty card that's pretty quick to make and looks great for Christmas.
Tips:
Instead of the Christmas tree, you could easily add a non-Christmas image and have a great card design for other occasions.
Changing the image but not the paper will change the feel of the card completely.

I have yet another part to this series, so be sure to come back to see it.  Leave me a comment if you have questions or suggestions. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

OSW Tutorial Series, Part 4

For today's OSW card, let's take a peek at Christmas.  Instead of making our own papers, we're back to using a beautiful DSP.  This one is called Home for Christmas.   

You'll be dividing this one up into 2" strips, so you'll be able to get 12 cards from one sheet of DSP!  Now, that's great bang for your buck!  You'll have 6 scraps left over (1 X 2") that you can use together on a card or other project.

Dividing your DSP this way is a great plan for making a lot of Christmas cards.  The Real Red strip behind the DSP is cut 1/4" inch wider on EACH side of the DSP.

The ornament is cut from Real Red CS and then attached over a solid ornament shape cut from our Red Foil Sheets.

If you look back at the top photo, you'll see that I did decide to color in the top of my ornament with a silver marker.  You can decide which way you'd like to make yours.  The Silver Cording is just looped behind the ornament. 
This is a very quick and easy card to make, which is a good design to use if you're planning on making a bunch of cards for Christmas, or any special occasion.

I have a few more parts to this series, so keep coming back to see what's next.  Leave me a comment if you have questions or suggestions. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

OSW Tutorial Series, Part 3

Are your ready for Part 3?  I really excited to share today's card with you.  I think you'll love it as much as I do.  It's even prettier in real life because it has a Champagne Shimmer Mist spritz over it.   

The OSW design for this one just takes it down another 1/4" inch from the design in my previous post.  As you can see, we started with our largest size in my first post, then went down 1/4" for the second post and now, we're down yet another 1/4" inch.  My thinking on doing this was to leave more of the card base color showing behind the top layers, as the mat behind the top layer is still just 1/4" larger than this top layer.  This design works well when you want to really pull a strong color from your top background layer.
Tips:
Play around with different colors for your card base.
You'll know it when you see it as to which one works the best.
Choose only colors that are in your sponged layer.

You'll start by stamping all your leaves.  (I used Soft Suede to stamp all my leaves.)  After you let them dry a bit, choose several complimentary colors and randomly sponge directly over all the leaves.  Do these steps before you cut.  Let them dry a bit and then you can cut, using my diagram as a guide.  You'll have slightly larger scraps this time, so try to plan a clever way to use those.  Remember, you can always use scraps on smaller cards, note cards, gift card enclosures and even tags, so they won't go to waste.

Tips:
It's best to add the shimmer spritzing to the card top layer after cutting... one piece at a time.
You can control the spritzing better this way and it's not as messy.
Isn't it pretty?  I just love it.  I wish you could see the shimmer!

In the photo below, you can see a bit of the shimmer, but not the sparkle.  The top two cut leaves are embossed with Gold EP and the bottom leaf is cut from a Gold Foil Sheet.  Notice that I've used linen thread in two ways on this card.  First, I wrapped it around the top 2 layers of the card.  Second, I tied a double strand of thread around the stems.

I chose not to add a text to the front of the card, so I could have it ready for most any occasion for the Fall season.  Who wouldn't love to get a pretty card like this one?  I think this one is a WOW for a male or female recipient.  

I have several more parts to this series, so keep coming back to see what's next.  Leave me a comment if you have questions or suggestions. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

OSW Tutorial Series, Part 2

Are you ready for Part 2 today?  Yesterday was the first day of Autumn, so I will share a beautiful card that fits the season and is all about OSW.  So... Happy Fall and now...let's get creating!  

This OSW is similar to my Part 1 card.  It just takes it down by 1/4" so that you can layer another color of CS behind it before attaching it to the card base.  This is a nice way to get two accent colors behind your top layer and pull together your color story.  For this OSW, we stamp first and then cut, using the diagram above.

Now, you're ready to design and create your own DSP.  This is really fun and you can get as creative as you'd like.  Using the design above on the left, stamp all your leaves, one color at a time.  You can divide up your colors however you'd like.  If you completely change your color story, you can have a card that's designed just like mine but takes on an entirely new look.

Tip:
To make the process go a little quicker, I chose my ink colors and then set a leaf stamp on each pad to plan how to best use my colors.  I stamped all of 1 ink color/leaf and then moved to the next.

For this OSW, you'll get 6 card layers and then have a few little scrap pieces left over.  Save those for accents on future projects or give them to the kids to play with making their own creations.

Because my design is pretty busy, I decided to stamp only my top accent leaf and place a gold one and a plain CS one behind it.  They are attached with dimensionals and tied with a little sprig of linen thread.

Notice how a simple band of ribbon across your card can tone down a busy design and compliment it.  When this ribbon first came out, I had a customer go into a bit of a tangent about how it was pretty but too bulky for a ribbon.  She wanted flat bows.  My answer is to think outside the box.  Who says a ribbon is only for making bows?  To see more ideas on using ribbons, click here.

I have several more parts to this series, so keep coming back to see what's next.  Leave me a comment if you have questions or suggestions. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

Happy First Day of Autumn

Happy first day of Autumn!  This is a beautiful time of year.  This is the time of year I especially count my blessings as God puts on a real art show of perfect colors in nature.  Enjoy! 

Come back soon for my continuing series on OSW cards.  

Have a blessed day.

OSW Tutorial Series, Part 1

Are you ready for a fun, new series?  This series is all about OSW cards --- One Sheet Wonder.  In other words... getting the biggest bang for your buck from a 12 X 12" piece of CS (card stock) or DSP (Designer Series Papers).  With Christmas preparations coming right up, I think you'll find this series useful when it comes to making your cards.  We generally make more cards for Christmas than at any other time of the year.

I'd like to make a few points before we go any further:
- There are MANY different ways you can divide up a 12 X 12" sheet.
- Some of them are very complicated.  I chose not to work with those.
- Let's be real?  Wouldn't you prefer quick and easy?  I certainly do.
- Want to take it further?  Get some grid paper and start working your math skills.

Now... let's start with the easiest one of all. 

Divide your paper into 4" strips.
Turn your paper and cut into 5 1/4" pieces.
You'll end up with 6 card fronts and 3 smaller pieces.
The smaller pieces are wide enough to go across the front of the card.
You can use these pieces over 3 card fronts and then use ribbon on the other 3 card fronts, because you can get 6 cards from a sheet of CS or DSP by dividing it up this way.
Remember, your DSP is double-sided with coordinating designs, so it's an easy way to not end up with scraps or have to cut something else to add to your card.
I added a simple butterfly embellishment and called it complete.

Here's a close-up of the card.  I had a scrap of black CS, so I added that across the inside of the card.  The base of this card is black, so you have to put something else inside, so you can stamp or write a message.  I tried using sahara sand instead of white for the inside on this one and I love it.
By keeping it simple, I can now grab this card to use for most any occasion whenever I need a card right away.

Tips:
Why not choose some DSP you really like and make up a group of cards to have ready for special occasions.  This is great not only for Christmas cards, but also for party invitations or thank you notes.
You may even want to start some sort of container with dividers to keep your cards sorted.  OR... You may just want to keep a few out in a cute container where you can grab them quickly when you need them.  This also helps you to keep an eye on how many are left in your 'stash' so you'll know when to get busy on making some more.
What are cards we need the most often?
Birthday
Thank You
Thinking of You
Sympathy
How about 9 cards instead of 6?
Simple!!!  Make 3 just like this card and then take your remaining 3 card fronts and cut them diagonally.  Now you can make 6 more cards instead of 3 more!  I'll share some of these variations in a future post. 

I have several more parts to this series, so keep coming back to see what's next.  Leave me a comment if you have questions or suggestions. 

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

A Wonderful Party Hat for My Fall Decor

Before I get started on my new mini series of tutorials on OSW cards, I just have to show you what I just finished making.  I'm not always big on kits because they sometimes stifle my creativity, but this project was made with a kit I just love!

Isn't it great?  I feel like it's cute and pretty all at the same time.  I don't always decorate a lot for Halloween, but this kit just grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go.

These are the same berry baskets I shared with you in a previous post (click here).  I just changed out the contents to Fall leaves, using our beautiful new Vintage Leaves stamps and coordinating Leaflets Framelits.  My leaves are embossed in gold EP.  I'm trying to NOT use candy in my displays.  It's too tempting and I don't want to lure the puppies into showing any interest at all in my displays. 

The Witching Decor Project Kit also comes with more supplies to make a big Halloween label decoration on the front of the hat.  I haven't decided yet if I'll add it to my hat or use it for something else.  I really like my hat the way it is right now.  In addition to all the leaves in the kit, I added a few leaves cut from our new Black Glimmer Paper.  I love it!
Click here to see a video about making this wonderful hat.

I'll probably continue to tweak my display, but this is what I have right now.  I love decorating for Fall!  Right now, I'm working on the Season to Season Wreath Project Kit.  It's fun!  So far, I haven't even burned myself with my glue gun.  Even if I do at this point, it's still a record for me.  By the way, this witch hat is surprisingly quick and easy to make so, if you're interested in a beautiful Halloween decoration, this is the one for you!

Be sure to come back as I start my new mini series tutorials.  Now, I'm off to finish my beautiful wreath.   

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

Fall Comes in Surprising Colors

I'm back to a Fall card today, in surprising colors.  If you're like me, you love the beauty of nature's colors in the Fall.  They're just gorgeous.  I take a walk or just stand in my back yard and look at the fallen leaves and I'm instantly inspired. 

I wanted this card to host some unexpected colors for Fall... thus adding the blues.  I also added touches of gold to give a nice contrast to the texture of the embossing.  To make the background trees stand out a bit, I lightly sponged them.  I LOVE this embossing folder.

Because this was another card for the church to send, I kept it pretty flat, for easier mailing.

In my next post, I'll be starting a little mini series on OSW cards that I know you won't want to miss.  Some of these will be from my Saturday Stampers class and some will be in addition to those cards.  So... be sure to come back so you won't miss anything:)

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

Too Early to Think of A White Christmas?

It may be too early to think about a white Christmas, but it's always the right time for a pretty card.  This is one I designed to send for a winter birthday.  

The prettiest part of the card is that the top layer is completely covered with a beautiful sparkle.  It just does not show up in a photo.  After stamping and dry embossing the top layer of the card (and coloring in the 2 little cardinals), I covered the entire layer with VersaMark ink and then heat embossed it with Iridescent Ice EP.  In real life, it is gorgeous.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I had this stamp set last year and never got around to using it.  Geez!!!  I am super happy that it carried over into the new catalog and promised myself I would use it.  This is one of the cards I made for our church birthdays (for December) and worked at keeping it flat for easy mailing.  I think it will make the birthday people happy to get it in the mail when the time comes.

In my next post, I have a gorgeous Fall card for you and then I'll be starting a little mini series on OSW cards that I know you won't want to miss.  So... be sure to come back:)

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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