2013 Calendar

Everyone finds a calendar useful and so why not make it be fun, as well?  Today's post is the beginning of a calendar I'm working on for 2013.  The pages go into 6 X 6" page protectors and hang on a cute little stand that I have.  I made a front page, too --- just for fun.

I used the numbers from the Number It stamp set and the tree is from the Forever Young stamp set for the front page.  On the January page, the snowflakes are from Snowflake Soiree.  This stamp set was in our Holiday Catalog and is still available, so you can still order it.  I embossed the snowflakes (Iridescent Ice/White EP) for added texture.  The adorable snowman is from the Snow Much Fun stamp set.  I embossed the white strip with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, to give the feel of a snowstorm around him.  In my upcoming posts, I'll share more of my calendar pages with you, so check back soon to see more.  

January is the time to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the new year.  I always resolve to eat healthy and drink more water, as well as get on my treadmill a little more.  Then, I move into my clean up/rid out stage that emerges from my inner soul at least once each year.  This is so good for my closets and my storage room.  This year, I've also resolved to continue to do my best at working on my blog, taking good care of my family and my customers, offering super fun classes, and giving myself permission to take a little more time for myself.  Some years I've resolved to not make any resolutions.  Those were easy to keep, but maybe not so productive:)  What resolutions do you make?  I'd love it if you'd share them with me and with my readers.  Maybe you'll give us some great inspiration.

I'm finishing up getting ready for my Hostess Scrapbook Club tonight.  I can't wait to share all the new products from the new Spring Catalog.  We're going to make a Valentine's Day layout and a cute little coaster calendar tonight.  I'll share those with you in another post.  After a week of being sick, it's so good to get back into my studio.  I worked in my Prairie Treasures booth today, too - cleaning up and adding some new goodies.  It's doing really well and I am excited to get busy on new projects.  So many toys / so little time:)  Leave a comment and share what you've been working on lately.  We'd love to hear all about it!

Tutorial: 3-D Snowman Card

I just love the look of a 3-D card, especially when it comes to snowmen.

Here's a tutorial I made for you showing how to make an easy 3-D card.  This design lends itself well to the snowman from the Snow Much Fun stamp set.  It would work well for other types of images, too.  Here's the card: 

I'll show you several angles, so you can get the idea of how the 3-D part works.  You can squeeze it shut to fold it flat for mailing.

Here's the piece that will become the back of the card.

Here's the piece that will become the front of the card.  This is the piece that you will use to punch a circle opening.  I used the 2 1/2" circle punch for mine.   

As you can see, both the front and the back pieces are the same size and even scored the same.  You just fold them opposite directions, so you get the space in the middle of the card.  

Details:

• Cut 2 pieces of CS, each 4 1/4 X 5 1/2."  I used cherry cobbler.
• Score both pieces at 1/2, 1, 4 1/2, and 5."
• Fold, as shown.
• Punch 2 1/2" circle opening in center of top layer of card.  This will be your window.
• Cut 1 piece of CS (3 1/4 X 4") for inside of card.  I used white.  This will have your stamped image on it.
• Stamp image on white CS, taking care to be sure it will show as you'd like inside the punched circle window.
• Color image as desired.  I then spritzed mine with shimmer paint/alcohol mixture.
• Stamp smaller images, as desired, on outside (front) of card. (optional)
• Attach white CS to what will be the back layer of the card.
• Using sticky strip, attach 2 card layers (cherry cobbler) together.

Optional:

• Add snowflakes or other embellishments to front of card.
• Add 3/4 X 5 1/2" DSP strip to lower front, along with stamped sentiment.
• Add message to back of card.

Hope you enjoy trying a 3-D card of your own.  Let me know if you have questions.  Have a great day and a super week.