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It’s a “tag” kind of day….

by | Mar 23, 2017 | Fun & Cute! | 11 comments

 

 

Good Morning! On Tuesday I shared with you a bundle that snuck right by me when I looked at the Occasions Catalog but thanks to inspiration from my downline and friend Jeanie, I HIT THAT PAW PRINT….and bought the bundle, That’s the Tag. If you missed my post on Tuesday, you can CLICK HERE to see the super sweet flower that I created for my Aunt Karen.

One thing that happens every year that everyone loves….is having a surplus of Holiday Tags for our gifts that we give. Why do we focus so much on the Christmas Holiday? I know many demonstrators have “tag nights” which is a great idea where people can come…chat…and make all sorts of tags and guess what, they are happy, they feel fulfilled and their “joy tank” are filled to the brim.

I hope that the pictures that I have for you will share with you the versatility and fun that you can do with a great bundle like this. You can make tags, you can make cards, you can use all sorts of shapes….(stitched squares would be super fun) so basically you can see that the sky is the limit and with that say – USE UP YOUR SCRAPS!

 

 

 

 

I think that this is my favorite one…well, I admit  – I like them all but these flowers are just so sweet and they are an item that could be “tucked” in many projects that we work with. Having a framelit helps too!

I used the Aqua Painter and the ink colors are Mink Macaron, Sweet Sugar Plum and Daffodil delight! – I adore this color combination.I actually used just the regular weightof white cardstock when I was cutting these out because I was about to cut 3 at once!

Here is a tip: Because I think that this is such a sweet and useful flower, I cut a BUNCH of them out AND THEN STAMPED THE IMAGE on the little cut out piece. It was super easy to do because it is a photopolymer stamp so I can see through and stamp it easily.

I think when you have a great image like this it is easy to have a bunch stamped in black and ready to do a quick coloring if you needed a little something extra tucked in! The color so quick and the aqua painter makes it a breeze to do.

I popped them up with a stampin’ dimensional and the “lift” gives the fun and finishing touches to make it super special.

 

 

 

 

Isn’t it super cute to see the tag itself cut out with the leaves showing through. so easy to do as you just use the framelit over the white one and then cut the same size in a contrasting color and adhere them together.

 

 

 

 

 

Now to one of my sweet spots…..making something so simple look pretty. I know we have that TIME thing going against us but really Stampin’ Up! does have some packaging goodies that are staples in the house.

These boxes are soooooo sturdy and they make such a great presentation that is always easy to jazz up! Because it is a 3″ square box, it is super easy to add some DSP to the sides for a fun pop. Now I know that WE ALL HAVE DSP that either we an odd amount of, a surplus of, perhaps some that is discontinued etc…..but here you can see that I pulled the whole thing together with the colors from the DSP.

 

 

 

 

Now look at this fun close up! The beauty of this die is that when you cut it out in 3 colors like I did today, you can mix and match all of the pieces to end up making 3 tags. As I shared on Tuesday, it really is a fun and truly rewarding thing to do to ….adding the contrasting colors in the spaces.

The colors I used were So Saffron. Island Indigo and Bermuda Bay. I took a narrow scrap of paper to stamp the sentiment and then POPPED the entire piece up. (I think that it is super cute) 🙂

Taking it a step further before I added it to the top of the package, I covered the back with some fast fuse and then added some loops of bakers twine. Next, I cut another tag out of fun foam to cover the back so it looks clean and polished so the recipient can use it again!

 

 

 

 

 

How how about this cutie! I just think that there are so many ideas and sheer FUN you can have making tags and remember, there is no reason to limit them to just tags – BE CREATIVE and make a simple card using them as a focal point.

I do several Holiday gathering when people can come and purchase gifts and/or order gifts. I will say that people LOVE TO BUY tags because let’s face it, they are super handy to have on hand, they are useful, they make great hostess gifts etc….

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another fun shot of a variety….you can see that you could basically sit down….use whatever you see laying around and just GO TO TOWN! This is why that a Tag Event would be FUN. Can’t you imagine just sitting around a big table with lots of paper, ribbons etc…and have a blast making them.

I ask you ….ARE YOU ONE THAT MAKES MULTIPLE OF THE SAME or do you like TO MAKE THEM ALL DIFFERENT? Hands down I am one that creates several that I love and then make multiples of the same…Truthfully I do the same with my cards, when I have a “keeper” – I just make many!

 

 

 

 

There you go…..some more great ways to use this bundle that I totally breezed by in the catalog. Remember the card that I made for my Aunt Karen on Tuesday? Well….today I am ON THE ROAD with my dear Dad making the trek to go visit Uncle George. He is still not well but better than last week and how can you say no to someone who asks you if you could take him to see his brother.

It is a LONG drive but it will be a great visit with my Dad as we have to drive all the way down 81 into Tennessee and then back into a super sweet town in North Carolina….81 seems like an eternity….but the weather is to be great.

The hour glass has turned – and remember DOUBLE PAW PRINTS for everyone thru the end of March. You all are lovin’ the offerings of the 7 new products….Remember, for every $50 you spend you get to pick a FREEBIE. This is a great time to stock up ont he staples and basics that you use!

 

 

 

 

*****Make sure you use the BELOW item numbers for these 7 items*****

 

 

Have a great day and think of me as I drive…and drive….and drive 😆 Tomorrow it is time for some BLOG CANDY and I think that it is going to make you “twitch your nose” – any ideas? – I hope that this post inspired you to have FUN making a useful and thoughtful handmade work of art from YOUR heart!

 

 

 

 

 

WOOT-WOOT – double PAW PRINTS!!!

by | Mar 22, 2017 | Uncategorized | 7 comments

 

 

 

Good Morning and happy hump day! I know yesterday I said that I was going to share with you more ideas on how to use the fun and oh so overlooked by me bundle….the That’s the Tag Bundle….if you missed it  – please CLICK HERE and you can see this super cute card and tomorrow I will do part 2!

I just simply could not pass up the opportunity to make sure that you have “heard the news” – the NEWS that Stampin’ Up! has added 7 more items as Sale-a-bration FREEBIES.

The 1st picture is the “wave #1” of goodies but the next picture will showcase the “2nd wave PLUS the new 7 items 🙂 “

To end this FUN with a BANG…I am also offering DOUBLE PAW PRINT REWARDS until the end of Sale-a-Bration. I must admit, I was super surprised that Stampin’ Up! did this but at the same time…this IS the time of the year that many stock up on staples to last them throughout the year so I am sure that many of you are going to like the offerings!

I offer a very generous rewards program and I know that you all enjoy and appreciate receiving FREE stamps from me…I randomly offer DOUBLE PAW PRINT REWARDS….so when I do….I say – take advantage of it….CLICK HERE to see the program.

 

 

 

 

 

 Please make sure that you use the BELOW ITEM NUMBERS to receive one of the Sale-A-Bration products for free – (these numbers are different than you will find in the catalog)….exciting…right?

 

 

ITEM NUMBERDESCRIPTION
1473612016-2018 In Color 8-1/2” X 11” Cardstock
147365Party Animal Designer Series Paper
147363Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper
147364Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper
147362Party Animal Designer Washi Tape
147360Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
147356Sparkle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

 

 

Up…up and AWAY….this IS the best time of the year to take advantage of earning the offerings but more importantly….the Sale-A-Bration months are the L O N G Winter months that hopefully you have been able to get inky….and that’s the MESS that I love to hear! I am doing the happy dance that the clocks have changed….the days are longer…..and SPRING will finally be here!

Now go and get those DOUBLE PAW PRINTS……have a great day and I will see you tomorrow with inspiration from That’s the Tag Bundle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tip for your Tuesday and a super sweet card!

by | Mar 21, 2017 | Just Because..., Tips and Tricks!!! | 32 comments

 

 

 

Good morning! On Tuesday’s I like to share with you tips! You might be scratching your head saying….this is a card? Yep, you are right but I want to share with you a tip that totally GIVES YOU PERMISSION to get inspiration from others!

I cannot tell you how many time I hear, I just cannot come up with something of my own….and then I say – there is nothing wrong with CASEING (Copy And Share Everything) and getting inspiration from others….I do that…I hope that you do it and the way that I look at it is simple, it is a huge compliment to person that created it!

I will say that when a new catalog comes out – I go over it front to back…..then back to front….inside and out etc….but I will admit, I TOTALLY blew right past this bundle until I saw it blogged by Jeanie. Click here to see her post and her tips are SPOT ON.

Obviously this is a great tip….make sure that you look and then look again to see what others have done with it before you pass it by! This bundle is one that I BREEZED right by until I saw Jeanie’s super cute card….then I flipped to the page and said to myself….WHAT???? How did I miss that!

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that you popped to Jeanie’s post and took it all in as I said above, her directions are SPOT ON but there are (2) things that I added a twist to….you see – this is why CASEING is so fun – you can be inspired and then add or take away and PRESTO….you are happy…you feel great and trust me, I would feel great to receive this card!

  1. I added Stick It to the back of the So Saffron Card Stock….WHY????? Easy – it is a life saver and a time saver for me. This is a fabulous product that does wonders for adding adhesive without any mess. The other thing that I adore is the fact that it is NOT permanent until you rub it HARD….so re-positioning it is always a breeze until you get it “just right”
  2. I added color for the flower but the ideas are endless for this fun die. It is classic and one that will always be “In Style”

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the pictures as you can see how I am taking the weekend post of Paper Piecing….and showing you still another way to do a similar technique. This one is super fun because it is like a puzzle but the best part is that you already know what the pieces are….so getting them to fit is a cinch – the only thing that you need to do is decide on colors that you want!

 

 

 

 

You know by now, I love square cards and this one is a 4 1/4″ square and then the dimensions are the same for the focal part are the same as Jeanie used.

I added some white gel pen dots, (I love my dots) and then added some whited Bakers Twine to the left! I will say, I like to stagger the ends of the twine when I go to finish it off….it is an extra interest that makes it festive and fun. Here is another tip! Tie your bow separately and then adhere it with a glue dot – simple and works every time!

 

 

 

 

I think that we all over look the Envelope Punch Board. I have said this before….I actually feel guilty that for just $20.00 this does soooooooo much! If you are in doubt – go to Pinterest and type in Envelope Punch Board and you will be WOWED.

Here is another TIP: I would write this down and tape it to the bottom of your Envelope Punch Board. For some reason there no dimensions for a 4 1/4″ square envelope…..here you go – take a 7 1/8″ Square and score and punch at the 3 5/8″ all the way around like you normally would do when making a custom envelope!

 

 

 

 

 

 

One more look at the beauty from a different angle! This is finding its way to Aunt Karen in North Carolina…..she is taking such amazing care of my Uncle George that I thought she would enjoy a simple card to pick her up! We all know what it is like for the care-giver….it is so exhausting because of the worry and constant running to and from the hospital.

I do not know about you …but – I think that there is something so classic and soothing to see a great with a pale pink. I do not use Pink Pirouette much so today…I thought – WHY NOT????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for popping in and I hope that you will come back tomorrow as I will share with you more ways to utilize this bundle. I think when you can see many options as to how to use a product….is a HUGE help – remember, I get it!!!! I am in the same boat that you are on…you have to see how it can work for you and your needs.

I think that you are going to like tomorrows post because if you are anything like me, a gift that is handmade always WINS!!!! Have a great day and I hope to see you in the morning!

 

 

 

 

 

Step It Up Sunday!

by | Mar 19, 2017 | Step it up Sunday! | 37 comments

 

 

 

Here you go….day #2 of our weekly FUN together! I have a TON of pictures because if you are anything like me….you do well with visuals! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am going to let the pictures tell the story but I hope that you give it a try!

If you had POPPED onto my blog before I copy and pasted Susan’s article…please pop back to yesterdays post to read it – I know that you will be happy that you did as she is one amazing person that I have upmost respect and admiration for!

Here is the picture that you are used to each weekend…the one that they are side by side…. Darn I wish that we were all together as you really need to see and feel them! Before you judge, see the pictures below…the water~coloring is so fun…and you can CLEARLY see that it IS doable on Very Vanilla Paper, just have a soft touch!

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the TON of pictures….sit back and enjoy! ( I guess I should do a video) 🙂 It really is simple – follow the below steps…look at the pictures!

  • Stamp the “lady” on a 3 1/4″ X 4 1/4″ piece of Very Vanilla in Early Espresso
  • Take the “mask” that you created and place over-top of the stamped image and then stamp the scene in Soft Suede (this just some how seems to work – I did not use any stamp position tool….the size of the paper and the size of the stamp just work…(moral of this story is – just go for it – the girl..the scene….it all seems to work out in the end ~ remember, its Handmade not Hallmark)
  • Stamp the lady again on whatever DSP you would like and fussy cut out the umbrella and dress, adhere with green glue
  • Water color quickly (again, not stressing…it just works out) I used the Aqua Painter because that is what I am most comfortable with but the colored pencils would e super as well. You are just trying to add some interest and depth
  • I matted the finished piece onto a Soft Suede Mat that is 3 3/8″ X 4 3/8″ I think that little pop adds! I added a piece of fun foam to the back to pop it up….true you could use a bunch of dimensionals but I like the “feel” of the solid lift and it goes through the mail perfectly.
  • The Very Vanilla Piece that is against the Soft Sky card base is 4″ X 5 1/4″ and then I scored it on all 4 sides twice – I think that the scoring with the classic water-coloring makes a great statement
  • Adhere it all together and stand back and SMILE! 😀

 

 

 

 

 

You can use sooooo many different products to mask from….stick it notes, regular paper and then put a removable adhesive to the back but what I like it a product called Inkadinkado…..and you can see that I am linking it to Amazon for reference….I like this because I can use the mask many, MANY times before re-doing it. (It has a great adhesive on the back and 1 pack will last you forever)

To be honest with you…..I made a dozen of these cards to have on hand and was able to use the same mask for them all! This truly was a fun card to make and I will say, I was proud of the end result…you see – I STICK MY NECK OUT LIKE A TURTLE and try new things! 😀

I just HAVE TO put in there – NO STRESSING about cutting this out – YOU can DO IT – I know you can! I like to keep my masks that I make in the stamp set that it goes with so I am not doing a search and rescue when I need it in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the below picture you will see the clean and crisp image of the girl…it is sunning just like this (I think) You could play around with different colors and keep it super simple. You can clearly see that the “points” on the umbrella are there even though you did not fussy cut them on the mask.

Sometimes I think that we “over think” things….like masking but it truly is a wonderful technique that will open many doors for many stamps that you have!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now to the close ups that will show you the true beauty and ease of this whole process. It truly is super hard to put into words but hopefully I have shed some light for you!

I was super pleased with the end result and I hope that you enjoy the close ups….just looking at the image makes your mind say – wow, I would love to be there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I know that this was L O N G and a ton of pictures but I hope that I inspired you! You see…when you have great materials to work with  – anything can be accomplished!

Please do not forget to pop back to yesterdays post to see the other version of the card and also you will see up-close the fabulous stamps that made this card.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy this Sunday and I hope that you are able to find some inky time for yourself. Please look at the stamp sets that you have and try this masking technique. Remember, a piece of “post it” would work perfectly to create a mask. It is just amazing how you can make an instant depth with this technique.

I honestly do not think you could ever go wrong with both of these stamps that I showcased. To me, they are classic because the art work in itself sets the stage. You can see that I do not have a sentiment at all on the front and to me, it looks great!

Remember, jammie shopping is SOOOOOOO on trend – so HIT that PAW PRINT and get some goodies…..and while your at it – make sure you watch the totals to get FREEBIE from SAB…..we are on the home stretch! See you Tuesday!