Four More of My Favorite Christmas Cards for 2014

It's been great fun making Christmas cards for family and friends and I'm kind of sad that it's time to put away all the Christmasy supplies and move on.  But before I do that, I want to share with you a few more of my favorite Christmas cards for 2014.

The Magi

Glittery Christmas Tree 

 Evergreen Trees

 Tangle Tinsel

 Wishing you lots of happy days of stamping and papercrafting in the new year of 2015!

Blessings,

Annie

Cats and Christmas Card - a Sweet Combination

Anyone that knows me, knows that cats are an important part of my life.  When I hold KoKo's sweet little warm body to my chest and listen to the soft purring and feel the little rubbing against my neck,  I know that I am holding a precious gift that the Lord has put in my care.  A little gift that quiets my mind and brings on relaxation, and gives me unrestrained love.  I think KoKo must have learned those things from God!

So when I saw a card on the Kittie Kraft blog with a cat on it, I knew that I had to make one also.  This is my version:

 

 

I couldn't resist placing a little cat peeking from behind the wall of the staircase.  So adorable!  Because of all the little pieces, it does take a good bit of time to assemble it all.  But it is well worth the effort and just plain fun!  Following are some directions that should make it easier for you if you decide to take it on. 

 

Enjoy - and blessings to you,

Annie

 





Staircase & Christmas Tree Card

Card Base:  10” x 5”  (makes a 5x5 square card)
Panel:  2 ¾ “ x 5”
Decorative Paper:  2 pieces  5” x 5” and 5 ¼” x 2 7/8”

1.  Glue tops of little Christmas stockings and wheels on train set.  Set aside.

2.  Trace around the inside of the die cut window onto decorative wallpaper.  Cut it out so that no pencil marks show and no wallpaper shows when the window is placed over it.

3.  Using a finger dauber make a sky effect on the small white panel and attach it behind the cutout in the wallpaper.

4.  Adhere the wallpaper to the card base. 

5.  Trim and adhere the baseboard to the bottom of the wall.  Set aside.

6.  On the decorative paper staircase die cut, trim off the banister.  Adhere it to the white staircase die cut, leaving a small amount of white showing at each step.  Trim away excess wallpaper and mount to card base wall.

7.  Attach the two smaller trees to the back of the window frame and then mount over the window opening.

8.  On the large tree, cut off about half of the trunk and mount it to the staircase panel.

9.  Glue the star onto the treetop. 

10.  Trim and glue on the baseboard at the bottom of the staircase panel.

11.  Add light string trim to the tree.

12. Add stockings to windowsill.

13. Use finger dauber to color the cats’ ears and tail.  Glue one on the windowsill and one peeking from behind the staircase.

14.  Add flowers and leaves on banister and one at the corner of the window, lower right side.

15.  Use black ink to stamp the gift image onto white cardstock.  Color with color pencils, cut out, and glue under the tree.

16.  Add Crystal Stickles to the center of each flower and onto the top of the stockings.

17.  Add Pink Stickles to the tree lights and the star.

Memory Box Dies:  Classic Staircase, Festive Lights, Tiny Stockings, Train Set

Impression Obsession Dies:  Fir Trees, Window with Shutter
Cheery Lynn Designs Die:  City Girl Edger

The Reason for Christmas - Worship the King

Brrrr, it's cold outside!  What's a better time to stay cozy and warm inside and carry on with card making. I especially love making nativity Christmas cards and this die from Die-Namites is just perfect because I wanted only Baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary in the scene.  The palm trees are so cool.  Looking at them brings back memories of when I visited Israel a few years ago.  They grow in many areas there.

The front of the card is a white panel embossed with the Cuttlebug Three Kings folder.  I like the idea of having the Wisemen on the front of the card because they are searching for the Savior.  Open the card and surprise - there He is!  LOL!  Are you  getting the idea that I like to tell a story with some of my cards.  Well, after all, I'm our church librarian - reading is wonderful and helps the mind be creative and imaginative!   Ok, back to the card.  Here's a picture of the card front.  The embossing doesn't show up very good in the pic, and it's really much prettier in person.

Directions

1.  Outside card base – fold in half

2.  Decorative paper panel – fold in half and put DS tape to only the sides of the decorative panel.  Adhere the sides to the inside of the card base, trying to get the center folds to fit as closely as possible.  Be sure to leave the center loose.  Lay it aside.

3.  Inside card base – score at 3½,  5½, and 7½ - Fold the card base so that you have one mountain fold, two valley folds.

4.  Die cut in the center of the panel.

5.  Score manger scene from the right side of the star and between the manger and Mary.

6.  Adhere the bottom only of the manger scene behind the die cut frame.

7.  Put DS tape all around both end panels of the inside card base.

8.  Adhere to the outside card base.

9.  Stamp the inside sentiment on a white panel, round the corners, and adhere to the right inside panel of the card.

10.  Front of card – round corners of the white embossed panel and the light teal panel.

11.  Layer them and then adhere them to the card front.

12. Use finger dauber to add a bit of ink to hi-light the embossed image.

13.  Round the corners of the small white piece and the dark teal piece. Stamp sentiment onto the white, layer it onto teal, and then mount it to the left bottom of the card.

Supplies

Card Base 11 x 4¼  (2 pieces) teal card stock

Light teal panel 5¼ x4

White front panel 5 1/8 x 3 7/8 (emboss on this one)

Outside sentiment panel:  teal 2 x 7/8 and white 1 7/8 x ¾

Inside sentiment panel 2¾ x 1¾

Decorative Paper background panel 5¼ x 4¼

Cuttlebug Embossing folder - Three King

Die-namites die - Nativity Scene

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels One

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Annie

Christ is our Lamppost, Lighting the Way

Out of all the lamppost dies on the market, this big one by Tim Holtz is my favorite.  It was as though it spoke to me the first time I saw it, but I didn't understand the message.  As I was typing this post, I started singing and humming "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."  Remember the first verse,            

"O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight."

Now I know why I was so happy making this card.  It made me think about how the Lord is our bright shining light and that all of us can have that light within us!  Oh my goodness!  Ok, back to how to make this card.

Directions:
1.  Card base – 9 x 5 3/4:  fold in half
2.  Front panel – 5 ½  x 4 ¼   emboss with embossing folder, layer onto card front.
3.  Die cut 2 ovals – one from music paper and one from red card stock.  Lightly distress the edge of the music piece and stamp a small sentiment in the center using a black ink pad.
4.  Layer the music oval onto the red oval, slightly offset to the left.  Center and layer onto embossed panel, but leave a bit of room on the left edge so that you can tuck the top ends of the streamers underneath.
5.  Die cut lamppost from black card stock.  Use a piece of light gold shimmer paper to back the lamp globe.  Layer the lamppost onto the right side of the oval die cuts.
6.  Adhere the holly and the berries to the lamppost.
7.  Add the cat next to the lamppost and embellish with a small red flower.
8.  On the left side of the ovals, adhere the streamers and bow.
9.  Hi-light the berries and the flowers with Stickles – red or Stardust.

 Supplies:

Crushed Olive Distress Ink
Memories Black Dye Ink
Tim Holtz Alterations die Holiday Lamppost
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Ten
Memory Box die Precious Butterflies (used just the small bow section)
Memory Box die Chesapeake Circle (used sections to make streamers)
Impression Obsession die Cats
Darice Embossing Folder Scrolls

I'll be back with another card tomorrow.  Until then, happy stamping!

Blessings,
Annie

Celebrating Thanksgiving!

Hi Card Makers,

Do you love Thanksgiving as much as I do?  I remember to be thankful all through the year, but in November it's especially fun because I get to make Thanksgiving cards and send them out.  Actually I started making these particular cards in October so I would have them ready for my card class.  I have several more designs I want to try and time is flying by!



Ribbon Leaf Card
This card idea came from Pinterest, although mine looks a little different as I used an embossing folder and leaf die that I had on hand.  So don't be concerned if you don't have exactly what I used.  Happily, you can use whatever you have and it will still look great, including the ink pad colors!  For a different effect, you could use Washi tape or strips of several colors of card stock.

Craft Card Base:  8 1/2 x 5 1/2", top folded
Craft Panel:  5 1/4 x 4"
Various colors and widths of Ribbon
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Dots
Cheery Lynn Designs Die - Large Leaves #2
Fresco Chalk Ink Pad - Tuscan Earth
Brilliance Ink Pad - Moonlight White

Die cut the leaf in the lower right side of the panel.  Emboss, then lightly sponge with Moonlight White.  Distress edges with Tuscan Earth.

Turn panel over and run a tape runner around the leaf cutout.  Lay pieces of ribbon across the cutout, alternating colors and widths.  About 1" from the top of the panel, adhere the ends of a piece of red ribbon to the backside of the panel.  Adhere the panel to the card base.

Make a small tag and stamp with a sentiment.  Punch a 1/8" hole at the top of the tag and tie it to the left center of the red ribbon with Bakers Twine.  Make a red ribbon bow and use a glue dot to glue the bow onto the ribbon.  Stamp a sentiment inside.

Apple Wreath Card
Here is a card using the Apple Wreath stamp set from Our Daily Bread Designs.  I stamped it once on green card stock and then stamped the apple section onto red card stock.  Both the wreath and the apples were hi-lighted with color pencils and then cut out.  The wreath is layered onto the polka dot panel but I used mounting tape for the apples.  This card is also a top folded card, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2.

The  cute little pumpkin on this card is stamped, colored, cut out, and then mounted over the ribbon and embossed background which has been distressed with a light grade of sandpaper.  I really like the writing of the Happy Thanksgiving stamp.

Pumpkin - PSX Stamps

Happy Thanksgiving - Rubber Soul

Tim Holtz Alterations Embossing Folder - Thanksgiving Background 





I was not successful in getting the background to show on the white panel on this card.  I used the Tim Holtz Alterations Hardwood Embossing Folder.  I wish you could see how great it looks.  If you have one of your own, then you know what I'm talking about it.  The leaf stamp is one of my favorites in my leaves collection.  It was made by The Rubbernecker Stamp Co.  I love how the red stands out on the white background.  I used dimensionals to make the leaf stand out even more. 

Among the many things I'm thankful for, I'm thankful for those of you who take the time to look at my blog and I'm thankful to be able to share with you.  Thanksgiving Day is only a couple of weeks away.  Remember this line from an old hymn, "Count your blessings, name them one by one . . . .)  I pray that your day is special and full of blessings.

Annie

"If God is Good" Book Review

If God is Good, Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil, by Randy Alcorn

With so much turmoil in the world today, along with many family members, friends, and acquaintances experiencing traumatic situations, debilitating health issues, and sufferings of all kinds, it seems as though evil is gaining ground.  However, I believe in my heart that God is still the One and Only who is in control and that one day evil will be no more. Despite my unwavering faith, I felt I needed to learn more about God’s character and purpose regarding suffering and evil as they are revealed and taught in the Bible.

For these reasons I chose to read a book by Randy Alcorn called, “If God is Good, Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.”  I found this book extremely helpful in locating a lot of scripture dealing with this subject.  Mr. Alcorn’s views and commentary seem to be right on and insightful.  He has broken up his writing by using many subject headings to organize his thoughts and progressively build his case on the reasons for pain and suffering.  This writing style makes it very easy to read and to better understand, from a biblical point of view, the answer to why there is suffering and evil.

I appreciate that Mr. Alcorn spent time pointing out that whether a person is a true believer of God’s sovereignty will determine if one has a spiritual view or a world view of suffering and evil.   

You may find that this book requires a real interest in reading it because it is a thick one.  Although it is easy reading, it is not one that you will want to breeze through as it offers plenty to pause and think about it.  It is a great piece of writing that will help you to minister to those who need help in dealing with any kind of suffering.  I have no hesitation in recommending this book to others.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

May the Lord bless and keep you,

Annie

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me . . .

. . . awe, yes, such a beautiful poem by Emile Bronte.  And a perfect sentiment for this card, which by the way, is my first time making a One Flap Easel card.  I used the stippling technique to color the image and the cut out leaves.  Stippling is done by using a thick stiff bristle paint (or stencil) brush, tapping directly onto the ink pad, then tapping it onto the card stock.  Very easy to do and it's a fun technique so I hope you'll give it a try.

1. Card Base:
       4-1/4" x 5-1/2" Dark Green CS
       4" x 5-1/4" Olive Green CS
                      
2. Flap:    
       2-3/8" x 4-1/2" scored at 1/2"
and 2 1/2",  Dark Green CS
       2-1/4" x 3-7/8" Olive Green CS
       2-3/8” x 4-1/8” Dark Green CS
       2-1/8" x 3-3/4" Cream CS

3. Stamp the rake design (Serendipity Stamps) on Cream card stock in Memories Chestnut dye ink.  Color using stipple brushes and inkpads:  Fresco Sicilian Spice, Distress Pine Needles, and Distress Crushed Olive.  Layer onto the Olive Green card stock, then layer onto the smaller, un-scored Dark Green panel.

4. Stamp the sentiment Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me from Inkadinkado onto the right side of the Cream card stock using Distress Pine Needles ink.  Make sure that there is enough room for your flap. Place adhesive on the back of the 1/2" Dark Green tab and attach it to the back of the Cream piece.  Layer the stamped assembly onto the Dark Green strip, be sure to apply adhesive only to the portion below the score line.

5. Embossed Panel:  

            1-1/4” x 5-1/4” Dark Green CS
            1-1/8” x 5- ¼ “ Olive Green CS

6.  Emboss Olive Green strip with Leaf Garland from the Sizzix Thankful Background  Borders set.  Layer and center it onto the Dark Green strip and then attach it 1/4” from the bottom of the Cream panel.

7.  On a Cream scrap, stamp with the small leaf from the Hero Arts Real Leaves stamp set three times using Distress Pine Needles inkpad.  Color the leaves by stippling from the three ink pads- Fresco Sicilian Spice, Distress Pine Needles, and Distress Olive; cut out; distress the edges with Distress Pine Needles; glue onto the embossed panel.  And there you have it!  I love doing all that stippling and it provides a really great background.


Here, we have another fall card - a Circle Framelit Closure Card. 

I made this card by watching it done on YouTube.  There are several things that I did differently: (1) used leaf stamps and Versa Mark ink to stamp on the brown panel, which is layered onto a yellow panel, (2) embossed the scalloped oval diagonally with the Branches embossing folder; and (3)  used a small punched leaf for the closure holder instead of a brad.  The card closes from the left, but it also has a flap on the right that folds over the closed card.  The little leaf layered onto a the yellow circle holds the flap in place.  Rather than trying to explain it here, I think you'll get a better idea of how it works if you watch the video - and I don't do videos - yet.  This link will take you to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?    v=Px5L63LdPIA

Halloween is not my "thing" but still it's a special day to me because my youngest sister was born on Halloween and also my niece.  So when I saw the Tim Holtz Alterations die called Halloween Shadows,  I really wanted to use it for birthday cards but also for my card class.  On Pinterest I saw a card that had a haunted house in the middle of a pumpkin and decided that idea would be a perfect way to use the Halloween Shadows die.  Part of the die strip has a Trick & Treat sentiment design, so that is what is used for the inside of the card for my class.  For the birthday cards, I'll use birthday sentiments instead. Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Ovals Small are the dies I used to make the pumpkin.  The pumpkin stem was made by using a small flower pot punch, turned it upside down, and then glued in place.  Perfect!  The leaf was cut with a Cuttlebug die set called Leaves, but any leaf die or punch will work.  

  

Also for my card class, I decided to do a Halloween Flip-its card.  The die is by Sizzix and called Card, Circle Flip-its #2.  The first pic is the front of the card and the second pic is the inside.  Decorative elements are a few sequins and some orange and white twine for the bow on the inside.  I was so surprised to find out how easily this die set works.  I am now hooked on it!  Here is a YouTube link so you can see how to use the die with your Big Shot:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUdikwhBDqk

 

Well that's it for my September card class.  I hope you've seen something you'd like to try.  It's been fun sharing with you.  Thanks for stopping by and check back soon for some more ideas.

May your creative juices keep flowing and may your days be blessed.

Annie







Fall Has Come Upon Us!

How beautifully summer has turned into fall.  I am thankful that I live in a place that shows the splendor of all four seasons.  Our Creator paints a new picture every day and I'm always excited to jump out of bed in the morning just to see His newest work of art.  Really!  I climb out of bed and the first thing I do is pull back the curtain and look outside.  Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) tells us,

"This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it."

A changing season also means that it is time to change my church library display.  I've been busily working up a design and die cutting leaves with my Big Shot.  Truly, the Lord has blessed me by calling me to be our church librarian because I get to do three things that are a passion with me:  I love reading books, I love being creative, and I love making available materials that will help others grow in their spiritual life and for good wholesome entertainment. 

As I mentioned above, all the leaves were die cut.  I found a picture of a basket on the internet, enlarged and printed it, cut it out, and glued it on the poster sideways so the leaves would look like they are falling from the basket.  Several years ago I made the scarecrow.  Joann's had material with a scarecrow pattern, so all I had to do was cut out the pieces, sew them together, stuff, and embellish.  Mr. Scarecrow has been in many displays over the years.  The straw bale came from Joann's too, at a good price - only $1.  The sunflowers and the vines came from the Dollar Store.  Being creative can also be a lesson in good stewardship.  I think the display is colorful and cheerful and I hope it puts a smile on the face of viewers.

I pray you are experiencing the blessings of the fall season.  Enjoy!
Annie

The Last Summer Flowers

Good morning paper crafters,

Summer is sliding into fall and we are having a beautiful Indian Summer here in Wenatchee.  Before I turn my card making toward the next season, here are a couple of flower cards to say goodbye to summer.  This color combination has been around for a long time, but I just never get tired of it.  Isn't it amazing that brown can be so bright and cheerful!

 

This card is a top fold.

 

And this one is a side fold.



 

The flowers were made with punches from Stampin' Up:  Blossom, Pansy, Petite Petals, and the Blossom Petals Builder was used for the leaves.  The final touch was to add some jewels to make the flower centers pop.  The ribbon and the paper is also from Stampin' Up.

Thank you for stopping by.  May a wonderful blessing touch you today.
Ann

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

 Since I love a good old-fashioned murder mystery, I really enjoyed reading this story.  It was well written, taking lots of twists and turns, with dark secrets being revealed throughout the investigation.  Except for the three main characters, practically everyone else was a possible suspect.  Julianna Deering was an unknown author to me until my reading of Murder at the Mikado.  I’m glad she was brought to my attention and I plan to read more of her murder mysteries.

The story takes place in the 1930’s in a small English town and at the country estate of  Drew Farthering.  Whenever there is a mystery to be solved, Drew somehow ends up in the middle of the investigation.  This time Drew becomes involved at the request from the beautiful wife of one of his employees.  To make matters worse, the wife turns out to be a former girlfriend and this does not sit well with Drew’s fiancée.  The wife is the first suspect in the murder of a celebrated actor with whom she had had an affair.  I say the first suspect because as the investigation progresses, four or five others are rooted out as possible suspects and they all have a motive for murder.  Just when Drew thinks he might be close to discovering the truth, the story takes another turn and he is hard put to find any solid facts.  

Both the main characters are Christians with good moral character.  The story is without profanity and sexuality – just a good, clean “who done it” murder mystery.  I recommend it to all mystery lovers and plan to donate the book to my church library.

Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

Gate Fold Shutter Card

How I love to learn a new fold for my card making!  This is called a Gate Fold Shutter Card.  I saw the instructions for this card on YouTube.  It really is an easy to make card once you get all the pieces cut and scored.  Here is my take on it - hope you like it.

Remove the belly band and as you slowly open the gate folds, it pulls the shutter open inside the card as shown below.

Isn't that just cool!  The design is my own, but I can't take credit for the shutter mechanism.  I don't know who the original artist is as there are so many posted on YouTube.

Here are the instructions that I wrote up for my class.





Gate Fold Shutter Card – 8 ½ x 5 ½ Card Base
1. DO NOT FOLD CARD! We first need to score it.
          a. Score at 2 1/8 & 6 3/8.
          b. Fold on score lines.
2. The two outside panels of decorative paper are 5 ¼ x 1 7/8.
          a. Adhere the two panels to the front of the card.

3. The inside center panel is:
          a. Colored card stock – 3 x 5 ½
          b. Decorative paper – 2 ¾ x 5 ¼
          c. Adhere them together.
          d. Using a 2 ½ round punch or die, cut a circle in the middle of the panel.
          e. Lay aside.
4. The shutter: 2 pieces of colored card stock 3 ½ x 4.
          a. At one end score at ½, leaving the remaining section to measure 3 ½ x ½ .
          b. At the opposite 3 ½ end, make a pencil mark on the edge at the center – 1 ¾ .
          c. Make another mark 2” above the first mark.
          d. Cut from each corner end to the 2” mark, making a big “V” shape.
          e. With the “V” shapes facing each other, fold the ½” scored section toward the back on both pieces.

                                                                          ß  4”  à

                          ­­­­­­­­­__________________
                          |    .                             |
                          |    .                 ß2”à       | á
                          |1/2 .           .________.| 3 ½ “
                          |    .                             | â
                          |    .                             |
                          |_________________| 

          f. Place a strong DS tape (Red Line) on the end of the scored section.
          g. Place the folded panels just outside the centerfolds of the card, left and right, align the shutter pieces across the top and bottom, then remove tape and glue in place.

4. Use 4 dimensionals to stick the panel to the center of the card.
          a. Be sure to place the dimensionals one at each top corner of panel.
          b. Place the panel over the two shutter pieces.
          c. With the card lying open, stamp a small sentiment in the shutter
opening.

5. Two Side panels inside the card:
                  Colored Card stock 1 ¼ x 5 1/2
                  Decorative paper 1 x 5 ¼

6. Belly Band – 1 x 11”
          a. Place the right end of the band at the front of the card at the right edge.
          b. On the left edge of the card, fold the band around the back and to the front, placing the end underneath the previous piece of the bank.
          c. Glue or DS tape in place.
          d. Cut a notch in the showing right end.

7. Small panel to attach to center of bellyband:
                   Light colored card stock 1 ¾ x 2 ¼
                  Coordinating colored card stock 2 x 2 ½
         a. Stamp the Fish Net image on the 1 ¾ x 2 ¼ card stock (I used
Antique Linen Distress Ink).
          b. Distress the edges with Memories Midnight Blue.
          c. Over stamp with the anchor image using Memories Midnight Blue.
          d. Layer this piece onto the colored card stock piece.
          e. Adhere it to the center of the bellyband.

Stamps: Anchor (dragonflylaser.com)
              Happy Birthday (Stampin’ Up)
              Fish Net Background (Our Daily Bread)

Die: Nesting Circles (Lifestyle Crafts, the 2 ½ “ circle) or you can use a 2 ½ “ punch.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Wishing you a day full of blessings.

Annie

Flowers, Birds, & More Flowers

A happy hello to my blog followers!  I have three cards to share with you today from my last card class.  They are a nice mix and I hope they will inspire you to go create.

The "Card in a Box" style is popping up all over in blogs and Pinterest, so you won't have any trouble finding lots of other samples.  I chose to make one in shades of lavender and purple and this is how it turned out:

I found this template on Stamp with Jenn and then wrote up some directions. However, I used different measurements so please note the difference between the measurements in my directions and the measurements shown on the template.



Begin with a piece of card stock cut to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".  Score at 1/2", 2 1/2", 4 1/2", and 6 1/2". Then score along the other edge, beginning at the end without the 1/2" score line, score at 3" but end the score line after three of the scored sections as shown.  At the ½” score line, cut off the top half. Trim the bottom half to make a tab.

You will also require one additional strip of card stock measuring 1" x 5".  Cut this in half.   The two pieces will be 1" wide and 2 1/2" long.  Each one is scored at 1/4" and 2 1/4" and then the ends are folded in a "Z".

Put double sided tape along the tab for the box and also along each of the 1/4" tabs on the small pieces.

There is no bottom to the box.  The inside dividers (small "Z" folds) are approximately equally spaced.

And after that, it's all a matter of decoration.  Be careful not to have too much of an overhang at the top or sides or it will make it difficult to fit the collapsed card into the envelope.

 

 

My dear friend Buffe introduced me to this bird die and I just love it.  It's perfect for this card.

                

This  is a fun and easy card that features the Savy Die "Sparrow #10070" and the Cuttlebug embossing folder "Sylized Flowers #37-1232."  Cut a 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" card base and a panel 5" x 3 3/4".  Die cut three birds in three shades of blue.  Before you emboss the panel, first stamp your greeting in blue, then emboss in the folder.  Layer the panel onto the card base, then layer the birds as shown.  For the inside I used a sentiment from Inkadinkadoo #97914.  This sentiment always makes me smile and I think it pairs beautifully with the blue birds.  Chuckling here!

 

Ok, here's the third card -- hang on just a big longer.  I realize this is a long post.



Another easy and fun card with a bit of spritzing.  Card base:  8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; yellow panel 4" x 3 3/8"; pale orange panel 3 1/8" x 3 1/8"; white watercolor paper panel 3"x3".  Tim Holtz distress inks - Antique Linen, Mustard Seed, Dried Marigold, and Shabby Shutters.

 

I stamped in the middle of the watercolor paper panel with Hero Arts Graphic Scribble stamp E2469 using the Antique Linen ink pad.  Ink the Solid Almond Petals Stamp (Autumn Leaves) with Mustard Seed, spritz with a mist of water, and stamp in the middle of the shadow image.  Randomly stamp tiny leaves or leaf stems on one side of the flower using the Shabby Shutters ink.  Overstamp the leavers with a tiny flower stamp using the Dried Marigold ink pad.  Layer the white panel onto the pale orange panel then layer onto the yellow panel leaving a 3/4" border at the bottom of the yellow panel.  Add the rick rack by taping the ends at the back of the yellow panel.  Layer it onto the white card base.  Add two tiny buttons at the right bottom edge of the white panel.  Easy peasy.

 

Well, that's it for today.  Now go have some fun!

Annie

 

 

True Story - A Short Walk to the Edge of Life

 It all started when Scott Hubbartt went for a walk in the high Peruvian puna (plateau) in the high desert region of the Andes Mountains.  Only the hardiest of living things can survive in its barren, dry, windswept, and rocky terrain.  Scott’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law were not excited about the walk he planned and would start the next day.  “But they had come to expect some impulsive, even crazy ideas” from Scott, so they only advised him to use a guide.  Tia Clara, his wife’s aunt, warned Scott to take a guide.   And Scott’s wife Carito cautioned him, “. . . please be careful, and please use a guide.”  Even the locals warned him that no one goes that way because it is too dangerous

 Scott admitted that sometimes he was a poor listener and that these were some of those times.  He was completely confident in his ability to walk in the mountains and even camp overnight if need be.  He was an Air Force combat veteran and had training in survival skills.  It would be just a walk in the park.  But it wasn’t!

Supposedly, this trek was to be only a five to eight hour walk, but Scott soon found himself hopelessly lost.  It turned into a five-day nightmare bringing Scott to a desperate and near-death experience.

I was astounded by the number of things that Scott experienced:  loss of his glasses, compasses that no longer worked properly, thirst, hunger, his skin, clothes, and shoes being torn up from the cactus needles and rocky terrain, exhaustion, attempting to eat an ant in the hope of finding a small food source but instead his tongue felt like it had been set on fire, it swelled and protruded from his mouth, a very close encounter with a snake, realizing that he was totally alone and totally lost, and so much more.  It was only when Scott finally came to the realization that he was not able to do anything to save himself and to completely place his faith and fate in God’s hands, even if it meant his death, that his circumstances began to change.

This true story of a man’s courageous struggle -- physically, mentally, and spiritually – really touched me and I believe it will touch you also.  Scott believes that he was spared only by the direct intervention of God and that it made a forever change in his life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sending a Hug in Blue, Green, & Purple


 
After spending a "pleasant" morning with my dental hygienist, it seemed a good idea to relax in front of my computer and do another post to the blog.  Actually, it's always pleasant to visit Lona.  She's a delightful woman and I love her entertaining chit chat.  I believe she even understands my guttural responses. 

So here is what I have for you today.  I saw a card very similar to this one made by Michelle Woerner.  The cheerful and bright colors captivated me and I knew I just had to make one.  There were only a few card details, so I decided to write up some directions for future reference and now I'll share those with you so you can make the card, too.

 Directions
1.  Top fold an 11” x 5 ½” piece of card stock.

2.    Cut a 2”x6” strip of patterned paper.  Attach at an angle.  Trim sides.

3.    On the die cut label, use a dots stencil to sponge ink on it, starting in the upper left   corner, gradually fading the color as you move down.

4.    Stamp sentiment on the right side of the label about 1/3 of the way down from the top.

5.    Edge the label with a Wink of Stella clear glimmer brush.

6.    Lay label aside to dry.

7.    Curl ends of petals, then layer the lighter shade flower onto the darker shade flower.

8.    Next, layer the two smaller flowers onto the large flower, brush smallest flower with Wink of Stella clear glimmer brush, and finish off with a pearl in the center.

9.    Using a 10” piece of ribbon, tie a small bow.

10.Using a 15” piece of twine, tie a large bow.

     Final Assembly

1.    Attach the label slightly off center towards the right and glue the ribbon bow on the right side of the label.

2.     On the left side of the label, glue the twine bow in place with the flower on top.

3.     Glue on the leaves and the flourish.

Tools:

Punch:  EK Success Swirl Flourish Punch

Dies:  Cheery Lynn Designs Large Leaves #2

              Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Two

                  Tim Holtz Alterations Tattered Florals