Tuesday, December 19, 2017

1 Peter Bible Study - John MacArthur


Hello friends, 

I just finished a great study on 1 Peter. Along with the bible I used the John MacArthur New Testament Commentary on 1 Peter, and my pastor's recent sermons. I didn't realize how much I was missing in 1 Peter until I did this study. The last paragraph at the end of the book says, 

"There is no shortcut to a Christian mind possessing those godly attitudes and motives Peter outlined. They will be perfected only as believers regularly and faithfully place themselves under the preaching, teaching, and study of God's truth and obediently allow His Word to change their hearts and shape their characters."

This is a very truthful reminder that we will never be in a closer relationship with God unless we study the bible, pray for understanding, listen to sermons, worship with other believers, and be active in developing our spiritual life. Just sitting at home and saying that, "Oh sure, I believe in God," isn't enough. "Even the demons believe—and tremble!" James 2:19  

I highly recommend reading this commentary.

Blessings, 

Annie

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Christmas Nativity Bridge Card

Hi there, card makers,

Just finished with my card class for today.  I've already shared two of the cards we made.  Today I am sharing the third card.  The Bridge Card fold was one I just learned this past fall.  I thought it would make a wonderful fold to showcase my nativity die.  Also, I love the way that the decorative paper on the panels is glued in order keeping the pattern on the paper flowing in its design.  Making some more of these cards for my Christmas mailings is next on my agenda.



BRIDGE CARD DIRECTIONS

Card Base: 
            1.         With the 8” x 4 ½” piece, score at 1¼”, 2½”, 5½” & 6¾”.  Fold using your bone folder to burnish the score lines.

             2.         Cut a 4” x 7¼” piece of DP.  As up cut the piece, keep the strips in order) at 1⅛”, 1⅛”,  2¾”, 1⅛” & 1⅛”.  I numbered them on the back starting with the left piece as number one.  
Adhere the DP pieces onto each of the 5 panels of your card from left to right. 

 Back Side of Card: 
            3.         With the cream CS panel (2 ½” x 3 1/2”), use a corner rounder on all corners.  Using
the Distress Ink pad and a sponge distress the edges of the cream CS panel.  Adhere to the backside
of the center section of the card.  This is for signing and dating or another sentiment.

Sentiments:
            4.         With black ink, stamp the two sentiments onto cream CS.  Closely trim the extra CS
from the sentiments.  Make sure that it will fit on the Bridge piece.

             5.         On the larger sentiment piece, us a corner rounder.  On the small piece, round the
corners with  scissors.

            6.         Distress the edges of both pieces using the Walnut Stain Distress Ink pad and sponge.
Lightly distress the rest of the paper to match the DP background.

            7.         Adhere the small sentiment to the top of the center panel of the card. 

Bridge:
            8.         For the Bridge, layer the DP strip (1½” x 5½”) onto the green CS strip (1⅜” x 5⅜”).

             9.         Place a strong adhesive on the back of this front panel, no more than 1” from each
end.  Adhere it to the base card, lining up the bottom corners.

            10.       Adhere the larger sentiment to the front of the Bridge piece.

 Die Cut Nativity:
            11.       With the nativity die cut, add glue to just along the front bottom of it.  Slide it between the bridge and the two side panels.

That's it for today.  The card is fairly quick and simple, but looks lovely.

Blessings,
Annie

Monday, December 11, 2017

Staircase Christmas Card

A happy good morning to you! The card I'm sharing with you today may look challenging, but actually the only thing challenging about it is all the die cutting.  I cut out enough pieces for 10 cards for one of my card classes.  I have to admit that that was a lot of die cutting and I was very happy to get done.  But once done, the assembly goes easily and quickly, especially if you follow my step-by-step directions.  I think the directions are easy to follow, but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.



Finished card size 4 ½” x 6 ¼”

1.         Top fold a 4 ½” x 12 ½ “ red card base.
2.         For inside of card, cut a 4” x 5 ½” piece of white card stock and attach. 
3.         From white CS die cut the largest die from Spellbinders Card Creator Heirloom Legacy 
            (S6-010).  Attach it to the card front.
4.         From red CS die cut the small center die from the same set.  Trim off the piece along one end
            to make it straight.  This will be the bottom when attached to the wall.  Lay aside for now.
5.         From black CS cut a 4 1/8” x 4 15/16” piece.  Attach it to the front of the card over the white
            die piece.
6.         Die cut the Memory Box Classic Staircase (98665) from a piece of white CS which 
            measures 3” x 4 ¾”.  Attach to card front on the left-hand side over the black.
7.         From green CS die cut the Impression Obsession Cut Out Christmas Tree die 
            (DIE111-U).  Trace just the Christmas Tree part on red CS.  Trim the red tree inside the 
            tracing line and attach to back of green tree.  Also, die cut just the flourish part of the tree, 
            trim off the bit of the tree trunk, and glue inside the card at the bottom of the white mat.
8.         To decorate the banister, die cut at least 5 sprigs from green CS using Memory Box Small 
            Garden Sprig (931) and glue banister.
9.         I also die cut the Memory Box Mini Holly Leaves (98658) two times to use as filler on the
            banister.
10.       Punch 5 to 7 small stars from red CS and add to sprigs on the banister.
11.       Punch one larger star for the top of the Christmas Tree and glue in place.  Add Wink of 
            Stella to the Christmas tree star (GL.Clear 999).
12.       For the wall hanging, stamp a very small sentiment on white CS, punch it out with a 1” 
            scalloped oval punch, glue it to the red die cut element, attach a tiny green brad to the top, and
            then glue it to the wall. 

I hope the card inspires you.  Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Annie


Saturday, December 9, 2017

Long Ago on a Starry Night . . .

Hello and Christmas greetings,

Not that I'm crazy about snow, but it seems like we should have a little bit at least on Christmas day, so I would be okay with that.  Then melt, please.  Looking out the window I see dark cloudy skies and a cold-looking landscape that has gone to sleep for the winter.  However, inside it's a different story - warm and cozy, and making Christmas cards while listening to Christmas music, decorations, and drinking hot cocoa.  So delightful!  And that is how I feel about the card I'm sharing today.  I love the blues of the several layers and it has such a peaceful scene.  I can't help but think of that special birth long ago on a starry night.


Materials:

Spellbinders Nestabilities Decorative Elements 4
Die-namics Stitch Mini Scallop
Cottage Cutz Holiday Floral Spray
Stamp from Tim Holtz Collection HL-M2-052
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Walnut Stain
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Pine Needles
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Salty Ocean
PrismaColor Pencils
Green Jewel
Star Punch
Aleene's True Snow

Hope you are enjoying your days of decorating and shopping . . . and stamping, of course.
Blessings,
Annie

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Baptism Card

Hi fellow paper crafters,

There was a joyious occasion at church last Sunday.  A friend became a follower of Jesus and was baptized, and became a member of our church family.  I just have to say - Praise the Lord!  Today I'm sharing with you the card I made for her.  I'm so very happy for her decision!!!


Card Size:  8 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Stampin' Up Botanical Builder Framelits dies
Stampin' Up Elegant Dots embossing folder
Rubber Stamp from My Sentiments Exactly S118-10

May the Lord bless you and thanks for stopping by.
Annie

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Pop-Up Leaves Birthday Card



Hello Card Makers,

Today's post features a card that I taught in my class earlier this week. There's a nice surprise for the recipient when the card is opened as the leaves pop up and kind of float across the card. I made several using different sentiments along the fall/autumn theme. It is one of those cards that look likes it took a long time, but is really easy to make.

Wishing you a great week of card making.
Blessings,
Annie

Directions
1.         Score and fold the leaves in half lengthways.  With the three leaves, glue together only by the very tips making a string of leaves.  Set aside to dry.

2.         Adhere the two triangles to the base card, thus making a background.


3.         Stamp the sentiment on the inside of the card in the upper right portion of the card.  Set aside to dry.

4.         Stamp the “Autumn” word onto the small cream rectangle.  Layer onto the lighter green, then onto the dark green. 

5.         Wrap the layered panels with the green twine two times and tie in a knot at the top.  Adhere to the card front.

5.         Glue 3 small punched leaves along the diagonal line made by the two decorative pieces of card stock.

6.         Adhere the string of leaves to the inside with a really strong medium, making sure that the leaves will easily fold together.  Spacing will be determined by how much give there is in your leaf string.  The left leaf tip will probably be about 1 ¾” from the crease; the same for the right leave tip.  Glue the right tip first and close the leaf string; add glue to the left leaf tip and close card.  Hold closed until leaves are secure.

 Supplies
8 ½” x 5 ½” cream card stock, folded
5 1/4" x 4" - Cut two using coordinating scrapbook paper.  Cut each one in half diagonally.  You will have enough for two cards.

13 inches of green twine
3 medium die cut leaves

3 small punched leaves

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Camouflage Background Technique

This is a really fun and easy technique that only takes a couple of minutes.  It creates a quick background for a variety of images or die cuts.  I've been wanting to use my deer head punch and this cute little sentiment that perfectly goes with it, so this is what I came up with.


Here are the card measurements, supplies, technique directions:

CAMOUFLAGE BACKGROUND WITH DEER HEAD CARD


Brown card base         8 ½ x 5 ½ , folded
Beige/Cream Layer    5 ¼ x 4 – emboss with Sizzix Bricked EF

Brown Rectangle                    3 ¾ x 2 5/8
Olive Green Rectangle           3 ½ x 2 3/8
Beige/Cream Rectangle          3 ¼ x 2 3/16 – this piece is for the Camouflage Background

EK Success Deer Head Punch – punch from brown card stock
¼ Hole Punch – punch 3 circles from brown card stock
Dew Drops – Mowed Grass – glue the Dew Drops to the brown circles
Amuse Art Stamps “Deer Friend”  8-8451B



DIRECTIONS FOR CAMOUFLAGE BACKGROUND
1.         Crumple a solid piece of background paper into a ball. Straighten out the paper so it’s mostly flat again, and then crumple it a second time. This will produce a finer texture on the paper.

2.         Flatten the paper, then lightly drag the Dune Pigment ink across the surface of the paper. Don’t press down with the pad—just lightly drag it over the surface of the paper.

3.         Crumple paper again, flatten it, and drag the Crushed Olive ink pad across the surface.

4.         Crumple and flatten again then drag the Walnut Stain ink pad across the surface.

5.         If you want more color, lightly tap with the ink pads until you’re satisfied with the amount of color.

Give it try and see how much fun it is to watch the background come alive.

Blessings,
Annie

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Clear Card with Strawberries

Hello again,
Fresh strawberry season is almost over and I so wanted to make this card earlier in the season, so I could send out a few.  Alas, it kept getting putting aside.  Finally I have completed a couple of them and plan to mail them tomorrow.  I saw a card similar to this on Pinterest, which first got me interested.  I had no idea how to make an acrylic sided card so I was very thankful for the video that was provided.  That video can be found here.  However I made several changes that made it easier for me to put the card together.  Here is my version of the card and directions follow.



1. White cardstock – Cut a piece 6 1/2 x 4 1/4.  Score at 1 inch. 
 Fold at the score line.

2. Clear acrylic – Cut a piece 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  Adhere to the top of the 1” flap of the white cardstock.

3. Cut 4 pieces of coordinating designer paper 1 x 4 1/4 inches. Adhere one to the front 1” flap and the 2nd piece to the inside of the 1” top flap, so that they are back to back.

4. At the bottom of the acrylic sheet, adhere the 3rd piece on the front and the 4th piece on the inside, back to back.

5. Adhere one large and one small strawberry and the leaves to the acrylic sheet on the left side.  

6. On the front and back of the acrylic sheet glue the matching 
strawberries and leaves, matching up the shapes. 

7. Stamp your sentiment on a small white decorative piece of card stock and attach to the right side of the card base.  Make sure the placement is pleasing to the eye and not behind the strawberries.  The sentiment should be seen through the acrylic sheet when the card is closed.

8. Or, you can stamp the sentiment directly onto the card base.

Hope you will give it a try and find that the directions are easy to follow.

Blessings,
Annie

Friday, September 8, 2017

A Golfer's Birthday

Hello Stampers,

Thirty-three years ago I met my husband on a golf course.  His birthday is coming up next month so I decided to make him a golfer-type birthday card.  Can you believe that in all these years I've never made one for him -- bought a few but never made one.  Since I have no golf stamps, I sat down at my computer and began a search for images that pertain to golf.  What fun!  I was amazed that there were so many to choose from.  I typed and printed the sentiments and think he will get a kick out of them.  And besides, the card stock is his favorite color - a burgundy maroonish - just like his Denali.   Here's my fun work of art.



I'll write in the lovey stuff later.  😍😍😍

Thanks for letting me share with you.  Many blessings.
Annie

Friday, September 1, 2017

Card Candy for Christmas

Hi Stampers,

Well, I was able to resist Christmas in July, but here on the first day of September, due to a swap challenge, I had to jump into a Christmas theme.  This is my first attempt at making multiples of Card Candy.  Lots of die cutting, Copic marker coloring, and jewels.  I used Lockhart Inchie Art stamps and stamped the images on 1 x 1 inch white matboard.  Also used a Stampin' Up label punch and two Spellbinders dies - Shapeabilities Frosty Forms and Nestabilities Fleur De Lis Squares.  The project was lots of fun even though it took most of my morning.


That's it for today, friends.  Enjoy the Labor Day weekend but please be alert and stay safe if you are traveling.

Blessings,
Annie

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Jeremiah 17:8

Hello friends,
I have another bible verse to share with you today.  I love this verse because it gives me assurance that no matter the problems I face in life, God will provide what I need to get through them, and I have no need to be anxious and fearful.

"For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of the drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."  Jer. 17:8

This verse, along with Psalm 1:3 teaches that one who trusts in God will not be free from trials and adversity, but that God will be bring fruit and blessing in and through those difficulties.  We are being compared to a palm tree that has been firmly planted in a well-watered oasis.  As everything about the palm tree is valuable and productive, so are the
righteous people of God.  The tree will not fear when drought comes, and will not be anxious nor stop bearing fruit.  Instead, it will stay green and
productive because its roots are deeply planted.  

May this verse bless you as it has me.
Annie

Monday, August 14, 2017

John 10:27

Just finished this bible illustrating and journaling this morning.
My sheep listen to My voice;
I know them, and they follow
Me.  I will give them eternal
life, and they will never
perish.                     John 10:27

In this verse, Jesus is telling us that He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep.  What does it mean to “follow” Jesus?

Webster’s Dictionary tells us that “9, to take as a model; act in accordance with; imitate; 10. to accept authority of; obey.”

Webster also tells us that a “follower (a) a person who follows another’s beliefs or teachings.”

When you ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you are committing to Him that you obey and will be a “follower” and will “follow” Him all the days of your life. In order to imitate Jesus and to follow His teachings, we must study the Bible.  How else will we know what His teachings are? It is not enough to say “I believe.” We must read the Word, take it into our hearts, and act upon it.

Thank you for stopping by.

Blessings,
Annie

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Easel Card - Modified

Hello again, stampers,

My card for today may or may not have a style name.  I couldn't find one, so I'm calling it a modified easel card.  I saw a similar one in a group on FaceBook; however the posting lady didn't know the name either and didn't have any directions.  So right there I had a new challenge!  I experimented with a couple of different sizes, and then finally decided this size is the one I like best.  Measurements and supplies are listed below the card photos.



Solid Light Yellow Card Stock
            *4” x 10 ¼ ”  -   Scored at 4 ½ ”, 9”
            *3 5/8” x 3 5/8”
            *Plus small scrap for stamping the Birthday Daisy image and punching small flower.  Cut out
              the daisy image.  Use 3D tape for mounting.

Solid Green Card Stock
            *Small scrap for stamping the image a second time.  Cut out only the center of the daisy.
            *Small scrap for die cutting the leaves

Decorative Paper
            3 ¾ ” x 9”
            3 ½ ” x 3 ½ ”

Rubber Stamp - Stampendous:  Birthday Blossom #F182
Die - Memory Box:  Sturdy Stem #98996   
Two Brads to match decorative paper.

This card is really quick and easy.  I hope you will give it a try.

Blessings,
Ann

Friday, July 21, 2017

Birthday Card for a Fisherman

Whew, what a busy morning card making!  I saw a card on Pinterest (my thanks to whomever created it) that inspired me to make it because it is just what I needed for my Pastor's birthday.  He is quite a fisherman so hopefully this card will be a hit with him as we celebrate his birthday on Sunday with cake and festivities.  The stamp set I used is from Stampin' Up called By the Tide.



The sentiment that I put on the left side of the inside card added just the right touch.  The stamp is from Our Daily Bread Designs called Fishing and the sentiment says,

"There is certainly 
something in Angling 
that tends to produce a 
Serenity 
of the mind.  

Washington Irving."

Blessings,
Annie


Wednesday, July 19, 2017

A Very Special Congratulations Card

What a lovely afternoon here in Wenatchee!  I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days.

I was commissioned to make a card for a gentleman member of the Moose Lodge.  He received the honor of earning the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, which I understand to be a very high honor.  I incorporated the emblem in the design of the card which I think made a nice touch.  And I just couldn't resist putting a small moose on the front of the envelope.  Since the colors of the emblem are red, yellow, and white, I chose those colors of card stock, and then added some black to hi-light.  Sure hope the requesting party likes it.  What do you think?



Thanks for stopping by.  Happy card making!

Blessings,
Annie

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Banner Strip Card

Hello everyone,

Being a bit overcast ouside today led me to make some cheerful time inside.  So - card making is the name of the game.  I really like this Banner Strip card because when you lift the little banner strips, there is a secret message behind.  I also added a white card stock layer to the back where I could stamp a regular message, add a note, and sign my name.  Let me know what you think!



Here are some directions for you.  Hopefully they are easy to follow:

Recipe:
Green card stock panel 4 ½” x 5 ¾”
Orange card stock panel 4 ¼” x 5 ½”
Pattern paper panel 4 x 5 ¼”
Orange card stock banner 4 ½” x 1”
White card stock banner 3 ½” x 7/8”

Additional Materials:
Sizzix/Hero Arts Stamp & Die Cut Set – Floral #657776
3 Small Sentiment Stamps
Martha Stewart Leaf Sprig Punch
¾” Square Punch
Paper Cutter
Tape Runner
Glue Bottle and Glue Pen
Small Ruler and Pencil
Jewels
Extra Green CS for Leaves
Extra White CS for Stamping
Big Shot
Distress Ink Pads – Tattered Rose, Barn Door, Fired Brick
Black Ink Pad

Directions:
1.         Attach PP to orange panel.  Set aside.
2.         With the orange banner strips, score at ½” on one end of each and fold.
3.         Make a notch on the other end by lining the punch at an angle to form a notch.  Punch the other two plus the 3 white banner strips.
4.         At approximately ½” from the left side, stamp a different sentiment on each of the white banners using a black inkpad.
5.         On the assembled panel on the right side, make a tick mark 3/8” down from the top of the PP and another tick mark 3/8” up from the bottom of the PP.
6.         Glue the orange banners one at each tick mark and the third centered between the other two.
7.         On the inside of the orange banners, glue the white sentiment banners about 1/8” from the fold.
8.         Punch 7 leaves from the green CS.
9.         Using the large and small flower stamps, stamp one set on white paper using each of the 3 inkpads.
10.       Die cut with the Big Shot.  Lightly curl up the petals.
11.       Working on the left side of the card with the banners laying flat in place, put glue on only the bottom ¾” of a small flower and glue it to the PP.  The ¼” top of the flower should overlap the first banner at the bottom of the banner.  This will hold the banner closed.
12.       Put glue on the center portion of a large flower, between the second and third banners, and glue it to the PP, leaving the top and bottom petals loose.  This will hold those banners in place.
13.       Glue the remainder of the flowers and the leaves as shown in the sample.

14.       Attach the jewels to the center of the flowers.

Until next time.
Blessings,
Annie

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Scalloped Punch Topper Card

Hi card makers,

Today I'm featuring the Stampin' Up Scalloped Tag Punch.  I wasn't really interested in purchasing this punch until I saw pictures of cards using this punch posted on Pinterest.   Well, I saw some great cards and now I own one of these punches.  So thank you to whomever the SU person is who came up with idea of using the punch in this way.  I love it!  It's really very easy and quick to make, so I hope you'll give it try.  Here's the card I made using this punch.  Directions are after the picture.

Blessings,
Ann

Scalloped Punch Topper Card
1.  One CS 5 ½ x 8” – Green
2.  One CS panel 2 ¼ x 5 ⅛” – Blue
3.  One CS panel 2 ⅟16 x 4 ⅛” – White
4.  One scrapbook paper 4 x 5 ½“ – coordinates with green and blue
5.  Blue Ribbon – 14 inches
6.  Dew Drops – 5 matching green
7.  One die cut from the blue – Spellbinders Shapeabilities Die D-Lites – Tiger Lillies
8.  Scallop Tag Punch – Stampin’ Up
9.  Guide marks for punch – 1 ⅟16

 1.                                         
                     ß Measure in from sides and mark at 1 16” in on
                                              •           both sides and at both ends.  Scallop Punch slides
                 in here:   á      Make sure the punch fits exactly between the marks.

2.  Cut off side pieces at top and bottom, leaving only the tab.
3.  Slide a scalloped punched end into the paper trimmer, from the right to the left.
4.  Score the tag.
5.  Next, score at 4 ⅛”. 
6.  Add scrapbook paper to inside – MAKE SURE THAT THE TAB CAN LAY OVER
     SMOOTHLY AGAINST THE CARD.
7.  Adhere layers.
8.  Cut the die using the blue CS, adhere it, and add Dew Drops to the center of the flowers.

Tools:
Paper Piercer
Small cutting scissors
Double Stick Tape or Tape Runner
Glue for holding embellishments secure
Ruler
Pencil
Paper Trimmer
Small Martha
Bone Folder

Scalloped Tag Punch from SU 


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A Dahlia and More

This birthday card is the perfect combination for my friend
who loves Dahlias and music.
 
Using the Dahlia stamp from Stampin' Up's "Regarding Dahlias" set, I stamped on a light melon-colored card stock using clear embossing ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder.  The Dahlia was stamped two times, and then colored with Copic markers:  E13, R22, YR04, and RV52.  I cut out one complete Dahlia and then just cut out the center portion of the second Dahlia and mounted with mounting tape.  Next, tiny pearls were added to the center of the Dahlia.   

The leaf is from a Hero Arts set called "More Real Leaves."  I stamped the leaves with Distress Ink Evergreen Bough, then I lightly sponged them with the same color ink and also Distress Pine Needles. After I cut out the leaves I darkened the edges with the Pine Needles ink, and then finished off by slightly curling up the leaf tips. It's a nice way to add some depth to the leaves.

To make the background panel, I printed sheet music from Pinterest, used a distressing tool on the edges, and then embossed with the Tim Holtz Woodgrain embossing folder.
Pine Needles ink was used on the distressed edges of the panel and lightly sponged over the Woodgrain embossing.

The card base is white, 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  The panel is 4 3/4 x 3 3/4.  You can find the music clip art on Pinterest here. 

This was a really fun card to make and I'm really loving this stamp set!  Thanks for stopping by.
Annie

Friday, March 10, 2017

Sketch Card – Red Flower

Rain and snow yesterday - sunshine today.  Spring has got to be just around the corner.  So flowers are my theme today.  Bright red flowers.  I made this card from a sketch I saw on Pinterest.  This is what I was inspired to do for my card.


Here are some step-by-step directions in case you want to make one of these . . . or just use your own mojo! 
    
1.         Fold the white card base, set aside (8 ½” x 11”).

2.         Stamp a small flourish element stamp 6 times on white card stock with black ink and cut out 
            each one.

3.         Using a small strip of white card stock as a base, line up the 6 flourish squares to it,
            aligning along the bottom of the strip, then glue/tape them in place.  You may need to 
            trim off a bit.  Set aside.

4.         Stamp a flower on  red card stock.  Shade the flower with PrismaColor pencils: #PC925
            Crimson Lake, PC1029 Mahogany, and PC939 Peach.  You can use a Germany (blender) to
            blend the colors.  Set aside.

5.         On the bottom part of the card base, mat a piece of black card stock (4 1/8” x 4 1/8”), 
            leaving the right top unglued.

6.         Mat red checked card stock on top of the black (4” x 4”).

7.         Glue/tape the flourish strip approximately ½” down from the top of the red checked layer.
            Trim if necessary.  Set aside.

8.         Next, using the Garden Circle Die - JustRite Dies, die cut it from black card stock.  The die
            cut a round piece of red patterned paper and glue it to the back of the center of the Garden
            Circle die cut.  Glue the assembly to the card as shown in picture.

9.         Taking the red flower in hand, lightly roll up the edges of the petals.  Add Flower Soft to the
            center, and then glue to card.

10.       With a distressing tool, distress the edges of the small script rectangle; edge the rectangle with
             a sponge and Bard Door Distress ink; and then tuck it under the top of the black mat at the
             top right.  Also, tuck in a couple of little red punched elements.

11.       On the left upper area of the card, glue the “hugs” which was die cut from the (KaiserCraft
            Decorative Dies, Comfort Pack.

12.       Add jewels or Dew Drops to the bottom left side of the card as shown in the picture.

I hope you will give it a try and let me know what you think.

Blessings,
Annie

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Peek-a-Boo Card

Good morning friends,

Today I am sharing with you a new-to-me fold, called the Peek-a-Boo Card.  I saw this card on Pinterest and immediately knew that I had to try to make it.  I can laugh now, but at the time of the failure of my first try I felt nothing but disappointment. Whaaaa!  But . . . I saw what I had done wrong and jumped right in to try again.  I searched until I found video instructions and give credit and a big thanks to Norma Lee.  You will find her video at the end of her printed instructions.  Just for fun, see if you can find my mistake on the first card.












 If you didn't catch my error, then let me give you a tip.  Be sure to die cut your ovals properly spaced.  😄  Hope you are challenged to give this fancy fold a try.

Blessings,
Annie

Monday, January 16, 2017

Triangle Joy Fold Card

Greetings friends,

Another cold day here in Wenatchee, Washington.  But also a perfect day to stay inside and enjoy card making.  Today I tried a new fold called Triangle Joy Fold.  The Triangle Joy Fold is quite different from the regular Joy Fold card.  It was brought to my attention by a challenge in a stamping group I belong to.  The sample tutorial that was given to us was in centimeters.  Although I translated the script to English, the measurements were still in centimeters.  Luckily I have a great centimeter ruler so the directions were quite simple to follow.  The card is 15 x 15 centimeters which is just under 6" x 6".  I'm going to try my hand at making a 5" x 5" using measurements in inches.  I think it would be fun to have a smaller version.  For now, here's the card I made for the challenge, in centimeters.




Here's the link where you can find directions:  my thanks to Stempeleinmaleins Blog.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Hope you are staying warm and cozy!

Blessings,
Annie

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Triple-Tier Slider Card

I just finished making the cutest card (not in the bragging sense)!  I love it!!!!  Can you tell I'm excited? The coffee theme stamps were so fun to use and the slider mechanism is awesome. I couldn't have done it without using a tutorial I found at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.  Ms. Dawn, thank you for your wonderfully, easy-to-follow tutorial.

Here's my version of the card:



I used Stampin' Up Gorgeous Grunge for the background, using Distress Ink Brick Red, Tea Dye, and Broken China.  This is really a fun card to make.  I hope you'll give it a try.

Blessings,
Annie