Bangle Chain Punch Card

Hello papercrafters,

Today I'm sharing a card that I taught at my last class.  I saw a similar card on Pinterest, but was not able to trace back to the creator.  Whoever it might be, thank you for the column idea.

The card size is 5 1/2 inches by 11 inches, top folded.  I used the Martha Stewart Bangle Chain Punch to create the side columns.  The center dry-embossed panel was made using a border embossing folder from the set called Raspberry Frame Set by Sizzix.

The sentiment was stamped on a die cut from KaiserCraft Oval Vintage Frame, then adhered to an oval cut with a die in the Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Ovals Small set.

I embossed a small white panel using Cuttlebug Swiss Dots, then from it I punched 4 butterflies - 3 for the outside and 1 for the inside.  Any butterfly punch will do, preferably 3 sizes.

Even though it is a very quick and easy card, it looks pretty classy.  Thanks for checking in today.

Blessings,
Annie

Z-Fold Popup Box

Hello!

What a perfect day for a card making project.  The sun is brightly shining, white clouds in a beautiful blue sky; but with a cold wind blowing, it is only 52 degrees not counting wind chill.  So I just settled myself into my studio and got started.

Since I've been wanting to make one of the Z-Fold Popup Box cards for a long, today is the day.  I wanted to make my box into a wooden crate, but not having the crate die that is on the market, I set about designing my own with what I materials I already have.  It was certainly a challenge, however it was tremendous fun.  Here are a couple of pictures showing the finished card.

Card open.

Card closed.

Measurements

Card Base 4 1/4" x 11"; scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2"

Panels: two at 2 1/2" x 4" and one at 4" x 5 1/4" designer paper 

Crate/Box Panel 2" x 5 3/4", scored at 1/2", 2 3/4", 3 1/4", and 5 1/2" (see diagram below)

Crate/Box Inside Cross Bar one at 1/2" x 2 3/4", scored at 1/4" on each end 

Green Background for Inside the Crate 1 3/4" x 2"

Green Grass Strips two at 1 3/4"

Flower Tabs two 1/4" x 1"

Dies

Cheery Lynn Designs Daisy Strip B259

Impression Obsession Grass DIE060-1

Stamps

Hero Arts Designer Woodgrain S5208

Stamp Pad

Tim Holtze Distress Ink Walnut Stain

Sentiment

Cricuit Happy Day (free image)

Punches

Fiskers Hand Held 1/4' Hole Punch

Stampin' Up Word Window Punch

Card Stock

Flowers - Bright Yellow and Tan

Crate/Box - Tan

Flower Centers, Grass, Sentiments - Green

Other Items

Green Gems (7)

Mounting Tape

Redline Tape 1/8" or Score Tape 1/8"

Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue Pen (dries quickly)

Double Stick Tape

Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade or Score Board

Glossy Accents

Card Back Panels

4" x 5 1/4" (the same as the designer paper for the front panels)

3 3/4" x 5" White (stamp a sentiment and sign name)

Directions

1.  First, prepare all the various elements, having them ready for assembly.

2.  Assemble the Z-Card base as shown in the photo.

3.  Crate/Box

     a. Stamp the Crate/Box panel with the woodgrain stamp.  

     b. Punch two windows in the front side of the Crate/Box.

     c. Glue the grass pieces inside but so they are sticking through the windows.

     d. Glue the green background panel on the back of the windows panel.

     e. With redline tape, adhere the tab to the backside box panel, and then to card base. 

     f. Put redline tape on the left side panel of the crate/box and adhere to the second "Z" panel.

     g. Glue the the cross bar strip to each side of the box (inside) about 1/2" from the top.

On this diagram please ignore the 5" score line - DO NOT score at 5".  Instead score at 3 1/4".  Sorry for this mistake in the diagram.

4. Flowers

     a. Glue the flower tabs to the two smaller flowers. Glue the smallest flower to the back of the front panel of the crate/box.  Glue the middle size flower to the cross bar.  Mount the large flower to the card base (arranged in place with the other two flowers.

    b. Glue the tiny green circles (from the hand punch) to the center of each flower and three on the lower right side of the front panel of the card.  Glue the gems on the small circles with Glossy Accents.

    c. Complete the card according to the photo.

Let me know if you have trouble with the directions or have any questions.

Blessings,

Annie

Jesus and the Cross

Hello there,

Here I am, back again to share another message about Easter.  I really enjoy my bible illustrating and journaling and I hope that you will, too.  The bible verses that I'm meditating on this Good Friday are Isaiah 53:5-6.

"He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on Him the sins of us all."  NLV

Thank you God that Jesus paid the price for my sins and now leads me on Your paths of righteousness.

Blessings,

Annie

Materials Used:

PrismaColor Pencils

PrimaColor Colorless Blender Pen

Red Micron Pen

Washi Tape by Me & My Big Ideas

The Meaning of the Cross

Hello friends,

This coming Sunday is Easter, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  The cross says that God especially loves those who are hurting  -- those who are under the penalty and power of sin. If you will turn to Jesus Christ and put your trust in what He did for you in taking your just penalty for sin on the cross, He will deliver you from sin’s penalty and from its power.  He wants to be your Shepherd and Overseer.  He loves you just as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way. He wants to heal you from the devastating effects of sin.  How thankful I am for this precious gift!

The card I'm sharing with you today is called, in stampers' language, "clean and simple."  This is the kind of life that Jesus lived.  This is the kind of life that Jesus has inspired me to live.  

My prayer for you is that during this Easter season, the Holy Spirit will move your heart to commit all to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Love Him, commit to Him, serve Him; it is the "clean and simple way."

May you receive all the blessings of Easter.

Annie   

Materials Used:

Tim Holtz Alterations Embossing Folder - Rays

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Dies - Cross Collection

StickableStamps -Happy Easter

Morning Star Stamps - Love is the gift, Salvation is the promise, Easter is the celebration.

   (Sentiment inside card.)

White and Navy Blue Card Stock

Rainbow and Tears

Good morning card makers,

Today is a quick post sharing a card that I made for a Rainbow swap.  I used PrismaColor pencils to color the image.  The sentiment stamp I used is Paula Best #988A.  The woman's face stamp is no longer available but I thought it presented well to make a rainbow out of it.  It's fun to look at a stamp  and let your imagination create something out of the basic image. I finished it off with three ribbon knot bows.  The card sketch is one for a simple and easy card.  Give it a try so you can experience how much fun it is to let your imagination run free.

Blessings,

Annie

Pink Prayer Box

Hello Paper Crafters,

The project I'm sharing with you today is a Prayer Box, which contains seven encouraging scripture cards - one for each day of the week.  I like to give them to friends in the hospital, home bound for some reason, or just needing some encouragement when dealing with personal problems.  And we all have those - right!  I've never attempted to share a project that encompasses as many steps that this project has.  Now I'm excited to take on the challenge.  But please don't let the length of the directions intimate you.  I believe I have written the step-by-step directions in a clear manner that will be easy for you to follow.  However, be sure to allow yourself enough time so you won't feel rushed.  In two weeks I'm teaching this project plus two cards in the time length of two hours.  But, of course, I'll have everything cut and ready to go for the gals.  So, let's get started!

Supplies:

Light Pink Plaid Card Stock by Core’dinations – One 12x12 sheet

White Card Stock 8x11” Card Stock – One sheet

Pale Pink Card Stock 8x11” – Two Sheets

Dark Pink Card Stock 8x11” – One Sheet

Paper Trimmer

Score Board

Bone Folder

Double Stick Tape or Tape Runner

Corner Rounder (I like the Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper used at the ½” corner setting)

Fiskars Scallop Border Punch (narrow design)

Small Embellishment Punch or (I used Cricuit Swirly Flower)

Brilliance Moonlight White Ink Pad

Foam Tape

Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush

My Paper Studio Gemstones, Clear

Darice Jewels Metallic Cord, Pearlized White, 30 inches

Box Directions:

1.  Cut box top from Light Pink Plaid card stock 7 x 5 ½”

2.  Cut box bottom from White card stock 6 7/8 x 5 3/8”

3.  Cut inside box bottom cover (optional) from Light Pink Plaid card stock 4 3/8 x 5 ¾”

4.  Score ½” on all sides of both the top and bottom pieces.  Do not score the box bottom cover.

5.  Looking at the box top piece in a horizontal position, just to the score line make ½” cuts at top two

corners and bottom two corners. Do the same for the box bottom piece.  Fold all sides using a Bone Folder.  See the diagram below.

6.  Place a ½” piece of Score Tape on the outside of each of the 8 flaps (shown on the diagram in Pink).  Fold the flaps to the inside of the box ends to adhere in place. 

7.  Using Double Stick Tape or a Tape Runner, adhere the box bottom cover in place.

                                                    Cut down to Score Line on both ends.                           

                                                     Cut up to Score Line on both ends.

Flower and Leaves Directions:

1.  Highlight each of the four flower layers with Brilliance Moonlight White

2.  Adhere one layer of Foam Tape between each layer of the flower.

3.  Attach a double layer of Foam Tape on the bottom of the fourth flower.  Do not remove the protective covering on the bottom of the Foam Tape.

4.  Embellish the flower petals with Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush.

5.  Place a Gem Stone in the center of the flower.

6.  Contour and wrinkle the two leaves.

7.  Place the white cord over the lower right end of the closed box, bringing up the two ends together over the diagonal end, left top, and tie a bow.

8.  Arrange the flower, leaves, and sentiment label in a way that is visually pleasing to you, and glue in place.

Prayer Cards:

1.  Cut 7 panels from Light Pink card stock – 4x5”

2.  Use a Corner Rounder on all corners.

3.  Using a Border Punch, make one punch in the middle at the bottom of each panel.

4.  Computer generate scripture verses to print and attach to panels.  Choose ones that are encouraging and uplifting.  I used 2 Corrinthians. 1:3-4, Romans. 8:18, Psalm 55:22, Philippians. 4:19,  Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs. 16:9, and Hebrews 13:5.  Print on Dark Pink card stock.  If you would like a printable copy of my scriptures which you can use to copy onto to your colored card stock, please give me your email address and I will send you a copy.

5.  Cut each scripture into a small rectangular card, approximately 2 1/8 x 3 ¼” .

6.  Attach one scripture to each panel using Double Stick Tape or Tape Runner.

7.  Punch 7 small flowers and attach one to each panel.

Remember, if you want a printable copy of the scripture, send me your email address.  I hope you like today's project.

Blessings,

Annie

                                                 

A Latte Thanks

Hi friends,

My most favorite drink is a Mocha.  Just love that chocolate and coffee flavor!  So when I saw this Impression Obsession Coffee Cup die set, I fell in love.  It makes the cutest little latte cups I've ever seen.  I also have this liking for "little" things.  This is my first card using this die set and I can hardly wait until I have time to do some more designing with it.  This particular design is quick and easy.

Supplies

A2 White Card Base

4” x 5 ¼” DP for Front Background Layer

Take Out Coffee Cup Die by Impression Obsession

            Die cut 3 cups from coordinating DP

            Die cut 3 lids and 1 straw from light brown DP

Cut 3 squares ½” x ½” from the Background DP

Computer generate the sentiment “Sending You a LATTE THANKS,” or use one of your own coffee

            sentiment stamps, onto white cardstock

1 Dew Drop

Aleene’s Turbo Tacky Glue Pen (or any strong, quick-dry glue)

Glossy Accents

Tape Runner

Scotch 3-D Mounting Tape

Paper Trimmer

Sizzix Big Shot

T-Ruler

Directions

1.  Mat the background layer onto the front of the card.

2.  Trim the sentiment to ½” x  4 ¼” .  Cut off the left end in a downward diagonal.

3.  Adhere the sentiment strip to the right side of the card front with right end aligned with the DP panel, and 5/8” from the bottom of the white card base.

4.  Using Glossy Accents, glue the Dew Drop onto the right end of the sentiment strip.

5.  Assemble the little coffee cups.

            a.  Glue the DP square behind each of the oval openings of the sleeve dies.

            b.  Slide the coffee cups through the top slit in the sleeve dies and glue in place.

            c.  Glue the lids onto two of the coffee cups.

            d.  With the third cup, slide the straw through the opening in the coffee cup and glue in place.

            e.  Glue the lid behind the cup opening and the straw.

6.  Place a strip of mounting tape on the back of each of the coffee cups.  I used a T-Ruler to make sure that I lined up the coffee cups evenly, a little to the left side of the card. There is approximately a ½” space between the bottom of the coffee cups and the top of the sentiment strip.

It was really fun to make this little thank you card.  Hope you give it a try.

Blessings,

Annie

Path to the Beach

Happy good afternoon,

Recently I've really enjoyed making backgrounds with Distress Inks and sponges.  There's just no end to the color combinations and everyone of them has had a delightful result.  Even when you think, "Oh no, I'm not going to like this," after you do some stamping and embellishments, you find that it is not so bad after all.  The card I'm sharing is one I entered in the Impression Obsession February Challenge using two of their stamps that I just purchased.  The "Path to the Beach" stamp is now a favorite!  I have a lot of ideas for designing with it.  This photo only shows two-thirds of the stamp.  On the other third there is water and a sailboat.  This is a real multi-design stamp.

Supplies:

Stamps from Impression Obsession:  Path to the Beach #H1877, Happiest of Birthdays Ever! #B20058
Tim Holtz Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass, Dusty Concord, Bundles Sage, and Walnut Stain.
Sponges
PrismaColor Pencils:  Deco Yellow, Parma Violet, Apple Green, Sandbar Brown, and Sienna Brown.
Half Round Acrylic Crystals

I hope you enjoyed learning about this card today.

Blessings,
Annie

Water Drops Technique

Hello everyone,

I just discovered and learned a new technique and I am really excited to share it with you.  I bought the Water Effects 1 stamp set from Designs by Ryn and then followed her tutorial on using them, found here.  Ryn's tutorial is very well done and very easy to follow.  In her video she used watercolor paper and Dylusions Spray Ink.  Since I didn't have any spray ink on hand, I decided to go with Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads.  But I still want to try with Dylusions Spray Ink as soon as I can decide what colors to order.  Also, I just used regular, sturdy white card stock.  Here are a few of my card designs:

One can easily become addicted to this technique because it is so easy, with stunning results.  The rain drops appear transparent with a 3-D look - they just jump off the card!  I encourage you to check out Ryn's tutorial and give it try.  

Blessings,

Annie

Lovely Smpathy Card

Hello Card Makers,

Making sympathy cards may be difficult for some - death, sadness, tears, grief, etc.  But for those who believe in an afterlife, it is also a celebration of joy for a loved one because life goes on in heaven for that person.  Then, too, I find joy in making a special card to comfort a grieving family.  This week I found myself needing three sympathy cards, as friends in three different families had passed on.  I was pleased to find that I had two cards on hand and then set about to create the third card.  So, here's what I designed, simple but with a bit of elegance.

I  die cut a light blue piece of card stock  using the Spellbinders Nestabilities Decorative Elements die, then used the Sizzix Birds of a Feather embossing folder, added the sentiment, and finished by embellishing with pearls.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,
Annie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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