A Desk, Candles, and Flop

If you are coming here from the Stamping Ground on 11/6/2013 please click HERE for the correct post.

It's another beautiful Wednesday.  We have some clouds and a bit cooler weather but the sun is coming up.  I just got a picture of my desk for Workdesk Wednesday that is "sponsored" (so to speak) by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  She has done an amazing job bringing together many crafters from around the world on Wednesday of every week.

My desk is rather busy as I just finished adding the bow to this card.  I've been playing with a new die by Impression Obsession that is a pine bough.  I finally got a good cut on the 3rd try as the die needed a shim of card stock.

This is the card on my desk.  It's pretty simplistic and uses some scraps to help me with my concept.  Next try I will give the candles more form.

I have the Bow Easy tool that is fantastic!  It really helps make bows where the "tails" are on the same side of the bow and they're so neat!  This bow is made from 1" sheer.  I think it's the best feature on this card.

Then I had a flop.  This card was made 2 days ago and it has a couple "flaws" that even my husband figured out.

Can you figure out the problems?  One is the white card stock.  I didn't notice until I started assembling this that I have 2 different shades!  Oh my!  The other.... my green ink is too pale which causes the white embossing to not show up, but the white card stock may also be a part of that problem.  I'll probably try this style again after I either get some ink for the pad or a new pad.

So now, please leave a comment if you are so inclined about my desk or cards then hop on over to the Stamping Ground and have a look at all the wonderful posts.  Be sure you have a cup of coffee, tea, juice, or whatever and take your time!

Blue Trees

I love to blurf (blog surf) and get inspiration for my mojo.  Last week I got out the laptop computer while watching TV with hubby and got onto Pinterest.  When I click on something I try to go clear to the blog to verify and see more of what caught my interest.  I seen a card with trees that I really liked but I have no trees even close to what was used and what I have is way small.  But I sorta did a similar idea.

The stamped images are from PaperTreyInk from a set called Through the Trees.  I clear embossed the trees on white then sponged 2 different blues that coordinated nicely with my blue card stock.

I added the mini rhinestones to kinda look like stars.  I think it turned out pretty good.  I think this could work for a Christmas card too, just need to change the sentiment.  What's your thoughts?

Also, Saturday I posted the template for the Gatefold Easel Card if you are interested in trying one.  I also have the link posted on the  Resources & Tutorials page.... the button is at the bottom of my banner.

Gatefold Easel Card with Template

A while back I posted some cards I made for a class (that didn't happen) of a gatefold easel design.  I told some friends on FB that I'd post the template but I had to make another card so you could see the design.  So, without further delay....

Here's the card closed.  The card wants to pop open because of the goodies inside so I made the label tuck into the 2 leaves on the right!  I was debating making a slider but opted for this instead.

This gives you the idea of the tucking....

And the card open and up.  The singular elephant is from a Stampendous set called Serengeti and the others are from The Angel Company and Lawn Fawn.

I hope you can understand this template.  It's the base of the card.  Just take your time and score and cut where needed.

For the easel - the part with the elephant - I cut another piece of the same card stock as the base at 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" then added my decorative paper and whatever.

Birthday Card for Mom

Next Monday is my mom's birthday....  80+ and I've been searching Pinterest for a cool idea.  And I found one!!!  I just finished it and now you get to see it.

This is the front.  I'm sorry about the paper clip but that was the only way I could keep the card closed to take the picture.  The paper is pretty much the end of one paper line I purchased from The Angel Company when I was a demo before they closed back in 2011.  All stamped images are from set from Red Rubber Designs.

And the inside.  It's a series of pop ups to look like a stack of gifts.

Here's another view to see more of the pop ups.  I think she'll get a kick out of this.  What do you think?  We'll be celebrating her birthday next Monday evening at Red Lobster, her favorite place.  Dean and I will be celebrating our anniversary at the same time.  He got me a beautiful plant but I need to figure out what it is....   Oh, the link to the post where I found this is Butterfly Kisses. 

Another Hump Day, Another Desk, and Our Anniversary....

Do you know what day it is??  Do ya?  Do ya?  Visions of a camel again.  I've heard a school somewhere in the U.S. has banned the term "hump day" but I get a kick out of it.  And it's a special day.  Not only do you get the opportunity to view work desks around the world but it's my 32nd anniversary!  Unfortunately we won't be celebrating for a while as Dean had bone graft surgery on his jaw (trying to save the 2 molars he has left) this past weekend and he can only eat soft foods for 2 weeks.  But I digress from the purpose of this post.  Today is the day you get the opportunity to look at my desk (I've had no mojo for 2 weeks!) and the desks of over 100 crafters brought to you by Julia Dunnit at the Stamping Ground.  Please check out her blog for all the links to the desks when you've finished with my post.

Hmmm.... my desk.  It's got rhinestones and paper for my class next Tuesday that I need to make 10 kits - 6 students, 2 kits for gals unable to come, and 2 extra for just in case.  Upper right has 2 stamps and a die that I had ordered from Impression Obsession and some western washi tape.  My desk is quite uneventful.  I did manage to get a card made yesterday to give hubby.

This card uses paper I purchased when I was a demo for The Angel Company.  The 2 stamped images are from Red Rubber Designs, one is called Old Truck and the other from the Trendy Greetings set. I did a bit of the spirelli technique for fun.  The text die cut is actually a scalloped square that I die cut down to the size I needed.  That was a bit of a challenge but I even got it embossed.

Here's a closer look at the spirelli.  Twine is from The Twinery.  I grabbed the wrong ink pad (wanted brown, not rust) for the truck image but decided to go ahead and use it.

So now, if you'd be so inclined, please leave a comment and let me know what you think of my card then go to the Stamping Ground and have a look see!  (I remember my grandparents using that term...) Be sure to grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy all the inspiration!

Another Christmas Idea

I need to start prepping for my Inching Into Fall class on the 29th (of which I've already posted pics of my cards) but also gotta make more Christmas cards.  I do have another project for my A Christmas Gift class to show you...

Here's a cute little tag I made using the Heartfelt Creations Posy Patch die set and the TCP Studio Retro Christmas stamp set.  I did not use a die to cut the tag shape.

I added the stamped holly image to the center of the flower to finish it out.  You can see I got some red ink on the leaf.  Bummer.  I did use the Stardust Clear Gel pen on the berries and leaf veins for some bling.

How about a cash holder?  The insert is made in such a way as to hold a nice new crisp bill without damaging it.  The bill in it is a copy I made of one to show my prospective students how it works.  The only thing I would change is to stamp the image in either burgundy or green rather than black.  What do you think?

A Christmas Gift

The title of this post is the title of my November12th class at the AZ Scrapbooking store in Green Valley, AZ.  I've got this scheduled earlier than usual as we are planning on visiting the kids and granddaughters in CA for Thanksgiving.  I will be teaching 4 items that could hold or promote a Christmas gift.  I'll show you one here...

I'll start with the card.  I was checking out Pinterest when I was at the scrapping retreat 2 weeks ago.  I thought it had an interesting design but I added the flower made with the Posy Patch die set by Heartfelt Creations.  In fact, all 4 of my projects has a flower on them using that die set. (I like that the set has about 7 different size flowers!)  I used my Corner Chomper on the top corners.  Wonderful tool and I love how easy it is to use.

I did make the flower more dimensional using a round tipped tool and a foam pad. You really can't tell that in the photo.  It did cry out for some bling.

I also used a piece of the Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles die set for the text piece.  Oh, the stamps are by TPC Studio called Retro Christmas.  I used only a part of a text stamp for this label.    So check back next week (Monday) for the next project!

Candy Corn pumpkin on my Desk

Wasn't Wednesday just a couple days ago?  Sure seems that way. The days are just flying by!  But I'm wondering if you enjoy seeing my desk on Wednesday....  I sure enjoy the opportunity that Julia over at the Stamping Ground gives us to be a part of a colossal blog tour of desks and inspiration!    My desk shows a project I need to finish soon!

I purchased a couple styrafoam pumpkins from JoAnns craft store and a roll of candy corn duct tape from Michaels.  I did one of these last year but gave the pumpkin to our daughter in WY when we went up for Thanksgiving.  This completed pumpkin goes to my folks and the yet-to-be-covered one will be for us.  These are very light weight so need to be kept in the house.

I had to dig deep in a box of decorative tape to find this roll... actually a Michaels staff gal found it as she knew it was there.

Now I need to go to Julia's Stamping Ground and start visiting.  I was still visiting yesterday when I was working on some other projects like cleaning out the kitchen pantry...  This is more fun.  Grab your coffee or tea and enjoy!

Falling Leaves and Ghosts!

Fall is here and Halloween is just around the corner.

I love this paper and stamp set from PaperTreyInk.  Paper is called Autumn Abundance and stamp set is Falling Leaves.  I used my scalloped circle Spellbinder dies then did the Spirelli technique using twine from The Twinery....

I'm trying to decide if doing the Spirelli technique is a bit too much... What do you think?

Again, the scalloped circle die to frame the little ghost from a The Angle Company set, as is the embossed text.  Actually the ghost was in a group of 3 but I only wanted 1 and cut him out to use.  Paper by Echo Park's Tricks or Treats pack.

Give Thanks

While at the retreat last weekend I made 2 cards that have the Give Thanks text/theme.

I seen this design on Pinterest but, of course, I changed it up some.  Flowers by Inkadinkado and text by PaperTreyInk.

I used the Scor-Bug for the raised dots but did a horrible job getting them spaced.  But I am thinking of using this design for a class maybe in January.

All stamps here are by PaperTreyInk from the Falling Leaves set.  Twine by The Twiners.

 I added a couple orangey rhinestones between the phrases for added bling.  How do you like these cards?

Another Work Desk Wednesday

Today's post is brought to you by Julia Dunnit at the Stamping Ground.....  Sounds almost like a TV ad.  Anyway, Julia has done a great thing bringing crafters from all over the world together to give you the opportunity to see their work areas and projects!  I've been inspired, brought to laughter and tears, and enjoyed seeing and meeting people.  I will be showing you my work table at a scrapping retreat I attended this past weekend.

I'm just set up as the retreat starts.  From left to right....  My rolling fold-up crate of paper, my crap, I mean scrap bucket, computer (lots of great ideas on Pinterest), stamp area, Ott light and water bottle, shelf with ink pads and Copics on top, stamps and embossing folders under, in front of shelf is the Big Shot with dies under, and then totes with everything else.  Oh, my blue trash bag is hanging from the table.  I got many cards completed and ideas for my November class.  We (the staff and a couple attendees) put on a crop skit and if you're interested in my role just go back to my previous post.

Here's one of the many cards I completed.  Flower stamp by Inkadinkado and text by PaperTreyInk.

I decided to score along the side and bottom and I think it adds a lot to the card.  I tried some matching rhinestones and stuff but the scoring looked better.

So now, if you'd be so kind to leave a comment, please click HERE and head to the Stamping Ground.  You'll enjoy looking at desks all around the world and get some great inspiration.  Don't forget your favorite beverage as you look!

What a Weekend!

This past weekend I took part in a scrapping retreat through the AZ Scrapbooking store of Green Valley, AZ.  It was a HOOT!  The staff (I'm considered staff since I "teach" classes) and a few attendees put on a skit called "The Case of the Crafty Con".  My part was of the detective, Herm A. Fix.  I had the clothes, courtesy of my hubby....

The attendees, for the most part, took part in helping us solve the crime...

A member of the Crop 'Til You Drop group was murdered!
But, through it all I got SO much done!!!!  Oh my gosh!

As I was on Pinterest I found a cool little coin envelope made on the We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board.  I didn't bring any circle punches so I used a hexagone punch that I did bring.  I also didn't have To or From stamps with me so I wrote what I wanted on the label.

I did sell about 20 cards, 6 single card kits (2 cards to a waitress!), and a fabric hanging trash bag that I made 15 years ago. I still have about 9 cards to show you so please come back! Oh, did you enjoy World Card Making Day?  I did manage to check out a few sites but the internet signal at the resort was poor and many times the pages wouldn't load.  Maybe that was a good thing.....