Lucky

 I made this card early last week using a "mystery" item from our local stampers group. It was a piece of swimsuit material with waves in the background and butterflies as focal pieces.

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I used that you can purchase. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you.)

I dug through my stamps and decided to use a stamp set by The Rabbit Hole Designs called Friend.

I didn't want the waves so I cut out the 3 butterflies. I used Sticky Specs to adhere them down then added Crystal Stickles to the edges as they had a tendency to ravel.

The 3rd butterfly went inside. My MISTI came in handy stamping the sentiments.

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. Please go to MY Journey page for what's going on.

Stampin Carol

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing

Give thanks in all circumstances: 

For this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Yummy Wishes

At our last Salsa stamp club meeting we were shown how to make an arrow card. I think I have done this before but it's been a LONG time! My focal point is a cupcake I found in my stash from forever ago.

(I use affiliate links for the products I use. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you.  Thank you for your support.)

This is a pretty easy fun fold and the one thing you need to remember is if your print paper has a direction, make sure you cut it right! 

You need to score from the center of the bottom (or top) to each card fold and from the center of the bottom (or top) to 1/2 way to the card fold. You score on these lines. It's a mountain fold for the long lines and valley folds for the short ones. I adhered my "arrow" down for more stability.

For the print paper I cut a piece of text paper at 4" x 5 1/4" and folded it in half on the long edge.  Center is real close to 2 5/8". You need to cut on the lines then adhere the big triangle to the front of the card and the 2 small ones inside.

This view will help you. The Happy Birthday image inside is from Spellbinders Birthday Unboxing Sentiments.

Today I start chemo again. I hope the side effects doing take me down too much as they are terrible.

Stampin Carol

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

 Psalm 23:6 NIV

 

It's A Magical Gnome

 For our Salsa meeting (local stamp club) this month we have a swap theme of "headgear" or something one would wear on their head.  I had a horrible time finding something in my stash that would work except for gnomes wearing hats so I gave it a try.

There are no links today as only my Platinum 6 die cut machine is available at Scrapbook.com.

My gnome image is from a stamp set from Scraps of Love called Magical Gnomes. He has a unicorn hat.  But if you look real close at his background its made up of gnome hats glued to the blue card stock then circle die cut.  It's very faint. The gnome hats came from 2 old die sets from Picket Fence Studios called Billy the Gnome and Chilly the Gnome. I had to decorate an envelope to go with my card and the rainbow is a part of the Magical Gnomes stamp set.

I've  been having issues with my Tuxedo Black ink smearing even after heat setting and there's a couple spots on the hat that have a hint of that smearing. Bummer. But you can see the gnome hats on the background a bit better.  I wonder how long it takes my swap partner to realize they're there.

Stampin Carol

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

A Christmas Cactus

 A week ago Saturday was our monthly CASAS Paper Crafters monthly get together and I took part in a make-n-take from one of our members. I have no idea where to products we used came from but this is just too cute!

She gave us 2 each of 2 different cactus die cuts, 3 each of 2 different red crepe paper flowers, and some die cuts to make the stamens.  We also got to chose a butterfly, a sentiment, and a pot (sticker).

Her card was vertical but with my paper going horizontal I had to make it this way. A couple of the cactus were too long so I cut them down and made them droop over the edge of the pot.

The flowers had a red and fuchsia layer along with the stamen. Pretty clever!

Hopefully I can make next month's meeting as its the end of my break week from chemo.

Stampin Carol

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.
Psalm 141:8, NIV

Matchbook Easter Cards

I finished the cards I started last Saturday and showed you some of the elements Wednesday. Did you guess what I was going to make?  I love the MatchBook cards from Art Impressions and I got their MB Chapel stamp & die set for my Easter cards.

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I used. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you.  Thank you for your support!)

This picture has all 4 cards (1 is in the envelope behind the card on the right) and envelopes. I love these! Each card has an easel as shown on the card in the middle. You will need the MatchBook Template die set to put your scene into.  It comes with the easel, some windows, a rug die, and more which will help you with your scene.

Here's a closer look at the inside. I wrote the Happy Easter! on the front piece. There is a video showing how to make these but not this particular scene.

I added the easel piece to each card to help them stand up. 

I inserted a folded card in the envelopes before gluing to help get them shaped right.  The envelopes have 2 score lines for each side so that the cards will fit. The die set has a label and mini envelope and more to personalize the envelope.

These are small, only 2" x 2 1/4" so you will need to mail them in a bigger envelope and that will cost you extra postage.

Art Impressions has MANY scenes available! Click on the link about the video and you'll see oodles!

Stampin Carol

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

A New Project

I started working on some special cards and spent hours coloring all these pieces. Can you guess what I'm making?

(This post contains affiliate links to products I use. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

Yes, it took hours to color these with my PrismaColor pencils. I have to say it's rather therapeutic.

Now to assemble my 4 cards.  Have you guessed yet?

Stampin Carol

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

• We R Makers - Detail Scissors
• 
• Price: $6.64
• Sku:ac-660243

• Scrapbook.com - Smart Craft Glue - Liquid - 40ml
• 
• Price: $3.99
• Sku:sbc-ptadh-4280

• Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Alterations Collection - Sidekick - Starter Kit - Black
• 
• Price: $59.49
• Sku:sz-664175

• Spellbinders - Black Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine with Tool N One - Sprigs Bundle
• 
• Price: $138.89
• Sku:spc-blackp6-sprigs

 

 

Butterfly Burst without Butterflies!

 I recently played with another Spellbinders March club sets, the clear stamp & die set, called Butterfly Burst. But I chose not to use the 2 cool butterflies that are part of the set.

(This post uses affiliate links to products I'm promoting. If you shop through the links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you! Thank you for your support!)

We have a bunch of birthdays coming up starting mid April so I need to get some cards ready. I used their cool 3D embossing folder, Puff Dotty, to layer the label on and added some coordinating twine as an embellishment. I colored the flowers with my PrismaColor pencils.

I think this turned out very pretty and I have a good idea who will get this card.

Do you make cards a month in advance?

Stampin Carol

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Stitched Petals

 Yesterday Spellbinders released their new March clubs and my card uses their Nested Layered Stitched Petal die set. There are so many great samples on Spellbinders website! My card is more simple as that's what my local customers like.

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I'm promoting. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

I've been on a monochromatic kick with their stitching dies and this one is all white with silver stitching. 

I silver embossed the sentiment (from Hydrangea Bouquet clear stamp set) to keep with the white/silver theme.

I only used 1 strand of the silver floss for my stitching. I think it works the best as it's not so bulky. 

I had to order a new Spellbinders new Tool-N-One as mine was so loved that the brush roller disintegrated!

My new one is all white and ready to go to work!

Stampin Carol

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.  1 Peter 3:12

Bunny Thank You

I promised another adorable card using Whimsy Stamps fun Valentine Pets and Puns clear stamp set and here it is!

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I'm promoting. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you.  Thank you for your support!)

I used a number of their products, Connected Oval Die, Farmhouse paper pack, and Acts of Kindness clear stamp set. I embossed the Thank You as the print paper has a sheen and I didn't want ink to smear. I really need to get some Black Detail powder!

I colored with my OLO markers. And I used a white pen on the hearts.

I know these bunnies are supposed to be used on Valentine cards but I do love my friends and they bless me tremendously. This card will probably be sent to one of them.

Stampin Carol

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,  the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2

 

Good Company & Summer Nights

At a stamp club meeting last month we were taught a fun fold called Double Diamond. I've done some fun folds called this but this one is different! I used an old Photo Play paper pack called, I think, Squeeze in Some Fun. 

(This post uses affiliate links to some of the products I used. If you shop through these products I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

This card requires a 5" x 7" envelope and I added a sticker (from Echo Park's Summer Fun paper pack) to it as I have to have a coordinating envelope for the swap this will be in. 

Here is the template I used:

I used a 5" x 12" piece of card stock. When following this template please pay attention to where the score lines are.

I marked to the top and bottom of my piece of card stock at:  1 1/2", 3", 4 1/2", 7 1/2", 9", and 10 1/2" with faint pencil marks. DON'T SCORE YET! 

(NOTE: If you don't have a large enough score board mark and score half then flip around and score the other end.)

Now score and mountain fold the 3", 4 1/2", 7 1/2" and 9" lines ONLY! 

Mark the 2 ends at 2 1/2". CUT from the center to the first lines as shown. These are the red lines on each end.

I only cut one end at this point. Only the vertical lines have been scored at this point.

Score diagonal lines from the top 1 1/2" mark to the bottom of the 4 1/2" and from the bottom of the 7" mark to the top of the 10 1/2" mark.  These are the dotted diagonal black lines on the template. These will be valley folds.

Now, fold to look like this:

You may have to play with this a bit but it should fold relatively easy.

I then decorated my center panel and added some fun stuff on the ends. Everything was fussy cut and the two end pieces were layered to make them pop more.

You can cover the triangles of the folds if you desire but you'll have to play with the sizes.

I hope you give this a try. It looks intimating but if you take your time and pay attention to the template it is pretty cool. 

Stampin Carol

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; i say, "You are my God."  Psalm 31:14

• Scotch Adhesive Refill for the Pink ATG Applicator Gun 1/4" Tape 2 Rolls
• 
• Price: $23.99
• Sku:pp-cat085-raf

• Scrapbook.com - Double Sided Adhesive Foam Roll - 1 Inch x 32 Feet - 1 Roll
• 
• Price: $9.99
• Sku:sbc-ptadh-3368

• We R Makers - Detail Scissors
• 
• Price: $6.64
• Sku:ac-660243

• We R Makers - Trim and Score Board
• 
• Price: $35.14
• Sku:ac-660071

You're My Mane Squeeze

 No, I didn't misspell the post title. Once you see this adorable card using Whimsy Stamps cute Valentine Pets and Puns stamp set you'll see why!

(This post uses affiliate links to products I used. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

One of the stamps from this set says "you're my mane squeeze" so that's why it's in the title! I also used 2 other Whimsy Stamps products, their Connected Hearts Frame Die and their Farmhouse 6x6 paper pad. The paper has a light sheen to it.

I used my OLO markers to color and added some white pen lines on the 2 large hearts.

I know this stamp set is mostly for Valentines but I think it would be great for an anniversary, birthday, and more!

Isn't this just too cute! Wait until you see my next Whimsy Stamps card as I used another image from this same set!

Stampin Carol

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

• Scotch Adhesive Refill for the Pink ATG Applicator Gun 1/4" Tape 2 Rolls
• 
• Price: $23.39
• Sku:pp-cat085-raf

• Scrapbook.com - Double Sided Adhesive Foam Roll - 1 Inch x 32 Feet - 1 Roll
• 
• Price: $9.99
• Sku:sbc-ptadh-3368

• Signo White Pigment Ink Gel Pen
• 
• Price: $4.50
• Sku:UM-153

• We R Makers - Trim and Score Board
• 
• Price: $35.14
• Sku:ac-660071

• Spellbinders - New and Improved Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine with Universal Plate System - Stitched Flower Bundle
• 
• Price: $142.69
• Sku:spe-plat6-stflower

I'm in Love

 It seemed the harder I tried to make this card the less it wanted made. But I persevered and finally got it done. I used The Rabbit Hole Designs cool Love-N-Heart die and a piece of wall paper that I was given as a mystery item for a swap this Saturday. 

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I'm promoting. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

I did not attach my design team label as I did not think this card was good enough. 

First of all I didn't get the wall paper cut straight. Then the white heart piece at the top was missing a piece on the far left. Oh well. I had to make a coordinating envelope to go with it so I used an OLD punch with 3 sizes of hearts from Fun Stampers Journey (I was a demo for 6 years) and one can just see small sections of a stamped image that didn't quite cover totally. I know most people won't notice but it bugs me.

I like how the die pieces fit together but one has to watch the "O" as it fits differently if upside down.

I think this card will be liked, do you?

Stampin Carol

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.   Romans 10:9

You Hold My Heart in Your Hands

I recently received my order from Whimsy Stamps. I just HAD to use their Heart Hands die and I cased a beautiful card sample on their website. We will be making this in an upcoming class. 

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I'm promoting. If you shop through these links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

I tried to find the name of the artist of the card I cased but their name was impossible to read. If you are the artist or know the artist please let me know so I can give her credit.

I pretty much used the same colors but rearranged them. And I added some pearls where I think she used rhinestones.
 

 My glue had a tendency to squish out from the die cuts so I apparently used a bit too much. I used a sand eraser to get rid of most the the excess.

This card can be used for just about any occasion depending on what you stamp inside. 

Stampin Carol

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  Ephesians 4: 5-6

 

Love For the Guys

Again I'm playing with a new The Rabbit Hole Designs product called Love-N-Heart die. And since this card will be one for my upcoming card class I decided to make it very masculine!

(This post uses affiliate links to the products I'm promoting. If you shop through these  links I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

I've seen many wonderful examples on The Rabbit Hole Designs website and I didn't want to "case" any so masculine it became. I like how it turned out.

I kept my design relatively simple again but the look is anything but! 

What do you think?

Stampin Carol

You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.    Matthew 6:27