Quick card

I made this simple card in about 10 minutes using Club Scrap cardstocks and stamp from the Expressions kit. For a fun technique, emboss vellum in an embossing folder. The main image was colored by hand with TomBow markers. I used Stampin' Up flower punch, on plain and patterned (blue flowers) papers.

Tuesday's Tip

We have been covering patterned paper a lot lately. I have been purging my supplies in order to participate in 2 local craft flea markets. And, some pattern paper has made it to my "sell" pile.

With all the papers available on the market, I still sometimes have difficulty finding the appropriate paper. Thankfully, there are stamps and ink pads to the rescue. Next time, you do not quite see what you want - make your own. The great thing about that - you pick just the colors you need.

Pulled Glimmer Mists

This card was also made using the Technique Junkies (http://www.techniquejunkies.com) "Pulled Glimmer Mist" technique. I added a third sand color to the blue shades.

Easel Card with Glimmer Mists

I was to have a card mini workshop last Saturday. I came up with the above card, using a new Technique Junkies technique (www.techniquejunkies.com). The workshop ended up being cancelled/postponed - but I had a chance to play with the Pulled Glimmer Mist technique.

The focal image panel was sprayed with light and dark Mists (about half and half). Then, I used a paper towel to wipe from light to dark. Very quick and easy. Once the panel was dry, I stamped the island image (Club Scrap Castaway). The cardstocks used are from Club Scrap's Crafter Classic By the Seashore. It's a great collection of 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11 cardstocks. I added a little ribbon and some punched shape.

Tuesday's Tip

One more pattern paper idea - stamp on it! We all tend to stamp on plain white cardstock - and occasionally a solid color. Stamp open designs/outline stamps on pattern paper for a unique look. If you have an open flower, consider cutting it out and using dimensional tape!

Beads

This is one of my favorite ways to use beads. I have a few (or more than a few!) stamps that lend themselves to making jewelry for the images. All the cardstock is Club Scrap. The cat image is from Judikins. The background was embossed with a Cuttlebug folder.

I poke holes on either side of the cat's neck. I, then, place beads on a wire and feed the ends through the holes. I cross the wires once in the back and then tape the ends down. I do not twist the wires too many times - if you do, you will end up with a bump.

Tuesday's Tip

Last week on Tuesday's tip, we discussed cutting up your patterned paper so that it is less likely to be hoarded. Now that you have smaller pieces, use your punches. Patterned paper makes great butterflies, hearts, and border strips.

New Technique

I had several graduation cards to make last week. And, I was getting a little bored making basic layered cards. So, I pulled out the latest Technique Junkies Newsletter (www.techniquejunkies.com) and looked at trying a new technique. The above card, specifically the inked stripe and dot background, was created using the Antiqued Wallpaper Tutorial.

The background was embossed with an embossing folder and inked with distressed inks. Spritz the cardstock with water and flatten the embossing. I also added more ink. Head over to the Technique Junkies website for more wonderful ideas. All cardstock and ribbon are Club Scrap (of course) and the stamp is from Stampin' Up. I also added a little diploma charm for fun.

More Patterned Paper Fun

This card presents a slightly different look using patterned paper. The flowers are from the same paper pack as the birthday card posted on Wednesday. I also used the same Hero Arts stamp - in a slightly different way.

Patterned Papers

Tuesday's Tip discussed using your patterned papers. I have a bunch of retro looking papers that I have been holding onto for awhile. So, when I needed to make a birthday card today, I pulled a couple of sheets of paper and cut away! I used 2 from the same paper pack on this card!

All the cardstock is Club Scrap, stamps are Hero Arts (flower) and Club Scrap (saying).

Tuesday's Tip

I was at the local scrapbooking store with a couple of friends. We were drawn to many of the lovely patterned papers are available, which prompted a discussion on hoarding.

Have purchased wonderful 12 by 12 patterned papers that sit on your shelf because you just do not want to part with it? I have - as had my friends. A trick I learned: cut it up into smaller pieces. Now you have already started to "use" it rather than hoard it. You can use the pre cut pieces for mattes in scrapbooking or layers in card making.

Remember: there is always more fabulous paper available to purchase - once you have used your stock!

Easel Card

Occasionally, I get tired of the same old card format. It is fun to try new mechanical techniques in card making. However, there are those instances in which time is not an endless commodity. That is one of the reasons I really like the Easel card (originally appeared on the SplitCoast Stampers Forum). The above photo is of the closed card - 4 1/4 x 4 1/4.

The base card is 2 pieces: one 4 1/4 by 8 1/2; and one 4 1/4 square (all measurements are in inches. Score the longer piece of cardstock at 4 1/4 and 6 3/8 inch marks. Then, fold the card to create a zig-zag. Mount the 4 1/4 square piece on to the shorter area. I used Club Scrap's Passage in Time kit with some spare pieces.

Once you have the basic card shape, you can decorate as you please. Notice the lace above the "Happy Birthday" tag? It is decorative tape! Next time you need a quick card that has a "wow" factor, give this a try!

Layering

We have all made cards that have multiple layers behind the focal image. I have an example here of the layered boats for this baby card. Have you tried layering your punches?

There are so many punch shapes available today. They have been improved to make their use so much easier than a few years back. It is a fun decorative element to layer different shapes and colors. I layered 4 punched shapes from Club Scrap's Mirror Mirror collection.

When buying punches to layer, look for similar shapes in a variety of sizes. You will receive "more bang for your buck" - you can layer your punches or use them individually. How fun is that?!

Tuesday's Tip

The weather has finally been warming up here in Northern California. With Spring finally arriving , so do a multitude of flower catalogs and fliers for nurseries. These are great reference materials for stamping. You may find that you have stamps similar to those flowers advertised. You can have a free and readily available reference for coloring flowers!