Spring Card Set from Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper

It is snowing outside today where I live, but in my craft room it's spring! I made this set of cards from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper in the Occasions Catalog #137784. The box is made from Rose Red cardstock #102544 and matching DSP from the Regals DSP stack #130139. The greetings are from the Four You stamp set #130538.  The box is a pattern from Pootles.UK.com. I just made it a little taller and added the oval handle. These cards couldn't be easier to put together. Even though they look hand stamped, the flowers are simply a sheet of the Painted Blooms cardstock cut into pieces. A very fun set of cards to make! I am giving this set away to anyone who hosts a workshop with me during the month of March!

Girl and Boy Bunny Baskets

Mary from Cardz TV did a video where she made a bunny basket using the Silhouette. I don't have a Silhouette so I decided to try to make it on my own. These are my results! You need to use a heavy weight cardstock so the basket will be sturdy enough to hold candy. I used crumb cake cardstock from Stampin' Up!
Directions:
1. Cut a piece of cardstock measuring 6 x 8 inches, scoring 2 inches on all sides. On both long sides, cut up on the vertical score lines to the horizontal score lines. Trim a small wedge out of each corner as shown in the picture. This will help the box close properly.

2. Fold the tabs in on all sides to form the box and adhere with Scor-Tape or glue.
3. Using a large oval die, cut the body of the bunny. I used Sissix 3.4 x 4.2 inch die. Adhere to inside of box on the back.
4. Using the middle sized die cut out the feet. Using a 1 inch punch, punch out the pads of the paws and then use a 1/2 inch punch to punch out the toes. Attach to front of box.

5. For the ears, I used the extra large oval punch and the medium oval punch (pink layer) from Stampin' Up! Attach to body of bunny.

6. Punch out a 1/2 inch circle or heart for the nose and add whiskers. I used fringe scissors to cut out the whiskers and glued them behind the nose.

7. Add googly eyes or punched out circles of your choice.

8. I used the Stampin' Up! bow builder punch for the bows.



I hope you enjoy making these baskets as much as I did. I love a challenge! I welcome any comments or questions you have.

"Berry Basket" (No Die-Cut Needed)

This "berry basket" was made from cardstock without using a die-cut. I originally saw this on You Tube done by Papercraft Button. I had a hard time following along so I made my own directions. Hope this is helpful. I also glued my band on rather than staple it and added a handle. These would make darling Easter baskets, May baskets, or Mother's Day baskets. See instructions below.








Directions:

1. Cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 3x8 inches, scoring at 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 inches. 
2. Trim each end of basket pieces as shown tapering cardstock. 
3. Glue centers of each long piece together in opposite directions to form base of basket. 
4. Cut two trim pieces that will be the top rim of the basket. Each piece measures 8 x 3/4 inches and is scored at 3 7/8ths and 7 3/4ths inches. Fold on score lines and adhere the two pieces together at short score line to make a square band.
5. Attach band to basket lining up each side and making sure it is square. You can either staple the band on or glue it, which I did. I then attached a 1/2 inch trim piece of coordinating paper around the band. This is optional. 
6. To make handle, cut a piece of cardstock measuring 8 x 3/4ths inch. I also added a trim piece to the handle. This is optional. Using a bone folder curl handle so it will be easier to attach. 
7. Attach handle on either side of basket with staples or brads. I used brads. 
8. I then added a 3x3 inch piece of coordinating paper in center of basket for decoration and also to make it a little stronger. 
9. Decorate basket as desired. I added some punched out flowers using the Petite Petals punch and sponged the edges. I used Pink Pirouette cardstock with coordinating DSP for my basket. 

Hey, Valentine Stamp Set

This A2 size card was made using the Hey, Valentine stamp set from Stampin' Up!

See this stamp set at my store at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampincafebylana/

Do More of What Makes You Happy

This is my new motto for the year! I loved it so much that I stamped it and framed it. It's from the Hello Life stamp set in the 2015 Occasions Catalog #137136.
 http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampincafebylana/

Cookie Recipe from 1955!

• I know this isn't card related at all, but I made these cookies today. My Mom used to make them when I was growing up. For some reason they sounded good today so I made them. The photo of the recipe that I posted on Facebook is hard to read, so I am posting it here if anyone wants to make the cookies:
• 1 3/4 c. sifted flour 
• 1/2 t. soda 
• 1/2 t. salt 
• 1/4 c. Crisco 
• 1/4 c. butter or margarine 
• 1 unbeaten egg 
• 1/2 t. vanilla 
• 1/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk (1/4 c. regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar added) 
• 1/2 c. coconut (I used oatmeal because I didn't have any coconut and my husband doesn't like it) 

1. Stir together dry ingredients and set aside. 
2. Cream shortening, butter, egg and vanilla. 
3. Add dry ingredients alternating with milk. 
4. Stir in coconut (or oatmeal) 
5. Chill dough for one hour, then drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. 
6. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 
7. Cool completely and then cover tops with chocolate frosting. I just made a cocoa, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar frosting, on the thin side, and frosted the cookies with the back of a spoon. Hope you enjoy this blast from the past as much I did today with my coffee on this snowy day! (P.S. The recipe says it makes 3 dozen cookies, but I only got 2 dozen.)

New Profile Picture and Birthday Card

bi Birthday Card using Bermuda Bay Cardstock from Stampin' Up! with coordinating Designer Series Paper, Four You Stamp Set, Petite Petals Punch inked with Bermuda Bay ink and highlighted with rhinestones. I named my blog Stampin' Cafe by Lana because there are a lot of mornings where I go to my craft space with my cup of coffee in hand and start creating something I've thought of overnight. For me it's a great way to start the day! When is your most creative time?