Cricut Umbrella Card

It's raining hearts in this pink and black umbrella card today! While I made this as a "thinking of you" card, it could easily be a Valentine card come next February.

Card base is top fold, 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches. Pink layer is Melon Mambo from Stampin' Up and is cut at 4 x 5-1/4 inches. Patterned paper is from the Pop of Pink DSP collection from Stampin' Up and is cut at 3-7/8 x 5-1/8 inches.

The umbrella is from the Create a Critter cartridge (p. 31), cut at 4 inches. I cut the shadow layer in pink, the umbrella in black, and the umbrella top in black and white polka dot (also from the Pop of Pink DSP collection by Stampin' Up). I popped up the umbrella top from the shadow layer using dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the February 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit entitled Hello Sunshine. I stamped it in Momento Tuxedo Black ink onto white cardstock, and backed it with a layer of Melon Mambo cardstock, cutting tails on each end for the flag. I punched out some Melon Mambo and white hearts using the Martha Stewart heart punch.

I love using my Cricut and will be sharing more cards in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

"Chalkboard" Mason Jar Card

"Chalkboard" Mason Jar Card

This Mason jar card was inspired by a mason jar shaped chalkboard I saw. I loved it and decided to create that look in a card. I used black and white papers from Stampin' Up on a white card base. I stamped the jar with white ink onto black cardstock and cut it out. I stamped a heart in white ink and the "Hello" in white ink to give it that "chalkboard" look. Sentiments are both from Stampin' Up. I added a few punched out hearts and some linen thread to finish the look. I had some black heart shaped paper clips from Target so I decided to add one to the edge of the card. I thought about embossing the white onto the black, but really thought the ink alone looked more like chalk. Finished card is 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" and fits into an A2 sized envelope.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look today!

Birthday Flip Book #2 from a File Folder

After making last week's flip book birthday card, I wanted to try my hand at a different kind of flip book to turn into a birthday card. This time I used a file folder. I followed the instructions from Little Hot Tamale on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Myvz7xA-zk and created this birthday card flip book. 

After folding and cutting the file folder, I had to decide how to decorate it. Then it occurred to me this would be a great way to use those Lang calendars I had been saving! I used several different years of my Coffee Calendars by Lisa Kaus. I just traced around the parts of the images I wanted to use and cut them out to fit the book pages. I inked the paper edges where needed to hide the white core of the calendar pages and any of the file folder that might still show underneath. I have to admit it is a little time consuming, but I really like the result!  

Inside View, First Page

Inside View, Second Page

 The inside page of the flip book is a pocket where you can add a gift card, note, etc. I opted to make a tag from a scrap of calendar page to insert inside the pocket.

Back View

To "bind" the folder, just for stability, I cut one of the borders from a calendar page and added it to the folded part of the book as a binding. My book ended up being about 1/4 inch thick so I cut a piece 6 x 1-1/4 inches, scored it at 1/2" and 3/4", folded and glued it to the edge.

I could have added photos, etc.and made it into an album, but I elected to let the artwork speak for itself and only added pieces here and there where I thought it needed it or presented a message. I cut and punched various pieces from the calendar pages and did a little stamping to complete my book. Finished size is approximately 5 x 6 inches, including the file folder tab. You can make your book either landscape or portrait. I chose portrait. 

Go raid your office area and start folding and cutting up those file folders!

Birthday Flip Book

I have fallen in LOVE with "flip books!" They were originally created for pen pal letters or "snail mail," but I have turned them into birthday books. They are so much fun to put together and the possibilities are literally endless! You can add flip-ups, flip-outs, etc. to your heart's content! The ones I have made so far are for teenagers, so I added some old pictures behind some of the flipped pages and added a pocket for a gift card or money inside! It's kind of like a scavernger hunt for the gift! No money just falling out of a card. It's a little adventure! Here are some views of the inside of the "book."

There are many videos on You Tube about making these flip books. The ones I like the best use 6x6 pieces of patterned paper. If you use a good quality double-sided paper I think it works better than trying to adhere two pieces of single sided paper together to make a double-sided look. It is less bulky using the actual double-sided paper. The pages are attached together using washi tape. I did have to glue some of mine down because it wasn't sticking real well, but this really wasn't a big problem. It is a great way to use a suite of coordinating papers, tapes, stickers, etc. The ones I used in this book are from the "Retro Fresh This and That" collection from Stampin' Up (2014), which is now retired. It was really fun to go through my stash and find coordinating pieces to use in the book.

I hope you give the flip book a try if you haven't already. Here are a few links to You Tube videos I like that have good instruction on how to make the flip book. Have fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJM_cd4v-4k&feature=youtu.be (by Filizlovespaper)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChP9Ajg_9Xk (by Scrapdivia29)

Happy 4th of July Card and Tag

Here is a "Happy 4th" Card and gift tag for the Fourth of July!

For the card, I formed a wreath with various punched out stars, added a bow and a banner with the word "Happy (cut from a Cricut cartridge). The wreath is attached with dimensionals to a piece of cardstock embossed with stars and matted on a coordinating blue piece of cardstock. I added more stars along the righthand side of the card and die cut the #4. Finished card is 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches.

My granddaughter is only 3-1/2, so I made her a little goodie bag with things I found at Dollar Tree. I made a tag for the bag by layering two tags together in red, white and blue papers, added a blue Mason jar filled with stars, and then tied some red and white baker's twine around the jar. It is attached to the tags with dimensionals, along with the blue star punched out piece and the red banner with the die-cut word "enjoy." I stamped "your day" and banner cut it to attach below "enjoy." I grouped some blue punched out stars in the bottom righthand corner and attached the entire tag to my bag with a blue polka dot clothespin.

Most papers are from my stash, but specifically the red cardstock is from Stampin' Up, along with the dies from the "Mini-Treat Bag Thinlets," and a retired Mason jar stamp that I stamped in white pigment ink, and then hand cut. "Your Day" is from the "You're So Sweet" stamp set that coordinates with the "Mini-Treat Bag Thinlets".  I also used various sized star punches and the Scalloped Tag Topper punch.

I hope you have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend!

Mason Jar Bouquet of Flowers

I love the look of painted Mason jars, so in keeping with a summer theme, here is a Mason jar filled with a flower bouquet. I cased this card from Pinterest. The Mason jar stamp is so versatile and you can literally fill it with anything you want. My stamp is an older one, but there are lots of Mason jar stamps out there now. I used Wink of Stella to go over the stamped lines along the edges of the jar for a glassy effect.

My flowers are from Color Pop Florals by Papertrey Ink. (See my previous post where I stenciled the flowers for a card background from the same set.) The patterned paper is from the Affectionately Yours DSP set of papers. I matted the DSP onto Night of Navy cardstock and my card base is Daffodil Delight, all from Stampin' Up! The Celebrate Today is also from the Color Pop Florals set which included this die, along with the dies for the flowers. I die cut the words from a water color looking patterned paper in my stash and it really gave it an ombre effect. Finished card is 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches, Layers were each cut 1/4 inch smaller than the previous layer.

I have another Mason jar card in mind for next week, so if you are a fan of Mason jars, stay tuned! There is a link on the right if you would like to follow along!

Summer Cooler Cards

I don't know about you, but where I live the heat is upon us! I thought it would be a good time for some "Summer Cooler" cards. The original idea for the yellow and orange card came from Dawn Griffith of Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Link to Dawn's Video She got it from someone else, so we are all passing on the cuteness!

I used clear window sheet rather than vellum and I love the look of a real glass! The second card was made the same way I did the Valentine heart jar back in February. (See link here) I stamped the jar image onto white cardstock, sponged it to look like a drink inside, then stamped the image again onto clear window sheet material with Staz-On ink. I cut both of them out and layered the "straw" in between the layers.

For the yellow and orange lemonade card I cut the yellow paper and then cut the clear window sheet slightly taller to give the illusion of a glass. I sandwiched the "straw" in between the same as the strawberry lemonade card. I didn't have a lemon stamp, so I found an image on Google, printed it, and cut it in half to use on my card.

Papers and stamps are all Stampin' Up as follows:
Yellow and Orange Lemonade Card:
White Cardstock (Card is 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches, top opening)
Orange Papers from Brights DSP Stack
Yellow "lemonade" layer from Watercolor Garden DSP (retired)
Endless Thanks stamp set
Window sheet

Red and Green Strawberry Lemonade Card:
White cardstock (card measures 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 and is side opening)
Fruit Stand DSP
Window sheet
Garden Green polka dot paper from Regals DSP stack
Red striped straw from Brights DSP stack
Jar stamp (retired), but they have a new one now and I have seen others out there.
Happy Day To You from Sale-a-Bration Perfect Pairings stamp set
Retired Candy Dots
Small punched flowers from a Martha Stewart punch

Stay cool out there and I'll be back next week with another card!

Pink Flamingo Card

I am loving all the cute flamingo stamps and card ideas floating around these days!  I thought I would share a card I made this week for someone's birthday. The card base is from a pack of note cards from the dollar bin at Target! They are really nice quality and not flimsy at all. The flamingo stamp is from the dollar bin at Michaels. I colored the flamingo with Bic markers and cut it out with some oval dies. I added a few little punched out pink flowers and a sentiment from the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set from Stampin' Up.

I lined a plain white envelope with some black and white striped paper (Heidi Swapp paper pack by American Crafts). I think lining the envelope dresses up the presentation of a card, especially for a birthday or special ocasion. All you have to do is measure your envelope, including the flap, and cut the paper slightly smaller. I rounded the top corners, inserted the paper into the envelope, then attached just the top part to the flap below the glued edge. I folded the flap down to crease it and it was done!

Have a great week and look out for those pink flamingos!

Father's Day/Masculine Cards

Need a masculine card for a birthday or Father's Day? Raid your husband's calendar! I saw a video on You Tube about turning calendars into pages for flip books and thought, "Why can't I do that with a card?" I used last year's calendar so I didn't mess up this year's, but  I'm thinking about buying one just to have on hand for these kind of cards!

You need a piece of clear plastic to place over the calendar page to decide where you want to cut the piece from, and then just trace and cut. You don't need to use the entire photo. You can crop it down. My card is A2 size, which is 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches, so I cut the calendar page down to 12 x 5-1/4 and then cut it into thirds for each panel of the card to be 4 inches wide. If your calendar isn't that big, just make a two panel card instead of three, or maybe even just one panel for the front of the card. I liked the continuous flow of one end of the car to the other, so I used both the  front and inside of the card and let the car image(s) be the focal point of the entire card. I wrote my message and signed it on the back of the card using a white chalk marker or gel pen (since my card base was black). If your calendar panels are a little smaller than mine, you can just mat them. 

I have found that it is hard to stamp on the calendar paper unless you use Staz-On ink, or you can write on it with a Sharpie marker. I stamped my greetings separately and then attached them to the card, but you can do it either way. It kind of depends on the blank space in the picture and where you can place the greeting. (My greetings are all from Stampin' Up but the only current greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.)

I first made one of these cards as a birthday card for my son, then my brother, and now I'm making Father's Day cards! I think it's a great idea for the guys in your life. 

Fry Box Gift Card Holder

I love the fry box but if you aren't using it as a party favor or 3D project, what can you use it for? Well, you can keep it flat and turn it into a gift card holder! It's great for the french fry or fast food fan in your life. I made two different sizes using the Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes & More 2 cartridge. I used the flat version of the fry box on p. 69 and not the box cut in sections.

The box/card in the picture on the left below is cut at 4 inches and the larger one on the right is cut at 4-3/4 inches. If you make the 4 inch version it will fit in a standard A2 size card envelope. The 4-3/4 inch version will need a larger A7 envelope.The gift card is inserted behind the "fries" in the "box".

Here are the pieces cut with measurements:

The yellow band acts as a cover-up for the fold lines on the box piece. I did add a top piece to the fries to cover the bottom portion and make it look more finished. This piece measured 2-1/2 x 3-4 inches. To make the fries, just cut 1/2 inch strips of an ivory or light tan cardstock and run it through your crimper or diagonal stripe embossing folder. If you don't have a diagonal stripe folder but have a straight stripe one, just put the strips in at an angle, or make lines on your scoring tool. I inked around the edges of the fry pieces to give them a little more dimension and life.

If you want to change your box up and not have french fries, here are a couple other versions I made using die cut balloons:

The balloons are attached to a piece of cardstock just like I did with the fries and also pulls out of the box. You can slip the gift card inside the box or attach it with a clip to the pull-out piece.

I find myself giving money or gift cards a lot more these days, especially since the kids in my life are all getting older and like to pick out their own gifts. I think these gift card holders make giving a gift card or money a little bit more special.  If you don't have the Cricut cartridge, try one of the many fry box die cuts out there. Depending on your die cut, you may have to do a little trimming to make the sides of the card flush with each other.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes & More 2 cartridge
Stampin' Up cardstock in Real Red, Daffodil Delight (french fry boxes)
Stampin' Up cardstock in Calypso Coral and Mint Macaron (variations of box)
Stampin' Up Build a Birthday stamp set (fry box #1)
Stampin' Up Tin of Cards" stamp set (mint macaron card)
The other stamp sets on the boxes are from retired SU sets (Happiest Birthday Wishes and Four You)
Cuttlebug balloon die
Paper Smooches balloons dies
Sissix Thinlets by Rachael Bright (banner on mint macaron card)
Stampin' Up Birthday Bouquet DSP on balloon cards
Miscellaneous rhinestones and baker's twine

Graduation Gift Card Holder

If you are still needing a card for graduation, here is one with a pocket for a gift card or cash. It starts with a piece of 5-1/2 x 12 inch cardstock in order to create the inside pocket to hold your gift. The patterned papers used in this card can actually be found at Walmart. It is by Colorbok called "Hopscotch" and comes in a pad of 50 double-sided papers. I really like this pack for teenage cards and scrapbook pages especially. The stamps are from Paper Pumpkin and the star die cut is from Stampin' Up. Finished card is 4 x 5-1/2 inches. (Directions follow below)

Here are the directions for making this card: (See picture below)

1. Cut a piece of card stock to 5-1/2 x 12 inches.
2. Score on the long side at 4 inches and 8 inches. This will give you 3 sections. On the section farthest to the right, make a diagonal slice from the score line down to about 2-1/2 inches.
3. Cut about 1/8 inch off the right side before folding it onto the middle section. This will allow the card to close better when the panels are folded together and the card is shut.
4. If you would like to line the inside of the pocket like I did, cut a piece of patterned paper to approximately 3-3/4 x 5 inches and attach it to the second panel before adhering the third panel over it.
5. Adhere the bottom and short side of this folded over piece to the middle section using sticky strip or tear and tape. This becomes the pocket for your card to insert a gift card or cash.
6. Since I used black card stock, I attached a piece of white card stock to the left inside of my card for a place to write. This measures 3-3/4 x 5-1/4 inches.
7. To decorate the front of my card, I cut 3 banners in different patterned papers and adhered them to the center front of the card. I then cut 2 circles and layered them onto the banner strips.
8. Die cut a 2-1/2 inch star strip or punch stars from a strip of black card stock.
9. Stamp a greeting and cut a banner approximately 3-3/4 inches to attach over the bottom portion of the circles. Slide strip of stars underneath before attaching.
10. Stamp the inside as desired, add a diagonal strip of patterned paper to the edge as shown, a strip across the bottom, and add your gift!

This is a masculine card and by changing the greeting, you could also use it for a Father's Day card or masculine birthday card.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Magazine Style Card Holder

These are just the handiest way to store your finished cards! They are not stored away in a box out of sight, out of mind, and are easily accessible when you need a card, especially if you divide them into categories! Finished boxes measure 4-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches and are 2 inches wide. They look great on a shelf! Here are some other views:

See Detailed Instructions Below

Want the written directions? Here they are:

Instructions:

For this project you will need a piece of 8-1/2 x 11 inch cardstock, plus another piece cut at 3 x 7 inches. Use heavyweight cardstock for stability and durability. I used Stampin’ Up.

1. First, score the 8-1/2 x 11 inch piece on the 11 inch side at 4-1/2 and 6-1/2 inches. Turn on the 8-1/2 inch side and score at 2 inches.

2. Turn the piece back around on the 11 inch side (with score line at the bottom) and place a pencil mark or small score mark at 1-3/4 and 9-1/4 inches.

3. Measure down 3-5/8 inches from the top between the two vertical score lines and draw a pencil line between the two score lines at the 3-5/8 inch mark. From the score lines to the marks you made along the top, draw a pencil line from one point to the other. This is the cut away piece. Helpful Hint: SAVE this piece as a template so next time you can just trace or cut around this piece and you won’t have to go through all the markings again, plus you will be assured all your boxes will be identical if you make multiple boxes.

4. Now, with the top piece cut away, cut up the vertical score lines along the bottom up to the 2 inch horizontal score mark. This will be the bottom of the box.

5. On the 3x7 inch piece, score at ½ inch on 3 sides. Cut up the vertical score lines on the 3-inch side to the horizontal score line. Fold and adhere tabs like you were making a box. This will only be 3-sided and will be the back of the box.

6. Fold the score lines on the bigger box piece. With this piece laying down, adhere the smaller 3-sided back piece to the bigger box piece along the 8-1/2 inch side. Bring the other side up and attach it to that side, also attaching the third side to the back of what is now the box. Fold in and attach the bottom flaps to complete the box.

7. Decorate as desired. I cut a strip of designer paper 2-1/2 inch wide by about 12 inches long and wrapped it around 3 sides of the box, leaving the back blank because it will be against the shelf. It will be a little long, but this allows you to wrap it around the box without first scoring, and then just crease the folds and cut off any excess hanging over. Attach a label of your choice to the front or tie with a bow, etc. 

 Here are some pictures I took during assembly of the prototype so you will have some kind of visual:

This may seem difficult, but it really isn't. Even though I have seen these boxes before, the hard part was coming up with the measurements so I could recreate them. As long as you use a heavyweight cardstock these will be a very durable addition to your craft shelves! I hope you will give it a try. I have 3 done and still plan to make more! 

See you next week! I have a few graduation cards to make, as well as some birthday cards, so I will be sharing one of those. 

Birthday Balloons Card & Gift Box

Inside of Card

If you are like me, you always need birthday cards! I have started to replenish my stash of birthday cards to use for the rest of the year and here is one of those cards. I love the black background of this DSP from Stampin' Up! called "It's My Party." I used a die to cut out the balloons, a punch for the small balloons, and hand cut banners for the greeting. I had a 3-1/2 inch cube take-out style box left- over from Halloween that was perfect for decorating to match the card! All I have to do is add candy, cookies, or a small gift and I'm done! I love it when things come together like that!

Finished card is 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches, with borders of colored cardstock and patterned paper each cut 1-4 inch smaller than the previous layer. Colors used are basic black, crushed curry and melon mambo from Stampin' Up! Greetings are from the Remembering Your Birthday and Build a Birthday stamp sets, also from Stampin' Up! Larger balloons were cut with a Cuttlebug die. Smaller balloons were punched from an old punch I've had for years, brand unknown.

I have a couple more cards I am working on to share next week, as well as a box to hold my birthday cards. Stay tuned! (Hint: There is a sneak peek of the box in my cover photo on my Facebook page.)

Congrats Grad!

It's that time of year again when we need graduation cards! Even when I don't think I know anyone who is graduating, I'm always surprised by an announcement in the mail. Kids just grow up so fast! Anyway, here is a card I made this year using school colors. I combined three previous Paper Pumpkin kit stamps and supplies to make this card. The "Congrats" is from the Seriously Amazing kit from August 2014, the stars are from the Wish Big kit from July 2014, and the hat and "Grad" stamps are from the March 2016 kit. It could, however, be reproduced with other dies and stamps from your stash.

Finished card size is 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches with black mat cut at 5-1/4 x 4 inches. Congrats layer was already die cut in the kit and measures 5 x 3-3/4 inches. Black patterned paper is from It's My Party DSP stack from Stampin' Up. Since the card is for a girl, I added a little bling with some rhinestones on the hats. I also lined the envelope by cutting a piece of the same DSP to 5 x 5-1/2 inches and inserting it into the envelope. Fold down the DSP for the flap, add adhesive, and then fold down the envelope flap on top of it to adhere. There is no need to glue down the entire liner, just flap to flap.

Next week I am starting a birthday card series so I hope you come back to check that out!