The Best Things In Life

Stamped Sentiment from CTMH's The Best Things Set

When this stamp set came out, I knew that I had to have it because of this sentiment.  I love the flourishes and the other sentiment (Follow your heart) as well, but this one sums up so much of how I feel.  Sure it is nice to have things.  But nicer to have family, good health, rewarding hobbies, and the list goes on and on!  

This card started out going one direction and then completely changed when I had a Spellbinders/Vagabond mishap.  All, of course, due to operator error. :-)  I ended up using a few of my Spellbinders/Vagabond rejects from previous projects and made a layered flower with many different dies.

My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 6 x 6 Blush Background on Standard Card Base

I think all the different components and layers give it a nice grungy look. Adding a couple of feminine ribbons from May Arts softens the card. The ink, cardstock and Bohemian buttons are from CTMH.  

I hope your day is filled with good things!

Thank you for visiting today.

Beverly

Life is Tweet Card

Paper Pieced Stamped Bird Images

 The June Stamp of the Month set from Close to My Heart is Life is Tweet.  I decided to use the larger bird with CTMH Stella paper and the smaller one with the Dotty paper from May's National Scrapbooking promotion.  The butterfly image above, comes from the CTMH Card Word Puzzle set.  This was stamped on a piece of yellow polka dot "Dotty" paper and then glitter glued over the top with CTMH Stardust Glitz Gel. The butterfly pictured below, on the inside of the card, was fussy cut from the Dotty paper pack.

Inside of Card Stamped with CTMH's Life is Tweet Sentiment

It is always fun to mix paper packs and stamp sets to create exactly what you want.  This is what I did here using the following CTMH supplies:

Patterned B & T Paper: Stella and Dotty
Stamps: June SOTM - Life is Tweet and Card Word Puzzle
White Daisy cardstock card base, Paradise Assortment Baker's Twine, Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel

Thank you for visiting today!
Beverly

Using Up Scraps - Card

6/24/2012 - Edited to add contact information about the Vintage Moon wood veneer shape.  Please scroll to the bottom. :-)

CTMH Roxie Paper and Love Life Stamp Set

If you have looked at my blog at all this week, you will recognize the sketch by Ann Bacon for Frosted Designs.  I couldn't help myself and had to do another one! It was a lot of fun using up some scraps from one of my favorite paper packs, Roxie.  It will no longer be available after July.  The new Close To My Heart Idea Book/Catalog comes out August 1st.  Because they keep patterned paper packs for either 6 or 12 months, Roxie will not be extended.
One of my favorite card shapes and sizes is 6 x 6 because it is also the simplest!  Cut a 12 x 12 in half and then fold. Easy Peasy. The sentiment image was stamped with black ink on a 6 x 6 Tulip cardstock base.

Old Man In the Moon Wood Veneer

Recently, I ordered some wood veneer shapes from a start up business which advertised on Facebook.  The  service was speedy and I can't wait to share with you how to go about viewing their other designs.  As soon as I find out how non-Facebook group members can tap into this little treasure trove of wood veneers, I will post it.

Thank you for stopping by today!
Beverly

****  Update:  Here is the information on the wood veneer shapes - Diana has contact information posted here along with pictures of the shapes.

Frosted Designs Card Challenge #21 - Card Three

Elemental Complements Dimensional Elements (chipboard circles) From CTMH

Ann's sketch was so much fun to follow that I wanted to make several cards using it.  This one most closely follows the sketch and was the fastest to make.  It uses some fun patterned paper, coordinating chipboard shapes, bakers twine, cardstock and one tiny stamped image.

Sentiment from CTMH Fill In The Blank Set Stamped With Lagoon Ink

I used a scallop edge punch on the cardstock to frame the center focal point.  The baker's twine from CTMH matches it perfectly, so I ran a piece on both the top and bottom strips.

Elemental B & T Paper From CTMH

The chipboard (Dimensional Elements) isn't very thick, so this will easily fit into an envelope.  The card is 5 1/2" square.  The patterned paper is the heavier weight paper that CTMH introduced last summer, so I used it for the card base.  However, because it is double sided, I placed a blank sheet of cardstock inside for a message.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  Don't forget to link up your card that you make from this sketch at Frosted Designs!

Beverly

Day 2 of Frosted Designs Card Challenge #21

Yesterday was the reveal day for the new Frosted Designs card sketch challenge.  I loved Ann's sketch so much that it was impossible to make just one card!  On this version, you can see I swapped out the center circle for an awesome stamped star. This set is retired from CTMH, but it has great images that emboss really well, so I am glad to have it in my collection.  Both the red and blue stars were heat embossed after stamping with Versamark ink. The white stars were cut with the Cricut.  All papers are from CTMH.  The red tinsel ribbon is from Michael's.

Ann Bacon's Card Sketch For Frosted Designs

If you get a chance, please stop by Frosted Designs and link up your version on this sketch.

Thank you for visiting today!

Beverly

Frosted Designs Card Sketch Challenge #21

Hello!  Thank you for visiting today!  The very talented Ann Bacon has created another wonderful sketch for us to follow at Frosted Designs.  I love it so much that I will share two more cards following this sketch later this week!  Our sponsor for this week's challenge is Jillian Vance Design.  Please link up your take on the sketch which will make you eligible for the prize drawing at Frosted Designs.

Frosted Designs Sketch by Ann Bacon

As you can see, I shrank the center circle to make a 'water' card.  Making this version of a water card was very easy to do because I used one of the cards from CTMH's Sweet Surprises Card Kit.  It looks like this in kit form:

My Originals® Sweet Surprises Card Kit

Normally, you would put candy or some other small items in the cup.  Instead, I filled one of the cups with aloe vera gel mixed with blue food coloring.  Years ago, I used hair gel in a baggie with similar (flatter) results.

Plastic Buttons and Aloe Vera Gel in CTMH's Card Kit Cup

The card base is a diecut kraft cardstock square shape with a pretty cut outline on the overlapping flap.  Part of the base was spritzed with Aquamarine Glimmer Mist. I then placed strips of different colored blue CTMH cardstock that were cut with Fiskar's Wave scissors. On top of these, I placed American Crafts Glitter Tape and a wavy glitter tape from Michael's Recollection's line. 

CTMH's Seaside Wooden Shapes

This card was oriented with the flap on the bottom to sort of mimic a sandy underwater beach. This part of the card was not spritzed with Glimmer Mist. I threaded canvas twill through the pre-punched flap and knotted it.  The ferns were made using Martha Stewart's clay that I had mixed with CTMH's Sweet Leaf re-inker and molded in one of her silicon molds. 


Please stop by tomorrow for a completely different look using the same sketch.


Thank you for visiting!
Beverly

Art Journal Page - Image Transfer Over Embroidery

Denim Fabric Was Printed, Embroidered, Stamped and Collaged

It is so much fun to incorporate fabric, paper, thread, ink and other tools and supplies together while exploring creative endeavors.  The outside cover of this book was the subject of my post here.  As I am working on the pages on the inside, I will attempt to share some of the challenges and successes in working with mixed media.  This fabric page has a ribbon border on the top and bottom.  It frames a stamped sentiment using Staz-On ink and a butterfly image using pigment ink. These were all applied after completing the base design in the center.

OESD's Sepia Petals Designs and Pigment Ink with CTMH Stamp 

I wanted to use a graphic that came with the embroidery design collection as a base for my page.  It seemed like a good time to experiment with running a piece of 10 ounce denim fabric through the ink jet printer we have had for several years. I ironed a piece of freezer paper to the piece and it went through with no problems.  Do you think holding one's breath during the process helps? :-)  The image turned out great, in fact!

Image Transfer Technique Using Golden's Matte Medium

After using a machine embroidery design on the page, it was time to add more layers.  A scrapbook page that I made several months ago had the right colors and conveyed a sense of exploration that I wanted to show on this page.  I made an image transfer of it from a photo printed at home on a regular HP ink jet printer.  After coating it with the matte medium a couple of times, I soaked it in water and rubbed off the back of the paper.  The picture shown above on the left is a photo after it was painted with the medium, but before soaking the paper off.  The bent photo on the right in the picture above is after the paper is off.  It is flexible and somewhat fragile.  You can see the top edge is ripped a little.

I may add more to this page as time goes on, but for now, I am happy with what I discovered while working on it.

Gluing Paper to Fabric With Claudine Helmuth's Studio Matte Medium
and Aleene's Flexible Stretchable Fabric Glue

The picture above shows another couple of pages as I was experimenting with different adhesives.  Please stop by again for another installment as these are completed.

Thank you for visiting today!
Beverly

Father's Day Box

Graphic 45 Le Romantique Sweetheart of Mine Paper Lining and Photo Mat

It is difficult for me to find presents for my dh.   I decided something with a picture of the kids on it would probably be appreciated more than anything else.  At my dd's graduation a few weeks ago we took a picture of his daughter, my daughter and our daughter together.  This photo is on the inside lid of the box.

SEI's Corrugated Cardboard Letter Stickers

After painting the box black, I added Tim Holtz's Foundations Metal Box Feet to the bottom.  The hinges on the box were a shiny brass color, so I dyed them with Mushroom and Silver Adirondack Alcohol Inks.
Dh loves wolves. These photos were free on the internet for personal use at: http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Pictures/wolves_pg1.html

His initials are CAT.  My weird sense of humor thinks it is a bit funny to have a cat box, especially with pictures of wolves.  Dh loves me anyway, so it is ok that I am odd like that.

Plain Wood Box From JoAnn's

Dh keeps a lot of little things that our seven year old makes for him; this will make a good place to corral some of them.

Wolf Images Mod Podged to Lid

I put a silver rope ribbon (colored with Copics) across the top of the lid on the back to balance out the lettering on the bottom.  Sorry for the crooked picture, the box isn't level because of the shape of the lid.

Happy Father's Day Weekend to all of you dads out there ... and to the moms who have both roles to fill.

All the best.  Thank you for stopping by today.
Beverly

Dots and Stripes Birthday Card

Echo Park 6 x 6 Dots & Stripes Paper

  Polka dots remind me of summer.  They are cheerful and usually bright.  And always fun!   This paper pad has dots on one side and stripes on the other.  It was hard to choose which side to use, so I used both!

Black Chipboard Frame Backed with Stamped Paper

The wide striped paper was a good surface to stamp the sentiment from CTMH upon. I punched some circles for the top and bottom of the frame to add more interest to the focal point. The furry fiber on the side adds a piece of nice texture, without adding any bulk.

This is an easy card to make and went together very quickly.  I might make one in every color from the paper pad! :-)

Thank you for visiting today!  I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.
Beverly

Treasure Important Everyday Moments

It may seem a bit of an odd thing to say - or possibly sound like a contradiction of sorts, but the front of the card expresses something that I want my kids to understand and acknowledge.  Sometimes our everyday moments are important ones.  Like being recognized at work (frequently) for a job well done. (dd #1)  Or having a great swimming lesson because you were able to achieve a new goal. (dd # 2)  Everyone has little moments that add up to bigger treasured memories.  Let's celebrate them!

Three Colors of Baker's Twine

On this card I punched a couple of different sized circles of the Dotty For You paper from CTMH and adhered it to another piece from the same collection as the card base.  The reverse of the base piece is the light grey polka dot.  It makes a pretty interior for the card. However, a blank panel makes it easier to write on, so there is one matted inside.

The sentiment on the front is from a combination of stamps and fussy cut pieces from this paper collection.  All the supplies are from CTMH.

Thank you for visiting!
Beverly

Graphic 45 Little Dresser Jewelry Box

A Great Place For Keepsakes

This dresser started out as an unfinished wood piece from Joanns.  It was next to the tissue box covers that I was buying for my two daughters.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a great piece for me to use the Graphic 45 paper that I had been hoarding.  It is a cute size that will be perfect for my older daughter to keep some of her little whatz-its in.

The Back Is Graphic 45 Curtain Call Collection Moulin Rouge

One of her favorite movies used to be Moulin Rouge.  I bought this paper immediately when I saw it last year because of her.  This cut-out section fit perfectly on the back of the dresser.

Gesso On All Surfaces To Be Painted Or Covered

I sanded all of the pieces and applied gesso to it.  I painted the top and parts that would not be covered with paper using a cream color acrylic paint. After cutting the pieces to size, I applied Mod Podge and then adhered the pieces in place.  The entire piece was then covered in a 'sealer' coat of Mod Podge.

Lined the Drawers

The piece came with wooden drawer pulls, which can be seen in the picture with the gesso.  I removed those and replaced them with some pretty black buttons from Joanns.

Graphic45  Le' Romantique Collection My Beloved 

I like the curtain or drapery effect that that ribbon along the top creates. The ribbon on the bottom gives it some needed weight to balance it.

Graphic 45 Kraft Reflections Bed of Roses Under My Beloved

Both of the women from the My Beloved paper were fussy cut and glued atop the patterned kraft paper.

May Arts Ribbon Trim the Top and Bottom

This piece was part of the pair (pictured below) that I gave her for when she moves to a new apartment next month.  She is planning on putting them on her nightstand. :-)

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Harlequin  Diamonds on 8 x 8 Paper

Thank you so very much for stopping by today!
Beverly

Frosted Designs Card Sketch Challenge #20

Echo Park Hello Summer Double Sided Paper

Hello!  Welcome to another Frosted Designs Card Sketch Challenge.  I made two cards using Ann's sketch, to show that totally different styles and sizes can use the same sketch.  The first card uses some adorable paper that I purchased from our sponsor today, Ginger Snap Scraps.

Fussy Cut Flowers and Bird

For this card, I flipped the sketch.  It is a standard size card and can be easily mailed.  The bird and large flower are raised a little bit with foam dots.  I love how the baker's twine from CTMH matches this paper perfectly.

Ann Bacon's Card Sketch For Frosted Designs

Ann has been creating so many wonderful sketches for us!  Each time I think that "It Is The Best Ever" and then another one comes along.  Thank you, Ann!

This second card has a lot of texture starting with a corrugated base.  Kaisercraft crochet lace is layerd under a piece of Tim Holtz Coredinations cardstock that was edge distressed.  On top of that is some pretty Prima paper and a couple of buttons. There is a little piece of sheer ribbon off to the left side and tied in a knot.

Fussy Cut Fairy Sitting On Umbrella

It is always fun to see what the other designers have come up with for the challenge, I hope you stop by Frosted Designs to check out their work and then link up your own card!

Have an awesome day!

Beverly

Graphic 45 Tissue Box Cover

Curtain Call Moulin Rouge Stamp Paper Strip Across Top of  Sides

 The other day I posted a tissue box made with Graphic 45 papers that I made for my seven year old dd.  She loved the bunnies and fairies that covered the paper.  Older dd is twenty two and past the bunny stage, so the papers from these collections seem more her style.   She is coming home for a short visit today, so I am hoping she likes what I made for her.

Olde Curiosity Shoppe 8 x 8 Paper and May Arts Ribbon

Unfinished Wood Tissue Box From Joann's

Graphic 45 Kraft Reflections Bed Of Roses

I covered the exterior of the box with gesso and then painted the top with a cream color acrylic paint.  The box is about 5" wide and 6" tall and fits a standard Kleenex box.  After measuring and cutting each of the side pieced I Mod Podged them in place.
 The papers coordinate nicely with each other even though they are from different years' collections.  It is always nice to not have to think or work too hard to get things to "go".
 The kraft paper is probably my favorite.  It is elegant and a little rustic at the same time.  As an aside, the tissue box was covered using the leftover pieces from the little dresser project pictured below.  I will post that one in a couple of days.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Beverly

Fairy Folk Tissue Box Cover

Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection Fairy Folk Paper

 My younger dd loves bunnies and fairies.  When I saw this paper I knew it was meant to go in her room.  She was thrilled with it when I gave it to her, so it was worth getting all glitter-glue-y from the Sparkle Mod Podge!

Small Cardstock Flowers With Pearl Centers

This started as an unfinished wood tissue cover-box from Joanns.  I used gesso on it and then painted the top a color that I mixed to sort of match the paper.  After Mod Podging it and covering it with paper, I started making the little flowers.  They were very easy to do with a small flower punch and Cappuccino Perfect Pearls mist.  I fussy cut the mama bunny and the little 'uns and placed them on top of a small metal frame from CTMH.  The insert on the frame is the reverse of the Graphic 45 paper.  In the top left corner I adhered a small cutout stamp from another Graphic 45 line - Romantique Collection.  Then I tucked a Webster's Pages little brown resin bird behind it.

Flower Ribbon Adhered to Top Edge of Tissue Box

This was very easy to put together and didn't take very long.  Drying time is what always slows me down. But this is not a large project, so it was fairly quick to dry.  I tied on a piece of ribbon and a bow and then adhered the frame on top of the ribbon.  The ribbon on top was glued in place with 3 in 1 glue.  I am loving that stuff!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Beverly