Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge #550 Life is Grand

Welcome to the Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge #550.  This week we have a sketch.

I have chosen to use the Life is Grand stamp set from page 17 of the Occasions catalog.  I've also used the Floral Romance Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I have to say that it is the star of the show!

I am in love with this card.  It's really not as hard to make as it looks.  Not at all!

Start with card base of Fresh Fig.  It measures 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and is folded at 4 1/4.

Add a layer of the dark leaf paper from the Floral Romance Designer Series Paper.  It is cut at 3 1/2 x 5 1/2.  Add so that a little of the top and bottom of the base shows.

The next layer is the lighter leaf pattern.  It's cut to 3 x 4 1/2.  Add to the center of the card.

Now we add just below the center two strips of Fresh Fig that measure 1/4 x 4.  This paper is from the Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper.  You could just as well use Fresh Fig cardstock.

Stamp the sentiment from Life is Grand on Whisper White in Fresh Fig ink.  I did use the Stamparatus so insure a good dark image.  Cut around this using the Layering Ovals Framelits.  Cut a scalloped oval in Fresh Fig as a frame.  Add these to the card base with dimensionals.

Now find the vellum paper from the Floral Romance Specialty DSP.  This is what makes it specialty!  Using snips trim around some of the bunches of leaves and flowers.  Add to the edges of the oval.  I did add one coming out from beneath the oval.  To attach, I put a dab of the Multipurpose Liquid Glue on a Silicone Mat.  Take a section of a sponge and dip it into the glue.  Add to the back of the vellum.  Remember that you only need to put glue on the part that acutally needs to stick to the oval.

Here's the inside of the card.  The saying is from Life is Grand and is stamped in Fresh Fig.  Add another little cluster of leaves and flowers.

I think the colors in this card are fantastic.  It's really all due to the colors used in the Floral Romance Specialty Designer Series Paper.  If you don't have this.  Give it some consideration!

Thanks for spending some time with me today.  If you don't already have a demonstrator, I want your business!  Let me help you!

Today is the last day to get the February Stamping Around the World Tutorial.  We'll have a new one for March.  I don't want you to miss out on this tutorial!  You can get it free by making a $50 purchase.  I'll email the tutorial to you upon confirmation from Stampin Up!  You can also purchase the tutorial for $15 US.  Email me at [email protected] if interested.

Product List

Life Is Grand Cling Stamp Set

[148744]

$20.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies

[141706]

$35.00

Floral Romance 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[148586]

$14.00

Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper

[146331]

$11.00

Fresh Fig 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[144242]

$8.50

Fresh Fig Classic Stampin' Pad

[147144]

$7.50

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

Stamping Sponges

[141337]

$3.50

Silicone Craft Sheet

[127853]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Stamparatus

[146276]

$49.00

How Sweet It Is

I'm starting today with a confession.  I am a paper hoarder.  I love our designer series paper.  I buy our paper, but I don't always used it.  Are you that way?  Today I'm cutting the How Sweet It Is Designer Series Paper .  It's so easy to make a card with this paper- and fast!

While making confessions, I also don't use the Brights that much.  I love this card!

The card base is Melon Mambo and is cut at 5 1/5 x 8 1/2.  Fold at 4 1/4.  The next layer is Granny Apple Green and measures 3 3/4 x 5.  The diagonal stripe paper is from How Sweet It Is.  Cut it to 3 5/8 x 4 7/8.

Fussy cut a cupcake from one of the other patterned papers.  Funny story, I was attending a card class that my sister was having.  She was explaining the cards to the group and said we would have to fussy cut some flowers.  One of her ladies asked her if she called it that because she fusses when she cuts.  Fuss and cut!  I'm not sure why demonstrators call it fussy cut, but maybe that's it!  Who knows!  Cut out a couple more of the candies.  You will also need these on the inside of the card.  Go ahead and cut two of everything.

Using the Stitched Shapes Framelits cut a Whisper White circle.  Use the second largest circle.  Now cut a scallop circle from Melon Mambo from the Layering Circles Framelits.  

Cut a banner from Whisper White that is 1 x 5 1/4.  Notch the end and curl it up just a little with your fingers or bone folder.  Stamp the saying from Incredible Like You from the Occasions catalog.  Stamp in Melon Mambo.  Add the banner across the card.  I always line my card up straight with my grid paper.  Now use those grids to get the banner straight on your card.

Add the circles.  Add the cupcake and candies with dimensionals.  

Finish up the card front with several of the Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots.

Here's the inside of my card.  Use the Incredible Like You stamp set for the sentiment.  Add those extra pieces you cut out.  That was easy!

I think this card would appeal to everyone!  You can also make it in about 15 minutes!

Thanks for joining me today.  I appreciate it!  I hope to see you again.  Join my Business Facebook group here.  I put every post there.

I want to be your demonstrator if you don't already have one.  I really do!  Let me know if you need catalogs or any help with your stamping.  I'm here for you.  I do have an incentive program for purchases.  See it Download Luv 2 Create incentive.  I've also joined a group of demonstrators from around the globe.  We make a new tutorial each month.  Each of us adds a card tutorial.  You get them all for free from me with a $50 SU purchase.  I will email the tutorial to you when I get notification from SU of your purchase.  You can buy just the tutorial from me for $15.  Send me a message if you are interested.

Product List

Incredible Like You Photopolymer Stamp Set

[148708]

$17.00

How Sweet It Is 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[148568]

$11.00

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

[141705]

$35.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

$30.00

Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots

[148805]

$7.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[115320]

$8.50

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

[147051]

$7.50

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

$8.50

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

NC Demo Blog Hop for February Keeping It Inside the Lines

Welcome to the NC Demo Blog Hop for February.  This month our theme is keeping it inside the lines.  Stampin' Up! has so many lined stamps and so many ways to color them.  I bet you'll see several different ways to color.  You might have just come from Toni's blog.  You can always depend on her to have excellent projects! 

I will be using Blends for my project.  Here it is.

The All That You Are stamp set is on page 2 of the Occasions catalog.  I think it could easily be missed.  This set also coordinates with the Frosted Bouquet Framelits that were carried over from the Holiday catalog.  Don't you love when things work together.  You get more bang for your buck!  I paired this set with the Rectangle Stitched Framelits from page 28 of the Occasions catalog.  This is another item that I think could easily be overlooked.  These are in the lower left corner.  You are going to want these framelits.  They have the double stitching that is so eye catching.

Start with a card base of Poppy Parade that is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.  Fold at 4 1/4.  There is a Old Olive layer that is 4 1/8 x 5 3/8.  The Whisper White layer is 4 x 5 1/4.  Use the Stamparatus to stamp the large stamp from All That You Are.  Stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento Black on the white layer.  Now, use the Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies to cut this layer.  There is a group of 4 rectangles that are long and skinny.  Use the middle two rectangles.  Place the larger one in the center of the layer.  The next one fits beside this one.  There will be about a quarter inch of space on each side of this rectangle.  Run this through the Big Shot.  Now place the smaller rectangle on the other side and cut.  Try to make everything look as symetrical as possible.

Color the cut out parts with blends.  I used the Light and Dark Poppy Parade, Light and Dark Old Olive, and the Dark Mango Melody.

Once colors add these parts back in their space.  Use the Foam Adhesive Strips to give them elevation.  Before adding the center strip, wrap some of the Old Olive Twine (I have the wrong link for this product at the bottom) around 3 times.  Add a bow to the front with glue dots.

Stamp three of the small flowers on scrap white cardstock.  One will go inside.  Color these in with the Light and Dark Poppy Parade and Dark Mango Melody.  Cut these out with the Frosted Bouquet Framelits.  These framelits have 2 of the small flower dies.  That makes things a little faster.  You will need about 7 leaves.  Stamp in Memento Black on white scraps.  Color these with the Light and Dark Old Olive Blends.  Fussy cut the leaves.

Add 2 flowers on dimensionals to the bottom right of the card.  Use glue dots to add the leaves.

The sentiment at the top is part of the Varied Vases stamp set.  Cut this out with the Stiched Shapes Framelits.  It's the smallest oval.  Glue to the top left of the card.  Add the leaves.

Here is the inside of the card.  The saying is from Varied Vases.  Add the flower and leaf.

 

Thanks so much for reading my blog today.  I hope you found something that you can use in your own card making.   Tracie is next on our hop.  I wonder what she will color.  What will she use?  Blends, Coloring Pencils, Aqua Painter, Blender Pens?  You know you have to look!

 

Toni Campana -

Jo Anne Hewins -  You are here.

Tracie Evans Langley -

Sharon Maranich -

Sue Root -

Robbie Rubala - 

Sue Stapp - 

Anita Trippi -

Frances Wagner -

 

This teaser shows the stamp sets used in our tutorial.  It is wonderful!  You can get this tutorial for FREE from me by making a $50 purchase.  Please use the Host Code KE3QNAD7.  Once I receive notice of your order, I'll email the tutorial to you.  You'll be ready to make these fantastic cards.  Even if you don't have a stamp set, you can substitute sets you have.  Or you could just order them!  There's one more way you can get this tutorial.  You can purchase it for only $15 US.  Email me at [email protected] to let me know you are interested.  I'll send you a Paypal invoice.  Once paid, I'll email the tutorial to you.  This will be done within 48 hours, but probably much quicker!

 

Product List

Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146644]

$26.00

All That You Are Cling Stamp Set

[148664]

$23.00

Frosted Bouquet Framelits Dies

[147895]

$33.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

$30.00

Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies

[148551]

$35.00

Old Olive Baker's Twine

[134579]

$3.00

Poppy Parade 8-1/2" x 11"" Card Stock"

[119793]

$8.50

Light Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Marker

[146878]

$4.50

Dark Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Marker

[146879]

$4.50

Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[147275]

$9.00

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100702]

$8.50

Old Olive Light Stampin' Blends Marker

[144574]

$4.50

Old Olive Dark Stampin' Blends Marker

[144573]

$4.50

Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144597]

$9.00

Mango Melody Dark Stampin' Blends

[147944]

$4.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

Foam Adhesive Strips

[141825]

$8.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Beauty Abounds with Butterflies

I've seen so many pretty cards made with the Beauty Abounds stamp set and coordinating Butterfly Beauty Thinlits Dies.  I decided it was time to get out those thinlits.  Orange is not my thing, but I wanted to make a card that made me think of the Monarch Butterfly.  I'm not so sure that it does, but here is my card.

Looking at this card again, I'm thinking that maybe I should have switched the colors and had the black on top.  Maybe it's just that I don't like orange.  I'm sharing this card even though it's not my favorite.

Start with a card base of Calypso Coral that is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and folded at 4 1/4.  The Basic Black layer is cut to a measurement of 3 3/4 x 5.  

The Whisper White layer is 3 5/8 x 4 7/8.  Use the boca dots for this layer.  The larger dots were stamped in Daffodil Delight and the smaller in Calypso Coral.  Stamp these randomly over the white layer.

There are two thinlits with the butterflies that are very large.  The thicker one was cut in black and the one with  more detail was cut in Calypso Coral.  Adhere the two and then add to the card.  You might want to consider using the Multipurpose Adhesive Strips to help add these to each other and the card.  It's so much easier when you turn the cut outs into stickers.

Tie a double bow using the Black Baker's Twine and add with a glue dot.  I use a bow maker for this.

The saying is from the Beauty Abounds stamp set.  Stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  Fussy cut around this and add to the card with dimensionals.

I found it easy to use the Stamparatus to line up the sayings for the inside.  I added a few smaller butterfly cut outs in Basic Black or Calypso Coral.  The thinlits dies are filled with lots of butterflies!

This card packs a punch without all the work.  I do think you'll be happier if you run the large butterflies through the Big Shot several times.  If they aren't cut well, try turning the whole thing over and run through the Big Shot with the ridges up.

Thanks for reading my blog today.  If you need a demonstrator, please consider me.  I would love to help you.

I'm getting close to 100 subscribers to my Youtube channel!  Search for Luv 2 Create with Jo Anne Hewins and subscribe.  Apparently there is also some kind of bell to ring so that you'll get notifications of new videos.  Thanks so much!

This teaser shows the stamp sets used in our tutorial.  It is wonderful!  You can get this tutorial for FREE from me by making a $50 purchase.  Please use the Host Code KE3QNAD7.  Once I receive notice of your order, I'll email the tutorial to you.  You'll be ready to make these fantastic cards.  Even if you don't have a stamp set, you can substitute sets you have.  Or you could just order them!  There's one more way you can get this tutorial.  You can purchase it for only $15 US.  Email me at [email protected] to let me know you are interested.  I'll send you a Paypal invoice.  Once paid, I'll email the tutorial to you.  This will be done within 48 hours, but probably much quicker!

Product List

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set

[148726]

$23.00

Butterfly Beauty Thinlits Dies

[148536]

$39.00

Beauty Abounds Cling Bundle

[150617]

$55.75

Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine

[141682]

$3.00

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[122925]

$8.50

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad

[147101]

$7.50

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad

[147094]

$7.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[121045]

$8.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets

[144106]

$10.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

 

Stamping Around the World Blog Hop Happy Tails

Welcome to the Stamping Around the World Blog Hop.  We are using the same stamp sets we featured in our Stamping Around the World February Tutorials.  My name is Jo Anne Hewins and I'm from the USA.  You might have just come from Sue's blog.  Great project, Sue!

In the tutorial for February, I used the Happy Tails stamp set and the Dog Builder Punch.  These are on page 33 of the Occasions catalog.  They can be purchased as a bundle for 10% off, too!  Here is my card for today.

Isn't it cute!  I've paired those sweet puppies with the Well Said stamp set and the Well Written Framelits Dies.  These, too, are available as a bundle with 10% savings.

Start with a card base of Thick Whisper White that measures 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.  Score and fold at 4 1/4.

The stems are cut using the Well Written Framelits in Shaded Spruce.  Cut out two.  The Real Red bird and the Balmy Blue flowers were cut using dies from the same set.  I suggest that you use the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets when cutting out the stems as well as the words below.

While we are talking about the Well Written Framelits, let me tell you how I got the word FRIENDS.  The word FRIEND is part of the dies.  I also cut out the word MISS.  Cut off the flourish at the end of FRIEND and the S from MISS.  Add the two together.  You might have to do a little more snipping to get it to fit exactly, but it's pretty easy!  The words in the Happy Tails stamp set say FRIENDS FOREVER.  I only wanted to use the word FOREVER.  Cover the word FRIEND with tape.  Ink up the word and remove the tape.  Now stamp.  I'm going to recommend using the Stamparatus.

Stamp two dogs using Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  Use scrap Whisper White for this.

I used Blends to color the dogs.  The first one was covered completely with Light Crumb Cake.  Add some Light Soft Suede here and there.  Then blend with Light Crumb Cake again.  The second dog had the spots added with stamped off Soft Suede ink.  This is a stamp in the Happy Tails set.  Color here and there with the Light Crumb Cake.  Blend in with the Color Lifter Blend.  Punch these out with the Dog Builder Punch.

When adhering the stems and the dogs, you will need to clip away one of the leaves so that we can see the dog's face.  Start with the spotted dog on the right.  Stick the stems to the dog.  He will be under the two right stems and over the last one.  You will need to add some snail to the back of the dog, too.  Now stick down the dog and push down the stems that extend above.  Now do the same with the other dog.  You may need to play around a little with the stems between the dogs to get them where they look best.

Add the flowers with glue dots.  The yellow centers come from the Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots.  A blue enamel dot is added to the bird for its eye.

For the inside, the saying is from Happy Tails.  Add a couple leaves and another flower.  I also added one of the dogs.  I did stamp the dog on another white scrap, color, and punch.  Blends do tend to go through paper.  It would have showed on the back if I had done it directly on the base.

Here is a video that shows making this card!  Enjoy.  If you like it please go to Youtube and share it.  Thanks.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog today.  There's more information after the blog list.  Next up is Margriet.  Don't miss her project and all the other to follow! 

             
Eva Pottsova (Crafting with Angels)

Linda Handford (Stampin by the Beach)

Stefanie Pletscher (The Crafty Medic)

Sue Allen (Sue Allen Simply Craft)

Jo Anne Hewins (Luv 2 Create)

Margriet Siekman (Creatief met Marsie)

Jenny Hayward (A Stamping Journey)

Lori Schaefer Mueller (Stampin’ Dreams)

Narelle Fasulo (Simply Stamping with Narelle)

Alejandra Gomez (Creating with Allie)

This teaser shows the stamp sets used in our tutorial.  It is wonderful!  You can get this tutorial for FREE from me by making a $50 purchase.  Please use the Host Code KE3QNAD7.  Once I receive notice of your order, I'll email the tutorial to you.  You'll be ready to make these fantastic cards.  Even if you don't have a stamp set, you can substitute sets you have.  Or you could just order them!  There's one more way you can get this tutorial.  You can purchase it for only $15 US.  Email me at [email protected] to let me know you are interested.  I'll send you a Paypal invoice.  Once paid, I'll email the tutorial to you.  This will be done within 48 hours, but probably much quicker!

Product List

Happy Tails Photopolymer Stamp Set

[148682]

$17.00

Dog Builder Punch

[148543]

$18.00

Happy Tails Photopolymer Bundle

[150631]

$31.50

Well Said Cling Stamp Set

[148796]

$45.00

Well Written Framelits Dies

[148534]

$40.00

Well Said Cling Bundle

[150609]

$76.50

Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots

[148805]

$7.00

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[102482]

$8.50

Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146981]

$8.50

Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad

[147088]

$7.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146982]

$8.50

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

[147115]

$7.50

Crumb Cake Light Stampin' Blends Marker

[144582]

$4.50

Light Soft Suede Stampin' Blends Marker

[146874]

$4.50

Stampin' Blends Color Lifter

[144608]

$4.50

Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets

[144106]

$10.00

SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

[104332]

$7.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

Stamparatus

[146276]

$49.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00