Winner!

Hello! I just did the random number select, it was lucky #23, which means the winner is Karen MERC. Karen, please email me: natashatrupp(a)gmail.com [replace (a) with @] or leave a comment with your email address so I can get your mailing address. Thanks!

Christmas Giveaway

You knew I just couldn't stay away until the new year. I have a giveaway, it's completely related to the topic of the blog-clean and simple. I've got a spare copy of PaperCrafts: Card Creations Quick & Easy Volume 2 to give away. I've got a card that was featured on this blog in there on page 36! Leave a comment to be entered into the draw. I will do the draw around noon CST on Dec. 27. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

Ten Minute Monday (x4)

This weekend I had a small cardmaking get-together with a few friends. Last year I had provided a few designs, so I wanted to do something similar. However, I was being quite the procrastinator when it came to coming up with projects. So at 12 (they were supposed to be dropping by at 2), I got to work. First I looked through my inspiration folder and printed off a few samples. I brought that with me and started designing. So I have four designs to show today. They are all easily done in under ten minutes! Remember that you should be able click on the photos if you want to see a larger version.

Here's the first design. This one was inspired by Becky Oehlers. I really liked how stunning it was in its simplicity. I offered different patterned papers and used magic tape to apply the glitter. You can punch out circles from that tape making for very quick glitter application. Also I offered different metallic inks for the ornament and greeting and matching metallic cords.

The second design is also a very simple design. I got the idea from Julie Ebersole. Again I modified the design. I omitted the glitter, added a thicker, brighter ribbon and placed the greeting within the Good Things Grow squares. For this I offered a few different options- the mistletoe image or the bow image. As well I offered red scallops and ribbon or chocolate scallops and ribbon. I love the design. There's something very satisfying about all that open space.

The third design was inspired by Judith Novak. (Sorry I couldn't find the link to the exact card, she used the PTI anniversary set and had raffia and some distressing). I used the Rustic Snowflakes set and left off the ribbon. I also went with a slightly different colour palette.

The fourth design was inspired by a recent Nichole Heady design. This card deviates the most from the inspiration piece. Sometimes all you need is a slight idea to get you creating. That's what happened with this card. I liked the idea of making a line, but markers can smear. And I liked the cut out hearts, but I was planning on snowflakes and I know my friends are not as keen as I am about cutting things out. I went with a circle punch instead. To make the illusion of a outline I made a thin dark layer- simple.

So there are the cards we made. I think they enjoyed themselves and were quite pleased with their creations.

I know we've still got 10 days until Christmas, but this post is my last post for the blog this year. I will be updating a bit more regularly at Palmtrees & Pogosticks over the next weeks. I just wanted to give a heads up that I'm taking a mini-break from the CAS blog. I expect to start posting again around January 2nd. May you have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year! Thanks for stopping by. I truly appreciate it!

Be Inspired!

This week I thought I'd end things a little differently. Since Christmas card season in upon us (and I'm not talking about the making of them, I'm talking about the receiving of them), I thought it'd be fun to find a design you like and then make your own version of it. If you haven't received any really inspiring designs, feel free to check out some of websites. We received this card- the company on the back says Golden Gallery (just did a google search, nothing seemed to pop). Anyway, so here's my inspiration piece.

I did a few things differently. For one thing, I went with even scallops, added an extra layer of silver, also went with Baja Breeze as my blue, and I used a non-uniform patterned paper. I'm pretty sure you can pick up the resemblance though! I really wanted to add beads of silver, but the patterned paper I chose just didn't work with that concept. I didn't want to ruin it by stamping and embossing any other designs or even dotting it with a gel pen. I just left it, and added the silver scalloped layer instead.

I would love to see your take on this challenge. Find a manufactured card you love and recreate it!

Supplies:

Stamps: Snowflake Serenade

Ink: Versamark

Paper: Ski Slope, Baja Breeze, Brushed Silver

Accessories, etc.: Scalloped rectangle & circle nests, silver EP

Is it too late?

Sometimes you just have to let an image take center stage on a card. That's what I did for this card. After spending time colouring it I didn't want to add much more to the card. Supplies: Stamps: Deck the Halls by The Cat's Pajamas Ink: Tuxedo Black Paper: White, Red, Green- American Crafts Accessories, etc.: Copic markers

Ten Minute Monday

I think all I have had time for lately are 10 minute cards! I finally finished all my Christmas cards and I used this design for most of them. I just changed the color colordstock, patterned paper and embellishments. This is using PTI Kraft card stock, patterned paper form Daisy D's and the poinsettia is from Making Memories. I also used different border punches on the bottom of the patterned papers. Supplies: Stamps - Inkadinkado; Ink - Versamark; Paper - PTI, Daisy D's; Misc - white detail embossing powder, Making Memories poinsettia, Martha Stewart border punch

Ten Minute Monday (and a short story...)

First of all, here's the card. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. It just fell into place. I think I may make a bunch more to send out. Although I feel like it's cheating a bit since there is really that little that I have to do.

Supplies:

Stamps: Take a Bough (PTI)

Ink: Rhubarb Stalk

Paper: White, Red, American Crafts Christmas pack

Accessories, etc.: Quickutz Holly Jolly set

And now for the story, it is somewhat related. Ever since American Crafts introduced the paper packs back at the last CHA I have been wanted to get my hands on them. So when Michaels started showing them in the fliers I was thrilled. However I checked out my local store, they didn't have them, so I was a tad miffed. I went back a few weeks later when they were supposed to be on sale for 40%, imagine my shock when they had them in stock. So I grabbed the patterned paper as well as the assorted cardstock. I also happened to pick up a Sizzix die that day. I got to the till, it was a weekend so it was a bit of a wait. Well, the monitor at the till was busted, so I couldn't see the prices of anything. The total came to more than I expected, but I paid it anyway. On the way to the car, I checked the receipt, they were not in the system as a sale item- boo-urns. The last thing I wanted to do was go back and wait to get it fixed. So I waffled with going back later in the week...

Fast forward 2.5 hours, I go to open up my new die, it's completely the wrong one. I had picked up the flower one and it was this strange label. Ummm, no thanks. So I decided to go back right then, I might as well get it all sorted out.

I had a great clerk, she was really helpful and nice as I tried to explain my multiple problems. Well then, I pulled out the paper, it's kept in a cardboard casing by the way, and it slices into my left ring finger. You know how a papercut is annoying and mildly painful, well a cardboard cut is several times worse, you might as well use a knife. I held my finger in my hand, expecting it to stop shortly. Since my hands were abnormally warm, it was bleeding pretty badly. I asked for a kleenex, which of course they didn't have any of. The manager asks if rough paper towel is okay, she's holding up a giant roll, I say "great!". I ended up going through two lengthy sheets, but I kept it all contained. Like I said, it might as well have been a knife wound. It finally stopped some time on the drive home. It was quite ridiculous, this is just so typically me. Keep in mind this is the same week that I already had cut one other finger with aluminum foil (not the blade edge, the actually foil...), as well as receiving some other mysterious cuts on my hands. Apparently my hands just are too soft right now??

Well, anyway, I managed to get everything for the right price, I ended up getting $25 back, so I guess it was worth it. So that's my story, but hey, I've got the paper now.

FTL 22

It's time for another fall-to layout. This one works really nicely when you have a long focal image that you want to show off.

This layout also can be easily dressed up or down. I kept mine very simple. If you're going to center a column of images then you may want to go with an oval that's the size of Stampin' Up!'s smallest oval punch. I found the larger one was just too big for my version of the layout.

Supplies:

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Faux Ribbon

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango

Paper: Hawaii Papaya DP, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, White

Accessories, etc.: Pop dots, small oval punch

If you play along leave a link in a comment or upload to SCS with the keyword FTL22. Thanks!

Making Your Own Embellishments-CAS-style

I'm all for finding ways to use the supplies I have on hand to make other embellishments. I thought it'd be fun to share a few make-it-yourself embellishments.Some products that are ideal for making your own embellishments: felt, fun foam, chipboard,plastic, and paper

To make embellishments with any of these items, all you need is a die, die-cut machine, or scissors. Run the media through your die cut machine and you're set. Or, if you are feeling like something a bit more unique, freehand a design and cut it out!

Now, to keep things clean and simple, use these embellishments as the focal points on your card. After all that work to make something cool and unique for your card, show it off!

Ten Minute Monday!

I have recently been looking for funky felt embellishments, but haven't had much luck with finding a decent variety. Also, the selection out there is a tad too pricey for my liking. So I finally picked up this cute floral die by Sizzix. I got it for 50% off. When you consider the cost of about 12.50 for the possibility of hundreds if not thousands of embellishments, you quickly realize that 'hey, that's a good deal!'. I also picked up some felt sheets at 49 cents a piece so I could get to work right away. I kept the card simple, since it's for the ten minute feature. However, just a tip for speeding things up in your creative process- when you have spare time, cut out extra die cuts, keep them in a small bag, drawer, or container where you'll have access to them when you're more restricted on time. Supplies: Stamps: Happy Days (gel-a-tins) Ink: Rich Cocoa Paper: White, Pretty in Pink, Textured Brown Accessories, etc.: Sizzix Flower Die, Felt, Pink Brad, Stitched ribbon

FTL21- Sample

Here's my sample for this weekend's sketch. Even though I used a floral graphic on the sketch doesn't mean that the focus needs to be floral. I went with something still in the nature family- holly.

Supplies: Stamps: Holly Jolly Ink: Bamboo Leaves, Rhubarb Stalk Paper: White, Olive, Cranberry, Vellum Accessories, etc.: pop dots, gold ribbon, scalloped rectangle die

FTL21!

Here's the weekend sketch. I went with a square design this time. If you play along, leave a link or use the keyword FTL21. I'll be updating tomorrow with my version. Enjoy the weekend!

More Holiday Blitz

This is a layout that works really nicely with small repeated images- so it's perfect for a card featuring snowflakes. I know I've used this layout before, but it's just so easy! Supplies: Stamps: Deck the Hall Ink: Bahama Blue, Danube Blue Paper: Brilliant Blue, Turquoise, White Accessories, etc.: Rhinestones

10 Minute Monday

Well, maybe it should be 10 Minute Tuesday this time around! Also, you might be thinking this looks like more than a 10 minute card. Well, my trick was that the main image was already stamped and just lying in my scrap pile! All I had to add was a mat, ribbon, sentiment, button, and birds. So there you go, a tip to keep the holidays simple: go back through your scrap pile and use what you have already! Supplies: stamps - Season of Friendship paper - kraft, choc, ww ink - choc, baja breeze, real red acc - red gg, kiwi button, crochet thread

Ten Minute Monday!

Truthfully, this may have been more of an 11 or 12 minute card. However, that's only because I decided to add a bow instead of a knot, and also because I kept changing my colour combination. After that was settled, it came together quickly. I didn't do any complex shading on the presents, that sped things up. I also didn't cut them out amazingly precisely. They're close, but I left a white edge around them to quicken things. Supplies: Stamps: Santa's Sweet Shoppe, and Sentiments Ink: Tuxedo Black Paper: Really Red, White Accessories, etc.: Copic markers, pop dots, large scalloped rectangle nestabilities, green ribbon

FTL20

I had these PTI patterned papers out from the last card I made so I thought I'd use the scraps. I like Natasha's layout a lot. The sentiment is from Impression Obsession. I forgot to place brads in the corners before I adhered the polka dotted paper to the cardbase so I left them off the card - I don't like the backs showing through on the inside of the card. Supplies: Stamps - Impression Obsession; Ink - SU! Chocolate Chip; Paper - PaperTrey; Misc - May Arts Satin ribbon

FTL 20

Hello! I'm so glad it's the weekend. I haven't had much time for anything this week. Doing something every night is a bit much sometimes. I certainly don't mind be a homebody at times.

Anyway, here's the sketch! I hope you find time to play along! If you do, post a link in the comments or upload using the keyword FTL20

Here's my card. Nice and quick, and I liked the twist on a layout that I would typically do vertically. Supplies:

Stamps: Take a Bough

Ink: Rich Cocoa, Rhubarb Stalk, Bamboo Leaves

Paper: White, Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Holiday Thyme DP

Accessories, etc: White brads, Twill

Embrace Dies

Keeping it simple for the holidays means using details to add interest, like dies, patterned paper and simple embellishments like a button. Supplies: stamps - Christmas Magic (Little Yellow Bicycle) paper - artichoke, shimmery white, Wassail (Basic Grey) ink - riding hood red, artichoke acc - Wassail buttons, rhred gg, nesties label die

Embrace Dies

For this card I used my Cuttlebug, a Cuttlebug snowflake die and my nestabilities. After cutting the snowflake out I put it into the accompanying embossing folder and ran it through the Cuttlebug again. Then I smooshed (very technical term!!) it onto the glue pad and then added sparkley diamond glitter. With this glue pad you don't even need to use a heat gun for the glitter to stick! I used my Nestabilities to cut out the mats and ran the bottom mat through the swiss dots embossing folder. I used my Scor-pal to score a pattern on the top mat. I finished the card off with an adhesive pearl and the sentiment. Supplies: Stamps - Printworks; Ink - Memento; Paper - PaperTrey Stampers Select; Misc - Cuttlebug, Snowflake die, Snowflake embossing folder, Scor-pal, self adhesive pearl, glitter, The Essential Glue Pad.

Embrace Dies

I remember when I first started this hobby, I would see dies and die-cutting machines and think they were kind of cheesy. The styles of shapes and images available were less than trendy. Things have certainly changed! Dies are now one of my basic tools! I don't go for long periods of time without using Spellbinders nestabilities on my cards. I have also been collecting a few alphabets- Quickutz has a lot of really fun fonts. This card features both companies. I managed to find the elusive Labels One set in stock, so I picked that up. I also saw this adorable set. I loved the font and the little bonuses the set came with! I decided to make a card with both of my recent acquisitions. I used 3 different sized labels, then cut out a few trees and this cute sentiment. I pieced together a small scene, then added a bit of bling, and that was that. This is certainly a fun change from a square card! There was no stamping, but I had still had fun! Supplies: Dies: Labels One, Jolly Paper: White, Olive, Red, Chocolate, Kraft Accessories, etc.: gelly gems, pop dots

Ten Minute Monday!

This weekend I've been busy making lots of cards. I've been making 4 of each item I create. It really doesn't add much time to the creative process. I need to do this more often. Anyway... one of the card designs I made definitely qualified for the ten minute status. I probably made all 4 in 30 minutes. It's based on a Halloween design I made a year ago. I have been meaning to try that design using the winter labels and other wintery images for some time. Basically, start with a 4.25x2.75 strip of glossy white paper. Decide on your colours, stamp the label style stamps overlapping them just a bit. Next, trim the paper down to 4.25x2.25. Let it dry, then curve the corners and attach to a 5.5x5 card base. Decorate with a matching popped up image. Complete with greetings. Supplies: Stamps: Holiday Treats, Take a Bough Ink: Night of Navy, Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue Paper: Glossy White, White, Night of Navy Accessories, etc.: Corner Rounder, 3/4'' circle punch, circle nestabilities

Christmas Wishes

This is another Christmas card that I am making several of this year. It is pretty easy to mass produce - I stamp all of the tree images and color and glitter them at once. Then another time I cut all the papers and use the border punch. Then I use my nestabilities to cut out and mat the image and put it all together. I probably shouldn't stamp the sentiment last but it is a clear image so I can place it where it should go. Supplies: Stamps - PaperTrey Ink; Paper - PaperTrey, Making Memories; Ink - Memento; Misc - Nestabilities, Dimensionals, MS border punch, Art Institute glitter, Quickie Glue pen

Fall-to Colours: Non-Traditional Holidays

Today's first card is a bit of a blast from the past. Its layout is simple, however it's not exactly a quick card. It is one my favorites though, and it showcases exactly what I wanted to today: using non-traditional colour combinations for the holidays. It's nice to step outside of the red and green box, even go beyond the blues, whites, and metallics.Okay, so here's the first card, it features some good old watercolouring using reinkers. Even back then I was quite the fan of pop dots (the card is from 3 years ago).

Next up is another olive and eggplant card. This one was inspired by the patterned paper. This is also from when I still was using my corner rounder to make scalloped edges. It works great, and is a great buy, but it's nice to save your hands and use a scallop punch or die cut! Now I am not saying ban red, green, and blue from your holiday cards. But if you're feeling like you're in a bit of a holiday card rut, try mixing it up. Try grouping several pinks with red, bring in teal with your blue and green. Brighten things up with orange, or tone things down with a pretty pastel palette! Have fun using colours that aren't what we expect to say Merry Christmas! Supplies: Card 1: Stamps: Retro Holiday (Stampendous?) Card 2: Oh Christmas Tree (gel-a-tins)

CAS Holiday Card

I have finally gotten into the mood to make holiday cards and I am late in starting! I definitely need to focus on CAS ones. I enjoy making cards such as this one into sets of 4 or 8 to sell but can also sell them as a single. I hope this inspires you to make quick cards if you're behind in your holiday card making! Supplies: Stamps - PaperTrey; Ink - Memento; Paper - PaperTrey Stampers Select, Making Memories; Misc - Nestabilities

Ten Minute Monday

I also did the Verve sketch that Natasha did. It is a great sketch for putting together a quick and easy card and I will use this layout to make several of my Christmas cards this year. Supplies: Stamps - GinaK; Ink - Memento; Paper - PaperTrey Stampers Select, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding; Misc - ribbon, Nestabilities, Amuse Micro Twinkler sticker

Ten Minute Monday

I made this card for a sketch for Verve Stamps. As soon as I saw the layout, I thought of this blog. This layout is perfect for this style. I did all 5 sketches Saturday, but that's why I saved this one for last, I knew it would come together quickly. Here's my card: You can check out the sketch here. I don't have a lot of starry patterned paper, so I made my own with a bit of stamping and clear embossing powder. I had originally had the orange star just flatly stamped, but it didn't seem special enough, so I stamped it again, cut it out, and popped it up. Supplies: Stamps: Swirling Stars, Birthday Basics Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sunrise, Lemon Tart Ink: Versamark, Pumpkin Pie Accessories, etc.: Orange ribbon, clear EP, nestabilities, pop dots

Layout #19

Today's sketch was inspired by this cute collection by Kristina Werner . It seemed like the perfect type of layout for keeping it clean and simple!

Here's my version of the sketch. I really liked how the snowman looked, so I used that idea, and place him on a heap of patterned snowy paper. I'm not nearly patient enough to sketch out a snowman, clean him up with the computer, then reprint and paper piece together. I found that PTI's Made of Snow worked for me. I chose my patterned paper first and drew my colours from there. For the rounded part, I cut my paper to 3-3/4 wide, then I used one of the long, large oval nestabilities. I tried a circle first, but I didn't have one big enough for to get the curve exactly as I wanted. Ovals, however, worked wonderfully!

Supplies:

Stamps: Made of Snow, Take a Bough

Paper: Kraft, Holiday Thyme, White

Ink: Tuxedo Black

Accessories, etc.: Copics, pop dots, oval nestabilities

Threes & Triangles

A concept I'm sure many people are already familiar with, but is always worth talking about is the concept of the rule of threes and using visual triangles in your designs.

When talking about the rule of threes and card making, I typically apply that to grouped items. If I'm stamping a few flowers for instance, I try to either have a group of three, an odd number, or in some cases, multiples of three. I have found that a grouping of 6 can work, simply because it's 2 groups of 3. Basically, it's just tends to be more interesting to the eye to work in odd numbers, especially threes.

Now, when I talk about the visual triangle, I usually refer to the actual layout or placement of elements. Any 3 points (there's that number again) can form a triangle, the shape of the triangle doesn't usually matter. I find that this triangle is achieved easiest by using similar items or colours. Something as simple as a black outline of an image stamp, a black sentiment, and some black ribbon or matting; or repeating a visual item, such as flowers in pattern paper, in your images, and in your embellishments. Once you start to look for these triangles though, you really start to see them everywhere!

The only problem with these concepts are that they seem overly technical and stamping is about the fun and the creativity. So try not to overthink it. However, if you come upon a design that just isn't coming together, step back and assess things. Once you get used to this idea, it starts to come naturally.

Okay, so here's my card. I went with some of my favorite paper and this fun font- it's a Quickutz die called Chocolate. Love it!

In case you are having a hard time seeing the triangles, or what exactly I mean by visual triangle, here's a diagram. I'm using the colour orange as my triangle/group of 3. You could even draw a triangle based on the vanilla items (the ribbon, the paper behind "you rock", and the background part of the flower).

Supplies:

Paper: Haiku DSP, So Saffron, Tangerine, Vanilla

Accessories, etc.: Chocolate Alphabet, Vanilla grosgrain

Ten Minute Monday

Although this layout is nothing unusual for me, it was sparked by someone's card. Every so often, I mention other stampers that showcase the clean and simple style quite nicely. Tracy Durcan is one of those stampers, I just love everything she does. You can check out her blog here (this is the post that sparked this card, scroll to the end for the specific piece of inspiration). I was going to use glitter on my card, but I found it actually took away from it, go figure!

Supplies: Stamps: O Christmas Tree (gelatins), Ink: Pure Poppy, Old Olive Paper: Old Olive, Pure Poppy, Kraft, White Accessories: Nestabilities, Pop Dots

Fall To Layout 18

In keeping with the scalloped theme this week... I present the sketch:

Don't worry too much about the dimensions. I simply started with the scalloped square, then figured out what size the patterned paper would work as. In this case, I used the largest square nestability, and the squares end up measuring 1-3/8 with the mat.

When I went to place the sentiment, I realized that neither white craft ink or chocolate ink would show up well over the patterned paper. I tried a slightly different approach. I stamped the greeting on a piece of Spring Moss, stamped a snowflake on some vanilla cardstock, punched that out, and pieced it together nicely over the square. I like how that turned out.

One fun thing about this sketch is you can really make it as simple or complex as you want. It was somewhat inspired by last year's Fall/Winter Stampin' catalog cover. That one is an example of just how complex this layout can be. My card, however, is an example of this layout at it's simplest. Feel free to add in a square layer behind the 4 squares, use more than one type of patterned paper, add more embellishments, have fun with it!

Supplies: Stamps: Snow Flurries, Mixed Messages

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Crisp

Paper: Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme, Holiday Thyme DSP, Vanilla

Accessories, etc.: 3/4 circle punch, various nestabilities, pop dot

Embrace Scallops

I used the SCS sketch for today for this card's layout. I love scallops and this layout was perfect to feature them. I used two sizes of Cuttlebug die to make the scalloped squares. The striped band of paper came with scallops on the edge from the patterned paper pack I had. Supplies: Stamps - PaperTrey Believe; Ink - Memento Rhubarb Stalk, Bamboo Leaves; Paper - PaperTrey Vintage Creme, Making Memories FaLaLa paper pack; Misc - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug Scalloped Square Die, Dimensionals

Embrace Scallops!

I love anything to do with scallops. It's great that they are so trendy right now (and that doesn't seem to be changing!). There's just something very classic about adding a scalloped edge. It works well with squares or circles or simply an edge of something.

For my card today, I started with a navy card base. I ran that through the cuttlebug with a long scalloped rectangle nestability (one could easily use scalloped scissors or a punch to get the exact effect). Next, I stamped some acetate with snowflakes. I attached that inside the card, then added some ribbon, silver cord, and a snowflake shrink charm. Pretty quick! There's no sentiment just yet, I figured a nice saying stamped in white or silver would look nice peeking through the snowflakes.

Supplies:

Stamps: Rustic Snowflakes (PTI)

Ink: Stazon White

Paper: Night of Navy, Acetate

Accessories, etc.: organdy ribbon, silver cord, polyshrink, scalloped die

10 Minute Monday

Here's a nice 10 minute card for today. The thing that took the longest was tying the bow right! I colored the ornament, cut it out, and popped it up with dimensionals, and added glitter to the heart with a clear spica pen.Supplies: stamps - Heartwarmers (CHF), PaperTray (PTI) for "string" paper - ww ink - tuxedo memento, copics acc - ribbon, clear spica glitter pen, dimensionals

10 Minute Monday

This card was made in 10 minutes. I have finally learned to make several of some things and keep them for another card. So I made the cuttlebug snowflake several days ago - I made about 4 of them so I could have them ready for a card. I covered the cut and embossed snowflake in Essential Glue and sprinkled the glitter on. With the Essential Glue pad there is no need to heat it for glitter to stick! More minutes saved! I cut a square out of white cardstock with a nestability and then embossed the paper with the snowflake folder and Cuttlebug. I used a little Multi Mono glue on the top and bottom of the snowflake to adhere it to the main panel and then attached the panel with dimensionals to give it more depth. I embellished it with a flat back pearl sticker. I stamped the sentiment and used the Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio die to cut it out. Supplies: Stamps - GinaK; Ink - Memento Bahama Blue; Paper - PaperTrey Stampers Select, Bazzil; Misc - Cuttlebug, CB Snowflake die and embossing folder, glitter, Essential Glue Pad, pearl sticker, ribbon, Spellbinder Square Nestability, Spellbinder Ribbon Tag Trio, Dimensionals

Ten Minute Monday

This week I bring you a somewhat deceptive 10 minute card. It looks more complex due to all the different patterns and layers involved, but it's really quite quick.

First off, the 3 flowers are all one stamp, so that's easy enough. I stamped that and the greeting onto a linen stamped background vanilla panel. The background papers were based off of scraps I had on my desk. I wanted the green pattern to pop out a bit more, so I mounted that on some orange. The real reason this card came together so quickly is due to the proportions. Although the main panel isn't directly proportional to the card front, it's close enough. I decided on the proportions first, found a stamp to fit into those proportions, then chose colours based on the theme. It may seem a bit backwards, but I find that using this approach makes for a quick-to-execute project!

Supplies:

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, It's Your Birthday, Linen

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Creamy Caramel

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Haiku DSP, Vanilla

Accessories, etc.: pop dots

Hi everyone! No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. DH had surgery 2 weeks ago, and I am just now starting to feel like I'm catching up. So here we go:

FTL 17

Focus on Patterned Paper

The sentiment is stamped in white craft ink, and the snowman's heart is actually christmas red stickles.

Supplies:

(happy birthday)

stamps - Flirty Flowers (Unity), Eastern Blooms (SU)

paper - kraft

ink - craft (eggplant, lavender, white)

acc - kiwi gg

(holiday cheer)

stamps - Heartwarmers (CHF)

paper - kraft, pacific point, ww, baja breeze patterns dsp

ink - white craft, tuxedo memento, copics

acc - christmas red stickles, oval nesties, kiwi gg, white brad, dimensionals

FTL 17- Samples

Alright, here are my cards. I had them finished before today, but I forgot to set up my scheduled post, oops! This first one I made first, then designed my sketch to match. This gold American Crafts ribbon served as my inspiration. The snowflakes and the sentiments are all embossed with gold powder. My second card features some very basic watercolouring. I stamped the leaf prints with Stazon on, then went over them with twinkling h2os. Added the sentiment and some brown twill and that was that.

I find that when keeping things to the one layer, you need to bring in that extra "pop", either in the form of colour, shimmer, or a dimensional point of interest (whether really, like in the case of ribbon or embossing powder, or perceived, say if I had outlined or added a shadow to the leaves). Thanks for stopping by, if you decide to play along, feel free to leave a link in the comments or use the keyword FTL17 over at SCS! Have a good weekend!

Supplies: Stamps: Snowflake Serenade, Autumn Leaf Prints, Brighter Tomorrow Paper: White, Ink: Stazon Brown, Versamark, Chocolate Chip Accessories, etc.: Ribbon, twinkling h2os

FTL 17

Here's the sketch, my samples will be up after 2:30 CST.

Fall-To-Layout 17

This is a nice one layer sketch that can be easily mass produced. I think tying the ribbon took the longest! I just love how this $1 ribbon from Mike's matches the the snowflakes and the Memento Bahama Blue ink. I thought it needed some bling so I added the Amuse Twinkler Micro Dots to the snowflake centers and the Amuse Twinkler Mini Stars to dot the "i"s in the sentiment. Supplies: Stamps - Clear Dollar Stamps, Printworks (sentiment); Paper - PaperTrey Stampers Select; Ink - Memento Bahama Blue; Misc - ribbon, Amuse Twinkler stickers

Joy of Patterned Paper

I am addicted to patterned paper! It was hard to decide what to do - I wanted to start making my Christmas cards and use some new stamps. So I started by taking out all of my holiday patterned paper and came across this Daisy D's paper from last year. I thought it was perfect to go with the PTI Rustic Branches set. Not only did the pattern paper suggest the stamp to use, but it also suggested to score vertical parallel lines and then emboss the edge with the Cuttlebug border embossing folder. Supplies: Stamps - PaperTrey, Ink - SU! Old Olive, Memento Lady Bug; Paper - PTI, Daisy D's; Misc - Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Border Embossing Folder, Scor-pal, Dimensionals