Interlocking Frame Card

I have seen several interlocking frame cards but I thought I'd try one with more than just the outside and inside frame pieces.  It starts out looking like a regular gate fold card.

I am entering the Divas By Design Challenge #29 - Anything Goes [Whoops - guess I didn't get it in time for this challenge!) and Just Keep on Creating Challenge - #1 - Anything Goes.

 

Then start to open the card...

Now it starts to get interesting...

I have the outside frame, the next size frame, and then the center piece was cut into three pieces each one alternating in direction.  The frame pieces are from the new Sizzix Framelits (this one is from Stampin' Up).

 Here is the open card:

The designer paper I used is from Letters to Santa and the In-Color stack (it is a double layer to make the layers firmer), the Stamped sentiment is from Tagtastic, the swirls (on the back of middle tri-cut piece and the inside of the card) are from Priceless (retired), and the embossing on the front is made using the Sizzix Elegant Bouquet Embossing folder - all from Stampin' Up.

If you have done an interlocking frame card leave me a comment with a link - I'd love to see what you have made!

Lattice Die Cuts for Sale

Wow - I can't believe how many of you asked for these!  So..I am making them available for sale.

 I will work out getting a regular "cart" set up later, but I do know how to set up individual items for sale. If you look on the right side of my blog you will see the items/quantities you can choose from. The payments will be made through PayPal.

Check out my last post for an idea of how to use these. Look for more ideas in the future!

Please note that the $1 shipping amount is for shipping to the US only.  If you are interested in having me ship somewhere else, please let me know and I can tell you how much it will be.

Something Metal

The challenge I'm entering today is "Heavy Metal" - Challenge #146 from The Corrosive Challenge Blog.

Again - PERFECT TIMING! I have been playing with soda cans and my Big Shot. What I did with this card is cut the top and bottom off a soda can (with tin snips) and then down the side of the can (using craft and rubber scissors). I ran it through my Big Shot using the Lattice die.

Many years ago (15 - 20?) there was a TV show on PBS that featured the creator of Aleene's Tacky Glue. Apparently when they developed the glue they tested it for flammability and came up with a great technique they called Burnt Brown Bag. They used a brown bag and covered it with glue and burned it. Instead of the bag burning, it gave the bag a great sooty appearance.

Since I have access to an unlimited number of soda cans (free), I thought I'd try to see what would happen if I used the same technique using a soda can. If I used the lattice die (Stampin' Up!) it could look a lattice fence. I coated the can with some Aleene's Tacky Glue and smeared it so that all surfaces were coated.

I then took a candle and held the piece in the flame until the glue becomes "sooty". Even though I used a votive candle here, I found a plumber's candle works much better (found in any hardware store or a well-stocked toolbox).

I found that the final appearance looked like an old metal fence. I'd bet that if some distressing inks in some greens would probably give it a nice patina look. I "squished" down the bubbles and "intersections" while they were warm to give it the look I was going for.

As a side note, the look on paper is a little different but would work nicely in this application. Using metal did make the glue burn a little different and sometimes created a bare spot on the metal where I had to go back and touch up with a bit more glue and burning. You have to use a little more care when using paper because the glue is only on the front and the flame may try to burn the back side - be prepared to quickly blow out the flame if that happens (safety first!). If you use paper you will need a small paper towel to brush off the excess soot.  I didn't find that an issue with the metal.

The stamp is from Mountainside Crafts (online store), the leaves are from the Bird Builder punch and the flowers come from the flower shape from the Bitty Shapes punch (both Stampin' Up!) with a pearl in the middle. I distressed the leaves with Old Olive and More Mustard ink.

Let me know if you try this technique - I'd love to see your efforts!!

Swirls and Whirls Challenge

The challenge I am entering today is from the Totally Gorjuss blog. The challenge they set forth is "Swirly Whirly" - Challenge #125. Perfect timing! I have been wanting to use my Bigz Tulipe die more and this is just the opportunity I needed to pull it out.

So...I decided to do a monochromatic color scheme and let the swirls and whirls be the star.

The bottom cutout was from the bottom of one of the the Designer Cuts Cards & Envelope set designs. The swirls and whirls were from the Bigz Tulipe die, and the pieces at the top and bottom of the oval with the sentiment was made using the Doily Triple Layer Punch (setting #2). I distressed everything with River Rock ink and the sentiment (from Stampin' Up!'s Tagtastic set) was inked in Soft Suede. Lots of dimensionals were used to add a bit of interest and assorted sizes of pearls were used as embellishments.

Simple, understated, yet elegant - a win-win card!

Time to Get Stampin'!!

Wow - almost a year since I PLANNED on keeping a blog of my ideas. No time like the present to get back on track!

So...I thought to get some inspiration I would choose to enter some sketch challenges. The first one is the Stampin Queen's Sketch Challenge SQSC 30.


This is probably one of the toughest sketches I've seen. It just looked BORING! But..I decided I was up to the challenge - one has to start somewhere, huh?

I was asked to do a couple of workshops later this spring to prepare for people who want to make teacher cards and graduation cards. I had already figured out the dimensions for a standard A2 card that has a pocket inside where a gift card, cash or a gift certificate could be placed but hadn't yet assembled it or come up with a design for the cover.



To create the stripes I used the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (currently FREE with a $50 purchase with Stampin' Up!). I inked the folder with Pumpkin Pie ink and ran it through my Big Shot. I used a sliver of one of the striped papers from Everyday Enchantment (also free until the end of the month with a $50 purchase) which was cut with the scallop border punch.

I stamped Congratulations with Pumpkin Pie ink and used a square punch to make the banner ends. I used the Modern Label punch for the piece under the sentiment also using an Everyday Enchantment paper. I raised both pieces off the paper with dimensionals.

For the top I put a piece of Whisper White organza ribbon and glued it to the back. I then took a small piece, wrapped it around the strip and fastened it by tying a knot.



I fastened the pocket with sticky strip on the sides (don't want it coming apart!). I then took a circle punch and cut an opening so the gift can be seen. On the side of the inside I fastened a strip of the same designer paper I used on the cover for the punched image.

I'd love to see your comments!

Thinking of You

This card has so many layers that it feels like so much more in your hands!



The flower was made using the "Garden Greenhouse" 2-step stamp set. For the inside flower I just cut off the outside to create a new inside then used Real Red to swipe on edges and attached with a dimensional. Cardstock was Basic Black, Real Red, Very Vanilla and Brights designer paper.

The sentiment "Thinking of You" was from "Swirls" & Curls verses" and the flourish under the flower was from the "Simple Friendship" set. It was embellished with Basic Pearls.

Ideas Galore. . .

I have bunches and bunches of ideas for paper art. I decided that a blog would help keep me on task making card and other paper projects as well as giving me the ability to share ideas.

If you have any suggestions, comments, ideas, etc., I'd be happy to hear them. I also welcome comments about the projects I share.