3x3 Notecards

     I really liked the colors in this paper so of course I just kept making them until I ran out of the paper.  They were a big hit at the Shakespeare Club Spring Boutique.  I packaged them in two different ways.  The first way was to just add a pretty bow to keep them together for those wanting a set for themselves.  The other way was to package them in a cello bag and add a little bling with a matching brad.

     These make great little gifts when you want to give someone "just a little something".  They are also ideal to keep in your purse when you want to add a little personal thank you to someone "in the moment" - make someone's day by saying thank you when they least expect it!

Embossing

Gold Embossed flowers on white c/s, layered on the lavendar c/s, layered onto purple c/s which is stamped with a background stamp using versamark ink.  Simple and elegant.  This will be one of the cards we make in my embossing class.  I have made these cards as birthday gifts and the response has been delightful.  My gift recipient stated:  "I love your cards!  I sent them as thank you notes for gifts I received, and people are sending me thank you notes for my thank you notes."  What a wonderful testimonial and it's those kind remarks that bring me joy when I share my love of stamping and creating.

Watercolor Roses

This technique has been around for quite a while now as I started making these cards over a year ago and am now finally taking photos and posting.  I used pink paper for the card base and shimmery white for the frame and rose.  I used my big shot to cut out the leave and the frame.  The rose is stamped in white and embossed with clear emboss.  I covered one sheet of shimmery white withe the image, then painted them all, and then cut them out as I watched TV.  The technique for the beautiful roses is to squeeze a few drops of your favorite color for roses on a plastic lid, next spray your cardstock with a little water, and the last step is to use a waterbrush to pick up a little ink and paint it on to the paper.  The wet paper will pull the ink from the brush.  Make sure to let it dry thoroughly and then cut them out and place them on your card or anywhere in your home where you need a little decor.  Enjoy!

Color Schemes

Here's a great website link to help you with color schemes.  http://www.colorschemer.com/schemes/.  

Making Journals - The Blank Journal

Gather a few supplies:
     22" x 30" watercolor paper, 140 lb hotpress, Fabriano Artistico from Dick Blick's works fine
     #18 needle
     good metal ruler
    polyester thread approx. 3x the length of the journal spine

Tear the sheet into 10" strips.  Fold one sheet in half.  The other two sheets will be folded at 8" and 16".
Fold left to right.  Fold over that extra 6".  Do this to both sheets, then nestle them oppositely to each other.  The sheet you've folded in half will have a couple of extra inches of paper, fold those in so they are even with the other pages.

Mark the holes in from 1 1/2" at the top and bottom of the spine and then mark a hole in the middle.  Sew from the center hole inside to outside center, go up through the top hole in the spine, carry your thread all the way over the inside and go down through the bottom hole on the spine.  Go back up the center hole and tie strings in the center.  Be sure to secure the long thread with the knot from the threads coming up from the center.

These are my notes and supply list I've had written on a post it note for quite a while.  When I figure out where I was when I took the notes, I'll will give credit where credit is due.  (Oh, and my notes state "don't use Arches paper - don't know why - too stiff maybe.)  I would take a picture, but all I have is white paper, haven't threaded the journal or painted it yet.

Paisley Prints - Sneak Preview

Received my new designer paper from the new Idea Book & Catalog and just had to make something new.  I used the Embossing folder, paisley prints paper, new frame punch and coordinating fun frames set.  We will be making some Mother's Day cards, get well cards next weekend at  my Women's Fellowship group.  It's  so much fun to gather together and make cards for those who are sick or live alone.

Altered Stampcase - Notepads

     Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.  I used SU!'s Stamp Cases #119105, 4 cases to the pkg, to make a customized notepad holder for my friend's birthday gift.
     I really enjoy making unique gifts for my friends...so much fun to create something special.  For this one I photocopied some old Italian ledger paper I purchased at the flea market in Arezzo, Italy, as well as a few pictures reduced in size.
     The small print reads:  "Tuscany, Signora, is a state of mind."  So true, but I can't wait to take another trip to Italy.

Here is the outside:                                                

And the inside with a little envelope for receipts and such: