Flowers and Hugs

 

Ah, a four day weekend! The perfect time to play in the studio and relax.  Usually, about this time of year, I start getting burned out on Christmas cards and need to jump ahead to spring and flowers. (I know I have a long time to wait!)

Anyhow, Tracy at Noor! Design-UK is having a design team call, and I would love the opportunity to design with these elegant dies.  Anyone who follows my blog, knows that I am a die-cut addict! 

I enjoy making my own flowers, and had fun with these Fantasy Flowers.  I cut and embossed the base, shaped it, inked the flowers and added glitter.  Then I cut the small flowers, inked and shaped them and added seed bead centers.  Cutting the dies is always just the beginning for me - I really like to finish them off as well.

I think I would be a great fit for this team, because I love their products and the line fits completely with my style ( which I consider Shabby Chic meets Dolly Parton!)  Any company that I have designed for, I realize it is my responsibility to share my enthusiasm with others, to inspire and educate people on how to use the lines, to be an ambassador for the company and to do all within my power to promote them.  I achieve this by posting my projects not only to my blog, but also to Facebook, Twitter,  Pinterest.. In the past year, I have starting making video tutorials, so I am also growing a YouTube Channel. I  regularly submit to print magazines, and have been fortunate to have quite a few publications.

Thanks for letting me share this card with you today!

Winner of the Heartfelt Creations November Blog Hop

I am excited to say that the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Heartfelt Creations was chosen from my blog, and it was none other than my very sweet commenter, Donna Ellis!  Donna, you get to go shopping at HC (just in time for their beautiful new release - Romantique Garden Collection.

Just email Emma Lou and let her know that you were the winner, and have fun shopping!

Die Cutting Extreme

I always love pushing the boundaries for die cutting, and thought this card was one of those examples.    For the fancy cut on the side of the card, I used an Over the Edge die, and then used the matching silhouette to trim the aqua panel to match.   The lace border to the left side was matched and extended to make it longer.  Finally all of the flowers and greenery were cut, colored and shaped to make a stunning bouquet.

Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog Hop for November

Welcome to the November Edition of the Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog Hop!This is the first chance I have had to hop with the alumni, and I'm excited to be able to continue to share my love for Heartfelt Creations with you!  The hop runs now through Friday night - at midnight.  And one lucky commenter, chosen from one of the stops on the blog hop, will win a $25 gift certificate to HC.  How great is that?  You get to hop around and see some wonderful projects, plus have the chance to win some goodies of your own!  The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 29th.

Supplies

• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower Die HCD753
• Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lace Border Die HCD 713 
• Heartfelt Creations Cut Mat Create 1B Die HCD 750
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower PreCut Set HCPC 3626
• Heartfelt Creations Vintage Word Background PreCut Set HCPC 3320
• Heartfelt Creations Beautiful You PreCut Set HCPC 3532
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower Paper Collection HCDP1 247
• Crafter's Companion Indian Bouquet Embossing Folder
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Azure Sea Asters Starburst Spray
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Glory of the Seas Gold Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Red Hot Poker Orange Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Gag Me With a Spoon Gray Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Violacious Violet Moon Shadow Mist Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Pumpkin Fiesta Embossing Powder
•   Lindy's Stamp Gang Queen Sheba's Silver Embossing Powder
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Sunrise Salmon Gold Embossing Powder
•  3D Crystal Lacquer
•  May Arts Ribbon Twine
• May Arts Crochet Ribbon
• Core'dinations Cardstock - Graphic 45 Signature Series Darks
• Core'dinations Sand-It Gadget
• Imagine Crafts: VersaMark Ink, Staz-On Ink ( Ganache)
• Spellbinders Circle Dies
• Spellbinders Grand Caliber
• Cheesecloth
• Cold Press Water Color Paper
• Xyron Mega Runner, Foam Adhesives
• Heat Tool

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of water color paper 5 3/4" square.  Color using the mists.
2. Distress the edges and dip the edges of the paper in the Moon Shadow Mist.
3. Cut another square of water color paper 4 1/4".  Stamp with watermark ink and heat emboss using a mix of the embossing powders.
4. Spray the paper with water, and lightly mist.  Use a paintbrush with the mists to achieve a water color effect.
5.   Flick droplets of mist over the stamped background.
6. Distress the edges, and dip in the Moon Shadow Mist.
7. Add layers of cheesecloth, lace and die cut borders underneath the center panel.  Glue panel in place.
8. Machine stitch around the two square panels.
9. Layer two circle dies to cut a ring.  Emboss the ring and sand the raised areas.
10. Stamp the sunflowers with Staz-On ink.  Die cut with the matching die.
11. Color the flowers with the mists.
12.   Use a VersaMark pen to add details on the flower petals and heat emboss using the Pumpkin Fiesta powder.
13.  Shape the flowers.
14. Use 3D Crystal Lacquer to glue microbeads to the flower centers.
15. Stamp and cut the sentiment.
16. Finish as shown, gluing the card front to a 5 x 6 card base.

 Blog Hop Order

Giovana Smith

Glenda Brooks

Lisa Gregory

Emilia van den Heuvel

Vicki Dutcher

Caroline Duncan

Amarilys Doria

Mary Faus

Sarah Miller

Loretta Lock

Gini Cagle - You are here

Alissa Wells

Lisa Allen

Challenges:

• Lindy's Stamp Gang November Color Challenge  (All LSG products listed and linked in the supply list)

• Cardabilities Sketch 111
• Scrapyland - Challenge 6 - Die Cuts (Heartfelt Creations) and Texture

Back to the Chalkboard - Thank You Cards

During the holiday season, it is easy to focus on getting those Christmas cards made and sent out, but this time of year, we also need a steady supply of thank you cards. This trendy chalkboard card fits the bill. Add an easy matching envelope, and you have a stunning set. 

 

Back to the Chalkboard Thank You Cards Supplies:

• Chalk Core White A2 Cards with Envelopes
• Chalk Core Colors 4 x 6 Paper
• Glitter Silk Cardstock
• Sand-It Gadget
• Darice Embossing Folder - Snowflake
• Spellbinders Dies: Snowflake Wonder; Labels 28; Decorative Labels 28
• Cuttlebug - Thanks Die
• Zva Creative Gems
• May Arts Ribbon
• Scor-Pal
• Xyron Adhesive

 

 Step 1. Score each side of the card front to create a border. Sand with the Sand-It Gadget to reveal the chalkboard effect. 

 Step 2. Die cut the label, then emboss with the folder. Sand the edges and the designs.  

Step 3. Die cut the decorative label. Mount on the card base with foam adhesives. Mount the snowflake label on top with more foam adhesives.

 Step 4. Add gems and ribbon to decorate.

 Step 5. Die cut snowflakes with Glitter Silk and layer on the card.

 Step 6. Die cut the sentiment and mount on another die cut label for the inside greeting. 

 

Envelope Directions: 

 Step 1. Emboss a piece of the colored chalkboard with the Snowflake folder.

 Step 2. Tear the edge of the embossed paper. Trim to fit the envelope and adhere.

 Step 3. Add glitter glue to the centers of the snowflakes.   

Get started crafting now! Then you can have your thank-you cards ready to go, and you can sit back and enjoy the holidays. ~Gini

Thanksgiving Tag

 

I'm all caught up on design work, so I thought it would be fun to just play around with some techniques on a tag.   And since Thanksgiving is just a few days away, this will probably be the last project that I will have for that holiday, and then, it will be all Christmas.

Challenges:

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Thanksgiving

12 Tags of 2014

Stampendous - Thanksgiving

Core'dinations and Graphic 45 Blog Event

  I love working with Graphic 45 products, and I always find that I am challenged to think outside of the box - or in this case, design around the box. I started out with the G45 ATC Book Box, and decided to turn it into a Dog House that functions as a bank. Using the Raining Cats and Dogs collection got me thinking about saving for a rainy day and inspired the idea of a piggy bank.  

 Saving For a Rainy Day Bank Supplies:

• Graphic 45 Darks Signature Series
• Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgic Collection
• Sand It Gadget
• Raining Cats and Dogs 8 x 8 Pad
• Raining Cats and Dogs Decorative Chipboard
• Raining Cats and Dogs Banners
• Hampton Art/ Graphic 45 Cling Stamp Raining Cats and Dogs 1
• ATC Book Box
• May Arts Ribbon: 420-09; 385-58-14
• Spellbinders Scalloped Circle Die, Grand Calibur Machine
• Mini-Scallop Border Punch
• Xyron Mega Runner
• Tsukineko Ink
• Hot Glue Gun
• Cardboard

 I constructed a roof to fit over the box ( and cut a hole to insert money). The dog house was decorated and finished with a paper umbrella, made from a scalloped circle. To access the money inside, simply untie the ribbon.  
Wouldn't this be a fun way to save up those pennies for more craft supplies?!! Thanks for stopping by. ~Gini

May Arts - Kids Crafts for the Holidays Blog Hop

The Holidays are all about family - and even more so, kids.  So the May Arts Ribbonistas decided to have s blog hop to celebrate crafting with our favorite kidos. And of course, there will be prizes, so head to the May Arts Ribbon Blog for all of the details.

Since I don't have any children of my own, I asked my eight year old nephew if he would like to help me out with this project.  He jumped at the chance and came right over.  I of course had visions of the cute projects that we would make together....and as you know, sometimes things just don't go as planned. Cole's mind was racing with all of the fun supplies he could do anything with, and he was not at all interested in my plans. 

So, I ended up making this Sock Snowman.  He was so quick and easy to make - and adding the May Arts Ribbon, made him look spectacular. To create this little cutie, just take an old sock and cut off the foot.  Turn the sock inside out and gather one end with a heavy rubber band.  Turn back right side out and fill with rice.  Close the top with another rubber band. Tie ribbon for a scarf and to create the neck.  Fold the foot portion of the sock to form that hat. Embellish with ribbon and buttons.
 

 

May Arts Ribbons:

454-15-14  1.5" Woven Stripes Ribbon

419-14 Mini Pom Pom Ribbon

HA-8-14 3/8" Double Faced Satin Ribbon

481-15-30 1 1/2" Metallic Star Banner Ribbon

Now here is the card my nephew made. Since he just had his Veteran's Day program last week at school, he wanted to make a Marine card. It probably didn't help that he was eating Frito's as he made his card - but it was made with love :)  And we still had fun together (which is the main point!)

Thursday

Charlene Driggs

Emily Lanham

Gini Williams Cagle

Jen Shears

Jenifer Cowles

Jennifer Davey

Karen Baker

Friday

Karen Hanson

Lalo IK

Mallika Kejriwal

Mary Brockway

Tracy McLennon

Virginia Fynes

Whimsical Chalkboard Christmas Card

The Outlines brand of stamps from Hampton Art, are the perfect choice for creating the trendy chalkboard projects. So today, I will show you how easy it is to create this whimsical card.

Supplies for Chalkboard Christmas Card

• Hampton Art/Outlines Stamp Set SC0669
• May Arts Ribbon 1/4" Twill Ribbon with Chevron Stripes 382-14-14
• May Arts Ribbon SM-28
• Core'Dinations Chalk Core Paper
• Sand-It Gadget
• Sizzix Alterations Embossing Folder - Distressed Frame
• Derwent Inktense Pencils
• Staz-On Ink
• Water brush

Step 1.  Emboss a piece of Chalk Core paper. Sand the raised designs.
Step 2.  Stamp the image with White ink.
Step 3.  Color the images with Inktense pencils.  Use a water brush to spread the colors.
Step 4.  Mount on red cardstock
Step 5.  Add ribbon.
Step 6.  Attach to a card base.

Live Every Moment

Hi, I hope you have had a lovely weekend!  Just thought I would sneak in a card that I made using the gorgeous IndigoBlu stamps from England.  I masked over parts of my image and then used a stencil to ink the designs.

Challenges:
IndigoBlu: Magical Masking
Simon Says Monday Challenge - Inspired by Ornaments (the stencil design looked like an antique glass ornament)