Sending Sympathy and Prayers...

Today my family said goodbye to a wonderful person that I am glad that I got to know.  Unfortunately, I could not make it to the funeral, but I am going to send a card to show them that I am thinking about them during this difficult time.  It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love and it makes it even harder when it is your sister or daughter.  As hard as it is to day goodbye to a love one, I feel that making a sympathy is just as hard.  It took me a little searching to figure out how I wanted to make my card.  The original idea came from Terry Morelli, but I changed it a little bit to make it my own.  The card turned out great and I hope that my family gets through this difficult time.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Rough Day

Today was one of those day where I should have just stay in bed all day.  I wasn't feeling well to begin with, but then we received some bad news that one of my cousins past away.  It was a blessing since she couldn't move or talk anymore, but it is still hard to hear.  Her beautiful smile and personality will be greatly missed. Since I wasn't really feeling in the card creating mood so I just created a Thank You card.  It doesn't really fit how the day ended, but I have great co-workers that let me cry on their shoulder after I heard the news.  If it wasn't for them, I won't have made it though the last few hours of school.  They are great people and I love how they come together when people really need them.  Thank you to everyone that helped me make it through the afternoon today.  It was greatly appreciated.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Rich Razzberry Cardstock & Ink, Coastal Cabana Ink, Melon Mambo Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Sassy Salutations Stamp Set

Another Card Sketch

Today was another relaxing day at home.  I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing weekend and who knows when I will get another one.  Since I didn't really have an idea in mind for today's creation, I decided to use another card sketch.  It turned out pretty cute.  It isn't exactly like the card sketch, but that's what makes it even more special.  These sketches are pretty neat.  I might have to add one or two a week to my project.  Until next time happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Coastal Cabana Cardstocck, Whisper White Cardstock, Real Red Cardstock & Ink, Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack, Flower Shop Stamp Set, Petite Petals Stamp Set, Regarding Dahlias Stamp Set, Pansy Punch, Petite Punch, Circle Framelits

Banner Card

Today was a great day to catch up on a few television shows as well as a few of the forums that I follow on Stampin' Connection.  It was a very relaxing day and I usually don't get that on a Saturday so I enjoyed every minute of it.  Since I got to catch up on things and looked at all the great creations on Stampin Connections, I came across a card that I had to CASE.  It was such a beautiful card that I decided wanted to create it.  The card was created by Lisa Martz (http://lvstmpn.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/ccmc288-you-make-me-happy/).  I changed a few things on the card, but I wanted to give her credit since she originally created it.  The card turned out just as beautiful as hers and I am glad she shared her idea on Stampin Connection.  I may have to use that card at my next workshop since I think the customers will like it just as much as I do.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Banner Blast Stamp Set, Banner Punch, Perfect Pennants Stamp Set, So Saffron Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Coastal Cabana Cardstock, Baked Brown Sugar Cardstock, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Card Sketch

Unfortunately, I was not feeling well this evening so I couldn't go to the shoe box swap.  There will always be next time.  Tonight I decided to try a card sketch and I think it came out pretty cool.  I think I am going to have to try some more card sketches in the near future.  The sketches give you an idea where to start when you need some next inspiration, but they it leaves a lot of room for creative.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Pumpkin Pie Ink, Tag It Stamp Set

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Creative Memories Star Punch, Polka Dot Cardstock

A Simple Card

Since I had to prepare for my shoe swap tomorrow night, I didn't have much time left over to create tonight's card.  I settled on an easy card since I wanted to get to bed a little bit early.  My simple card turned out great and I really like it.  Sometimes the simple cards turn out the best.  Just because it is simple doesn't mean it is any less of a card.  It is still created from the heart and the person still joins the thought and effort put into it.   I sometimes feel bad when I make an easy card since I know that I am not challenging myself, but I have to remember that I live a busy life and I can't always challenge myself everyday.  On another note, I got another package from my Secret Sister today and I received a stamp set with coordinating punch that I have been wanting to buy for awhile now.  Who knew getting "happy mail "would make going to the mailbox so much more exciting.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.  

Stampin UP Supplies:  Whisper White Cardstock, Rich Razzleberry Cardstock & Ink, Petite Petals Stamp Set & Punch, Sassy Salutations Stamp Set, Pearls, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today was a wonderful day.  It was great seeing my students after having 4 days off even though they tired me out.  Tonight's creation is another Valentine's day card.  I do not know who will receive this card, but it is always nice to have a few extras on hand.  This card turned out super cute just like the others I have made.  I wish I would have had a few more choice when it came to Valentine paper, but it happens.  I have all of these cute Valentine cards, but I have not made one for my Fiance yet.  Good thing I still have time to come up an idea since it seems like making cards for him is getting a little tougher this days.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Brown Sugar Cardstock, Strawberry Slush Cardstock & Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Language of Love Stamp Set, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, Owl Punch, Jewels

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Creative Memories Heart Punch, Valentine's Day Cardstock

Another Valentine's Card

After being home for the past two days due to snow days, I decided that I wanted to tackle something that was a bit more challenging for me.  When I attempted to make a shaker card last year, it didn't turn out to well, but I found a great tutorial today by another demonstrator and just had to try it.  (Since I am trying to make my blog post shorter, I will post the link for the tutorial at the bottom of the page.)  After reading the demonstrator's blog, I would have never thought to use the outside parts of the dimensionals.  It was a great tip that I learned today and worked beautifully.  Since I have not purchased the heart framelits yet, I used my Silhouette to cut out the heart from the overlay.  This card turned out way better than my first attempt, but it still needs some works.  I think I put too many hearts in the inside since they don't move very well when you shake it.  Overall, the card was a success and there is always something that needs to be changed.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Directions: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lauralaures/blogdirectBlogUrl=/blog/104779/entry/shaker_card_valentine

Valentine's Day

Since Valentine's is a little over a month away, I decided to start making some to get ahead start.  I decided to use a new technique tonight.  Using my Creative Memories heart punches, I punched out the different sized hearts and then adhered them onto the white overlay.  I then ran the overlay through the Big Shot and embossed the overlay with Decorative Dots.  To finish the card, I stamped "Happy Valentine's Day" from one of my Hero Art collections.  This technique was pretty simple, but it turned out pretty cool.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Happy Birthday!

Since one of my good friends birthday is at the end of the week, I decided to make her a card tonight using her favorite colors.  Tonight's card was made using my Silhouette and an image from Miss Kate Cuttables. Even though it took me a few tries to get everything cut out, it turned out pretty cute and I can't wait to give it to her on Friday.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Thank You!

Today was my first day back to school since winter break started a week and a half ago and I am exhausted.  It was great to see my 2nd graders today but they wore me out.  I love hearing about their breaks and what they got for Christmas.  Enough about my day though and the love for my students, let's discuss tonight's creation.

Using my trimmer, I cut the card base, strip of rich razzleberry designer paper, and the different overlays that I needed.  I then used the Regarding Dahlias stamp set to stamp the flower and "thank you" onto the small white overlay.  Once everything was completed, I then assembled my card.  It was a pretty easy card to create.  It only took me about 10 minutes to make.  I will have to keep this card in mind when I am doing Thank You cards after my wedding.  Knowing me though I will change my mind several times before then and have a different one in mind.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Happy 2014!

Wow, 2014.  I still can't believe another year has past, but we have a lot doing on this year.  One of my best friends is getting married in October and in March, I am welcoming my first nephew into the world.  Plus we are planning our own wedding so it will be a busy, but exciting and fun year all at the same time.  Well enough about what is going to happen this upcoming year and let's discuss the first creation in 2014.

Since today is the 1st day of the year, I decided to stamp "Make a Wish" from the Perfect Pennants stamp set, since everyone is setting their new goals/resolutions and making wishes for the upcoming year, onto a banner that I cut out using my framelits.  Using my Big Shot again, I cut out the backing for the banner as using the next size banner framelit from the one that the stamp is on.  Once the banners were done, I cut three 1" strips of paper of paper and then used my hexagon punch to make them look like banners.  I then cut them down to the size that I wanted so that all three banners were visible at the bottom of the card.  After that was finished, I adhered everything onto the overlay.  This is one of the cards that I will be sending my Stampin UP Secret Sister this month and I think it turned out great.  I hope she likes it just as much as I enjoyed making it.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Happy New Year!

Wow, where has the year gone?  It doesn't seem possible that 2013 is coming to an end in less than 3 hours. It seems like the years go by faster the older I get.  2013 was a great year for me though.  I got engaged and my best friend moved back home.  Many other great things have happened as well, but I don't want to bore you with it all.  Anyway, let's discuss the final creation for 2013.

When I think of New Year's, I think of fireworks and the ball being dropped in Time Square so I decided to use the starbrust technique.  I cut 2" strips of designer paper and then cut them into triangles.  Once I had enough triangles, I ran my overlay through my Xyron so that it had adhesive all over it.  I then laid the triangles onto the overlay having them all meet at the same point in middle.  After the overlay was covered with designer paper, I cut off the extra paper that hung over the edges.  To finish the card, I stamped 3 flowers from the Flower Shop stamp set and 3 flowers from the Petite Petals stamp set and adhered them together with a dimensionals.  This card couldn't have turned out better if I tried.  This was a great card to end 2013 with.  I can't wait to embark on my 365 project this year.  The last 6 months were only for practice to see if I could keep up with it.  I have proven to myself that I can do this project no matter what kind of day I am having.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing all my cards just as much as I have enjoyed creating them.  Lastly, I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Another Happy New Year Card

Since New Year's is right around the corner and there are a few people I want to send card to, I decided to make another New Year's card.  Also, Miss Kate Cuttables had a very cut "Happy New Year's" title today so I couldn't resist not using it.  Using my Silhouette, I cut out all of the different layers for the title.  After it was adhered together, I can the overlay through the Big Shot so the background was embossed stars.  Once again, I love how this card turned out.  It is super colorful and I hope that it will brighten the person's day who is receiving it.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Happy New Year!

Since I got one of my friend's new address after I sent out the Christmas cards, I decided to make her a New Years card.  The inspiration for this card came from Pinterest.  Using my Silhouette, I cut out the four banners and 2014.  Once those were cut out, I adhered them onto the card.  I then used one of my stamps to stamp "Happy New Year" on the bottom right hand corner of the card.  I thought the card looked a little bare so I added some sliver and gold glitter stars to the overlay.  I love how this card turned out.  Since I used Stampin UP paper, I knew it would all colors would coordinate together nicely.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Thinking of You!

Today we received a Christmas card in the mail that didn't have good news in it so I decided to make a thinking of you card for my cousin.  She has had it pretty rough for the past several years and can't seem to catch a break.  I wanted to make her a card to let her know that we are thinking about her even if we are 400 miles apart.  This card was pretty simple to make, but most thinking of you cards are pretty simple as well.  I used the Swallowtail stamp to stamp the large butterfly onto a piece of white card stock.  I then cut it down to size so it would fit onto my card base.  Once that was finished, I stamped "Thinking of You" from the Sassy Salutations stamp set.  I think the card turned out pretty neat even though it was simple to make.  I hope this card will pick my cousin's spirits up a little bit and let her know that her family in Wisconsin is thinking about her in this difficult time.  Until next time, happy carding everyone!

3D Paper Stars!

Today's creation looks like a simple card, but it was a little bit more work than just that.  Using my Silhouette, I cut out three stars.  Once the stars were cut out, I scored them the top of the point to the center of the star.  I did this for each of the five points and then I fold on the score lines.  After I fold all five points, I then took two of the points together and creased them.  Again, I did this with all five points and this is what makes it a 3D star.  I did find a video that I will post at the bottom of my blog.  The directions are not exactly like the ones that I followed, but it will still be helpful.  Once the 3D stars were finished, I punched out three smaller stars for the card.  To finish the card, I used my Big Shot to cut out the word "Merry" with the expression thinlits and run the overlay through to emboss it with strips.   I then stamped "Christmas" in the middle of one of the strips so it lined up with Merry.  This card turned out great.  I didn't know if the stars were going to turn out first, but they did.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Video Tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Zm0wF3Pm8

Owl Christmas

Since my card was done so early today, I almost forgot to post it.  Today's creation was inspired by Pinterest.  Using my owl punch, I punch out the different pieces that I need for the owls.  I then cut out triangles for their hats.  I used my mini scalloped circle punch to decorate the hats a little bit more.  Once the owls were finished, I cut out my overlay and then used my scallop edge border punch to give it a nice border.  I then ran the other overlay through the Big Shot to make it look like wood.  To finish my card, I stamped "Merry Christmas" onto a white piece of paper and punched it out with the word window punch.  I then used my modern label punch for the background.  This card turned out super cute.  I love how adding the border to the card makes it pop a little bit more.  Christmas is 2 days away and I don't know what I will do with myself after that since I have been making Christmas cards since November.  Good thing there are other holidays.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Button Ornaments

After making two and a half cards today, I decided to share the button ornament card.  It was an easy card to make, but turned out beautiful.  Using a stamp from the Snow Day set, I stamped "Warm wishes" onto the white overlay.  I then took my stamp marker and drew five lines with ornament tops.  Using glue dots, I adhered the buttons onto the overlay.  To finish this card, I placed pearls in the middle of the buttons.  This card was cased from on that I say on Pinterest.  It turned out great.  After making this card, I think I will be using more buttons in the future since this card turned out so well.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Punch Art Christmas Tree

Once again, my inspiration for tonight's creation came from Pinterest.  Using my Creative Memories heart punch, I punched out 11 hearts.  After I laid them out, I decided they didn't pop off the card enough so I used my ink dauber and went around the edges of the heart.  I then punched out a modern label and cut it in half for the stump.  I adhered the modern label on the back of one of the hearts.  I then adhered the hearts to the overlay to make it look like a Christmas tree.  After my tree was finished, I punched out a star using my Creative Memories star punch in yellow glitter paper.  To finish the card, I punched out little scalloped circles to put on the tree. This card turned out pretty cool.  Who would have known how many different things you can make with punches.  The more punch art I do, the more I can't wait to order all of my punches in January.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.