birthday

Hip Hip Hooray for Today!

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

What kind of fun events do you get excited for?  There are so many special days to celebrate it is hard to choose just one.  For me?  Well, today is all about celebrating the special meeting of my future daughter-in-law.  I have to admit, there is a bit of nervous energy going on there, more than I am aware of I am sure.  But still, what a wonderful day to celebrate.

2-12 (2)

I am in love with this tiny little balloon punch.  It has two friends, a tiny cupcake and a tiny candle, but I can’t get past the balloon.  I have a thing with tiny things and this fits the bill perfectly.  They are just big enough to fit a dimensional behind so they get to look like they really are floating.  And if you use your bone folder across the linen thread it will curl just a bit.  It makes me smile.

The framelit is from a set two piece set that makes pop up card centers.  I trimmed the sides to give me this huge tag.  It was very difficult to throw out the inside cut pieces.  They were perfect!  I played with them, told myself to throw them in the bin, I did, then I got them back out, played again and tossed them again.  Seriously, get a grip.

2-12 (3)

Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Everything Botanical

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Well, this project started somewhere else, but the results are great.  Sometimes it is hard to see past your ‘opportunity mistakes’, I managed though.  Once I fussy cut designer series paper I am totally committed.

2-8 (3)

The free items you can earn from Sale-a-bration are all unique, but this one caught my eye right away.  A patterned velum paper that not only coordinates, but actually outlines designer series paper, well that is amazing.  I fussed a bit matching it up, but found the exact spot.  I almost did a 6 x 6 card just so I could see the whole pattern line up.  It would have been worth it, it looked so pretty all lined up.  I moved on though.

2-8

My opportunities came from the glue experience.  I thought I could put tiny tiny dots of glue on little flowers and it would look kind of neat, and hide the adhesive at the same time.  Well, my tiny dots were not as tiny as they needed to be.  Several fixes later, it worked out.  Basic rhinestones, a larger sentiment with tag layering, and using one of the many coordinating framelits.  Phew!

I added a touch of inside stamping with a leaf from the coordinating stamp set.  I don’t usually go for a whole suite of product.  This one is different, I loved all of it.  However, it is my favorite color pallet, floral, and it goes together so wonderfully.  I couldn’t resist it.  So I didn’t.

2-8 (1)

Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Party Wishes

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

How about a second workshop to fit into one host party!  Sounds like a great plan to me. Not everyone can make it to one date, so why not have to events and wrap it into one big workshop order.  That is one large bundle of host benefits, let me tell you.

2-5 (2)

This card was kind of custom designed with a twist.  It was with the elements included which came together as its own kind of challenge.  The request was seeing embossing folder work, fun ways to use the chevron punch, paper piecing and birthdays.  I think this one is a win!

The chevron punch really makes this one special.  The initial punching was done twice on a strip of heavy weight card stock to create the spaces.  Secondary punching was done in different colors to create the insert pieces.  Two of each color and what a neat design element, right?  I do love a good challenge and the great feeling when your vision turns into the creation, the way you hoped it would.

How about these tiny balloons inside?  Yes, I could just die of cuteness.  I stamped the string, stamped tone on tone for the balloons and then punched them out.  I stuck them down with a touch of tombo and joy was achieved.  I would love to get this card for my birthday, wouldn’t you?

2-5 (1)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Make 16 Shine

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Turning 16 can be exciting, or overrated, take your pick.  I know a young lady who is excited for lots of reasons, but hesitant as well.  She worries a bit much sometimes.  She loves gray and it is so beautiful on her.  Just like 16 will be.  This card is for her.

2-2

I masked a piece of cold press water color paper and did a wet wash using smokey slate and basic gray.  I just kept adding color until I was happy.  Patience wasn’t on my side, so  the heat gun got to work to dry it.  I wanted a few distress areas so I dripped some water on, let it activate the color, let it run a bit and daubed it up.  Just right.

The new Large Numbers Framelits Dies are so fantastic.  They are huge!  Sparkle was necessary, so silver glimmer paper was the perfect choice.  Before placing the numbers, I wrapped some silver metallic thread several times around the card front for just a touch of ribbon.  I wasn’t some, but not a distraction from the huge 16 just shining there.  The edges of the dimensional sheets fit perfectly behind the numbers so I didn’t have to get all tricky with cutting just the right size.  How great is that!  Of course the card front was attached with a bunch of dimensionals as well.

2-2 (2)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Hooray! for Perfect Pairings

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I could probably keep making samples for these bridal shower invitation choices.  Where do you draw the line?  Is three enough?  How about five?  Perhaps four is just right…

1-27

Even though this is still floral, it is has a much stronger navy blue influence.  With the soft seam binding ribbon, the navy doesn’t seem too overpowering.  Not too complicated a card here.  There are 1/8″ simple borders layered with a decorated front.  I started with the navy flower background stamping and then included the pink centers.  How fun is it to have just the colors you want.  The beauty of stamping.

1-27 (2)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Oh Hello Baby Box…

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

When something is this tiny, all you can do is giggle.  Especially when you are greeted by an adorable little smiley face that is just large enough to fit inside a 1/2″ circle punch.  The ribbon is just 1/4″ wide.  I absolutely adore tiny things.

1-23

This is made entirely from my to be filed scraps on the side of my desk.  Just like the flowers from my last project.  I guess if I keep pulling from there I won’t have anything to file back.  There is a thought.  I am hoping to spend some time cleaning up a bit today.

The dimensions of this box are 1″ x 1″ x 3 1/4″.  How about that?  I wasn’t sure if the striped dsp would match up okay, but it did pretty darn good.  I tried to save on dsp and cut only a strip off the end to snip up into place.  If I had cut a square and then my strips they would have lined up better, but I chose to save the dsp.

A double layer of the bitty banner punch with one tiny little stamp.  The image is from the Hello free Sale-a-bration set.  As I have said before, I love it when a stamp fits into a punch.  Makes my life easy and keeps the images super clean.

I thought about putting candies inside, switched to a chapstick, but I think I could even put a lovely lipstick inside.  I will have to see what I get up to on this one.  Love it though!

1-23 (1)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Celebrate Forever

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

The other day I asked my husband and youngest daughter to draw me a doodle that I could use for a card front.  I make cards all of the time and rarely hesitate to get to work.  This was different though.

1-16

I don’t have stamps, or papers, or materials that go with his style of art.  It presented a challenge to be sure.  If I had been thinking ahead I would have had him draw on water color paper.  You work with what you are given, right?  It is easy for me to focus on all of the problem areas, but I think it will work nicely.  And it is an original, one of a kind.

1-16 (1)

I used two different sentiments to create this combo.  I masked off half of each phrase and got just what I wanted.  I think I have gotten a bit spoiled to have just the right tools for nearly everything I do.  When I had to trouble shoot I got pretty darn frustrated.  Plenty of learning opportunities today.  I hope you get brave and try something different, even if it is a bit overwhelming.

1-16 (2)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Hello Little Sunshine

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

It is so wonderful to have stamp sets that speak to you.  I literally would say this phrase over and over to my children when they were little.  Now that they are much older, it still manages to sneak in for a tender moment or two.

Hello Little Sunshine

When I started making the background for the card by just stamping off as I went along, I knew I needed to make a coordinating gift bag.  That little sunshine stamp is so adorable.  I could see myself sneaking it in lots of places.  And to top it off, the Hello stamp set is a free one during Sale-a-bration!  Free is nice, but free and adorable is not a common thing.

Hello Little Sunshine

A tall slender gift bag was in order today.  I was feeling like a different gift option, but of course I could totally see a big yummy candy bar going inside.  How about a fat quarter of fabric instead?  Yes, my quilting friends would totally agree with that one.  Maybe I could find some sunshine paper too?  Or stamp some to match?  A project and a gift, sounds great!

Hello Little Sunshine

Have a creative day!

Moana

It’s My Party

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

What kind of chatter do you need to say anything about a suite that speaks so much for itself?  The paper stack is huge and full of so many great patterns.  Bright, fun and exciting.  Just like any birthday celebration should be.

It's My Party

How about this bitty balloon punch?  It comes in a trio along with a tiny candle and a cupcake.  They are so sweet.  This stamp set is going to get a lot of use for sure.  Birthdays are going to happen, so why not have a diverse stamp set to give plenty of options, right?  I used glue dots under the balloons and bakers twine to keep them in place.  They were just a bit too tiny for dimensionals and I knew the glue dots would hang on to the twine better.

It's My Party

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Buzzard Gift Set

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I was asked to make a gift box for a specific sized item for an 80th birthday gift.  I of course had to make a matching card because I had just the thing!

Birthday Buzzard Gift Set

I am normally quite the Stampin’Up! purist when it comes to product, especially my stamps, but I couldn’t resist these.  I purchased them at a recent convention I went to from http://www.stampsbyjudith.com.  There are actually three used for the front, a sentiment for the inside, and then little flies as well.  Yes, I said flies.  Like I said, I couldn’t resist!

Birthday Buzzard Gift Set

The box used a whole sheet of the heavy Shine On Specialty DSP, and isn’t it lovely?  I needed something strong because the jar going inside is heavy.  I made the largest box with the Gift Box Punch Board, but left the flaps open since the jar was too tall.  I think it will just have to get some fun tissue or something.  I will leave that to the giver.

Birthday Buzzard Gift Set

I know I goofed my stamping some, but I was having too much fun to care.  I honestly just forgot to mask off some of the sign for my vulture to sit on.  I think everyone will live through it though.  The humor in the card is just too awesome!

Birthday Buzzard Gift Set

Have a creative day!

Moana

Workshop Wonders

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

What do you get when you bring together some creative friends?  A really unique workshop that was more fun than work that is for sure.  Just look at these adorable projects they created!

12-14

We really did have a wonderful time sharing ideas, laughing, exchanging gifts and enjoying a lovely luncheon.  I think they impressed themselves more than each other.  And I loved crafting with them.

12-14 (2)

I already blogged mine on Saturday, but wanted to just show theirs.  Two of our group couldn’t attend this one and they sure missed out.  Next time I am sure they will share something wonderful.  The ladies liked the activity so much that we decided to do it twice a year, once in December and once in the summer.  I do love these gals!

12-14 (1)

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Hamburger Box

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

This die cut hasn’t been out in a while and I miss it!  I have had so much fun making boxes of one kind or another and I just love the shape.  I am pretty darn good at making a box or bag for a custom gift, but boxes like this just need a die cut.

Birthday Hamburger Box

One of my TA’s has a birthday today and I thought he would get a kick out of this guy.  I think he is expecting something because he has mentioned his birthday several times in the previous weeks.  Well, of course I had to deliver.  I think I will pick up a wonderful pastry this morning to put inside.  Yummy.

Birthday Hamburger Box

One sheet of  island indigo went into the box.  I was left with scrap enough to make the matching gift card and leave a couple of good sized scraps behind.  That is great.  I did sponge all of the edges really well before I glued it together.  I also used tombo to put the edges together.  Much easier with a little bit of wiggle room while it bonds and then it is there to stay.  My kind of adhesive.  I ran my bomb stamp down one direction of the die cut and then flipped it around and went the other.  The pattern turned out random enough to look like patterned paper.  I love making my own background paper for projects.

Birthday Hamburger Box

Have a creative day!

Moana

Everyday Chic Gift Bag

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places.  I like to ask my youngest daughter what colors to work with so I don’t go to my favorites all of the time.  Last night she said, “I don’t know.”  Classic teen response.  However, she was wearing an adorable white shirt with a gold studded neckline and a lovely long turquoise scarf.  Inspiration complete.

Everyday Chic Gift Bag

This bag is hearty enough to hold plenty of weight for sure.  I used a whole sheet of bermuda bay card stock for the bag and a good portion of  a 12 x 12 sheet of Everyday Chic DSP.  Before I assembled the bag I used a gold marker to color in random hearts for a little bit of accent.  That was actually quite relaxing.

Everyday Chic Gift Bag

This ribbon is so wonderful.  I knew I wanted a huge bow out front, so I threaded it a bit differently.  I made sure to have the ends out front, both long enough to make this pretty bow.  I just tied the ribbon together with bakers twine right at the front of the box which left two long strands of ribbon hanging down just ready to go.  I did have to fuss the bow a bit to get it where I wanted it, and used a couple of glue dots to keep the bow pulled back a bit.  Now I am ready to fill it up and give it away.  So much fun!

Everyday Chic Gift Bag

Have a creative day!

Moana

English Garden with Flower Patch

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Can we just not jump right into the next holiday?  That is my theme for today.  I know everyone will be all into Christmas, blowing right by Thanksgiving, but I am going to take a break in between.  So, how about a lovely birthday card?

English Garden with Flower Patch

This paper is so absolutely wonderful.  I would love it in fabric so I could have it all around.  However, I wanted to partner a technique I recently learned with flowers, so I knew the pretty paper wouldn’t be the focus.  Is that even possible?

English Garden with Flower Patch

After stamping and punching out these pansies, I tried the technique out.  I used a very large stylus to just roll around the petals, slowly breaking down the fibers and creating curl.  Oh, you do this on a foam pad so you can squish a lot. It was so fun.  I did the same thing with the little leaves I made.  For those I punched a circle and then used the same punch to punch a section out of both sides giving the leaf shape.  It leaves kind of an apple core looking center behind.  Hope that makes sense.  One day I will get brave and try videos, not there yet though.  Lots of sponging for everything involved and tons of dimensionals.  This is one thick card, extra postage for sure.

English Garden with Flower Patch

Have a creative day!

Moana

Balloon Bash with a Twist

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

A tangelo twist that is.  I went to my color buddy yet again this morning and she said orange.  What a great team.  I don’t need much, just a nudge sometimes.

Balloon Bash with a Twist

I had made a version of this card some time ago for a workshop.  I was asked for a birthday card and the design just popped right into my head.  So I guess I cased myself, again.  Well, I do tend to like my designs most of the time, so why not!

Balloon Bash with a Twist

It is a pretty direct layout today.  Everything is done in 1/4″ increments, nothing too tricky.  Dimensionals are definitely put to work, and I gave myself permission to sponge everything.  So liberating.  There is a lot going on, but it is also simple and easy to mail.  Gotta love that!

Balloon Bash with a Twist

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

It isn’t my usual project to share, but I do make these particularly often.  The idea is lovely and I get to put a lot of retired product to good use.  I do hate to ignore it, so I thought I would share  a way to use it differently.

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

I bought some of those washi sheets having no idea what I would do with them.  Until this fun series of projects came about.  I work with the young ladies in my church, along with several other ladies, and we come together as a team in a large variety of events from large to small and everything in between.  Of course we celebrate birthdays!  And that is what this is.

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

I decorate jars and vases with washi paper punches to the mood I am in.  Sometimes I use framelits, or punches, or both.  I have a large collection of last springs sale-a-bration ribbon, so it always goes together.  You know how I love to coordinate as much as possible.  So these jars are created for each young lady or woman in our group.  We all then write inspirational wishes, birthday wishes, and just kind words in general to fill the jar.  Then, the recipient can read them all at once, or read them one at a time, or open them over time when a bad day happens and they need a pick me up.  Something sweet for whenever you want them.  So, try something different with the awesome product you have, either current or retired, it is all wonderful!

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

Have a creative day!

Moana

Delightful Birthday

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

It has been a while since I made a matching set like this.  For a while it seemed like I couldn’t get enough of them.  But, you can only use so many, and share so many, and eventually store so many.  I took a break, but found my way back.  So much fun!

Delightful Birthday

One full sheet of the wonderful ‘Color Me Irresistible Specialty DSP’ was used to makey great set. I love that is has white sheets that can be altered to any color or tone, but I also love that it comes in colors and patterns.  The options are great, so diverse.

Delightful Birthday

A pretty gift bag with a lovely matching card has to be one of my favorite things.  I think people feel special when the attention to details are brought together like this.  The assembly was pretty direct, nothing very fancy.  Simple work and lovely results, my favorite.

Delightful Birthday

Have a creative day!

Moana

Game On Dear Heart

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I absolutely love, love, love making my own paper with unique stamps.  Most of the time my friends can’t even place which stamp set it came from.  I have overlooked several stamps myself.  Example, look at this cute little fish!

Game On Dear Heart

Sometimes we feel like we don’t fit in, but I feel like that is a beautiful thing.  I made this card with that theme in mind.  He is stamped in melon mambo, water colored a bit, and water colored again with silver encore ink.  Everything is lightly sponged and there are plenty of dimensionals here.

Game On Dear Heart

The sentiment was stamped on a little scrap, punched with the bitty banner punch on one end, and given a bit of ribbon on the other.  How easy is it to just staple some ribbon on.  Some cards need just that, a little different look.  And of course this is layered up as well.  Did you see the little fish repeated inside?

Game On Dear Heart

Have a creative day!

Moana

Journal Inspired Butterfly Basics

~ moanaj ~ 4 Comments

My husband bought this pretty journal and I immediately took it to my desk to stare it down.  I just knew there was a card in there somehow.  Well, after sharing swaps for nearly two weeks my creative bug was on high alert.  I sat down last night and gave myself some time to go at it.  And I did.

Journal Inspired Butterfly Basics

Isn’t is uncanny how close the colors are?  I guess that is why I migrated to it.  I have other off market stamps that might have gotten closer to the tree, but I really wanted to get my brain in gear for workshop this weekend.  I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

Journal Inspired Butterfly Basics

The borders are a narrow 1/8″, my favorite.  I bravely opened up my new elegant dots embossing folder and rubbed Stazon all over one side and then ran it through the  big shot.  I loved the result, and most of the ink came off.

Journal Inspired Butterfly Basics

I used lots of butterfly framelits and layered everybody up.  The smaller one has two black die cuts over the delightful dijon layer.  Light sponging made everything look a little grungy and tied it together.  There is a little stamping inside, as well as more sponging.  I used plenty of glue dots to hold the butterflies together and layered like crazy with dimensionals.  So fun!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Larger Than Life Birthday Wishes

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Any wonder what today’s card is all about?  Couldn’t get any more direct that this and I love it!

Larger Than Life Birthday Wishes

A certain young man is having a birthday this month and his grandmother requested a special card.  I love personalized items, especially when you aren’t likely to see that name all of the time.  Call it childhood memories.

Larger Than Life Birthday Wishes

My youngest daughter might disagree as to who this should be for.  She might want to send it to a particular One Direction band member who also might be named Liam, but that isn’t going to happen.  She can make her own.

Larger Than Life Birthday Wishes

The Larger Than Life Alphabet and Number set is so wonderful for things like this.  I took the ‘happy birthday’ sentiment from That Thing You Did.  Some Cucumber Crush for a fun bright green and it was nearly done.  A touch of ribbon to bring it all together and I was happy.  I think Liam will be too.

Have a creative day!

Moana