It’s My Party Gift Box

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Instead of a large bag, which is what I had planned, I went with a gift box.  I had cut a strip of the dsp for two card fronts and thought to use the remainder of the sheet for the bag now turned box.  I love using a whole sheet up for several projects, especially when I get to make a coordinating set.  Two more cards for this little grouping.

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I think my scoring tool has to be one of my most used tools.  I do enjoy making gift bags and boxes though, so it is a great fit.  This one is two inches deep and plenty large enough to hold plenty of treats, small gifts, or even some home made soaps.  Sometimes I make a box for a specific gift, but I often go shopping through my stash for one just the right size. When you blog as much as I do, there are always plenty of choices.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Party Pop-Up Greetings

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How fun is it to get a birthday card in the mail, right?  Well, when one as bright and festive as this one shows up, it is bound to bring a smile to your face.  And that is why people like me enjoy making cards, to share smiles.

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This particular birthday suite is full of fun product and it can be difficult to decide just what to include.  I haven’t used this embossing folder yet, so that is what I really wanted to show off.  Shimmer white cardstock really helps show off the detail of this fun folder.  The photos don’t do the paper justice, but it has the most delicate shimmer, I love it.

I used the framelit for a center image instead of the pop-up feature it has.  I will be sharing that one shortly.  I have several cards and a coordinating gift bag in the works, so, one day at a time for this tiny series.  I ‘painted’ the candles with the wink of stella pens, white and gold both.  I also added four tiny bands of gold along the stem of the stand.  The brush is so precise I didn’t even get angry at my lines.  Nice, right?

I added an extra layer inside to use some of the pretty paper stack.  It all goes together so nicely I couldn’t help myself.  I do think that melon mambo is my favorite color choice in this particular product suite.  Such a bright and cheery color.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Sending Good Thoughts with Perfect Pennants

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Everyone loves a fun surprise, especially me.  Last night my husband brought home some items from the store I asked for, and a few others to boot.  Several basic t-shirts, always need those, and this adorable top with my favorite colors.  Classic me, after my thank you’s were shared, my brain went straight to a card idea.  And that would be this little number.

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It also works out that I am trying to build a small arsenal of birthday cards for my mother-in-law.  She is so diligent in her efforts to send cards to all of her family, all the way down to great-grandchildren.  So, she keeps me pretty busy sometimes.

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This card was fairly simple by design and pretty easy to put together.  Only one stamp on a piece of very vanilla, punched and layered on some calypso coral which was punched as well.  Love that triple banner punch for fun like this.  The card front is made from very vanilla and layered with a strip of chocolate chip.  I put them together and ran them both through with an embossing folder so the pattern would be continuous.  Love that look.  I chose the boho chic embossing folder because it is nearly the same pattern as the coordinating scarf for my new top.  A reason for everything.  The banner tag was layered on the card front with dimensionals and I called it done.  I didn’t sponge anything or even stamp inside.  Don’t worry, I lived.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Wink of Stella Rose Garden

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I have wanted to use this thinlit for some time, but didn’t want to go traditional.  It is obvious that it is a rose, but what if I didn’t want it to look too realistic.  I do love the matching stamp set and have water colored that one plenty, but I wanted this to be different.

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Different in a good way though.  I think I like it, but am not quite sure.  However, when I start something I just stick with it through the end.  The positives?  No additional postage required.  There is dimension without too much layering.  It is delicate and masculine at the same time.  And, it is definitely different than how I have seen it used.

What is my hangup then?  I honestly don’t know how I feel about the designer paper showing through without the flower being a solid color, or an obvious floral color.  Personal hangup I guess, but still, there it is.

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I painted the surface of the flower and leaves with the white glitter wink of stella brush.  I love how easy it is to add a lovely glitter look.  And it is almost even goof proof.  I wasn’t too focused on the detail when I painted and it was already adhered when I did.  But it was easier to paint it on the card than trying to hold it at different spots while I got it done.

I normally have my card base heavier to support all of the goodies I layer on, but I really wanted a very vanilla card.  So I gave the inside a little extra layering to keep it strong enough to stand up.  All good here, it worked like a charm.

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Have a creative day.

Moana

Remarkable You

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It is so nice to have a day off from school and work, but it does put things off more than a bit.  I seem to be having more and more of that as of late, but I do keep trying to get it back in the right gear.  Now I have wedding reception plans to toss into the mix.  Exciting!

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I pulled a few ink colors that I wondered about going together.  Blackberry bliss is such a strong color I hesitate sometimes to put it with others.  This pastel grouping compliments it nicely though.  I don’t think I have watercolored with it yet either.  That was fun for sure.  I used a basic card front made from cold pressed water color paper, masked a quarter inch border off and got to work.  This project was one of the times I just let it happen without too much planning or thought.  I find that less stressful because you don’t have an exact finish in mind, just simple imagery and colors.  Works well for me.

I layered my front on a backgroun of mint macaron with a narrow 1/8″ border, and then placed it again on the card base.  I didn’t do any inside stamping this time.  Just a simple and clean piece of whisper white waiting to be written on.  I think that was all it called for.

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Have a creative day.

Moana

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Where was my crafty side yesterday?  Getting ready for a wonderful engagement party for my son and darling fiance, that’s where.  Not to mention making all of these bad boys.  Yup, over fifty of them.

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The game was to pick a gift and give it to the couple with your introductions.  As they opened it you had the opportunity to either tell them what the gift item would be good for, or offer wedding advice.

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Then, you got to ask them a question, a get to know you question. It was so great to get to know her, and my son with her, so much better.  Good food, good laughs, and even a pinata contest.  They each had their own and we all cheered them on to see who could bust theirs open first.  So many laughs.

Now we get to enjoy another fun day with them and other family.  Weddings can be just so exciting!  Loving every minute of all of this adventure.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

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.

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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.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Bloomin Hearts Everywhere!

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Springtime sure does bring a lot of beauty, especially love.  It is so much fun to hear about new engagements and wedding plans.  There are three this spring and early summer that are pretty darn exciting, one in particular, my son’s.

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I was getting a little misty eyed and created a couple of cards with their wedding colors so I could write them each a personal note of congratulations.  I really had fun just taking my time and enjoying the process.  I did have a brief thought that these could be a lovely wedding invitation front.  Then I thought about having to make 400 or so and quickly decided that would be a lot of time spent that could be better spent otherwise.

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The detail on this framelit is just so wonderful.  It makes such a pretty piece of art you don’t need anything else on the front.  I did do a little more, but just embellishments. Two varieties of pearls, one with the added framelit flowers, each with a different embossed background, and both finished off with very vanilla satin ribbon.  What an elegant look.

They are very similar, but also uniquely different.  Just like the two people I was thinking about when I made them.  This weekend we are hosting an engagement party for them. It should be so much fun!  I am new to this part of life, but I am definitely up for it.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

You’re a Whole Lot of Lovely

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When I was cleaning up my desk I came across several kits left over from workshops that hadn’t been filed away.  Usually I just break down the kits and put the supplies back. This one had the stamping, punching and they were layered together.  So I thought I would make something with them.

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I do not remember what the original kit was at all.  It had two pieces of 6 x 6 paper, ribbon, and the stamped embellishment.  So, I decided to not bother looking it up on my blog and make something new. My go to projects are cards with matching tiny gift bags. Mission accomplished and kit used up.  I still don’t know what the other one was, but I am quite happy with this little number.

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Have a creative day!

Everything Botanical

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Press Forward

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

When it is time to make a set of invitations, I usually struggle to keep them simple.  That was needed this time around though, and I managed to pull it off.  I even got to put some retired product to use.  Love that.

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The invitations are basic and only one sided.  The graphic was provided, I do love it though, and I put it to work.  I got a little digital for this project.  I opened the image in InDesign and started picking fonts.  It didn’t take long to decide, I made it white and placed it as an overlay on the image.  Then I included the basic details below in a softer gray because black looked too stark.

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I used the full graphic, including the title with supporting scripture reference, for a water bottle wrap.  I think these will look adorable.  When digging around, I came across another retired product I could use.  First, ribbon for the invitation, second, bakers twine for the bottle wraps, and third, paper to make a box for the invitations.  Everything gets used eventually, and I love having it on hand for quick project work.  This one wasn’t that quick, but took a good portion of the day from conception, design, prep work and assembly.  All done and ready to go though!

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Dream Without Fear

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Last weekend was a great workshop and more often than not, there a one or two people that don’t show.  This leaves behind extra kits that I get to play with.  Sometimes I file the materials back, often I will make them up and make gift sets, and there are times I make something different.  That would be today.

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The card made with this kit was more about the embossing folder and the paper was background only around the edges.  I decided to make it a focal point and just show it off. Truly, this paper pack is so fantastic.  I think I will be getting an extra one just for myself.

The fine tip glue pen is new to me, and I haven’t quite mastered it yet.  I have watched others use it with sequins and decided to try it out.  Not so easy as it looks, but I did get better as it went on.  On the whole, I think it turned out.  With such pretty paper, you don’t notice all of my glue adventures.  I have two more of these kits, I wonder how I will use them up?

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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.

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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?

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Need a Last Minute Gift Bag?

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When was the last time you went to a white elephant gift exchange?  We got to enjoy a Valentine’s themed one last night and it was so fun.  Imagine a large group of you all circled around just laughing like crazy.  I love fun like that.

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So, you are supposed to keep things simple, and of course funny.  I rarely have gift bags on hand since I make them most often.  This was the case for sure.  I found a pack of Valentine’s Day paper and got to work.  This lovely wrapping disguised three most odd and interesting gifts.  They were some of the first so get picked, so tricky of me.

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This large red one was so fun.  It actually slides open and closed with a long tube thing going on.  It could have help a long item up to 20″ easily.  How cool is that?  Pretty cool. I had ladies ask if they could keep them when the kids were done.  Of course!  I love making great packaging like this.  And I didn’t have to spend a bunch on bags.  Maybe with ribbon these were $1.50 all together, that is it.  Awesome!

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Have a creative day!

Moana

My Heart Smiles

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As my husband and daughter were heading out the door early this morning, I asked them to pick a pattern for today’s project from the Love Blossoms DSP stack.  Didn’t they choose awesome ones?

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I was initially thinking of a Valentine’s Day card, but this quickly changed into more than that.  It definitely has that vibe, but not exclusively.  I do enjoy a project that is versatile. I used new product like crazy today.  The paper of course, I hadn’t taken one piece out of the stack yet.  Such pretty patterns.  This stamp was a first too.  And wouldn’t you know it, the sentiment fit perfectly inside the extra-large oval punch.  Too perfect!  I hadn’t tried the fine tip glue pen yet, but it was perfect to stick down my tiny baby linen thread bow.  Can’t see my adhesive, can you.  Nope.  And of course, the lovely blushing bride glimmer paper.  It is so fun.  I know we can’t have glimmer paper in all of the colors, but wouldn’t that be fun?

This card was just blocked on heavy weight whisper white card stock, with the base also being heavy.  I really enjoy a white card, but the paper has to be heavy enough to hold up all the fun stuff on the front.  This paper is totally up to the task.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Make 16 Shine

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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.

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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.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Garden In Bloom

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Taking a few days off is kind of nice, but it was not intended.  Getting ready for a huge workshop can be really exciting, but also very time consuming.  Put that with still working full time and you get a bit of a circus.  Not to mention the adventures of everyday life.  Time to get back on track and have some fun!

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There is a lot of attention right now with Sale-a-bration and the Spring Occasions catalogs, and they are very exciting to say the least.  However, the annual catalog is so full of beautiful product it is hard to ignore.

I have been waiting to use this stamp set for some now and it was worth the wait.  I took one of the left over kits from Saturday’s workshop and paired it with this lovely set.  There are a ton more stamps in the set, but I focused only on the large flowers.  I think I could get stuck on this set and not repeat myself for some time.  Exciting!

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The card front is 4 x 5 1/4″ with an 1/8″ background piece of watermelon wonder and then placed on a standard card base.  Not too tricky.  I put the tags & labels framelit set to work for this lovely sentiment.  It is so pretty.  Then I broke out the fabulous ribbon that has been teasing me from the shelf.  I love, love, love big pretty ribbon.  It is just delicious to me.  The ribbon is the only item from the occasions catalog.  I would love it if Stampin’Up! would bring back some huge satin ribbon in next years annual catalog.  I will have to just wait and see.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Flowering Flourishes

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I think this will wrap up my adventures with this particular bridal shower invitation sample set.  I think I just might like this one the best.  I like the layers and different inks used with the added layer of embossing.

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New stamps come out all of the time, but sometimes it is nice to go back to your favorites.  This set, Flowering Flourishes, is definitely one of my go to sets.  The detail is just beautiful and they layer so nicely together.  The simple elegance of it is so striking.  Just a one layer card today, even though the stamping has a bit of extra to it.  I did add a little extra sparkle here and there, sparkle is a must for this soon to be bride.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Hooray! for Perfect Pairings

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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…

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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.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Rose Wonder

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This was a fun project for sure.  As you have heard me say so much recently, I do love to water color with my stamping.  I wasn’t sure if these two colors would come together in an attractive mix, but they did well.  Having the touches of navy with the blush as a primary is really enjoyable.

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I think I might be making the decisions a bit tricky for these bridal shower invitation choices.  I am not sure which one I like better between the two, guess I will have to come up with another one just for good measure.  I can’t spend too much time playing though, I have workshop coming this weekend.  It is fun to play though.

I stamped this huge wonderful rose on water color paper with stazon ink.  I didn’t goof it up too much, so I went with my first attempt.  I did a trial run with the colors on a scrap of water color paper just to check it out and I liked it.  So, I wet down my stamped image and got to work.  I spent a bit of time trying to be cautious, then I just went for it.  That is why I love to water color, it is pretty darn forgiving.  I even used my trial scrap as a background punch, cool right?  I do try not to waste.

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Have a creative day!

Moana