Nautical Themed Invitation

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Take a look at this fun invitation and imagine another twenty-four of them.  Quite the fleet of cards, and I just love them.  They are themed invitations for an event a few weeks out for a church event.  The cream banner at the bottom ended up having “Embark…” written on it.  Great invites for a great night to come.

Nautical Themed Invitation

I am not prone to square cards, but I don’t know why.  They look so fun and offer a different design pallet.  Good reminder.  Crumb cake, very vanilla and soft sky come together for this lovely scene.  Only one stamp and a lot of die cuts.  I did have help on this assembly line for sure.  I did all the stamping, sponging and assembly while my husband ran the die cuts.  Yes, he did all six sets of twenty-five.  He is so fun to work with.  How lucky can a girl get!

Nautical Themed Invitation

The dies are from a collection my husband found for me at a thrift store, so I couldn’t send you in a direction for them.  Aren’t they great though?  But honestly, the stamp makes it all happen, and that comes from the Traveler set.  Lots of layers and an eye for design.  With those in mind, there are no limits to what you can create.  Just be patient and try a few options out until you are satisfied.  Now, to create centerpieces that go with these.  Another day…

Nautical Themed Invitation

Have a creative day!

Moana

Workshop Fun

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Workshop was yesterday and this is the first chance I have had to share it with you.  Two of the projects you have already seen, but this cute little pumpkin is new.

Workshop Fun

I had the opportunity to attend one day of a scrapbooking convention with all kinds of lovely things to see, touch, and of course buy.  One of the many make and takes available was this cute little pumpkin.  When my friend and I would go by this particular area, there was always someone using the stations, but I knew I wanted to try one out.  I took a few photos of the samples and did my best.

Workshop Fun

There are a few other pumpkins on my counter, but this is the one I ended up making for my workshop ladies to play with.  I used  a piece of dsp cut at 6 x 12 and cut strips measuring 3/4″.  You get 15 strips from the sheet exactly, no waste at all.  They were stacked, clipped together, and punched with the ever handy crop-o-dile at both ends.  A hearty brad was used to keep the strips together, then you just fan them out.  Promise, they fan out nicely and curl into this pumpkin.  Then stamping and die cutting the fun leaves and place them where you like.  Some of the samples had ribbon, you could top it how you like.

Workshop Fun

Have a creative evening, since the day is pretty much done.

Moana

A Whole Lot of Lovely Baker’s Boxes!

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I tried to not purchase this particular die cut, but I fell in love with it at a workshop.  I guess that isn’t too different from the ladies I teach in my workshops.  It works for me because I just love this box!

A Whole Lot of Lovely Baker's Boxes!

This adorable box came together so quickly.  The set comes with several other dies to accent or accessorize how you like.  More than enough choices.  I just chose one of my favorite combinations of circle punches with a simple stamp framed with glimmer paper.  How absolutely lovely, right?

A Whole Lot of Lovely Baker's Boxes!

One little glue dot just below the handle was all I needed to keep the top snug to add my favorite dotted lace trim with a big bow.  I moved into my favorite sponging party and did it up right.  Simple yet so adorable.   Hope this little project finds you in a good mood and ready to try your own.

A Whole Lot of Lovely Baker's Boxes!

Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Vintage Butterfly Basics

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This project started out as something entirely different, but I love where it ended up.  Would you believe I thought I was going to make something dark and dreary with a Halloween theme?  Well…like I said, it ended up lovely.

Vintage Butterfly Basics

The floral images were stamped in black and water colored with blackberry bliss and mossy meadow.  The ferns were also stamped in blackberry bliss.  Then the soft suede ink was put to work.  Lots of sponging and swirling and edging went into image.  I ended up with something that look almost tea dyed.  Just what I wanted.

Vintage Butterfly Basics

A double layer of blackberry bliss became the frame for the card front.  Linen thread was pulled through my blackberry bliss sponge to give it a tint to coordinate.  The tan color it comes in didn’t quite go with the soft suede.  Extra attention went into dimensionals to give  lots of height.

Vintage Butterfly Basics

A narrow boardered piece of soft suede card was embossed with the brick wall embossing folder and then sponged to give additional detail to the embossing.  All together, these elements created something lovely, just lovely.

Have a creative day!

Moana

@love

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

Not everyone shares the same view of love, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful to them.  Easy words to say, but not always easy to follow.  Sometimes we just need to look at it from a different perspective.

@love

This card is much larger than my normal projects.  It measures 7 1/4″ x 4 1/4″.  That will definitely require a custom envelope.  Won’t this one be fun to get in the mail though.

@love

I lined my wonderful huge alphabet stamps up on a long block and got to work.  I had planned on a clean background, but liked how my practice stamping looked as I stamped off ink.  There you go.  I added the @ symbol afterwards using silver Encore ink.  Thought it gave it the perfect touch and made it have a bit more meaning, to me at least.  Several strands wrapped around the bottom with my ever favorite metallic thread and this lovely card was all done.

@love

I almost forgot to mention, but I am sure you can see it, I echo stamped the entire phrase inside super light.  You can see it, but there will be no problem writing over it without confusing your message or the image.  Just right.

Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Timeless Elegance Gift Box…Thing

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This morning caught me a bit off guard.  Way too much to do and never enough time.  But as always, things come together in the end and everyone gets their needs met.  This little blog of mine often has to wait its turn, and it never even complains, how nice.

Timeless Elegance Gift Box...Thing

I am not sure what to make of this kind of box thing I came up with.  I wanted to use the dsp, but to be honest, it isn’t sturdy enough for the height I had it have.  But I was determined, so it still happened.  I made up the topper as I went.  Boy, did I use a lot of punches.  So glad I have so many to choose from.  I like how it looks though.

Timeless Elegance Gift Box...Thing

I used a full sheet of the dsp.  The box ended up about 8 1/2″ tall.  The band I made used two strips of paper 1 1/4″ x 10″ and I experimented a bit on the scoring to make it fit.  Only took two times.  I hid those on the bottom.  Lots of sponging all the way around really make it look nice.  I sealed up the bottom with tear n tape and left the top open to put stuff inside.  As I said, it will have to be light because the paper won’t handle much.  The band does give it extra structure though.  Give it a try!

Timeless Elegance Gift Box...Thing

Have a creative day!

Moana

Christmas Lighthearted Leaves

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What a crazy morning!  However, slow and steady wins the race, right?  Like I said earlier in the week, I planned on casing myself from another project that looked like Christmas to me.  Here it is, my ‘Believe’ card.

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As I stamped these leaves last time I kept thinking about mistletoe.  Of course, by the time I got done painting all the leaves green, I kept thinking of seaweed.  So now I want to do an ocean project.  What a great stamp set, right?

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I painted the ‘berries’ real read and went with cucumber crush for my green.  It is such a fun, bright green.  When I trimmed my cardstock down I was left with a few narrow strips and decided to put them to work.  I thought about using some quilling techniques, but kept it simple instead.  I did decorate one of the leaf images with rhinestones for a little bling and loved how it turned out.  So, just like all of the other retailers out there, I have made some Christmas happen before Halloween.  It was fun though, definitely fun.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Happy Birthday Workshop!

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

Yesterday was just too busy, but wonderful at the same time.  I had the opportunity to throw a workshop for a bunch of ladies, which was fantastic! The workshop was actually the cover for the real surprise party though.  Worked like a charm!

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These three projects were the fun distraction for all to enjoy.  I had done all of the prep work so it could get finished super fast.  Couldn’t keep dinner waiting too long after all.

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Also, there were going to be many there that hadn’t done much crafting and it had to be fun, not frustrating.  The gal that the party was for is one of my regular workshop members, so she got through super fast and got to chat with all of her friends.  How convenient that they were all there.

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We were all more than excited as the surprise was revealed.  Cheers all around and boy, did her face get super red!  It went great with her huge grin!  A fun part for her is that if people wanted to give a gift, they were encouraged to donate to her Stampin’Up! shopping spree!  What fun that will be.

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Have a creativc

Grateful Gifts

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When you are trying to wind down from a way to crazy day, what do you do to relax?  Well, today I went straight to my desk and worked a day ahead.  This is going to be one ridiculous weekend and I need to get as much out of the way as possible.  Of course I do the fun things first.

Grateful Gifts

The new designer series paper pack is so much fun.  Here is one sheet, showing both sides of it.  I cut one strip 4″ wide and it gave me the card front and the paper for the tiny gift bag.  Yup, 4″ x 12″ is all it took.

Grateful Gifts

I do think that this dotted lace trim has become my favorite ribbon.  I am definitely a girl who loves a bargain, but even if it is a bit pricier, I love it every time I use it, with no regrets.  I can’t always say that about embellishments.  I used both the negative and positive die cuts, one for each project.  Once more, I am totally happy with this set.  I might be on a bit of a gift set kick again.  Hmmm…

Grateful Gifts

Have a creative day!

Moana

Thanks and Giving

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People all around us are kind and give, often more than we have asked for.  I love those people.  They inspire me.  To be creative, and more importantly, to say thank you right back.

Thanks and Giving

A full sheet of bermuda bay card stock went into this tall and lovely gift bag.  The scoring was done vertically at 2″, 4″, 6″, and 8″.  A quick twist horizontally for one more score at 2″ to make the bottom of the bag.  Two hole punches on opposite sides and the ribbon was squished in.  A very tight fit, it didn’t even need to be knotted off or adhered.

 Thanks and Giving

A leftover card front was scored in half to make this tiny card.  Just big enough to echo the stamp used on the bag both on the card front and inside.  The sentiment comes from the same lighthearted leaves set and works perfectly.  Plenty of sponging and this lovely project was all done.  All I need is something wonderful to put inside.  I just need to decide who needs it.

Thanks and Giving

Have a creative day!

Moana

Balloon Bash with a Twist

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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

Lighthearted Leaves

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I fell in love with this stamp set from the moment I saw it.  The images from Lighthearted Leaves are absolutely wonderful.  Artsy enough to get your attention, but not so simple as to be boring.  Such a nice balance.  I think I will case myself and make a Christmas version of this project.  I see mistletoe.

Lighthearted Leaves

I can also see an ocean theme.  The leaves kind of remind me of sea kelp and could be holding little fishies somewhere.  I do love an optional stamp set.

 Lighthearted Leaves

The layering is simple here.  Narrow borders help to not distract from the thin lines of the designs.  All around, I am very happy with how this turned out.  using the tags & labels framelits also make me happy. Subtle touches of color to accent the sentiment without taking over.  Just enough room to have a simple bit of ribbon and one little rhinestone in the center.  How perfect is that.  What more do you need than to ‘believe’?

Lighthearted Leaves

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

Color Me Irresistible

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Fall events are starting to pile up and that means plan ahead and get it done early.  This isn’t quite early, just one week, but that helps, right?  There is a church youth dance coming up next weekend and we are hosting the pre-dance dinner party.  The theme is black and white, so we are going along with that for the decorations, and yes, party favors.  I think these will do nicely.

Color Me Irresistible

These two are very simple, as should any favor should be, especially if you need to make several quickly.  I started both of them with paper sized at about 4 x 6 1/2.  Simple scoring for the gift bag and a hole punch to thread through the ribbon.  Done and done.

Color Me Irresistible

Can you go wrong with a classic sour cream container?  I think not, especially when you are working with this ever so lovely silver foil velum.  I think silver wrapped candies or white mints would look so pretty inside.  Maybe even both?  Works for me!

Color Me Irresistible

Have a creative day!

Moana

Sheltering Tree

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

Who doesn’t love the look of the beginning of fall?  The leaves are just starting to turn in my yard.  Some bright, some darker, and then there are those lovely dark ones that look almost burgundy.  Those would be my favorite.

Sheltering Tree

The tree is stamped in tip top taupe, the leaves in pear pizzazz and the turning leaves in perfect plum.  The card base is also in perfect plum with a slight framing in tip top taupe.  Very clean look for sure.  A few wraps with some linen thread and it was nearly done.

Sheltering Tree

I did a little echo stamping inside the card with the accent leaf color, just a bit in opposite corners.  I like to have enough there to connect to the front, but not so much that it interferes with the writing room.  It is still a card after all.  The front is popped up on dimensionals and that is all there is to it.  the outer dimensions are 4 1/4 x 4 1/4, a little different for me.  I am not prone to square cards, but I was working with my scrap pile, and that is what I had at ready.

Sheltering Tree

Have a creative day!

Moana

Delightful Birthday

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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

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

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Welcome back and thank you too!  Going back to work yesterday, after taking a long weekend off, left me thinking I should give a little thank you to my student TA’s.  They are a great bunch and were honestly quite happy with these treats.

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

I kept things very simple, because I knew they would really just want the candy.  So, I used some adorable retired ribbon, with an effort to keep it neutral.  I have young men and knew they wouldn’t appreciate anything too girlie.  However, I did give them color choices and they picked the ones they liked best.  Three of five kept the little tag in their things.  How cute is that!

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

What do we gain from this?  First of all, saying thank you is so important.  Secondly, it doesn’t have to be huge and elaborate to be appreciated.  Honestly, these took me maybe ten minutes from start to end, including a quick set of photos.  Having great tools to work with makes all the difference.  Give something like this a try.  This punch combo is fantastic!  The 1 3/4″ circle punch is large enough that lots of sentiments fit inside quite easily.  Add the 2″ circle for a tiny border and it looks so great!

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

Have a creative day!

Moana

All About Sugar Fry Box

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It is so nice to be home, even though I miss my college kids.  After falling asleep at a ridiculously early hour last night, I woke up full of energy and enthusiasm.  Maybe that is why I migrated to a fun treat box!  I do have some thank you’s to give out today.  I have five student TA’s at school that I know kept things just as I like them for my return from a four day weekend.  They are awesome!

All About Sugar Fry Box

So is this adorable fry box die.  As soon as it hit the catalog last year I had to have it.  Along with its hamburger box friend.  They just make me giggle.  And to have a coordinating stamp set makes it even better!  I love sharing treats and kindness, but when it looks as cute as this, I like it even better.

All About Sugar Fry Box

A half sheet of card is all it takes to make this guy, plus a little scrap.  I used cucumber crush, because it is just a super happy color.  The sentiment was stamped on whisper white, fussy cut, layered on some more cucumber crush, fussy cut again, and sponged like crazy.  Two mini silver brads finish off the front so nicely.  And with some yummy treats all tucked into a bag, tied off with the lovely dotted lace trim, this little gift is ready to go.  I did sponge the entire box to keep everybody coordinated.  Love my sponging!

All About Sugar Fry Box

Have a creative day!

Moana

Banner Blessings Gift Box

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

And here is my lovely gift box.  I actually started with this and worked backwards to the cards I put inside.  A different process for sure, but I liked it.  And to be honest, I didn’t take very good notes on the product I used.  Sorry, but now I am out of town trying to keep up.  Ooooops.

Banner Blessings Gift Box

The colors and elements of each card are represented in this box.  Believe it or not, there is an easy way to get inside without messing it up so it can be used again.  I thought that was pretty clever myself.  I used my trusty score board to create this one, with the help of the angled plate.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out, but it did.  Now, on to the next project.  That is after I get home from my drive from Utah.  Maybe the desert will inspire me.

Banner Blessings Gift Box

Have a creative day!

Moana

Banner Blessings Gift Set -Shine

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

This is card four, the last of the set.  The gift box is so lovely.  I can’t wait to show you.  But this card was saved for last because it is my favorite one.  So pretty and such a beautiful sentiment.

Banner Blessings Gift Set -Shine

I used the falling snow embossing folder to give me a starry background.  Since it was more sparse on the top, because it was to show snow not stars, I put it through again turned around and ran it through half way and ran it back out.  That gave a lovely balance I think.

Banner Blessings Gift Set -Shine

The star border punch doesn’t get to come off my shelf much, but this was the perfect job for it.  Stars stars and more stars.  The heavens are full of them and I wanted the card to do so as well.  Mission accomplished.  The card base is made from the heavy weight whisper white.  Sometimes I cannot get enough of this stuff.  I accented the sentiment with a hefty twisting of metallic gold thread. I decided it made my sentiment look kind of like a shooting star or a comet.  I love feeling creative.

Banner Blessings Gift Set - Shine

Have a creative day!

Moana