bermuda bay

Make a Wish

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

This last weekend was my card workshop and this was one of the projects we made.  Some of my ladies get intimidated easily, so I do try to keep it fun and simple.  This one fit the bill quite nicely.

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The card base and ink are bermuda bay, even the glimmer paper that is hi-lighting the candles.  That glimmer paper has been super fun to work with, I will be sad to see it go away at the end of sale-a-bration this month. I will probably get one more pack with my order this month.  Maybe it will be put into the new catalog this summer?  One can only hope.

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I die cut the candle framelit three times along the strip of very vanilla and adhered a strip of glimmer paper and daffodil delight paper underneath.  Such a nice accent.  That little set was then added to another strip of bermuda bay for the top layer.  The sentiment was direct enough, stamp and punch, my favorite.

The background piece is from a great paper stack.  I must have used half of it so far.  That is unusual for me, I don’t always love so many of the patterns.  Yes for sure this time around. I gave the ladies several choices for their cards and they all looked so different depending on the background piece.  Fun stuff there!  The inside earned a stamping of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the coordinating stamp set, window shopping, because I didn’t like it on the front.  It was a distraction. Can’t have that!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Flourish Wishes

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Such a perfect combination here. Nearly all of my favorite things combined into one project. The only thing missing would be some water coloring, but with paper this beautiful I don’t feel like there is anything lacking here. Even better, this took almost no time at all.

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I just received an order that had this glimmer paper in it, one of the new free items during Sale-a-bration right now, and I couldn’t wait to enjoy it.  It comes in three colors, but the bermuda bay tone was on top so it was literally that simple. I knew there was the same color included in the cupcakes and carousel dsp stack and that became step two, pick a pattern. I probably spent the longest just deciding which one to choose.

The die cut was not as easy to decide because there are so many wonderful ones to choose from.  I kept it simple though and went for a favorite. The glimmer paper was cut to size and then I did the die cutting from the center, knowing it wouldn’t show, and I could make that paper last longer.  Glimmer paper is such a weakness for me, especially in colors like this. The flourish was glued down with tombo and then the designer paper adhered to the glimmer paper with fast fuse.  Regular adhesive and glimmer paper aren’t friends, it needs something stronger.

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The sentiment was stamped in the same ink color, die cut, layered zippity quick and raised up on dimensionals.  How easy is that? I had a bit of room for another little die cut before I adhered it down, so that had to happen, hence the need for a matching gift box to use that piece. No problem, just get another piece of the same paper and happiness was achieved. What a great way to launch National Craft Month!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Rainy Sky or Under Water, Yes

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

This lovely water color started as a fun project with my daughter-in-love.  We sat down together with a bunch of blue ink and totally different ideas.  I can’t wait to see what her card ends up looking like.  I wanted to create dimension in a single layer water color.  I love how it turned out.

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I started with a wet brush and paper.  I put different colors in all four corners and the lightest blue in the center.  The wet ink blooms did a lot of blending, but I moved the paper around to control the rest.  My patience runs thin often, which ends up in me drying my projects along the way to speed them up.  This time was different.  I only dried the paper enough to apply some stamped images here and there.  Then, I spritzed the entire piece to soften the images and allow more blending to happen.

After a few hours I came back to see how it ended up.  Just like this.  I even controlled myself and didn’t add anything else.  No more color, or blending or water droplets.  It was accented with copper foil paper and copper metallic thread.  What a great all occasion card to have on hand.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Enjoy the Little Things

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

Yesterday was a very thoughtful day.  I was able to enjoy a day all to myself, which is quite rare in itself.  I had grand plans, a bit too grand, but decided to change them all around and enjoy it differently. This was one of my moments spent, a very indulgent chunk of time working ink all over this lovely card.

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I was given some new paper and brushes for my birthday, so of course I had to get to work using them.  I took this beautiful paper to the brink of maximum absorption.  Sometimes it just takes more time to get the colors just the way you want them.  If you were to smooth your hand over the top of this card you would feel the difference in texture.  The edges of course kept their very smooth surface, but the inked area is actually raised up.  Cool, right?

I did start with the embossed phrase first.  Then I worked around the edges and started in with all of the color mixing.  This copper embossing powder is so fantastic, I absolutely love the color.  It gives a much more masculine feel and goes better with my kind of color pallet ideas for sure.  So, I basically just embossed my sentiment and then went to town on the ink til I was happy.  And I am so happy, so very happy with this one.  I tend to do my best work when I am creating for someone in particular, especially when that someone is my husband.  What more can I say?

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Love You

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Love, love and love.  It is in the air like crazy and I can’t seem to get enough of looking at it, feeling it, and most of all, sharing it.  What a great thing in life to experience.  Less than two weeks now and my oldest will be married!  How exciting!!!

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Simple layered card today.  I stamped the background paper with the floral heart from the Bloomin’ Love stamp set.  Real quick work there.  I did a tiny love you stamp on a scrap of whisper white and punched it out with the soon to be retired large oval punch.  Sad days there.  I matched it with the scalloped oval punch in bermuda bay.  That was sponged along with the card front and the card inside.  The inside also got a bit of stamping, my favorite. Then the ever so lovely, and larger than life, striped ribbon got to be used once more.  What a fun and huge bow.  Yes, this will need a custom envelope and extra postage, but it is worth it!  What a great project for today!

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Have a creative day!

Moana

 

Bohemian Work of Art

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Rich colors and exciting patterns, that is the theme for today.  In between wedding reception planning I have managed to create this lovely due.  Now I get to add this to the collection of card sets and greeting cards I am donating for a cub scout fundraising event tonight.  I get to share my work and clean out my stash at the same time!  I call that a win.

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The card began with the chevron stamp from the Work of Art set.  I didn’t really pay too close attention, just stamped it four times down a piece of water color paper.  The color pallet came from the bohemian designer series paper set, only leaving out the yellow tone. The focus was on bermuda bay and I started there.  Color was layered, sponged off, added, and distressed a ton until I was satisfied.  Then I did something that was new for me.  I hi-lighted some of the distress areas with my gold wink of stella brush pen.  That was super fun and I had a hard time stopping.

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The gift bag was made from a whole sheet of designer series paper.  I went for a wide stocky bag instead of my usual tall slender ones.  It is nice to change things up a little bit here and there, don’t you think?  The ribbon I had in rich razzleberry was just long enough to go around the bag top.  I do love using up product that is retiring before it actually retires.  I am not often that lucky.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Bermuda Bay Flourishes

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I was wondering how it would look to stamp on water color paper with one of my favorite stamps and then spritz it with some water.  Would I like the effect?  Would it keep enough of the images to be recognizable, or just turn into swirls of color.  It turned out somewhere in between and I like it.

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I stamped a few times with the largest flourish from the set and then a few more with the smallest one.  Then, I just spritzed about four times and watched the ink swirl a bit then dried it the rest of the way with my heat tool.  I think it will be a fun go to technique for background paper.

The butterfly punches were used to make a bunch of decorative elements for the card front and a couple for the inside.  All of the butterflies were raised up on dimensionals, sponged and curled some with a bone folder.  Pearls were used on all of the butterflies and the smallest pearls were placed all over the card front.  Those tiny details make the difference.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

You Are My Everything

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There are days when I really don’t know what I want to make, but that isn’t today and it shows.  When I know who I am creating for it shines through.  The awesome extra free stamp set in this months paper pumpkin kit had the stamps I had to use.  How beautiful are they?  Well, I will be using them excessively I am sure.

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I knew I wanted to make a card for my husband with the two stamps  that share the phrase ‘You Are My Everything’.  It couldn’t be more perfect.  Once I knew that I knew the color pallet I needed and the medium as well.  Blues and water coloring are the perfect combination for him.

The technique of water coloring really doesn’t have a lot of guidelines.  I do start with a wet masked surface.  Then I begin to add and take away color, dry and wet again sprinkle and dab, and color all over again.  It is more of keep going til you get the results you want than a step by step process.  So much fun, really.

Then I stamped the large flower in bermuda bay, once stamped off first, here and there.  I added a fern stamp a few times, full strength not stamped off.  Then finished with the two stamps that make the sentiment.  I did a little echo stamping to coordinate the inside with the card front.  To complete the project I layered the art onto another piece of bermuda bay card stock and wrapped it several times in silver metallic thread.  Then up on dimensionals for a little extra style and sit back to enjoy the view.  I do love this card.  I think it looks like a beautiful batik fabric I would love to own and sew with.

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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

Thanks and Giving

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

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

All About Sugar and No Bones About It

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When you get asked for a birthday card for a little boy, don’t you just think of dinosaurs?  This fun card could be for folks of all ages.  You know, the cards that tease you about being older than a dinosaur, or a fossil in this case.

All About Sugar and No Bones About It

I gave warning that I would be into this set like crazy, and I love every chance I get to use it.  I have a few more children’s birthday cards to make and I think they will all have a dinosaur on them.  Tee hee.

All About Sugar and No Bones About It

The card itself is very simple.  Narrow borders layered together with some very simple stamping.  I only used three stamps for this card.  I think it looks like this dinosaur is smiling.  I digress…

All About Sugar and No Bones About It

Simple stamping, basic color pallet, sponging on the edges and a touch of ribbon.  Keeping open spaces on a project isn’t my strength, but when I manage it, I realize that I really do like it.  I just forget.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Game On!

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Know someone who is taking on a new challenge?  Me too, and this card is just right for her.  I guess it could go for a lot of different occasions, even a child’s birthday card, use your imagination.  I sure did.

Game On!

The card base is bermuda bay and I kept it just to that one color.  The card front has a narrow boarder with the stamped front layered on another piece of bermuda bay cardstock and lifted up on dimensionals.  The simple sentiment comes from the Dear Heart set, along with this adorable little boy.

Game On!

He is prepped for adventure with a mask from the Calling All Heroes set stamped in coordinating ink.  I punched him out with the 1 3/4″ circle punch and layered that again with a 2″ circle punch of more bermuda bay.  A simple accent of striped grosgrain ribbon finished it off nicely.

Game On!

I sponged color around the edges of the card front, the inside panel and the circle punches.  Just softening it a little bit.  Now I can’t wait to give it to my friend.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Tiny Thank You

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Spending the morning with my husband took first place today.  So, blogging had to happen later on in the morning.  Works great for me, during the summer that is.

Tiny Thank You

I didn’t know where to start this morning, so I turned to my scrap pile.  You know, those extra bits of paper that are too big to toss and haven’t filed back into the paper files.  Well, there was this piece of bermuda bay measuring 5×6 that was calling to me.  I did the math and ended up using my scoreboard to make this cute little carton.  Simple division is a beautiful thing, did I just say that?  Yup!

Tiny Thank You

This carton is big enough to fill with plenty of treats or even a nail polish or two.  Sometimes it is fun to say thank you in a different way.  I do have a weakness for cute little boxes and bags.

Tiny Thank You

How about the washi tape though!  I did all of my scores first and then got the tape out.  I put it down on an angle leaving about 3/4″ between pieces.  I didn’t measure, just eyeballed it.  From a distance it looks like striped paper with blue stripes over the top.  Fun look.

Banner punches went to work on the adorable sentiment tag.  Using bakers twine was the only thing tiny enough to work well.  All in all, I do love this little guy. Now, who to share it with…

Have a creative day!

Moana

Lovely Amazing You

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When you live in a house with teenage girls you get to enjoy all of the fun that goes along with it.  That includes having a healthy obsession over a fun band, One Direction.  My husband bought us concert tickets last fall, as a Christmas gift, and the concert was this last weekend.

Lovely Amazing You

While we were waiting for the show, I studied the stage and, guilty as charged, I started thinking of a card idea.  Well, why not, right?

Lovely Amazing You

I used three different stamp sets to put this together, and I could have done more.  I love how so many sets have these little accent stamps that can be used tons of different ways.

Lovely Amazing You

This comes down to a thank you card that will never be sent, I am sure my daughter will just want to keep it.  It was a blast to be with my girls, watching them totally fan girl over their ‘boys’, and revel in their happiness.  Just like Christmas morning magic for a child, really.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Dash with Box Buddy

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Someone you know having a birthday and need a card right away?  Why not make a card with a matching box buddy?  It may look like it took a lot of time, but it was super quick.  Enough said.

Birthday Dash with Box Buddy

I used one sheet of sahara sand to base both of these projects.  I cut a 6 x 6 portion first and used the remaining for the card.  It came together really nice actually.

Birthday Dash with Box Buddy

When you have paper as beautiful as the birthday bash set, you really want to showcase it.  I usually don’t cover it, but I felt the need to play with this awesome ribbon!  It is huge, soft, and full of color.  Too much fun.

Birthday Dash with Box Buddy

The card is a bit off normal size, but only a 1/2 inch shorter.  Yes, it will fit perfectly in my regular envelopes, no need to make a custom one.  The bit of extra space allows for that huge ribbon.  Perfect!

Birthday Dash with Box Buddy

Get out your pretty paper and put it to work for you.  This paper won’t be around much longer, retiring and all.  I might have to get a bit more, it makes such wonderful birthday cards.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Balloon Birthday Bash

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The happiest of birthday wishes start with an awesome card and the wonderful things you write inside.  Doesn’t this set just look like a party waiting to happen?

Balloon Birthday Bash

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how to proceed with the framelit banner pieces.  They are so adorable, but tiny and stuff.  But, as always, it came together and looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself.  How fun!

Balloon Birthday Bash

Everyone needs a friend though, even an adorable card. Hence my continual need to make a matching bag or box to go along.  The stamping tone on tone made the perfect connection, don’t you think?  Treats and a gift card seem the perfect fit for this darling little bag.  It measures 2 x 2 x 3.5.  In case you wondered, I made both of these treasures from one sheet of card stock.  How perfect!

Balloon Birthday Bash

Have an absolutely wonderful and truly creative day!

Moana

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

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Aside from the rushed photos and my crazy allergies, I think these cards are rather fun!  They are a definite challenge to the cloudy rainy day we have here.  We need the rain and I need the pollen washed away.  Actually, everything has a dusting of pollen that gives it a crushed curry look.  Funny…

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

My mind is pretty darn blank today.  Again with the allergies.  But I needed some birthday cards and wanted to brighten up my desk.  Mission accomplished.

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

The banner framelits really make a fun look.  So simple to do, my favorite kind of excitement on a card.  It doesn’t have to be all tricky and unique to give the right effect.  Having everything all tidy and clean really gives a professional edge.  Nice.

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

So, get out there and make some birthday cards!  You know you need them and it is always nice to have them on hand.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Bash with Bermuda Bay and Age Awareness?

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Just what does all of that have in common?  Well, it comes together to make one fantastic birthday card for one fantastic friend!

Age Awarness

What do we have going on here?  Bermuda bay with the awesome birthday bash designer series paper paired perfectly with the Age Awareness stamp set.  Don’t forget that bit of gold glimmer paper.  Gotta love the bling!

Age Awareness

When I showed my girls this little card they both agreed that it looked like a party.  I couldn’t agree more.  Birthdays are all about good friends and fun times together.

Age Awareness

The gift that goes along is all about paper crafting too.  The fun just doesn’t end!

Have a creative day!

Moana