In the middle of cleaning out book shelves I had an idea for a card. So I went to my desk, pulled out the stamps, dies and ribbon, and went back to my shelving. This morning I just looked at them and thought, “What did I have in mind?” Not sure, but this is what I ended up with.
I think it is funny because if you don’t read the little word love that is inside the heart cut out, the tags just say “you my friend”. A bit basic, but really made me laugh.
Have a creative day!
Moana
Turning 18 can be exciting, scary, or even uneventful. As a parent it is definitely exciting and scary, but it would be nice if it was calm and even a bit subtle. With my oldest daughter turning 18 next week, subtle is more likely the theme. She is at university now, and I won’t be there to celebrate with her. A care package is in order for sure.
The new designer series paper packs are awesome. I love that they measure 6×6. You aren’t limited by the direction of the pattern because you have a larger area to work with. Makes me so happy.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work with this huge letter and alphabet set, but I went for it. It is so huge! But I think I will have a ton of fun with it. I honestly think it would be so funny if I turned the period after the number abbreviation to a red exclamation point. Could I deny her the birthday? Stop my daughter from growin up any more? Not likely.
A clean and simple card is the theme here. Celebrating birthdays doesn’t mean everything is to be all flashy, it could, but it doesn’t have to be.
Have a creative day!
Moana
Yesterday was full of excitement at an adventure park. I am not so brave, but I do try some because my husband loves them. I went on my two favorite ones, twice, so I get a big high five!
It may not sound like much, but there are times when I don’t ride anything, so this is improvement. But, I was pretty darn tired this morning and didn’t feel like creating much. I was snapchatting my daughter at university and asked her for some help. These were her color choices. It was an enthusiastic choice, just like riding a roller coaster.
I used a full sheet of tangerine tango to make this bag. My scoring measurements were 1 1/4″ and 4″ then repeat to leave a 1/2″ edge. I scored the bottom at 1 1/4″ to match the sides and did 1/2″ at the top for easy closure. Quick burnishing and folding put this large bag together.
I stamped the bag tone on tone using the matching tangerine tango ink. The sentiment was stamped first in crushed curry, then since the other colors were darker and could handle it, I stamped over one edge in garden green and the other edge in tangerine tango. It gave a really cool look I think.
A fun bag for a fun person I would think. Now, to figure out just who needs it.
Have a creative day!
Moana
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.
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?
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.
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
This stamp set is just the best. The combination phrases really get me laughing. This one in particular is my favorite. You’re on my mind, but not in a creepy way. How great is that.
I like how it looks all pretty and then this secondary saying just throws it off like crazy. Almost like if you aren’t really paying attention, you will totally miss the joke. My favorite.
A simple embossed background with the new cool boho chic folder. I wasn’t sure at first, but that didn’t last long. It is way cool. Lots of options there.
This is short and sweet today because first, the card just doesn’t need a lot of explaining. Second, I am posting ahead because I am taking my girls to a concert, that they have been waiting for since Christmas, and I wanted to focus on that. I made this card as a thank you for my sister-in-law for letting us stay over at her place after the concert. I also made a little matching tote with a bunch of other cards for her to use as part of the thank you. Good stuff there!
Have a creative day!
Moana
My mind is a little more scattered than usual this morning. That is because there are more than one exciting things going on. Yes, and that includes me finally getting to showcase this awesome stamp set!
Good things are about to happen, truly. This is a weekend made for family, friends, and fun. How exciting, right?
This card though. I kept the layering very simple and clean. I wanted to see both of these stamps well and not have one overpower the other. I think that worked out pretty darn well if I do say so myself.
I stamped the image in versamark ink and heat embossed it using clear embossing powder. When I stamped over with the background stamp, in sahara sand, the image showed through so nicely. I did have to rub it a bit with a paper towel to get the ink off the embossing, but not much. And there you have it!
I repeated the stamping somewhat on the inside using the background stamp edges. I can see so many possibilities with this set. I think I will have to set one day aside to see just what I can do with it.
Have a creative day!
Moana
I got it into my head to open this paper, do a sponge ombre look, and call it good. I loved this type of paper from the Sale-a-bration bonus catalog and couldn’t wait for Stampin’Up! to make more. They sure did. But I had a surprise when I opened the pack up.
There were six white sheets and six colored ones. I looked into the catalog to see what was up, and sure enough, there the colored ones are too. I thought they were just examples of how it could look all inked up. I did not pay attention very well. Fun for me though!
The resist pattern looks like raindrops to me, guess that is what it actually is. Marina mist seemed to be the appropriate color choice, so I sponged away to make an ombre look. I love how striking the raindrops are, yummy.
I took a sentiment from the watercolor wings stamp set and punched it out with the note tag punch and layered it up. Pretty simple overall. I started out with a 6×6 piece of paper, sponged it, scored it and stuck it together. If I was brave enough to video you would have witnessed an epic ribbon battle. No one was injured in the making of that bow, but it was close.
Have a creative day!
Moana
I started this project out completely different than it ended up. Who doesn’t like an adventure now and again, right?
The mini treat bag thinlits were out waiting to get to work. I wanted to use he heart framelit and coordinating stamp. After I pulled the paper and matching seam binding ribbon, it switched around on me. Not a problem,
Then I didn’t have a treat to put inside so I could give it away. How can you give away a treat bag with no treats? You can’t, that wouldn’t be any fun. So I thought, does it have to hold a treat? Why not make it an envelope and put a card to write on inside.
Worked like a champ! Now I have another choice with how I use this set. Not everyone wants a treat, but something sweet to read is also yummy. This little number will also fit inside one of our standard envelopes for mailing. How cool is that!
A quick note on the stamp. I stamped the image once and used the coordinating framelit. It cut off the cool dashed boarder that I liked so well. So I stamped it again, fussy cut it out, not my favorite activity, and layered it on dimensionals. After I sponged everything of course. Thought you might like that little detail.
Have a creative day!
Moana
Sometimes I feel like there are one too many butterflies flying around my craft area. But then I remember, you can never have too many butterflies! Especially when Stampin’Up! keeps coming out with even more exciting stamps to use. This set is just one of those types. I could just put these everywhere.
The color scheme is very simple, blushing bride and whisper white with tiny 1/8″ boarders. I do love those. Only one butterfly on this card front. The base image is done in blushing bride. The next layer, the detailed image, was stamped in versamark ink. That alone looked wonderful with the darker tone. A quick sprinkle of iridescent ice went over the versamark while it was still sticky and took a trip to the heat gun to melt it in place.
I tried to angle the photo to show you the almost purple glimmer that comes from the powder. You can kind of see it. Absolutely lovely stuff. The body and antennae are separate stamps that make the body. And yes, this is a photopolymer set. You just have to see through these stamps to get images just where you want them.
A quick sentiment from the same set and a tiny cotton ribbon bow, and it was done. I did stamp a few dots on the inside panel, of course.
Have a creative day!
Moana
When I first subscribed to Paper Pumpkin it was all about getting exclusive stamp sets that I couldn’t purchase through regular shopping. I didn’t want to miss out. That was true in the beginning stages, but then the kits started getting better and better and the projects were almost better than the stamps.
I had a hard time putting those great stamps to work after I finished up the kits. So I tried something different this time. With my last kit, I used the stamps separately before I got into the kit. These are the stamps, but nothing at all to do with the card kit, which is fabulous by the way.
I am in love with the new heavy weight whisper white cardstock. I love a white card and it just had to be sturdier. Job well done. Sahara sand might be my favorite neutral. It goes so well with everything. Just a hint of color without any obvious distraction.
A little bit of simple layering and a bunch of dimensionals. The aqua painter got involved again, it is such a great tool. Using it along the stamped images to bring in the lightest amount of color. What a great look and so easy to accomplish. Finish it off with the lovely dotted lace trim.
Have a creative day!
Moana
What a wonderful way to start this special holiday. Making this card this morning gave me some quiet alone time to contemplate. I do my best thinking while I am crafting, I really do.
This project was more about the sentiment than anything. Of course the color choices were important. I kept everything subtle so the message was clear.
Gratitude, plain and simple. Grateful for the freedoms I know I have, but so much more. There is a larger picture that regular citizens are just simply unaware of, and sometimes grateful for that ignorance. I do feel truly blessed for the way I am allowed to live my life.
Take the opportunity to share the gratitude you feel in the way you feel most comfortable. I get to enjoy my quiet beginning, attend a flag raising social at my church, and spend the afternoon with family. Just wonderful.
Have a creative day!
Moana
I think going on that pioneer trek took a little more out of me than I thought. I tried to sit down at my usual 5:30 this morning, but I could hardly focus. Time to get into a good summer routine.
I absolutely fell in love with this stamp set when I saw it in the catalog. The floral images are so elegant. They cover several of my favorites. I had to use this one first, because it is my absolute favorite.
I started by stamping the image in garden green. I got out my aqua painter and drew in the color for the stems and some of the outer lining. I brought in daffodil delight and hi-lighted with so saffron. Just a touch of color there.
I used the oval framelits to make my layers with the third largest for the flowers and the second largest for the frame. I stamped and sponged and put everything I could up on dimensionals. I tried out the triple banner punch and it works like a champ. That is going to get a lot of use. Finally, I hid my glue dot under the velum with a rhinestone. I used a section to curve around the top left of the frame and called it done. I didn’t even stamp inside! Scandalous, I know.
Have a creative day!
Moana
I have made it through my June adventures and have finally been able to sit down with a long awaited stamp set and designer series paper. I am still way beyond tired after completing a sixteen mile handcart trek, so it took me longer than normal to get going, but I did it. It kind of feels a bit vintage and a strong nature theme. So pretty.
I learned my lesson with the last designer series paper that I loved too much to use for way too long. I opened this pack up, took out my favorite pattern, and cut it for the card front. Quite brave if you ask me.
I stamped inside with two of the stamps from the set using night of navy and soft suede. I have a hard time leaving the inside blank.
I used a piece of water color paper to stamp the dragonfly a few times. I started with black stazon, water colored with night of navy on the wings, then used some two way glue to attach dazzeling diamonds glitter to the wing edges. I absolutely love dragonflies. They are my signature mark and have been for some time.
Have a creative day!
Moana
This is definitely a bit of a crazy card. I wanted a little more order to the stamping on the background, but didn’t have the patience. Blogging ahead like I am, Utah trip and pioneer trek remember, has made me run a little short on patience. I just went with it and decided I liked it after all.
There may be lace and a bit of bling here, but I thought it could work for a guy as well, maybe. This new color delightful dijon is starting to grow on me. It took a while for summer starfruit to get anywhere with me, but I ended up being so sad when it retired and find myself missing it. This is much darker, but I am starting to get there.
This project was a real quick put together. Just a couple of square framelits, some simple stamping, a bit of sponging and it was done. Then I wanted to put a bit of bling on and even underlined with rhinestones one of the ‘enjoy the fuss’ sentiments. Good stuff for sure.
I have added another birthday card to the stash. There never seems to be an end to the need for birthday cards. Especially when you know so many wonderful people! A great thing to be able to do.
Have a creative day!
Moana
My husband was given a thank you note that inspired this simple creation. I usually like more, but this couldn’t be more perfect. The subtle layering of the flower, the gentle stem, and the touch of glitter come together to make this stunner.
I did a narrow border with an additional layer of watermelon wonder and popped that combo up on dimensionals. I thought about adding some of that lovely dotted lace trim, but didn’t want to interfere with the glitter or the stem. Really, it turned out so nice.
So, here it sits, in its simple glory. I love this color and I love it even more in this beautiful card. Maybe I should send this note back to the friend that inspired it. They certainly are wonderful.
Look for inspiration in every day life, it is there waiting for you.
Have a creative day!
Moana
This burst of sunshine should be posting while I am in Utah getting my Denali all settled at university. She is a huge burst of sunshine in my life, so it suits the day perfectly.
I have used the sunburst stamp from the Kinda Eclectic set in so many projects. It is why I bought the set, but the rest of it is just as beautiful. I am so glad that it carried over to the new catalog. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
I loved using the super smooth whisper white card stock to make a matching bag. It folds rather crisp, but is easier to manipulate that the other card. And of course I love the stamp. This set is done in hello honey and it works so well. I even got out an embossing folder to give it a little extra.
A simple card that is all about the saying and a few bright touches to bring it full circle. Perhaps this one will find its way to someone in need of a pick me up. Sounds about right!
Have a creative day!
Moana
Making my own background paper is one of my favorite things to do. Part of it comes from not having all of the new paper, and the other more important part is customizing it to exactly how I want my project to feel. I loved these tiny little flowers, so that is what I went with.
I didn’t have patience to use my stamp-a-majig, so I just did my best. It didn’t turn out too bad and the secondary pattern looks great. Hexagons can look a little more strict by their shape, but using the floral one gave it a much softer look. And of course I love a layered tag. Go ornate tag topper punch! I love a great set of tools.
I have some work to get done today for use. I will be gone all next week between taking my daughter to university and participating in a pioneer trek. I will blog ahead like I did during girls camp, that seemed to work out just fine. I think July will be a little more kind to my schedule, I hope.
Have a creative day!
Moana
I so enjoyed getting the silver ink out yesterday that I went back for more. I really love working with metallic inks. I hadn’t water colored with them before, but I thought I would give it a go.
The idea came from my daughters art final. She pained this beautiful water color and brought in gold. It looks much more dramatic on her project, but hey, it is a start, right? I liked how it turned out.
I wanted to use a stamp from my collection that would suggest a star, to match the sentiment, without being a star. I ended up going with the flower centers from the Beautiful Bunch set. I tried a different one first, but it looked more like paint splats or bad graphics from an old Star Trek episode. I settled with the one you see here. I do love making my own background paper.
I repeated the stamping on the edges of the card base and of course had to stamp on the inside opposite corners of my insert. I even did one on the back bottom center, just to make Donna happy. I love how the gold ink looks on blackberry bliss. I see another project with those two coming along soon.
I used my aqua painter and the gold ink to highlight the scripture reference. I stamped ink on a clear block and used that as my pallet. It worked like a charm!
Have a creative day!
Moana
Simple elegance is one of my favorite things in a card. This color combination surely does lend itself in that direction. I even think it is neutral enough to be masculine, what do you think?
I used the Butterfly Basics set for this project for the element and sentiment. I put the fern stamp to work with three different inks. I started with black stazon, layered with silver encore, and finished up with elegant eggplant. I continued stamping inside with just the elegant eggplant.
I added some silver satin ribbon to keep those ferns together but kept it in a knot instead of a bow. The ribbon kind of took over when it was tied in a bow, but just right in a knot.
I kept the boarders narrow and popped the front up on dimensionals. A nice clean look for an elegant card. I think I have just the person to send it to.
Have a creative day!
Moana
Getting back into the groove can be a bit slow at first. I also gave myself a challenge this morning by making cucumber crush my main color. We haven’t become friends just yet, so I thought we needed some together time. I helped it find a friend in blushing bride, and I like how it worked out.
I used a full sheet to make this pretty gift bag. I stamped the background paper with the fun leaf from the Kinda Eclectic set. Loved it. I used it full strength some, but mostly stamped it off once first. I like how different this color looks at different strengths.
I sometimes stop myself from using flowers, because I feel like I really get them everywhere. I just love flowers! So, I didn’t hold back at all here. I usually stamp off blushing bride, but it needed to be strong to work with this fun green. The combo is full of life. I think a yellow would have paired nicely, but I had to stop somewhere.
These pretty clear faceted buttons are so fun to use. It helped me finish up this gift bag nicely. Sometimes I go overboard on bling, but not today. I wasn’t sure when I started this project, but I love how it ended up.
Have a creative day!
Moana
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