HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!!!

Sharing today a card that I made for a friend's birthday.  She was one of the first friends that I met after getting my first "real" job in Charlotte many years ago.  One of my funniest memories with this friend was her complaints one morning about not sleeping well because of the "idiots" who lived behind her and the party they were having.  I happened to have been at a party the previous night and, as it turned out, I was one of the reasons she had missed sleep! 

 

We worked together for 15 years, and she was the kind of friend that I could always count on and, above all, trust.  Friends like that are rare, you know.  She was truly the kind of friend who can know all of your faults and flaws and still be a friend.  I haven't seen her in years, and I have dropped the ball when it comes to staying in touch which, unfortunately, seems to be a strong suit of mine.  I think of her often and, when I saw on my calendar that I had missed sending a birthday card (on time), I decided to make this one for her. 

If you have a friend in your life (or  your past) like Lisa or, if you're like me and always seem to drop the ball when it comes to staying in touch, why not make a card today and let that person know that you still consider them one of your life's treasures?

"TWITTERPATED" PORTFOLIO & CARD SET

The tutorial for this pretty portfolio filled with cards, envelopes, and separate sentiments was added to Craft Project Central today and is a great gift project.  The card sentiments (for various occasions) are kept in a little drawer inside the portfolio and can be quickly added to a card when you need one.  Instructions include variations on how the little drawer can be used if you choose to put the sentiments on the cards as you make them and don’t need the drawer for the sentiments.  This smart project was designed by Kris McIntosh, and you will love making several of these portfolios filled with cards!  It's not too late to subscribe to Craft Project Central to gain access to this tutorial and all of the others posted this month!

A STORAGE TIP FOR "MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project isn't as exciting as a card, box, or other stamped creation, but you might actually get excited about what I have to show you!  It's a consolidated storage tip--a way to combine two-case stamp sets into one case.  If you're like me, you're not a fan of having two cases for one stamp set--it's just easier to find them if you only have to look for one case.  For the last little while, I have opted to not adhere the image stickers to the back of clear-mount stamps because the stamps cling so much better to acrylic blocks without that sticker on them.  I do put those stickers to good use, though . . . I use them inside the stamp case so that I can tell if a stamp (and which one) is missing.

Stampin' Up!'s clear-mount stamp cases come with a cover that shows the images in the set and, as you can see from the first picture, I have left one of the covers intact, but I used the cover from the second case on the back of my case.  A piece of copy-weight paper was cut and adhered to the back of both covers so the inside of the case looks clean, and I have an unobstructed view of the stamps!  All two-case stamp sets may not be able to be consolidated like this but, when possible, this is what I do with them.

FANCY BOX

A new project tutorial was added to Craft Project Central today, and this unique and beautiful box is sure to impress!  The sizeable box will hold lots of little treats or small gifts.  Change up the papers for any occasion or add a handle to the sides to make a special basket!  The accompanying card coordinates purrrrfectly!!  This project was designed by Kim, and didn't she do a great job?

YIKES! THERE'S A MUMMY IN THE WINDOW!

I designed two projects for Craft Project Central this month, and this is the second one.  I had so much fun designing this project, and you can find the full easy-to-follow photo tutorial at Craft Project Central.  With your subscription, you will have access to all of the other project tutorials that have been posted this month, and you're sure to enjoy creating each and every one of them.

EMBOSSED VELLUM GIFT BAG

Every once in a while, you just need a little gift bag to give a gift in, whether it be a teacher, co-worker, neighbor, or friend.  Make someone feel extra special by giving them a gift in this beautiful-handmade gift bag!  The coordinating tag and gift card add an extra special touch and the elegant bag made from embossed vellum is sure to impress.  This project was designed by Laurie for Craft Project Central, and the tutorial was posted today.

CHRISTMAS "PUSH POP" TREAT

How cute is this Santa suit push-pop treat?????  It was a snap to decorate and, best of all, it just needs to be filled with goodies and, even better . . . it can be used for a frozen treat later.  The push-pop containers are being offered this week, so let me know if you need details on how to order them.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project is a super quick and simple digital design.  I was very late getting a project made for today and decided that Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software would have to come to the rescue.  I used Lucky Limeade card stock for the card, Island Indigo for the mat, and my digital design was printed onto Whisper White and then cut to size.  This card features the following digital content:

Designer Series Paper:  Be Awesome Today digital kit

Stamps:  Celebrate Any Day digital kit

Punches:  Tag, Flag

Accessories:  Island Indigo grosgrain ribbon bow, Mis-Stitched stitching, rhinestone from the Blossom Builders Embellishments kit

Have a wonderful week!  Don't forget to download your free 30-day trial of MDS2!

WITH TEACHERS IN MIND--NEW PROJECT TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY!

It’s back to school time!  Here is a perfect gift ensemble for the kids’ teachers!  The ensemble includes a clipboard, matching pencil box and a set of cards!  Make several sets and give them as gifts to not only the teachers, but co-workers, friends, etc. and be sure to keep a set for yourself!  The tutorial for this gorgeous ensemble, which was designed and created by Heidi King, was posted to Craft Project Central today. 

"PERFECTLY PRESERVED" WINDOW CARD

To create this card, I used the jar die from Stampin' Up!'s "Cannery Set" Framelits to cut the window on the front of the card.  I then placed a die-cut apple on the inside of the card (placing it through the window).  On a piece of acetate, I stamped the jar image from the "Perfectly Preserved" stamp set and then adhered it to the inside of the card, which I later covered with designer paper to hide the acetate.  Die-cut pears were adhered to both sides of the acetate.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include "Blessings from Heaven" stamp set (and my favorite sentiment), linen thread, and a designer button.  This set of dies and the coordinating stamp set are soooooooooo fun to use!

A SPECIAL FLOWER FOR A SPECIAL SOMEONE

One of my favorite sentiments lately (in case you haven't noticed) is the one featured on this card.  It's from Stampin' Up!'s "Blessings from Heaven" stamp set, and I think it is so sweet.  This is a very simple card that I could hardly wait to work on yesterday.  Not too long ago, I saw a flower created with punched hearts that were folded in half, and I think it's such a clever idea, plus it adds interest and dimension to any project.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla, and Soft Suede card stock, "Comfort Cafe" designer paper, Full Heart punch, and antique brad.

"WORLD SPECTACULAR" GIFT ENSEMBLE

This spectacular set of projects would be a perfect and uplifting gift for a special friend!  The covered notepad and pen set is not only a cheerful gift, but a useful one as well!  The slider gift box can be filled with a special treat and the matching card completes the set!  Complete instructions for this ensemble, which was designed and created by Julie Beltramo, were added to Craft Project Central today.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

For today's MISM project, I used Stampin' Up!'s Candy Wrapper die (one of my favorite little boxes) and one of the tags and googlie eyes from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit.  The stamped images (spider and Boooo) are from the Googly Ghouls stamp set.  There's a lot of googly in those two sentences!  I have to admit, though, that I stole the tag design from a project that Mary Fish shared on SCS.  I really didn't want to just outright copy it, but I couldn't find anything worthy of changing.  I threaded Baker's twine through the tag and then wrapped it repeatedly around the box before finishing it off with a bow.  Such a quick and easy treat to make!

"COMFORT CAFE" WREATH POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Let a friend or family member know how special they are by giving them this wreath and coordinating card!  The wreath and card would also make a great housewarming or birthday gift.  The project features Stampin' Up!'s new Comfort Cafe fabric and designer paper, along with the pretty Summer Silhouette stamp set.  This ensemble was designed and created by Christy Fulk, and the tutorial was posted to Craft Project Central's web site today. 

CRICUT "ARTISTE" & STAMPIN' UP! DRESS FORM CARD

Earlier this week, a new Cricut cartridge arrived (Artiste), and I enjoyed working with it yesterday.  My favorite project was this card.  Don't you love that dress????  I plan to send this card to my grandmother and think that she will enjoy it.  Of course, I had to use some Stampin' Up! products, such as the Jewelry Tag punch, Little Labels Punch Pack, "Blessings from Heaven" and "Lovely Little Labels" stamp sets, pearl jewels, Bravo Burgundy grosgrain ribbon (retired), linen thread (this seems to go on everything I make), Regals designer button, Stampin' Dimensionals, and a Crumb Cake marker to make the thread marks on the spool.  The card itself is Naturals Ivory, and I also used Summer Starfruit and Bravo Burgundy card stock.

ANOTHER "PERFECTLY PRESERVED" CREATION

I can't remember if this gatefold has a special name, but I'm almost certain that it does.  If you're like me and ready for Fall, then this card must be speaking to you.  Stampin' Up! products used to create it include:  Orchard Harvest designer paper, Cannery Set Framelits, "Perfectly Preserved" and "Blessings from Heaven" stamp sets, Leaves die, Labels Collection Framelits, linen thread, designer button, and Fancy Fan embossing folder.  My card stock colors are More Mustard, Lucky Limeade, Raspberry Ripple, and Very Vanilla.

BUTTERFLY GIFT BOX ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Do you love butterflies or know someone who does?  Here is an extra special gift box that would be perfect for an extra special person!  This butterfly shaped box is large enough to fit a nice gift or some yummy candy!  You’ll have fun putting this beautiful box together and have even more fun when you see the delight in the eyes of the recipient!  The tutorial for this project, designed by Amanda, was posted on Craft Project Central today. 

CHOOSE TO SHINE - MIXED MEDIA CANVAS

I've had a stack of 3" x 6" canvas boards sitting on a shelf for a couple of weeks, and today was the day that I would create something with one of them.  The problem was that I had no idea what I wanted to make but, with mixed media, I should have remembered that it's no problem--you don't have to have a specific idea--you just need to start.  I began by covering the canvas with three different designs of paper tape and then added some purple, green, and tan paint on top of the tape.  I then used a stencil with a daisy/floral design and, after trying a few colors of ink spray, I decided I liked the white spray.  Notice the textural floral burst?  I placed the stencil on the canvas and covered it with textural paste.  When that was dry, I added some highlights with a yellow marker and yellow glitter glue, finishing with a substantial dollop of glitter glue in the center.  While I waited for the glitter glue to dry, I die-cut the foam butterfly, decorated it with some rhinestone jewels, and glued it in place.  I also outlined the stamped word "shine" with the glitter glue, and then decided to go ahead and take a picture.  It's good that I have this picture because shortly after I snapped it, I dropped the canvas . . . yep . . . face down, flattening and smearing that substantial dollop of glitter glue.  Argh!!!!!  The good news is that I was able to clean it up, and no one will have to know what happened.  I no longer have that beautiful, dimensional golden bead, but I do still have a glittery tactile golden center.  Gotta LOVE that about mixed media art!

LADYBUG BOX & CARD ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Ladybugs are just so cute and one of the sure signs of summer, just like watermelon, fresh corn on the cob, and freshly mowed lawns, to name a few!  If you’re looking for a cute little gift box for someone sweet, this is the perfect little treat box with its matching card!  The box can be used for cute party favors and can be adapted to different types of bugs, like a cute little honey bee!  This adorable project was designed by Monika Davis for Craft Project Central this month.  With your subscription this month, you'll have access to some awesome project tutorials!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

You might be thinking that it's kind of early for a Halloween project but, if you have to make a lot of treats, now is the perfect time to get started.  Or maybe I just wanted to play with the "Googly Ghouls" stamp set that arrived last week.  This snappy project began with Stampin' Up!'s "Petite Pocket" die and Pumpkin Pie card stock.  The die-cut pocket looked too plain, so I ran it through the Spider Web embossing folder.  I used an Aqua Painter and markers to color the stamped images, and the witch's googlie eyes are from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit.  This little treat holder was truly a snap to make, and the only thing it needs is the treat!

MY "FRIENDSHIP PRESERVES BASKET" IS FEATURED ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY!

I'm so excited to be one of the designers for Craft Project Central this month, and this basket of note cards was such a fun project to create!  With your subscription, you'll get a detailed photo tutorial for this project and all of the others that are shared this month.  On August 1st, I announced that I would give a FREE pass (one-month subscription) today, and the winner is Nancy Dawson, who left this comment on my 8/01 blog post:  "Oh Regina I love all your projects! You are awesome. The teacher gift is so cute and don't you just love that paper!"  Congratulations, Nancy!   Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a comment. 

MY TREE TRUNK CREATION FOR "CREATING PRETTY CARDS" SKETCH CHALLENGE

I have to admit that I like the way this card turned out.  Earlier today, I used Stampin' Up!'s new Woodgrain embossing folder on a piece of Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock.  After embossing the card stock, I used the new sanding tool to highlight the embossed design.  As you can tell, the Core'dinations card stock has a lighter core that looks awesome against the Early Espresso.  The design for my card was inspired by this month's sketch at Creating Pretty Cards-Card Challenge #14, but I had to change it up since I started with a long and narrow strip of card stock.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  "Moving Forward" and "Language of Friendship" stamp sets, Circle punches (1", 1-1/4", and 1-3/8"), Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Owl Builder and Bird Builder punches, Gumball Green stitched satin ribbon, googlie eyes (from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit), and Naturals Ivory card stock.  For every 10 cards submitted to this card challenge, a winner will be selected to receive a one-month FREE pass to Craft Project Central.  If you'd like a chance to win, all you have to do is make a card!

"JOYFUL TIDINGS" HYBRID CARD

Looking for some quick holiday card ideas?  Look no further than Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio (MDS2) and the Joyful Tidings Digital Kit!  The ornaments that I used for my card are from this fun kit, which includes embellishments, stamps, and designer paper.  Best of all, the kit is 31% off this month, and you can even try MDS2 for 30 days--FREE!!!  So, to tell you just how easy it was to create this card, I added the three ornaments to my design page, added a drop-shadow to the middle ornament, added a duplicate ornament behind the first one and re-colored it Early Espresso, added the red star to the third ornament, added another star behind the red one, and changed the color to Early Espresso.  The sentiment that I chose is from the Hand-penned Holidays digital stamp set, and it was colored Real Red.  Notice the pleated paper below the ribbon?  That is one of the digital designer papers in the Joyful Tidings kit.  I printed it onto copy-weight paper, used the Simply Scored tool to score it, and then folded it into shape.  My card stock colors are Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, and Soft Suede.  Finishing touches to my card include the Real Red satin ribbon and rhinestone jewels.

SPECIAL "MEMORABLE MOMENTS" ANNIVERSARY CARD

Today is my parent's anniversary, and this is the special card that I made for them.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Hearts Collection Framelits, Window Frames Framelits, "Memorable Moments" and "Mixed Bunch" stamp sets, "Travel Journal" builder wheel, linen thread, Jewelry Tag punch, tiny pearl jewels, and Fancy Fan embossing folder.  Although I loved the Marina Mist heart layered onto the front of the die-cut card, I kind of hated to cover up the stamped background so I used a smaller heart Framelits die to cut a heart-shaped window so the pretty background could peep through.  I wish my parents a very happy day today (and everyday)!!!

I'M GIVING AWAY A FREE ONE-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO "CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL"

This month, I am one of the designers at Craft Project Central, which means that I have a one-month subscription to give to one lucky person.  The project that I designed for Craft Project Central will be posted on August 4th, and that's when I will announce the winner.  To enter the drawing, be sure to leave a comment on today's blog post, and be sure that your comment includes your email address.  Today's project was designed by Leena Girsa.  Isn't it adorable???

The first day of school is a big deal, no matter how old your children are! Why not send them off to their first day of school with some treats for their new teachers or classmates? This gift set features a note pad and pencil set, a card for the teacher, and pencils with cute toppers for each child in the class. What a perfect way for your children to make friends with their new classmates!  Don't forget--if you want to be entered in the drawing for the FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central, leave a comment on today's blog post.