RUSTIC WEDDING TABLE DECOR - AUGUST BONUS PROJECT

Rustic wedding themes are all the rage right now, and these three projects would make wonderful rustic decorations.  Learn how to tint and give a rustic look to a mason jar, and make two different types of roses with punches.

This project, designed by Christy Fulk, speaks to me.  And it keeps speaking and commanding my eyes to look again and again.  I love, love, love it!  Christy's awesome project is actually the August Bonus Project at Craft Project Central.  Qualifying for the bonus tutorial is easy . . . just subscribe to two or more months in a row, put the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or refer a friend to the site.  When your friend subscribes, just let us know!

ACCORDION FLIP CARD

No doubt, you've seen the popular accordion flip cards and, if you've seen them, then you surely have wanted to make one.  I have a Sizzix die (and its companion die) that will easily cut accordion flip panels, but I liked that this card didn't have "too much" open space.  The die that I own cuts panels that are very easy to assemble, but it leaves such a narrow/thin border.  So I decided to use Kirsteen's tutorial and see what happened.  As you can see, Baker's twine is used to join the flippin' ovals (no, I'm not mad at them--they really do flip) but when I finished, I thought that I had joined them too close together because the card didn't seem to open as wide as I wanted.  This card was going in the trash . . . until I returned later and decided that it really wasn't bad and it opened plenty wide, so I decorated it.  Below are photos of the back of the card and a view from the top.  I forgot to take a photo of the closed card, but the designer paper ovals flip so that they lay flat. 

The back

A peek at the top

I'm glad I decided to complete the card.  I needed something fun and different to send to my parents, and this was it.

SEA STREET SUMMER FUN ENSEMBLE

This fun summer ensemble is just what you need to celebrate the last few weeks of summer vacation! The darling bucket filled with beachy friends is a perfect centerpiece for an end of summer party! And if it’s a birthday you are celebrating, the port hole birthday card is just what you need! The Summer Memories Journal/Album will help you document all of the fun you have had over the summer months.

You will definitely need to click on the photo so your eyes can feast on all of the details--if you can actually absorb them all.  Wow!  Julie Warnick went all out to create the perfect summer ensemble.  It makes you want to hurry back to the beach one more time or host a beach party!  You can find Julie's detailed tutorial at Craft Project Central.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

It's Monday and, for students living near me, it's also time to head back to the classroom.  For many parents, today is like winning the lottery.  Maybe better.  Since my son is in college and has online classes this semester, I'm not affected by grade school jitters.  I don't mind admitting that I NEVER looked forward to the start of school--for myself or for my son.  After a lifetime of loving to work with children and quite a few years as an assistant, today is my sister's first official day as a bona fide, certified, has-her-own-classroom Kindergarten TEACHER!  Woohoo!!!!!  I'm so excited for (and proud of) her because I know that she has worked her a$$ off to make this happen.  You know how you hear people say that "it's a dream come true"?  Well, for Renee, it really is a dream. come. true.  I've seen some miserable teachers and know they can't possibly still be in the classroom because of the money, but Renee is to teaching what nurses should be to nursing -- in it because she loves it and has the desire to be there!  Have a FANTABULOUS day, Renee, and a wonderful school year!!!!!!

Today's MISM project is a truly snappy card, and I know you recognize Stampin' Up!'s Work of Art stamp set.  What a wonderful and fun stamp set it is, and it should be on your wish list if it's not already in your stamp room.  It's for sure that you will not go hungry for ideas and inspiration for this set!  The other stamp set that I used is Hi There, and my card stock/ink colors are Hello Honey, Basic Black, Wisteria Wonder, and Whisper White.

ELEGANT . . . AND I DO MEAN "E-L-E-G-A-N-T.

Nothing makes a better present than a set of handmade greeting cards. Make this elegant set with a  carrying ‘case’ to match, and your present will be a hit!   Great for a stamp camp or as a class project.

I ♥ Stampin' Up!'s Stippled Blossoms stamp set, and I ♥ this gorgeous ensemble that Monika Davis created.  Hello?  Just look at those cascading rhinestone jewels!  Your heart skipped a beat, didn't it?  Just looking at the photo makes me want to use the word "symphony", but I can't think of any other words to complete a sentence.  Ha!  Monika's complete tutorial posted today at Craft Project Central so, if you haven't already started your subscription, it's not too late!  And you know you wanna.

 

FOLDED SCREEN CARDS

It all started when I saw Adriana's card featuring Stampin' Up!'s Daydream Medallions stamp set, so I decided to make my life easier by using the same colors (black, Bermuda Bay, and I used Basic Gray rather than Smoky Slate) and images for my first Folded Screen card.  The only thing I did different was add a couple of butterflies and the sentiment that I needed for the person who would receive this card.  This is such an easy card to make, and I love it.  The only drawback is that it's quite bulky and requires extra postage.

For my second card (yes, I needed two of these), I used Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, and Hello Honey card stock and images from one of my favorite (retired) stamp sets, French Foliage.    The sentiment was printed onto Very Vanilla card stock, and cut with the Modern Label punch.  To keep the front panels worthy of display, a sentiment panel was adhered to the back of each card.  The Folded Screen card is sooooooooooooooo easy to make, and I'll bet you'll want to make more than one.  The card stock size is 5.5" x 11", scored at increments of 2.75".  The measurement for the stamped panels is 2.5" x 4.25" (don't forget to cut a fifth one to use as a sentiment panel for the back of the card), and they are adhered to a mat that measures 2-5/8" x 4-3/8".  After putting the two cards in the mail, it occurred to me that I could have made them shorter so they could be folded once (in half) and fit in an envelope and mailed with one postage stamp.  You can view the USPS size requirements for letters HERE.  I was thinking that while most of my cards fit in an A2 envelope, most retail greeting cards are closer to 5" x 7" in size, which lends quite a generous option for mailing if you get the card size right.  ;-)

FLASHBACK ENVELOPE MINI ALBUM

This fun mini album is made out of envelopes!  These mini albums are easy to put together and a perfect way to show off your photos!  Or you could pair it up with the coordinating greeting card and give a great gift!

This project was designed by Laurie, and you can find her tutorial at Craft Project Central.

"BLOOM WITH HOPE"

While looking at project pictures, I came across this one that I thought I had posted already but, after a very quick search of my blog, I didn't see it.  So, if this is a duplicate post, I apologize.  All that I remember for certain about this card is that the flowers had been stamped and cut with my Scan n Cut machine, and they were colored with Stampin' Blendabilities Markers.  They were the perfect addition for this card, and I can't say enough how handy it is to stamp and color a handful of flowers at one time to have on hand, ready to use.  The more I type and look at this card, the more I think that I've posted it before.  I'll just end this post now and, if the card is a dupe, thanks for giving it a second look.  ;-)

JUDI'S BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIFT FOR TEACHER

We all know how fun and intimidating the start of a new school year can be for both the student and the teacher. Why not start off on a good note with your child’s teacher and present them with a Start of School Gift Box full of fun things for the teacher to use for herself! Add a handmade card, and you are done.

This project was designed by Judi, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

A FEATHERY "MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . AND THE WINNER OF A FREE ONE-MONTH CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL SUBSCRIPTION

Stampin' Up! finally has a feather die.  Two of them, actually, and they will be available for purchase in just 10 short days!  On August 1, demonstrators were able to pre-order products from the Holiday catalog, and one of the first items on my order was a sweet bundle that included the dies and coordinating stamp set, Four Feathers.  Stampin' Up! products featured on today's MISM project are as follows:

Card Stock:  Pistachio Pudding, Elegant Eggplant, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White

Stamp Sets:  Four Feathers, Hi There

Ink:  VersaMark, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories:  Rhinestone jewels, silver embossing powder, heat tool, Blackberry Bliss ribbon

In order to use the Feathers Framelits dies, one will need a Big Shot die-cutting machine, and it just so happens that Stampin' Up! has an awesome Big Shot promotion in effect through August 31st.  Check it out HERE!  

You may remember that when my project was featured on Craft Project Central on August 10th, I announced in THIS BLOG POST that I would be giving a FREE one-month subscription to a lucky winner and that the winning name would be drawn from those who left a comment HERE.  Wow!  There were so many comments, and I appreciate all of them very much!  Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to hop over there and leave a comment.  I used random.org to select the winner, which is #31--SHERRY DAVIS--who wrote, "Love this set! These will make ideal gifts for friends and co-workers!"  Sherry, please email me at randari at hotmail dot com so we can get your free subscription started.

Do you know what's almost as good as winning a free Craft Project Central subscription?  Being able to subscribe for the low, low subscription rate of only $10 and gaining access to a month's worth of AWESOME project tutorials--tutorials to which you will have online access for eleven months!  Of course, you can always download and save the tutorials to your computer--or print them!  I can honestly say that there are some over-the-top project tutorials for the remainder of August, and you will NOT be disappointed. 

BACK TO SCHOOL WRITING SET

This writing set is the perfect back to school gift for any teacher's desk!  The covered junior legal pad is all set up with a convenient little spot to hold your special pencil along the edge.  The open-top card box holds 50 easy-to-reach grid cards for a quick note.  Top off the gift with a coordinating card and a bundle of extra pencils.

I love the colors that Julie Beltramo used for this project!  You can find her complete tutorial at Craft Project Central.  There's still time to get your name entered in the drawing for the FREE Craft Project Central subscription that I will be giving away on Monday, August 18th.  Details can be found HERE.

"THE OPEN SEA" ENSEMBLE

This set is a perfect way to celebrate the man in your life.  Whether that’s your spouse or a teen, he’ll love the nautical theme.  This set includes a gift box, card, and banner.  The pillow box has a window view of a ship at sea, and there’s room for a gift card or small gift.  Continue the theme with the coordinating banner.

I love Stampin' Up!'s The Open Sea stamp set, so I especially like this ensemble, which was designed by Bev Adams, and you can find the complete tutorial at Craft Project Central.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

For today's MISM, my starting point was Craft Project Central's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #38, which I had the pleasure of designing.  It had been a long time since I'd made a 3" x 6" card, but I used to really enjoy creating that size card!  The thing about Craft Project Central's monthly sketch challenge is that anyone can play along AND have their name entered in the drawing to win a FREE one-month subscription.  As I was looking at the cards of others who have played along, there was a sideways version created by Angie that piqued my interest and inspired me to turn one on its side.  Stampin' Up! products featured on my card include:

Stamp Sets:  Tap Tap Tap, Work of Art

Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Lost Lagoon, Basic Black, Pistachio Pudding

Punches:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Small Oval

Sizzix:  Alphabet Press embossing folder

Accessories:  Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker's Twine, Stampin' Distress Tool

So . . . are you ready to accept the challenge?  Click THIS LINK to upload your card and/or for the sketch challenge tutorial.  

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #38

MY "TOO KIND" GREETING CARD SET & A FREE CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL SUBSCRIPTION TO GIVE AWAY

It's my turn today to present the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month, and following is the introduction that I wrote for my project:

Create a boxed set of greeting cards that feature Stampin’ Up!’s “Too Kind” stamp set.  In this tutorial, you’ll make a colorful set of cards--each adorned with coordinating jewels--and a coordinating envelope for each card.  This ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a handy decorated box that’s perfect for gift-giving or storing the cards until needed.

Be sure to visit Craft Project Central and get your August subscription started.  I will be giving a FREE subscription to one lucky person with my Make-It-Snappy-Monday blog post on Monday, August 18th.  To be entered in the drawing, click HERE and leave a comment on the post that features my project.  That's all you have to do!

"FLOWER FRENZY" POCKET FULL OF DREAMS SET

This Flower Frenzy Pocket Full Of Dreams Set is a wonderful way to keep track of your dreams!  This set features a small pocket book to keep track of your dreams, a special denim pocket to hold your book, and a coordinating gift tag for that special someone!  Use this set to believe in your own dreams or gift it to someone to show support of their pursuit of dreams.

This bright project was designed by Michelle Wecksler, and you can find her tutorial at Craft Project Central.

I KNOW IT'S TOO EARLY FOR A CHRISTMAS PROJECT, BUT . . .

I simply couldn't resist making a card with this adorable moose wearing long johns!  Demonstrators were able to place a pre-order from Stampin' Up!'s upcoming Holiday catalog last Friday, and the Visions of Santa stamp set was one of the first items on my order.  I colored the image with Stampin' Blendabilities, but I didn't bother trying to blend and shade--those legs are quite skinny!  It's hard to tell from the photo, but I used Prismacolor's Warm Grey (PM-99) to ever-so-lightly outline the colored image.  The designer paper that I used is from Santa & Co., which is another upcoming product, along with that adorable snowflake embellishment.  Now that I've got the moose out of my system, I'll try to put Christmas on the back burner for a little while--but only a very little while.

TRY THIS: CREATING PRETTY CARDS - SKETCH CHALLENGE #38

Each month, Craft Project Central has a fun sketch challenge, and I had the pleasure of designing the August Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #38.  The sketch is shown below, and you can find the very simple tutorial HERE:

And my card:

For every ten cards submitted (uploaded HERE), one winner will be selected to receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central, and the winner(s) will get to select the month of their choice! So, if there are 15 submissions this month, one winner will be selected from all submissions*. If there are 40 submissions, then four winners will be randomly selected, and so on.  We really want to give away some free subscriptions, so please join the challenge!!

*If our project designers submit a card for your inspiration this month, they won’t be in the winner random-selection pool, but their cards will count towards the “for every 10 cards submitted" total.

CHATTY CHICKEN NOTE CARDS

This sweet note card set features adorable punch art chickens with unattached quote bubbles so that the cards can be personalized by the recipient. It includes a handy folder as well as a coordinated card to give with the set.

 

What a deliciously (sorry, chickens) colorful project!  I love how those cute chickens look like they're relaxing in a field of flowers, and this would surely be a unique set of cards to give to someone.  Yapha Mason designed this project, and her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

ECLECTIC & TEXTURAL ANNIVERSARY CARD

After a week or so of hardly any stamping, I was very pleased that a creative muse dropped in to help me knock out an anniversary card for my parents.  I really thought that I would struggle to come up with something and had NO idea what I wanted to make, and so I did what I often do at times like that . . . I forced myself to decide what color the card would be and then chose assorted items that were scattered on my desk.  One thing led to another, this got replaced with that which got moved from here to there, and finally I called it done.  I probably spent all of 15 or 20 minutes on this card.  I'm not saying that I didn't care to spend time on it--it just came together in a way that pleased me very much.  The transparent elements (August die-cut label and the number 2) and the felt flower are from Maya Road.  Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include:

Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Sets:  Something to Celebrate, About the Label

Punches:  Sweetheart, Little Labels Punch Pack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Hearts Border

Accessories:  Gold Glimmer paper, Tea Lace Paper Doily, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Anniversary, Mother & Daddy!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL FUN

The first day of school is always an exciting time.  Help your children transition from lazy summer days to the adventure of a new school year with these fun treats tucked into a mini muslin bag.  The inspiring card can be slipped into a backpack or lunch box as a reminder to children that you’re thinking about them all day.

Kids would be wanting summer break to end so they could get this Back-to-School treat!  Well, that's probably a big fat lie, but they'd still really enjoy it when it's time to head to the classroom.  This fun project was designed by Buffy Cooper, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.