APRIL BONUS PROJECT: #IMBRINGINGBIRTHDAYSBACK FANCY FOLD CARDS & TREAT BOX

Do you want to join Stampin’ Up!’s #imbringingbirthdaysback movement by sending more birthday cards? This project ensemble will help you get started! Included in this tutorial are two, fancy fold birthday cards and one balloon treat box. The projects feature the Balloon Builders Stamp Set and the It’s My Birthday Designer Series Paper Stack. The tutorial also includes four different animal balloons made with the stamp set. This would also make a great #imbringingbirthdaysback class!

This fantastic project, which was designed by the talented Christy Fulk, is the April bonus project at Craft Project Central.  Qualifying for the bonus project 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!

FARMERS MARKET EASEL CARD GIFT SET

It's time for Spring and time for digging in the dirt in the garden!  This Farmer’s Market Easel Card Gift Set is a wonderful way to share a gift from the garden with someone special.  In this tutorial you will learn to make a wonderful easel card with drawer that can be decorated in so many different ways for different occasions.  The set also includes a stamped muslin bag for storing seeds and a beautiful gift tag for gift giving.  You will also learn how to make the images stamped on muslin bags burst with color!  This set would be perfect for a stamp camp or as a special gift for Spring!

The tutorial for this great set of cards, which was designed by Michelle Wecksler, can be found at Craft Project Central.

"GET WELL SOUP" AND THE WINNER OF THE CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL ONE-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

I am bad, and I apologize.  I had promised to announce the winner of the free one-month Craft Project Central subscription last Wednesday, and it's almost time for another Wednesday!  What?!?!  In case you don't know what I'm talking about, it's all spelled out in THIS blog post.  But, since you've waited this long, the least I can do is share a project photo, right?  I had quite a nice time making this card because it was just too easy.  I love that the stamped image (Get Well Soup) is large enough that it doesn't require too much thought about how to finish the card.

 

 

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!

Many thanks to those who took the time to leave a comment HERE on the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month!!  Random.org was used to choose the winner, and she is . . . LAURIE MEIER.   Laurie, if you'll contact me at randari at Hotmail dot com, we'll get your FREE subscription started!

 

STAR SCRAPBOOK WITH MATCHING CARD

This star-shaped scrapbook is as much fun to use as it is to create! It is lovely to display when it is open and easy to store when closed. This version, created with the Sweet Li’l Thing Designer Series Paper makes a wonderful baby scrapbook. If you change the paper it can also be a great scrapbook for Mother’s Day, birthdays, weddings, and many other special occasions. It is perfect for a class or a club project, or just a fun afternoon scrapping with friends. Includes instructions for a coordinating card.

The tutorial for this conversation piece, which was designed by Yapha Mason, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed to the awesome tutorials this month?  The tutorials are fantastic!

QUICK & EASY PARTY TREAT MINI BAGS

Have a birthday, baby shower or graduation party coming up soon? How about making these quick and easy mini bags for the perfect party treat? With the Gift Bag Punch Board and a little modification of the scoring, you can have 18 or more of these done in no time! You can use any color combination, Designer Series Paper and greeting with these as well!

The tutorial for this great project, which was designed by Cindy Schuster, can be found at Craft Project Central.

FAUX LEATHER FLOWER PIN GIFT SET

Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate it than with beautiful, colorful flowers. Make this pretty flower pin with a faux leather look. Learn how to give texture to plain cardstock and make easy Do-It-Yourself jewelry. If you don’t like to wear pins, turn the pin into a bag topper or other 3-D embellishment. Change the colors to make this for a wedding or other special occasion. Learn how to make a box to hold the pin. The coordinating greeting card is a gift itself that can be framed or placed in an album.  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

The tutorial for this gorgeous project, which was designed by Monika Davis, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed to this month's tutorials yet?  

ANOTHER "ALL ABOUT EVERYTHING" CARD

I was supposed to be cleaning off my desk yesterday, but something about handling a plethora of stamps makes me want to grab a few ink pads (just add more to put away later) and create.  I told myself that I'd enjoy the process a lot more if I'd just clear the desk, but I guess I'm a hopeless stamper-in-chaos.  My mind works in a way that ignores all common sense and reasoning when I have a project idea.  And this is the card that was responsible for my messy desk staying messy overnight, but I had to wait until today to take it to the porch to be photographed.

 

 

If you missed out on the All about Everything stamp set that Paper Pumpkin subscribers received this month, then you really missed out on something good.  The more I work with this set, the more I love it.  This is my favorite creation with it so far, but then I love grid designs.  BTW, if you are ever out of ideas or fall into a creative slump, start digging your way out with a simple grid design--anything goes and you cannot fail.  The sentiment on the torn vellum is from the Lovely Little Wreath stamp set that came with my kit, and it's such a sweet one.  Following is a list of products featured on my card:

 

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Vellum

Stamp Sets:  All about Everything, Lovely Little Wreath

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Silver mini brads, 1/16" Handheld Circle punch, Tiny Wave rotary cutting blade



PACKAGED TO A "TEA"

Planning a tea party and need some favors?  Or maybe you want to make some cute little gifts for the tea, coffee, or hot cocoa lover in your life?  This tutorial ensemble covers them all- favors, tea bag and K-cup holders, and even a hot cocoa envelope card- all packaged to a “TEA” to give as sweet treats.

The tutorial for this handy project, which was designed by Cindy Brumbaugh, can be found at Craft Project Central.

"ALL ABOUT EVERYTHING" - APRIL PAPER PUMPKIN ALTERNATE PROJECTS

After I finished the wreath (April Paper Pumpkin project) that I posted yesterday, I played with the extra (exclusive) stamp set that came with the kit, "All about Everything".  This stamp set seems to have been made just for me . . . it has flowers, two-step stamping, non-descript "use anywhere" images, and sentiments.  I decided that the first card that I made wasn't all that great, but here are the other two that I made:

 

 

See what I did with the leaf image?  I wasn't sure where I was going with that as I was stamping, but it definitely makes a nice background or filler.  By the way, that sentiment is a keeper and one that I will use often.

 

Now the second card is just a sweet little something to mail to a special someone.  In case you can't tell, those are gold sequins that I scattered around.  The only thing that I wish I had done differently on this card was stamp the sentiment with black ink.  At the time, I didn't know that I would be adding a black mat and black gingham ribbon.  The sentiment that I used on this card is from the stamp set that came with the Lovely Little Wreath (April) Paper Pumpkin kit.



SPRING WREATH - APRIL PAPER PUMPKIN

While I was lying in bed this morning, trying to convince my eyes to stay open, I heard the familiar sound of the mail carrier's vehicle.  And then I heard it pull into my driveway, which could only mean one thing . . . there's a package!  As the carrier walked to the house, that pretty Paper Pumpkin box (resting on top of a much larger package) seemed to have a bright halo around it.  Woohoo!!!!  My eyes were then wide open as I scrambled to the porch to get it.  Besides the excitement of getting TWO stamp sets this month--one of which is exclusive for Paper Pumpkin subscribers--the project is a fun one!  I am in love with the wreath!  It was very easy to make, and I almost have enough leftover leafy strips to make a second one!  I didn't follow all of the instructions for my wreath--I used a different ribbon, didn't include a bow, chose a different sentiment for the "chalkboard" (using one of the new stamps, of course), and I added some Hotfix Crystals to the flowers.  The wreath is complete, and I still get to start stamping with all of those stamps!  Thanks, Stampin' Up!

 

BOTANICALS CARD SET & GIFT BOX . . . AND A GIVEAWAY!!!!

Today I'm excited to share a sneak peek photo of the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month.  Following is the introduction that I wrote for my project:

With this tutorial, learn some creative and trendy ways to use the botanicals images and coordinating dies.  Two of the cards demonstrate fun ways to use the stamps to create two different wreaths, and there are two trendy designs, neither of which fall short with dimension and texture.  Of course, it's always great to have a creative and coordinating gift box for a set of cards, and this box has a unique design that you'll love.

As usual, I have a FREE one-month subscription to give away, and getting your name entered in the drawing is really simple . . . just click THIS LINK and leave a comment where you see the sneak peek photo of my project.  I will announce the winner right here on my blog on Wednesday, April 20th, so be sure to come back on that day to see if you have won.  If you can't wait that long to get your subscription started, just visit www.craftprojectcentral.com to subscribe to this month's AWESOME project tutorials. 

 

WILD WEST WISHES FOR DADDY

Today is daddy's birthday . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY, daddy!!!!  He's such a sweet, thoughtful, hard-working man, and he loves westerns, which meant that I had a golden opportunity to create a card for him using Tim Holtz's "Wild West" stamp set. 

I really enjoyed making this card because it all just seemed to come together on its own.  This was actually the second birthday card that I made.  When I finished the first one and held it up for a good look, I decided that it just wasn't good enough and certainly wasn't what daddy might expect from me--into the trash it went.  If you're a card-maker, then you know that exact feeling when the card you just made--the one for which you spent a lot of time looking for that place where you'd hid the Action Wobbles--clearly doesn't make the cut.  [sigh]  Inside this card, I adhered a gift card envelope (with a gift card, of course), and I hand-delivered it this past Wednesday.  He loved it!  I think he loved the gift card, too.  ;-)  And I love him! 

FLORAL FAVOR CUP & GIFT SET

This sweet little gift set is perfect for any upcoming spring or summer occasion. It’s shown as a Birthday Gift Set but is easily adaptable for a shower or ladies tea.  The Floral Favor Cup is front and center . . . a simple but sweet way to present some yummy treats! The pattern relies on the Floral Frames Collection Framelits, plus you’ll use the same framelit pieces to create the coordinating Flower Card. You’ll also learn a cute and easy way to make a Slip-off Gift Wrap for the versatile Takeout Boxes.

The tutorial for this lovely project, which was designed by Julie Beltramo, can be found at Craft Project Central.

CREATING PRETTY CARDS - CARD CHALLENGE #58

This month's sketch for Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #58 is really fun and easy!  Check it out:

After UPS dropped off a big box of new products, I had quite a lot of stamp set choices.  Choosing the color of my roses took a little time and practice but, in the end, I settled for Soft Sky, Marina Mist, and Night of Navy.  You can't tell from the photo, but the popped-up rose (the one surrounded by two leaves) has been brushed with the Wink of Stella Glitter Brush and has a beautiful shimmer.  I had been on the fence about the Picture Perfect stamp set.  I enjoy two-step stamping, but this set has three- and four-step stamping and, I thought, could be challenging.  It helps tremendously that the stamps are clear, and all of the layered colors produce a beautiful image. 

I only used three of the stamped layers for my hummingbird because I could never seem to get the third layer properly placed to my liking.  The colors that I chose may have been to blame for not liking the third layer, but I think the hummingbird looks just fine the way he is.  It's not necessary to distress the edges of the stamped layers--I just happen to like that look.  I really enjoyed this sketch, which was designed by Monika Davis, for Craft Project Central.  Did you know that for every 10 cards that are uploaded for Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #58, a winner will be selected to receive a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central?  I hope that you will accept the challenge!  Just create your card and upload it HERE.





TIME FOR MOM!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Why not create a beautiful gift for your favorite mom – one that she can use as well as admire? This tutorial will show you how to create a custom clock using the beautiful Botanical Blooms Bundle. You’ll create a pop-up bouquet card to let the recipient know how special she is. You’ll also learn how to create Dazzling Details in any of the exclusive Stampin’ Up!® colors. This set would make a fun class or stamp camp – and it’s a gift you can give any time of the year. Simply change the designer series paper and cardstock colors and it will work for a birthday or wedding gift, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or other holidays.

The botanicals products have been so popular and, if you're like me, you can never find too many project ideas for these awesome products.  The tutorial for this ensemble, which was designed by Buffy, can be found at Craft Project Central.

BERRY BASKET CARD SET

This cute card set will make you think about summer & picnics! The card box looks like a picnic basket, and it’s filled with nine fruit-imaged cards! This card set features the Apple of My Eye Stamp Set, Farmer’s Market Designer Series Paper, and the Berry Basket Bigz Die. This would make a great gift, and would make a great card class, too.

This is such a lovely project!!!  The designer, Christy Fulk, never disappoints and is quite skilled at creating colorful and cheery projects.  Her tutorial for this ensemble can be found at Craft Project Central.  

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT ENSEMBLE

Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away! The Mother’s Day Gift Ensemble is the perfect way to show the mother in your life how much you appreciate her! The coordinating bracelet and earrings set made with paper beads are sure to delight! You can even customize the bracelet to fit the recipient’s personality or hobbies by adding just the right charm. Package it all up in the beautiful custom box with matching card to brighten her day. Top it off with a vase filled with paper roses that she can enjoy all year long.

Isn't this a gorgeous sneak peek photo?  It has so much vintage charm, which I find very appealing! The tutorial for this ensemble, which was designed by Julie, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Now is a great time to start your subscription to the April tutorials.  I have already seen the sneak peek photos, and it's going to be a fabulous tutorial month!