THINKING AHEAD TO EASTER

It seems that by the time holidays arrive, I'm surprised they haven't already passed because I start working on them so far in advance. Easter, I'm sure, will be no exception, plus it's really early this year! This morning, I decided to make a little Easter treat! You can probably tell from the picture that I used textured card stock . . . I think it makes stamped images appear as though they're stamped on canvas. Of course, I had to use some glitter on my project, but this time I used Heat & Stick powder to hold it. Heat & Stick is a tricky product but, when used correctly, it works like a charm! The glitter, in real life, isn't as dark as it appears in the photo, and it is SO SPARKLY!!!! I had a bear of a time getting a decent picture today. Where is the sun when you need it???? How to make this cute project? I used a 4" x 11.5" strip of Pretty in Pink textured card stock, scored at 4-1/2" and 6-1/2". On the 4-1/2" panel, I used the Coluzzle to cut the oval window. A small cello bag (which SU sells) was used to hold the Hershey's Kisses, and the bag was stapled to the back panel of the project. The topper is a piece of 3" x 4" Old Olive card stock, folded in half, and I used the Corner Rounder punch to create the scalloped edge. The butterfly and "Easter Blessings" images were stamped with VersaMark ink, Heat & Stick powder was sprinkled on top, and then I heated the powder just until it melted. A Q-tip was used to apply the glitter, and I then re-heated to set the glitter. The tulips and stems ("Never-Ending Joy" stamp set) were stamped with Pink Passion and Old Olive Classic ink. I used the Crop-a-Dile to punch two holes in the topper, which was glued onto the top of the treat holder, and then put the Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon into place. This project was finished off with a cross charm!

I LEARNED A NEW TECHNIQUE!!!!!

I LOVE this technique!!! It's called Magic Pattern. I need to make another card using this technique so I can be sure that I can teach it. This card got "built" as I went along, so I didn't really know where I was going with this one! I used Watercolor Crayons and an Aqua Painter to color the fisherman, and I used Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen to give the fish some subtle, coordinating color. I purchased the stamp set, "On the Fly," a couple of months ago, but this was the first time I've used it. I really like it! It's a small set, but it seems to have everything that you need to create a project. You know how some stamp sets are just like that? Other SU products used include Photo Corners punch, Coluzzle, Stampin' Dimensionals (under the fish), Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel (sponged w/Chocolate Chip ink), and Chocolate Chip card stock, and the "Sanded" background stamp.

"EMBRACE LIFE" TUNNEL CARD

Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to pick up the stamps again! In this post, I'm sharing pictures of a tunnel card that I made using the brand new "Embrace Life" stamp set. All the flowers were watercolored using ink and an aqua painter. To cut the oval for the "tunnel," I used a Coluzzle template.

If you're thinking that I should have cut the ovals a bit larger, you're correct. ;-) At the time, I wasn't sure what I would stamp inside the tunnel , and I should have waited to cut the oval window after deciding.

A BEAUTIFUL THING

The only name I know of for this card design is "Bib." The circular cut-out was created with the Coluzzle. If you're beginning to think that I like that tool, then you are correct. This is actually the first design I've made with the brand new "A Beautiful Thing" stamp set and Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper. Other SU products used include Scallop Circle Punch, Rhinestone Brad, Designer Label Punch, Taken with Teal, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie markers, Pop-Up Glue Dot, Slit Punch, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, and Old Olive card stock, and the 1-3/8" Circle Punch.

EMBRACE LIFE & GINGER BLOSSOM PAPER

If you've studied your Spring/Summer Collection Preview Brochure, then you have caught a glimpse of the Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper and the "Embrace Life" stamp set. The flower image used on this card is from that stamp set and, of course, that delicious paper is from the Ginger Blossom collection! I used Crystal Effects to outline my flower, which was colored with the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aqua Painter, and accented with a Blush Blossom marker. The doodles on the River Rock layer were created with a Basic Black marker. I used the Coluzzle to cut the three layered circles. That's another new product--in my stamp room--that I'm really enjoying!