UNDER THE WEATHER?

This cute little pup is en route to my cousin, who has been in the hospital with the flu.  A dog holding an umbrella might be a stretch, but I needed an easy project today.  It seems that no matter what I try to do, I keep hitting brick walls since some of my files and programs still are missing from the computer that I'm using.  This has been one of those days of heavy sighs, falling shoulders, and me wanting to scream or cry.  At least I'm not suffering with the flu, so I turned on my Cricut Explore, designed this easy card, and started cutting and gluing.  There are so many layers on this card that the pup doesn't stand on his feet, but he stands nicely with his nose to the ground.  That's kind of fitting for an "under the weather" card, isn't it?

"LOVE & SYMPATHY" & CUSTOM-MADE SYMPATHY CARDS

 

When you flip the pages of the Stampin' Up! catalog, do you ever pause on a certain page and wonder why you haven't yet purchased the stamp set that's on that page . . . the stamp set that always catches your eye?  Love & Sympathy was that stamp set for me.  I wanted it for what seemed like a long time, and yet I didn't seem to mind repeatedly bumping it to a lower position on my wish list.  ;-)  Each time I use this set, it's like I remember all of those times that I passed it by for something else that I thought I wanted more.  It is a wonderful sympathy set, of course, and it's more versatile and easy to use than one might think.  There are only three images in the set, and sometimes it's a good thing to lay a stamp set on the table and only have three image options.  I have used Love & Sympathy several times, and I can honestly say that I have created some of the quickest cards with it--cards that I was very pleased to send.  This is a good thing since I normally (99.9% of the time) create sympathy cards at the time when I need to send one.  I might go to my stash to select birthday, get well, and hello/thinking of you cards, but I don't keep sympathy cards on hand for my use because I like to make them as needed.  At the risk of sounding cheesy, the truth is . . . making sympathy cards when needed is like giving a moment of silence--respect--because I am thinking of and remembering the person who has passed and/or the person for whom I'm making the card.  That feels right to me.  And so I needed a card recently.  I love how this one turned out!  After embossing the stamped layer, I cut the card stock into three strips, and sponged the edges before adhering the strips to the card.  All that the sentiment piece needed was a little twine and distressing.  Simple, handmade, sweet, and definitely not boring.

"LOVELY AMAZING YOU" CARDS & HOLDER

Today I'm pleased to share the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month.  It features Stampin' Up!'s Lovely Amazing You stamp set, which is such a fun one to use for a collection of assorted greeting cards.  I think you'll also enjoy the holder for the cards which mimics a mini magazine holder.   You've seen them before, but mine is designed to hold a collection of 3" x 6" cards and envelopes.  Following is the introduction that I wrote for my project:

 

Greeting cards that stand out usually have a unique design, but another characteristic that gets attention is when the card is a unique size or shape.  With this tutorial, create a lovely and useful set of 3” x 6” greeting cards that will stand tall for attention, and then make coordinating envelopes for them using Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper.  Complete the ensemble and make a perfect gift by creating a coordinating mini magazine holder that is the perfect size for holding this set of tall cards.  You’ll love this project so much that you’ll want to make an extra to keep for yourself!

On Monday, April 20th, I will give to a lucky winner a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central.  To be entered into the drawing for the subscription, all you need to do is go HERE and leave a comment on the post where my project is featured.  Be sure to visit my blog on the 23rd to see if yours was the winning name.  It's that simple! 

CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL'S SKETCH CHALLENGE #46

Each month, there's a new sketch challenge at Craft Project Central, and this is the card that I created for Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #46:

 



Stampin' Up! products featured on my card include:

Card Stock:  Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Mossy Meadow, Crisp Cantaloupe

Stamp Set:  From the Garden

Ink:  Black, Mossy Meadow

Markers:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Strawberry Slush, Tangelo Twist

Sizzix:  Handpicked Framelits, Banners Framelits, Spring Flowers Embossing Folder

Accessories:  Mossy Meadow ribbon, Tea Lace Paper Doily, Rhinestone Jewels, Candy Dot, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Below is the actual sketch, designed by Michelle Wecksler.  Be sure to view her free tutorial, create a card, and share it at Craft Project Central:
 

 

Did you know that for every 10 cards submitted for the Sketch Challenge, Craft Project Central will choose one winner who will receive a FREE one-month subscription to the site?  That would be a fun prize!  Don't miss the tutorial for the sketch, and be sure to upload your card HERE to be entered in the drawing for a FREE subscription!

PEEK-A-BOO CHANGING PICTURE CARD FOR DADDY

Today is daddy's birthday, and I chose to make an oldie-but-goodie card (both design and theme) for him.  This is a peek-a-boo card with a changing image, and it is just too cool.  Best of all, it's quite easy to make, and there's a tutorial in the Resources section at Split Coast Stampers for a similar card.  Looking at the front of my card, the window displays the "Happy Birthday" greeting but, when the card is opened, the image of a classic car slides into the window.  Pretty cool, huh?

I apologize for the terrible photos!  I'm still struggling with photo editing and having to learn/get used to a new way of doing things.  These two photos are about as raw as it gets, unfortunately.  The good news is that the card looks much better in real life.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!!!!  I love you!!!!



COUTURE CLUTCH GIFT SET

An elegant spring-themed gift set perfect for anyone who appreciates cute accessories! The flower pot clutch can hold a small gift and has a removable flower topped lid. The matching wallet has a coin purse, and mini-shaker, you could add a gift card or note in this handmade keepsake. The card tops it all off with its curvy shape and gold embossing. This gift set uses the Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper and has gold accents throughout.

This ensemble, which was designed by Amy Kunkle, features one of my favorite new stamp sets--it's such an easy 2-step set to use!  The tutorial with step-by-step photo instructions can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet?

SPRING PENCIL HOLDER & GREETING CARD

Make this pencil holder out of recycled toilet paper tubes, and bring Spring into your office or workplace. This handmade piece will be the talk of the lunch break or party. Give those tubes a new look with a textured finish, and then cover it with pretty flowers and butterflies. Use different textures to bring those images ‘alive’. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

The tutorial for this lovely ensemble, which was designed by Monika Davis, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Monika shares some awesome design techniques that you won't want to miss!

HIPPITY, HOPPITY, I WANT MY COMPUTER BACK!

My computer started crashing last weekend, but I was able to continue using it . . . until I came home Wednesday night to find a black screen with two lines of options, neither of which worked.  It took quite a while just for me to figure out how to perform an F1 or F2 strike (those were my only options).  My husband got back in town on Friday and set me up with a temporary computer (so sweet of him), but a lot of my files and photos are missing, along with some of the programs that I use a lot.  I could cry over that, but I'm sure he'll take care of it.  Since I'm on a whining roll, let me just say that Windows 8 is kicking my butt and making me nearly insane.  Argh!!!!  And, for some unknown reason, the resolution on my display (monitor) has changed to very tiny text.  If that wasn't bad enough, the letters have a light gray shadow behind each character.  It's the next best thing to double vision! And . . . Microsoft stopped marketing the photo editing software (years ago) that I have been using for years and love, so I am very, very lost without it and apprehensive about what I will eventually have to learn to use.  As fate would have it, I seem to have left the installation CD on the ark, so it is unlikely that I'll see that program ever again.  BUT . . . all of this is temporary and pales in comparison to the reason for this beautiful spring holiday, and I just wanted to share this bunny card.  It's pitiful that I don't have a more reverent creation to share but, if I manage to do things right, you should find a lovely video below.  Have a happy and blessed day!

PAINTED BLOOMS STATIONERY BOX

This pretty little stationery set holds everything you need for sending out cards. There’s a place for eight envelopes, eight cards, post-it notes, postage stamps, and a pen. This would make a great gift for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, and any other occasions you can think of. This tutorial teaches how to make the stationery box, and two different card designs. It features the lovely Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper and the coordinating stamp set, Painted Petals. This would make a great Mother’s Day class, too.

The tutorial for this beautiful ensemble, which was designed by the talented Christy Fulk, can be found at Craft Project Central.

APRIL SHOWERS UMBRELLA DECOR SET

Get ready for your April ‘showers’, maybe a Luau, or any other spring party with these umbrella décor pieces! You’ll learn how to make two types of umbrellas, and you can accessorize them in a variety of ways. Plus, you’ll make a Gusseted Mini Treat Bag, large enough to hold a variety of goodies, that coordinates perfectly with the umbrellas. The tutorial includes instructions for a quick and simple card that can be used for the perfect party/event invitation.

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