Lots of News Today

Well it's been a little while since I posted. I really have been busy...really.
I started off last week-end working on a scrapbook page. I can't do cards and scrapbook at the same time, one or the other. Things were going well until I ran out of paper. How can that be???? I only bought one sheet of cardstock on Saturday thinking that would be more than enough. Never just buy one...store is closed Sunday so I have to get it on Monday. Page still not quite done. I need to do the journaling. I'm working up to it. I first had to get the correct spelling of names.
So Tuesday & Wednesday I spent some time at the new location for The Cutting Garden...actually I went over to help stock shelves. OOOHHHH!!!!You will have to drop by for a visit soon. Lots of new stuff. That's all I'll say but if you are on The Cutting Gardens e-mail list there should be an announcement very soon. As soon as I know it's been sent I'll provide a link to the info here for anybody who's not on their e-mail list.
Speaking of The Cutting Garden I will be doing my first class at the new location on Hammonds Plains Rd on February 10th at 6:30 p.m. The class will be this box shown here and another Valentine treat holder. Please NOTE the colors and paper for this box will NOT be as shown. This is discontinued Stampin' Up paper and I will most likely be using paper from Basic Greys new line "Bittersweet". I will hope to have a sample in the store to display sometime next week. (hint, hint) The decorations on the top of the box may vary, however we will be making that paper flower on the top using the scor-pal. Never used one before we'll have two of them there for you to try out. So if you are interested in taking the class call Kim at the store 444-3739 or e-mail kim@thecuttinggarden.ca to sign up. Looking forward to see you there.



Onto other things. Let's talk weather...I'm getting pretty tired of chipping ice. It's been three times in January that my driveway looked like a skating rink. I went out this afternoon and chipped and chipped and chipped, when I was done my right arm had no strength left in it. lol I gripped my shovel so hard when I was pounding it into the ice the arm got so tired that when I finally quit I couldn't hold anything in that hand. Not even a stamp. For awhile I was even typing with one hand. Now that's slow. It's starting to feel better so maybe I can get over to my craft room and finish the scrapbook page. I will have to post pics of this as it features the flower girl and ring bearer. They are so cute.
I'm outta here for today, hopefully I'll have something to share tomorrow.

Yvonne

Tri-Fold Card

Good Morning,
I played yesterday with a stamp set I've had for a year but hadn't mounted. I know I'm bad. It was a set from Stampin' Up's last years Sell-a-bration promotion. Once I got going with the card it was really fun.
So to start off with this is a tri-fold card. 4 x 10" scored at 3 3/8 & 6 3/4" which leaves about 3 1/4" for the last page. You do want this a tiny bit smaller than the other two sections so it will fold nicely into a card without buckling.
The front is stamped in black and colored in using Stampin' Up markers. I added some dazzling diamond glitter to the flower for just a splash of glitz. The brad hearts are on the corners...I thought they just matched. The green triangle for the corners are simply a 3/4" square cut in half.

For the next section there was a tiny heart stamp so using black ink again I randomly stamped hearts all over the white cardstock and colored in with markers. Also had a small sentiment stamp that was just perfect so added that. I used 1 1/4" punch for the circle on the green cardstock and 1 3/8" circle punch for the white cardstock. With red cardstock I punched out a 1 3/8" circle and then used my scallop punch and centered it over the hole and punched out the scallop. Glued all that together.

Inside stamped my bee on white cardstock and then punched using the 1 1/4" followed by punching out a green circle 1 3/8" for layering. Colored the bee and added dazzling diamonds to the wings. (click on the photos to see clearly). Same stamp set had a flower stamp and randomly stamped that at the top of the card and again used markers for coloring. Didn't worry about any shading on this card - it's meant to be just cute. Popped the bee up on dimensionals so he would fit through the hole on the right hand side. Added my Happy Valentine's Day stamp in red at the bottom.

With all these Valentine cards I've been making I'm going to have to get some of them into the mail.
Have a good week-end everyone.

Yvonne

Pretty Pinks

Before I get to the cards I'll let you know "The Cutting Garden" will be opening soon. If you click on the link above it will direct you to the website and the most recent article regarding re-opening.

Yesterday I told you I was putting the finishing touches on a 3-D item, well I'm so excited about how it turned out! I can't show you just yet...as I'm pretty sure this will be one of the projects to be done with the Scor-pal. Stay tuned. As soon as I know some dates for classes I'll let you know!

Today's cards were actually inspired from the above 3-D project. I was using pattern paper and realized I hadn't incorporated it into my cards for awhile. On both cards I used the same color of inks, paper etc. I struggled with the first card. I worked on it stamping different flower images in different colors and different layering possibilities. Finally left it on the desk overnight and then this morning took another look at it. With a few minor adjustments I was happy with the outcome. However, there is still a little room for improvement on it and I think to finish it I'm going to use the word window punch (that's the one that is about 3/8" wide and 1.75" long)to punch out the dark pink cardstock and insert 3 green brads into it and then layer it on the lower right hand side.


On the above card I stamped the main image once and then re-stamped it twice more without re-inking the stamp to give a shadow effect.

How did I get it lined up again so well, you ask? Stamp positioner. I use it for most of my stamping. Saves a lot of wasted cardstock and frustration. I've provided you with a video so you can see how easy it is to use. Stamp Positioner The stamp positioner they use in the video is the same one I use but there are lots out on the market and all do the same thing.

That covers off todays post. Have to head out this afternoon for awhile. So I'll see you tomorrow.

Yvonne

Shadow Box Card

I've sort of moved on from Valentine's Day Cards - at least I'm using a different stamp set.
This is a Shadow Box Card so when it is open and standing there is depth to it however, it will fold down flat so you can put it into a standard envelope and mail it.
Stay tuned as this will be part of a card class...to be announced.
I used my nestabilities for the oval and markers to color the stamp for the flowers.


Short post today. I need to go out and pick up my passport and return some other items. Have a good day.

Yvonne
PS - I did create a cute box yesterday - just need to finish decorating.

Valentine Treat

First things first...love it when you leave comments or would like additional information. Just a reminder though that if you don't leave me with an e-mail address or a link to your blog I can't get back in touch with you. The e-mail address that you use when you leave a comment does not show up to me. So Little GTO (Sharon)e-mail me with your address so I can send you the instructions.

Todays treat container. I bought the Valentine Hearts at Dollarama - Being a big spender they were 4/$1.00. They come in a long box skinny box.
The dimensions are 3 1/2 x 11" and I used Real Red cardstock. Scored at 3 1/2, 3 3/8, 7 1/8, 7 1/2. The extra folds are to make it stand. I used a heart shaped coluzzle for the opening. You could use a circle, square punch, your nestabilities. The opening gets cut in the end that is closest to the 3/8" score area. Just before you cut stop and remember that you are going to be folding this piece up so if you're making a heart shape make sure the heart is going the right direction after it will be folded. I used the swiss dots on the background of the front of the container. Stamp or write on the inside and then fold on score lines and attach using eyelets, brads or double sided tape. I also placed double sided tape on the back of the chocolate so it would stay in place.
For the front the sizes of the cardstock were 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 and increase by a 1/4 with each layer added. I stamped in red craft ink and clear embossed the Hugs & Kisses. The red heart was glossed up with Crystal Effects.



The word out there is, "The roads are ugly - stay home today."

Yvonne

Tips for using only partial word Sentiments

Good Morning,

I seem to be on a Valentine roll. I'll try to get it out of my system soon. I don't
usually make many Valentine related projects. I made a cute little Valentine heart candy holder too! Have to dig out the camera to take pics of that though so it's not posted yet.

Yesterday was so cold. Ventured out for lunch and that was good, or the company was. Food was okay. Never did get the groceries as I decided it was too cold to go shopping after lunch. Today I'll have to go to the grocery store...cats are running out of food and I can't have that as I couldn't put up with the mewing.

Today's post - same Valentine stamp set - just so you know, there are five different stamps in this set. lol You never know you might get to see all five. I used a Martha Stewart border punch to create the top and bottom border. They are very easy to use. The words "from the heart" are all on one stamp in a single line so here are tips on how to use the words separately. I have two different methods.

1 - Use a marker and ink up just the portion of the stamp I want on my card. Make sure you clean the stamp well between words or you will get unwanted images.

2 - Put scotch tape over the area you DON'T want to stamp onto your card. Ink up the stamp and then PEEL OFF the tape and stamp the image. Repeat as necessary. When I'm stamping words or sentiments I will use a stamp positioner to ensure it is lined up where I want it and straight. They are relatively inexpensive and will save you money in the long run as you won't be throwing out paper because the image is crooked and off centre.

The heart eyelets are from Stampin' Up years ago. I have lots in red and bright pink too. The cardstock colors are Pretty in Pink and Perfect Plum.

It's time for morning coffee at Second Cup - I like the flavoured coffees there but they seemed to have over bought on the eggnog flavour this holiday season and they are flogging it everyday. Normally they have two good flavours to choose from. These days it's always eggnog and something else. I'm down to one choice - the something else. You should go to Second Cup and have a coffee - preferably order a large eggnog flavor. Thanks for helping me out!

Yvonne

Different Size Card

First, I'll start by saying it could warm up anytime. Not that the weather is really bothering me as I don't have to go out to go to work but...yesterday I had to take a cab. I hate taking cabs just because I don't like spending that much to get from point A to point B. As some of you know, I've got a cute little blue bug, fondly named "Gorgeous". She runs on diesel too! Well if you don't know, diesel vehicles are not fond of really cold weather. So I head out to start my little car about 1:00, wanted to give her time to warm up nicely before I headed to a physio appointment. The sun had been shining all morning on her little hood thinking that was going to warm the engine. Wrong...I couldn't get her to go and I didn't want to miss the appointment as I've been waiting for 15 months to get in. Hence my calling a cab!If the cold continues I'll have to make room for her in my garage with my crafty supplies. lol

I made another Valentine Card using the same set as yesterday's post. Decided though it was time to change up the size on the card. I almost never make this size. It is 3.75 x 8.50 so it will fit in a business envelope. Again I choose really bold colors and colors that are not classic for Valentine's Day. I really like the brightness of it though. I like the saying too, "Canoe be my Valentine?" lol Once again for coloring I used some watercolor crayons and H20's. Since I cleaned and organized my embellishments I'm finding colors I didn't know I had.

That's all for today.

Stay warm.

Yvonne

So Cute!

Well it's certainly chilly in Nova Scotia today so today's post will hopefully give you a warm fuzzy feeling. lol

I've had this stamp set for, I was going to say 3 years but when I think about it, it must be at least 5 years as I had it before moving from Antigonish. Gosh where does the time go? Anyway, not important except that I have probably only made one card with it. So I dusted it off, literally, and stamped up a couple of images. This is the first one and I have a different image for tomorrow.

I colored the image with the Twinkling H20's on watercolor paper. If you've never used watercolor paper you need to. It's the only way to go when watercoloring as you can play with the colors and shading and not worry about your paper wearing away.
All the cardstock colors are from Stampin' Up! In Color Family. The ribbon is a taffeta also SU. Of course I Cuttlebugged the background. I can't seem to get enough of that little machine. The heart on the corner, you gotta try that...punched out a red heart and then used the Crystal Effects overtop. It's so shiny.


I have to venture out of the house today for an appointment in the afternoon so I guess I might as well make a stop to the grocery store too. Grocery shopping isn't my favorite thing to do and I get bored very quickly. Maybe it has something to do with walking all around the store just to find what you need. It's like a workout and I usually get to one end and realize I'm missing something off of my list (no, I don't really have a list but I do remember something I needed) and then wander up and down the isles trying to find it. It's like a mini marathon just trying to find the groceries. There's those 10 isles in the middle of the store you don't really need anything from but you have to pass them to get to the rest of the food. Enough ranting on that topic.

Don't have any big plans for the week-end unless staying warm counts. Maybe take in a movie. I'll let you know if I saw anything good.

Have a warm week-end.

Yvonne

Thank You X 3

Good Morning....this maybe a day to stay home indoors. Feels a little chilly out there and I don't think it's warming up much. So get a coffee and enjoy.

The group of people I worked with had a retirement party for me and I wanted to send out some thank you cards. The first card is done using the argyle folder and one of the border folders. The paper for the argyle folder is Co-ordinations and I sanded it. I love that look. The stamped images are from Stampin' Up! Notice how glossy the flowers or berries are. After I had watercolored them with Twinkling H20's I used Crystal Effects over the top to give a raised shiny appearance. (You might have to click on the photo.) The little berries going down the side of the card have little white dots of liquid pearls. When you use that stuff - less is better. If you try to make to big of a dot it will look more like a glob.

This thank you card I used birds and swirls and my favorite versatile folder, swiss dots. The cardstock is from the "In Colors" Red Riding Hood as is the ribbon.

Here I played with the alcohol inks again and used the textile folder for the background. The layers are all cut from a nestability set called Labels. I used chalks for coloring in the background. I choose this card as the person it is going to just came back from a tropical vacation.

I think today I need to focus on a little housework and last night I did watercolor some Valentine cards so I'll need to think about assembling those.

Stay Warm!

Yvonne

Box In A Bag

Can't seem to sleep so I'll post my entry for today extra early.

Today's project is a box in a bag. A box is actually the base of the bag. All supplies used were Stampin' UP.
To the gals that I stamp with regularly - when it's my turn to provide a project we'll make this. To anybody who takes classes at The Cutting Garden - it will be part of a class real soon, so stay tuned. To anybody else who would like the instructions please leave me a comment with your e-mail address and I will send you the directions.

I had another productive day for crafting yesterday. I'll possibly upload the pic's later today to share. I also spent some time booking a winter vacation. I'll be heading to Jamaica on February 13. Only four weeks away. So exciting. It will help to make winter go by quickly.
For today I have to head out for an appointment in the afternoon. I still need to get the snow off of my car from the last snowfall. I haven't ventured out in a couple of days and hopefully the roads will be good today.

Think I'll try and get some sleep.

Yvonne

Minty Snowman

Well I certainly had a productive day yesterday and have a few things to share over the next week, so stay tuned.

Todays project is a holder for your Tic Tac's. I made this cute little guy to put in our stockings at Christmas. He was a big hit.

The size of the blue cardstock is 3" x 5" scoring at just under 2 1/4" from both ends. You want to end up with about a 3/8" spine or adjust to fit your container of tic tacs. I usually always try out the dimensions with some scrap paper before I head to my good cardstock. Use co-ordinating pattern paper on the front(2 x 2 3/4"). Round corner on the pattern paper and cardstock. If you are rounding the corners be sure to only round on one side of the pattern paper. At the spine area I made to slits to accomodate my ribbon. Attach your ribbon before you glue the pattern paper down. I used 3 different size circle punches 3/4, 1, 1 1/4". Glue your first circle onto your holder and then punch out the centre using the 1" punch. Now you can layer up the rest of the circles. The nose is cut free-hand from orange and the black dots have stickles overtop for some glitz. I placed some double sided tape on the inside to hold the Tic Tac container in place.



For all of you who enjoyed classes at The Cutting Garden I will be back teaching there. I have been working on some design projects so stay tuned. I will let you know exact dates as soon as I know them.

Happy Stampin'

Yvonne

Family Photo

Today's share is pictures of our family at the wedding.

The flourishes on the second page are from grungeboard and covered in black ink. Because the grungeboard is textured it left distressed lines which was great as it tends to mimic the background paper.
I always to do two-page layouts and in order to have continuity between the two pages I added just a splash of color to the first page with the single red rose to compliment the red on the second page.

I have another little project to share later but...I have to re-photograph is as the quality is terrible.
Until later...

Yvonne

Glitz & Glamour!

Good Morning All,

A couple of days ago I posted a card using the image of a ladies head, today I'm using the same stamp set just a couple different stamps. It is a retired SU set "Haute Coute".
The card is a 5 1/2 square but I have taken 1" off of the side on the front. You wouldn't be able to tell that unless I got out my camera and took another shot of it and I'm feeling lazy so I didn't. I've also cut out a window on the front so the dress image is actually on the inside. I used co-ordination cardstock and Cuttlebugged the background with Swiss Dots and also used a border folder on the edge and then sanded. The black ribbon was from Costco. The images were colored in using H2o's and then stickles overtop. It just shimmers! Black embossed the saying.

Was going to scrapbook yesterday but need another shade of cardstock so I guess I will have to leave the house today so I can work on that project.

On a side note...have any of you been following Spellbinders Blog? They are showcasing some of the new releases for the nestabilities. Oh My Goodness! I may have to negotiate a raise in my allowance. lol Follow the link and have a peak...let me know what you think! Leave a comment.

Happy Crafting!

Yvonne

Exciting News

Just thought I would share in December I submitted my name and some samples of my work to In Style Stamps. I have been asked to design in the month of February. I will receive one of their to be newly released images and design my creation around the image.

Not only do they design and make their own stamps you can also send in a photo of person and they will design an anime image to represent the person.

You can click on their name above and it will take you to their site. Their first release were seven different stamps with an image of a girl as the focal point. I've seen a peak at a couple of their new new images and there are some animal stamps.

I'll be sure to share here what I make.

Have a Crafty Day (I know I will...as I'm retired!)

Yvonne

Bugs & Wishes

Today's post is a card for my nephew in Whitehorse. He's turning six in a few days and thought I should send him up a little surprise. I like working with bright colors but many of my card recipients don't want such a bold look!
Using a circle punch I created window to showcase images through. Give it a try for a different look to your cards. Perhaps you'll only punch one hole or two. Don't try and make it symmetrical, go for a one here or there. You'll be surprised how unique the card becomes.

The tag was colored in using markers so I could have a two-color effect. Use those markers if you only want to stamp part of a image or sentiment. Another idea if you want to stamp only part of something. Place scotch tape over the area you don't want stamped. Ink up your stamp.....peal the tape away and stamp your image. Simple and no fuss trying to ink up just the part of the stamp you want inked.

Almost have my scrapbook pages from Sunday finished. Just waiting for a little information so I can finish a little bit of journalling. I finished one job yesterday and my last one I should finish up today. I'm excited. I don't have to go in first thing this morning so I'm sitting here with a coffee (Irish Cream for anybody who drinks the flavoured), blogging and then I will hit the treadmill before I leave. Almost feel guilty for sitting around....okay...not really. lol

Have a Great Day!

Yvonne

Dash of Glitter

Busy crafting day yesterday. I used to send cards to all our relatives for birthdays, anniversarys, etc but with work and all I didn't have time to get cards made for everyone. So this year again I'm hoping to send out cards to everyone once again.

This card is for my niece in Kelowna, BC. She's turning 17 this year.
I painted the image with Twinkling H20's and then added a little touch of stickles to give it a glittery look. Swiss dots is the background and a little blue bling on the tag. Also used the circle nestabilities.

I think today I'm going to do a little scrapbooking...not sure if I'll do more wedding pictures or work on something from Christmas.

Yvonne

The Snow Has Stopped!

Thank goodness the snow has finally stopped. DH is out snowblowing the driveway now. Good thing, cause I really would like a coffee. I don't have any milk in the house for a cup this morning. We did venture out yesterday for coffee but the "Second Cup" was closed. Must have been due to the storm cause they advertised they would be open.

I had a crafty day yesterday. So I have a card or two to share.

I like the colors on this card. They are from Stampin' Up - Red Riding Hood and Kiwi Green. The leaves and flowers are a retired set called "Best Blossoms" and the saying is a hostess set.
I also used my oval nestabilities and the swiss dot cuttlebug folder. I used pop dots to raise the oval and the flowers. Pretty simple card to make. I did some with "Happy Birthday" on them too as I have a few birthday cards to send.

Hope everyone had a good New Years!

Yvonne