Foxy Fun!

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I recently played with one of my old favorite Hero Arts stamps - "Fox".  I have been getting rid of many of my wood stamps, but I just couldn't think of eliminating this from my stash. I stamped him on the inside of the card, colored him  with Copics and added some shiny eyes with Irrestible Pico Embellisher.

Since the unofficial start of summer is right around the corner, I figured that I'd better get this card finished and in the mail pronto!

This uses some of the amazing woodgrain cardstock (from which I cut a diecut hole for peeking out) that I get from my LSS, the Paper Garden Boutique in Sacramento. Also Stamping' Up's "Petite Petals" stamps and punch, Simon Says Stamp "Abby's Spring Showers" and "Talk Bubbles" Wise Dies.

Hope all is well with you all and thanks for the visit!

Fun Photo Card

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

I was introduced to the idea of using photos on cards by my friend, and president of our local card-making group, Shirley. She showed me how to have photos printed "4 up" to result in a size that is perfect for adding to cards.

My hubby's friend from his hiking group took this amazing photo on a recent hike (which went right past a zoo). I made her a packet of cards using her photo.

Dies used are "Massa Leaf Background" from Memory Box and "Hello Words" from Paper Smooches (I secured the cardstock to some fun foam and diecut the word for some "pop"). The Cuttlebug embossing folder is an old one, as is the cute little Hero Arts stamp that I used on the inside and the envelope.

Thanks for the visit - have a great week!

Clear and Sheer

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I just completed the "Online Card Class" called "Clear and Sheer". The class shares how to make cards using clear and sheer products, such as vellum (scary stuff!) and acetate. It is taught by some grand ladies of card making - Kristina Werner, Jennifer McGuire, and Debby Hughes.

I was able to find a set of Hero Arts acetate cards (the last one!) at my LSS, the Stamp Art Shoppe. I've been wanting to give this technique a try, so since I was awake at 1:30 AM, I decided I may as well stop thinking about it and get up and give it a try. Crazy, eh?

For this card I used a Sizzix embossing folder on the card. I colored the raised stars with Copic pens. Then I die-cut four stars from white and silver cardstock (Lifestyle Craft die set). Two stars sandwich the acetate (using Score Tape) to create a solid panel on the front and the back.

The front sentiment is cut from glitter paper (DCWV) with a Spellbinders script die. I applied it to cardstock and ran it through the Xyron Machine and it adhered well. There were the typical little "glue buggers" that one gets with the Xyron, but I was able to remove them from the acetate with an alcohol swab (but carefully, as it will also remove the Copic coloring!).

My inside sentiment, "America the beautiful" is from an old Cornish Heritage Farms set by Kim Hughes (now of Paper Smooches fame). 

I lined the envelope with some coordinating paper using the Hero Arts Envelope Template and stamped some stamped on stars with an old PTI set.

This was a learning process and I will make some minor changes the next time. It is a fun technique with lots of possibilities. I urge you to consider the class - it is full of great ideas.

At least I'm ready for the Fourth of July! And I bet there is a nap in my future later today.

Thanks for the visit - hope you are having a star-studded week,