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, 

A Grand and Glorious!

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

We are gearing up for a fantastic Fourth of July here in the USA. There has been so much devastation, loss and sadness in the news recently, but there is still not a more glorious place than our wonderful country.

I am also excited to have a card-making pal coming for the weekend and hubby will soon be returning from a short trip, so I am posting this early. My holiday cards have already been mailed, but I wanted to play with my new (yep, I won it in a recent challenge!) set from Art Impressions, "Dancers Set (UM3580)".  I decided to try a shaped card (LifeStyle Crafts dies) for some extra punch and the word die is from the Sizzix "Celebrate Set (657127)". Silver Stickles add some fireworks.

This will be headed for the current Art Impressions challenge, "Red, White and Blue" and Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, "Anything Goes". You've got time to join in the fun.

Thanks for the visit and, to my US readers, have a safe and grand holiday!

A Quick Sunday Post

I'm just breezing in for a quick post for the current Paper Smooches SPARKS Cool Shades Challenge. The gumdrop (or jelly bean) colors are so bright and fun!

I love my brand new Paper Smooches "Get Well Word" die, so I had to incorporate it with this card. I know it will become an all-time favorite. I decided to keep it simple. I used a trick from Jennifer McGuire about adding a tiny strip of patterned paper to anchor things.

This little guy is from the "Space Cadet" set (don't you think he looks a bit under the weather?) and the star was cut with the Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Stars dies.

Have a great Sunday!

Odds and Ends

I recently attended a demo sponsored by Lifestyle Crafts. This company (which used to be QuicKutz) has some great dies (if you are a cupcake baker, check out their cute paper liners - love them!) and letterpress supplies. There are some great ideas on their blog. I purchased some Nesting Dies and I also ordered a couple of New Releases on their online store. There is always something new to buy!

I cut this little gift card at the store with a Nesting Die and some of their "Sweet and Spicy" paper and I embellished & assembled it (I used SU and MS punches and a Hero Arts sentiment) when I got home. The die creates nice embossed edges without the extra embossing step required with Spellbinders dies.

I also want to show you this adorable cupcake apron that my crafting buddy Antoinette gave me. Too cute, eh? I guess she is tired of seeing me wearing ink, glue and glitter!  Why?!  I added the pockets, which I made from a vintage linen napkin, and I made the name badge for when I teach/take classes.  Thanks again, sweet pal.  

Hope you have a glorious weekend! We are off to our little slice of heaven in Calistoga, in the Napa Valley.