Thursday, February 21, 2013

Valentine Cupcake Wrappers

I made two dozen homemade cherry cupcakes and homemade cherry frosting for a Homeowners Association meeting the Sunday after Valentine's so I took the opportunity to try out heart cupcake wrappers. I used four different colors of pink and red paper for a variety. They were a big hit! Very cute idea and oh so easy when you have an electronic/digital die cutting machine, like the BossKut Gazelle. The SVG file that I used for these is part of my Gazelle software but there are many heart cupcake wrappers available if you do a Google search. Here is a link to a free SVG file that you can try out. I have this version as well: Free Heart Cupcake Wrapper




If the meeting was at my house I would have placed them on a really pretty tri-level platter but since I had to transport them (along with chocolate covered pretzels that I made), the pictures are taken while the cupcakes are in the carrying case.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

More Papercraft Products that I Love

Well, as feared and expected, I have taken on my new hobby (Papercrafting) with a vengeance and purchased ENTIRELY too much stuff in a very short period of time. As my little sister, Kelly, said on Sunday when she came over and viewed all my stuff, "Stores must LOVE when you take on a new hobby!" Yes, yes they do! I should really own stock in Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics at this point. Heck they should give me stock options for the amount of money that I've dropped on them in the past two months!!!

I won't go over the items that I previously mentioned in my first product post nor will I discuss all the items that I've purchased since then as there is no way I could list everything, much less post links to each product. I've been purchasing from many places so as my stock has grown it has become harder and harder to keep track of where I purchased things in order to link to them when I post cards.

Last week when I was creating the You are Fabulous card for my sister, I wanted to create a sticker for her address label since the envelope had raised/3D polka dots so I could not write on the envelope. I researched and found that Hobby Lobby carried a cool tool that allows you to create stickers, magnets and laminate things and I was all over it and was going to use a 40%  off coupon for the $50 tool. Unfortunately although it was sold online it was not in the store and I needed it that day. So as a backup plan, I bought the tool that makes just stickers. It was smaller and cheaper but worked perfectly to create stickers...fast! Pretty cool! I will post the original "Creative Station" tool that I wanted (and may eventually purchase) as well as the "Create a Sticker" tool that I ended up purchasing.

I've gone a little stamp crazy and quickly realized that I needed a system for storing all the cling stamps (any stamp not on a wood block). I researched several blogs and YouTube videos for suggestions and went with what would work best for me. I purchased a set of various sizes of photo pages from The Container Stores (by far the best prices...although shipping wasn't cheap and it took a week to deliver). I also purchased regular page protector pocket sheets from Office Max for large sheets of stamps. I now house the stamps in the pages in 3-ring binders. Does a great job and the stamps are now much easier to access and put away!

When I began this hobby, I couldn't help but notice that Copic markers were HOT HOT HOT and everyone loved them. I could not justify the expense for pens that I wasn't sure that I'd ever use much less pens that I'd never even used before. So I made the fatal error of purchasing "the next best thing" (Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Markers). They still weren't cheap, over $100 for 48 markers. Unfortunately I was just not satisfied with their performance for that cost but still struggled to justify the Copic markers. I eventually made a compromise and traded in the Prismacolor markers for the "less expensive" Copic markers (Copic Ciao). I must say, THEY ROCK!! I only got 36 (Set A) at this point, plus the colorless blender pen, so I'd love to eventually get more but the cheapest place I've found them (and believe me, I've spent HOURS researching) is at DickBlick (link below). Although the 36 markers are still over $100, believe it or not, they are still about $60 cheaper than the original Copic marker set of 36!!! DickBlick also offers discounts and if you happen to be fortunate to live near an actual retail store, you can sign up and get 40% one item coupons, which is awesome. I SERIOUSLY considered making a trip to Atlanta (4 hours) just to get Set B for that price. Maybe I will make a trip there on the next sale and then I can swing by IKEA....oh I miss that store (there was one near me in California and in Dallas). Can you say ROADTRIP!?!?! ha

Speaking of markers, I wanted to purchase gel glitter pens as well and researched my options. I originally purchased Copic's glitter pens (Spica Glitter Pens) at Hobby Lobby (sell for $36 but used 40% coupon). Boy that was a mistake. These glitter pens are a FAIL!!! I returned them two days later and ordered what I should have purchased to begin with. The Sakura Stardust pens are amazing!! Although Hobby Lobby sells them, they come in two packets so I could only use one 40% coupon. Instead I purchased both packets online from JetPens and thankfully they also had free shipping. Perfect!! I also purchased two "clear" glitter pens (basically silver glitter) from Sakura. I love these pens!! They work great!

In addition to the glitter markers, I also wanted to buy a couple of white pens for writing on dark card stock. I researched "best" white pens and this pen won hands down. I am very happy with the purchase!! I went ahead and purchased two gold ink pens as well. JetPens has great deals on pens. Check them out!

I will also take this opportunity to recommend Memento inks. Although they have larger ink pads, I just love the little "dew drop petal" shaped ink pads. They have good pads and their size make them great for using on small stamps and stamps with multiple ink colors. You can buy these either individually or in sets and they are sold in many places. I've picked some up at Hobby Lobby and others at Jo-Ann Fabrics website.

Although I purchase items online when I find great deals, I do end up purchasing many items from both Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics, either online or in person. I RARELY purchase anything from them that isn't either on sale (30-60% off) or using one of their coupons. Hobby Lobby allows you to use a 40% off coupon (in store or online) for one regular priced item. Jo-Ann on the other hand usually has 2-3 coupons that they will allow you to use at the same time. Most of the time they offer a coupon (15%) off total sales in addition to a 40% or even 50% off one regular price item. Sometimes they also offer another coupon for items that are even on sale. You can sign up for Jo-Ann's emails/text and they will send you additional discount/coupons. Both Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics have smart phone apps that you can use coupons from so you don't have to print them out when in their retails stores.

That is all the time I have for today. Maybe next time I will spend some time reviewing products that I use for card making (i.e., SVG files, paper stock, stamps, embossing folders, embossing powders, embellishments, etc...).

I will also list a few websites that I recommend checking out. Many offer freebies (SVG, JPG, Digital Stamps) and others are just blogs/YouTube channels that I think offer great ideas.

Links to products mentioned above:

Creative Station
Create a Sticker
Photo Pages (Baseball Card Size)
Photo Pages (Variety of Options)
Sheet Protects (100 pack)
Copic Ciao Markers (Set A)
Stardust Glitter Pen Set (Galaxy)
Stardust Glitter Pen Set (Meteor)
White Ink Pen
Gold Ink Pen
Memento Dew Drop Inks Set


Websites to check out:

Stuff4Scrapbooking
MyGrafico
SVG Cuts
Lori Whitlock
A Muse Studio
Papertrey Ink
1001 Free Fonts
Custom Crops
Paper Wishes
Two Peas in a Bucket
Simon Says Stamps
A Cherry on Top
Prairie Paper & Ink
Prairie Paper YouTube Channel (love)
All That Scraps (love the stamps!)
The Paper Boutique YouTube Channel
Echo Park Paper YouTube Channel
Miss Kerrie J's YouTube Channel (amazing talent)
SVG Cuts YouTube Channel

Congrats Grad Card

One of my favorite gals, Tamikia, recently graduated with her Master's degree, while working as an elementary school teacher full time. I am tremendously proud of her and although I was unable to make the graduation, I wanted to make her a cute and special card for her.



The above picture is of the front of the card. The "congrats" tag actually goes inside the little envelope on the front of the card. I used a textured dark blue paper stock to create the card, using a SVG file. I used a smooth light blue paper stock for the envelope and "congrats" insert. On the envelope I used the dark blue paper as one part of the flower and a patterned paper for the top and bottom portion of the flower (3 parts total). I then used a pink brad to secure to the envelope flap. The word, "congrats" was cut out using the same textured dark blue paper and the insert is made of the light blue paper used for the envelope.



Here is another view of the front of the card. You can see that the light blue at the bottom of the card is actually part of the inside of the card but can be seen on the front due to the cutouts.


Above is the inside of the card. I cut a smaller light blue paper stock to fit inside just small enough to use the dark blue as a frame. I cut the corners of the light blue paper to match the dark blue. I used a Congrats Grad stamp using dark blue and pink ink. I went over the "Congrats" with a blue glitter pen to give it a little sparkle.


Using an envelope SVG, I resized it to house the card and used a smooth dark blue paper to create the envelope. I did not use the textured dark blue paper because creasing it made the white of the inside of the paper show through and just wasn't as clean/crisp. I then used another sheet of the light blue paper to create the insert for the envelope flap.


The finished product is well coordinated and can actually be used for a variety of reasons, not just as a celebration. You can always change the "Congrats" word to say anything to put in the insert on the front of the card. It could even house a gift card if you chose to include one. Now that I think of it, Tamikia may be rather disappointed that it is not holding a gift card. ha

Products used for this card:

Textured Dark Blue Paper Stock
Smooth Light Blue Paper Stock
Patterned Paper Stock
Pink Brad
Card SVG
Blue and Pink Ink
Blue Glitter Pen
Envelope SVG

You are Fabulous Card


I made this card for my little sister, who fortunately also happens to be my best friend! Three years ago I moved back from Dallas to live closer to her and the rest of my family. There is rarely a moment that we are together that we aren't laughing or just thoroughly enjoying each other's company. She is my best bud and am so grateful that she plays "dorky and silly" right along with me. I just love my family so!!


The card is pretty cute. I used white card stock for this card and layout of the card is from a SVG file. The front has a cut out of the dress because the actual dress is on the inside of the card. I used an embossing folder to add dimension to the front of the card and scalloped the bottom of the card.  I used a lime green ink to go around the edges of the front of the card. Using my printer, I printed out, "You are" on textured green card stock and placed it on the front. Looking at it now, I suppose I should have written it out as, "You are...". Oh well! Live and learn!


Here is the inside of the card. As you can see, the dress showing on the front of the card is actually on the inside. I used a lime green paper stock that had white polka dots so I just placed green pearls and gems and placed them on top of the dots. I used a green organza ribbon (folded in half) and glued to the waist of the dress. I used smaller green pearl/gems to outline the neckline of the dress. Using my printer I printed "Fabulous" on textured green paper stock.


The above photo is of the card sitting inside of the envelope that I also created. You will see in the next photo that I used the same green paper stock for the envelope that I used for the dress (you'll also see the polka dots that are basically hidden on the dress since the pearls/gems are on top). The envelope is also part of the SVG file that I used for the dress card. It folds in on all four sides. Pretty cool.


So as you can see above, the envelope is closed. To secure the envelope, I cut out another dress (it is the same white card stock that I used for the card although it looks a bit pink in the picture) and using fabulous gel/glitter pens (LOVE these pens), I used the green pen to draw in a sash at the waist and used a silver pen to outline the dress. Was just enough sparkle. I purchased a "Create a Sticker" tool and made the dress into a sticker to ensure it held the envelope securely in the mail. Adorable!!!!

Products used for this card:

White Card Stock
SVG file for layout of card/envelope
Green Textured Paper Stock
Lime Green Ink
Lime Green Organza Ribbon
Polka Dot Embossing Folder
Green Pearls/Gem Embellishments
Green Polka Dot Paper
Silver Glitter Pen
Green Glitter Pen

Friendship Card

Although I've thoroughly enjoyed my time away from Facebook since I disabled my account on New Year's Eve, I do miss my friends that were involved with posts of mine and visa-versa. One of those friends is a friend from high school that has had many challenges over the past year. I have tried to be a good friend and support her and her family but sometimes just an unexpected card in the mail can be just what is needed. Below is the card that I created and sent her last week.


The front of the card looks very similar to the Thinking of You card because I just loved the look. I cut out a light purple square that I used as the middle layer of the card. I placed it on top of the white card and then cut out a smaller white piece of card stock and embossed it. I used one of my favorite quotes that truly speaks to me as the sentiment on the front. The stamp included the two butterflies so I just used four different colored inks for the stamp...pink for "Butterfly" verbiage, black for the sentiment and green and purple for the two butterflies.


On the inside of the card I used two sentiment stamps in purple and green from the same friendship collection as well as a butterfly stamp using two different colors. Very simple but to the point....of course I never heard from her since mailing the card so maybe it was too simple. haha

Products used for this card:

5"x6.5" White Note Card and Envelope
Embossing Folder
Purple Card Stock
Caterpillar Sentiment Stamp (I purchased stamp at Hobby Lobby but no longer on site.)
Friendship Sentiment Stamps
Butterfly Stamp
Pink, Purple, Green and Blue Ink

Thinking of You Card

Unfortunately one of the strongest women I know has been going through hell over the past year as her rock, her husband, has been battling a very aggressive form of bladder cancer, which has invaded many other organs/parts of his body. Although I have kept up to date via their posts on his CaringBridge webpage, I try to send Rosemary an email and card from time to time so she knows they remain in my thoughts and prayers! Below is a card that I recently created and mailed to her.


To create the front of the card, I cut out a purple square that I used as the middle layer of the card. I placed it on top of the white card and then cut out a smaller white piece of card stock and embossed it. I then stamped, "thinking of you" in gold and used a butterfly stamp in three different colors.


I stamped an appropriate sentiment inside using embossing ink/powder in purple and then added an additional sentiment in blue ink. I kept the card very basic and did not want to overwhelm the card as it was a serious card.

I didn't include a picture of the envelope since I just used a regular white envelope from the notecard kit. I stamped the envelope with a "miracles" sentiment.

Products used for this card:

5"x6.5" White Note Card and Envelope
Butterfly Stamp
"Thinking of you" Stamp
Purple Card Stock0
Embossing Folder
Friendship Sentiment Stamp
"I have you in my heart" Stamp
Pink, Purple and Blue Ink
Gold Ink
Embossing Ink
Purple Embossing Powder

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

It's a Boy Card - Sarah and Caleb

One of my (many) nieces (in-law) gave birth to her second son last weekend. He is a big boy at nearly 10 lbs. OUCHY!!! I had to rush to get her baby gifts in the mail that day so I quickly made this card. It is very similar to the It's a Girl card that I recently made/posted but changed the name and used different colors/paper and a few different designs/die cuts. I think it's adorable and I hope that Sarah and Caleb loved the card as well as all the cute clothes. It's a GOOD thing I never had my own children. I would be out of control with the amount of clothes and accessories that I would buy for them. So now I just play dress up on myself! ha


As you can see in the photo above, I added three buttons to the front of the card (that I did not include in the It's a Girl card). The buttons matched the three onesies that I added as well as the plaid paper behind the buttons. I printed out the "Welcome..." notice on my printer in blue and then used Stickles (blue) on the hearts as well as wrote, "M" on the blue onesie. I used "Sticky Doos" (adhesive foam squares) for the "Welcome" banner so that it was 3D and lifted away from the card.


I kept the inside of the card very simple (since I may have overdone the It's a Girl card). Simply cut out another onesie and stamped "little one" on it. I then used Stickles again to fill in the hearts.


Using the same plaid paper, I created a cute matching envelope and created a baby blue envelope insert for the flap.


Above is a picture of both the card and envelope together.

Products used for this card:

5"x6.5" White Note Card
Blue Plaid Paper (Hobby Lobby doesn't show loose paper on site)
Paper for Onesies
Blue Organza Ribbon
Buttons
Blue Stickles
Adhesive Foam for Banner
Little One Stamp
SVG Baby Elements Kit (Onesies)
SVG Envelope Kit
Blue Paper for Envelope Insert