Circles and Butterflies

Back today with another Pinterest pin inspiration.  I tried to stay near the inspiration on this one, but use the tools and supplies I have on hand.  Here's the details:

• You'll remember this card.  I way overdid it with the circle die cutting.  This is because I wanted to select just the right pattern for that card and I felt like I needed a lot of choices (read:circles) to do that.  What better use could I put those spare scraps than on this design?  I simply cut a few circle frames using the same die out of a light green cardstock.
• The flowers were cut using my Heartfelt Creations Vintage Floret dies and shaped.  They have pearl centers and both were brushed with my Ink Blending Tool using Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
• The sentiment was stamped with black Archival Ink onto a piece of cardstock and then cut out using my paper trimmer.
• A little seam binding ribbon bow nestled in with the flowers. 
•  The butterfly comes from a 3D sticker set, not my own work, but it was beautiful in person.  Not sure the picture highlights that enough.

Most important is the purpose to which I put this card.  I have been aware of the work done by Compassion International for a few years.   Several times I've looked into sponsoring a child through their ministry and just didn't follow through.  I'm sure that was because my opportunity to participate was waiting for this past December when I finally signed up.  Compassion allows you to sponsor a child in a poor or underdeveloped community throughout the world.  The money is put towards after school and other care programs including healthcare.  The ministry also then uses those opportunities to spread the love of Jesus to the children in the community.  They don't seek to rescue children out of their communities, but instead focus on making an impact on their lives for good.  As a sponsor, you get the opportunity to enter into that impact by financially supporting their ministry and then writing letters and sending small packages of paper made items to your sponsored child.

I signed up to sponsor Yuli Ester Garcia who lives in the Dominican Republic with her family.  She attends school regularly and participates in Compassion's outreach in her community.  For only $456 a year (or $38/month), I can sponsor Yuli's educational, healthcare and spiritual growth.  That seems such a small cost to me and such a large gain for her.  I sent her this card and a handwritten note to introduce her to me and my family.  There will be a bit more letter writing throughout the year.  I'm thinking it is a good marriage between my desire to impact a child who is in need and my paper crafting production.  Now, I have a reason to send pretty cards to Yuli.  I'm thinking she's really going to like the butterfly, don't you?

If you've never checked out Compassion International's program before, I'd recommend you click through the link and read a little.  Based on the background work I've done and what my experience has been so far, I have every reason to believe that they really are making a difference in the lives of children right now, today.

I've linked this project up over at Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge Blog: Simon Says Anything Goes with Pearls.  Come on over and join the fun!

I am in no way affiliated with Compassion International (other than as a sponsor to Yuli) nor have I been encouraged to write this post by anything other than my enthusiasm for their program. 

Thinking of You Card

Checking in for a quick post on a simple card.  This is another card inspired by a Pinterest Pin.  Here's the details:

• All patterned papers are from an old paper pack from Glitz Vintage Blue. 
• The flower is cut from vanilla textured cardstock using my Vintage Floret dies.  The flower was shaped and then brushed with Fades Jeans Distress Ink and then edged in Walnut Stain Distress Ink.
• The paper strips were cut with my paper trimmer and then torn to create uneven edges.  All strips were edged with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  The original design was made using washi tape, but I think this works well here too!
• The frames were cut using my Spellbinders Labels 17 dies.  The sentiment was stamped using my Faded Jeans Distress Ink and both frames were edged using my Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  

It's simple, but I really like how it turned out.  I may give this design another go and follow the example a little closer.  I like the idea of matting with a frame cut to the exact same size and only using the ends.

ETA:  I've entered this card in Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Simon Says Anything Goes with Pearls.  Come on over and join the fun!

Just Thinking About You Card

Pinterest has become one of my favorite places to go for inspiration.  Here's another card, inspired (truthfully, scrap-lifted) by a pin.  This one is almost a direct copy, but twisted to match my supplies.  My pattern paper choices were different, I tried to play with a little more pattern.  I also chose to shape my flower in the opposite direction making it more mail friendly.  I think I like the height of the pin, but mine works to me as well.  Here's the details:

• All papers are from MME's Ooh La La For Her collection.  
• I used my Creative Memories *ancient* circle cutter to cut the circle and made the flags with my paper trimmer.
• The flowers were cut from patterned paper using my Vintage Floret dies and shaped adding a pearl accent to the center.
• The sentiment comes from my Heartfelt Expression stamp using Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink.  A few red pearl accents and the card is a close approximation.
• Those dots on the card base aren't  poor photography.  The card came from a blank card set with flecks of muted colors throughout.  Its a good base for the minimalist card.

Wedding Celebration Card

Today is Andrew and Jordin's big day.  I'm praying for a joyful celebration and the beginning of a beautiful marriage.  For this card I whipped out my Burnished Key stamp and dies.  The background stamp was created with silver Brilliance ink and trimmed to be used as a background on the card.  I picked out the lock die cut stamped in the same ink and adhered with foam squares to add dimension and a little pearl swirl to draw the eye.  Not sure I am totally pleased with the placement, but it works.  The tiny blessings sentiment is cut using my ODBD Ornate borders die and the sentiment is from the ODBD sentiment set stamped in black Archival Ink. A rose ribbon trim from the stash was added to the bottom. 

On the inside, I used a Word Art Wednesday verse, printed out on the computer and cut using my Labels 17 die. It, too, is raised with some foam squares.  A pearl swirl added behind as an accent.

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10:6-9

Wedding Shower Card

I had mentioned earlier this week about Andrew and Jordin's wedding shower present.  Here's the card I made for them.  Again, taking a cue from their invitation, I suspected they enjoyed the kraft paper and mint green theme.  Here's the details:

• The background frame was cut using my Labels 17 die and then embossed with one of my floral embossing folders.  This frame is raised off the card base with foam squares.
• The sentiment was stamped using my Market Street Stamps (sadly out of business) sentiment stamp and black Archival Ink.
• The decorative lattice was cut from white cardstock using my Heartfelt Creations Ornamental Add On die.  I did lightly curl the ends to create a little interest to these pieces. 
• The flower was cut from kraft colored glassine paper using my Vintage Floret dies.  This stuff never disappoints with it's crinkly goodness.  I simply shaped these flowers and the texture was created by the paper's properties.  A pearl accent in the center added a sense of class.
• The green organza ribbon comes from the stash and is likely a reuse item.  It looks delicate and colorful here.

I sent this off with the handmade cards a little late for the shower itself.  Hopefully, it brought joy to them and clearly let Andrew and Jordin know that I'm thinking and praying for them as the big day approached.  Check back on Saturday.  I made their wedding celebration card as well.  I'll get those photos edited and posted in time to wish them a prompt wedding congratulations!

I've entered this card in Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Simon Says Wedding or Anniversary.  Come on over and join the fun!

ETA:  I've linked this card up over at Scrapbookpal.com.  They have a running challenge each month to use certain suppliers/products and then get featured over at their blog.  Here's my entry for the last part of February.   Click on this link to check out their latest challenge.  Their online store supplies many of my common tools and supplies and some of the lowest prices around.  Check them out.

A Small Wedding Shower Gift

A young man, Andrew Ruffcorn, from our church has decided to pursue full time ministry through Kansas City's International House of Prayer.  He had some rough years as a teenager getting caught up in (his words) "sex, drugs and rock-n-roll".  Jesus pulled him out of that downward spiral in a powerful and active way and Andrew's response has been to pursue full time ministry work with the disadvantaged, homeless and poor.  IHOPKC is a great place for him.  Ultimately, during his time there he met and has fallen in love with a young woman, Jordin Hart.  We received the shower and wedding invitations, but unfortunately, a trip to Kansas City was not in our future.  What is a girl to do other than make a few cards for a small gift?

Taking a cue from the shower invitation and wedding invitation, Jordin seems a fan of kraft paper with understated, yet feminine design.  Enter my Ornate Borders stamp.  The intricate detail for this stamp created a perfect frame for a set of their first name initials.  That white pigment ink creates a stunning contrast to the kraft, don't you think?  Each corner is accented with a gold pearl embellishment. 

On the inside, a simple Thank You stamp in the same white pigment ink.  A small, gold pearl works well here too.  My thought is that they could use these as thank yous for the wedding, or if they already have some for that purpose, they could use these for everyday cards in the future.

I used the kraft paper band that came with these pre-purchased kraft cards and envelopes to bind this up for sending to the happy couple.

I've used this digi stamp before, but they seemed perfect for Andrew to use as Thank You cards for his ministry.  It occurs to me that he has many purposes to write and say thanks and some handmade cards would work well.  I colored the church with some Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Scattered Straw and Peeled Paint Distress Markers.  Manly and thoughtful, don't you think?  The digi stamp came with a lovely sentiment that I printed off on my computer on the inside.




















I banded this set in the same way and sent them off for a shower gift with a gift card for their registry.  I made a cute engagement card that I will be working on photographing, editing and posting next.  Then, it's on to making the wedding card.  Time is passing quickly (February 1/2 gone already!).  I need to get on it.


One last quick note.  Brandy and I have been friends for so long that Christmas presents sometimes seem like they are just an exchange.  We made a pact a few years ago that we'd not get presents for each other.  I'm the dirty dog who typically broke that pact when I saw something overly nice and thought that it belonged to her.  This year we decided to do something a little different.  Neither of us had a stamp to label our cards as handmade.  We agreed to pick out a stamp for the other person and get it for Christmas.  Here's the one Brandy made for me.  Isn't it perfect?  I love, love, love the design element, the font choices, the fact that it looks like a seal...  She couldn't have made a better choice for me.  All my cards will now be "branded".  Thank you, friend, for knowing me so well and showing it so profoundly.  If I get a picture of one of Brandy's creations with her stamp, I'll post it here for you to enjoy.

I'm going to link this project up over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Blog challenge: Simon Says Get Krafty.  They are all about kraft cardstock and/or kraft colored papers this week.  There's not much time left.  Come join the fun.

Happy Birthday Card

Embossing folders.  I've not had a machine where I could effectively use them.  That changed when I purchased my Grand Calibur.  However, this means that I haven't fully incorporated their craftiness into my skill set.  Yet, they are wonderful for texture and interest on a card.  This one today was made using that fabulous paper pad from Prima- Madeline.  Here's the details for this card:

• The sentiment frame was cut using my Spellbinders Labels 18 die from a piece of script patterned paper. The sentiment was stamped using with brown Archival Ink.  
• The second frame was cut using two different Spellbinders Labels 18 which I taped into place on a piece of patterned paper from the set.
• The flowers were cut from patterned paper using my Posy dies.They were shaped and a pearl accent added to the center.
• Several floral elements were  cut from brown and green cardstock scraps.  I've got pieces from my Spellbinders Floral Flourishes die, Our Daily Bread Designs Fancy Foliage, and some other dies I've long since forgotten where they came from.
• The background is embossed with a folder and Vintage Photo Distress Ink brushed on the raised portion using my Ink Blending Tool.  The background and the card base were also edged with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
• A piece of seam binding tied to the frame finishes the design.  

I left the inside blank on this on to be added when the purpose is identified.   We're headed towards 90 degrees today here in Phoenix.  My goodness, but spring has sprung!

ETA:  I've linked this card up over at Scrapbookpal.com.  They have a running challenge each month to use certain suppliers/products and then get featured over at their blog.  Here's my entry for the last part of February.   Click on this link to check out their latest challenge.  Their online store supplies many of my common tools and supplies and some of the lowest prices around.  Check them out.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I had responsibilities last night to bring a snack to my Bible study group.  I decided that making a few of these simple, tiny treats would be a nice, seasonally appropriate snack.  These little matchbox type packages worked out well.













Here's the details:

• I cut strips 3 in. x 9 in. and scored at 3 in., 4 in. and 7 in.  Folding those around you create the matchbox shape with the 2 in. flap facing front.  
• The frame was cut using my Lacy Ovals die and edged in Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  
• The sentiment was printed using a free clip art.  I cut the ovals with my ancient Creative Memories oval cutter and inked with a combination of Worn Lipstick and Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  
• The flowers were cut with coordinating patterned paper and pink vellum paper.  I can't decide which I like better?  I used both my Posy dies and my Vintage Floret dies.  I used the smallest two dies in both cases.  After shaping, I used a paper center for the posy flowers and a pearl accent for the floret.  

•  On the inside was a packet of pink, white and red M & Ms.  I used my tried and true wax paper packet technique I picked up from Jordan at Oh Happy Day.  The second link provides the instructions for making the wax paper bags. I stapled these to the 3 x 3 flap so that they would seal and be hidden by the frame.

• I glued the frame to the 2 x 3 in. flap using my ATG and then did the same to the inside of the flap to hold the tiny package together. 

I'm really pleased with how they turned out.  Just a little Valentine's fun.

I couldn't forget the kids and Dan, though.  As a sort of last minute thrown together card, I made a series of these Doctor Who themed valentines.  I followed a link over at notMartha (one of my favorite blogs!) to this Etsy store and quickly purchased and downloaded the card fronts.  A little editing and I could make these simple cards for the kids.  Tim, my son, got the weeping angel, daughter Katie is cool and husband Dan received this Tardis card.  I really would travel through space and time for him!!

On the inside, I used some of my leftover sentiments.  The kids received money to go out to dinner together tonight as Dan and I will be going out for a casual date night.  Dan has suggested a family ice cream for dessert when we get home (it won't be a late one with both of us putting in a full week at work!  Old foogies, yes?!). 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

A Floral Happy Birthday

I'm loving my Prima Madeline paper pad right now.  The papers have such bold patterns with classic colors that really inspired my creativity. This lovely went to Dan's sister for her birthday.  Here's the details for this card:

• The sentiment frame was cut using my Spellbinders die from a piece of the Prima Madeline paper.  I taped it down to get just the right frame.  The sentiment was stamped using Vintage Photo Distress Ink to give it a slightly lighter color given the dark matted frame behind.  The frame is raised from the background frame using foam squares.
• The flowers were cut from patterned paper using my Vintage Floret dies.
• Several floral elements were  cut from brown and green cardstock scraps.
• The background is a combination of fussy cut and die cut.  The patterned paper I selected had a frame that I fussy cut out the inside.  A separate frame was cut die cut with my Spellbinders Labels-Seventeen die using a matching script patterned paper.  I slid this frame behind the left side of the fussy cut and in front of the right side. 

On the inside, I stamped a sentiment from my Heartfelt Expressions stamp set and placed a circle die cut with mismatched patterns.  I'm really pleased with the final result and I think Joanne really liked her card.  Dan's family typically sends funny cards, so she may have felt it a little out of character and missed her brother's humor.  Still, I'm hoping the charm of the card will overcome her disappointment.



I'm entering this card in the following challenges:  Simon Says Stamp Blog Monday Challenge: We Love Stamps because I used two of my favorite sentiment stamps and the Inspiration Journal's February Monthly Challenge because I just love stamping "best wishes" on birthday cards.   I've also linked up with Word Art Wednesday for their Challenge #119: Anything Goes. Come on over and join the fun!

Life is Beautifully Filled with Pattern

 This card was inspired by this pin.  I decided to use one of my Quickutz dies to cut out the circles from leftover scraps in my Prima Madeline paper pad.  I layered the down on a piece of cardstock and then cut it to fit on the card.  The piece is edged in Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The sentiment is stamped in brown Archival Ink.

On the inside is a brown Archival Ink sentiment from my Heartfelt Expressions stamp set.  A die cut piece of patterned paper creates a focal point. 

Another simple, but satisfying card.  I wish I could say the stash is building.  However, I've found good reasons to send each of these cards out for a purpose.  I guess I'll just have to keep it up.

Butterfly Wishes- A Happy Birthday Card

I'm still catching up on my posts of cards made during a post-Christmas creativity spree.  I thought about one big post with lots of pictures, but the photo editing required seemed too daunting and the details seemed to time consuming.  Here's the details for this card:

• The frame was fussy cut out of a piece of the patterned paper from my Prima Madeline paper pad.  
• The butterflies were cut from a different piece of the patterned paper used as a background.  I layered the fussy cut butterflies and folded the wings to create a 3D effect.
• I've forgotten the manufacturer of the floral swirl cut from green cardstock.
• The sentiment was stamped in brown Archival Ink using a Fiskars cling stamp.  I used my Spellbinders die to cut the sentiment frame.  A little Vintage Photo Distress Ink to edge all the pieces and a few pearl accents to add a piece of class.

On the inside, I stamped a short sentiment.  I'm really pleased with how the card turned out- just a bit of paper piecing but a nice card I'll be glad to send out to a friend.

A Vintage Floret Thank You

Here's another card I made playing around with my Prima Madeline paper pad.  I really am trying to use up the paper pads I've bought.  I found my stash of pre-made cards mostly depleted by the end of last year and am working to make a bit of a stash again.  Here's the details:

• The flowers were cut using my Heartfelt Creations Vintage Floret dies and shaped.  They have pearl centers.  
• The tag was cut using my Accent Essentials Cricut cart and then the sentiment was stamped in brown Archival Ink using a Fiskars cling stamp. 
• The floral swirl and leaf stem are both Our Daily Bread Designs Fancy Foliage dies cut from textured green cardstock.  I'm pretty cheap when it comes to buying dies (except when I have birthday money to buy gifts, then I spend like it's going out of style!).  I purchased this set and have simply loved using them.  It is a great foundational die cut for all my Heartfelt Creations flower dies.
• A little seam binding ribbon to finish the card. 

On the inside, I stamped a short sentiment in brown Archival Ink and another small flower using my Peacock Feathers Distress Ink.  That's a small colored pearl accent in the center too.

I was so pleased with this- I already have an intention to send it to friends as a thank you for breakfast last weekend.  Wait- what happened to building up the pre-made card stash?