A Moment of Gratitude

I'd like to dedicate this card to a wonderful friend of mine, Lorelei. Whenever people ask me how I got started in this craft of card making, I smile a big smile and say, "It's all her fault." Actually, I'd like to correct that statement. It's because of her encouragement that I am using my gift of creativity in this medium of rubber stamps, ink and paper.

In the past year or two, I've really come to value the idea that we need people and activities that are life-giving. If you have someone around you who gives you life, you are energized when you spend time with them. You may also be challenged by them in good ways, to move out in areas where you are gifted.

Then there are those people who give you life, because they share their love of Jesus with you. Lorelei is one of these. She loves Jesus and loves to challenge herself and the people around her with the truth of God's word and His love for the world.

Lorelei has been an encourager and a sounding board as I have taken little steps to share my love to create with the people around me. I am blessed to call her my friend.

If you have a special person around you, why not make a card for them and let them know how they have impacted your life.

Springtime Friend

Looking for a bonus card? You're in the right place. This is one of my favorite cards right now, and I plan to share it with some very special friends next month.

It looks complex, but is really quite simple to make. If you'd like to learn how to put it together, contact me for more information.

Marble Technique

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under
heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Probably one of the most common times that people reach for a card is to celebrate someone's birthday. This card is no exception. One of my dear friends is having a birthday this Sunday. These are some of her favorite colors, so I'm sure she'll like it.



That's one of the great things about making cards yourself. You can personalize the colors, images and sentiments to fit the recipient.

Man's Birthday

One of the hardest things to create seems to be a card for a man. The stamps used to make this card helped create the manly image I was going for.

If you'd like to make this card you'll need the following items from Stampin' Up!:

Stamps

Noble Deer

Flannel Background

Sincere Salutations

Ink

Chocolate Chip

Night of Navy (flannel & Birthday Wishes)

Card Stock

Very Vanilla - card base and deer

Chocolate Chip - card front, and layering

Close to Cocoa - (flannel)

Creamy Caramel - Birthday Wishes

We made this card in one of my classes last month. If you'd like to find out more information about upcoming classes, check out my schedule at: http://www.stampedblessings.stampinup.net/Events.aspx

Simple Delights

We all need reminders from time to time. Reminders to slow down and enjoy life. Reminders to simplify. This card is like that for me. Not too busy, just a simple flower and one gentle reminder. Delight in Life.

This is one of 6 cards that we made this month at one of my classes. I'll be posting a few more of the cards that we made in the days to come. So check back often or sign up for the email feed on the left side. (You can click on the link below to find out about upcoming classes.)

All card stock, inks, tools, etc... that I used are available from Stampin' Up! To make this card you'll need the following supplies and tools:

Stamps

Delight in Life, Sell-a-bration 2007

Card Stock

• Whisper White - 8-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches (for card base)
• Regal Rose - 5-1/4 x 4 inches
• Whisper White - 4-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches
• Elegant Eggplant - 3 x 2 inches
• Pretty in Pink - 2-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches
• Whisper White - 3 x 3 inches, or big enough for flower stamp

Ink & Markers

• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Regal Rose Classic Stampin' Pad
• Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pale Plum Stampin' Write Marker
• Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker

Other tools & supplies

• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Stamp-a-Majig
• scissors
• adhesive

To find out more about my upcoming classes, click on this link: http://www.stampedblessings.stampinup.net/Events.aspx

Looking Forward to Spring

In the midst of last week's snow, I pulled out this stamp set I've been waiting and waiting to get, Looks Like Spring. I love the layers in this card and the variety of embellishments. The smaller flowers are made with a Stampin' Up! punch, Spring Bouquet, which is made to match the smaller stamped images. The largest flower is cut out after stamping. I curled the petals gently. Then the flowers are attached to the card with brads.

The Cranberry Crisp layer is raised with Stampin' Dimensionals, and the ribbon is passed between the Cranberry Crisp and Chocolate Chip layers.

Valentine's Day

This Wednesday is Valentine's day, and I've been busy working on cards for the special people in my life. Here's one of my favorites. It's for my husband's mom and dad.

Starting with a piece of vellum paper, I used Basic Black in on the front side to stamp the word Love and the hearts. After this dried, I turned over the vellum and using markers in matching colors to the Loves Me designer paper, I colored in the hearts and letters.

I chose to use the vellum paper because it toned down the busyness of the designer paper. The top and bottom right corners have been fastened together with a couple of Sahara Sand colored eyelets. I glued the left side of the vellum to the left side of the designer paper. Then I adhered the paper and vellum to the Chocolate Chip card stock. After this I applied a small amount, about 1/2 inch, of Sticky Strip behind the right edge of the Chocolate Chip card stock and again just to the left of the patterned paper/vellum. This holds the Taupe Grosgrain ribbon in place.

My husband joined me in card making this weekend. We had a good time creating together. He used the Love Swirls wheel with Chocolate Chip ink on Regal Rose cardstock. We tore the sides to soften the look, and then we attached it so that it covered the glue under the vellum.

Last steps: we glued the finished 8 inch x 5 inch card front to the 8-1/2 inch by 5-1/2 inch Whisper White card stock we used for a base, and then stamped the sentiment inside. Since there are six of us in the family, we figured that we needed lots of room for everyone to write their own greetings inside to Mom & Dad/ Grandma & Grandpa. Now if we can just figure out where to send this card ...? LOL

(... off to make a phone call to find out where the RV's parked this week ... )