You're Berry Special -- for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations

I have a short tutorial on the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog today, showcasing an absolutely delightful Summertime rubber stamp from Crafty Sentiments Designs.

First, the finished project:

Strawberry season is just wrapping up here where I live.  Few things bring as much excitement as when the berries ripen.  We're all busy picking, cleaning, canning, jamming, and in my case, creating strawberry related projects.  I'll show you how I created this treat bag with a few easy scores and folds.

Cut a piece of 10 1/2 by 7 1/2 INCH card stock.  I used double-sided on this, to get the decorative rim to the bag.

Score at 2.5 inches and 7.5 inches

turn the card stock 180 degrees.

Score at 11 inches and 6.5 inches

Fold one of the edges inward.  This will be the bottom.  Fold one outward.  This will be the top, and the decorative rim. 

I scored triangles in the bottom at .5 increments, but this isn't necessary (it just makes it look a bit "fancier").

Punch holes at the top at 1.5, 4, 6.25, and 8.5 inches. 

Fold on score lines.  Use a strong adhesive or glue on the bottom of the bag to hold it together, and where it overlaps.  Add your favorite ribbon for a handle.

The image I used on the front of the bag is Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, Eating Strawberries. She was colored with Copic markers.  I used 2 different dies from a Paper Wishes tag set to cut out the Eating Strawberries rubber stamp and sentiment.  The "Berry Special" sentiment is a stamp from Close To My Heart. 

I hope you give this simple gift bag idea a try!

Happy Spring -- for Crafty Sentiments

It's Saturday, and I'm posting today for the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog.  I have a tutorial for you today.  Actually, it's more of some hints for more favorite card-making techniques.  First, I'll show you my card, using Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, Rainy Days:

I like to make shaped cards.  I think that add a lot to a card, drawing the viewer's eye to the image.  I use either an electronic die cut machine, like my Silhouette Cameo, or in this case, My Cricut Explore, &/or a manual die cut machine like my Big Shot or Grand Caliber. 

I colored the rubber stamp, Rainy Days, with Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils.  I've used them before on flowers and animals, but this was my first attempt on skin tones, hair, and clothing. 

Another "tip" -- I like to match elements to the theme of the image. The die cut umbrella (by Memory Box)is a perfect example of this.  As with the shaped card, I think it draws the viewer's eye TO the image, instead of distracting from it.  Using papers that match the image does the same thing.  One of the designer papers, by Pink Paislee (Hello Sunshine 6x6 pad) has rain drops on it -- sticking with the Rainy Days theme.  

One more tip -- many of my creations have crinkle ribbon on them.  I find it incredibly easy to work with.  I can tie the perfect bow almost every time.  It's very forgiving!

Visit the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog for lots of tutorials and beautiful work.  There's also the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog, with chances to win charming Crafty Sentiments stamps for yourself.  Have you checked out the Crafty Sentiments Designs Facebook page?  There's even more inspiration there. 

Think Spring! for Crafty Sentiments Designs

I'm posting today for the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog. These images are sooooo cute!  Today, I share with you Kaye(Springtime), a digi stamp from the Crafty Sentiments Design store. 

I colored Kaye with Copic markers.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to create the card for her. The designer papers are from Basic Grey. Embellishments are from Close To My Heart.

Spring is just underway where I live.  We are just starting to get rid of jackets and sweaters, and get out the short sleeves.  I've yet to wear shorts, but I hope the day is coming soon.  Like Kaye (Springtime), I'm thinking Spring!

Starting in June, I'm switching to the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog team.  Come check out all the creations from the design team, and join our challenges.  

Thinking of You -- for Crafty Sentiments Designs

Hurray! It's Saturday! I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog, using an always charming Crafty Sentiments Designs stamp.  This one is perfect for a warm spring day...

Isn't she sweet?  This is rubber stamp, Primrose - Garden Flowers.  I colored her with Copic markers, then cut her out with a Spellbinders die.

The shaped card is a cutting file from The Silhouette Design Store. The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  Papers are from Close To My Heart. 

The daffodils are in bloom where I live, so Primrose is right in fashion!  Love her sweet hat and boots!  You have to check out this rubber stamp and so much more at Crafty Sentiments Designs!

Thinking of You -- a Tutorial for Crafty Sentiments

I have the pleasure of posting on the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog today, and it's my turn for a tutorial. I'll show my technique for two-toned flowers using Copic markers.

I used the delightful Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, Sweet Butterfly.

This is the start of the two-toned flower.  I have a few petals blended with Copic markers, using Y02, RV02, and RV04.

Start at both ends of the petal, flicking towards the middle to blend the colors.  It will take several times to get the perfect blend.

This is the first time the two colors are mixed (picture below)

This next picture shows the colors after I've blended the petal several times.

Here's another example --first color applied

The colors are laid down (below), but not yet blended very well.

Now, the colors are blended together!

The flower is complete, and the whole Sweet Butterfly rubber stamp has been colored.

Papers on this card are from Echo Park Here & Now 12x12 Collection.  The bottom portion of the card was embossed with an embossing folder by Close To My Heart.  Ribbon is also from CTMH.  The butterfly is a Cheery Lynn die. The image was cut out with a Spellbinder die.

Please check out the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog for more wonderful creations from a talented design team.

Hugs from Hootie and I-- for Crafty Sentiments

I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirational Blog.  I have a tutorial to share on using a die cut in a different way.

First, the finished card, then, how I did it:

I used Crafty Sentiments Designs digital image  Hootie -- Rain, Rain, Go Away on this card.  He's ready for spring, that Hootie!

Here's how I made the card.

I started by coloring my image.  I almost always have the papers I plan to use close by to match the colors to it.  This image is colored with Copic markers.

Then, I chose what dies I wanted to use.  You can use this technique with a variety of shapes -- circles, square, oval, rectangle.  I chose stitched rectangles by Lawn Fawn.  

I cut out the image with a large stitched rectangle, and placed it where I thought it would be.  It is not glued at this point, just set there.

Then, I placed a smaller stitched rectangle on the front of the card, using the inside image as a guide.  The inside one isn't glued because it's easier to adjust the inside one at the end, if needed.  Notice, I used washi tape to anchor my die -- works great!

Don't forget to open up your card before you run it through your die cut machine ;)

 After you've cut the front, you can fasten the inside in, using whatever adhesive you prefer.  

Now, the fun of decorating the outside of the card begins.  I kept the embellishing to a minimum, preferring to leave the focus on the adorable Hootie image and die cut card front.

The designer paper is We R Memory Keepers Storytime 6x6 pad.  The raindrop gems are from Studio G.  The die cut "hugs" sentiment is from Lawn Fawn.  I also used my trusty We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper on this.

Hugs to you from Hootie and I!

Happy Easter

It's Saturday, and I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog. Since it is so close to Easter, I decided to go with an Easter-themed card.

This Crafty Sentiments Designs image is called, "Toby in Pot".  It was very fun to color with Copic markers, as there were quite a few different elements in this image -- Toby, pot, flowers, mushroom, grass, and butterfly.   

I used several Spellbinders dies on this card, then wrapped some Pumpkin Orange Timeless Twine around one of the layers. 

The designer papers for this card are from My Mind's Eye -- Everyday Flair, 6x6 pad. The card base and sequins are from Close To My Heart.

I hope you have a great Easter tomorrow!

Smile -- for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations

It's Tuesday, and I'm posting again today for Crafty Sentiments Designs Inspirational Blog, where I'm guest designing for 6 months.  I am so happy with this assignment, as I love the images I get to work play with.  They are so adorable. Today's image is no exception!

This little darling is Crafty Sentiments Designs, "I Love Flowers" from the Lollipop Dreams collection (rubber stamp).  This image was an absolute joy to color with Copic markers.  I stamped a small sentiment right beside the image that fit inside the Spellbinder dies I used to cut out and frame the "I Love Flowers" stamped image.

Papers and Glimmer Trim are from Close To My Heart.  The bling is from my stash. I hope you enjoy my little flower girl and check out the other wonderful images in the Crafty Designs Sentiments Shop. If you'd like to try to win some Crafty Designs Sentiments images of your own, enter our Crafty Sentiments challenges.  A new one starts each Tuesday. 

The Rose -- for Crafty Sentiments

It's Thursday, and I get to post for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog today.  I have a sweet card, using Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, "Roses are Red."

I colored the "Roses are Red" image with Copic markers. I like to back my images in dark colors so they really pop. Papers and Flair button for this card are from Close To My Heart. The enamel hearts are from My Mind's Eye.  The crinkle ribbon is 3 Girl JAM. 

Doesn't this make you think of Spring?  We had a few days of warmth, but now we're back to winter again.  But, Spring is coming! 

Paper Hugs -- for Crafty Sentiments

It's Friday, and I have a tutorial today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog, where I'm on my 6-month guest designer stint.  Whoop! Whoop!  I have a step-by-step tutorial for an accordion card today.

Here's the finished card:

I used Crafty Sentiments rubber stamp, "Bundle of Hearts", featuring Benson Bear on this accordion card.

Here's how I created it (all measurements are standard, not metric):

Start with a piece of 5 1/2 x 11 inch card stock.  Score it at 1 1/2 inches, 3 inches, 5 1/2 inches, and 8 inches.

Choose your papers.  Cut them at 5 1/4 x 1 3/8 inches, 5 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches, and 5 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches, and 5 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches. 

Adhere in place.

Using a bone folder, score at the score lines made in the previous step.

Color your image, (I used Copic markers) and fussy cut around the circle.

Then, simply attach the circle to the front panel of the accordion card, using tape on only 1/2 the image.

The last step is the Belly Band.  You need a piece of card stock that is 7 inches by 1 1/2 inches.  Score it at 1 1/2 & 4 1/2 inches. You can leave it like this or stamp a sentiment.  I chose to decorate mine a bit by using an edger punch on it, and stamping a sentiment.

Here's the finished card one more time:

Papers on this card are from Close To My Heart.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and give it a try -- it's tons of fun!

Enjoy! for Crafty Sentiments

Happy Saturday, everyone! I'm so happy it's the weekend!  I'm posting today for the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog, where I'm guest designing for the next 6 months. It's been very cold where I live, so I'm craving spring.  Coloring this card brought a bit of spring into my craft room...

This Crafty Sentiments image is called "Tulips".  I colored it with Copic markers. I almost always choose my papers before I color.  These are My Mind's Eye Nostalgia.

This card is an A2 size card.  I used Kraft card stock for the base. I used burlap ribbon to give the card a more masculine feel.  It is from Close To My Heart.  The bling is from my stash. I used a Spellbinder label die to cut out the image.

Check out the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog each day. This team has tons of great ideas, tutorials, and beauty for you.