CCEE2101 - Life Changes

 Happy New Year, everyone (just a little late)!  Lynn McAuley is the hostess for this month's CCEE Stampers' challenges.  The new year usually means New Year's Resolutions.  For today's challenge, Lynn would like for our cards to feature something that you could add to or subtract from your life to improve the quality of your physical or mental health.  This can be tongue-in-cheek or the real deal.

I love to read but don't find enough time to just sit down and do it.  My card reflects this desire.  I've used several different dies on this card.  The front has a book shelf full of books from Elizabeth Craft Designs and the sentiment die from Karen Burniston.

The inside has a little surprise pop-up (the Karen Burniston Bitty Ball Pop-Up die) as well as an old Spellbinders Label Seven die, with the alphabet letters from Honey Bee Stamps.  I don't know if you can see the book lying there or read the text on the background and on the Bitty Ball, but I am a big Lord of the Rings fan.

And this little video shows how the ball pops up upon opening the card.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog to see how the rest of the team said they could improve their lives this year.

Snowflakes and Ornaments

 I've been playing around with the new Karen Burniston release.  The card I have today uses two of the new sets (Pattern Plate - Snowflakes and Holiday Charms) as well as one of the word sets (Word Set 3 - Holiday). 

I like using the Pattern Plates on 5 x 6 1/2" cards because it allows a border around the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" die-cut.  The shimmer white cardstock I used for the snowflakes is mounted on some light blue copy paper, and then  I cut the dark blue border using some Spellbinders A2 dies.    I just got that yummy blue Christmas paper that I used on the Christmas balls.  After constructing that panel, I mounted it on the white card base with foam tape, adding some sequins over the holes in three of the snowflakes.

This is not necessarily a Christmas card, so I just added the words "Winter Greetings" from Karen Burniston's Word Set 3 - Holiday.

CCEE1915 Drop Everything and Read Day

Lynn chose a subject close to my heart as the CCEE Stampers challenge this week.  She told us that tomorrow is Drop Everything and Read Day.  That could be any day of the week for me.  I love to read!  She asked us to create a design which features a favorite book, favorite book character(s), or has a reading theme.  One of my favorite series of books is all about hobbits, elves, larger-than life characters, and perseverance.  I have read J. R. R. Tolkien's books several times each and have seen the movies which were made from several of them many, many times.  Whenever I have to make a card based on a book theme, I always pull out Spellbinders Label Seven dies.  They are the perfect shape!

Be sure to check out the CCEE Stampers blog to see what books inspired the rest of the team this week.

CCEE1643 - Follow the Recipe

For Joanne's last CCEE Stampers challenge this month, Joanne gave us a recipe to follow:

*     Circular and Square elements
*     Flower(s)
*     Dry embossing
*     Bling

I love the brown/blue color combination and thought it would work well with my Blue Bells die from Spellbinders.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog for more cards made with this recipe.

CCEE1616 Scenic Cards

Anne challenged us to make scenic cards for the CCEE Stampers challenge this week.  There was one proviso -- include some red.  This was a fun card to make.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog to see some more paper scenery.

CCEE1603 National Opposite Day

Frances informed the CCEE Stampers that January 25th is National Opposite Day.  Our challenge this week was to make a card/project that has opposites on it.  We were to think opposite colors on the color wheel, stripes and polka dots, black and white mirror image, etc.  I thought this was the perfect opportunity to make a card using a technique I haven't used in quite a white -- positive/negative.

See how the rest of the team handled this "opposite" challenge by visiting the CCEE Stampers Blog.

MFP Stamp Shop Christmas in July Blog Hop - Keurig K-Cup Holder

WELCOME TO MFP STAMP SHOP

CHRISTMAS IN JULY BLOG HOP

JOIN US EACH DAY, JULY 28-31 FOR CHRISTMAS FUN, TUTORIALS AND INSPIRATION. THERE WILL BE PRIZES FOR LEAVING COMMENTS ON THE DESIGN TEAM'S BLOGS AND PRIZES FOR TRYING OUR TUTORIALS.  YOU WILL HAVE 2 WEEKS TO ADD YOUR PROJECT FOR US TO SEE SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO JOIN IN THE FUN. 

Please Hop along with us!! 
 You could win one of the MFP Stamp Shop Christmas stamp sets. Just comment on the participating blogs (don't forget this one) each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT need to comment on on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly.) Try one of the 3 tutorials shown during the Hop and add your photo to the Inlinkz at the bottom of the MFP Blog post. The winners will be announced on AUGUST 15, 2015, on the MFP Stamp Shop Blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment the more chances you have to win. And comments on the MFP Blog count twice. ) The deadline for commenting and posting pics of your projects is Friday, August 14, 2015, at 10:00 PM EST.

Tutorials
July 28--Christmas Candy Nugget Cake by Lois
July 29-Micro wave popcorn package, perfect for a stocking stuffer by Vickie
July 31--K-Cup holder by Lois

Let's get started !!

It's the last day of our hop, and I've got another project and tutorial for you.  I have made several of these cute K-Cup holders for gifts, but this is the first Christmas one I have made.

Supplies needed for the basic holder are minimal:

Colored cardstock
Patterned paper
Large dies (in this case Spellbinders Labels 8)
Small circle die (Spellbinders 1 5/8")
K-Cups




Other supplies (not shown):

Paper trimmer
Scor-Buddy (or other scoring tool)
Scor-Tape
Adhesive runner
Die-cutting machine
Scissors

Cut two panels from the colored cardstock -- one at 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" and the other at 4 3/8" x 6 3/8".

Score on all four sides of both panels at 1"

Using the circle die, cut two holes in the smaller panel.  These will hold your cups.

Using your scissors, cut tabs at both ends of both panels.  If you notch the tabs, they will fold in more easily.

Attach Scor-tape to the tabs and form the two sections into boxes.  The section with the holes will fit inside the other one.  Your box section is now completed.

Using the label dies, cut two pieces -- a full one for the back and a partial one for the front.  As you can see, the front section is just slightly bigger than half of the back sectioin.

Using the next smaller die, cut the patterned paper in a similar manner.

Adhere the patterned paper panels to the cardstock.

Slice off the bottom of both panels to flatten the edge and bring the patterned paper even with the bottom of the panels.

Adhere Scor-tape to both long edges of the larger box insert.

Adhere the larger panel to the back of the box insert and the smaller panel to the front.

Re-insert the smaller box and your box is complete.  Now you can embellish as you desire.







I added some poinsettias and holly as well as a bow.  After cutting the fancy label and sponging on some ink, I stamped a sentiment and used this piece as a backdrop for the large poinsettia.

Here is the box from to top so that you can see the K-Cups.

I hope you have enjoyed this week's bit of Christmas in July.  Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

Here's the Design Team members celebrating Christmas in July.

Jane

 Karen
Kren
Lois  (that's me)
Marilynn

Pat
Sandy 

Sue

Toni

Vickie

MFP Stamp Shop 

Get to work on the tutorials, show us what you made and check back on August 15 to see if you are a winner. 

Stamps:  Poinsettia Blooms
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Bundled Sage
Cardstock:  MFP Stamp Shop Deep Scarlet, Snow Storm Smooth
Patterned Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Christmas Poinsettia Craft Pack
Accessories:  Spellbinders Labels 8, Circle Nestabilities (SM), A2 Devine Eleoquence die, Cottage Kutz Winterland die (holly), Copic markers, Sponge applicator, Ribbon (from MFP Stamp Shop Christmas Poinsettia Craft Pack), Twinings of London Christmas Tea K-Cups

Card Maker/Avery Elle Blog Hop

I was so excited to play with some new stamps and dies for this blog hop, sponsored by Avery Elle and CardMaker Magazine.  I love stamps and dies which coordinate with each other.  Avery Elle is giving away a $30 gift certificate at the end of the hop, so be sure to check out their blog.  Hopefully, you have arrived at my blog from Melania's blog.  If not, and you'd like to start at the beginning -- it starts at the CardMaker Blog.

The stamp set I am highlighting today is called Bring on the Cake, which has three large images, three small images, and a ton of sentiments!  There are five dies in the die set.   I think my first card would be great for a guy -- what with all the browns and blues. I love the play on words in the sentiment. After coloring my bundt cake, I added some clear 3-D Lacquer on the icing to give it a little sheen.

I used some old retired Stampin' Up DSP on my second card, featuring the slice of cake.  I added the cherry to complement the design in the patterned paper background.

My third card is fun -- with the cupcakes and sprinkles.  (Who doesn't like cupcakes and sprinkles!)  I actually used some more of that same Stampin' Up DSP paper pack on this one, too.

Thanks for stopping by today.  The next stop on the hop is JJ's blog.   And don't forget to check out how you can win the $30 gift certificate at the Avery Elle Blog.

Card #1
Stamps:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake
Paper:  SU Tempting Turquoise, MFP Stamp Shop Linen Cream, Snow Storm Smooth; DCWV Brown Fine Stripe DP
Ink:  Versafine Deep Lagoon, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake die set, Copic markers, Spellbinders Labels 25 die, SU Word Window punch, Recollections Enamel Dot stickers, Sakura 3-D Crystal Lacquer, Recollections foam pop dots, Stampendous Clear embossing powder

Card #2
Stamps:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Deep Scarlet, Snow Storm Smooth; SU Summer Picnic DSP (retired)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Rhubarb Stalk
Accessories:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake die set, Copic markers, Spellebinders Labels 21 die, Recollections Enamel Dot stickers, Recollections foam pop dots

Card #3
Stamps:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake
Paper:  SU Mellow Moss, MFP Stamp Shop Snow Storm Smooth, SU Summer Picnic DSP (retired)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;  Versafine Habanero, Spanish Moss; SU Mellow Moss
Accessories:  Avery Elle Bring on the Cake die set, Copic markers, Spellbinders Petite Oval dies, SU Word Window punch, Recollections foam pop dots, Sponge dauber, Stampendous Clear embossing powder

Sakura of America/Card Maker Blog Hop

Welcome to the Sakura of America/Card Maker Blog Hop.  Hopefully you came to my blog from Patti's blog.  If you didn't and you'd like to start at the beginning, here's the link to the Card Maker blog.  Today we are featuring two fun tools from Sakura of America -- their white Gelly Roll Pens and their Quickie Glue Pens.  I've created cards using both of them.

My first card was made with the help of a Quickie Glue Pen and some Spellbinders dies.

I started by cutting two of the large die cuts from cream-colored cardstock.  On one of them, I scored a line just below the cut-out border.

I ran glue on the scrollwork and the area above the scoreline using the Quickie Glue Pen.  The point makes it so easy to get the glue in all the right places.

Then I glued the front to the back to form a "hinge" at the top of the card.

To finish the card I ran the glue pen around each of the borders and added glitter.  The sentiment in the smallest, center layer was hand-lettered with the pen and then sprinkled with glitter.

I've been trying my hand at Zentangle (or, as I call it, doodling on steroids).  To date, all of the cards I've made with this technique have been done with black pens; but I thought I might give the white Gelly Roll Pens a try.  I started by stamping my flower with Versamark and embossing with Detail White embossing powder.

I had bought a couple of books on Zentangle which contain many different patterns, so I started with one pattern on one of the petals .

I continued until I had the whole petal full . . .

. . . and then I started in another petal with a different pattern.

I continued until I had each petal and leaf filled.  I created the doodles around the edge of my card with the Gelly Roll pen also.   Here is my finished card.

I made another card using black cardstock.

As you can see, Sakura pens are quite useful in the card-making process.  I hope you will continue the blog hop by visiting Lisa's blog to see what she created using these very helpful "tools of the trade."

Card #1
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Linen Cream
Accessories:  Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, Spellbinders Timeless Rectangles, Art Institute Glitter

Card #2
Stamps:  MFP Stamp Shop Camellia
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Razmataz Berry, Snow Storm Smooth
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen, Detail White embossing powder, Sequins

Card #3
Stamps:  MFP Stamp Shop Roses
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Snow Storm Smooth, Black Linen
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen, Detail White embossing powder, Enamel Dot Stickers

CCEE1509 - Inlaid Die-Cuts

Sabrina had a technique challenge for the CCEE Stampers this week -- Inlaid Die Cuts.  There is a tutorial for this technique over on Splitcoaststampers.  Here's the link.  I really liked the variation of the original instructions, so I used the same butterfly die and cut it out several times.  I used three different pieces of patterned paper from the same MME pad.

Give this fun technique a try.  Then go over to the CCEE Stampers blog and see what the rest of the team did.

MFP Stamp Shop "Favorites" Blog Hop - Day 4

Welcome to Day 4 of the Marks Finest Papers Stamp Shop
 January Blog Hop. 

 We're doing something different to start out the new year. We're looking back at all the wonderful sets released in 2014. For the 4 days of the Blog Hop the Design Team will show you their "Favorite" sets of 2014. Please visit each blog and leave a comment. One person will be chosen to receive their choice of one of the "Favorite" Stamp Sets we have featured.

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win a "Favorite" Set of your choice! Just comment on the blogs listed below (don't forget this one) each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT, however, have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!) The winner will be announced on 

January 31, 2015, on the MFP Stamp Shop blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win; and comments on the MFP blog count twice!) 
The deadline for 

commenting is 10 PM EST on Friday January 30, 2014.

Let's get started!!

While the paper doll sets were not necessarily my favorite stamps last year, this project that I made for the Paper Doll sets is my favorite project for 2014.  I combined all three of the original paper doll sets to create this dressing room.

Here are close-ups of the various parts of the dressing room.

Another smaller project using the Paper Doll sets is this “armoire card” that I made for a Tutorial Team challenge.

Again I made a new card with the Paper Doll and the coordinating set, Paper Doll Formal Wear.

Here is the Design Team for today:

Lois (that's me)

Karen 

Toni 

Janine

Shirley

Vickie

Sandy

MFPStampShop

I hope we have touched on some of your favorite MFP stamps during this month's blog hop.  Be sure to comment often for your chance to win a free stamp set.

Double Inspiration Challenge

The Free4All challenge on Splitcoaststampers and the challenge on Our Daily Bread Designs blog were both Inspiration Challenges this week -- and both used the color pink -- so I combined them for my card today.

I had a small piece of this pretty designer paper, which has a couple of shades of pink on it.  So I was able to use two different shades of pink for my card base and embellishments.  I used the word "Celebrate" on the pennant swag and figured I could put the appropriate sentiment on the inside when the occasion arises.

Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs - Christmas Pennant Swag
Ink:  Rose Red
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Precious Pink, Razmataz Berry; Sandylion DP
Accessories:  ODBD Pennant Swag die, Spellbinders Aster Flower Topper die, Brads

Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies

Today's Technique Lovers Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers is a favorite of mine -- Triple Stamping.  I pulled out one of my butterfly stamps for this one.  I usually use a slightly smaller image for this particular technique, but I saw a card using this Stampin' Up butterfly the other day and decided to use it here.

After stamping the butterfly over the three layers of white cardstock with Versafine Onxy Black ink, I clear embossed it and then colored it with three different Copic markers (Y06, YR09, YR27).  I added the shadow behind the butterfly using three other markers (E50, E51, E53).  Then I put the orange mat behind the two top layers and attached the whole panel to the card base, popping up the sentiment with a foam pop dot.

I also made a card for the Clean and Simple Challenge on Splitcoaststampers today.  That challenge was all about New Year's Resolutions.  I'm not a big resolutions maker/keeper, but I am going to try to do one thing -- when I put a card into My Favorites album on SCS, I should CASE it quickly.  I had seen this beautiful card made by Harriet Skelly on Saturday and popped it into My Favorites right away.    I even bought the same embossing folder she used later that day at Joann.  Here's my version of Harriet's card:

I recently bought a set of four Spellbinders butterflies call Les Papillions Two, called that because it actually makes just two butterflies because two of the dies are shadows which you place behind the more intricate one.  The larger butterfly on my card was made with that set.  The middle one actually was a bit harder to make.  I cut the orange one out first.  When I cut the black "shadow" one, I had to be careful when I took the cardstock out of the die because I didn't want to lose the little pieces.  Then I just put some Scotch tape behind the butterfly to keep the small pieces in place.  The top smallest butterfly was made with a punch.

Card #1
Stamps:  Stampin' Up Swallowtail, Hero Arts Little Happy Birthday
Ink:  Versamark Onyx Black
Paper:  MFP Stamp Shop Bright Orange, Snow Storm Smooth
Accessories:  Copic markers, Circle punches, Foam pop dots

Card #2
Paper:  Georgia Pacific White, MFP Stamp Shop Bright Orange, Recollections Orange/White polka dots
Accessories:  Spellbinders Les Papillions Two dies, Cheery Lynn Exotic Butterfly die, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Darice Butterfly Swirl embossing folder, Pearls