I wasn't thrilled with the one-layer tags I posted for the OLW challenge on Wednesday.  Since that post, I've been playing with mists, distress inks, and sprays in an effort to make a more interesting one layer tag.  I have two to show you. 

For the tag above, I misted the background with Silver Sugar Glimmer Mist.  To me, the color looks like a shimmery medium gray.  Very pretty!  The poinsettias are stamped with Papertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz and the center of each flower has three little dots of Cotton Candy Stickles.  The "to and from" are stamped on the back of the tag.

 
The second tag was stamped with Barn Red Distress Ink on glossy card stock.  It has a nice marble effect to it, although you can't tell it by my photography skills.

The week's OLW post can be found here.  You still have time to play and just think,  you'll have a jump start on you Christmas tags.

Packaging...

I can't believe it's already the first week of November!  Where did October go? 

Okay!  Moving on.  Let me ask you, how many of you give gift cards during the holidays, or throughout the year for that matter?  With my family scattered across the country, and teen/tween  nieces and nephews, I find gift cards are always well received, and much less expensive to send. Even my teenage daughters request gift cards. 

Please, don't think that I just send gift cards for the ease of gift giving! When my nephews were younger, I took great pains in finding the most awesome gifts.  Of course, I wanted to be the "coolest " Auntie ever"!  About six years ,when Lightsabers (a fictional weapon or laser sword, made famous by Star Wars) were so popular, I sent my nephews two for Christmas. Later, I found out my sister wouldn't let my nephews have them as she felt they were violent.  Really?  Needless to say, I never sent another gift again.  Gift cards only! 

With that said, I don't like to give a gift card without dressing it up in some way.  It's all about the packaging.  Gift card packaging!

This month, every Monday, I will feature gift card packaging ideas for you.  This week, I'm starting off with a simple gift card die from Papertrey Ink. 

I thought long and hard before purchasing this die.  It's an investment.  I actually calculated the cost of the die verses other packaging option and how often I thought I would use it.  End result, I love it.  I'm so glad I purchased it.  It's already paid for itself!  You can't ask for anything more, right?

Let me show you some examples.  After die cutting, this is what the Gift Card Greetings die looks like.

Here's an inside view.  As you can see, I did some stamping on the inside ("to and from" on the bottom flap and "sending holiday cheer" on the top flap).   Very simple.

Here's a view of the top flap.

Here, I've added some embellishments to the basic die.

And here, a fun interpretation of the Gift Card Greetings die.

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With this one Gift Card Greetings die there are so many possibilities.  Just let your creativity take over.

I hope you'll stop by next Monday for more Gift Card Packaging ideas.

Supplies:  Stamps: Papertrey Ink  Paper: Stampin' Up-Whisper White, Bazzil Black and Red, Unknow Silver, Memory Box-Red Dot  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Papertrey New Leaf and Pure Poppy  Accessories: Bow Maker, Papertrey Ink Gift Card Greetings die, Unlimited Ovals 1 3/4, Tiny Tags, Twine, Fiskers Square Punch 1 Inch and 1 1/4 Inch Punch, 1/4 Circle Punch.

One-layer Wednesday (OLW 163), LIM & Addicted to CAS

This week, the ever so talented Karen is our One-Layer Wednesday host.  Her challenge, 'Orange' You Glad You Played Along.  How fun and easy is this? 

As luck would have it, the code word for Addicted to CAS is "One-Layer".  And, the Less is More challenge this week is "String or Twine".

I love mums.  In my opinion, the are the epitome of fall.  They are the quintessential flower of Fall.

  
Now I have to tell you, I don't think I've have ever wasted so much cardstock trying to put together a card in my life!  I tried several times to place the leaves along side the mum's with no luck.  They just didn't look right/good.  As a last resort, I masked the mums, and then I had some success.  Think about it, trying to cut a mask for these images.  Not an easy task. 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey  Ink: Papertrey  Paper: Papertrey  Accessories: Button, & Twine, and Post It Notes For masking.

October Papertrey Blog Hop

It's the 25th of the month and that means it's time for the Papertrey Blog Hop.  This month it's all about tags.



I used a combination of burlap and felt to add interest.  The doilies were misted with Old Lace Glimmer Mist.  It adds a beautiful shimmer to the tags.  Unfortunately you can't see it in the picture. 

I am also linking to CAS-UAL Fridays ~ Tags & Bags challenge.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink  Paper: Lilybee, Making Memories and Papertrey Ink: Memento-Tuxedo Black Accessories: Papertrey Die Cuts, Felt, Burlap, Papertrey Buttons, Jingle Bells, Twine and Glimmer Mist

One-Layer Wednesday 161 ~ Show Me Your Colors

Welcome to another One-Layer Wednesday (OLW).  This week, Show Me Your Colors. Your fall colors.  You can choose any theme you wish.

OLW161 Rules:

 

l.  Create a one layer card.  This is defined as a single layer of cardstock folded in half.  No other layers allowed.

 

2.  Create a card using fall colors.  Add a link to your card.  Remember to keep embellishment to a 

 minimum and NO ADDITIONAL layers of cardstock.

 

3.  Post your card online and link it to the InLinkz button below.  If you link to your blog, please link 

 to the specific post and not your blogs main page.

 

4.  HAVE FUN!  I can't wait to see what you create.

 

 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey & Memory Box  Ink: Papertrey & Memento  Paper: Kraft  Accessories:  Stamp Positioner, Score Board, & Bling

 

 

Autumn, Felt, Another CAS(E) This Sketch & a Tip

I'm not one to combine challenges but this week everything just fell in place, and I was able to combine three challenges. Yes!

This week the Less is More challenge is to use felt or fabric on your card.

The cue card  for CAS ology is Autumn.

And because I loved the CAS(E) This Sketch this week, I used it again.  You can also see it HERE in an earlier post this week.

Finally, let me share a burlap tip with you.  If you've ever tried to use burlap with your die cuts, you've probably discovered the burlap doesn't hold up very well.  It has no body.  What I've done to solve this is to coat my burlap with Mod Podge, and let it dry.  This will make the burlap semi stiff, and will hold up well with die cuts.  I prefer the hard coat Mod Podge for this technique. I hope this was helpful.

A Reminder: Karen is this week's One-Layer Wednesday host.


Supplies: Stamps: Both sentiments are Papertrey  Ink: Memento - Rich Cocoa  Paper: Gina K - Ivory Accessories:  Felt, Burlap, Buttons, Pearl Cotton, My Favorite Thing Layered Rose Die, and We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board

OLW #158

This week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge is hosted by Heather. Her challenge is to make a one layer card featuring something with wings.

Here are my wings!

You still have time to play along.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey  Ink: Memento Nautical Blue & Papertrey  Fine Linen  Paper: Papertrey

Washi Tape and a Lesson

How many of you have Washi Tape?  Maybe even a stash of Washi Tape?  How could anyone resist all of those pretty patterns and colors, right?  Don't worry, your secret is safe with me!  I sure hope my DH doesn't read this post.  Does your DH read your posts?  We really need to explore this in another post.

 A few days ago I posted a birthday card for my blog buddy, Ardyth.  Here's the card.  As I was cleaning up my work table (after finishing Ardath's card), it occurred to me that I had planned to post a Washi Tape Series.  So, what better time than now when my table is littered with just about every roll of Washi Tape I own?

With this card, I had envisioned a "one-layer-ish" card.  Clean and simple.  As you can see, the ink did not adhere to the pink stripped  Washi Tape.  Yes, (the stamp was conditioned first).  So, I tried it again, thinking "operator error".  Same results!  Really?  So, I did more experimenting, and found that some tapes you can stamp on/over and achieve a clean imprint and others you can't.  Unfortunately, because I took most of my Washi Tape out of the original packaging, I can't tell you which brand works better with ink and which doesn't.  My suggestion, test first.

Here is plan B.  Clean, simple, a bit of bling and still one-layer-ish.

I hope you stop back by for more in my Washi Tape Series.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey, Ink
Ink: Memento - Tuexedo Black
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Accessories: Washi Tape, Stamp-A-MA-Jig, and Bling
Card Size: 4.25 square

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A Special Anniversary Wish...

Today's post is a special anniversary wish for my blog buddy Darnell and her "Mister".

Happy Anniversary my friend!  May you and "Mister" celebrate many more!
 



"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
- Mignon Mclaughlin

One-Layer Wednesday (OLW 122) ~ Hearts

Happy New Year!  Before I jump into this weeks challenge, I'd love to hear what craft/hobby resolutions you made this year (stamp, scrapbook, etc.).  It's fun to share, beside who else wants to hear about your creative accomplishments, but your blog buddies?

I’ve made two this year.  First, my blog, it desperately needs attention and, second, I have scrapbook projects I need to complete.  As with any goal or resolution, you have to have a plan. I have to admit, the planning process took time, but I feel it was well worth it.

I look forward to hearing your resolutions.

Alright, now for this weeks challenge.  Create a card using hearts or a heart, whatever your heart desires!

For my card I used a new Hero Arts Stamp & Cut set (borrowed from a friend).  It's an Archiver's exclusive.  This set comes with four heart images and a matching die. Very sweet!

OLW 122 Rules:

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed!
2. Make a card with hearts/heart. Please remember to keep embellishments to a minimum!
3. Upload your card somewhere online and link to it using the InLinkz button on the bottom of this post. If you link to your blog, please make sure the link goes to the individual post, not to your blog's home page.
4.HAVE FUN! That's really what it's all about.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts & Papertrey, Ink (sentiment), Paper: Stampin'Up Whisper White, Ink: Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy & Memento Tuxedo Black, Accessories: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Hero Arts Diecut

Thanks for stopping by.

One-Layer Wednesday (OLW113) Dark Red, Yellow/Gold, and Green

This weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge is "color".  Susan has challenged us to use dark red, yellow/gold, and green.  It sounds like Fall to me, however as Susan mentioned on her blog, these could also be Christmas colors too! 

 

With the Gratitude Campaign in mind, I made this card.

 

 

OLW113 Rules1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed!

2. Use the colors dark red, yellow/gold, and green to make a card. You may add black or dark brown for the sentiment if necessary. Please remember to keep embellishments to a minimum!

3. Upload your card somewhere online and link to it using the InLinkz button on the sidebar. If you link to your blog, please make sure the link goes to the individual post, not to your blog's home page.

4. HAVE FUN!

 

Supplies:

 

Stamps: CTMH and Papertrey Ink (sentiment)  Paper: Stampin'Up Whisper White, Ink: Memento Cantaloupe, Rich Cocoa, and Rhubarb Stalk  Accessories: Ribbon, Bow Easy

 

 

 

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One Layer Wednesday (OLW102) Favorite Subject!

This weeks one-layer theme comes to us from the very talented Ardyth.  It's her first time hosting the One-Layer Wednesday Challenge.  Thanks, Ardyth!

Our challenge this week is to make a one-layer card inspired by your favorite subject in school. Favorite subject; I didn't have one! I've struggled all week to come up with something for this challenge.  Not playing really wasn’t an option. 

So here’s what I came up with.  Not a favorite subject, but a special memory!

Okay, don't laugh, but by my senior year in high school I became really good at writing and passing notes to my best friend (Debbie), without getting caught! Oh, the things we remember!

Thank goodness my two girls (both in high school this year) don't read my blog, because if they did, I know this would come back to haunt me.

I created this card from Vintage Notes (Gina K. Designs), and added some distressing to the edges. I wanted to expand on the "vintage" feel, as it's been years since I was in high school! To add the paperclip, I made a small slit in the card.

Other Supplies:

Paper: Papertrey Ink
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Pure Poppy & Chai   ImPrintz - White Pigment   Memento - Gray Flannel (my new favorite color)
Accessories: Ribbon, paperclip, clear embossing powder & heating tool

One-Layer Wednesday 98 ~ Summer

Welcome to this weeks One-Layer Wednesday.  This week your challenge is to make a one-layer card with a Summer theme.  What do you love about Summer?

I grew up in Southern California.  Flip flops and the beach were part of everyday life!  There's nothing better than a long walk on the beach to wash all your worries away.

One-Layer Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed.

2. Make a card with a Summer theme.

3. Post your card online somewhere and link back to it using the InLinkz tool below. If posting to your blog, please link to your OLW blog post, not just the main page of your blog.

4. Have fun!

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey, Ink: Papertrey and Memento, Paper: Stampin'Up, Accessories: Floss, Bling, Punch

One-Layer Wednesday...It's All About The Size

Welcome to One-Layer Wednesday [OLW 94].

This weeks challenge is all about the size.  Create a different size card other than an A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2).   Below are a few ideas, but feel free to make any size you you wish.

Here are a couple of  3 x 3's.  I just love this sweet size.  They make the perfect gift enclosure card or  love note, tucked inside a briefcase or backpack. 

 


Now, if you are wondering about an envelope for your card, here is an easy tutorial for any size card.

OLW94 Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers allowed!

2. Create a different size card other than an A2 (4 ¼ x 5 ½) size.

3. Post your creation online and link to it using the InLinkz button below. Please link to the individual post on your blog rather than your blog’s main page.

4. HAVE FUN!

I can't wait to see what you create.

One-Layer Wednesday 93 In the Kitchen

I hope you found the current OLW challenge on Heather's blog.

The inspiration for this weeks challenge is in your kitchen. Stop by and take a peek at Heather's darling sample card. 

This card size is 3 x 3.

I hope you'll stop back by tomorrow because it's my turn to host the One-Layer Wednesday challenge!

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink-Fruit Fusion Apple Paper: Stampin' Up Whisper White Ink: Papertrey Ink- Pure Poppy &  New Leaf  Accessories: Twine

One-layer Wednesday (OLW89)

Welcome to this weeks One-Layer Wednesday challenge.  I am very excited to be your host this week!  I have to say, Heather is definitely a hard act to follow.  Wasn’t that an amazing challenge she gave us last week?

This weeks One-Layer Wednesday challenge ( #89) is Something Sweet.  Make a card with a sweet image.  Anything you think is sweet.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.

I just love California strawberries.  There's nothing sweeter, and they just scream Summertime to me!

OLW89 Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single piece of card stock folded in half. NO other layers allowed.

2. Make a card with a "sweet" image. Embellishments should be kept to a minimum.

3. Upload your creation somewhere on the Internet, and then link to it using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. Please make sure to link directly to the card and not just to your blog so people will be able to find it easily!

4. Have Fun...!

Supplies
Stamps:  Papertrey Ink & Memory Box (Background Stamp)
Paper: Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Desert Sand, Cantaloupe & Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy, Spring Moss
Accessories: Ribbon, Bling, Post-It Notes

Have a sweet week!