TECHINQUE THURSDAY, Brick Wall Technique...

Today I have another Technique Thursday technique to share with you.  This time up it is the Brick Wall technique.  It is an easy technique, but it is a little time-consuming since you have to color distress each brick.  It's a nice, fun technique though.  I especially like it with Asian themed stamps, although I opted to try it with Just Believe this time out.  Try your hand at it today!

BRICK WALL BELIEVE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Just Believe (W #116948 $33.95, C #120453 $25.95), Wonderfully Worn (#118533, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
• Ink – Sahara Sand Classic, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers
• Ribbon – Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched-Poly (#119265, $8.95)
• Punches – Decorative Label (#120907, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer, Stampin Sponges

BRICK WALL TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp image on patterned paper or neutral card stock.
2. Stamp again, slightly beside the first image in VersaMark ink to add some depth. Pour black embossing powder over the image and heat emboss. Allow to cool.
3. Use a ruler and pencil to draw horizontal lines every 1/2". Or just cut into horizontal 1/2” strips with paper trimmer.
4. Draw (or cut) vertical lines every 1" between the horizontal lines, offsetting them 1/2" every other line to create your bricks.
5. If you drew the lines, cut card stock into strips along horizontal lines beginning at the bottom. Cut each strip along the vertical lines being careful to lay the bricks in their pattern as you go along.
6. Sponge all edges of each brick with neutral ink (Sahara Sand).
7. Adhere the bricks one by one, placing them on the cardstock with small spaces between to build a wall of bricks.

THE "BLOSSOMING" OF BARBARA!...

Barbara Mock, one of my downline group, has been hard at work again!  She is holding great workshops and creating like crazy.  She is "blossoming" into a beautiful Stampin' Up! flower!   Would you like to join my group, too?  Check out the Join My Team page for all the info on the fabulous special that ends in only 10 days!

Here are two more of Barbara's projects:

BARBARA'S BLOSSOMING SPRING SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Build a Blossom (W#121905 $25.95, C#121994 $18.95), A Word for You (W#117032 $21.95, C#120582 $16.95)
• Card Stock – Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, Shades of Spring DSP (retired)
  
• Ink – Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi Classic
• Ribbon – Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly (#119267, $8.95)
• Punches – Blossom Petals (#121808, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder (#115963, $7.95), Lots of Tags Sizzlits (#114508, $21.95), Sponge Daubers, Bone Folder

BARBARA'S BLOSSOMING PETAL CONE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Build a Blossom (W#121905 $25.95, C#121994 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride
• Ink – Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, So Saffron Classic
• Ribbon – Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly (#119267, $8.95)
• Punches – Blossom Petals (#121808, $16.95),
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Petal Cone Die (#121810, $32.95), Bone Folder

DOWNLINE SHARE, Springtime Thank You...

My parents have been here visiting for the last week and will be here until next week.  I was able to celebrate their anniversary (49th) with them for the first time in many, many years.  We took them to Aberdeen Barn last night with my girls and we had a wonderful time.  The food was delicious!  Then we came home and visited and had Amaretto Bread Pudding - my own recipe which turned out SO good, if I do say so myself!

With my parents here, I haven't been able to make any new projects, so I'd like to share a card from one of my downline group.  Barbara Mock sent me this beautiful Thank You card she made for a dear friend.  Isn't it lovely?  Chocolate and Pink is a favorite combination of mine and this one turned out so nicely.  Barbara also just made Senior Associate.  Congratulations, Barbara!  You are doing an awesome job! 

SPRINGTIME THANK YOU SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Tea & Crumpets
• Ink – Chocolate Chip Classic, Pretty in Pink Wonderful Watercolor Crayon,
• Ribbon – Flirty (retired)
• Punches – 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons (#114339, $2.99 on my CLEARANCE RACK), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), 2-Way Glue Pen
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Lots of Tags Sizzlits (#114508, $21.95), Sponge Daubers

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Neutral Shadows...

This project features a brand new technique called Neutral Shadows.  I saw a card on SUDSOL using the technique and fell in love with it, so I had to use it for this month's technique class.  I chose to keep the card very monochromatic and neutral, although I did add a bit of color on the blossoms. 

I don't know the official technique directions as the technique was from a subscription-based service, but the steps I came up with to achieve the effect follow the card recipe.  I used a mini stencil brush for my card, but you can also use a Q-tip.  This was my first attempt at the technique and you can see that the top half of the image has a little more of a darker shadow than the bottom half as I perfected the technique.  The shadow effect is a little softer with a Q-tip.  Enjoy!

NEUTRAL SHADOWS BLOSSOMS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Regal Rose Classic
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Oval Scallop Frame Die (#114521, $19.95), Sponge Daubers, miniature stencil brushes or Q-tips

NEUTRAL SHADOWS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp your image with White Craft Ink onto a white or very light piece of card stock.
2. Heat emboss using White Embossing Powder. Allow to cool.
3. Using a very small stipple brush or a Q-tip, add a light neutral ink to either side of the embossing to highlight. The idea is to keep the color “thin” or as close to the embossing as you can, but you can adjust this to your liking.
4. Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.

CAS FRIDAY, PUNCHED POSIES CARD

Here is one of the Make & Takes from last month's downline meeting. I meant to post it then, but I forgot all about it! It is an cute and easy card made with our the Level 2 Hostess stamp set, Punched Posies, from our Summer Mini.  Isn't this stamp set adorable?  I can't wait to make some more cards with it!  Host your own workshop today to get this stamp set for FREE!

PIROUETTING POSIES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Punched Posies (Hostess Level II)
• Card stock – Red Riding Hood, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
• Ink –  Riding Hood Red, Old Olive Classic
• Ribbon  – Linen Thread (#104199, $4.50), Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119254, $5.95)
• Punches –  1-3/4" Scallop Circle (#119854, $16.95), 1" Circle (#119868, $10.95), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309, $16.95)
• Accessories – Bitty Buttons (#118761, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen
• Tools – Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder (#117335, $7.95)

SNEAK PEEK WEEK, PROJECT #1...

Here's your first SNEAK PEEK project!  Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate since I did sneak an upcoming product in each of my Art of Punch Art cards last week.  But this is the first "official" sneak peek project featuring several new products and colors.

The featured stamp set is one of our new Hostess sets.  Beginning July 1, you can choose this set for FREE with any workshop or order over $150!  It is a beautiful stamp set.  I am in love with this hydrangea!  One of my first Stampin' Up! sets many years ago was the two-step Hydrangea set.  I am tickled that they have a new one for me to play with.  The image of the flower is gorgeous all on it's own, but what I really love is that it has a separate stamp that is a single blossom.  That way you can "pop out" some of the flowers on the hydrangea, if desired.  Which is exactly what I did!

For my card, I stamped the hydrangea once and watercolored it.  Then I masked it and stamped the En Francais background stamp in Marina Mist.  Then I sprayed Silver Foil Smooch Spray over the panel.  I was a little heavy-handed - I should have had the sprayer further away from the panel.  Oops!  Then I stamped and colored another Hydrangea head and popped that out on dimensionals.    Finally I stamped, colored and cut out 18 of the single flowers that I popped out at different heights with stampin' dimensionals (halves) and one or two layers of mini-glue dots so that it looks like a mound.  Lots of work, but I cut all the flowers while watching TV, so it wasn't too bad.  And I think it was worth it!  What about you?

BLOOMIN' HYDRANGEA'S SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Because I Care (Hostess Level I beginning July 1), En Francais (#109521, $17.95)
• Card stock –  Whisper White, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight
• Ink – Basic Black, Marina Mist, Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
• Ribbon  – Whisper White Organza Ribbon (#114319, $5.95), Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119254, $5.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95)
• Accessories – Silver Foil Smooch Spray (#118771, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots (#103683, $4.95)
• Tools – Color Catcher (#121093, $5.95), Aquapainter (#103954, $16.95/2)

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, NO-SEW RIBBON ROSES...

This is the second technique from my Technique Thursday class - No-Sew Ribbon Roses.  When twisting these, you will find that if you use a looser, less "perfect" twist, it will result in a flowery appearance.  If you twist it more tightly and smoothly, it will have an appearance more like a coil or "lollipop".  Of course, you can go somewhere in between as well.  I find that most people will be able to do it one way or the other more easily and will have to work and practice at doing it the other way.  But, practice makes perfect and you will get there!  Enjoy!

RAZZLEBERRY RIBBON ROSE THANK YOU SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Sweetheart (C #120780, $15.95 - W #120415, $21.95), Enjoy Every Moment (#113622, $31.95)
• Card stock –  Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
• Ink – Old Olive, Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry Classic
• Ribbon  – Crushed Curry 3/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain (#115614, $9.95), Dusty Durango 3/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain (#115609, $9.95)
• Punches – Fancy Flower (#118073, $15.95), Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

Items in red are retiring at the end of the month, June 30, 2010 or while supplies last for all but stamps.

NO-SEW RIBBON ROSES TECHNIQUE:

1.  Place a punched circle of Sticky Pages or several strips of Sticky Strip on scrap cardstock larger than desired rose size.  I like to use a 1 3/4" Circle punch.

2.  Remove backing. Use a narrower ribbon (1/4" or 3/8" is best).  Twist the end of narrow ribbon tightly and adhere to the enter of the sticky piece.

3.  Continue to twist the ribbon, adhering it to the sticky piece and coiling it around the center piece. Looser, less perfect twisting will result in a flower appearance. Tighter, smoother twisting will result in a lollipop appearance.

4.  When you reach the desired size, tuck the ribbon end under an edge. Be sure all the ribbon is pressed securely into the adhesive.

 

5.  With Craft & Rubber scissors, trim excess cardstock close to the ribbon rose at an angle so as not to nick the ribbon.

 

6.  If desired add 2-3 folded green ribbon pieces for leaves peeking out from under the rose.

CAS FRIDAY, BUNCO ACCESSORIES...

For Clean and Simple Friday, I thought I would show you some of the very quick and easy things I made for my Bunco party tonight.  Earlier this week I shared my Tea & Chocolate Holder that I am giving to each attendee.  I couldn't resist "prettying" up some other necessities for tonight as well.  Enjoy!

Here are the straws.  Doesn't it look just like a floral arrangement?

Here are the nametag/scorekeeping tags for each player:

Here are the Table Numbers that will keep us moving in the right direction.

STRAW FLOWERS SUPPLIES:

• Card stock – Cameo Coral, Pink Passion, Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal, Lovely Lilac, Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Lavender Lace and other colorful retiring colors
• Ink – matching inks for distressing
• Punches –  Extra Large Fancy Flower (#118073, $15.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Island Florals Die (#118871, $21.95), Flower Die (#114534, $19.95)

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT POUCH...

I am hosting a Bunco group at my house on Friday night and wanted to make a little gift for all the attendees.  My theme was a Spring Tea Party.  I decided to make a Tea Bag Holder I saw a year or so ago to hold a Tea Bag and a Ghiradelli Chocolate Square.  I didn't have the directions for it, so I came up with my own.  Of course, I had to include a little Punch Art - especially as we don't have a tea/coffee stamp set right now.   I did use two of our fabulous new stamp sets from the Summer Mini though.  I'm really loving the Elements of Style set!  Plus you get FREE Brads when purchasing this set (and others) in May - double win!  Hope you enjoy it.  Directions for the Treat Pouch and Punch Art are at the end of this post.

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT HOLDER SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets  – Elements of Style (W #118611, $27.95 C #120045, $19.95 - FREE Brads with purchase in May ONLY!), Itty Bitty Buds (W #117056, $11.95 C #120060, $8.95)
• Card stock – Apricot Appeal, Bermuda Bay, Pink Passion, Whisper White
• Ink – Apricot Appeal, Bermuda Bay, Pink Passion Classic, Bermuda Bay & Pink Passion Markers
• Ribbon – Bermuda Bay 3/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain,  Linen Thread or Hemp Twine (I used retired Silver Elastic Thread)
• Punches – Large Oval (#107305, $15.95), Small Oval (#107304, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Horizontal Slot (#105089, $5.95), 1 3/8" Circle (#104401, $15.95), 1" Circle (#104401, $15.95), ¾” Circle (#107217, $10.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
• Accessories – Paper Cutter/Scorer, 2-way Glue Pen, Stampin' Sponges

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT HOLDER DIRECTIONS:
Click pictures to enlarge (on blog)

1.  Cut your base cardstock to 7.5" x 3.5".  In landscape position, score at 3.5" and 4".  Stamp your outside and inside of folder as desired.

2.  For the inner pouch, cut your patterned paper to 7" x 6".  With your paper in landscape position, score at 2" and 5".  Fold flaps inward (one over the other) and adhere to each other, but not the inside paper.  Score the folded piece in the landscape position at 3".

3.  Using the 3/4" Circle Punch, punch one half of a circle in the center of each open end of the pouch.

4.  Using your paper piercer, make a hold in the center of outer folder and the center of inner pouch.

5.  Fold your linen thread in half and feed the loop through the pouch and then through the folder (from the inside toward the outside).

6.  Take the loop and pull around folder and pouch to the inside until it is in the center of the two ends as last picture shows.

7.  Pull tight, tie a knot and then a bow to secure.

8.  Adhere your ribbon to the outside of the folder, centering it.

9.  Attach your front panel or decorate as you wish.

10. Insert your items into the pouch pockets and fold and tie your treat holder.

11. Enjoy!

PUNCH DIRECTIONS:
As in previous punch art cards, many of my punches are done "on the edge" of cardstock with second punches done above and/or around the first cuts.  See previous punch art cards like the Christmas Elf Card  for pictures of these methods.

• Teapot  – Punch a 1 3/8" Circle.  Trim a small amount off bottom and top of each circle to look as pictured.  
• Teapot Base  – Punch about 1/3 or less of 1 3/8" Circle and glue under bottom of the pot for the base of the teapot until it "fits".  Trim the bottom if needed.
• Teapot Handle – Punch the about half of a Small Oval on the edge of your cardstock at a slight angle.  Punch over and around this punch with your Large Oval 
• Teapot Spout – Punch end of Small Oval at an angle on the edge of cardstock.  Punch around and above with the Large Oval swinging your left side up quite a bit to make the base of the spot much wider than the spout side.  Use the Crop-A-Dile to punch the tip of the end of the spout to give it a curved appearance.
• Teapot Lid – Punch a 1" Circle almost 1/2 way on the edge of cardstock.  Punch 3/16" Circle with the Crop-A-Dile for the knob handle.
• Teacup  – Punch a 3/4" Circle about 2/3 of the way on edge of cardstock. Trim a bit off the opposite (rounded) side of the circle so it is straight for bottom of the cup.  
• Teacup Base – Punch one half of a 1/2" Circle on the edge of cardstock.  Glue under the bottom of the teacup for the base of the cup as teapot base above.
• Teacup Handle –  First punch about 3/4" of Horizontal Slot on edge of cardstock.  Then punch again evenly around the Slot punch with the Word Window Punch.  Make longer than needed so that handle can be adhered under cup.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL...

It's late I know, but I hope you all had a FABULOUS Mother's day today!  For us, it was very relaxing as we had a cook-out on the back deck with the family and sat and talked all afternoon.  By the end of the day though, we were all yawning and snoozing.  It has been a crazy, tiring weekend here with Colleen's Birthday Friday, Mike's graduation on Saturday, Mother's Day today and my in-laws visiting through the weekend.  Crazy, but lovely!  It's wonderful having the family together.   Life is good!

I thought I would share the card that Jenni made me for Mother's Day.  The main piece is one that I made to show on my blog for the Two-Step special last month.  I ended up not liking it very much and was going to toss it.  Jenni said no way - that she liked it and would use it for something.  Then to my surprise it showed up in my Mother's Day card and I didn't even recognize it!  :o)  I really like the way she "matted" the MOM stamp and popped them out on Stampin' Dimensionals.  Very cute!

GREENHOUSE GARDEN MOTHERS DAY SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Greenhouse Garden (#113824, $25.95), Messages for Mom (retired)
  
• Card Stock – Rose Red, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow
• Ink – Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow Classic, Versamark 
• Accessories – Clear Embossing Powder (#109130, $4.75) Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

LADYBUG MESSAGE BOX...

This is another of the projects from my Spring into Spring class.  I just love ladybugs!  I love their vibrant colors and when you see them, you know Spring is here.  This little gal has a secret.  Her wings swing open to reveal a hidden message!  This would work well as a cute card, too.

LADYBUG BOX SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Curvy Verses (#114948, $23.95)
• Ink – Whisper White Craft 
• Cardstock – Basic Black, Real Red Textured
• Punches – Wide Oval, Circles:  1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Crop-A-Dile (#108362, $29.95
• Accessories – (2) Black Brads (Vintage Brads #109109), Sticky Strip, 2-way Glue Pen, Dotto, White Embossing Powder
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Circles #2 Die, Circle Scissor Plus, Paper piercer & Mat Pack, Cutter/Scorer

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut two Scallop Circles from Real Red Textured cardstock with the Big Shot for Ladybug body. Cut one of the Scallop Circle in half (between opposite scallops).

2. Cut a 4” Circle from Basic Black with the Circle Scissors Plus. Use Dotto to adhere the black circle to the center of the back of the two Scallop Circle halves.

3. Cut the bottom six scallops off the two layers, so it will stand flat and not roll. Do the same to the bottom of the other Red Scallop Circle.

4. Punch the following:

• Head: (1) 2” Circle from the Circles #2 Die (Basic Black).
• Antennae: With the Wide Oval Punch, punch a small portion on edge of cardstock at an angle. Punch again above and around to form the antenna. Punch another.
• Antennae heads: (2) 1/4" Circle Punch (Basic Black).
• Dots: (20) ½” Circles

5. Remove the Scallop Circle halves and stamp your message on the front of the black Circle.

6. Glue the 10 of the Dots to the front of the Scallop Circle halves in a random pattern except for the top two which should be close to the top inside edges as pictured.  Glue the rest of the dots on the back Scallop Circle.

7. Use your Dotto to temporarily adhere the Scallop Circle halves on top of the Circle again.

8. Use the paper piercer and mat pack to pierce a hole in the middle of the top two inside dots. Insert a black brad into each through both layers and secure in the back. Set aside.

9. To begin the box construction: Cut Basic Black cardstock piece at 3-3/4" x 9-3/4". In the landscape position, score at 1-1/4", 4-1/4", 5-1/2", 8-1/2". Turn and in portrait position, score at 1". Cut the short score lines to the 1" line.

10. Use Sticky Strip to adhere flaps to form the box. Apply three strips of Sticky Strip to the front and back of the box. Adhere the Scallop Circle pieces to the front and back.

11. Adhere the head and antennae to the back of the front body.

GOLDFINCH BIRDHOUSES...

Today was my Spring into Spring! Class.  These adorable birdhouses have been all the rage for a while now.  I have been making them for months and have been (impatiently) waiting to share them with my customers, friends and all of you.  I just felt like I really needed to wait for my Spring classes for this one - which was difficult given how much I love my own birdhouse garden!  Jennis is already planning a birdhouse garden!

For this set of houses, I used my favorite songbird, the goldfinch, as my inspiration.  I just love the beautiful vibrant colors and when I see them, I know summer is on it's way!

GOLDFINCH BIRDHOUSE (Lavender) SUPPLIES:

• Card stock – Lavender Lace, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Summer Sun, Basic Black Sahara Sand 
• Ink – Lovely Lilac, Going Gray Classic, White Signo Gel Pen
• Watercolor Wonder Crayons – Whisper White (#106746, Neutrals)
• Punches –  Extra Large Two-Step Bird (#117191, $15.95) Circles: 1 1/4" Circle (#104403, $15.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Crop-A-Dile (#108362, $29.95), Scallop Edge (#112091, $15.95)
• Accessories – Black Brad (Vintage Brads #109109)
• Adhesives – Sticky Strip, 2-Way Glue Stick, Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Tools – Big Shot, Mini Milk Carton Die (#117310, $22.95), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (#118138, $11.95), Sanding Block (#103301), Sponge Daubers (#102892), Cutter/Scorer

DIRECTIONS for BIRDHOUSE:
1. Cut out one milk carton die cut with the Mini Milk Carton Die. Fold all score lines.

2. With 1¼” Circle Punch, punch a hole in the center of the second panel from the right. You will need to fold the flaps up in order to do this and punch through two layers. Don’t worry about the hole in the bottom flap (shown).

3. Apply Sticky Strip to the flaps and tops of the bird house as shown.

4. Remove the strip from the side tab and adhere to form a box shape being sure that the top lines up evenly.

5. Remove the strips from the bottom flaps and fold up in the order shown on the picture above. Use a bone folder to press and seal completely.

6. Apply Sticky Strip to inside of two sides of the top of the box as shown at right. Pinch and adhere tightly.

7. Cut and score four Sahara Sand card stock pieces as follows:

• 2” x 4”, scored @ 2”
• 2” x 3”, scored @ 1½”
• 2” x 2”, scored @ 1”
• 2” x 1”, scored @ ½”

Use the Scallop Edge Punch on two ends of each piece.

8. Fold in half on score line, color distress and adhere one on top of another in descending order as shown to form the roof.

9. Peel the Sticky Strip off each side of the box top and adhere the finished roof to the milk carton. If desired, add a Scallop Edge piece under the roof as “gingerbread trim” as shown.

10. Punch leaves/branches with the Two-Step Bird Punch or with the Little Leaves Sizzlit Die and adhere to the front of the birdhouse. Curl and bend for more realistic look.  Punch your bird as following directions below and adhere to the birdhouse with a Stampin’ Dimensional.

DIRECTIONS for GOLDFINCH:
I found this rendering of a goldfinch online (wbu.com) to use as a guide,  although I used some actual goldfinches in my garden for my own rendering.

1. Punch two birds, one in Summer Sun and one in Basic Black.

2. Cut the tail of the black bird off with scissors as shown. Use the ½” Circle Punch to cut a small portion from the head from just above the beak as shown. Use a sanding block to smooth any rough edges after cutting.

3. Color a small portion under the tail with a White Watercolor Wonder Crayon as shown.

4. Color the beak with Pumpkin Pie marker or paper piece a Pumpkin Pie beak.

5. Using a sponge dauber, lightly distress the edge all the way around the Summer Sun bird with Going Gray for added depth and dimension.

6. Using a 2-way glue pen, glue on the black tail and the black head cap as shown.

7. Punch a wing from Basic Black and one from Summer Sun.  Like the black head cap, use the ½” Circle Punch to cut a small portion from the "ball" of the Summer Sun wing by sticking it on a post-it note and punching.  Glue it on the black wing.  Adhere the wing to the bird with a Stampin’ Dimensional.

8. Using a paper piercer and mat, punch a hole right on the edge of the black cap for eye as in the picture above. Insert a black brad and secure in back.

9. Using your White Signo Gel Pen, draw markings like those in the illustration above.

10. Adhere the bird to the front of the birdhouse with a Stampin’ Dimensional.

Using these same principles and a rendering, you should be able to adapt these towards many other songbirds or other birds. Be careful though – making these can be quite addictive!