Savor the Journey

Hi there, everyone!   I’m here to share a fun way to make & give a gift card for

this week’s TLC425 Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers!   Let’s get started!

SUPPLIES:

Cardstock   4.25″ X 11″

Patterned paper 4″ X 10.5″

Scoring Tool / Paper Trimmer

Image of choice

Embellishments as desired   (Optional)

Adhesive

Bone folder

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Lay the cardstock on your scoring tool/trimmer with both the top right corner and the lower left corner lined up for scoring a diagonal line across the cardstock.

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Score the diagonal line from top corner to opposite bottom corner of your cardstock.

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Use a bone folder to crease the diagonal line you’ve just scored.   The next photo shows another view of the folded cardstock.

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Here’s the cardstock completely creased.

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Now we’re folding the cardstock in half.   Match the corners as shown before sharpening up the crease with the bone folder.

As you’ll see, this is creating a card with a triangular ‘pocket’ on the front and on the inside.

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Set the folded card base aside.

Lay the patterned paper on your scoring tool/trimmer with both the top right corner and the lower left corner lined up for cutting a diagonal line across the cardstock.   (Yes … this time we’re cutting.)

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Here’s a quick view of the just-cut patterned paper.

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Turn the cut patterned paper to the top of your scoring tool/paper trimmer.

We’re going to shove the paper up to the raised guide for straight alignment as you’ll see in the next photo.

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Flip down the topmost section of the cut patterned paper.

Push the paper up next to the alignment guide  and match both ends (or corners) of the paper.

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Locate the center point of the paper where the two pieces meet, as shown by my bone folder.

Position the papers to be lined up for cutting through the center point.  Be sure the ends are still matched and the top edges are flush with the alignment guide.

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Ready,

Set,

Cut!

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Now you have 4 funky triangle pieces of patterned paper!

They’ll be used to line and decorate the pockets on the folded card base.

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You’re nearly finished!

It’s just a matter of finding the right pieces for lining the pocket interiors, and sprucing up the front portions of those pockets.  Once you’re happy with placement, adhere the pretty papers and get ready to decorate as you wish!

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This one is ready for finishing touches, inside and out!

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Need a gift right away?

Slip in a gift card!

(Psssst! A little mini glue dot will easily secure a gift card if you wish.)

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Here’s the streamlined version, all ready to give!

*** But wait!! If you’d like to jazz it up a bit, how about adding a closure, or switching to a greeting rather than a gift card, such as you’ll see below!

Alternate interior:  Instead of a gift card, I’ve followed the previous cutting style to create a coordinating insert card.  

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Or perhaps you would like to add a closure to your creation.

Here’s an option using eyelets and twine!

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It’s your turn now!   I hope you’ll enjoy Flip-Floppin’ your cardstock!

Thanks for sharing in the fun today, everyone!

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Project Supplies Used:

Hi there!  Here’s to a bright and sunny Spring day … at least in a cyber-kinda-day.        I’ve come to share another idea with the new set, alpha4Fayleen.     A quick & easy greeting plus a little collection of die-cutting fun, and here it is!

No coloring!   Another way to ‘short-cut’ card making when you want to create without getting all settled in to color.      Some days I just can’t settle all the way down enough to color, and it seems like a much quicker process to just use papers & stamps.  Gotta love a craft that offers so many options.  

Just wanted to fly by today to share this little “Hi”!   Here’s to a delightful weekend for everyone!

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Card Supplies:

Here it is!   Your first peek at a new alphabet set from The Stamps of Life!     alpha4Fayleen !

Yep … Fayleen is a real person.  In fact, if you visit The Stamps of Life at one of the stamping conventions around the USA, you’ll see her sharing make & takes with you in the darling The Stamps of Life booth.   True story:  Fayleen said she wished TSOL would come up with a cute alphabet like this … and … here it is!

First, I gave the card base a spritz with TSOL’s “Sprays!” (Tangerine) for a splash of interest.  I knew early on that I wanted to use this multi-colored chevron stripes paper … so of course it seemed natural to grab my chevrons2stamp set to add some coordinating lines to the solid brown banners.   A trio of vintage brown brads to top off the top, and all that remains is creating my own ‘sentiment’ with the alpha4Fayleen set!

Done … and easy too!

Not to worry … I’ll have more to share with this new set soon.  

Later, y’all!

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Card Recipe:

Good morning, friends.

My thoughts are filled with the true meaning of yesterday being Good Friday and tomorrow being Easter Sunday.  For Christians around the world, this is a most heartfelt time of reflection and thankfulness … and yes, on Sunday, absolute joy as well.   At this time we honor the day that Christ was nailed to the cross and crucified, shedding his blood for the sins of His believers.   And, on the third day, Easter, Jesus arose from His tomb, defeating death!  His tomb was found to be empty!

Take a look at this wonderful way to share the surprise of the empty tomb.   I spotted this recipe on Facebook, posted by Proverbs 31 Ministries and knew immediately that many people might really enjoy this edible & tangible way to visualize the empty space.    

The recipe is from the website, MotherhoodOnADime.com .

As shared by Proverbs 31 Ministries:   “From Good Friday thru Easter, here is a way to get the kids involved in a great object lesson that involves scripture. The kids will open the oven Easter morning to find hollow cookies- a reminder that the tomb is empty! (from today’s His Radio)”
Here’s the direct link for the printable recipe!

Blessings to each of you!

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Ooooooh, have you seen the new dies available at The Stamps of Life?     The brand new Coffee Cup Dies are here, and they’re a perfect match-up for the coffee4two stamp set!

Leaning toward a bit of a unisex color scheme this time … although some would say the ribbon makes it girly.   Ahhhhh, I just won’t reveal to whom or where I’m sending this one.      I’ve stamped each of the coffee4two elements on different cardstocks or papers to create this cup.

See the splatters on the yellow paper beneath the cup?   That’s a fun & easy spritz of Chocolate ‘Sprays!‘  This really is such a fun product to use!

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I hope to see you back here at Savor the Journey soon!   I appreciate your visit, and hope you’ve found a bit of inspiration for your own crafty spirit.   Getting ready for a g’daughter hang out later this week, so I’ll have to get my energy all fired up in the meantime.   Keeping up with littles … ohhhhh brother!         Hope to see you soon!

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Project Recipe:

STAMPS: coffee4two (The Stamps of Life)

INKS: Stephanie Barnard’s Color Box Inks = Chocolate, Strawberry, Licorice; Stephanie Barnard’s ‘Sprays!’ = Chocolate

PAPERS:  SU Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Naturals Ivory, Sahara Sand, Whisper White;   dsp = Basic Grey

ACCESSORIES:  SU Brads, ribbon, foam tape, embossing folder

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Or maybe I should have called this one something like:  Bring on the Bling! ??

It’s time to share again, because I’ve been having more fun with the new ‘Hexagon Dies’ from The Stamps of Life!

This time I moved to a more romantic feeling … just in case you want to share a short & sweet little message with a special someone.    Or how about tucking a pair of special event tickets inside for a sweet surprise?

I’ve used the ‘hexagons2love’ stamp set along with the ‘basic4abc’ stamps to create a unique sentiment.   It would be so easy to change your colors up for a more masculine look if pink just won’t do.   Along with the new Hexagon Dies, I used the Sizzix Heart Framelits for the perfectly-sized heart.   It’s all jazzed up with Stephanie Barnard’s ‘Sprinkles!’ glitter.    Tex’s Tip:  (Pssssssst! No need to worry about this delightful chunky glitz … it won’t hurt your fingers as will glass shard glitters.   Yay!!)

Just a couple of scored lines were added below the horizontal sentiment, and now there’s room for one of the trendy rhinestone flourishes you’ve been hoarding in your glitz drawer.   Yeah … I’ve finally busted one of those babies out!

This simple little card really didn’t require such a word-filled write-up … I guess I’m making up a little for the previous super-brief project share.   So off you go now, and I hope you have a splendid weekend … our first Spring weekend of 2013 here in the USA!   (I’ll spend a bit of it trying to chase this chilly wintery look-back out of here!   Go away, Winter!)

Hugs & Happiness to you!

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Paper Crafting Recipe:

Here we go!

I’ve got new dies from The Stamps of Life to share with you!

Stephanie Barnard (The Stamps of Life) has released her brand new Hexagon Dies today, and they’re a perfect companion for the ‘hexagons2love’ stamps as well as the ‘background4bees’ stamp!

This card idea came about simply while I was playing with several hexagon shapes that I had stamped & cut just to get familiar with using them.  Don’t you love it when something comes about quickly?   I kept the colors in more of a unisex palette just for the fun of it this time.

Next time, I’ll share another idea with the new dies.   In the meantime, have a sweet new Spring day, wherever you are!

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Card Recipe:

STAMPS: hexagons2love and background4bees and basic4abc (all  from The Stamps of Life)

INKS: Stephanie Barnard’s Premium Color Box Inks = Artichoke + Blueberry

PAPERS:  SU Brilliant Blue, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, & Whisper White

ACCESSORIES: TSOL’s Hexagon Dies, TSOL’s Chevron Die Set, foam tape

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Welcome to the “Friends of True’s – Swirly Spring” Blog Hop!

If you are here from Linda Lucas’ blog, you are in the right place.  If you just happened onto mine you will want to head back to True’s blog where it all starts.  There will be a prize package donated by Inky Antics that includes  True’s entire, newly released, Swirly Spring stamp line!

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Even before True invited me to join in her Swirly Spring Blog Hop, I had already picked up her Swirly Sunshine & Flowers set  from Inky Antics.   Hmmmmmm … Perhaps it’s fair to say that joining the hop was simply meant to be!

And now, it’s even better than when I first brought the stamps home.   (Huh?) Now, True’s own patterned papers are available as well!  I’ve used two of them in my creation.  As you can see, they are accompany her stamp sets beautifully.  The sunshine papers make me smile for sure!

The larger image was stamped & colored, then trimmed and die cut for the out-of-the-die-box presentation on the card front.   For the simple inside of the card, I used the smaller single flower that’s also included in the stamp set, along with one of the great sentiments.

Hop Details & fine print:  Make sure to leave a comment on every stop, to increase your chances of winning the prize package. One lucky commenter from a randomly picked blog will win all 6 stamp sets!  The winner will be announced on True’s Blog on Monday, March 11th.

>>>> Your next stop along the way is the very talented Dina Kowal’s blog.  Happy Hopping!

Be sure to treat yourself to loads of inspiration from all of the talented designers joining in the hop!

Judy Rozema

Lori Craig

Trudy Sjolander

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STAMPS: Swirly Sunshine & Flowers (11159MC @ Inky Antics)

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black (images), VersaFine Onyx Black (sentiment)

PAPERS: dsp’s by Trudy Sjolander for Inky Antics; SU Daffodil Delight, GK Fresh Asparagus, Neenah Solar White

ACCESSORIES: rhinestones, Copic Markers, ribbon, Fiskars punch, oval dies, glitter, foam tape

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Whoooooooooooosh!

February is already doin’ the ‘hustle’, right on out of here!   Looks like I need to do some ‘catch-up’ blogging too.  It’s been busy here in this little spot on the planet!

As I mentioned early in the month, my current daily life includes a lot of focus on being Overweight, Over 50, and Getting Over It! Slowly, but surely, it’s working.  A little plateau occurred a few weeks ago, but I adjusted the kind of carbs going in, and that seemed to help a lot.  Buh-bye, occasional baked potato!   See ya, beloved green peas!  You & your starchiness are not helping here. In an effort to prevent over-training, I also had to modify time spent on non-stop work-outs.  I’m still withholding judgement on that decision, but my weekly rate of weight loss is complying so far.   As long as it stays ‘gone for good’, then I’m good with that.     And my latest announcement?    Tami, my workout buddy, and I completed our first-ever 5K!   It’s a part of the 90-Day challenge at my gym.  I am stoked, too!  My goal?   I hope to be the club winner for weight loss here at my local Lifetime Fitness!   Believe it, friends.  No make-up when I’m busy leaving my sweat behind me!   Eeeeeeek!  (Yeah … click on the pics to enlarge.) 

Back in the studio, I was a stampin’ fool last week, working ahead for design team items due for future videos.  Then, the bestest part happened on Thursday, when my Central & South Texas girls, Lydia & Jeanne parked in the driveway for a weekend of stamping, shopping, & meet-ups with even more delightful stampy chickas at the Scrapbook Expo, in Grapevine, Texas!   Sweet Miss Daisy, Anna Wight, met us over there for Saturday!   Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaww!

The Scrapbook Expo in Grapevine, Texas is new to this area as of this year.  Vendors included The Stamps of Life, Rubbernecker Stamps, Scrap-Mart, Denami Designs, Stamp On It, The Crafty Scrapper (fabby scrappy store in Texas!), and lots more.  If you happened to visit the Rubbernecker Stamps booth, you were treated to inky demonstrations by Deborah Bray and her BFF, Marci, as seen in the photo with Lydia and myself.  They travel from way up North in the Texas panhandle and way down South in San Antonio to have a stampy, girly weekend together at these shows.  (I completely understand!)

The venue itself, The Gaylord Texan, is appropriately Texas-themed and most unique.   I’m not a fan of the $18/day parking fee though, and will definitely find a way to be dropped off at that location should the show return there next year.   Yikes! However, I did manage to leave some dollars along the way at the aforementioned vendors & others as well.   

Scrappers took advantage of a wealth of scrapbooking classes, while stampers such as my friends and myself took advantage of shopping for new papers and sweet embellishment ‘finds’ whenever possible.  I adore the opportunity to see it, feel it, and view the true colors as opposed to always online shopping.

For my photo finale’, I’ll leave you with a look at a Texas-sized peanut butter cookie from the Gaylord Texan convention fooderies.   heh heh heh … NO!   I did not buy or eat this thang!  But do take note of that chocolatey centerpiece … That is one regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, cut into quarters, placed in the middle of that cookie.   OMGosh!

Gotta get back to stampin’ for the upcoming new release at The Stamps of Life …. coming up on Friday morning, March 1.   Stampers, you are going to LUV the newest stamps!   (Now I feel the urge for a glass of skim milk!)

Bye 4 now!

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Feel like you’re being watched?

Check again.   Don’t you think those eyes have the look of luv … perhaps?

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww, see?

He {{{hearts}}} you!

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This was really a lot of fun to create.   Being challenged to use metal on the card, I scoured the studio for metal, and was just about to use something else.  But one last hunting trip found these heart clips …. and later, I realized that the ‘eyes’ have it on this one … so here came the googlies, and that completely settled that!  {Just click the image to enlarge it  if you wish.}

Pssssssssssst! The cute little digi is from Hambo Stamps.  I got mine!

And of course, I’ll be back!

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*** For the following challenges:

HamboHoedown101

Great Impressions February Challenge

Here’s What I Used:

STAMPS: Eye Monster (Hambo Stamps Digi)

Hi there, everyone!   Today I’m sharing a valentine inspired by the SC422 challenge at Splitcoaststampers.  The boy-i-like-this color combo is from this week’s Color Throwdown challenge, CTD228.  Check out these challenges if you’re looking for some stampy fun at your table!  Here’s what I came up with … …

I’ve use a lovely stamp set from Rubbernecker, called ‘Love’ set.  And  it happens to be on sale right now!   (I didn’t even realize that until I linked it up … so that’s an unexpected sweet find to share with you.)  

I often enjoy adding a bit of dimension with foam tape.  This time, I lifted practically everything except the very lowest layer.   (Click pics to enlarge if you wish.)

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The sentiment script used throughout this set is beautiful, and an elegant way to share your feelings.   “Love” is also one of the single-word options in this set.

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The CTD228 Color Throwdown combo includes:  SU Riding Hood Red + Basic Gray + Very Vanilla + Pink Pirouette.   So those are the cardstocks and inks I’ve used … except for one little pale pink Shinhan Touch Twin marker to color in the heart for the pink element.

Time to hand it back over to you for the day, my friends!   Hope you find yourself having a wonderful weekend!  To my friends facing the latest wintery blizzard in the Northeast, I’ll keep y’all on my heart and hope that all stays well with each of you.   See ya soon!

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Pink says it all, right?   When you’re lucky enough to spot The Stamps of Life at a stamping/scrapping convention across the USA, you’ll notice that Stephanie’s booth is always decorated in pink too!

With this newest stamp set, birthday4subways, we get lots of ways to celebrate … … birthdays of course!

What a happy stamp!   And what a quick way to get a card made … even if you don’t love pink and would prefer to use a different color.    It’s okay … I try to understand.   

For this one, just stamp, squiggle some lines around the image edge, layer the cardstocks, and combine two bows.  Done!    Now click your stopwatch and wrap up the birthday gift …. You’re officially ready for the party!

Check out birthday4subways and even more brand spankin’ new goodies at The Stamps of Life.  Pssst! This is just one of them.

Hmmmm …. I guess I’m officially finished here for now.    Thanks a bunch for your visit today!

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Here’s What I Used:

Well, I “wish” it was literally bloomin’ Spring here … but I might be shoving the edge a bit in Mother Nature’s opinion.   I can’t help it!  Every winter “needs” a look >>>forward sometimes!  

Ever since my weekend at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour with Inky Antics and Darcie’s, I’ve been wanting to play with some of my Inky Antics stamps.   Then, the FS313 challenge popped up over at Splitcoaststampers, featuring my long-time stampy-cyber-friend, Janette Olen.  Well … that settled it.  I was destined to play along in that one for sure.   Then I spotted Oozak’s Challenge #11 ‘Anything Goes & use your favorite colors.   Easy!  Pinks & Greens, of course!  Finally, I’m entering this one in the Repeat Impressions blog DCC130 ~ Bright Colors & Vibrant Print challenge.  Seriously … I’m not sure I’ve ever combined 3 challenges before … But it was fun!  Whew! And here’s the result:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh …. the thought of Spring to freshen the chill of winter.   I needed that!   My workout buddy needs it too, as she has already been weeding her wintering flower beds, in anxious anticipation of planting still more than a month away.  Makes me wonder if the need for rejuvenating color is just a ‘girl thing’.   Hmmmmm …

Just a bit of dimension has been added with flitting butterflies, and a bit of 3-D dots beneath the image panel.  I’m still sitting on my hands a bit with the thought of glitter … but I’m stickin’ to the idea that I’ll keep the glitz to the bitty rhinestones on the butterflies.  {Who knew this playing ‘tuff’ could be so tricky!}

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Time to move away from the laptop now … as I’ve got to rev up the teapot again.   Y’all have a great day out there.   I appreciate your visit!

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Here’s What I’ve Used:

STAMPS: ‘Spring Blooms‘  (11099MC – Inky Antics)

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black

MARKERS: Shinhan Touch Twin brush markers:  P83, PB77, Y38, Y42, Y45, G43, RP9, RP196, CG0.5;  Copic Marker YG0000 (airbrushed)

PAPERS: SU Bravo Burgundy + Pink Pirouette + Kiwi Kiss;  Neenah Classic White;  Basic Grey dsp

ACCESSORIES: oval dies, scalloped border dies, border punch + butterflies punch, foam tape, rhinestones, Copic Airbrush system

It’s hard to believe it, but February arrived yesterday.  And, according to “Punxsutawney Phil”, reigning superstar groundhog, he did not see his shadow.  Thus, Spring should be on its way.   I say, three cheers for that critter!

Looks like it’s time for me to bring y’all up to date from my little spot of Texas.

Overweight, Over 50, and Getting Over It! That’s been my trend, albeit maybe my mantra since last October 2.   I re-entered a local fitness center, and have been counting calories and calories burned ever since.   Stamping time had to move over on the schedule to allow this hopeful lifestyle change for me.   Hey!  Wait a minute! I’m still stamping … just adjusting my daily schedule for a healthier “me” renovation.     It’s working too … 34 pounds down as of yesterday!   And … yesterday I took my very first ever Yoga class!  Okay … so it was actually  “Intro to Yoga”.  But let’s just say that I have a long way to go. 

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Stampy, Crafty Weekend with Inky Antics and Darcie Heater Designs! Even though I’m not a big fan of Winter, January always brings some treasured friends to Mesquite, TX for the Stamp Scrap Art Tour.  North Texas has lost many brick & mortar scrapbook & stamp stores over the years, so folks like you & I rush out into the cold to see & touch many stampy goodies that we otherwise see only online.

My pleasure during the Stamp Scrap Art Tour in Mesquite comes from working with my friends at Inky Antics, Darcie’s, Stampers’ Anonymous, and Art Gone Wild.  Even if the weather bombs out into frigid or misty gray days, inside the SSAT convention you’ll find happy shoppers, welcome learning opportunities, and lots of other people with the same addictive crafty ways … and lots of new crafty goodies & stamps!  Last weekend I was blessed to do the demonstrations at Darcie’s booth.  I had the bestest time ever!  I love seeing familiar faces stop to watch and even share a {{{hug}}}.   A friend caught a quick pic of Jackie (Creative Director of Inky Antics), Lee (awesome floor manager for the shows), and myself.   I was having such a busy-sweet time demoing, that I honestly did not stop to take my usual photos of the show!   That’s okay … I did manage to get a pic from a surprise meetup with a delightful friend that I’m blessed to know (all because of stamping), Kathi S.

So, what’s up next?   Hmmmm ….  new releases will pop up here on the 7th of February for sure … and I’ll see what else gets stirred up before then.   Stand by!

Have a wonderful weekend, y’all!

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Back again, with more “cloudy” fun.   Today, it’s a snowy, frosty way to say “Hello”!

Ahhhhh, those snowy winter days.   Though not my favorite time of year, I muster up my patience and manage to muddle through.  Every now & then, I’ll wake up to find a snowy day, and I must admit … the snow is beautiful!  Even those once-in-a-while icy storms create a glistening beauty of their own.  But now that I’m past my childhood, in most ways, I really prefer just seeing beautiful winter pictures, or creating frosty scenes with paper, inks, and glitz.

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One of my first ideas upon seeing the new clouds2cut Stamp and Die Set was to use the polka dotted clouds in a wintery way.  To bring out the ‘snowy’ feel, the clouds were heat embossed.  For the glistening tree from the trees2build stamp set, I stamped the “leaf cover’ with VersaMark, the applied Heat & Stick glue.  That provides the holding power needed for the frosty layer of Sprinkles! Glitter. Now ‘sometimes’, more is just better … .  So for some extra glisten on this scene, I’ve used yummy shimmery white paper.   The snowfall beneath the tree has its ‘mounded’ look from the Scallop Border Dies plus lots more Sprinkles! Glitter.

Just allllmost makes me wish I had a sled .. … but not quite.  

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So here’s wishing you an easy-to-handle winter week ahead.   Back in a day or two with another idea for some cloudy fun!  Thanks for having spent a few of your moments here with me!

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Supplies for this card: