"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

I've had a lack of stampin' mojo lately but, as I was heading to bed a few nights ago, I got an idea for the Freestyle Fridays mission that Julie issued last week.  The mission was to use a retired Stampin' Up! color (I chose True Thyme) and one other color (Very Vanilla), but my project could only have one layer.  Hmmmm.  One layer . . . that's what really stumped me, and I may have bent the mission when I added the True Thyme ribbon bow, but that die-cut frame around the die-cut window on my card surely only counted as half of a layer.  Surely!  For the most part, I was quite pleased with this card, but . . . argh!!!!!! . . . the lacy embossed portion ended up inside-out, which I almost ALWAYS do when I use that embossing folder (Delicate Designs from Stampin' Up!).  It doesn't seem to matter that I feel the raised design in the folder before placing my card stock inside, trying to get it right . . . I guess I confuse myself with the flipping back and forth and almost always manage to get it wrong.  I should put a note on that folder to only use it on layers that I can flip.  The best part of making this card was getting to use the retired "Have a Seat" stamp set.  It may seem odd to have that bench behind the text, but it works and any occasion to use one of the "Have a Seat" stamps is good enough for me!  The sentiment is from a brand new stamp set, "Really Good Greetings".  I love that sentiment; however, it's one that will have to be used carefully since all situations don't end up "OK".  When I read it, I think of someone who loses a job and then (hopefully) will end up with an even better job--one they would have never found if they hadn't been forced to look.  Here's a look at the inside of the card.  If you click on the picture to open a larger view, you can almost see what the lacy embossed edge should have looked like on the front of the card.  ;-)

Thank you for yet another challenging mission, Julie!  Even when they stump me, they're still a lot of fun!

BOX CARD WITH POP-UP SENTIMENT

I recently purchased some cut files for the Silhouette Cameo, and one of them was a box card.  I have attempted to make box cards in the past, but I was never very successful at getting them folded exactly perfect so that everything lined up like it should.  Having a cut file for the Cameo is really nice, mainly because I can now make box cards out of card stock without having to worry about it being too bulky!  When I started working on this box card, I was going to send it to my parents and include a note card (in a mini envelope) for each of them.  The front of the card is decorated with Stampin' Up!'s "This & That" designer paper, and I decorated the band that keeps the card closed with a large die-cut bird (Elegant Bird Bigz die) that I embossed with the Fancy Fan embossing folder and decorated with flower trim and a rhinestone brad for the bird's eye.

A really cool feature of this particular card is one that a friend recently showed me how to do . . . the pop-up sentiment!  When the box card is opened, the "thank you" sentiment pops up!  I used Stampin' Up!'s Decorative Label punch, small Oval punch, and Four Frames stamp set to create the layered sentiment.

CARD TOTE, OVAL BOX, & BEAUTIFUL CARDS AT CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Have a blooming good time making this cheerful and pretty Best of Flowers card tote and cards!  In this project you will learn how to make an easy hidden message card and a scaled down version of an easel card.  Lot of crafting fun, and the set makes a wonderful gift for teachers, co-workers, neighbors, you name it!  

This beautiful ensemble was created by the talented Sharon Burkert, and her step-by-step photo tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

Another project that was recently posted at Craft Project Central, designed by Tara, is this pretty Oval Box & Card Set.

 A soft, delicate gift box. Perfect for filling with jewelry, candy or a small gift, this sturdy yet elegant gift box is sure to be a hit. Present it with the matching card and have a coordinating gift for that special person in your life.

SPOOL-SHAPED CARDS

Lately, I've enjoyed making spool-shaped cards and am sharing two of them in this blog post.  One of my favorite things about these cards is that the ribbon and buttons can be removed and put to good, creative use.  The first card features Stampin' Up! ribbon, buttons, Baker's twine, and a cute hanger-shaped clip, as well as an image from the retired "Sew Suite" stamp set.

The second card features the same (or similar) Stampin' Up! products, as well as a Vintage Trinkets pin and mini brad.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut both of the cards and the miniature scissors. It seems that I do a little something different to each spool-shaped card, and I end up liking "the next one" even better than the last one!

I have found that there are two things to take into consideration when making one of these cards . . . (1) Do I have buttons to match the ribbon, and (2) Do I have enough ribbon.  I would say that a spool card is perfect for ribbon scraps, but these cards call for a pretty long "scrap" of ribbon!  I haven't yet measured to see exactly how much ribbon I've put on any of the cards, but it's definitely enough that the recipient could use it on a few projects--if she can talk herself into "un-doing" the card.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

On Friday, I received the May My Paper Pumpkin kit, and I am so pleased with it!  I haven't begun the actual project (a brag book), but I used some of the papers and printed die-cut adhesives to create this quick card.  Each month, the kit contents are wrapped in tissue paper, and I used some of the tissue paper and Stampin' Up!'s 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch to create the flower for my card.  

If you would like to subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin, just click on the "get it" picture under my photo in the left sidebar of my blog!

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Today feels like the second Friday this week because yesterday felt soooooooooo much like Friday to me.  I love Fridays, so I guess today is kind of like an extra treat for me.  It's Julie's turn to share an inspiring project for this week's edition of Freestyle Fridays, and pictured above is the sneak peek that she shared with me.  Isn't that a gorgeous frilly layer on her project?!?!  I love it, and I also love what those rhinestone jewels add to the stamped sentiment.  I hope you'll join me in visiting Julie's blog to see her entire project and to read all about it.  I'm sure she'd really love it if we also take the time to leave a little comment.  Be sure to read the Mission that she has for me because you might want to give it a try!  Have a terrific Friday (or whatever day you think it is)!!!!

POCKET POUCH SATCHEL & CARDS

Sometimes you want just a little extra pizzazz when it comes to sending out a note card to someone special!  This project is perfect for that need.  This adorable satchel holds four coordinating cards and can be done up in lots of varied themes to appeal to almost anyone--young or old!  And while you’re at it, make several sets to have on hand for gifts!

This is such a pretty, feminine ensemble designed and created by Donna.  Her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"PLEASANT POPPIES" MOTHER'S DAY CARDS

For Mother's Day, I made several cards to send to a few special mothers, and I chose to use Stampin' Up!'s "Pleasant Poppies" stamp set.  I began by inking the stamp with VersaMark, and then sprinkled the stamped image with white embossing powder and heat set it.  Markers were used to color the images, and I chose coordinating ribbon for each card.  The sentiment is from "Teeny Tiny Wishes".

"THIS & THAT" DESK SET

With teacher appreciation week and the end of the school year quickly approaching, this desk set would be the perfect coordinating gift!  The projects in this desk set include note cards and a pretty note card holder to put them in, a pencil holder, Post-it note holder, and more!  In addition to teachers, this set makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, co-workers, and don’t forget to make a set for yourself!

Isn't this a gorgeous ensemble?  I think it has such a seasonal, feminine flair!  Heidi King designed this project, and her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" GRADUATION TREAT

On Saturday, my nephew graduated--with high honors--from Early College.  This may not look like a grand enough gift for a graduate but, trust me . . . all that he will be interested in is the money that's folded and tied with Baker's twine in the bottom of the box.

The box was cut with my Silhouette Cameo and was so quick and easy to assemble.  I almost wish that I had other grads to celebrate this year, although I couldn't afford to tuck cash in many more boxes like this.  ;-)

Congratulations, Bryson Taylor Call, on your academic accomplishments!  I'm so proud of you and wish all the best for your future!