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This little punch bunny is one of my all time favorite projects. Not only does this bunny look great on a basket like this one you could also put him on a card or how about a tag? While this project is not new, it is a terrific, easy and cute project for Easter. You probably even have the supplies on hand. You'll just need a little cardstock, ink and a few punches.
Click here to get the instructions to make your own Punch Bunny Basket.
One of the hottest trends in paper crafting is sewing. (Hmm, that sorta sounds like an oxymoron.) Anyway, when I saw the original card done by Melyssa Connoly I was immediately attracted to the stitching.
I decided to use two types of stitching on my card. Both started with piercing holes using the Mat Pack as a guide. The holes I had pierced for the flower stems I actually stitched using a needle and embroidery floss. The red stitching around the outer edge of the card isn't actually stitching at all. The wholes left from the paper piercer were just connected using a Real Red Stampin' Write Marker.
Stitching on paper can also be done using a sewing machine. It's super easy and very quick if your sewing machine is already out. I remember in middle school home economics class we were taught to sew first on paper and then moved up to fabric, so it has to be easy.
Be sure to stop back tomorrow. I'll have a quick tutorial on the Mat Pack and adding stitching to your projects.
Supply List
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Inks: Bashful Blue, Crushed Curry, Basic Black and Certainly Celery Classic Ink, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and So Saffron
Other: Sponges, non-SU buttons, white crochet thread, green embroidery floss, Sizzix Big Shot and Stampin' Up! Birds & Blooms Sizzlits, Mat Pack and hole piercer, 1/4" Red Grosgrain Ribbon and Large Oval Punch
First, for my regular readers I'm sure you are wondering where Make Over Monday is? As many of you know I also work with a local children's consignment sale called MamaCents. The spring sale is next week so I have been feverishly working to get things ready for that both in the administrative and crafty departments. With any luck tomorrow I can post some pictures of what I've been working on.
So for today I thought I would share a gorgeous card by my very talented mama, Belinda.
She said she saw a card like this online somewhere and CASED (copy and share everything) it. I think it turned out awesome. The hearts used to represent the bride and groom are just adorable.
What you can take away from this card:
What I really like about this card is that she didn't use a "wedding set". She used elements she already had. This is a great thing to be reminded of. You don't have a to have a stamp set for every occassion and holiday. You can often get the feeling or theme you're looking for through color, accents and stamps you already have right in your stash.
I thought yall might enjoy seeing a few more photos from our Sale-a-bration Extravaganza Event. It was great fun. This is the second year we've held this event and we're sure to do it again next year!
One of my favorite customers, Alice with my mom, Belinda
This card was created by fellow demonstrator, Melissa Smith and features the 2 Step Bird Punch. A very versatile tool!
Another Scallop Square Rag Purse done by fellow demonstrator Carol Bardin.
Wonderful layouts done by fellow demonstrator Lisa Besler. She created these using My Digital Studio.
I finally got around to posting a new photo of myself in the sidebar. Ever since then many of you have been asking if I had the picture taken by a professional? YES!
I feel so lucky to have been introduced to one of the best photographers in the Austin area; and then to have my photo taken by her. Whoohoo!
As many of you know I recently began working for MamaCents LLC. MamaCents is a business started by a mom here in the Austin area. She started the business because she wanted to find a way to help other moms make money. She did this by starting one of the best run children's consignment sales I've ever seen.
What does this have to do with my photos? Not only does MamaCents run a terrific bi-annual children's consignment sale they also have other events through out the year. In late January I had the pleasure of organizing a Mama Portrait Party. The hope was that a few lucky moms would get to have a portrait professionally taken and give it to their husbands for Valentine's Day.
Teri Mason of Teri Mason hosted us at her studio in Georgetown, Texas. We had such a blast. Most of us hadn't had a professional picture taken since our weddings. We all sat around chatting and snacking while we each had several turns with Teri. The results were amazing.
When I first met Teri at the MamaCents Children's Consignment Sale last fall I asked her if she used models for her promo shots. She replied, "no". I told her, "I never look like that when I have my picture taken" and she told me I must be using the wrong photographer then. Boy was she right!
Here are two other shots she got of me that day.
I was so amazed. I particularly love the one with the blue background because for me, I look skinny. I learned that's what a good photographer can do. She knows just how to have you stand and gets the perfect lighting to make you look like a million bucks.
You should definitely go check out her work and if you live any where near the Austin area she is so worth the drive. Click the logos below to see Teri's work and learn more about MamaCents.
As I was surfing around online one day I came across the most adorable sheep and lamb cards done by Lynn Pratt. When I saw them I immediately thought of Shaun the Sheep.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Shaun the Sheep the show is currently a short on the Disney Channel. Shaun first appeared in Wallace and Gromit where he was sucked into the Knit-O-Matic. Now he has his own show and is totally hilarious. You can learn more on www.shaunthesheep.com.
So back to the card. This card is super simple. It uses the Scallop Circle Die, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch and Small Oval Punch. Oh and the Boho Blossoms Punch to make a puffy little tail on the back.
I am always amazed at the number of things you can create using the same tools. Punches are definitely worth the investment because you can make so many things with them.
Here's a little challenge for you. Create something using a punch in a non-traditional way.
Ever since I posted this fabulous fabric flower (pin) made using the Sizzix Flower Folds Die lots of people have been asking how to make them. I've finally finished a PDF tutorial that will show you how to make them yourself.
They are so easy!
Also very addicting so be careful!
Not only do these flowers make terrific pins they also look great on headbands, purses, scarves and lots more. The sky is definitely the limit.
Click the PDF image at right to get the instructions.
Also if you need to purchase the Flower Folds (115970) die remember this die is exclusive to Stampin' Up!
To place an order simply click on the Online Ordering button on the top right of this page or contact me by phone 512-259-5575 or email chris@forloveopaper.com.
If you're more of a hands on learner I will be offering a class on Saturday, April 17th. I'm still getting all the details together but should have them posted later this week. What I can tell you is this flower as a pin will be a terrific Mother's Day Gift.
This weak I had to choose something quick and easy because my son has been sick for four days and I'm way behind on everything.
The original of this card was created by Cheryl Rowley. I really liked the bold colors and the layout of the card. And I'm all about using my Sizzix Butterfly Die and Embosslit any time I can. I'm not a huge butterfly person under normal circumstances but I really love the Sizzix Butterflies.
I also found it rather interesting that Cheryl had actually CASED her card from this one.
Seeing the way different people interpret someone else's card is always interesting. We each pick out different parts that stand out to us.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Full of Life
Inks: Basic Black, Taken with Teal and Close To Cocoa Classic Ink
Paper: Taken with Teal, Whisper White and Sweet Pea DSP
Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sizzix Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Beautiful Wings Emosslit, White Tafetta Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch and Corner Punch
Stampin' Up! is known for its high quality rubber stamps and rightly so. These days there's a whole lot more to Stampin' Up! than just stamps. A little over a year ago they began offering Decor Elements. What are Decor Elements? Simply put they are vinyl images to decorate your walls, windows, home decor items and lots more.
How about making some of your own home decor for pennies on the dollar?
That's exactly what I did and here's how:
If you have/know a child with a relatively short name this would be perfect to spell their name out on canvas' and hang them in their room.
There are a million and one ideas floating through my head of ways to use Decor Elements and I hope to share at least a few with you soon.
If you'd like to see all the Decor Elements Stampin' Up! has to offer click the catalog image at right.
Find something you like? Remember you can place your order online, by phone or by email anytime.
