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August Tour de Freaks is here!

Wow…this really snuck up on me this month!  I can't believe it is the 20th and time for the monthly Tour de Freaks, brought to you by the Control Freak Swappers!  You've probably just come from the talented, FABULOUS Patty Bennett's blog! 

Our theme this month was Sneak Peeks from the new Holiday Mini Catalog!  I know my customers are already commenting on how much they LOVE this mini…I do, too, as my pocketbook will attest to….ouch!  lol!  I just had to have it ALL!  I especially love a lot of the accessories in this mini…it is FULL of them.  You'll notice a lot of them on my projects this month!

To begin, I have a Suspension Bat card!  I had SO much fun making this one!  It kind of evolved!  I started with a base 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 card of Tangerine Tango.  I added a 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 piece of Nite Owl Designer Paper (from the new mini) on the front.  I used my Circle Scissors Plus to cut a 4" circle from the front thru both layers at the same time (if I were doing it again, I'd make it a little smaller…say 3 1/2).  I ran the back half of the Tangerine Tango card stock thru the Big Shot with the Spider Web Impressions Folder…cool!  Then I rubbed some White Craft Ink over the raised embossing with a sponge dauber.  This base card was layered onto a 5 3/8 x 5 3/8 piece of Basic Black card stock for extra support. 

Between the Tangerine Tango front and the Nite Owl Designer Paper, I added two strings of Linen Thread and pulled them tight between the layers, then adhered the layers together.  I sandwiched two layers of the Bat Punch together with the Linen Thread in between…this makes it look like they are flying!  I sponged White Craft around the edges of the bats and added a Rhinestone jewel to their heads.  I wrapped some of the new 1/2 Raven Lace Trim into a bow in the upper left corner…love that stuff, too!

I stamped the spider from Stampin' Up!'s Dark & Dreary on Whisper White, colored it with the Basic Gray Marker and cut it out.  I added two 1/2 backed pearls for the body…one smaller than the other. and placed it on the Spider Web with a Stampin' Dimensional.  I used the new Decorative Label Punch with Basic Black Card stock, sponged around the edges with White Craft Ink.  I cut EEK out of Tangerine Tango "glitter paper" with the Timeless Type Alphabet die and adhered to the front of the Label.  Then I placed the label on the front of the card.  (Note:  to make glitter paper, apply Versamark to the card stock direct to paper, pour on Iridescent Ice EP, shake off excess, then heat set…makes glitter paper in every color that Stampin' Up! carries!)  I LOVE my blinged out Suspension Bat card!

My second project was just as fun!  It's a Bat Cone Candy Holder.  It makes me LAUGH!  I traced a bat pattern onto Basic Black card stock, cut it out, then ran it thru the Big Shot with the Texture Plates Kit #4.  I had to run it thru a couple times to get the entire bat textured.  I used the sponge dauber and White Craft Ink to go around the edges.  I added Real Red Glimmer Brads for the eyes and drew the fangs with my White Gel Pen.  I pulled it into a cone shape and secured in the back with Sticky Strip.  I added a hanger with 1/2" Raven Lace Trim by piercing holes in the sides of the cone and tying knots inside the cone.

For the treat, I filled a small Cello Bag with Halloween colored M&Ms and tied it closed with a piece of the Raven Lace Trim.  I added a tag made with the Dark & Dreary stamp, inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White, then punched with the Decorative Label Punch.  I added the 31 by stamping again on Real Red, then punching with the 1/2 circle punch and placing it on top with a Stampin' Dimensional.  I also used a sponge dauber with Basic Black ink and sponged all the edges.

EDIT:  As promised, here is the Bat Cone Candy Favor template to download!

DOWNLOAD BAT CONE

Next on the Blog Tour is the wonderful Mary Brown!  I KNOW her projects will be awesome as usual!  Make sure to stop by and see all 11 stops on the Tour this month!  Thanks for stopping by!

May Tour de Freaks!

Woohoo!   It's here!  The May Tour de Freaks!  I can't wait to see what these fabulous girls have done…what about you?  You've just arrived from my friend, Lisa Martz's Blog…aren't her projects wonderful?  LOVE that Tropical Party set and Island Oasis paper!

Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Scoops is a favorite of mine from the Summer Mini!  My Technique Class did this card earlier this month using an old favorite technique…SHAVING CREAM!  Doesn't the background just remind you of some melted ice cream?  And…a double scoop of Vanilla and Strawberry ice cream on a sugar cone!  Yummy!

If you haven't done the Shaving Cream Background, it is very simple!  I use an old cookie sheet, spread regular shaving cream on it (I use unscented) and then place a few drops of 2-3 complimentary reinkers in the shaving cream, swirl around with a spoon and then place your Whisper White cardstock on top of the mixed shaving cream.  Lift off the cardstock, take a spatula and scrap off the extra shaving cream…it leaves behind a beautiful marbled look on the cardstock!  I used the reinker colors of Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Barely Banana.  Let it dry, then layer on the base card of Pretty in Pink.  I stamped the Cone with Creamy Caramel Classic Ink on Whisper White and the first scoop with Pretty in Pink.  I stamped the Barely Banana scoop of ice cream on scrap paper, cut it out and adhered on top of the bottom scoop.    I layered it on Pretty in Pink cardstock, then Certainly Celery.  Across the top I used the Scallop Edge Punch on a piece of Barely Banana cardstock, and wrapped Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon around it and tied with a knot.  I finished by stamping the greeting with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink.

You may remember for March's Tour de Freaks, I did a carrot made from the Large Scallop Circle Die.  I decided that I could use the same thing to make an Ice Cream Cone!  I cut the large Scallop Circle die from Creamy Caramel cardstock, then ran it thru the Big Shot with my Square Lattice Impressions Folder to give it a waffle look.   I wrapped it into a funnel and secured with Sticky Strip.  I used some of the left over Shaving Cream paper I made above and punched the Scallop Circle from it.  I also punched So Saffron and Pretty in Pink Scallop Circles.  I adhered them to the inside.   I added the Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon in a box on the front.  Then used my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker to stamp the "Have a sweet celebration" on Whisper White and punched with the Wide Oval punch.  I highlighted the sweet with So Saffron marker and sponged the edges with Pretty in Pink.  I think this turned out CUTE!  I haven't seen an ice cream cone done with the Scallop Circle.  Inside I filled with Tropical Jelly Belly candies!  FUN!

Next stop is the fabulous, Mary Brown!  I know you'll love her projects!

SUDSOL BLOG TOUR IS HERE!

Welcome to the SUDSOL Blog Tour!  What is SUDSOL?  It is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Only Online Group that has files full of patterns, templates, business ideas, business forms and a wonderful large gallery of cards and projects!  A One-Stop-Shop for demonstrators!  They also offer regular challenges and business chats to help you with your business.  I've been a member for four years next month!  You can start out with a FREE two-week trial membership, just to see what it is all about!  Click on the badge above to take you to the Home Page to start your trial membership!  And now…on to the tour!

This tour we are featuring products from the Summer Mini Catalog.  We've made these projects demonstratable, so you can use the ideas in your workshops and classes!  To go on to the next stop, click on the name at the bottom of this post!

My first project is a pencil/pen pocket holder made from two Top Note diecuts put together.  This was a prize for one of my downline who promoted to Senior Associate at last month's meeting.  I adhere the two Top Notes length to length and along the sides to form the pocket.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Tropical Party stamp set and stamped the leaves in Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink on the Tempting Turquoise background.  I wrapped two pieces Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon around to help keep it secure.  The ends meet under the oval in the front for a finished look.  I cut two ovals from the Ovals die, larger one from Pumpkin Pie cardstock and the smaller one from Whisper White.  I stamped the leaves with Old Olive on the Whisper White.  I added a Melon Mambo 5-Petal Flower Punch, then stamped the large flower in Pumpkin Pie on Whisper White and the small flower in Tempting Turquoise on Whisper White, cut them out, and adhered them with Stampin' Dimensionals to the front of the ovals.  The pens I purchased from Stampin' Up! at Convention (I believe) last year.  I loved that the colors matched the Tropical Party stamp set I wanted to use.

My next card using Tropical Party is a gate fold style card.  This was my Make & Take at the downline meeting we held last month.  I started with a 5 1/2 x 12 piece of Pixie Pink Cardstock and scored it at 2, 4, 8 and 10 inches.  I stamped the small flower randomly across the front in Pixie Pink ink.    I cut a 3×3 piece of Whisper White and stamped the leaves in Old Olive Classic Ink on the front.  I stamped the large flower with Pumpkin Pie and the two small flowers with Pixie Pink on scrap Whisper White and cut them out.  I added a Rose Mini Brad to the center of the large flower and popped it up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I layered the Whisper White on a 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 piece of Old Olive.  It was adhered on only the left half to the front of the gate fold card.

Inside I cut a piece of 3 3/4 x 5 1/4 piece of Whisper White.  I stamped more leaves in Old Olive and the Coconut drink in Chocolate Chip.  I colored the straw and umbrella with Stampin' Write Markers in Pixie Pink, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie.  I cut out another Pixie Pink small flower and adhere it with a Stampin' Dimensional.  I stamped Live, Laugh, Love, Happy Birthday from On Your Birthday Stamp set in Pumpkin Pie in the center.

My last card I used Stampin' Up!'s Sentimental Journey stamp set, Travel Journal Designer Paper and In A Word Stamp Set.  I started with a base of Night of Navy cardstock and layered on Pumpkin Pie cardstock.  I added another layer of Confetti White cardstock.  Over the top half of the Confetti, I adhere Bashful Blue cardstock with a piece of Travel Journal Designer Paper on it.  (LOTS of layers!)  I pierced the Bashful Blue with my piercing tool and template across the top.  I stamped Marvelous with my Night of Navy and Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Markers in the lower right corner of the Confetti cardstock.  For the focal element, I stamped the car from Sentimenal Journey in Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink on Confetti White and punched with the Wide Oval Punch.  I adhered it to the Medallion of Pumpkin Pie cardtock made with the Lots of Tags Sizzlets die.  I added the compass in Garden Green Classic Ink and punched it with the 1" circle punch.  I placed a Vintage brad in the center and popped it up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Finally, I added a knot of Pumpkin Pie 1 1/4 Striped Ribbon to the upper corner and punched two 1/4 circles from Garden Green and placed them in the upper right corner of the Designer Paper for some added interest.

I hope you've enjoyed my projects!  

SORRY – Blog Tour is over and links have been disabled!  Stay tuned for the next one!

Pen/Pencil Holder Supplies:

Sets:  Tropical Party
Inks:  Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock:  Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories:  Top Note Die, Sticky Strip, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Ovals Die, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Tropical Party Gatefold Card Supplies:

Sets:  Tropical Party, On Your Birthday
Inks:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Old Olive
Accessories:  Paper Snips, Rich Regals Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scoring Tool

Sentimental Journey Card Supplies:

Sets:  Sentimental Journey, In A Word
Inks:  Garden Green, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock:  Confetti White, Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy
Accessories:  Travel Journal Designer Paper, 1 1/4 Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlet Dies, Piercing Tool and template, Antique Mini Brads, Crop A Dile (1/4 circles)

March Tour de Freaks!

If you have arrived here on the 19th, not all links may be live yet.  We're getting ready to go live on March 20th!  It's time for the March Tour de Freaks by your favorite Control Freak Swappers!  Our theme this month is SPRING!  You've probably just arrived from Wendy Janson's Blog and her amazing ideas.  You'll be able to go to the next stop when you click on the badge at the bottom.    I always get some amazing ideas from this tour, I hope you do, too!

I was late getting ready for this tour…I definitely have "wedding" on the brain!  I've been working on the templates for printing out my son's wedding invitations, plus buying the supplies I'll need to make 200 of them.  The pocket invitation design idea has been done for a while, just needed to get started.  But, thinking about it inspired my first project.  And since the month of June is mostly in the Spring, I think it fits the theme! 

I've had the Bag with Scallops XL die for a long while, but haven't used it for some reason!  I pulled it out for this project.  I thought one of the roses made from the XL Fancy Flower punch would be perfect on the front scallop!  The bag and rose are both made from the White Shimmer paper…so pretty for a wedding!  I added the half Scallop Oval leaves along the side of the rose, then added the White Satin Stripe Ribbon knotted along the other side of the rose.  The front of the bag I textured with the Finial Press Impressions Folder that I ran thru the Big Shot.  The bag was really easy to put together!  I wrapped some more of the White Satin Ribbon around it to hold it closed (under the rose).  Very elegant and I think they would be pretty at the place settings at the reception!  I'll be making more of these Bag with Scallops…so fun and easy to put together!

My next card is a Mother's Day card for my mom.  We both LOVE lilacs in the spring!  I know it is finally here when my lilacs are in bloom.  I've planted lilac bushes in every house we've lived in and will cut the blooms off to bring them inside so I can enjoy their fragrance.  I've been wanting to do a punch art card using the Trio Flower punch to make some lilacs.  I used Orchid Opulence and Lavender Lace cardstock and punched a BUNCH of them!

I started by placing the "stem" from the Two Bird Punch at the bottom of the Whisper White cardstock.  Then I used the bird wings from that punch for my leaves.  I just started adding a variety of the Lavender Lace and Orchid Opulence flowers in a cone shaped pattern.  Each lilac is so unique anyway, it really didn't matter how I placed them!  I added a little Orchid Opulence Classic Ink to the edges after I was done, just for some added shadows.

I layered the Whisper White on Lavender Lace and then Basic Black cardstock to make it pop.  I tied the Old Olive Satin Ribbon into a bow and placed it at the top corner.  Then I added the Old Olive Scallop Trim Border across the left side.   Finally, I used the stamps from Tiny Tags and the Jewery Tag punch to make the 4 You tag and wrapped it with Linen Thread around the center of the ribbon knot. 

Next stop is Mary Brown!  I'm sure you will love her work!  Have a great day!

February Tour de Freaks

It's time!  The February Tour de Freaks is here…brought to you by your Control Freak Swappers!  You've probably just arrived from Wendy Janson's blog, weren't her projects gorgeous?  We have 16 stops for you today!   

Our theme this month was the Occasions Mini!  Well…that's a broad theme!  I'm sure you'll get lots of new ideas!

My first projects uses…what else…Chocolate Bunny!  What can I say…he just is a favorite of mine!  I stamped him in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink on Close to Cocoa cardstock and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder, then cut him out.

Can you tell what the carrot is made from?  Yep!  The Large Scallop Circle Die!  I received one of these carrots for a swap at Leadership, but I changed out the colors and added the bunny in the top.  I wanted to use a real chocolate bunny, but the ones I bought were too big.  That's when I figured that my stamped one would work even better! 

The base of the carrot is from Pumpkin Pie cardstock and I sponged the edges.  The leaves of the carrot are Old Olive and also sponged.  I used some fancy shredded paper to fill it.  I punched two holes to be able to tie the Old Olive Satin Ribbon and help hold the edges closed.  Then stamped Happy Easter from Well Scripted with Old Olive ink and punched with the Wide Oval Punch.  Isn't it FUN???

My second project uses the Big Shot again with the Fancy Favor Box.  I cut it from Pixie Pink cardstock and ran the Spring Floral Wheel in Pixie Pink Ink Cartridge across the bottom of it twice.  I used the Wheel Guide to help me keep it straight!

On the front I made a bunny from punches!  The face is a 1 3/8 circle of Pretty in Pink, the cheeks are 1" Whisper White circle punches and 3/4 Pretty in Pink circles layered in top.  His nose is a Pixie Pink 1/2" circle.  The whiskers are Sahara Sand slivers of cardstock.  The eyes are actually Small Ovals cut down to a smaller size with 1/4" circles of Basic Black and highlighted with the White Gel Pen.  The ears are Scallop Ovals from Whisper White and the Welcome Neighbors Designer Paper punched with the Large Oval Punch.  I gave him a bowtie made from the Old Olive Satin Ribbon and the Old Olive handle is attached with Clear Rhinestone Brads.

I kept the back simple with just the Easter stamp from Eggcoutrements stamped in Old Olive Classic Ink on Whisper White and punched with the Designer Label punch.  It is popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals!

I filled it with some multi-colored shredded paper.  I was going to fill it with Jelly Beans, but my husband ate them all!  lol!

Well, you can continue on the tour by clicking on the button to go to Mary Brown's Blog!  I'm sure she'll have some fantastic projects!  Have fun taking the tour!

November Tour de Freaks is here!

Yeah!  It is that time again…time to see what the fabulous Control Freaks are doing on their Tour de Freaks!  You've probably just arrived from Melanie Schulenberg's blog!  We have 12 blogs for you to visit this time.  I'm sure you will love all the awesome projects you see as you tour.  This month's theme is Christmas Gifts – small items, altered items, stocking stuffers, gift collections, and ornaments.  I know I can't wait to see! 

My first project brings back my favorite Stampin' Up! Simple Seasonal Thanks Snowman!  This time he is standing behind a little candle votive.  I stamped him in Basic Black on Whisper White and cut him out.  I colored the shadows on his sides with the Bashful Blue Stampin' Write Marker and used the AquaPainter and Old Olive and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers for his hat and scarf.  I colored his checks with the Blush Blossom and his nose with Pumpkin Pie.  I added 3 Basic Black "buttons" on his from punched from the large hole of the Crop A Dile.  I added a little Crystal Effects on his sides and Dazzling Diamonds glitter for a sparkly look! 

Can you guess what the base holding the votive is?  Yes!  The Sizzix Bigz XL Bitty Box!  It is secured to the snowman along the back edge.  I punched a 1 3/4 circle in the top to hold the votive and stamped Bashful Blue snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set.  The glass votive has silver Icicles Rub-ons decorating the rim.  Now…this is for decorative purposes only.  I wouldn't light a candle this close to paper.  Wouldn't this be a fun little gift for a co-worker or friend?

My next Christmas Gift is a large decorated candle.  I found these nice two-tone vanilla/cranberry ones that smell SO good!  They are about 3 inches in diameter.  I wrapped some Merry Moments Designer Paper around the area where the two colors meet, then added a Old Olive Wide 1 1/4 Striped Ribbon.  Hanging from the ribbon is the Make Merry tag from Stampin' Up!'s Grateful Greetings stamp set.  It is stamped in Real Red on Very Vanilla card stock and punched with the small tag punch, then layered on a large Old Olive tag punch.  Now…what snowflake punch did I use?  The Merry Details Snowflake Die in Chocolate Chip card stock!  I cut off the extra long "legs" of the snowflake to make it smaller and fit on my tag!  The center is a Green Rhinestone Brad and it is tied to the bow with Silver Cord.

The next project is a Dove Chocolate Box Sleeve made from Bravo Burgundy card stock.  Now…who wouldn't want a giant bar of chocolate as a gift!  For the top layer, I ran the Handsome Hunter cardstock thru the Petals A Plenty Impressions Folder, then highlighted the centers with the White Gel Pen.  I placed the Handsome Hunter Piece on the Dove Movers & Shapers die to cut it out, then backed it with Whisper White and wrapped it with Bravo Burgundy 5/8 Grosgrain Ribbon before putting it on the Dove box.  I used the Eyelet Border punch across the top of the box, then cut a piece of Whisper White for the bottom, stamped Peace on Earth from Four the Holidays, and used the Eyelet Border punch again. 

The 3×6 card fits in the Box sleeve with the Dove Chocolate perfectly.  I used the extra Handsome Hunter die cut dove that was already embossed on the front, layered it on Bravo Burgundy and placed on the Whisper White card stock.  The Bravo Burgundy Ribbon is wrapped around the entire front of the card.  Peace on Earth from Four the Holidays is stamped with Bravo Burgundy Classic Ink.  Thanks to my downline, Annette, for the inspiration on this project! 

Whew…hope you enjoyed my projects!  Come back later next week and I'll post the directions on making the Dove Chocolate Box Sleeve!

Next stop is the fabulous Mary Brown!  I know you'll enjoy her projects!

Tour de Freaks Coming Soon

Yep…it is almost here!  Friday, November 20th is the next round of Tour de Freaks, brought to you by the Control Freak Swappers!  The theme this month is Christmas gifts…small stocking stuffers, ornaments, gift collections, altered items!  I can't WAIT to see what the twelve bloggers will have in store for us!  Mark your calendar and see you then!

INKspired Treasures Blog

October Tour de Freaks

Yes!  It's the Tour de Freaks Blog Tour, brought to you by members of the Control Freak Swappers.  You've probably just come from Melanie's Blog and you'll go to Mary's after mine…her link is at the bottom of my post.  The theme this month is Christmas!  I can't wait to see what everyone has done…I know it will be fabulous!

My first project is a step card.  Those that are in the Control Freaks swap will remember the Snowman Gift Card I did for the swap.  I used the same colors and design for my Simple Seasonal Thanks Snowman.  I love the Bermuda Bay, Real Red and White combo this year!  If you haven't made one of these, come back later this week for the template! EDIT:  You can find the template in THIS POST!

I started by stamping the snowman with Basic Black Classic Ink and coloring him with my AquaPainter and Bermuda Bay Stampin' Write Marker.  Then I added the Real Red for the polka dots and hat band, then Pretty in Pink for his cheeks and Pumpkin Pie for his nose.  I added 3 Black Mini Brads for his buttons.  I cut him out and applied Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to the sides of his body and face.  At the bottom of each "step", I tore some Whisper White cardstock for a line of snow.  The second tier has snowballs, punched with the 1/2 circle punch and sponged with Bashful Blue ink on the edges.  They are all stacked up ready for playing.  The top tier has a sign post cut from Close to Cocoa cardstock.  The sign I stamped Merry Christmas from Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched with the Modern Label punch.  I applied the Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the snowline, snowballs and the top of the sign.  It was FUN making this!

My second project is an altered metal sign.  It stands out from the wall, so it has a really neat 3D look to it.  Originally it had the word LIKE on it with rustic tones (don't know why anyone would want a sign that said LIKE on it!)  I immediately thought of altering it with SNOW!  I like that MUCH better!  I can't wait to hang this up with my holiday decorations (although I can wait for actual snow to arrive!)

I started by cutting the Bashful Blue cardstock with the measurements for each panel.  Then I stamped Serene Snowflakes randomly with Bashful Blue Classic Ink all over the cardstock.  I went back with the trio snowflake stamp from that set and used the Frost Shimmer Paint.  This REALLY adds a lot of shimmer to the background, but it is SO hard to capture with the camera! 

I cut out each of the SNOW letters with my Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz Dies from White Sparkle Foam…so pretty!  They are adhered to the Bashful Blue cardstock with mini glue dots.  I tore some Whisper White cardstock for the snow line.  Then I stamped the small and large Hostess Only Level 2 Snow Buddies snowmen in Basic Black on Whisper White and colored them with my Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue and Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write markers.  I added more Frost Shimmer Paint to their bodies. 

I stamped the Simple Snowflake from the back of the Idea book in Bashful Blue on Whisper White cardstock and punched it with the new Snowflake punch that matches!  Quick & Easy!  Each snowflake has a Light Blue Rhinestone circle brad in the center of it.  I wrapped some White Stripe Organza Ribbon around the top of the left panel and the right side of the right one.  The O has some Bashful Blue ribbon wrapped around one side.  Finally, I stamped Let It Snow from Punch Pals and punched it with the Modern Label Punch, then layered it on the Scallop Oval cut from Ballet Blue.  I think it is a great decoration and wished they had more of them!

Supplies:

Sets:  Serene Snowflakes, Snow Buddies, Punch Pals, Simple Snowflake

Inks:  Basic Black, Bashful Blue (Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Markers)

Cardstock:  Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Accessories:  Frost Shimmer Paint, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, White Stripe Organza Ribbon, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz Die, Snowflake Punch, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads,

Head on over to the next stop on the Tour…Mary Brown!  I'm sure Mary will have some FABULOUS surprises for you, too!

Tour de Freaks Tour

Wow!  The Tour de Freaks Blog Tour starts today!  You’ve probably just come from Melanie’s Blog if you are going in order of the tour. 

I’m so excited to see what fun things the Control Freak swappers have done this month!  Make sure to hop on the Tour and check them out for yourself!  You’ll have 15 stops this month to enjoy.  At the bottom you’ll see how to click to the next stop!

My first card uses Eat, Drink & Be Scary…truly one of my FAVORITE Halloween sets.  Those of you that know me, know that I’m a Halloween stamp NUT!  I can’t stop buying them and making cards!  I wanted this to look like the witch had hung up her hat for the night.  So…I have it resting on a fence post (Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel) with the full moon behind it.

I started with a base card of Sahara Sand and layered on Pumpkin Pie cardstock, then added some Cast A Spell Designer Paper to the left side.  The new 5/8 Black Grosgrain ribbon hides the seam.  I wheeled the Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel on Sahara Sand cardstock with Whisper White Craft Ink, let it dry, then cut it out with my Stampin’ Up! Hobby Blade.  I stamped the hat from Eat, Drink & Be Scary in Basic Black on Whisper White, cut it out and added a Pumpkin Pie band of cardstock.  Finally, I stamped the spider from Eat Drink & Be Scary in Basic Black in the upper left corner.  I think it makes a FUN card!

My next card uses the stamping set, Falling Leaves and a layout Mary Brown and I found a LONG time ago…we actually did a challenge with it.  So, I decided to recreate it here with new products!  I love this set…the images are small enough that they fit in a lot of punches.  I started with a base of More Mustard and wheeled Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel in More Mustard Ink all over it.  I used a piece Autumn Meadows Designer Paper and layered it on Chocolate Chip Cardstock and used the Corner Rounder punch on both layers.  I added a strip of Taken with Teal cardstock along the right edge and a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock, wrapped with Kraft Taffeta Ribbon along the bottom of the Autumn Meadows Designer Paper.  I stamped one leaf with Taken with Teal on Very Vanilla and punched with the 1 1/4 circle punch.  This was layered on a 1 3/8 circle of Chocolate Chip and then a Scallop Circle of More Mustard, pierced with the Piercing tool.  The other leaf was stamped with More Mustard on Very Vanilla and layered on 1 3/8 circle of Taken with Teal.  Both were popped up with Dimensionals.  Finally, I stamped Grateful from Falling Leaves in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla and punched it with the Modern Tag Punch.

Next, I made a set of frosted glass coasters using the Falling Leaves stamp set.  I kept them simple…I couldn’t use a lot of thickness.  I found the coasters at my local K*** Department Store.  They are a nice, heavy weight set of 4 coasters with a black stand!  I’ll be using these in my Family Room and change out the inserts for each holiday!  Wouldn’t they make a nice gift for your holiday hostesses?

The opening is a 2 x 3 size, so I cut a piece of Sage Shadow cardstock to that size, then wheeled Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel over each one with Sage Shadow ink.  I punched Scallop Squares of Creamy Caramel cardstock, each one was sponged with the same ink as the leaf.  I stamped the different leaves in Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant and Bravo Burgundy Classic ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and cut them out.  Each leaf was popped up with Dimensionals on the Scallop Square punched piece.  That’s it!  Pretty simple, but I think they make a WOW!

Next up is my good friend, Mary Brown!  I’m sure she has some FABULOUS projects, so check her blog and continue the tour!

Tour de Freaks Blog Tour & Bloggers Challenge 113

It’s here!  The 20th of the month, which means Tour de Freaks Blog Tour!  It also doubles as my Bloggers Challenge this week which is to use die cuts on your card! 

This month you’ll have 13 stops on the tour…I’m stop #4.  You’ve probably just come from Shona Watson’s BLOG.  I know you will enjoy the projects we have lined up for you to view!  The theme this month is In Colors!  The gals in this group ALWAYS do awesome work!  I’m so happy to have been invited to be a member of the Control Freaks Swap Group…it has been FOUR years this month!  Hard to believe!

My first project is a little birdhouse ornament.  Wouldn’t these look cute hanging on your Christmas tree?  Can you tell what I used?  Yes, the Matchbox XL Bigz Die!  I’ve had this idea in my head since I first saw the Matchbox die.  In fact, I did submit a similar one to Stampin’ Up!  

For the outside cover I used Bermuda Bay and punched a Scallop Oval in the top panel, then added some Thoroughly Modern Designer Paper on each side.  The inside box is Real Red.  I made a little scene with two birds from Cheep Talk and the Leaves Sizzlet die.  The nest is small slivers of Kraft cardstock crimped and curled into a ball, then stuck on with Mini Glue Dots.  The Cardinals are stamped in Real Red, with their beaks colored in with Pumpkin Pie and legs with Close to Cocoa.  I added a little roof made from Soft Suede cardstock and covered it with Designer Paper, too.  Before I put the two sides of the roof together, I added a ribbon hanger at the top.  (Check back next week for a little tutorial on how this was all put together!) 

Finally, to finish decorating the outside, I added the Snowflake punched from Faux Diamond Dust paper (Iridescent Ice EP over Whisper White).  Then stamped the trio of snowflakes from the hostess set Christmas Punch in Bermuda Bay and punched them out with the Boho Blossoms punch (did you know they fit perfectly???)  Added some Red Mini Brads to the centers of the snowflakes.  

This next card is a wiper card (purely coincidental that SCS has the tutorial this week)…mine has been done for ages!  I used the stamp set For All You Do and stamped the stems in Old Olive and the flowers in Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry.  The tag says Thank You and is punched with the Modern Label punch from Melon Mambo cardstock.  The Whisper White panel is layered onto Rich Razzleberry cardstock.  The base part of the Wiper Card is Crushed Curry and I ran the front and back panels thru the Big Shot with my Finial Press Embossing Folder for some extra texture!  The inside "wiper" is made from Whisper White and I stamped the greeting on it and rounded the corners with the Corner Rounder punch. Then I stamped the butterfly with Melon Mambo and cut it out and adhered it to the right right corner of the wiper.  When you press the sides together in and out, the wiper pops up, then hides inside the two sides.  Cute project to make for class!

My last project was also a card for my niece’s birthday last weekend!  I started with a base of Melon Mambo and adhered a layer of Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper across the bottom.    Some Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon hides the seam.  I used the Flower Layers Bigz Die and cut flowers from Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Leaves (from Build A Flower Sizzlet die) from Old Olive.  I ran all of the pieces thru my Big Shot with the Finial Press Embossing Folder.  I used dimensionals between the layers when I stacked them together and added a Summer Sun Corduroy Button in the center!  I LOVE the outside…but wait until you see the inside!

I used the new Look Here XL Bigz Die cut from Rich Razzleberry.  I took the picture without the gift card so you could see it better.  I lined the back and bottom front panel with more Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper.  I punched the Butterfly from the purple pattern of Razzleberry Lemonade and added a Melon Mambo body with my Slot Punch.  And, finally I added the Birthday Greetings from On Your Birthday stamped on Crushed Curry and rounded the corners with my Corner Rounder.  She LOVED it!  (I’ll show you her brother’s card next week!)

Next stop is Mary Brown at StamperCamper Blog!  I’m sure she will has some FABULOUS ideas!