Kind Thoughts Brocade Stencil

My poor little blog has been neglected for so long! I've been creating like mad. Just haven't taken the time to post. For a craft fair in the fall and Christmas gifts I made "treasure boxes" using the Kind Thoughts Brocade Stencil by Stampin' Up. I loved experimenting with this stencil and playing with the items used. This box was inspired by a fellow demo Regina Andari Take a minute to look at her creations. You are sure to find inspiration, I know I have. I used the same colors - Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay. I started by sponging the wood box with Soft Suede. I layed the stencil on top and applied stencil paste. Waited a minute or so to ensure that the paste was in place and carefully removed the stencil. Let it completely dry overnight. The next day I sponged Bermuda Bay here and there, added some half pearls from the Pretties Kit with Crystal Effects and the project was done. Quite pleased with the end result but not pleased with the way it photographs. My lighting did not pick up the Bermuda Bay and the Soft Suede is looking darker than it actually is....

For the fair I also made kits entitled 2009 Wife/Husband Survival Kits. In the Wife version I made a Father's Day card using the stencil again. I simply layed the stencil on Vanilla cardstock and sponged Not Quite Navy. Sponged the edges a little and adhered to Not Quite Navy cardstock. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped on Shimmery Paper using Not Quite Navy classic ink and the label punch. Added a little bling (not Stampin' Up). On the inside I stamped the image from the Kind Thoughts set on a layer of Vanilla.

I'm off to play with some new supplies!

Ornament Punch

Who says a punch has to be used what it's meant to?? Punched the image, cut off the tip, created a vase. There are many versions of this layout. This is mine. Hope you like it.

New Shimmer Paint from Stampin' Up

I can't believe that it's been two months since I posted anything!! Time has gone by so fast at this end. I thought I better post something today before you all forget about me LOL. The fall-Christmas mini catalog from Stampin' Up is out and in full swing. There are quite a few exciting new products. I am particularly liking the new shimmer paint. Having fun experimenting with it. On this card I used a small mister, added a few drops of Champagne Mist, filled the mister with 3/4 of water, gave it a good shake, sprayed the flower from Reversed Prints on Whisper White Cardstock added to a layer of Cranberry Crisp. Yes, all of this is retired, using up my stash to make way for new supplies. Used dimensionals to add to Old Olive cardstock stamped with the Floral background. Also embossed a dragonfly in gold.

Until next time, hopefully it won't be so long. Still working out the kicks with the wax paper technique.

Baby Cards

This week I designed some Baby Cards. This one turned out to be my favourite. I started with some Pretty In Pink cardstock and left over designer paper from a prints pack. Since there is a new Stampin' Up catalogue, I'm trying to use up some of my stored supplies. I ran the Cuttlebug folder "Our Baby" through the Big Shot, added some white taffeta ribbon (SU) and a baby face brad. The one below, I did the same, but with different colored paper.

Pink and blue once more, this time using Pink Pirouette (In Color that just retired) and Bordering Blue from the Rich Regal family. Ran the "Swiss Dots" Cuttlebug folder through the Big Shot and the Flower Layers Original Die from Stampin' Up. Used the largest flower to make it look like the stork was flying in front of a cloud. The stork is from a retired stamp set from Stampin' Up called Buggies and Booties. I embossed it in white, punched some hearts from a hand held punch and some gold cord.

I’m experimenting with the Wax Resist technique. Come back next week and see what I’ve come up with. Until then, have a great week!

Orange Bread

I have two creations for you this week. The first one was made for the fabulous Robbi of Arlen's Artisan Breads at the local Farmers Market. The kind hearted Robbi (wave to Robbi) gave me one of her marvellous Orange Breads. It was delicious! I made her this card using the scratch and sniff technique using a small amount of orange Kool-Aid and clear embossing powder. For the inside I simply stamped a few oranges on Whisper White cardstock.

For the second card I used the new Level 2 Hostess stamp set, Wings of Friendship,

Cardstock: Rose Red, Basic Black, Old Olive
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Cord (Retired) and a small butterfly charm (non SU)

Have a fabulous creative week!

Thank You Cards

I've been working on various Thank You Cards. All supplies used are from Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted. These two were very simple and quick to do. The Gratuitious Graffiti stamp was stamped with White Craft Ink on black cardstock and stamped with Black Craft Ink on white cardstock.

I saw this card in a magazine a few years ago and finally tried it. I stamped the Filigree stamp using Lavender Lace classic ink, then stamped it on the Big Blossom stamp and stamped it on white cardstock. Added a button from a package that was purchased at a local dollar store and sentiment from Warmest Regards.

This is Baja Breeze embossed with white using Pocket Silhouettes and the Thank You sentiment from Fresh Cuts.

Helen's Birthday

When I started this blog I had full intentions of posting every Sunday. As you can see, this has not occurred. I’ve had a computer crash and a few anxiety attacks over losing many files and pictures. Thanks to Jeff at Right Click on Glick and my beloved Evan, I’m “back up and running”. Keeping fingers crossed that all is well.

My “cyber” friend Helen celebrated her birthday in April. I only mention cyber since we have never met in person. We met a few years ago over the internet and have a struck a special friendship. Helen truly inspires me to be a better person. She had recently mentioned her passion for birds which motivated me to create this box and set of cards for her special day. In my stampin’ circle anything but a card is known as “this is not a Julie project”. Literally thinking outside the box and with the help of http://melstampz.blogspot.com/, a BIG thank you to Mel for the easy to follow instructions on making this box, I came up with this little gift. There are 5 different designs, two of each. It was created using Baja Breeze textured cardstock, Parisian Breeze designer paper with Brushed Copper cardstock and embossing powder. The pictures pretty much tell how they were designed. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Helen sent a beautiful thank you card with birds on it :) thanking me for the "beautiful cards and the time and love put into them".