Monday, April 30, 2012

Window Card

Supplies used:
  • Dies
    • Small shutter die (Memory Box)
    • Small window box die (Memory Box)
    • Small window die (Memory Box)
  • Sharpie Markers
  • Punches
    • Butterfly punch
    • Branch punch (Martha Stewart)
    • Frond punch (Martha Stewart)
    • Embroidered Floral Corner punch (Martha Stewart) - curtain
    • Flowers from these two
      • Daisy Dot border punch (Martha Stewart)
      • Scallop Daisy Border punch (Fiskars)
Want more window inspiration?  Check out this Splitcoast Stampers Gallery.
Note: I want to recommend Susana's Custom Art and Card Design for anyone wishing to purchase these (and other) Memory Box Dies.

Come back tomorrow to see a masculine window card!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Fresh Fruit Salad

I had guests for dinner last Sunday and wanted to do something different for fruit salad.  Here's the combo I came up with....

Fresh Fruit Salad
1 lb. strawberries
3 kiwi
1 mango
1/2 fresh pineapple
1/2 cup sugar

Peel the kiwi, mango, and pineapple.  Dice all fruit and add sugar. 
Refrigerate at least one hour.
Serve and Enjoy!
You could also serve this like fruit salsa with cinnamon chips or cinnamon graham crackers.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Silhouettes

I made this card for the  
Supplies used:
  • Silhouette image from Karen's Whimsy
  • Layered with free digital images from Mel Stampz
  • Doily (under silhouette image) 
  • Bic Marker (around silhouette image)
  • Papers from Recollections
  • Threading Water Border Punch (Fiskars)
  • 3D flower die (Sizzix)
  • Black Felt (Flower)
  • Studio G Glitter (Flower)
  • Pearls (behind flower)
  • Black Button
  • Homemade Baker's Twine
  • Dream Stamp (Creative Stamping Club)
  • Sewing machine and black thread

Here's the free silhouette printable I made

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Canvas Butterflies

I made three cards using my canvas butterflies. 
All use the same basic design with some minor changes on each card.
Supplies used:
  • Kraft cardstock
  • Script embossing folder (Provo craft)
  • Snow ink (Recollections)
    • inked over embossing
  • Doily
  • Gingham ribbon
  • Threading water border punch (Fiskars)
  • Lace
  • Canvas Butterfly
  • 3D flower die (Sizzix)
  • Purple Felt
  • Flower punch for Mini Roses (tutorial here)
  • Martha Stewart Branch punch
  • Pearls
Supplies used:
  • Kraft cardstock
  • Script embossing folder (Provo Craft)
  • Snow ink (Recollections)
  • Doily
  • Pink cardstock
  • Swiss dots embossing folder (Provo Craft)
  • Crocheted flower
  • Button 
  • Homemade Baker's Twine
  • Gingham ribbon
  • Threading water border punch (Fiskars)
  • Lace
  • Canvas butterfly
  • Pink paint (antennae)
  • Pink glitter (over paint)
Supplies used:
  • Kraft cardstock
  • Script embossing folder (Provo Craft)
  • Snow ink (Recollections)
  • Doily
  • Gingham ribbon
  • Threading water border punch (Fiskars)
  • Lace
  • Canvas Butterfly
  • Blue fiber (antennae) 
  • Sentiment from Butterfly Fancy (Creative Stamping Club)
  • Iced Got Flowers
  • Green button
  • Green Baker's Twine (homemade)
I'm putting together a post with lots of canvas inspiration from around the web....come back Thursday to view that!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Using Canvas

I've seen several cards of late that incorporate canvas into their design, either by tags or die cuts.  The last time I was at Hobby Lobby I checked the scrapbooking aisle just to see what "pre-made" canvas tags cost.....here you have it $2.99 for 3 tags!  You can also buy sticky back canvas (here) ... to achieve this at home just run your cut canvas through a xron sticker machine.
I didn't really plan on buying any tags because the other side of the store sells fabric....including canvas!  Since I had a 40% off coupon (printable on the Hobby Lobby site) I ended up with 1/2 yard of canvas for $3. (It's actually double what you see below since it's folded in 1/2.) Imagine how many tags (or other shapes) you could cut out of this!
Here's a little closer view of the butterflies I cut with my Sizzix die and stamped.
Supplies used:
  • Butterfly and Dragonfly die (Sizzix)
  • Rose stamp from Nature's Beauty (Creative Stamping Club)
  • Script from Background and Beyond (Creative Stamping Club)
  • Black Stazon ink
  • Crayola markers
  • Studio G glitter

Come back tomorrow to see how I used these three canvas butterflies on cards.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Stamped Punch Window

 I made these two cards for Technique Tuesday -- Stamped Punch Window. They turned out to be a lot of fun to create, and it was enjoyable using a new technique to do it!
 Supplies used:
  • HOMEMADE Baker's Twine (SEE THIS POST by the Frugal Crafter for a tutorial!)
  • Button
  • Stickles Glitter (on butterflies)
  • Blue Ultra Fine Glitter
  • Crochet Butterfly (SEE THIS POST)
  • Patterned Paper Scrap (in window)
  • Punches/Dies
    • Butterfly punch
    • Monarch Butterflies Trim Border Punch (Martha Stewart)
    • Ornate Labels #3 (Sizzix)
    • Branch Punch (Martha Stewart)
    • Corner Rounder (Fiskars)
  • Stamps
    •  Posy Patch Flowers (Heartfelt Creations)
    • Distressing (Glitz Design) text overlay
    • Floral Framelits (Sizzix)
  • Ink
    • Easter Eggs (Color Box)
    • Aquarium Color Pigment Ink Pads(Martha Stewart)
    • Snow Chalk Ink Pad (Recollections)
    • Sharpie Marker (faux stitching) 

In case there's someone who can't view the video on the frugal crafter's blog for making baker's twine (and I happen to know there's at least one), I made a short picture tutorial for you.
What you'll need: 1. Crochet thread 2. Permanent Marker 3. piece of cardboard
Wrap the thread around your piece of cardboard and make lines on it (like pictured) with desired color.
(Lindsey actually wrapped hers around a ruler ---whatever works for you.)
Unwind and "wa-la" ---- homemade Baker's Twine!
Considering that you only pay about $2.79 for 400 yards of white cotton thread (Hobby Lobby) and it cost $3.99 for 26 yards of Baker's Twine in only three colors (Hobby Lobby) --- this is a VERY "frugal" idea!
 (I just found cotton thread at the thrift store for 39 cents....even better deal!)
Linked to:

Thursday, April 19, 2012

More Quilt Blocks

Yesterday I posted the "vertical" version of these layered quilt cards (see this post for links to the pattern and other quilt card links).
Today's version has a Bible verse on the side (from Biblical Impressions).
I changed the layers a bit -- using the same papers, but changed the order I put them on.
I used a Sharpie marker for the faux stitching.


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Layered Paper Quilt Cards

I found a great use for scraps....make them into a quilt block to be used on a card or scrapbook page! 
In order to make the quilt block the "main attraction" I kept the rest of the card fairly simple.
 Some faux stitching with Sharpie markers, and a simple Word Border Stamp (Hero Arts) completes the card.
 I'll have the horizontal version of these same colors for your tomorrow.
My favorite thing about these cards is how 3D the quilt block is.
For more quilt inspiration:

Monday, April 16, 2012

Sleeve Dress

Another American Girl outfit - recycled from a tee shirt sleeve. I followed this tutorial for making it -- minus the way they put the sleeves in.  I actually used the sleeve pattern from this dress...it fit perfectly!
The hat, purse, and scarf (above) was a set from Wal-mart for 18 in. dolls (I bought it for my daughter sometime last year).  My daughter is into hats like this now, so it's kind of neat that Felicity can match her!
A simpler look can be achieved with a simple ribbon sash.
I'm thinking a leopard print "belt" would make my daughter pretty happy -- maybe I'll have to make one of those this week.
This post linked to:


Friday, April 13, 2012

Felicity's New Clothes

Here's the first outfit I finished for my daughter's American Girl doll. I had SO MUCH FUN making this, and have already started on some more outfits. 
The shirt pattern came from here...... I used a tee shirt of my own that had gotten "ruined" and recycled it to make this little pink tee shirt for Felicity. My favorite part is the ruffles in front!!
 The skirt pattern came from here..... I recycled a pair of jeans that were given to my husband, but didn't fit!  I got the "bright idea" to embroider some vines and flowers on it, and I'm lovin' the way it turned out.
I drew the vines on with a pen before embroidering and then added some lazy daisy stitch flowers intermittently.
 I also did a button closure instead of velcro, and did a rag edge finish (it wasn't washed yet in these photo's -- but once washed it will look like these ones that Christa did).
I wouldn't mind having an outfit like this myself...afraid I don't have the patience to make one "life size" though!
This post linked to:

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Scarves for Dolls

If you follow me on Pinterest you've seen all my American Girl Doll pins these past two days. (If not here's the board I pinned them too!) I've printed off several patterns and have several items "in progress," but my (impatient like her mother) daughter wanted something now! So I made her the simple scarf (tutorial here) last night.  Actually, I made two of them --- one for Felicity and one for her "American Girl look alike" doll from Target (shown above). They were very simple, and quick to whip up.
(BTW- the skirt she's wearing is one I made last year -- for more info go to this post.)


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Poppies

A friend "ordered" this card Saturday night.  (Thankfully) It came together fairly quickly since she needed it by Sunday morning!

Supplies:
  • Poppies Die (Provo Craft)
  • Stickles Glitter
    • clear and red on poppies
  • Rhinestones
    • centers of poppies
  • Floral note from Tania at Wild Heart
  • Threading Water Border Punch (Fiskars)
  • Red Gingham Ribbon
  • Kassie's Brocade Embossing Folder (Sizzix)
  • Scripture Stamp from Biblical Impressions
Here's a little closer view so you can see the glitter on the poppies -- clear on the top ones and red on the bottom set.
This post linked to:
Whatever you want Wednesday 
Little Birdie Blessings 
Word Art Wednesday

Monday, April 9, 2012

Peanut Butter Eggs

I realize Easter is over for this year, but I wanted to share the peanut butter eggs I made last week.  I gifted most of them to church people (and used the pretty gift bags Abby sent me -- THANK YOU ABBY!), but of course some of them made their way into mine (and my families) mouth first!
Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe #1
6 T. butter, softened
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup marshmallow creme
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate (or White) candy coating OR 1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
shortening OR oil
Combine butter, peanut butter, and marshmallow creme --beat till smooth.  Gradually beat in powdered sugar.  Refrigerate for 1 hour before forming into eggs.  Freeze the eggs for 1 hour before dipping in chocolate.  
Melt the chocolate candy coating and 2 tsp. shortening or oil. Stir till smooth, dip eggs. Let stand till set. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe #2
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
4 sheets of graham crackers (crushed)
4 T. butter
3/4 tsp. salt
3-4 T. milk
Chocolate (or White) candy coating OR 1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Shortening OR Oil
Combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham crackers, butter, salt, and milk.  Mix well. 
Form into eggs, freeze 1 hour. 
Melt candy coating and 2 tsp. shortening or oil.
Dip eggs.
Let set till chocolate hardens.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate.
Enjoy!

My personal favorite is the second recipe.  The first one turns out pretty soft and creamy inside -- sort of tastes like the peanut butter fudge I make.  The second is a bit firmer, and I just like the taste of it a bit better. 
This post linked to:
Whatever you want Wednesday
Tip Junkie handmade projects

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Scripture Freebies

Happy Easter Everyone!

Images courtesy of: Graphics Fairy, Papercraft Memories

Friday, April 6, 2012

Candy Bouquet

A young friend of mine lost her grandma recently, and I wanted to do something to let her know I care.  Being me -- I wanted something different and "original."  I finally settled on a homemade candy bouquet.  It was twice as enjoyable to do up since another friend spent the afternoon helping me make the candy and putting it all together. She's the one who got me my cake pop/donut hole maker for Christmas, so it was fitting that she was here when I used it first.  Here's what we included in the basket:
  1. Chocolate Covered Peeps
  2. Chocolate Covered Oreos
  3. Butterfly Lollipops
  4. Brownie Cake Pops
I chose a fun little bowl (from Wal-mart) that has water in it with spring things floating inside for the base of my arrangement.

A few little tips:
  • Add 1 T. shortening (or oil) to your chocolate to thin it and make it easy to apply
  • You can add food coloring (GEL ONLY) to White Almond Bark and make it whatever color you want instead of buying the bags of colored chocolate!  You'll want to add a bit extra shortening (or oil) though as it makes the chocolate thicker
  • I melt my chocolate in the microwave in an "old" cool whip (or soft margarine) container.  I heat for 30 seconds, stir, reheat for 30 more seconds etc. till chocolate is melted. THEN after I'm finished I throw the container away -- no cleaning up the smudges/smears of 1/2 melted chocolate! 
The recipe I used for the Cake Pops uses a brownie mix.......let me tell you they turned out to be addicting.....they sort of have a Reese cup taste with the peanut butter in the icing.

Brownie Cake Pops
1 brownie mix
water
egg
oil
1 cup sour cream
Preheat Cake Pop and Donut hole maker
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions
Fold in sour cream
Bake cake pops following directions on maker
Cool
For the icing I melted chocolate and added peanut butter to it.
Dip balls in icing
Let set till hardened 
ENJOY!
This post linked to:

Tip Junkie handmade projects

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter Bulletin Board

Here's my bulletin board decoration for the month of April.  I found the instructions for the 3D  flower on this post from Splitcoast Stampers -- isn't that a lovely yellow flower?

Supplies used:
  • Build a Lilac Die (Sizzix)
  • Bloom Dots Border Punch (Martha Stewart )
  • Embroidered Floral Corner Punch (Martha Stewart)
  • Branch Punch (Martha Stewart)
  • Posie Patch Stamp Set (Heartfelt Creations)
  • Candy Cane Strip Embossing Folder (Sizzix)
  •  Stickles Glitter
  • Sharpie Marker (faux stitching
  • Purple Ribbon
  • White Brad
Linked to:
Word Art Wednesday
Easter Challenge at Card Crafter's Circle 
Little Birdie Blessings Scripture Thursday

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Tote Bag

This tote bag follows the pattern I linked to Monday (here).....except mine isn't as big as the pattern calls for....it's a really BIG tote when made according to the directions!!
 I really like the bright cheery colors of this bag, makes me think of spring!
Inside: I didn't add pockets to this one -- it's meant to be carried as a tote, not a purse. It's lined with pretty white fabric that has just a hint of floral design in it
I paired this tote with a set of these notecards and gave it as a gift to one of my husband's co-workers that had a birthday earlier this month!
Linked to: