Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Wintery Birthday Shadow Box Easel




Happy New Years Eve!

I mentioned yesterday that I needed a couple of male birthday cards right after Christmas - this is the one I made for my Dad.  I had been looking through the Splitcoast Stampers gallery and came across a square shaped shadow box easel card (whoa...say that three times fast!) and decided to give it a go using my Oval Framelits.  This type of card is by no means a "quick" card - the making of the shadow box is a little tedious, along with the layering, but this card looks so pretty in real life!  It also doesn't fit into a regular sized envelope but if you have an envelope punch its easy peasy to make a custom envelope.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Warmth & Wonder, Wetlands
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Watercolor Wonder DSP (available January 3, 2014 in the Spring catalogue)
Ink: Soft Sky, Smoky Slate, Early Espresso, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Oval Framelits, Autumn Accents die, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon, Linen Thread, White Gel Pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tombow liquid adhesive, Stampin Dimensionals, Fiberfill

If you are familiar with the layout of an easel card, this card is not much different.  Instead of adding your stamped image on the stand up easel portion you switch it out for a shadow box of the same shape.  I love the way it frames an image.  In this case I decided on the size of the card, cut out all the working mechanical pieces, then cut another piece of Whisper White cardstock to the largest size oval I was using then worked on stamping my images.

The background I sponged and stamped is quite similar to my Silent Night card I created a while back although in this case I chose to use the Lovely as a Tree set and sponged the sky and clouds with softer colors.  Once I assembled all the pieces I glued a small amount of Fiberfill to the bottom of the stamped scene to add a little texture and the look of fluffy snow.  A strip of Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon tidies up the edges of the frame nicely.  The leaves from the Autumn Accents die add a finishing touch and act as the "holder" for the stand up portion of the easel.

If your interested in seeing a more in depth step by step tutorial please let me know and I will attempt to create one :)

Well, that's all for 2013!  Thank you to all who stopped by and left such wonderful comments!  I hope I can continue to inspire with my projects for 2014.  I'm going to push myself to create more videos and tutorials in 2014 ~ after all, Stampin' Up!'s motto is "Inspire. Create. Share"!

See you in the New Year!!
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Monday, December 30, 2013

Masculine Moose Birthday

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!  We had a busy few days - as much as I love the holiday's I'm anxious to get back into a normal life routine; including blogging.  I have a couple of posts planned for this week, then I'll get back into full blogging mode in the New Year.

As soon as Christmas is over the rush of birthday's in my family begins.  My Uncle's birthday is on Boxing Day followed by my Dad's on the 27th!  Its non stop partying around this place (hahaha!)  The card I'm sharing today is the one I made for my Uncle.  He's always loved hunting so choosing this stamp set was the obvious choice!  I roughed the edges up a bit with my distressing tool and made it look slightly worn with the help of the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set.  I held off a long time ordering that set and truly regret not getting it sooner! It's such a versatile set!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Walk in the Wild, Woodgrain, Gorgeous Grunge, Wetlands
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizazz, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Soft Sky, Gumball Green
Accessories: Circle Framelits, Sponge Daubers, Silver Buttons (retired), Large Oval punch, Linen Thread, Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon, Distressing Tool, Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow liquid adhesive

I'll be back tomorrow with my final blog post of 2013!  I'm thinking about doing another Year in Review post highlighting some of my favorite/popular posts as my first post in 2014 - any suggestions as to which cards/projects should make the list?

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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season with family and friends!  We are currently gearing up for the 26 pound turkey that is happily roasting in my oven and making my house smell DIVINE :)

I painted, sponged, and stamped this wood plaque my husband cut out for me last year just before the holidays.  If you'd like to read more on how I made it, click HERE.

I will be back later on in the week with a couple new projects; until then safe travels and warm wishes!
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Monday, December 23, 2013

Wrapped Up Frosty & Christmas Table Decor


Happy Monday!

Wowsers - another cold one in these parts!  I hope it warms up so Santa's sleigh can make it here in a couple days :)
Because were only a couple days away from the Christmas I thought I'd share the last two projects I created for this U Stamp with Dawn's session, Wrapping Up the Holidays in today's post.  First up is a little Kraft box decorated as Frosty to hold a few goodies.  Isn't he cute?!  I love how his happy little smile turned out! They would make a perfect gift for a neighbor or co-worker with a few shortbread cookies tucked inside. I meant to give this one away myself but frankly I just can't part with him!

For my final project I wanted to to something that would add a little fun to the Holiday table setting.  I think the Santa hat is my favorite (I knew I kept that whole bag of little jingle bells for a reason)!   The Christmas Cracker is the perfect size to hold a lipstick sized item, a small treat bag of goodies/nuts, or if you have a table of stampers, an ink refill fits perfectly!

Keep in mind that its still not too late if you'd like to sign up for this round - there are many projects that can easily be used for New Years or if slightly altered for any occasion during the upcoming year.  You can find the link at http://ustampwithdawnandfriendsbloghop.ning.com/

Well, I'm off for the day!  I've gotten my ENTIRE to do list done, including the cards and projects I wanted finished before the New Year.  I have a few ideas for new projects that I can't wait to dig into - I received my box of goodies from the new Spring catalogue and am anxious to get started as soon as the Christmas rush is over.

Until next time...
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Friday, December 20, 2013

Quick Homemade Christmas Gifts!


Good Morning!

Wowsers - I have been MIA for nearly a week!  I figured if I didn't post at least once this week I might get put on the "Naughty List"!  It wasn't completely intentional; I'm sure everyone can attest to the craziness that surrounds this time of year.  I'm not yet done all my Christmas prep but I'm close; there are still a few cards and projects I need to finish up along with decorating some Christmas cookies and wrapping presents.  Eek! Putting a to do list into written words sends me into panic mode!

My son's last day of school before the Holiday's was yesterday and I made little gifts for his classmates and teachers that I thought I would share with you today.  These little high heeled shoes have been floating around for a while and make the perfect gift holder for any occasion during the year.  I downloaded the template at skiptomylou.org - you can find the base template HERE, and the inside liner template HERE.  I made them in a few different colors and used leftover Christmas paper from last year's Holiday catalogue to make the inside liners.  After assembling them I added a bow with a large pearl to the toe.  Super cute, super easy to assemble and a hit with the teachers!
Inside each shoe I added a bottle of nail polish and a nail file.  I then wrapped them up in a clear bag and added a sleeve of yummy chocolate and a body lotion.  The gift tag was made in My Digital Studio and reads "Just a little something for your Mistle-toes".

Supplies: 

Stamp sets: N/A
Cardstock: Strawberry Slush, Gumball Green, Coastal Cabana, Snow Festival DSP
Ink: N/A
Accessories: Large Pearls, Sticky Strip, Tombow Liquid Adhesive, Paper Snips, Large Oval punch, My Digital Studio (for the gift tag)

For the kids I wanted to give something that might come in useful during the Holidays when parents are faced with the "I'm bored" conversation.  I stumbled upon some great recipes for scented Playdough on Pinterest and had an ah-ha moment.  I whipped up a couple of batches of the Gingerbread scented variety and added a Gingerbread man cookie cutter to the outside of the package, along with a recipe card I made in My Digital Studio.  This Playdough smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  So good in fact that my 2 year old assumed it was the real deal and popped a piece of it in his mouth.  Let's just say that by the look on his face it doesn't taste as good as it smells! Thank goodness for homemade, non-toxic, edible recipes!

If you'd like the recipe here's a copy of the tag I made in MDS


My boys enjoying their playdough!

In light of last week's Grinch week I thought it might be appropriate to share one photo of some baking I've been doing this week: Whoville Pinwheel Cookies!
These are SOOOO much work, but how cute are they?!  The recipe suggests leaving half of the dough white and the other half green but I thought red and green for Christmas might be more festive!  If you'd like the recipe you can find it on my Pinterest site under my "Yummies" boards.

Until next time...
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Maybe Christmas is a Little Bit More...


Its Friday and that means Day #5 in my week devoted to the Grinch.  I haven't used My Digital Studio in quite some time so I thought it might be fun to include a project designed in there.  I'd seen this photo of the Grinch's hand online and used it as inspiration.  The Grinch's hand and arm are drawn entirely freehand within the program; and let's just say that's NOT as easy as you might think! LOL

Either way I like a challenge and love that now that I've got the designing and executing out of the way I can print it ANY size I want to put out with my other Holiday decorations!  For this year I choose to print it    5"x 7" and added another punch art Cindy Lou Who along with a double bow to spruce up the frame but I think I'll change it up next year when I have a little more time - I think the frame would look fabulous painted lime green or red, don't you think??  Maybe lime green with red polka dots!  There are so many other possibilities!  I think another great idea would be to print it onto our Canvas Creations paper and stretch it around a frame for a real artsy painted look, or use it on a Christmas card with Family Photos surrounding it...just use your imagination!


I hope you've enjoyed my Grinch themed week here on the blog!  I'm still hoping to finish another house similar to Cindy Lou Who's luminary to add to the collection before Christmas, so check back for that if your interested in creating your own Whoville Village.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  There's still plenty of time to complete a project or two so grab a cup of hot chocolate and stay awhile for some inspiration or step by step tutorials from my Tutorial Store!
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Merry Christmas from Cindy Lou Who


Hello!
Welcome to Day #4 in Grinch week here at Porch Swing Creations!  What Grinch week would it be without little miss Cindy Lou Who?  I decided to use her on a card front but you could easily add a little easel behind her and use her as a 3D element along with Cindy Lou Who's House Luminary or attach her to the The Grinch's Sleigh Candy Holder.  I love when you can add on to a project and make it something a little bit better!
I've made a step by step photo guide to create your own little Cindy Lou Who, but please be warned that this is a lengthy post.  Punch art is sometimes a little tedious (or mine seems to be sometimes anyway), but the results are so rewarding, its worth it!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Endless Wishes (SOLD OUT)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Primrose Petals, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Real Red Brights Designer Series Pack
Ink: Primrose Petals, Basic Black, Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Punches: Pennant, Owl Builder, 1/2" circle, Extra Large oval, Small Oval, Boho Blossoms, Window Label
Accessories: Sponge Daubers, White Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Black marker, Tombow liquid adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, white gel pen, paper snips


  • Begin by punching an Extra large oval from Primrose Petals cardstock
  • Feed the punched oval back into the same punch slightly and punch.  Do this for both sides of the oval


  • Your oval should now look something like this
  • Punch 2 of the smallest flowers in the Boho Blossoms punch from Primrose Petals cardstock.  Cut one in half with paper snips as pictured
  • The full flower will be used as the hem of the dress, the 3 petal piece as the sleeve cuff, and the 4 petal piece as the dress collar
  • Line up a piece of Primrose Petals cardstock into the body portion of the Owl punch as pictured and punch out
  • Cut this piece in half at an angle, discarding the top portion 
  • Sponge all Primrose Petals pieces with Primrose Petals ink
  • This piece will be used as the arm
  • From Real Red cardstock punch a 1 1/4" circle and one Small Oval
  • Cut the Small oval into thirds as pictured, discarding the two outer portions
  • Sponge the edges with Basic Black ink
  • Glue the small oval piece behind the circle with just the top exposed to create the tree ornament
  • Punch 1 of the smallest flowers in the Boho Blossoms punch from Blushing Bride cardstock.  Trim into 2 pieces, one with two petals and one with 4 petals.  Both pieces will be used as the hands
  • Sponge the edges with Primrose Petals ink.  A sponge dauber works best for pieces this small
  • Begin assembling the pieces using Tombow liquid adhesive, along with the help of tweezers
  • Assemble as pictured
  • Glue the arm to the body, followed by the hand then the cuff of the sleeve.
  • Glue the remaining hand to the outside edge of the tree ornament
  • Punch the following pieces to create the head:
    • 2 small ovals from Daffodil Delight cardstock
    • 1 small oval from Blushing Bride cardstock (sponge the edges with Primrose Petals ink)
    • 1 foot on the Owl punch body in Blushing Bride
    • 2 of the middle sized circles in the Owl punch from Whisper White cardstock
    • 2 of the middle sized circles in the Owl punch from Bermuda Bay cardstock
    • 1 straight edge triangle from the Pennant punch in Melon Mambo cardstock
  • Using a pencil, lightly sketch each of the circles into an oval shape
  • Cut out using paper snips
  • With a sponge dauber, sponge the edges with Basic Black ink
  • Glue the Bermuda Bay ovals onto the Whisper White ovals
  • With a pencil sketch a hair line onto one of the Daffodil Delight small ovals and cut out with paper snips
  • On the second Daffodil Delight oval, sketch 2 triangular shapes and cut out with paper snips
  • Assemble the hair pieces as pictured using Tombow and glue down to the Blushing Bride oval.
  • With a Basic Black marker draw some hair lines into the hair
  • Glue the eyes in place
  • Trim the edges of the "owl foot" and glue in place to create the nose.
  • Sketch a mouth, eyelashes, and eyebrows with a pencil first then when satisfied go over the lines with a Basic Black marker (the fine tip)
  • Glue a small rectangular piece of Blushing Bride at the base of the head to create a neck
  • With paper snips cut a small triangle into the base of the larger Melon Mambo triangle.
  • Cut again at an angle to create a bow for Cindy Lou's hair.  Repeat this process a second time for 2 hair bows.
  • Glue the hair bows in place behind the head
  • Cut a small portion off of a piece of Basic Black cardstock, discard the punched piece.
  • Place the cut piece of cardstock back into the punch and punch a very thin "slice"
  • Cut this punched piece in half
  • Cut 2 small strips of Basic Black cardstock.  Glue the curly pieces to the top of each strip
  • Glue the antennae behind the head, in between the bows
  • Glue the head to the body
  • Punch a Window Label from Basic Black cardstock
  • Trim a small portion from around the outside edge of the label.
  • Cut off one of the sides, just prior to where the label curves to create the ornament hook
  • Glue a small strip of Basic Black cardstock behind the top of the tree ornament before gluing the hook from the previous step in place
  • Add a few dots of white gel pen here and there to bring Cindy Lou to life
To complete the card I added a 1/2" wide border of Real Red chevron paper from the Brights DSP collection over a base of Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged a small shadow of Chocolate Chip ink under the feet of Cindy Lou before placing her on the card front with dimensionals.  The sentiment from the Photopolymer set Endless Wishes worked well to be placed up the side of the card with Real Red ink, and I finished with a double bow made from Whisper White taffeta ribbon.

I hope you enjoy making your very own Cindy Lou Who and are enjoying my Grinch week as much as I am! I'll see you back here tomorrow for Day#5!

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Grinch's Sleigh Candy Holder


Welcome to Day 3 of Grinch week!  Today the Grinch and Max are attempting a quick getaway with a sleigh full of yummy treats!  This candy dish, approximately 2 1/2" wide x 7" high, is a great size to sit on your desk to share with co-workers or for your kitchen counter if your in more of a Grinch mood and don't like to share ;)  Either way it's sure to delight and bring a smile to your face!

When you purchase the tutorial, you will receive a template for the sleigh and step by step assembly instructions along with a how to to make the punch art Grinch and my favorite, Max the dog (or should I say reindeer?)  I wonder if the Grinch has realized Max is enjoying the ride and not pulling the sleigh yet?



The following are supplies I used to create this project.  If you'd like to purchase the tutorial visit my Tutorial Store for all the details.

Supplies:

Stamp set: Endless Wishes
Cardstock: Gumball Green, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: N/A
Punches: Small Oval, Large Oval, Extra Large Oval, Window Label, Pennant, Owl Builder, Boho Blossoms, Petite Curly Label, 1/2" circle, 3/4" circle, 1 1/4" circle
Accessories: Linen Thread, Basic Black marker, sticky strip, Tombow, Craft Knife, White gel pen

Thanks for stopping by today!  Stop by tomorrow for Grinch, Day 4!
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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Whoville Christmas Tree Tutorial


Good Morning!

Today is Day 2 in my week devoted to "The Grinch" so I'm sharing how to make your very own Whoville Christmas Trees!  I love how nothing in Whoville is perfect or straight - don't you love the curves everything seems to take? These little trees are the perfect accessories to go alongside yesterday's post, Cindy Lou Who's House. If you haven't purchased your tutorial yet, head on over to my Online Store to get yours today!  There's still plenty of time before Christmas to get yours made and out on display with these trees as an added touch - its sure to be a conversations starter!

Follow along with the supplies listed below to get creating your Whoville tree forest!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Snow Day
Cardstock: Gumball Green, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Pistachio Pudding, Brushed Gold
Ink: Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Circle Framelits, 1/2" Circle punch, Owl Builder Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Silver Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler ribbon (retired), paper snips, paper trimmer, hot glue gun, Tombow liquid adhesive

  1. Cut out 3 circles using the 3rd to largest circle in the Circle Framelits from Gumball Green cardstock.  This tutorial is for the smaller of the two trees...to make the larger tree cut 3 circles approximately 6" in diameter.
  2. Cut away 1/4 of each circle.  Shape into a cone; each cone slightly smaller than the last.  Glue the edges together with hot glue.
  1. Cut strips of Gumball Green paper 1/2" wide x 8 1/2".  Using paper snips cut small slits along the entire length to create fringe.  You'll need approximately 3 strips to cover the smaller tree and 6-7 for the larger.



  1. Glue the cones together with the larger cone on the bottom.  Assemble them so the tree has a curved shape.  Bend the top cone at a sharp angle downwards.
  2. Begin gluing the fringed cardstock around the tree, beginning at the base.  Continue in this manner up the entire length of the tree.
  1. "Fluff" up the fringe to give the tree more shape and character.
  1. Wrap a length of Silver ribbon around the tree and glue in place with hot glue.
  2. Stamp the star from the set Snow Day in Daffodil Delight on Whisper White cardstock.  Cut out with paper snips and glue to the top of the tree.
  1. Punch a variety of sizes of circles using the Owl and Cupcake punches from bright colored cardstock. Glue to the tree with Tombow adhesive.
  2. Apply Crystal Effects to each bauble on the tree for added shine.
  3. Put on display and ENJOY!

Hope you've enjoyed today's Grinch post!  Check back tomorrow for Day 3 of Grinch projects :)

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