Monday, February 23, 2015

Blast off Birthday!


Happy Monday!

Today I'm sharing a shaped birthday card - perfect for a young boy!  I was inspired by a similar card I had seen on Pinterest but it was done using an SVG file.  I knew it could be easily recreated with a few punches and dies; and once I had a plan it only took about 20 minutes to come together into this great Rocket Ship shaped card!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: And Many More
Card Stock: Lost Lagoon, Bermuda Bay Background DSP Stack, Daffodil Delight Background DSP Stack, Champagne Glimmer Paper
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Hello Honey
Punches: Large Oval, Extra Large Oval, Bird Builder, Star from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle
Accessories: Oval Framelits, Vintage Faceted Buttons, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, White Gel Pen, Bermuda Bay Baker's Twine

I hope you have a great start to your week!  I had a lot of feedback requesting a video tutorial for the Blendabilties on Basic Black so look for that in the next upcoming week or so :)

I have a few other ideas on the go that I need to finish up before I can share them so I best get at it! Until next time...
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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Blendabilities on Basic Black


Hello!

I hope your week is going well so far.  We've hit a bit of a cold snap here and I'm thankful the boys have this week off so we can hibernate!

I have a really neat technique to share with you today using Blendabilities.  The best part about these markers is that because they are alcohol based they stay put on just about any medium you use them on, set embossing powders included!  The other great thing?  I can finally color all those solid image stamps I own; no more coloring the rubber with my Stampin' Write Markers just so then huffing, stamping and being disappointed with the lack luster intensity of the transfer.  There's nothing wrong with this process if that's what your going for, but I love new possibilities and my Blendabilities give me just that!!

The process is a super simple one.  Begin with a piece of dark colored card stock such as Basic Black, Basic Gray, or Pacific Point.  Stamp a solid image onto the card stock using Versamark, sprinkle with White Embossing powder and heat set.  Now your ready to color with your Blendabilities!  Start with your darkest color in the color set and work your way to the lightest, just as though you were coloring on card stock.  You'll be so impressed with the results and the ink won't smudge because of their alcohol base!  Win win!!  

If you'd like to see a video on how I use my Blendabilties with this technique, please leave a comment below and I'll try do one ASAP.

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: World of Dreams, Gorgeous Grunge, And Many More
Card Stock: Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Mossy Meadow, Coastal Cabana, Typeset DSP
Ink: Coastal Cabana, Mossy Meadow
Blendabiltities: Skin Tone, Old Olive, Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Banner Punch, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

That's all for today, thanks so much for stopping by!  Until next time... 
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Monday, February 16, 2015

Bokeh Background Technique Video


Hello!

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope your enjoying your Holiday weekend!  We're hoping to play in some of the white powder that fell a couple days ago; hopefully the temperatures will allow us!

A few posts back I shared a Bokeh Background Technique.  I had a few inquiries as to how I did it and what sort of template I used so I did a quick video to show you just how to achieve the look on your own! I hope you enjoy it :)


Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Good Greetings
Card Stock: Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories: Window Sheet, Circle Framelits, Heart from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Large Polka Dots EF, Basic Rhinestones, Silver Sequins, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Sponges

Have a wonderful day!  Until next time...
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Friday, February 13, 2015

Valentine Treat Wrappers


Happy Friday! (and make that Friday the 13th no less!)

I was busy finishing up a couple little Valentine gifts for my boys yesterday along with my Hubby's card and I thought I'd quickly share them with you today.

Last year I made similar Critter Wrappers and they were a hit so I decided to continue the theme this year too!  Robots and Minions are both popular at the moment in our household; I'm pretty sure they'll be fighting over who gets which come tomorrow morning!

Robot Supplies: 

Stamp Sets: N/A
Card Stock: Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black, Coastal Cabana, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Smoky Slate
Punches: 1/2" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 3/8" Circle, 1" Circle, Small Oval, Owl Builder, Heart from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack
Accessories: Basic Gray marker, White Gel Pen, Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue


Minion Supplies:

Stamp Sets: N/A
Card Stock: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Hello Honey
Punches: 1/2" Circle, 3/8" Circle, 2-1/2" Circle, Build a Cupcake, Owl Builder, Small Oval, Heart from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack
Accessories: Basic Gray marker, White Gel Pen, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

If you are looking for a step by step version of Minion punch art I have a detailed photo tutorial listed within my Online Store.

After making the boys treats I still needed a Valentine's card for my hubby.  We often only exchange cards (if even that) and I didn't want to get too fancy or mushy - humor is usually the path we choose when it comes to our card giving.  That being said here's what I came up with:


BAHAHA I can't wait to give him this one!  I found a store bought card online with a similar theme and the idea was simply too perfect to pass up.  Humorous and easily turned into punch art; probably my most favorite card making technique!  I know its a super simple, non-glamorous kind of card but trust me, its perfect for him!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Good Greetings, I Love Lace
Card Stock; Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Smoky Slate, Basic Black
Punches: 3/4" Circle, 3/8" Circle, Owl Builder
Accessories: Rhinestones, Linen Thread, Mini Brads, Clothespins, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

Well, that's it for me today!  I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's weekend, and if your in certain parts of Canada, a lovely Family Day stat holiday on Monday!

Until next time...
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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Valentine Cupcake Tote Tutorial




Hello!

I have the perfect quick Valentine gift to share with you today - a Cupcake Tote complete with a cake mix and a few goodies to decorate them with!  These were made with the boys teachers in mind; I always look for ideas that I think will be useful or can be "used up" instead of just another tchotchke for the shelf.  Pinterest is a wealth of ideas; I found something similar on there and adapted it to meet my needs :)

I have a small tutorial below, but keep in mind that the measurements may require adjustments depending on what kind of cake mix you use.  A standard cake mix box is narrower than the ones I used (probably because this one contains the cake mix and icing) but just keep that in mind before you cut your card stock. 

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets: Good Greetings
Card Stock: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Silver Glimmer Paper, Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack
Ink: Basic Black
Punches: Build a Cupcake, 1/8" Circle
Accessories: 1"x 8" Cellophane bags, 4" x 6" Cellophane bags, Chalk Talk Framelits, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Ribbon (retired), Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Sticky Strip, Fast Fuse, Velcro Dots, Cake Mix, Various Candy/Chocolates 

Begin by measuring the length and width of the cake mix box.  Cut 2 pieces of card stock to measure the width of the box by the full length of the card stock. In the instance of the boxes I was using this measurement was 5-3/8" x 11-1/2".  To calculate where the score lines should be take the length of the box measurement (in my case 7-5/8") and deduct it from the 11-1/2" measurement.  Once you have that measurement divide it in half; this will calculate the measurement you need to score on the top and bottom of the strip (in my case approximately 1-11/16").  Score both pieces in the same way.

Cut another piece of card stock measuring the same width as the box and the length of the box plus 1/4" plus the depth of the box.  Score at the measurement equal to the box depth.  This will create the front flap of the tote.  **Note: be generous with your measurements so that there is enough room for the flap to reach the top of the tote when closed and full of candies.**

Using Sticky Tape adhere the bottom of the tote together.  Be sure to leave enough room to allow for the depth of the box so it wraps comfortably up the sides of the cake mix box and the top score lines meet the top of the cake mix box.

Using a 12" length of ribbon create a handle adhered with Sticky Tape to one of the top tabs on the tote.  I suggest inserting the cake mix box back into the tote before overlapping and adhering the top tabs closed to ensure a snug fit.

Run a piece of Sticky Strip along the bottom tab on the backside of the front flap.

Adhere the front flap in place.  

Fill a few of the 1" x 8" cellophane bags with candies that can be used to decorate the cupcakes.  Glue into place with either Sticky Strip or Fast Fuse.  Glue small Velcro dots to the top of the tote and tote flap so the candies can be concealed inside.

Decorate the front flap in any way you choose.  In this case I added a simple label my son could write on and a small cellophane bag filled with a few chocolates.  I punched a couple of small holes in the bag, wove and tied a bow in place, then adhered it to the front of the tote with Fast Fuse.

I hope this quick tutorial has been helpful for a last minute idea perhaps!  I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more Valentine treats!  

Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time...
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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Four Feathers Bokeh Background


Hello!

It's a snowy day here and I have the morning all to myself - the perfect mix to craft!  But before I get knee deep in paper I thought I would quickly share one of the techniques I demonstrated at this month's class; the Bokeh Background Technique.  

I think this might rank up there as one of my favorite techniques.  It's subtle enough to not take center stage for main image stamping yet definitely gets your attention at first glance.  I made a re-usable template from a Window Sheet for everyone at the class so that it would make it super simple to not only practice the technique at the class but re-create the look at home whenever the mood strikes!  

Supplies:

Stamps: Four Feathers, And Many More
Card Stock: Pear Pizzaz, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizazz, Coastal Cababna, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories: Circle Framelits, Window Sheet, Feather Framelits, Pear Pizazz, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay Markers, Sponges, White Gel Pen, Decorative Dots embossing folder

If you would like to see a more detailed tutorial on this technique, please let me know!  The technique is addictive and I really don't mind... ;)

That's all for today!  I'm off to finish up a couple Valentine projects - I hope you have a creative day too!!

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

Valentine's Love Bird Mailbox


Good Morning!

Today I have a cute little mailbox to share with you just in time for Valentine's Day!  The great thing about this mailbox is it can be used for any occasion just by changing the embellishments.  Decorated in a baby motif it could easily hold a few pairs of baby socks inside, or how about a quick teacher or co-worker gift with a couple of K cups tucked away to make someone's day!  Possibilities are really endless with a template like this!

You can find a full template and tutorial for this little gift box (approximately 2-1/4" x 4-1/4" in size) located for purchase within my Online Tutorial Store tab at the top of this blog.  Once you purchase the tutorial Fast Wagon will automatically send you the digital PDF download so you can begin crafting right away!  And, as always, I'd love to see your creations so be sure to send them to me!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: N/A
Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey, Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay Designer Series Paper Stack, Champagne Glimmer Paper
Ink: N/A
Accessories: Mini Brads, Coastal Cabana Thick Baker’s Twine
Markers: N/A
Big Shot: N/A
Punches: Owl Builder, Bird Builder, Banner, Heart (Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack), 1/16” Circle
Misc. : Sticky Strip, Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Until next time...
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Monday, February 2, 2015

Giraffe Baby Punch Art Card


Hello!

Thanks for stopping by today - I have a File Folder card to share with you!  This type of card is really quite simple to make and its another use for your Envelope Punch Board which is always an added bonus!  There are plenty of tutorials across the web; I suggest you check one or two out to learn how to make your own - then I dare you to make just one ;)

I've embellished my file folder with a little punch art giraffe - I think he turned out pretty cute, don't you?  I wish I had taken photos while I was making him but alas, I'm always under a time crunch and didn't.  All I can offer is this close up for now and my supply list...


I am trying to come up with more tutorial ideas though, and I think a set of Punch Art Zoo Babies might be on the agenda - would that be of interest to anyone??  If it would be please comment down below; I'd love to hear what animals would make your Top 5!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Epic Alphabet
Card Stock: Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Marina Mist Designer Series Paper Stacks
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist
Punches:1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, 1/4" Circle, Small Oval, Large Oval, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack
Accessories: Envelope Punch Board, Cherry Cobbler Baker;s Twine, White Gel Pen, Melon Mambo Blendabilities, Chocolate Chip marker, Multi Purpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer

I have a Valentine's "follow along" project I'll be sharing with you in my next post so be sure to check back!

On a more personal note, I'm sure you've noticed my lack of posting over the last couple of months. Near the middle of November my energy level had hit an all time low.  I was dragging myself out of bed each morning and finding simple everyday tasks a challenge to complete.  Card making, which was my stress outlet and I loved so much, seemed a bother instead of a motivator.  As a stay at home mom I felt like I was wasting away my days with my boys and not interacting to my full capacity with them; the moment my youngest son would take an afternoon nap I was collapsing on the couch to try catch up on the sleep I didn't feel like I was getting at night.  My body ached and I was moody to the point I didn't even want to be around myself...

Then around the middle of December a friend started posting on Facebook about a product that guaranteed more energy to its user called Thrive.  I was intrigued but skeptical so I kept scrolling past the posts...but she kept posting each day about how great she was feeling.  I finally decided I would ask her about this "Thrive thing" just to curb my curiousity.  She told me about her energy gain, her aches and pains subsiding, her more restful sleep, and her tummy issues solved.  That was it.  I believed in what she was saying and wanted to try the product for myself.  

She sent me a 5 day sample just before Christmas which included 2 capsules, a shake, and a DFT patch for each day.  I began with full on skepticism truly wondering how this could possibly work for me. Day 1 and 2 I can honestly say I didn't feel the changes I wanted and thought to myself, "ya right - I knew it wasn't going to work!"  Then I woke up on Day 3...before the kids...before my husband...with no alarm clock ringing.  I wasn't tired, I wasn't groggy, and my neck didn't hurt.  That day and the following two I sailed through a list of pre-Christmas tasks and daily routine tasks with no mid afternoon crash and burn!

All too soon my 5 days of samples came to an end.  I woke up on Day 6 still feeling fine and honestly thought "that was all in my head" I don't need this Thrive stuff.  How wrong I was!  A week after stopping the samples I had reverted to my old ways.  Christmas had left me depleted of energy and I was tired and miserable again.  I knew that Thrive was my answer and let me tell you it was all I could do to be patient enough to wait for my full month of samples to arrive!  

I began my full Thrive experience on January 3 and I have never ever felt better!  To the outside world the changes in me might not even be noticeable yet but inside I feel as though I've made a 180 degree shift.  I wake up energized; even if I didn't get any more sleep than usual, I don't ache the way I used to, I don't drink caffeine anymore or crave junk foods.  My tummy issues are a thing of the past which has led to the start of weight loss, and my #1: I have my motivation back!!  This product has changed my life!  I can't wait to see what the next 30 days brings :)

If you are experiencing any of the things I've mentioned above, Thrive might be an experience you'd like to try for yourself.  Everyone's experience is different but it's always leads to the same outcome - 
A BETTER YOU!  And really, who doesn't want that or owe it to themselves to be the best they can be?

If you'd like more info on the product I do have a website you can check out at www.melissabanbury.le-vel.com.  Once your there you can sign up for a FREE customer account which gives you access to videos and loads more info on the product itself.  Or you can contact me to start your sample experience today!  I can mail samples throughout Canada and the U.S.

Have a wonderful day!! Until next time...
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