Several of you sent cards, and I thought I'd share some of them here.
From k dunbrook:
From kstamper:
From Susan F.:
From Debra H.:
From girlgeek101:
Thank you all.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thank You for your Kindness
After I announced on my other blog that our dog Hoover was dying of cancer, many of you offered much-appreciated support and kindness in the comments on QmI and here. After his death, so very many of you poured forth condolences via private email and public comments and surrounded me with comfort. Each expression of sympathy was so much appreciated not only by me but also by my husband. You have no idea how touched we were.
Several of you sent cards, and I thought I'd share some of them here.
From k dunbrook:
From kstamper:
From Susan F.:
From Debra H.:
From girlgeek101:
Thank you all.
Several of you sent cards, and I thought I'd share some of them here.
From k dunbrook:
From kstamper:
From Susan F.:
From Debra H.:
From girlgeek101:
Thank you all.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sucker for a Good Border Punch
Got a coupon? Get a border punch!
That's my motto.
Well, one of them. Along with "You can nevah, nevah, nevah have too many stamps." And "Too CAS? I don't know what you're talking about."
Today's card is one of my favorite color combinations: cool caribbean, sahara sand, and white. So peaceful. So beachy. So ahhhhhhhhh.
And the border punch makes the whole thing work.
Scalloped scallops. That Martha Stewart is brilliant. Well, whoever designs her punches is brilliant.
So, how many border punches do YOU have? Inquiring minds want to know.
That's my motto.
Well, one of them. Along with "You can nevah, nevah, nevah have too many stamps." And "Too CAS? I don't know what you're talking about."
Today's card is one of my favorite color combinations: cool caribbean, sahara sand, and white. So peaceful. So beachy. So ahhhhhhhhh.
And the border punch makes the whole thing work.
Scalloped scallops. That Martha Stewart is brilliant. Well, whoever designs her punches is brilliant.
So, how many border punches do YOU have? Inquiring minds want to know.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Regrets
As I mentioned yesterday, occasionally a set comes along that tempts me into buying it and then fails to deliver on its promise. Well, to be honest, I fail to deliver with the set. Often, the very sets that I struggle with, in the hands of another stamper, shine beautifully.
Sigh. It's all very discouraging.
Such is the case with the set Cuckoo from Hero Arts. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but despite hours spent playing with it, I can't feel that it was money well spent.
You see, I sort of knew the outline clock would be tough for me, but I sincerely thought the block clock (snort) would be easy and fun. Plus, the sentiments work for another clock set I have from Hero that has no sentiments at all.
Yet this is my favorite card I've made with the set.
This card is fine. It's even prettier in real life, and it's definitely a LateBlossom. But oh the paper I've wasted getting here!
That block clock is a bear in my hands, and I can't wrestle it into something I like to save my life. WHY!?!?!? I don't know, but I am crying uncle. The clocks in this set are dead to me. I'll keep it for the sentiments and just enjoy what beauty OTHER stampers can create with the clocks.
Sometimes quitting is liberating. Very liberating. So here's your unofficial challenge from this post: give yourself one last try with a set that's fighting your efforts and then...give up. Let. It. Go.
And then tell the rest of us about it, so we can feel good about giving up, too.
Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts
ink: SU river rock
paper: PTI white, SU river rock
accessories: half-pearl, threading water punch, dimensionals
size: 4.25" x 5.5"
Sigh. It's all very discouraging.
Such is the case with the set Cuckoo from Hero Arts. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but despite hours spent playing with it, I can't feel that it was money well spent.
You see, I sort of knew the outline clock would be tough for me, but I sincerely thought the block clock (snort) would be easy and fun. Plus, the sentiments work for another clock set I have from Hero that has no sentiments at all.
Yet this is my favorite card I've made with the set.
This card is fine. It's even prettier in real life, and it's definitely a LateBlossom. But oh the paper I've wasted getting here!
That block clock is a bear in my hands, and I can't wrestle it into something I like to save my life. WHY!?!?!? I don't know, but I am crying uncle. The clocks in this set are dead to me. I'll keep it for the sentiments and just enjoy what beauty OTHER stampers can create with the clocks.
Sometimes quitting is liberating. Very liberating. So here's your unofficial challenge from this post: give yourself one last try with a set that's fighting your efforts and then...give up. Let. It. Go.
And then tell the rest of us about it, so we can feel good about giving up, too.
Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts
ink: SU river rock
paper: PTI white, SU river rock
accessories: half-pearl, threading water punch, dimensionals
size: 4.25" x 5.5"
Sunday, July 25, 2010
On Blog Hops, Envelope Advice, and the SU Bird Punch
On Blog Hops
If you missed the Clean and Simple Blog Hop, please check it out. A bunch of very talented ladies made amazing cards to celebrate the Fall-To Layout's 100th sketch. You can join them by making your own card and linking to it on the C&S Blog.
Envelope Advice
Next, I have had several questions about card sizes and envelopes. I DO NOT MAKE ENVELOPES. I'm just too lazy, and besides, envelopes are even more likely than cards to end up in the trash. Too much effort for too little reward: that's my opinion. So I KEEP IT SIMPLE and limit my cards to sizes that will fit into envelopes I have on hand.
Fortunately, Marco's Paper has a brick-and-mortar store that's an easy drive from my house. It's a fun place to browse for envelopes, with lots of sizes, papers, and colors to choose from. Here are my favorite sizes, all of which take standard US postage:
A2, for 5.5" x 4.25" cards (standard for half an 8.5" x 11" sheet of cardstock)
A6, for 6.25" x 4.5" cards
A7, for 5" x 7" cards
#4, for 4 7/8" x 3.5" cards
#7.5, 7.25" x 3.75" cards
Marco's website for envelopes is confusing right now (looks like they might be updating it), so I'll not provide a link at this time. It's not listing sizes for the envelopes. But my advice for buying envelopes is to find an office supply store (mom-and-pops have more selection than, say, Office Depot, and often will sell by the envelope, not just prepackaged boxes) or a fine stationery store, and browse. Seeing and touching makes a huge difference.
Then, you can adapt your cards to what envelope sizes you have. For instance, you can make a square card using the smaller dimension that fits into a standard envelope (i.e., a 5" square card fits in an A7 envelope). The US Postal Service charges extra for square envelopes, and that's a great way to avoid the extra charge.
To remind me what sizes I can make, I post a notecard on the bulletin board over my desk listing the card sizes that fit the envelopes I have on hand. It's just a little index card with a handwritten list, but it works to remind me that I can change the size as needed.
I hope that helps newcomers to card-making feel a bit more oriented on card sizes. Get the envelopes; then make the cards to fit. It's far easier and less stressful that way!
SU Bird Punch
Today's cards use the StampinUp bird punch and PTI's Text Style background set. The first version uses bright colors, and the second is very subtle. I think changing the colors really changes the feel of the card.
Design Discussion: Once I saw these cards in photographs, I realized they would look better with either a) the sentiment on the left instead of the right or b) the bird facing right. I counted on the fact that the leaves point at the sentiment to guide the eye, but it bothers me that the bird is looking away from the sentiment. In fact, it's almost like he pooped out the sentiment. Ewwww.
Other than that little design faux pas, I'm very happy with these light and airy cards.
Supplies
stamps: PTI
ink: Versacolor
paper: PTI
accessories: SU bird punch, dimensionals, bling
If you missed the Clean and Simple Blog Hop, please check it out. A bunch of very talented ladies made amazing cards to celebrate the Fall-To Layout's 100th sketch. You can join them by making your own card and linking to it on the C&S Blog.
Envelope Advice
Next, I have had several questions about card sizes and envelopes. I DO NOT MAKE ENVELOPES. I'm just too lazy, and besides, envelopes are even more likely than cards to end up in the trash. Too much effort for too little reward: that's my opinion. So I KEEP IT SIMPLE and limit my cards to sizes that will fit into envelopes I have on hand.
Fortunately, Marco's Paper has a brick-and-mortar store that's an easy drive from my house. It's a fun place to browse for envelopes, with lots of sizes, papers, and colors to choose from. Here are my favorite sizes, all of which take standard US postage:
A2, for 5.5" x 4.25" cards (standard for half an 8.5" x 11" sheet of cardstock)
A6, for 6.25" x 4.5" cards
A7, for 5" x 7" cards
#4, for 4 7/8" x 3.5" cards
#7.5, 7.25" x 3.75" cards
Marco's website for envelopes is confusing right now (looks like they might be updating it), so I'll not provide a link at this time. It's not listing sizes for the envelopes. But my advice for buying envelopes is to find an office supply store (mom-and-pops have more selection than, say, Office Depot, and often will sell by the envelope, not just prepackaged boxes) or a fine stationery store, and browse. Seeing and touching makes a huge difference.
Then, you can adapt your cards to what envelope sizes you have. For instance, you can make a square card using the smaller dimension that fits into a standard envelope (i.e., a 5" square card fits in an A7 envelope). The US Postal Service charges extra for square envelopes, and that's a great way to avoid the extra charge.
To remind me what sizes I can make, I post a notecard on the bulletin board over my desk listing the card sizes that fit the envelopes I have on hand. It's just a little index card with a handwritten list, but it works to remind me that I can change the size as needed.
I hope that helps newcomers to card-making feel a bit more oriented on card sizes. Get the envelopes; then make the cards to fit. It's far easier and less stressful that way!
SU Bird Punch
Today's cards use the StampinUp bird punch and PTI's Text Style background set. The first version uses bright colors, and the second is very subtle. I think changing the colors really changes the feel of the card.
Design Discussion: Once I saw these cards in photographs, I realized they would look better with either a) the sentiment on the left instead of the right or b) the bird facing right. I counted on the fact that the leaves point at the sentiment to guide the eye, but it bothers me that the bird is looking away from the sentiment. In fact, it's almost like he pooped out the sentiment. Ewwww.
Other than that little design faux pas, I'm very happy with these light and airy cards.
Supplies
stamps: PTI
ink: Versacolor
paper: PTI
accessories: SU bird punch, dimensionals, bling
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Prayer and Card Request
Sue Berker's husband, John, had a stroke two nights ago. If you would like to send them a card and need their address, please email me at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.
Sue is such a sweet and generous person, a wonderful stamper, and a dedicated blogger who shares her considerable talent with all of us. Let's flood her and her husband with love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.
Sue is such a sweet and generous person, a wonderful stamper, and a dedicated blogger who shares her considerable talent with all of us. Let's flood her and her husband with love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
One-Layer Wednesday 13: Christmas in July
This week's OLW Challenge is to make a Christmas card. Living in the northern hemisphere, it's hard to think about winter and Christmas in July, especially given the unbelievably hot weather we've been having. When our AC went out, though, it helped me cool off by imagining snow and thinking about getting a head-start on my holiday planning.
Mind over matter, folks. It works.
Well, sometimes. The sweat trickling between my boobs really made it hard for my brain to pretend it was December. Man, it was HOT.
Anyway, my samples for today show how color can create a totally different feel on a card. The first is soft purple, very peaceful and serene. The second is bright blue, much more energetic and perky. Which you prefer probably says a lot about what you're craving at the moment.
Design Discussion: This card layout began with a card in a magazine, but the final product bears no resemblance to the original piece AT ALL. It's really an example of letting your creative spirit do what it wants. Sometimes giving that little voice free rein works, as here, and sometimes it doesn't, as in the many cards I've pitched in the recycle bin.
The reason I love this particular design so much is that the snowflakes form a visual triangle...connect the bling and you get a very obvious triangle. Visual triangles show relationship between the different parts of a design and create harmony and balance. Also, the sentiment cuts right across the hypotenuse of the triangle, giving the whole design a pulled-together, grounded look even though it's floating in the middle of the card.
Rules for OLW13
1. A one-layer card is defined as a single piece of cardstock folded in half.
2. The theme of your card must be Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/winter. Remember to keep embellishments to a minimum.
3. Please share your creations by posting your card online and then using the InLinkz button in the sidebar of Simplicity to link to it.
4. Most important of all...HAVE FUN!
And since we give presents at Christmas, I'm offering a give-away with OLW13! One random entry will receive a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers' August Release. How totally cool is that?
Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Snowflake Serenade, Signature Christmas
ink: Memento black, Bahama blue, grape jelly, lu lu lavender
paper: PTI white
accessories: bling
size: 5.5" x 4.25"
Mind over matter, folks. It works.
Well, sometimes. The sweat trickling between my boobs really made it hard for my brain to pretend it was December. Man, it was HOT.
Anyway, my samples for today show how color can create a totally different feel on a card. The first is soft purple, very peaceful and serene. The second is bright blue, much more energetic and perky. Which you prefer probably says a lot about what you're craving at the moment.
Design Discussion: This card layout began with a card in a magazine, but the final product bears no resemblance to the original piece AT ALL. It's really an example of letting your creative spirit do what it wants. Sometimes giving that little voice free rein works, as here, and sometimes it doesn't, as in the many cards I've pitched in the recycle bin.
The reason I love this particular design so much is that the snowflakes form a visual triangle...connect the bling and you get a very obvious triangle. Visual triangles show relationship between the different parts of a design and create harmony and balance. Also, the sentiment cuts right across the hypotenuse of the triangle, giving the whole design a pulled-together, grounded look even though it's floating in the middle of the card.
Rules for OLW13
1. A one-layer card is defined as a single piece of cardstock folded in half.
2. The theme of your card must be Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/winter. Remember to keep embellishments to a minimum.
3. Please share your creations by posting your card online and then using the InLinkz button in the sidebar of Simplicity to link to it.
4. Most important of all...HAVE FUN!
And since we give presents at Christmas, I'm offering a give-away with OLW13! One random entry will receive a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers' August Release. How totally cool is that?
Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Snowflake Serenade, Signature Christmas
ink: Memento black, Bahama blue, grape jelly, lu lu lavender
paper: PTI white
accessories: bling
size: 5.5" x 4.25"
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CAS76 Ravengirl Sketch
In this week's CAS76 Challenge, Jen and Denise asked us to use a card by Toni (ravengirl) for our inspiration. What a pretty inspiration piece!
For my card, I used the Fiskar's wave border punch and a Martha Stewart sand dollar punch for an ocean theme. I just love cool caribbean, sahara sand, and white together, and I really wanted to go to the beach yesterday. I needed sun and sand and the relaxing sound of the waves. Sadly, I live in a land-locked state, so the beach might as well be on the moon. But making this card definitely soothed me, so I've got that going for me.
How-To Tips: To make the sand dollar, I punched it out of sahara sand cardstock. Then I punched a 1" circle and smeared it with a glue pen, added Doodlebug white glitter, and let it dry. To adhere it to the sand dollar, I put small glue dots on the back of the sand dollar, then stuck it down on the glittery circle.
Supplies
stamps: PTI Round and Round
ink: sahara sand, cool caribbean
paper: PTI white, SU cool caribbean and sahara sand
accessories: Fiskars and Martha Stewart punches, dimensionals
For my card, I used the Fiskar's wave border punch and a Martha Stewart sand dollar punch for an ocean theme. I just love cool caribbean, sahara sand, and white together, and I really wanted to go to the beach yesterday. I needed sun and sand and the relaxing sound of the waves. Sadly, I live in a land-locked state, so the beach might as well be on the moon. But making this card definitely soothed me, so I've got that going for me.
How-To Tips: To make the sand dollar, I punched it out of sahara sand cardstock. Then I punched a 1" circle and smeared it with a glue pen, added Doodlebug white glitter, and let it dry. To adhere it to the sand dollar, I put small glue dots on the back of the sand dollar, then stuck it down on the glittery circle.
Supplies
stamps: PTI Round and Round
ink: sahara sand, cool caribbean
paper: PTI white, SU cool caribbean and sahara sand
accessories: Fiskars and Martha Stewart punches, dimensionals
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