Double-Z Fun-Fold Card

Here's another card from my August Craft Box class.  This one is a double-Z fun-fold inspired by Stampin' Up! demonstrator Akiko Sudano. 

Click on image for closer look.

Visit  https://stampininthemeadows.wordpress.com/2025/01/16/stampin-up-delightful-wishes-card-for-the-happy-inkin-thursday-blog-hop/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic to see the original card, along with instructions.

Materials (unless otherwise noted, all materials are from Stampin' Up! -- many are retired)

* Night of Navy card stock: 11" x 4-1/4", scored at 2-3/4" and 5-1/2" (card base); 2-1/4" x 10", scored at 3" and 5-3/4" (small Z-fold panel); 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" (large torn edge circle); 4-1/2" x 2-1/4" (rectangle below circle); 3-1/2" x 1-1/2" (foliage die cut); 1-3/4" x 1" (sentiment); scrap (inside foliage)

* Basic Beige card stock: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (embossed circle); 4" x 2" (inside right panel)

* Vintage Blue 12" x 12" patterned paper pack from Temu: 5-1/4" x 4" (flowered paper on inside); 4" x 2-1/2" (flowered paper on card front); 4" x 2-1/2" (striped paper on center panel); 2-3/4" x 2" (striped paper on card front); 2-1/2" x 2" (striped paper on center panel of small Z-fold); 2" x 1" (small piece on right edge of inside Z-fold)

* Framelits Circles Collection dies

* Torn Edge Nested Circle dies from Temu

* Notes of Nature dies by Stampin' Up! (foliage)

* Sentiment dies from Temu

* Tufted 3D embossing folder

Click on image for closer look.

Assembly

* Lay 11” x 4-1/4” card stock out flat with “mountain” fold to the left.  Refer to photo for placement of patterned paper pieces.  Set aside.

* Lay 10” x 2-1/4” card stock out flat.  With “mountain” fold to the left, adhere 2-3/4” x 2” patterned paper to the left panel; 2-12” x 2” patterned paper to the center panel; and 4” x 2” plain card stock to the right panel.  Adhere 1” x 2” patterned paper over right edge of card stock.  Adhere small leaves over right edge of patterned paper.

* Layout larger tri-fold piece and lay out the smaller tri-fold piece over it, centering top to bottom and left to right.  (NOTE:  Scorelines will NOT line up with each other -- you should have 3/8" between the left and right edges of the smaller piece and the larger piece.)  Adhere right-side panel of smaller card to right-side panel of larger card.  Apply adhesive to left-side panel of larger tri-fold card ONLY WHERE SMALLER CARD WILL BE POSITIONED.  Flatten out and adhere left-side panel of smaller card to larger card.  WHEW!  Hope this made sense!

* Center and adhere small circle to larger deckled circle.  Adhere leaves as shown.  Adhere sentiment as shown.

* If you like, adhere blue glitter stickers in centers of a few of the diamond shapes.

* Open card and adhere small leaves die cut over patterned paper and card stock, making sure the large circle on the front of card will cover it when it’s closed.

Again, way too many words to describe a relatively simple assembly.  Hopefully, the photos help.

It's a beautiful card that can be used for any occasion.

Pretty Flowers All-Occasion Card

This is another one of my August class cards -- we made this one at The Craft Box.  I CASEd this card from Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Tracy Bradley, changing some of the paper sizes a little bit.  Visit https://stampingwithtracy.com/fern-flora-bundle/ to see Tracy's original design.

Click on image for closer look.

Materials (unless otherwise indicated all are from Stampin' Up! -- most are retired items)

* Petal Pink card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" for card base; 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" mat for focal piece

* White card stock from Hammermill: 5-1/4" x 4", embossed for front; 5" x 3-3/4" for inside; 3" x 3/4" for sentiment

* Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper: 5-1/4" x 1-1/4" for strip behind focal piece; 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" for focal piece; 5-1/4" x 4" for bottom layer on inside

* Linen Thread for loopy bow

* Sentiment from Kittie Kraft by Rubbernecker (this is an old stamp set from my stash; the company is now Brass and Bliss)

* Gray Granite Stampin' Pad

* Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder

* Label die from Temu

Assembly

* Use embossing folder to add texture to 5-1/4" x 4" white card stock; adhere to card front.

* Center from top to bottom and adhere 5-1/4" x 1-1/4" patterned paper over embossed card stock.

* Adhere 3-1/4” square patterned paper to 3-1/2” square card stock; adhere to card front over patterned paper strip.

* Stamp sentiment on label and adhere as shown with foam adhesive.

* Make a double-loop bow about 1-1/2" wide and use a glue dot to adhere as shown.

* Adhere 5-1/4” x 4” patterned paper to inside of card; adhere 5” x 3-3/4” white card stock over patterned paper.

This was a totally easy card to make, but elegant in its simplicity.  I hope you try it!

Just Bee-cause Fun Fold Card

This card was made with another die I purchased online several months ago and have been waiting for the right opportunity to use it.

Materials

* Honey Nut card stock from PapertreyInk.com: 8-1/2" x-5-1/2" for card base; 4" x 1-7/8" for embossed piece across bottom front; 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" for embossed piece on inside (see photo below); 5-1/2" x 2-1/2" for honeycomb die cut

* Honey Nut polka dot paper from PapertreyInk.com: 3-1/4" x 1-7/8"

* Thick white card stock: 3-1/2" x 1-1/2" for flower petals; scraps for sentiment and bee wings

* White card stock: 5-1/4" x 4" and 3-1/4" x 1-7/8" for inside panels

* Bright yellow card stock: scraps for flower center and bee parts

* Black card stock: scraps for bees

* Green card stock: scrap for flower stem

* Bee/flower dies and honeycomb die from Temu

* Washi Tape punch from Stampin' Up!

* Stripes & Splatters 3D embossing folder from Stampin' Up!

* Fine tip white permanent marker

Card Base Cutting Instructions

* Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4".  

    * Turn card stock so short ends are on top and bottom, and cut a slit 2-1/8" from left edge beginning 2-1/8" from top to 6-3/8". 

    * Turn card stock so short ends are on left and right, and slit is closer to bottom of card stock.  Score at 2-1/8" from top edge to slit; score at 6-3/8" from slit to bottom edge.

    * Fold on score lines to create Z-shape.

(Visit www.laurascraftcloset.com/2022/09/08/flying-dragonfly-zfold-slit-card/ for another view of this fold -- there's also a link to an alternate version, along with a diagram showing cuts and sizes of paper.)

Assembly

* It's easiest to assemble this card if you first open it fully and lay it flat.  Refer to photo above for placement of pieces parts.

* Cut and discard a 2" x 2" square from 5-1/4" x 4" white card stock.  Adhere to inside of card as shown in photo.

* Cut honeycomb from Honey Nut card stock and use liquid glue to adhere to right edge of white card stock (NOTE: you will need to trim a little off the edges to make it fit.)  Fill in a few of the hexagons with small hexagon pieces saved from the die cut.

* Emboss 1-7/8” x 1-7/8” Honey Nut card stock with Stripes embossing folder and adhere to inside bottom center panel, with embossed stripes going from left to right rather than top to bottom.

* Adhere white card stock rectangle to center panel.

* Adhere polka dot card stock to top of left panel.

* Emboss 4” strip of Honey Nut card stock with Stripes embossing folder and adhere across bottom of left panel.

* Cut flower stem from green card stock and use liquid glue to adhere as shown (it’s about 1/2" to the left of the fold).

* Cut flower from heavy white card stock and use foam dots to adhere flower at top of stem.  (NOTE:  do not put adhesive under petal on far right – it needs to stay free for the card to open and close properly.)

* Cut bee bodies from black card stock; cut face and strips from bright yellow card stock; cut wings from white card stock.  Assemble as shown.

* Use white marker to add a small dot to each of the bees’ eyes, adhere as shown with foam tape.

* Use Washi Tape punch to cut label for sentiment; adhere as shown with foam tape.  (For my sentiment, I created a Word file with four different sayings:  "Just Bee You," "Just Bee-cause," "Bee Happy," and "Bee You," and used the punch to cut them out.)

Whew!  That's it!  All you have left to do is fold the card into the Z-fold shape.

Hope you enjoyed this one.  It was much more difficult to put into words than it was to make it.  Maybe I need to start doing video tutorials again?  Ok . . . that's on my list if and when I ever get my craft room table cleared off . . . .

Colorful Birthday Card

I bought this great bow die online quite a while back . . . but had never gotten around to using it.  The perfect opportunity came with Sassy Stampers Card Camp when they celebrated their "Sweet 16" in August. 

Materials

* Sweet Sorbet/Midnight Muse card stock from Stampin' Up!: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" (card base); about 5-1/2" x 3" (bow and ribbon); 2" x 1-1/4" (scallop oval behind sentiment)

* Multi-color striped patterned paper from my stash: 5-1/4" x 4" (2 pieces -- one for front; one for inside)

* White card stock: 1-3/4" x 7/8" (sentiment); 5" x 3-3/4" (inside)

* Versafine Clair Stamp Pad (Nocturne) by Tsukineko

* Celebrate stamp from my stash

* Happy Birthday embossing folder by Cuttlebug

* Bow Metal Cutting Dies from Temu

* Scalloped Oval and Oval punches from Stampin' Up!

Assembly

* Emboss one piece of striped paper with Happy Birthday embossing folder.

* BEFORE ADHERING EMBOSSED PAPER TO CARD FRONT, adhere ribbon strips – one vertically about 1-1/4” from left edge; one horizontally about 1-1/4” from top edge.  Trim excess – DO NOT THROW AWAY EXCESS FROM HORIZONTAL PIECE; it will be used to assemble bow.  (See bow assembly instructions below.)

* Adhere embossed striped paper to card front.  Use foam tape to adhere bow where ribbons intersect.

* Stamp sentiment on white scrap paper, cut out with small oval punch; punch backing piece with scalloped oval punch.  Adhere sentiment to scalloped oval, and use foam tape to adhere to card front.

* Adhere unembossed striped paper to inside of card.  Adhere white card stock over striped paper.

Inside

Bow Assembly

The bow dies arrived without instructions, so it was a little challenging for me to figure them out . . . but here's a diagram showing how I pieced them together.

Step 5: Adhere one end of excess ribbon piece to front at bottom of loops; fold to back and adhere to back.  Cut off excess.

Hope you enjoy this card.

My Final Christmas in July and Easy Fun Fold Card

I made this final Christmas in July card for a swap with my friends.  It uses the same fold as my last two posts, so I'll just list the materials below.   Visit https://karentitus.com/standing-easel-pop-up-card-a-new-variation-to-a-classic/ for measurements and an instruction video.

Materials

* Pure Poppy Card Stock from Papertreyink.com: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4" (card base); 7" x 3-1/2", scored at 3-1/2" (small card); 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" (bow); and 2-7/8" x 5/8" (mat on sentiment)

* Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up! (retired): 5-1/4" x 4" (background paper on large panel); 5-1/4" x 1-7/8 (2 pieces for bottom panels); 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (front of small card)

* 80# Hammermill white card stock: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (inside of small card); 2-5/8" x 1-2" (sentiment)

* Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin' Pad (Stampin' Up!)

* Sentiment Label Dies from TEMU

* Country Wreath Dies by Stampin' Up! (bow)

* Wreath Die from my stash

* Stitched Nested Dies from TEMU

* Itty Bitty Christmas stamp from Stampin' Up!

* Black Stamp Pad 

That's it for Christmas in July and, in fact, all of my July cards.  Next post will feature my August card designs.

Another Christmas in July Card . . . and My Second Easy Fun Fold Card

This was my card for the "Winter Heat" Diva Designs Card Camp on July 25.  It's exactly the same fold as my last post, so I'll just include materials for this one.  Visit https://karentitus.com/standing-easel-pop-up-card-a-new-variation-to-a-classic/ for measurements and an instruction video.

Materials

* Pretty Peacock Card Stock from Stampin' Up!: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4" (card base); 7" x 3-1/2", scored at 3-1/2" (small card); about 3" x 3" (small wreath die cut); 2" x 1-1/2" (joy die cut); 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" (bow); and 2-7/8" x 5/8" (mat on sentiment)

* Blooms & Bliss Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up! (retired): 5-1/4" x 4" (background paper on large panel); 5-1/4" x 1-7/8 (2 pieces for bottom panels)

* 80# Hammermill white card stock: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (inside of small card)

* Off-white Card Stock from my stash: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4) (front of small card); 2" x 1-1/2" (joy die cut); 2-5/8" x 1-2" (sentiment)

* Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin' Pad (Stampin' Up!)

* Sentiment Label Dies from TEMU

* Wreath and Joy Dies from my stash

* Country Wreath Dies by Stampin' Up! (bow)

* Stitched Nested Dies from TEMU

* Sentiment stamp from my stash

* Itty Bitty Christmas stamp from Stampin' Up!

* Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin' Pad 

I hope you enjoy this quick card layout -- I have one more to share before I move on to my August card designs.

Versatile and Easy Fun Fold Card

Today I'm sharing three different versions (actually four if you count the two different colorways for the birthday card) of a new fun fold idea.

Thanks to Karen Titus for sharing this great card idea!  Visit https://karentitus.com/standing-easel-pop-up-card-a-new-variation-to-a-classic/ for measurements and an instruction video.

Click on image for closer look.

Materials

* Petunia Pop Card Stock from Stampin' Up!: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4" (card base); 7" x 3-1/2", scored at 3-1/2" (small card); about 2-1/8" x 7/8" (mat on sentiment) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" (happy birthday die) 

* Bright & Beautiful 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up! (retired): 5-1/4" x 4" (background paper on large panel); 5-1/4" x 1-7/8 (2 pieces for bottom panels); 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (front on small card)

* 80# Hammermill white card stock: 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" (inside of small card); about 2-3/8" x 5/8" (sentiment)

* Oplymio Thick Vellum Card Stock: 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" (circle behind happy birthday die)

* Petunia Pop Classic Stampin' Pad and Stampin' Write Marker (Stampin' Up!)

* Happy Birthday die from Amazon.com

* Washi Tape Stitched Nested Dies from TEMU

* Sentiment stamp from my stash

Assembly

* Fold 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock into Z-shape.

* Open card with two narrow sections at bottom.  Adhere 5-1/4” x 4” patterned paper to top section (inside of card); adhere two 5-1/4” x 1-7/8” pieces to two bottom sections.  Set card aside.

* To create small card fold 7" x 3-1/2" card stock at score line.

    * Adhere 3-1/4” square white card stock to inside.

    * Adhere 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" patterned paper to card front.

    * Use marker to trace thin line around outer edge of vellum circle; adhere happy birthday die cut to circle.  Adhere circle over patterned paper on card front.

* Close small card and, with opening toward center fold of larger card, center and adhere over 5-1/4” x 4” patterned paper.

* Cut 2-1/8" x 7/8" washi tape die from Petunia Pop card stock; cut 2-3/8" x 5/8" washi tape die from white card stock.  Stamp sentiment on small white label and adhere to larger label.  Center on bottom narrow section as shown below, and adhere with foam tape.

* To close, fold up bottom sections and close front of smaller card over them (see photo on left above).

* To stand up, open card and tuck front of smaller card under popped-up sentiment (see phoeo on right above).

I also offered an alternate color for this card -- everything is the same except the card stock -- for this version I used Azure Afternoon instead of Petunia Pop.

Great card design and also versatile!  I used the same layout for these Christmas in July cards.  Check back soon for materials lists . . . .

Another Fun and Easy Card

 . . . and here is the second card I made for the Longmont Senior Center class in July.  This card involved a bit of preparation (i.e., diecutting and embossing), but once the pieces parts were completed, it became another simple "slap & stick" card.

Materials

* 100# Hammermill white card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4" (card base)

* Wild Wasabi card stock by Stampin' Up!: 5-1/4" x 4" (2 pieces -- one for front; one for inside)

* Momenta card stock booklet from my stash: about 5-3/8" x 3-1/4" (colorful second layer) plus scraps for inside flowers)

* 80# Hammermill white card stock:  about 4-3/4" x 3-5/8" (embossed and die cut top layer); 5-1/4" x 4" (inside)

* Banners for You stamp set and Bunch of Banners dies (retired Stampin' Up!)

* Petal Burst embossing folder (retired Stampin' Up!)

* Deckled Rectangles Dies (retired Stampin' Up!)

* Small Flowers Die (from Amazon or maybe Temu -- cuts 18 flowers at a time)

* Cut out circle with flowers die from my stash (unknown source)

* Small Sponge Daubers

* Stampin' Pads from Stampin' Up!

    * Flirty Flamingo for flower centers

    * Smoky Slate for banner

    * Basic Gray for sentiment

* Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker

Assembly

* Fold card 100# white card stock at score line to create card base.

* Adhere Wild Wasabi card stock to card front.

* Use 5-3/8" x 3-1/4" deckled rectangle die to cut next layer from colorful card stock; adhere over Wild Wasabi card stock.

* Use 4-3/4" x 3-5/8" deckled rectangle die to cut top layer from 80# white card stock; emboss with Petal Burst embossing folder to add texture; cut circle with flowers die about 3/8" from top and sides of embossed card stock; use side of brush on Stampin' Write marker to trace around edge of die cut.  Adhere over colorful card stock.

* Use small sponge dauber to add Flirty Flamingo ink to centers of each flower.  (NOTE:  If you don't have small sponge daubers, small blender brushes or even a pencil eraser will work to apply the ink.)

* Stamp banner and sentiment on white card stock and cut out with corresponding banner die; use foam tape to adhere to card front as shown.

* Adhere second piece of Wild Wasabi card stock to inside of card.

* Adhere 80# white card stock over Wild Wasabi card stock.

* Use small flowers die to cut a bunch of flowers from colorful card stock and adhere on inside wherever they make you happy!

This was such a fun card that I decided to make it again, but alas, I had run out of Wild Wasabi card stock!  Luckily, I also had some Sweet Sugarplum card stock, ink and markers in my retired Stampin' Up! stash, so I used them in place of the Wild Wasabi for the first layer, flower centers, and tracing around edge of embossed deckled piece.

This is the same card substituting Sweet Sugarplum for Wild Wasabi and Flirty Flamingo.  We made this version at one of my tables for Sassy Stampers August Card Camp in Berthoud.  Difficult for me to decide which I like better!

More cards coming soon . . . in the meantime, Happy Stamping!!!

Simple Layered Card

One of my July classes was back at the Longmont Senior Center, substituting for a friend.  This is a good place for me to make some relatively easy, but beautiful cards.  This is the first of the two cards we made at my table.

Materials

* 100# Hammermill white card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" (card base)

* Midnight Muse card stock by Stampin' Up!: 5-1/4" x 4" (2 pieces for first layer on front and inside)

* 80# Hammermill white card stock: 4-1/2" x 3-1/4" (second layer on front); 5" x 3-3/4" (second layer on inside)

* Patterned paper from "Rustic Blue" scrapbook paper book by Somerset Press: 3-1/2" x 3" (front); 3-3/4" x 2" (inside); scraps for butterflies

* Bitty Butterfly vintage punch from Stampin' Up!

* Dark Blue Round Starform Stickers available from Stamplistic.com (centers of butterflies)

* Random sentiments from my stash

Assembly (one of my friends would call this a "slap & stick" card -- because it's very easy to assemble once the pieces parts are cut)

* Fold card base at score line.

* Adhere Midnight Muse card stock to card front.

* Stamp sentiment at bottom of 4-1/2" x 3-1/4" white card stock, center and adhere over Midnight Muse card stock.  (TIP:  When stamping the white card stock, position (but don't glue) the patterned paper where you want it to determine how much space you have for your sentiment.)

* Adhere patterned paper as shown,

* Punch a bunch of butterflies and let them fly wherever you like . . . add small Starform stickers to add a little sparkle to your card.

* Adhere second piece of Midnight Muse card stock to inside of card.

* Center and adhere 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock over Midnight Muse card stock.

* Adhere patterned paper across bottom of white card stock.

* Adhere butterflies wherever you like.  (NOTE:  When I punched the bitty butterflies, many of them were yellow on one side and patterned on the other, so for contrast I used the yellow side for the butterflies on the front, and the patterned side for the butterflies on the inside.  I didn't add the Starform stickers to the inside butterflies, but you certainly could if you want to carry the sparkle to the inside of the card.)

I hope you enjoy this card.  It was CASEd from a card by France Martin (FrenchieStamps.com) that I spotted on Pinterest.

My first Christmas in July Card . . . .

Although I'm totally NOT a fan of the whole Christmas in July thing, that was the theme for two card camps and a card swap in which I participated last month, so as long as I was at it, I also featured one Christmas/winter card at each of my July classes.

Here's the first one, which I made for Sassy Stampers Card Camp on July 11.  The idea came from Unity Stamp Co., and so did the stamp!

Featured Stamp Set: Frost & Feathers from Unity Stamp Co.

Paper:

* 100# white card stock by Hammermill: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" (card base)

* Woodgrain paper from my stash (no idea where it came from): 5-1/4" x 4" (2 pieces - one for first layer on front and one on inside)

* Snowflake paper also from my stash (bought in a yard sale): 4-3/4" x 3-1/2"

* 80# white card stock by Hammermill: 4-1/2" x 3", top two corners cut diagonally to create tag; also used for die cut snowflakes on front and for second layer on inside (5" x 3-3/4")

* Small pieces of random paper for smaller tags

Other Stuff:

* .5 mm twine from Amazon: about 12" for bow

* Tag Punch and Small Tag Punch: vintage Stampin' Up!

* Happy Winter wood stamp set: vintage Stampin' Up!

* Build-a-Hat dies from PapertrayInk.com (large snowflakes)

* Nocturne (Black) VersaFine Clair ink pad by Tsukineko

* Master's Touch Water-Based Brush Markers from Hobby Lobby

* Crop-a-dile or 1/8" circle punch

Assembly:

* Center and adhere woodgrain paper to card front.

* Adhere snowflake paper at an angle over the woodgrain paper.

* Stamp and color snowman and bird image; also stamp a sprinkling of tiny snowflakes on the large white tag.

* Stamp and color Happy Winter image on small solid-color tag; punch two of the larger tags from contrasting patterned paper of your choice.

* Holding all four tags together, punch a 1/8" hole in the top center (the larger of the two punches on my Crop-a-dile worked well for this).  String twine through all four tags and tie a large bow on the front.  Adhere assembled tags to card front.

* Use glue dots or liquid glue to add large snowflakes wherever they make you happy.

* Layer remaining piece of woodgrain paper and 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock to inside of card.

* Optional: Add a few more random snowflake images on white card stock.

I hope this gives you a little winter chill on a 100+ degree summer day . . . .

NEW: Check out my August class and card camp schedule!

Howdy, folks! I've just updated my schedule for August classes and card camps.  Click on the Upcoming Events tab above for all the details!

Be sure to check back soon to see some awesome card designs!  All of the cards from my July classes will be posted over the next couple of weeks, along with materials lists (including measurements) and instructions and, in some cases, links to video tutorials.  

. . . and Another Coneflower Card!

We made this cute coneflower card at Diva Designs Card Camp this past Saturday.  It was our first card camp in this location and it was way too much fun!

Inspired by Cheri's Cards (www.stampinonline.com)

Materials

* Copper Clay card stock**: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored and folded at 4-1/4"; about 1-1/2" x 5/8" for coneflower top

* Basic Beige card stock**: 5-1/8" x 3-7/8"

* Crushed Curry card stock**: about 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" for coneflower petals and butterfly dies

* Always Artichoke card stock**: about 3-1/2" x 1-1/2" for stem and green leaves

* Gold Foil card stock from Hobby Lobby: about 3-3/4" x 1-1/2" for gold die cuts

* Off-white card stock from my stash for inside: 5-1/8" x 3-7/8"

* Coneflower stamps and dies from Amazon.com

* Coastal Weave embossing folder from Stampin' Up!

* Copper Clay Ink from Stampin' Up!

Assembly

* Emboss Beige card stock with Coastal Weave embossing folder; center and adhere to card front

* Stamp coneflower image with petal side toward edge of Crushed Curry card stock; use large die to cut flower.  (NOTE:  This die is the shape of the flower plus a mirror image of the flower, with a score line between them for folding the flower in half.  See photo below.)

* Stamp sentiment on inside of coneflower.

* Cut smaller coneflower from Crushed Curry card stock; use sponge dauber to apply Copper Clay ink near tops of petals; adhere just the top portion of die cut over stamped coneflower, leaving the petals free.

*  Cut top piece of coneflower from Copper Clay card stock; use sponge dauber to apply ink to lower portion of die cut.  Use self-adhesive foam pieces to adhere over top portion of assembled flower.  Set aside.*

* Cut full leaves and stem from Always Artichoke card stock; cut detailed leaves and row of circles dies from Gold Foil card stock.  Adhere long row of circles about 3/4" from bottom of embossed card stock.  Adhere stem and green leaves to card front over gold card stock as shown.  Offset gold foil leaves from green leaves and adhere as shown.

* Adhere assembled coneflower over stem as shown.

* Stamp sentiment on white speckled paper and use form adhesive pieces to adhere over stem.

* Adhere small gold circles wherever they make you happy!

Inside

* Stamp sentiment on off-white card stock and adhere to inside of card.

* Use spong dauber to apply shading to butterfly near body and back wing.  Use marker or small paint brush to apply ink to butterfly body.  Adhere as shown.

* Adhere small gold circles wherever they make you happy!

This was a really fun card to make (of course, I'm sure you've seen me say this about ALL of my cards).  I hope you try this design!

My First Coneflower Card . . . .

Another card from my June Craft Box class -- this one inspired by Jennifer Cotton (www.StampTherapist.com).

Materials

* 100# Hammermill Premium Color Copy: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" for card base; 2" x 1" for sentiment

* Magenta Madness card stock by Stampin' Up!: 5-1/4" x 4" (first layer for front and inside); about 4-1/2" x 3-1/2" for coneflower dies

* Kraft 100# card stock from Hobby Lobby: 5" x 3-3/4" for second layer

* 80# Hammermill Premium Color Copy: 5" x 3-3/4" for inside

* Crushed Curry card stock by Stampin' Up!: small amount for butterfly

* Wild Wasabi and Certainly Celery card stock by Stampin' Up! for stem and leaves

* Peach Parfait card stock from Stampin' Up!: scrap for top of coneflower

* White speckled card stock from my stash for sentiment: 2" x 1"

* Coastal Weave embossing folder by Stampin' Up!

* Modern Oval punch by Stampin' Up!

* Coneflower stamp set and dies from Amazon.com

* Magenta Madness, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede ink from Stampin' Up! for shading and stamping 

* VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink by Tsukineko for sentiment and butterfly stamps

* Self-adhesive rhinestones from Amazon.com

Assembly

* Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" Magenta Madness card stock to card front.

* Emboss Kraft 5" x 3-3/4" card stock with Coastal Weave embossing folder and adhere over Magenta Madness.

* Use Magenta Madness ink to stamp coneflower image petal-side toward edge of Magenta Madness card stock; use large die to cut flower.  (NOTE:  This die is the shape of the flower plus a mirror image of the flower, with a score line between them for folding the flower in half.  See photo below.)

* Stamp sentiment on inside of coneflower.

* Cut smaller coneflower from Magenta Madness card stock; use sponge dauber to apply Magenta Madness ink near tops of petals; adhere just the top portion of die cut over stamped coneflower, leaving the petals free.

*  Cut top piece of coneflower from Peach Parfait card stock; use sponge dauber to apply Soft Suede ink to lower portion of die cut.  Use self-adhesive foam pieces to adhere over top portion of assembled flower.  Set aside.

* Cut full leaves from Certainly Celery card stock; cut stem and detailed leaves from Wild Wasabi card stock.  Adhere stem to card front at an angle from lower left corner toward upper right.  Adhere detailed leaves to full leaves and adhere over stem as shown.

* Adhere assembled coneflower over stem as shown.

* Stamp sentiment on white speckled paper and use form adhesive pieces to adhere over stem.

* Stamp butterfly with VersaFine Clair ink and cut with die.  Use sponge dauber to apply ink near body and on back wing; color in body with black marker.  Adhere to sentiment label as shown.

* Apply rhinestones wherever they make you happy.

Inside

* Adhere Magenta Madness 5-1/4" x 4" card stock to inside of card.

* Adhere 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock over Magenta Madness.

WHEW!  What a lot of words to explain a fairly simple card!  Hope you enjoy this card and try it yourself.

Masculine-ish Birthday Card

This was a relatively quick and easy card we made in my June Craft Box class.  The only slightly challenging part was assembling the adirondack chair . . . .

Inspired by Jennifer Smith (www.jennifer.stampinup.net)

Materials

* 100# White Premium Color Copy Cover by Hammermill: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"

* Merry Merlot card stock by Stampin' Up!: 5-1/4" x 4" (2 pcs); about 4-1/2" x 3-1/4" for large arch die (NOTE: To save paper, this piece was cut from the center of the 5-1/4" x 4" bottom layer.); scrap for sentiment

* 80# White Premium Color Copy Cover by Hammermill: 5" x 3-3/4"; about 2-1/2" x 5" for die cuts

* Oceanside sunset background design from TEMU: about 4" x 3" for small arch die

* Black card stock: scraps for cattails dies

* Wood Grain embossing folder from Stampin' Up!

* Adirondack Chair dies and stamps from Amazon.com

* Classic Label Punch from Stampin' Up!

* Versafine Clair Nocturne ink by Tsukineko

Assembly

* Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" Merry Merlot to card front.

* Emboss 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock with Woodgrain embossing folder and adhere over Merry Merlot.

* Adhere large size Merry Merlot arch over white embossed card stock.

* Adhere oceanside sunset arch over Merry Merlot arch.

* Cut cattails from black card stock and adhere as shown at bottom of oceanside sunset arch.

* Cut and assemble adirondack chair and adhere as shown.

* Stamp sentiment and punch from 100# white card stock.  Adhere to card front with adhesive foam.

Inside

* Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" Merry Merlot card stock to inside of card.

* Stamp weeds on 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock and adhere over Merry Merlot.

I hope you enjoy this relaxing card and try it yourself.  It would make a great retirement card!!!

Gone Fishin' Card

Happy Thursday!  I'm finally getting around to posting my second card from Sassy Stampers Card Camp this past Saturday.  (Better late than never?)

This card was originally inspired by a cute card I saw online, but by the time I tweaked it . . . and tweaked it some more . . . and then some more . . . even the original creator wouldn't recognize that he or she inspired it!  Basically, the only two things remaining are the embossed piece with the circle cutout and the little boy fishing off the dock!  I offered two different sentiments -- Happy Birthday and Hello Summer.

Materials

* Kraft heavy weight card stock by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby):  8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored and folded at 4-1/4" (card base); scraps for dragonflies

* Black card stock: 4" x 4" (layer behind corrugated card stock); 4" x 1" (layer behind sentiment); about 3" x 2-1/4" (die cut)

* Kraft 65# card stock by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby): 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" (corrugated layer); 3-3/4" x 3/4" (sentiment)

* New Horizons Designer Series Paper** : 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" (background paper in circle)

* Little Fisherman Die from TEMU

* Sentiment Dies from Amazon.com

* Dragonflies Punch**

* Circles Nested Framelits Dies**

* Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder**

* 0.5mm Jute Twine from my stash (possibly from Walmart): about 10"

* Pokey Tool and blunt edge needle with large eye

Inside

* Black card stock: 5-1/4" x 4" (first layer)

* White card stock: 5" x 3-3/4" (second layer)

**Stampin' Up! retired item

Assembly

* Adhere 4" x 4" card stock 1/8" from top edge of card.

* Center and adhere 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" patterned paper over black card stock.

* Cut little fisherman die from black card stock and adhere as shown to patterned paper.

* Cut 2-3/4" circle from center of 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" Kraft card stock, and then emboss.  Center and adhere over black card stock so background paper and little fisherman show through circle.

* Cut sentiment from 3-3/4" x 3/4" Kraft paper and adhere to 4" x 1" black card stock; adhere to card front 1/8" from bottom edge.

* Use pokey tool to punch holes in the space between the top and bottom sections of the card, close to the left and right edges of the black card stock.  Use needle to thread twine from front to back and then back to front of card, and tie a knot in the front; trim any excess.  (Check out the photo below to see what it looks like on the inside.)

* Punch several small dragonflies from the heavy weight Kraft card stock and adhere wherever they make you happy.  (OPTIONAL:  If you like a little shimmer, add Wink of Stella glitter to dragonflies.)

Inside

* Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" black card stock to inside of card.

* Adhere 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock over black card stock.

* Add dragonflies randomly.

That's it!  I'd love to be fishing off that dock with that kid!  What a wonderful way to spend a summer day!!!

Birthday Wishes Pieces Parts Card

This card was inspired by a design I found on Pinterest.  So easy to adapt to any occasion by simply changing the patterned paper.

Materials

* 100# Hammermill White Premium Color Copy Card Stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" (card base)

* Soft Suede Card Stock**: 5-1/4" x 4" (first layer); about 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" (large deckled circle die cut)

* Sahara Sand Card Stock**: 2" x 1-3/4" (upper left corner piece); about 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" (smaller deckled circle die cut); scraps for small flowers

* Glasshouse Card Stock by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby):  

    * 3" x 2" (bottom left corner piece)

    * 3" x 1-1/2" (upper right corner piece)

    * 1-3/4" x 1-1/2" (lower right corner piece)

* Sage Shadow Card Stock**: 1-7/8" circle; scraps for leaves

* White Card Stock: 1-3/4" circle; scraps for small flowers

* Deckled Circle Layering Dies from TEMU

* 1-7/8" and 1-3/4" Circle Punches from Stampin' Up!

* Bough Punch** (leaves)

* Confetti Flowers Border Punch** (small flowers)

* Layered Leaves Embossing Folder** (embossing on upper left corner card stock)

* Sentiment Stamps from my stash

* Early Espresso Ink from Stampin' Up!

Inside

* Glasshouse Card Stock: 5-1/4" x 4" (first layer)

* White Card Stock: 5" x 3-3/4" (second layer)

** Retired Stampin' Up! Items

Assembly

* Adhere Soft Suede card stock to card front

* Adhere pieces parts to Soft Suede card stock in the corners according to the sizes listed above

* Cut and punch the following pieces and set aside:

    * Cut 2-3/4" Deckled Circle from Soft Suede card stock

    * Cut 2-1/4" Deckled Circle from Sage Shadow card stock

    * Punch 1-7/8" Circle from Sage Shadow card stock

    * Punch 1-3/4" Circle from white card stock and stamp sentiment of your choosing

    * Punch leaves from Sage Shadow card stock

    * Punch several small flowers from Sahara and White card stock

* Starting at the bottom, layer circles and leaf and flower pieces on card front as follows (NOTE: I didn't pop up my pieces since there were so many layers, but you could certainly assemble the entire piece and adhere with foam tape or hexagons if that's your preference):

    * Soft Suede 2-3/4" Deckled Circle (bottom)

    * Sage Shadow Leaves

    * Sahara Sand 2-1/4" Deckled Circle

    * Sage Shadow 1-7/8" Circle

    * White 1-3/4" Circle

    * Small Flowers

Inside

* Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" patterned paper to inside of card

* Adhere 5" x 3-3/4" white card stock over patterned paper

* OPTIONAL: Add a few more flowers and/or leaves on inside of card

That's it.  This was intended to have a more masculine feel to it, but I think the flowers kind of changed that by the time I was finished.  Adding tiny dots of some kind of sparkle to the centers of the small flowers would certainly enhance this card, but as I said, I was trying to keep it a little more "manly."

Hope you enjoy this card.

Patriotic Card

Hey, it's me with a patriotic card -- "a day late and a dollar short," as usual.  This is actually the card I'm making for my friend Lesa Moseley who donates 500 cards to the VA each year for Veterans Day.  This is the 6th year in a row that I've contributed cards to her contribution.  I started out making 100 card kits; but now I actually finish all of the cards before giving them to her.  (Last year I took a little break because she only needed 50 from me.)

Click on image for closer look.

This is a versatile card and, with a different sentiment on the front, could be used for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day, or even a birthday card for a member of the military or a patriotic friend or family member.

Materials

* 100# white Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover Stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" for card base

* Pure Poppy card stock by PapertreyInk.com: 5-1/4" x 4" (first layer)

* Fireworks patterned paper by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby): 5" x 3-3/4" (second layer)

* Any weight white card stock: 4-1/4" x 2-1/4" (third layer)

* Pure Poppy card stock: 4" x 2" (fourth layer)

* Night of Navy card stock by Stampin' Up!: 3-5/8" x 1" (banner)

* Scraps of all three colors for star punches; white for sentiment

* Lucky Stars embossing folder by Stampin' Up!

* Banners Pick-a-Punch by Stampin' Up!

* Tags Collection Dies by Tim Holtz (sentiment)

* Star Punches by Stampin' Up!

* Brave Hearts stamp set by Technique Junkies ("American Thanks You for Your Service")

* Celebrate Freedom stamp set by PapertreyInk.com ("land of the free because of the brave")

* Night of Navy Stampin' Pad and marker (Stampin' Up!)

Assembly

* Adhere red card stock to card front

* Adhere fireworks paper over red card stock

* Adhere 4-1/4" x 2-1/4" white card stock over fireworks paper

* Emboss 4" x 2" red card stock with Lucky Stars embossing folder and adhere over white card stock

* Use Banners Pick-a-Punch to trim one edge of the navy card stock; line up flat end of banner with top of fireworks paper and adhere with foam tape at top and bottom edges

* Use navy marker to outline all of the white stars

* Adhere red star to center of large star; adhere to card fron with foam tape on under points to the left and regular adhesive under the part that overlaps banner

* Outline sentiment label with navy marker and stamp sentiment with navy ink.  Use foam tape to adhere to card front.

* Use regular adhesive to attach small white stars to the right as shown.

* Stamp sentiment on inside of card.

* Use regular adhesive to attach red, white and blue stars as shown.

I hope you enjoy this card.  It was a little tedious to make 100 of them, but overall just a small token of appreciation for the veterans.