Category Archives: scoring

Vintage Christmas

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Well, I hope you are all keeping warm and busy as the holiday season ramps up! I’ve feel like I’ve been on a shopping crusade. I’ve made a big dent in my holiday gift-giving list. Unfortunately, I seem to end up picking up something for myself every place I shop (one for him, two for me, one for her, three for me….). Shopping is my calling in life, lol.

For the past week, I’ve twisted or pulled something in my right shoulder and its really put a pinch in my routine(s). It was so bad for a couple of days, I was in bed with a heating pad, some decent pain killers and the thankless task of trying to find a position to lay in that didn’t hurt. It’s finally on the mend (*fingers crossed*), but I’ve been lax in the crafting department. I finally worked on this card yesterday…and I really love the very vintage Christmas feel it invokes.











Imagine

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My new Cricut Imagine showed up on Friday. I knew that it would be bigger and heavier than an Expression–but, I don’t think I was quite prepared for what a large piece of machinery it is. This is definitely not a portable machine (not that this is a negative point at all). I set up the machine and ran the update process which is done with the included Imagine cartridge. I calibrated the screen, the ink cartridges, and the cutting blade on the first try. I had absolutely no problems with any of the procedures and the on-screen instructions were very easy to follow. After that, I used my computer to update with the Cricut Sync software on my laptop. Again, it went off without a hitch. I have to say I was a bit apprehensive hearing some of the anecdotal stories (which is one of the reasons I was putting off this purchase). But, after undergoing the process and playing with the machine for a bit, I am absolutely thrilled with my purchase. It’s really hard to relay in words what a different experience the Imagine is compared to the Cricut Expression. I can only say it is completely different. It really is an amazing piece of technology (that by all sources is only going to get better). It was actually thrilling to use it the first time. Watching the Imagine work is a true “Wow!” moment. I’ve barely skimmed the surface of its capabilities, but I would highly recommend the Cricut Imagine if you can fit it into your budget. It’s definitely an investment, but it truly takes the results to another level.

So, here is my first card project done with the Imagine. It was made with the Cricut Imagine and the “Imagine More Cards” cartridge.








This probably goes without saying… The Cricut Imagine does nothing to help combat that insidious disease that compels you to purchase Cricut cartridges. I received my Imagine on Friday and have three Imagine art cartridges already and uhm…..six more on order. Oops.

More Paper Lace

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Today’s card project once again finds its genesis in the new Cricut “Paper Lace” cartridge. Can I just say that this cartridge is a true must have. There are some terrific stock designs in the artwork. However, if you are a fan of Cricut manipulation using your Gypsy or Cricut Design Studio, this cartridge is a bounty of creativity and possibilities.

I also have a confession to make about this card. I absolutely LOVE the way it came out. Putting it together was a complete joy–and there’s just something about its simplicity that belies all the work that went into it. It could also have something to do with the fact that it’s a special card for my Mom, whose birthday is today. Whatever may be the reason, this is probably one of my personal favorite cards that I’ve made.

The cardstock used in the card include: Stampin’ Up! in Wild Wasabi and Papertrey Ink in Pinefeather. The decorative cardstock is from Imaginisce’s “Splash Dance” collection. The ribbon is Papertrey Ink (in Pinefeather). The moss half-back pearls are from Queen & Co. The floral heart button is from Webster’s Pages. The peridot crystals are Swarovski. In addition to my Gypsy and Cricut Expression, I used two paper punches: Martha Stewart’s Deco Shells corner punch and the Stampin’ Up! beaded scallop edge punch.











Just Because

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Materials Used:

Tools: Cricut Gypsy, Cricut Expression, Cricut “Paper Lace” cartridge;
Paper: Papertrey Ink cardstock in Fine Linen, Basic Grey “Curio” collection decorative paper;
Adhesive: Zig 2-Way glue pen, 3M ATG 714;
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan;
Embellishments: Ranger Glossy Accents, Queen & Co. Rox Jewels, Webster’s Pages Whimsey Flowers Perfect Buttons;

Let It Snow (?)

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Yesterday, I was goofing around trying to decide on which project to tackle. Meanwhile, I realized that there was a chill in the air nipping at the back of my neck. I looked out the window (*distraction*) and realized it was one of those days. The ones where the sky is a frozen ice blue in color with little cloudiness. Where the wind seems to be missing, but blusters here and again. The kind where time seems to have just suspended itself and Mother Nature has let out a quiet, but definite, B-r-r-r-r.

When I got back to my workspace, I knew I wanted to make a card to capture that feeling. It’s funny because the piece of decorative paper I decided to use (from SEI) really isn’t winter or snowflake related per se, but yet it works. Some ribbon, a stamp, and my I-Rock and this icy blue card appeared. Can you feel it?





Life Is Good

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Materials Used:

*cardstock: Stampin’ Up! Blushing Bride, Stampin’ Up! Whisper White;
*decorative paper: Pink Paislee “Sweetness” collection;
*ribbon: Stampin’ Up! grosgrain ribbon in Pink Pirouette;
*stamps: Papertrey Ink’s “Year Of Flowers: Marigolds” set;
*inks: Tsukineko Memento in Rich Cocoa & Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers;
*adhesive: 3M ATG 714, Stampin’ Dimensionals;

Ahoy, Matey!

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I finally got around to playing with some of my new goodies from Papertrey Ink’s October 2010 releases. The box had just been sitting there waiting for me to pillage and plunder. Can I just say I am in love with the new color ways–Blueberry Sky and Pinefeather. I ordered the cardstock, satin ribbon, polka dot ribbon, and wool felt in both colors. They are truly yummy! In addition to my stamp picks, I had to order the new die set called “Limitless Layers: 1 3/4″ Circle Collection”. This five piece die set has limitless possibilities and is definitely a must-have. Today’s card project uses the die set and some of the new Blueberry Sky collection.

The basic premise of the “Limitless Layers” set is that you have a 1 3/4″ circle die shape that can be backed by four different decorative circle shaped dies to create tags, badges, buttons of various materials to embellish your craft projects. I chose to use the scalloped punch out die and a piece of American Crafts glitter cardstock in Ocean to create the sentiment badge for my project.

For those that are curious, the Papertrey Ink die line will work with nearly all die-cutting systems (e.g., Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders, etc.). While I have a Sizzix Big Shot, more times than not I will grab my Cuttlebug to use the dies and they cut wonderfully. The correct “sandwich” recipe for using these dies is: A Plate + C Plate + die + material + B Plate.

For this card, I used the new Papertrey Ink Blueberry Sky cardstock as my base (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″). The base mat is a piece of Stampin’ Up! textured cardstock in Brilliant Blue (5″ x 3 1/4″). The decorative mat is Die Cuts With A View (DCWV) cardstock from the “All About Boys” stack (4 3/4″ x 2 1/2″). The scallop cut is American Craft glitter cardstock (2 1/8″ diameter). I wasn’t sure if I was going to use a colored circle (Blueberry Sky) or a white circle (Stampin’ Up! Whisper White) to stamp on–so I cut both just to have the option. (NOTE: I used my Zutter 1/2″ Round-It-All to cut the corners off the cardstock base and mats.)

While flipping through the DCWV “All About Boys” stack, I found a page that had a glazed image of a pirate ship on it and it served as the inspiration for the project.

To begin layering my card, I wrapped a piece of the coordinating Papertrey Ink Blueberry Sky satin ribbon around the Brilliant Blue mat and then adhered that layer to my card base. I chose to place the mat on the folded (scored) edge of the card to create a bit of visual interest with the ultimate color layering.

Next, I inked the edges of the pirate ship mat with Tsukineko Memento ink in Danube Blue and adhered it to the ribboned mat layer.

For my sentiment badge, I decided to use the white background and a Stampin’ Up! set called “Pirate Time”. I stamped the skull image using the Memento Danube Blue ink and the captain’s hat using StazOn in Jet Black. I used a Sakura Glaze pen in Black to handwrite the “Ahoy!” sentiment and inked the circle edges with more Danube Blue and a sponge dauber. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the white layer to my glittered scallop and then attached the badge to the cardfront.

The final touch was another stamped image on the inside of the card. Keeping with the pirate theme, I used a skull map stamp from a Stampin’ Up! set entitled “Beware Pirates” and StazOn Jet Black to finish my card.

Here are a few more close-up images of the finished project:





Tonality

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I know recently I’ve been obsessed with Halloween and related projects. I’m actually kind of sad that after this weekend, it’s really time to move on to other holidays and projects.

For today’s card, I played with one of my favorite areas of exploration in card layout and construction: tonality. While I love bold, vivid color as much as the next person–I’ve always been fascinated with working with similar tones and tints of one color. Of course, green being my favorite color–tints and tones of greens are particular favorites for me. For this card, I wanted to explore the color family as well creating the actual and illusory use of texture. I was really happy with the way this project turned out.

The base cardstock and color is Wild Wasabi from Stampin’ Up!. The base decorative foiled cardstock mat was cut at 4″ x 5″ and is from American Craft’s “Botanique” collection. I used my SU! ticket corner punch to shape all four corners. The next two layers of the card were achieved with the use of my Cuttlebug and two of Tim Holtz’s Alterations dies from Sizzix.

The next layer (striped) was cut using the Baroque Alterations die and another piece of decorative cardstock from the “Botanique” collection. I love the multistriped tonal look with the light smattering of glitter. The final layer was a piece of SU! Whisper White cardstock that was cut with Tim Holtz’s Styled Label Alterations die. I then used a Papertrey Ink background text stamp to create the handwritten background with their Ripe Avocado ink. These two layers were adhered together with my ATG714 adhesive gun and then applied to the base layer with Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The finishing touch was an Imaginisce paper flower in a light celery color. I capped off the petal with a floral center flatback button in celadon from Webster’s Pages. (Love these!) The card is perfect for almost any use or correspondence. Too often, I trap myself into making cards for a specific theme or event. Sometimes, it’s great to have some cards on hand that will work for almost anything.






Stitched Harvest

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Today’s card project is decidedly Fall in theme and feel. I originally was setting out to make a Halloween-specific card, but the more I worked with colors and paper selection–it became more vintage and retro. I originally was going to use the paper piecing (the patchwork pumpkin) to create a goofy jack-o-lantern that I was going to name Franken-Pumpkin (ergo the “stitch” marks). In the end, it is a much more muted and elegant affair–and I’m okay with that.

This is also one of the rare times I make a 6″ x 6″ card. The base cardstock (6″ x 12″) is Bazzill textured cardstock in Raven, which was scored at 6″. The scalloped portion of the sentiment is Bazzill as well. The sentiment oval is Stampin’ Up! cardstock in Peach Parfait and the base pumpkin shape is Papertrey Ink Simply Chartreuse cardstock. All of the other paper used in the construction (patchwork pieces, mat, and inside sentiment block) are from Memory Box’ “Blackbird” collection.

You really need to sketch a general pumpkin shape on a piece of heavy white cardstock to create a pattern. Here, you can decide how big you want your pumpkin to be and where you want to make the “cuts” for your patchwork pieces. After you trace your pattern shape on your base colored cardstock, you can then actually cut the pieces of your pattern out and use them as templates for your decorative paper pieces. (I hope that made sense.)

Once I picked the decorative papers I wanted to use, I cut them down to my template sizes and adhered them to my base cardstock. I highly recommend that you glue your patchwork pieces together on the base cardstock before you start worrying about punching and stitching. Once my pumpkin was together, I used a paper piercer to punch out my stitching holes. You need to think this out a bit and pay particular attention to where your stitches will intersect with one another. After my punching was complete, I used a Bazzill needle and stitching floss in a forest green color. The beginning and end stitches of my floss are simply taped to the back of my pumpkin. I used a simple stitch pattern and the results are quite effective I think. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the finished pumpkin to my cardfront–giving it a bit more depth and interest.

Then sentiment medallion was created using Stampin’ Up! punches (oval and scalloped oval) and the actual sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals again to elevate the medallion. For the inside of the card, I used an entire 6″ x 6″ block of Memory Box paper. I embellished it with the spiderweb, jack-o’-lantern, and bat using a Sakura Glaze pen in black. In this instance, I think the inside is just as fun to look at as the front.





Well, that’s it for today! I hope the air is nippy where you are (and that you have a blanket to cozy up with at night while you watch the leaves fall from the trees). I hear a Giveaway might just be on its way…hmm.