Flowerbug's Inkspot

July Technique Class!

I'm done creating & quite happy with these cards.  I think these are techniques you'll want to use again & again.

Classes are on either Tuesday, July 21st at 4 pm or 6:30 pm & Wednesday, July 22nd at 6:30 pm.  Sign up for any of these sessions - cost is just $10 for local gals.  Please RSVP by Wedn, July 16th. 

If you live away, there is always the 'Class by e-mail' option.  Check out the link at the bottom - just $4 via PayPal.

This is called Color Gradation. 
You'll learn how to ink an image using multiple colors without ruining your markers or ink pads.
Aren't these colors fabulous together?  They reminded me of summer.
Rose Red, Crushed Curry & White.
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Faux Paper Lantern - so cool!  Easy too. 
Don't you love this flower image?  It's one of the new Level 2 Hostess choices in the new catalog.

The colors here are Rich Razzleberry, Black, Old Olive & White
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Now this one is neat!  It's called 'Layered Brayer'. 
You might not be able to tell in the photo, but it's done on Glossy white card stock. 
I'm not telling the secret to this, but it's fun do!
Colors - Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red, White & Black

If you're interested in making these Technique cards at home, sign up below.

I'll send you the full instructions, photos & templates to print out via e-mail.

July Technique Class - just $4.00.

And to see even more of my Technique Classes via e-mail, click here!

Punch Art Wednesday - Are they hearts or purses?

It's another episode of Punch Art Wednesday - purses this time. 

I love the simplicity of making these purses. 
You do need a large heart punch, double sided paper, cord & brads & that's about it!  They're quite easy to put together obviously.
I used our new Razzleberry Lemonade designer series paper - lots of great patterns in this pack.

Card stock - Melon Mambo, Black, Crushed Curry, White
Ink - Black, Melon Mambo - wheel & sponging
Stamps - The More the Merrier (Hostess Level 3), wheel - Fashion Forward
Accessories - Full Heart punch, large Oval punch, Scallop Edge punch, white gel pen, silver brads, silver cord, sponge daubers, Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon, standard wheel handle

Mojo Monday

I really like the sketch they posted today.  It came together easily too.
I decided to start with a piece of Pink Flamingo patterned paper for my color inspiration. 

That meant Summer Sun, Regal Rose & Chocolate chip.

Stamps - Eastern Blooms
Ink - Summer Sun, Regal Rose
Card stock - Regal Rose, Summer Sun, White, Chocolate, Pink Flamingo
Accessories - Chocolate double stitched ribbon, Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, Button Latte, mini glue dots, dimensionals, markers, white gel pen, Sizzix Texturz plates #4, Big Shot

I used markers to color the branch with flowers.  The Chocolate centers were colored in after it was stamped.

I love the look of stitching - even if you don't think you're good at it - keep trying - you'll improve each time! 

Deal of the Week #2

And the next one is.................  The Doctor's Bag!

 I do not own this bag yet - but I'll be getting it now at 30% off! 

I've seen it - it's stylish, beautiful & roomy. It is NOT a small bag!  It will make an awesome carry-on tote even if you do not have a Big Shot!

Carry your Big Shot machine, cutting pads, and dies in stunning style. This black-and-white checked doctor’s bag makes storing and transporting your Big Shot machine easy and convenient.

It has handles for carrying and a shoulder strap for when your hands are full of other crafting supplies.

Item #113474

Regular Price: 69.95

Special Price: 49.99

Your Savings: 19.96!  WOW!

Be sure to contact me before this Deal ends.  I'll be putting in the last order of the week Sunday evening, July 12th.

Ribbon Share & Deal of the Week

Just a reminder that if you still want to order July's first 'Deal of the Week' - the Scallop Edge punch for just $10.99, let me know by tomorrow, July 5th.  A different 'Deal of the Week' will be announced on Monday the 6th.

I'll be placing my order for this week by 8 pm Sunday night.

Check out my In Color polka dot ribbon share. 
Get 3 yards of each new In Color polka dot grosgrain ribbon for just $15.00.  That's 18 yards! This price includes shipping. 

I will keep this ribbon share open as long as I continue to get orders. 

Foiled!

I love it when I find that something I always have around the house (is cheap!) & makes an awesome, unique card or project.

I've seen a few people do this trick before so I created this card for yesterday's Big Shot Club.

It's so cool!

Just run a piece of Heavy Duty aluminum foil through your Big Shot or Cuttlebug with a texture plate & it comes out with the fabulous design embossed into it. 

Just think of using this technique for masculine cards - it'll be perfect!

A few tips to make this technique easy & less frustrating.

• Cut your foil to size before you run it through.  My piece is 3 3/4" X 5". 
  
• Place the 'good side' down onto the texture plate - so decide if you want the shiny side of your foil showing or the duller side.
• To adhere it, you can use mini glue dots or Tombo mono-multi.  I ran a very thin line of mono-multi glue onto the edge of my Black card stock & 'gently' laid the foil onto it.  Turn the whole piece over to burnish (rub) on the back side.  This gives even pressure & eliminates any smudge or pressure marks.  
• Handle it as little as you can so the edges & middle to not get creased & stay smooth looking.

Here's a close-up of the textured foil & the bow made from our newest ribbon - Melon Mambo polka dot grosgrain. 
The bow is actually made of two pieces & is attached to the horizontal strip with mini glue dots. 
Step 1:  Use a long piece of ribbon - about 4-5 inches.  Form into a loop & secure the ends together overlapping a bit & add a glue dot inside the center so it is not gaping.
Step 2:  Wrap a very short piece around the middle of the large loop.  I start by securing one end in the back with a mini glue dot.  Then wrap it around the front of the loop & secure onto the back with another mini glue dot. 

Fourth of July open treat box

Here's a wonderful project for the 4th. 

I'm telling you, if you do not have the Top Note die yet, what are you waiting for?  I can make the greatest projects using it! 
I try not to overuse it, but it's a persistant thing! It keeps jumping up & into my hands saying, 'Pick me, pick me - I'll make it easy & awesome.'

I cased this from someone & cannot find it again - if it was you, please let me know so I can give credit to you!

We adhered quarter sized pieces of Real Red card stock to pieces of thin card board (again, my favorite is the 12" piece included in your DSP packages) using a glue stick.  Then you run them through your Big Shot or Cuttlebug.  Run a smaller piece of Navy on one corner & a strip of White in the center on the other side & you have your extra pieces. 
We punched out a white star using the large star punch.

To make the box, cut a piece of Real Red card stock measuring 6" X 5 1/2".  Score it on the 6" side at 2 1/2" & 3 1/2". 
Score it on the 5 1/2" side at 1" from both ends.
Cut up to the 1" score line on the middle score lines.  Fold & adhere the ends together to form an open box.

Adhere a Top Note piece to each side of the box.
I added a cello bag filled with candy inside & a 'Celebrate' tag using the Celebrate Everything stamp set stamped in White craft ink.
The star from the Wanted stamp set was inked in Real Red ink, stamped on white card stock & punched out using the Star punch.
A silver brad was added & the whole thing was tied using our hemp twine & Real Red grosgrain ribbon.

Open House news

What a fun day yesterday was!  Whew... it was wonderfully busy though.  Thank you to those who came - I absolutely love a full house of excited stampers!  Squeals & laughter filled the rooms.  Of course I always wish I had taken photos of my events, but rarely remember to.

Open House cards should be quick & easy, however you may know I have a hard time keeping cards simple & free of layers, so I was thrilled to case this idea from a few different stampers. 
The texture of the white on white is beautiful.  And the stamps included in the Level 3 Hostess set 'Kind & Caring Thoughts' can make any card a WOW.
Colors are Melon Mambo & Black. 
We used the Scallop edge punch for the bottom trim - on sale this week only for just $10.99!!  

They also made this card using the new stamp sets - Circle Circus & Animal Stories.

Does everyone see this as a giraffe?  I sure thought it was a horse at first!  Had to be corrected by one of my friends!  It's obvious when you look at his tail & horn - it sure fooled me!

We used the Scalloped Oval Sizzix die.  You can cut out both the black & white card stock at one time with this Bigz die. 

Colors are Pumpkin, Black & White.  We used the left-over white frame on the inside of the card too. 

Mmm, my inside greeting sure looks crooked here.  But I think it's the picture - yeah, we'll go with that!

Announcing the Open House Door Prize winners:

Jane W - Level 1 Hostess set from the new catalog.

Sharon S - $15 in Free merchandise

Audrey B - Dream a Little Level 3 Hostess set

Karen A - Serene Spring Level 2 hostess set

Judy L - Print Patterns Pack

Lisa E - Birthday's Count note card kit

Denise J - Note of Thanks note card kit

Lots of News!

The new Catalogs are all here & ready for pick-up! 
I love new catty time- it's so exciting to see what's new - browse & dream while making a wish list for the year. 

Stop in today for my big Open House event anytime between 3 & 7 pm.  There's lots to see & do!

Check out this post for details on my In Color Special Offer plus new In Color Ribbon Club.

If you're in one of my Clubs, they're free! 
And if you place a $50 order anytime this month you'll get one free!

And Stampin' Up! has announced another wonderful sign-up special. 

Become a SU Demonstrator for just $85.00!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including:

For All You Do stamp set (or any other $28.95 set)

In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6) (or any other Classic ink pads)

Whisper White card stock (40 sheets of 8-1/2" x 11")

In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

Case of catalogues, DVD, business forms and tools

Deal of the Week!

Stampin' Up! has announced they will have a different 'Deal of the Week' each week during July.  That's 5 special offers we can choose from.  Be sure to check my  Stampin' Up! website here each Monday in July after 10 am to see what the Deal of the Week is.   


The first 'Deal of the Week' is the Scallop Edge punch. 
I bet many of you already have this awesome punch, but if you don't this is the time to get it for sure. 
It's only $10.99 from July 1st - July 5th. 

Here are a few of my favorites using this punch:

I used it here on the Fresh Cut notes.  These unique die-cut note cards are so lovely & easy to jazz up. 
Here I stamped the Fresh Cut stamp in Almost Amethyst ink & placed a Celery 5-petal punch behind it.  I added a flower punch in front with a half-back pearl from the Pretties kit.  I also added a piece of Almost Amethyst designer paper on the inside back of the card.
These Fresh Cut note cards come in white & are 4" square.  But there are two new  versions coming out in the new catalog on July 1st.  Elegant Notes in Vanilla & Pendant Notes in Kraft both with matching envelopes. 

Check out my tutorial with easy tips on how to make this scallop square border.

http://flowerbug.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/more-uses-for-your-scalloped-edge-punch.html

Mojo Monday

It's Mojo Monday & another great sketch we can use for inspiration.

I used new In colors - Bermuda Bay & Melon Mambo with Black & White.  Pretty huh?
The background on the white Top Note is done with the background stamp 'Pretty Petals'.  I used markers to color it in.

If you're wondering how I got the square Top Note shape, here's how.

Run a piece of white card stock using your Top Note through your Big Shot or Cuttlebug once.  Remove the top note piece & place it back onto your Top Note die cross-ways - so the curved ends stick off of the side edges. Run it through again.   This will make it square with curves.  Very, very cool!

The main flower image is from a new Level 3 hostess set called 'Kind & Caring Thoughts'.  It is a beautiful set - with flower images, leaves & berries & 8 sayings too!

Can you tell the Bermuda Bay card stock is textured?  I love the fact that we can get textured 8 1/2 X 11" card stock now in the In Colors! 

Pink Flamingo

I waited waaaaay too long to get my hands on this stunning Designer Series Paper!  It's gorgeous!  If you love bright colors or long to be on (or remember) a tropical island, this paper is for you!
I made this in early June to showcase the Pink Flamingo paper & the corduroy buttons.  It's cased from one done by Julie Davison here.  Check out her blog - she has lots of amazing projects you can see.  

I matted the punched pieces on Black card stock which really shows off the bright papers.  The only image that is stamped is the top middle one.  I used the Say it With Scallops that is retiring in a few days.  It's the Ronald McDonald set in this catalog.
The 'hi' was stamped & punched out with the 1/2" circle punch & Crystal Effects was applied to give it punch.  The other 5 pieces were punched from the Pink Flamingo DSP with our scallop square punch.  I added the Summer Sun corduroy button & a bit of wide Red grosgrain ribbon.  The bottom was done with our scallop edge punch on the Black card stock. 

What an easy, easy way to use designer papers!  And a quick, attractive card too.  Try one - you'll see for yourself.

Butterfly Box - another version with template!

Here is my latest Butterfly Box with new Designer Series Paper & new In Colors! 
Check out my first Butterfly Box here. 

We made this one at my Down-line meeting on Saturday.  It's such an fun project to do. 
And the best part is that the template has been released for all to view now!  Originally it was part of a demonstrator challenge & the creator (Qbee) of this awesome butterfly box has now given permission to share it with everyone.

The box template was traced & cut out of white board (thinner than chipboard).  I like to use the backing from a pack of patterned paper.  Then the template was traced again onto patterned paper & cut out.  These two layers are adhered together. 

Score heavily where it needs to be folded according to the template, fold the sides up & adhere with either sticky strip or Tombo Mono-Multi glue. 
We added two butterflies from SU's Beautiful Butterfly die on the front.  The edges are sponged & both are adhered together with rhinestone brads & then held onto the box with mini glue dots. 
The daisies have 6 layers.  The final back layer is 2 pieces - one is the same thick white board the box is made from and the other is a piece of card stock.  This back daisy piece gives the flowers more substance & body.  So there are two of each size daisy (3 sizes are included in the die) to make up one flower.  After you cut the daisy layers out, sponge the edges with the same color of ink as the card stock & curl them up with your fingers.  This curling really gives the flowers life.  The flowers are held onto the thin dowels with mini glue dots.  We did sponge the dowels with Old Olive ink to color them green.  The Little Leaves die cuts are adhered with Tombo Mono-Multi glue.  

Can't you just imagine these flowers as mums in the fall? 

You can also find this template on my blog header bar under 'Documents & Templates'. 

Supplies:
Card stock - Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink - Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Crushed Curry, Old Olive
Accessories - Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies die, Daisies die, rhinestone brads, sponges, Little Leaves sizzlet, mini glue dots, buttons, white chip board

New Catalog Open House

The new catalogs will be here next week in time for my Open House on Wednesday, July 1st.
Everyone is welcome to come anytime between 3 & 7 pm.

There is so much to see & do.  Here's some of the run-down:

Rubber Rummage - I am selling many stamp sets (over 60 of them!!). 
These will be marked down considerably.  For those who live elsewhere, I will post what does not sell to my local customers here on my blog. 

Free Make & Takes - make 2 project using brand new stamp sets and the new In Colors!

Free Card fronts - For each $25 you order that day, pick out 5 free cards or card fronts from my many boxes.

Food, Food, Food! - I'll have my Chocolate Fountain going along with lots of other goodies to snack on.

Pick up your Catalog!  If you are a club member, you get one free.  If not they cost $5 or are free with a $50 order that day. 

Door Prizes - I'll be giving away all of these:
Level 1 Hostess set of your choice from the New Catalog
$15 in Free merchandise from the New Catalog
Free Stamp set - Dream a Little Level 3 hostess set
Free Stamp set - Serene Spring Level 2 hostess set
Prints Pattern Pack - Level 1 hostess choice

Sign Up - get tickets for the door prize drawing for any of the following:
Placing an order, signing up for Big Shot Club, Ribbon Club, Booking a workshop, & for signing up for my card or scrapbook clubs etc.

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Open House In Color Bundle Special offer - save $17!!!!!
I am offering a fantastic deal on the new In Colors at my Open House.
If you order all 6 new In Color ink pads & 1 pack of each of the new 8 1/2 X 11" In Colors card stock I will give you all 6 In Color ink refills free!  That's a savings of over $17!

For you long distance customers, I will offer the same special deal on that day only but will have to add shipping costs on.  

I can take orders now, but cannot order them until July 1st.

Total cost with shipping - $85.00.

  I am also hosting a New In Color ribbon share.

Get 3 yards of each new In Color polka dot ribbon for $15.00.  That's 18 yards! This price includes shipping. 

You can pre-order this now, but I cannot place the order until July 1st.  I will keep this ribbon share open as long as I continue to get orders. 

All in the Family - Punch Art day!

This is one I've never posted, but made quite awhile ago. 

To make the crib, I started with a white piece of card stock measuring 2 3/8 X 4 1/8".  It took a few tries to get the placements of these 4 word window punches right.  Once I did, I saved it for a template to use to make more. 
I drew a line horizontally on the back side of my white card stock to mark the center.  Then make a mark in the back/center of your word window punch.  Push it all the way in from both ends lining up the marks & punch.  Do this on each short end to make the two inside holes.  Then back up a bit & punch another one on each side again lining up the center marks.  Hint - adhere your first 2 punched pieces where you want to punch the second outer holes & then punch right over them - perfect placement!  
Again, it might take awhile to get everything even - save the perfect one as a template! 

The side railings are just two more word window punches coming from underneath the main piece (use your punched pieces for these).

Once all these are adhered together, I inked a background stamp (Weathered - now retired) in Pretty in Pink ink to add texture.
The Baby's face is made with the large Oval punch. 
Ears - 1/4" circle punch
Curl of hair is done by first punching a 1/4" circle punch, then punching a 1/2" circle punch around that.  Cut off part of the circle with a scissors to form the curl.
Hands - 1/2 of a flower punch.
The teddy bear is made with a stamp borrowed from a friend - I'm sorry I have no idea where she got it or who makes it!
The blanket is a piece of ribbon.

************You have to see this! It's one of the most amazing punch art creations I've seen yet.  Jackie Topa created this:  RELAX - It's Summertime!