Flowerbug's Inkspot

Creative Elements 4 Sheet Wonder

It's been awhile since I made a 4 Sheet Wonder.  I thought the Creative Elements stamp set would work wonderfully for it. 

What is a 4 Sheet Wonder?  My husband & I created these 4 templates years ago and I still love making cards using them!  It's the fastest and easiest way to get 10 quick & beautiful cards done. You know why?  No planning layouts or measuring - the only decisions you have to make is to choose your stamp set and then your colors.

First you print out a template on one side of a neutral sheet of card stock and then stamp the other side with various stamps & coordinating ink. I chose Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso & Crumb Cake with Vanilla.  After stamping the entire piece of card stock, basically making your own designer paper, you will then cut on the dotted, printed lines on the other side. Each piece has a number on it from 1 - 10.

Next you'll print out 3 other templates (A, B & C) on 3 different colors of card stock.  Each of these templates also have numbers from 1 - 10.  You'll cut these out and start making piles of cut pieces from 1 - 10. Then all you need to do is put them together adding border punches & ribbons as desired. I stamp tags or greetings last. One customer told me it's like making 'cards by number'.

If you'd like to make these cards and live near me, the class is on April 14th at 1 pm. RSVP by Wednesday, April 11th. If I fill up I may open another time that day in the am.  Cost is $17 and includes the 10 cards plus the templates & tutorial that will be e-mailed to you. 

If you are unable to attend class you can purchase this 4 Sheet Wonder tutorial.  It is sent via e-mail and includes the 4 templates, photos and instructions for five other card bunches using different stamp sets. That's 6 different sets of cards & directions all for just $7.50. See them all on the link below.

This template is available at my Stampin' Shoppe here.  Once there, scroll down to the bottom to the PayPal button.  My new Shoppe is very easy to navigate.  Stop in and see all of my tutorials available. 

Latest review by Sharon:   Oh my! I just purchased your 4 Sheet Wonder and am sooo excited to get started! I am a SU! Demo and this will greatly simplify some of my class prep:) Always a plus!!!

Create & Keep cards kit

Have you seem this in the Occasions mini catalog? 

It's the new Create & Keep Simply sent kit.  It's a box and cards kit that includes 10 pre-cut (and printed) cards and envelopes along with adhesive die-cuts for embellishing.  It's just $14.95!  Here's what I created with mine:

This pretty kit is so fun and easy to make! 

All I added were a few pearls or rhinestones, tiny flower punches (Itty Bitty Punch pack) and dimensionals.  No stamping is needed as the greetings are included in the die-cuts.  This would be a wonderful project for yourself or a great gift.

I've created a pdf document showing details and a close-up of each of the cards I made.  I hope this makes it easier for anyone who wants to use my ideas as a starting point. 

Create & Keep Simply Sent Cards Box

Big Shot Class

This Saturday morning at 10 am I have a Big Shot class scheduled where I teach you some tricks using a few of our new Sizzix tools from the Occasions mini catalog.  I know it's late notice but I hope you can still attend.

Here are a few of the projects we'll be making at Class: 

Learn how to embosss using our new Framelits!  I will be sharing the details for these projects later next week, so if you cannot attend locally you'll still get the how-to tips.

This adorable project uses our new Rosette Bigz die, the Adorning Accents embossing folder and the Edgelits to make a cut pocket bag that holds three 3 X 3 cards with envelopes.

And lastly is this cute Valentine punched owl made from our Pillow Box die. 

If you want to attend class, please RSVP by Thursday, Feb 2nd at Noon.

Cost is $10 for those who have purchased their Big Shot from me and $15 for everyone else.

Class is on February 4th at 10 am.  We'll be making 5 projects. Please bring your own adhesives to class.    

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Origami Diamond Fold

We made these totally cool cards at my September's Card Clubs.  It's called an Origami Diamond Fold card.  As you know we usually do a funky or fun fold at my Card Clubs so when I saw this on my friend (Wendy Weixler) and fellow Control Freak's blog I knew it had to be done at my Clubs!   

Here is a close up of two of my cards I made for examples:

They could choose between the butterfly version or the birthday version.  Of course they had many, many colors of DSP to choose from.  Wanna see what they look like open???

The butterfly and verse are from the stamp set called 'Butterfly Prints'.  The floral background is from Creative Elements.

The inside of this birthday card has this cute pennant stamp from Patterned Party.

Do you wanna know how to make this cool funky card? You start with a 11" square of patterned paper folded in half. 

Wendy made a wonderful video of it you can see here.  BUT I did make one change to her measurements so the front diamond ends up evenly in the center.  So when she says score at 3 1/2 & 5 1/2" I scored it at 3 1/4" & 5 1/2" instead. Actually my husband figured that out.  I asked him how to fix it and he knew exactly what to do.  He's so smart!  And helpful too.  

Can you see how it closes?  The two side flaps fold in first and then the top flap folds down and into the pocket behind the black and white butterfly piece.  Super fun.  

I really hope you try making one.

Remember that you can still sign up for my Cyber Card Club to get these types of cards sent to you.  Check out this post to find out how this works.  We start in October!      

Creative Elements Class to Go

This month I'm featuring the gorgeous new stamp set called Creative Elements.  It has a wide variety of beautiful images.  It was one of my top picks in the new catalog. I am sorry for the short notice on this - there is only 1 week to sign up!  

 

Aren't these two beautiful?  I got the idea for them from Fran Sabad. 

These are three of the 5 cards you will receive in your kit when you purchase my Creative Elements Class to Go.  

How does my Class to Go work? 

Basically you are making your own set of cards using the stamp set and supplies I cut out & send you.  You'll need a basic supply of ink, a few punches and other common tools along with your own adhesive. I will texture and die-cut the card stock for you when needed. I like to call these cards 'Set samplers'.  You'll have 5 great ideas finished and ready to use right away or to copy later. 

When you order the Creative Elements stamp set in clear or wood mount you'll receive all of the supplies needed to make the 5 cards shipped to you for just a few extra dollars.  Plus you'll receive the photos & step by step directions sent via e-mail. 

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $33
• Priority shipping - $38

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $40.00
• Priority Shipping - $45

If you'd like to order the Creative Elements stamp set from me & get the Class to Go cards kit please contact me at lagreff at gmail dot com by Tuesday, September 27th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice.  Or contact me with your credit card information.

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Tuesday, September 27th and the Class to go sent out in early October.

August Stamp a Stack cards

I thought I'd show you the 4 cards we're making at this week's Stamp a Stack class on Thursday.  I really enjoyed playing with some of my new stamp sets.  Lookie!

This gorgeous color combination was derived from our Color Coach - Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder with Elegant Eggplant.  I just love it!  So fresh and pretty.

This stamp set isn't really new - it's the Level 2 Hostess set from the Summer mini catalog - Love & Care.  Did you know you can get this set when you're a hostess in clear mount for just $10.00?   I just LOVE the new hostess bennies! 

I inked the stamp with  markers and added the darker Eggplant marker to the petal tips before stamping. 

This combination is Razzleberry with Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.  The background flourish is from the new stamp set called Creative Elements.  And the 'Thank You' is from 'Perfectly Penned'. 

And this unique birthday card is one I got in a swap at Convention from Ann Nahm.  I loved her set of candles and the use of the Blossom Petals punch for the candle flames.   

And last is this beauty.  This is another gorgeous color combination I found in my Color Coach - Night of Navy, Old Olive and Pretty in Pink.  Get your Color Coach out people!  It makes creating so much easier.

Do you see the gorgeous embossed oval frame?  This was achieved easily with our new Designer Frames embossing folder set.  I just sponged the dotted frame a bit with a pink sponge dauber.  And our large oval punch fits inside it perfectly. 

We're making 3 each of the 4 cards above at class.  12 cards total along with envelopes for just $18.

If you live locally and would like to attend this class on Thursday night, I have a few spots open at 6 pm.  You will need to RSVP by Tuesday evening. I am sorry for the late notice on this class!  

If you cannot attend class and still want to make these cards, e-mail me at lagreff at gmail.com by Tuesday evening and let me know.  I'll send you a PayPal invoice for the $18 plus priority shipping of $5.00 for a total of $23.00. 

***You will need to use your own stamps and ink but will receive everything else needed to complete your cards.  This includes pre-cut card stock, envelopes, ribbons and embellishments  You'll also receive instructions via e-mail that include finished photos of the cards.

Thanks for stopping by today!

April Class to Go

I had trouble deciding which stamp set was going to be my April Class to Go. 

Once I started making cards using the Aviary set and knew I had a winner.  It's so fun to use! 

Isn't this adorable?  I saw a box made in a birdhouse shape and thought I could turn it into a card.  Isn't it cute!  In hindsight it would be even better if you textured the Pacific Point layer.

As to how I made the shingles, can you guess?   It's the Word Window punch. 

This card is just gorgeous!  I can't take credit for this design - I cased it from Michael A Funke.  The colors are Black, White and Olive.  The Lovely as a Tree image is the 'fern' in the cage!

The third card is a fun little card with stacked cages.  Add some ribbon and pompom trim to it's bright colors and you have a sure winner. 

There are two more fun and easy cards included in the Class to Go. 

How does the Class to Go work?  Basically you are making your own set of cards using the supplies I cut out & send you.  You'll need a basic supply of ink, sponges & possibly a few punches along with your own adhesive. I like to call this group of cards 'Set Samplers'.  You'll have 5 great ideas finished and ready, so there's no need to look for ways to use the stamp set!  

With the Class to Go you'll receive the Aviary stamp set in clear or wood mount & get the supplies needed to make all 5 cards along with the photos & step by step directions to complete them in your home. 

If you already own this stamp set but still want the supplies & directions you can substitute a similar priced stamp set.

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $25
• Priority shipping - $31

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $32.50
• Priority Shipping - $39

If you'd like to order the Aviary stamp set & get the Class to Go please contact me at lagreff at gmail dot com by Thursday, April 26th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice.  You can also pay by money order if you'd like to.

****The stamp sets will be ordered on Wednesday, April 27th and the Class to go sent out in early May.

March's Technique Class

Here are the cards and techniques we did at March's technique class.

Create your own Texturz plate.  Use punches or die-cuts!

I love the combination of the smooth yet textured Vanilla piece with the gorgeous background created with the Bella Toile background stamp and Cherry Cobbler ink. 

Patterned Embossing.  You can get a unique look to any solid stamp using a pattern or background stamp with embossing.  I used the Easter Blossoms stamp set along with the Fresh Cuts background stamp.  The colors here are Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla. 

Washed Embossing.  Again I used the Fresh Cuts stamp set to create this gorgeous look.  The colors are fabulous aren't they?  Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzazz and Pink Pirouette with Black.

If you'd like the directions for these techniques the cost is just $4.00.  You'll receive via e-mail the step-by-step directions that include measurements and supplies list.  Photos of the full cards plus the Technique Cards and templates are also included.

Click here to order this class. 

See all of the Techniques available here. 

Spring Stamp a Stack

It's supposed to be spring now, but we're stuck at home with blocked roads due to the blizzard yesterday.

Here are the 6 cards we're doing at my Spring Stamp a Stack on April 2nd.  It should feel like spring by then! 

Classis colors of Razzleberry and White using the Build a Blossom and Blossoms punch and stamp set.

This beautiful Lovely as a Tree card uses Cherry Cobbler, Vanilla and Always Artichoke.  Cased from a swap I received by Linda Wiese.

Just Believe in Baja Breeze and Soft Suede.

A Create a Cupcake birthday card in Pretty & Pink, Pacific Point and Old Olive.

Nature Walk card in Crumb Cake, Vanilla, Early Espresso and Always Artichoke.  Cased from the talented Wendy Weixler.

Bright and happy Bold Blossoms card in Pear PIzzazz, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight and Turquoise.  Cased from Sara Cimbaro.

The Class will be held at the Brentmoor Assisited Living Facility on Saturday, April 2nd at either 10 am or 2 pm.  We're making two of each card for a total of 12 cards.  Cost is $17 pre-paid by March 29th.

If you'd like cards kit with the supplies cut out to make at home, the cost is $17.    Your kit will also include all of the die-cuts and texutred pieces but I cannot pre-stamp your images due to SU policy.  You'll receive the instrucions with photos sent via e-mail.

For long distance customers, shipping the cards kit is either first class for an additional $3 or Priority for $5.  Please contact me at lagreff at gmail dot com by March 31st.

PayPal is the preferred method for long distance customers. 

Flip Book Album

It's been a while since I've made one of these adorable & SO easy albums.  I have a group of new stampers who want to do a Christmas scrapbook album.  So I put this together for them.  I have a few open spots at this class if anyone else wants to make one.  It's on February 7th here in my studio. 

Here's the front of the 6 X 6" book.  To keep this class easy & quick I kept the extra's to a minimum. 

I just love this pack of patterned paper!  It's the Jolly Holiday designer paper in the main SU catalog.  Old Olive, Very Vanilla & Cherry Cobbler are the main colors. 

I did not mat any of my photos.  I printed them out with the white border on them so they didn't need matting.  (If you're wondering what some of these photos are of, we played Wii - Just Dance at Christmas!)

For the side panels I used our 2 1/2" circle & 2 3/8" scallop punches to capture some close-up shots of my family.

I could have really jazzed this up with punches or layering, but I needed them to be able to do this in just 2 hours with photos so I kept it very basic. It took me just under 1 1/2 hours to complete from start to finish. 

Cost is $15 for all supplies & includes the use of adhesive. 

If you're wondering how to make one of these, I have a tutorial you can purchase on the side panel of my blog under 3-d projects.  Here's a quick link to the Flip Book Album.

Punchy Calendar Box

I know I say this all of the time, but I really, really LOVE this project!

It's the 3rd project in my 4 Pack of Presents going on right now. 

What is the 4 Pack of Presents?  Each month since September I've released a new project that would make an awesome gift  - not just for Christmas either!  Check them all out here.  There is still another one coming out in December. 

The Punchy Calendar Box has lots of great features; here are a few of them: 

• It's a hand-made sturdy box with a slide-out drawer that holds 6 double-sided coasters.
• Each coaster has a fun punch or punch art item to match that month or season. 
• There is an easel on top of the box to hold each calendar for viewing. 

The sturdy box is made from light weight white card board found in our patterned paper packs.  Then it's covered with a few pieces of Designer paper.

Also consider how easy it would be to add photos to the calendars of your children or family instead of punch art.  You could even replace the stamped image on the top of the box with a family photo you love. 

If you do not have any of the 4" coasters, you could easily substitute the light weight white card board.  (I purchased them online a long time ago, but many restaurants will give a few away if you ask.)

What do you need to make this project? 

1. Light weight white cardboard plus 6 coasters
2. 1/2 sheet of 12" patterned paper
3. paper cutter with scoring tool
4. 1 stamp for the top of the box easily substituted with an embellishment
5. assorted punches & card stock
   
6. just a few brads or buttons & ribbons
7. a few colors of ink
8. adhesive

What do you receive when you order this project?

• The full tutorial pdf including step by step directions & photos e-mailed to you.
• The templates for the box & drawer
• Full measurements for cutting & scoring
• Photos of each coaster
  
• Many photos & instructions for the punch art
  
• Printable calendar
• Photos do not include my watermark, so you can use this tutorial in your classes if you're a demonstrator!
• 3 other full project tutorials!  See this link. 
  

The cost for this project plus the other three projects in the 4 Pack of Presents is just $12.

You'll receive the e-mailed tutorial usually within 24 hours of ordering.  If you do not, please contact me.

4 for the price of 3

4 Pack of Presents $12.00

Christmas Stamp a Stack

 I still have a few spots left for my Christmas Stamp a Stack this week. 

 

These are two of the cards we're doing.  The card above is cased from a card I saw 'somewhere', but cannot remember where.  If it's yours, please let me know & I'll certainly give you credit.  It is just gorgeous!

And this beauty is done with Shimmer card stock and Crumb Cake. 

The class is on Wednesday, November 3rd at 6 pm & Saturday, November 6th at 10 am.  You'll make 3 of each card along with matching envelopes for a $20 fee. 

I will need your RSVP by Tuesday evening (tomorrow!) at 6 pm, firm. 

 

Brayer Class

We're going to master our Brayer! 

I have classes scheduled next week Wednesday & Thursday here at my house.  These are full but I do plan to offer this class again.  Let me know if you'd like to be on the list to be notified of more classes in the future.

You'll learn to make gorgeous scenes like this one!

 

This brayered scene reminds me of our recent trip to the Carribean. 

I made this card for the Control Freaks Convention swap last month.  I used just four colors of ink here.  Marina Mist, Black, Daffodil Delight & Pumpkin Pie

Classes includes a brayer, white gel pen & sponge.  I may ask you to bring a few colors of ink pads if you own them.  I will keep the attendance at just 7 people.

• If you do not have a brayer the class fee is $30 & you'll receive your new brayer at class.
• If you do own a rubber brayer the class fee is just $20.

****I am sorry, but I cannot offer this class or brayer technique online.  It really has to be demonstrated in person!  But you can learn quite a bit from my teacher on her blog -  here.    

Summer Mommy & Me class

The kids have been anxiously waiting for another class.  Here's a few of what we're doing this month for the Mommy & Me class. 

Personalized sun visors!  Kids just love to cut out things with the Big Shot, so what better than to hand them some fun foam & let them decorate their own visor!!  Assorted colors of visors to choose from. 

And also they're decorating a photo frame with all sorts of buttons & glitter glue.  Three types of frames & colors to choose from.

(The photo above is from my daughter's wedding almost 3 years ago.) 

Their very own treasure box!  Every kid loves to hoard things - whether it is rocks, jewelry, candy or photos they'll fill this one up with secret finds.

They'll personalize the inside with their name of course!

We'll be making 2 other projects also. 

Class is on Thursday, July 29th at 1 pm.  Fee is $12.00.  I have 4 spots left for that time.  And if I have enough I will open up an evening class at 6:30 too.  Just let me know you're interested in that one!

RSVP with payment by Monday, July 26th please.

 

Class to Go - Perfect Punches!

I offered a Class to Go last month with the Elements of Style stamp set & it was a huge hit.  Many said they really enjoyed making the cards in their kit.  So I decided to offer a Class to Go each month.  If you like the stamp set of the month & order the kit you'll receive the stamp set along with a 5 cards kit with your Class to Go.

This month it's the new set 'Perfect Punches'.  You all know how I love my punches so when they offer a great set to coordinate with our punches, I'm all over it!!  I think it's the 'perfect' set for the greetings on our cards.

It coordinates with the following punches - Wide Oval, Curly Label, Modern Label, Round Tab, Scallop Oval, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle.

Here are three of the cards you'll get in your kit:

How does this work?  If you order the Class to Go you'll receive the 'Perfect Punches' stamp set (your choice of wood or clear mount) and all the pre-cut supplies (card stock, ribbon & embellishments) needed to finish the 5 cards in your kit. I am unable to include stamped images per SU's policy, but that's not a problem as you'll own the stamp set! 

You will need the following items to complete the cards:

• Ink
• Punches
• Adhesive, Dimensionals or glue dots
  

I will die-cut any Big Shot pieces & even emboss your textured pieces.

Cost is:

• Local - $25 for clear mount & $34 for wood mount
• Mail out (Priority shipping) - $30 for clear mount & $39 for wood mount

Please e-mail me (lagreff at gmail.com) with your choice & I will either send you a bill through PayPal or you can pay via check through the mail.

This offer is good through July only.

******August's Class to Go stamp set will be Just Believe.

*The top right card is cased from Dawn Olchefske's Sneak Peak swap card.