Flowerbug's Inkspot

All Occasions Stamp a Stack

This is coming up fast so I thought I'd better get it out!

On Saturday, February 16th at 10 am I'm offering an All Occaions Stamp a Stack at MSU here in Minot.  It's a two-day Relay for Life fundraising crop everyone is welcome to attend but even if you're not there all day you can come to the class. I hope you can come! Here's the registration form for you locals.

Here are the 6 cards we're making; many of which use brand new product!

Thnking of you - featuring the new Bitty Butterfly punch. 

Sympathy card with the 'So Sorry' and 'Serene Silhouette's' stamp sets.

A baby card using the Sale-a-Bration set Patterned Occasions.  Cased from Kelly Acheson's swap I received.

Birthday perfect for young or old!  'Make a Wish' stamp set and the new Pinwheel Sizzlit.

A versatile 'Hello' for any occasion using the 'Oh, Hello' stamp set; my class to go stamp set this month. 

A pretty Thank You card using the Sale-a-Bration 'Vintage Verses' set and the Sycamore Street designer paper. Cased from Georgia Giguere's swap card.

We'll be making 2 or each card at class and you'll get envelopes too!  $20 for everything; pre-paid by 2-13-13.  RSVP by Wednesday, Feb 13th please.  Class is held at MSU Student Center at 10 am. *Space is limited!

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***If you cannot attend my local class and you'd like a pre-cut kit for these 12 cards mailed to you let me know by 2-13-13. 

Cards kit details for mail out:

• You'll receive all pieces pre-cut, textured and punched (except for border punching). Envelopes are not included in this kit.
  
• Items will not be pre-stamped.  You'll need to use your own ink and substitute stamps you already own or order what you need from my website here. 
• I'll send the pdf directions with photos to you via e-mail.
• Order by February 13th to get your kit; they are not available after that.  

The cost is $24 and includes shipping.   E-mail me at lagreff@gmail.com to order by Feb. 13th. 

Merry Moments Speedy Scrappin'

I just love this Simply Scrappin' kit in the Holiday catalog.  It's called Merry Moments and features a beautiful and unique color combination of Old Olive, Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Basic Gray. 

I've made both cards and scrapbook pages with it.  The sixteen 12 X 12" pages are done almost exclusively with the kit. I only added a few extra pieces of 8 1/2 X 11" card stock for photo boxes.  See some of them below.  I plan to fill mine up with the beautiful photo cards I receive during the Holidays.

This class will be on January 12th at 10:30 am.  You'll make all of the 16 pages at class and it will take about 3-4 hours at the most.  The class fee is $18.  Just order your Simply Scrappin kit this month and I'll prepare and cut your pieces for you for class.  It's on page 9 of the Holiday catalog - item #126911 and costs $21.95. RSVP for this class by December 30th please. 

I also have a pdf tutorial available here for just $7.50.  It includes the following:

• Photos of each finished page
• Measurements
• Sketches
• Supply list
• Step-by-step instructions in pdf format

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Here are the 20 cards I made with half of a kit:

I added a few coordinating ribbons and sentiment stamps in addition to the kit supplies.  Quick and easy to do.

I do not have a tutorial to make these cards but how I started it to cut two different sheets of patterned paper into 4 X 12" strips. **Remember they are double sides so you now have 4 different patterns. Then you can cut them into 4" and 2" lengths that fit on the card front perfectly.  Add a die-cut adhesive strip or another matching piece of card stock to it and you're ready to add the greeting or card stock sticker. These cards are standard 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" in size. 

 

Last Christmas Stamp a Stack

I'm sad it's my last Christmas Stamp a Stack class this year.  I really love making Christmas cards.  It's such a special time of year and there are just so many choices and ways to jazz them up!  You can never have too much bling at Christmas!  I had a very hard time narrowing my cards down this time.  But I truly love each of them and think you will too.

This is a recreation of one I made last year.  It truly is a striking card.  Sahara Sand with Bravo Burgundy.  This Christmas Lodge stamp set is just beautiful!

And this is one I cased from Pinterest.  It's another card that just works!  Cherry Cobbler with Very Vanilla.  The patterned paper pennants are from the Snow Festival paper pack in the Holiday catalog.

And this pretty card is simply White with Silver accents.  The tree image is one of our single stamps in the main catalog called Star Tree.   Gorgeous isn't it!?

And I had to get one more snowman card in. This cute guy is from the Snow Much Fun stamp set which is just $9.98 for four more days on the Extravaganza sale. 

This color combo is one of my Christmas faves - Red, White and Pool Party with bits of Black to set it all off. I like the ribbon scarf addition.  Of course glitter is a must on snowmen!

We'll make 3 of each card along with stamped envelopes at this class.  So you'll make 12 cards with stamped envelopes.  The cost is $20 pre-paid by November 26th.  I have two sessions available.  One on Wednesday, November 30th at 6 pm and the other on Saturday, Dec. 1st at 10 am.  The Wednesday class is full and the Saturday class has 2 spots open. Sorry for the late notice! Contact me by Monday morning if you'd like to come. 

If you cannot come to my class you can still get the written tutorial for each of my four Stamp a Stacks.  These pdf tutorials will have step by step directions along with cutting measurements, photos and a supply list.  The cost is $3 for each class or a deal of $10 for all 4 months.

Use the drop down arrow to choose just this month or pay for all 4 in advance for a better deal. ***If you order all 4 classes each one will be sent to you at theend of each month before I hold the class.

2012 Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

2012 Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

All 4 classes $10.00 USD Single class # 1 $3.00 USD Single class # 2 $3.00 USD Single class # 3 $3.00 USD Single class # 4 $3.00 USD

November's Sketches Class

I am excited about the Sketches class I'm offering every other month.  I truly do believe sketches are a fantastic way to begin the card making process.   They make it so easy!

This class is perfect for those who are beginners or even those who have trouble designing a card on their own. 

These are the cards we're making. 

A very simple card using the Bells & Boughs stamp set.   A few of my favorite products here - Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details glitter glue and coordinating Seam Binding.  The pretty scallop trim is done with the Large Scallop edgelits on page 190 of the main catalog.

I used the Snow Festival dsp and Greeting Card Kids stamp set here. 

This sketch highlights the beautiful flocked window sheet in the Candlelight Christmas dsp pack.  I also used the new Snow Flurry Bigz die & glimmer paper. 

This is a new single stamp called Bold Snowflake - never seen or available before!  It's just $5.95.  See them all here. 

Class is on Tuesday, November 27th at either 3 pm or 6:30 pm. The cost is just $10.  Let me know by Monday the 26th, at 11 am if you'd like to come. 

Besides the 4 cards you'll get a copy of each sketch I used to create them.  Put them together in a binder or scrapbook for a fantastic reference when you're creating cards.  And if you bring one or more cards using any of these sketches to the next class I'll give you $2 off your next class fee.

This class is only available locally at this time.  Later on I may offer a bundle of tutorials for them online. 

NEW - Sketches Class

I'm starting a brand new class this month.  It's called Sketches Class and it's purpose it to help you feel comfortalbe and confident in designing your own cards.  I know that many people love to stamp but have no idea just where to begin.  That's what this class it about - helping you to use and enjoy your stamping products!

Basically we start out with a sketch and a stamp set.  I think sketches are one of the best ways to get inspired.  Here are a few sites that offer weekly sketches:

• Mojo Monday
• Clean & Simple
• Stamping 411
  

At this time the class is only held locally but it's possible that I'll add it as an online class in the future. 

Here are the three cards we're making.

A pretty card using the hostess set Summer Afternoon.  The colors are Pacific Point and Whisper White.

This cute one uses Greeting Card Kids and the hostess set Mixed Medley.  Notice the paint chip layer?  Here I used Wild Wasabi, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie & White. 

And this is a card I did for a swap awhile back.  I had used a sketch for the idea and since so many liked it I included it in the class.  I used Daydream Medallions stamp set and Early Espresso, Turquoise and Whisper White card stock.

The class is on Tuesday, September 25th at either 3 pm or 6:30 pm.  Cost is $10 pre-paid by the 22nd.  I still have spots open at each time slot.  

We are putting these cards in an 8 X 8" album along with photos of the actual sketches.  This will be a great idea book for you!  Just pull it out and use a sketch to design your card.  You'll have your own reference guide!  

1st Christmas Stamp a Stack

I know it's early!  I am almost like those annoying stores that have Christmas items in the summer!  But I have to get four of these classes in before Christmas so we're starting in just a few weeks.

I am offering the same great deal as last year.  If you attend the first three classes you get the last one FREE!  When you're done you'll have 48 cards and coordinating envelopes done. 

Here are the first four cards we're making in September.

I adore these beautiful, soft scenic cards for Christmas.  The Come to Bethlehem image is gorgeous with the Navy, Not Quite Navy and White.  Just lovely isn't it?

And the clean and simple cards have their own appeal too!  *Hint - the wreath is made with our Delicate Doilies large sizzlit.  I just punched a circle from the middle.

I came up with this pretty combination of Soft Suede, Vanilla and Island Indigo. It's the Evergreen set along with the new eye-catching Champagne glimmer paper from the Holiday catalog.

And the last one is the Snowflake Soiree card.  Such intricate images.  I also used the new new Snow Flurry Bigz die for the snowflake.  Of course it's so much prettier in person when you can see all the glitter. 

We make 3 of each card along with stamped envelopes.  So at each class you'll make 12 cards with envelopes.  The cost is $20 pre-paid by August 31st.  I have two sessions available.  One on Wednesday, Sept 5th at 6 pm and the other on Saturday, Sept 8th at 10 am.  The Wedn class has just one opening and the Saturday class has 5 spots open. Just bring your own adhesive. Contact me ASAP if you'd like to come. 

If you cannot come to my class you can still get the written tutorial for each of my four Stamp a Stacks.  These pdf tutorials will have step by step directions along with cutting measurements, photos and a supply list.  The cost is $3 for each or $10 for all 4 months.

Use the drop down arrow to choose just this month or pay for all 4 in advance for a better deal. ***If you order all 4 classes each one will be sent to you at the beginning of the month from September through December when I hold the class.  

2012 Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

All 4 classes $10.00 USD Single class # 1 $3.00 USD Single class # 2 $3.00 USD Single class # 3 $3.00 USD Single class # 4 $3.00 USD

Friendship Box & Cards

We didn't get all of our make & takes done at Convention this year so we brought them home to do.  Here is one thing we made:

It's one of our Kraft boxes on page 161 in the big catalog.  It's just $2.95 for four of these!  They are so cute and can be stamped on, embellished with patterned paper or card stock and even embossed! 

We used plain circle stamps & Versamark ink to add the polka dot background to the box.  We got these circles from the Daydream Medallions stamp set - the plain smooth circles were from the centers of the Medallions.  So save them when you order this stamp set!

I just love the card stock bow here.  It's so easy and you only need four pieces of Primrose Petals card stock to make it. 

• 1" X 8 1/2" for the bottom loop
• 1" X 7" for the top loop
• 1" X 4 1/2" for the bottom notched layer, cut notches by hand
  
• 1/2" X 3 1/2" for the wrap around all the layers in the center

Start by using your bone folder on the 1st, 2nd and last pieces above to break down the card stock so it will fold and bend easier.  Form loops out of the top two pieces.  Glue them together end to end.  Then glue them in the center to form a bow shape - flat in the middle where you'll wrap them together.  Adhere these two bows together in the middle. 

Add the very bottom notched layer to the two bows.  Adhere.  Now wrap the 1/2" X 3 1/2" strip around it all and secure on the bottom.  That's it!  We added a clear faceted button on top. 

Inside are four 3 X 3" cards.  There is plenty of room for more too. Or add a treat or a few cookies.  These boxes can hold quite a bit. 

Here is a photo of the four cards and envelopes we made.  We followed the directions for the most part making the little flowers by stamping and die-cutting them out.  Then spritz with water and crumple up to add texture and lift. 

Supplies:

• Stamps - Daydream Medallions, Affection Collection
• Ink - More Mustard, Primrose Petals, Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Notg Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight
• Card stock - More Mustard, Primrose Petals, Whisper White
  
• Accessories - bone folder, rhinestones, glue dots, Primrose Petals stitched ribbon, Floral Framelits dies, linen thread, Vintage Faceted Designer buttons, Square envelopes pg 160
  

 

 

Reason to Smile Cards & Box

I had fun playing with these pretty flower stamps.  I made a box with 5 stamped notecards and envelopes that fit inside.

If you'd like to make the box here are the details:   

Cut a piece of Gumbal Green card stock measuring 6 X 9".  Score 1" from each long end, then at 4" and 5" across the short side in the middle.  Cut to the 1" score line on the 4 & 5" score lines for the flaps as shown. 

Then cut a White scallop handle from the Tasteful Trim die and glued that to the box.  I also added a narrow strip or Raspberry Ripple cardstock behind the white one for support and color. You can do this before or after you adhere the box sides together. 

To make this pretty curvy square of White card stock you will first cut out one White Top Note die cut. Then place the die-cut back onto the Top Note die so it lays opposite from it's cutting position and run it through again.  This gives you that adorable shape.  Stamp your daisies on it in Black ink first and then add the Raspberry Ripple solid daisy image over that.  Sponge the edges and add a ribbon bow. 

Here is a photo of all 5 cards.

I used the largest framelit in the Apothecary Accents framelits package to cut out 5 White die-cuts.  I stamped the images, greetings and sponged the outside edges.  They are adhered using dimensionals.  Add a bit of ribbon, rhinestones and a butterfly die-cut from the Beautiful Butterflies embosslit if desired. 

The colors used here are Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit.  I added Gumball Green for the stems colored in with a marker. 

Besides the Reason to Smile stamp set I used the Friendly Phrases set for the greetings.

Remember you can get this stamp set for just $5 during July with a $50 order placed throught me and Stampin' Up! 

Twist & Turn Album

 I have another fun & unique scrapbook album for you.  I call it a Twist & Turn Album.  Take a look!

This album features the new Comfort Cafe designer series paper along with a few other new products we offer in the new catalog like the Layered Labels stamp set and Apothecary Accent framelit dies.  It's 6 X 6" in size but when you open it up it looks like this:

 I think we all enjoy projects that are interactive and this one certainly is.  When you open it up the pages open and fold out as you turn them. When you close them they lift and fold up.

There is room for over 16 photos in this album; one on each page at least. 

 This one uses the Floral District designer series paper.  A fun combination of Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade(or Old Olive) and So Saffron.  Plus the stamp set Betsy's Blossom and Loving Thoughts. 

If you'd like to make one of these beautiful albums I have a local class scheduled on June 21st at either 3 pm or 6:30 pm.  Cost is $15 pre-paid. RSVP by Monday, June 18th please.   

If you are not local you can get the 6 page written tutorial for just $5 at my tutorial shop - Flowerbug's Stampin' Shop here.

****This tutorial includes step by step directions with photos along with measurements and supplies list, all in pdf format.

***Demonstrators are welcome to use my tutorials in their classes too!  And did you know that my downline get my tutorials for free on my downline blog?  I'd love to have you join the Flowerbugs Team!  Unbelievably, it only takes you a $99 order to join!  Click here for more info. 

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!