Flowerbug's Inkspot

The Freaks Birthday Bash

It's another Control Freaks blog hop - this time featuring Birthdays!

Whether you've just arrived or traveled from Dannie's blog you can continue on to see tons of birthday ideas!  Just click on the icon at the bottom of this page to see them all.

We made this card at my friend Clarisse's workshop last week.  Her favorite technique is embossing and everyone loved the card.  I worried it was a bit much for the beginners but they were wow'd by their first time of heat embossing!  It's great to have newbies fall in love with this hobby!

The gorgeous Swallowtail stamp was inked with Versamark & heat embossed using clear embossing powder on the large Soft Suede card stock. Don't you love the Soft Suede and Pool Party combination?!  

Supplies:

• Stamps - Swallowtail (Spring catalog), Papaya Collage, Papillon Potpourri, Friendly Phrases
• Ink- Versmark
• Card stock - Pool Party, Soft Suede
• Accessories - embossing buddy, heat gun, Clear embossing powder, Pool Party seam binding ribbon, dimensionals, Pearls jewels

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Next - I always have an excess of cards and non-stampers love to get them too! It's the perfect gift for those who have everything.  I'm always looking for a cute bag or container to put them in and found this homemade card box!

I made it from one sheet of Island Indigo card stock and a few extras to pretty it up a bit like our 5/8" crochet trim, Natural Composition Specialty paper and wood buttons.  *I am going to add a magnetic closure I found at a hobby store when I can find my stash of them! 

It can fit at least 10 cards and envelopes inside.  Love this nice, deep box!  Here's the template I used:

Start out with a 11" square of card stock.  You will need to use the SU Diagonal Simply Scored plate to complete this.  On two sides score at 3 1/2 & 5 1/2".  On the other two sides score at 4 1/2" & 6 1/2".  Cut off the little side triangles as shown here and cut into and up to the middle most score line to form your flaps.  Easy!

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And lastly is a card we're making for Melissa's workshop tonight!

I saw a similar card on Pinterest and knew it would work for Melissa.  She loves bright, happy cards.

First punch out a Blossom from your White card stock, then texture the large piece with the Perfect Polka dots embossing folder.  Adhere it with dimensionals to a slightly larger piece (4" X 5 1/4") of Summer Smooches designer series paper.  I added one of the new Designer Builder Brads on page 12 of your Spring catalog. They are fun!

Here's the inside view:

I had that leftover Blossom punch from the card front sitting on my desk and decided to use it inside the card.  And I also had these 3/4" strips of dsp left over from the card front too.  I love finding new ways to use up my leftovers.  I embellished the white Blossom with the new Spring Surprise products - the 7/8" scallop circle punch and coordinating 'A Round Array' stamp set. 

Supplies:

• Stamps - Bring on the Cake, Itty Bitty Bits, A Round Array
• Ink - Real Red, Tempting Turquoise
• Card stock - Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Smooches dsp
• Accessories - Blossom punch, 7/8" and  1/4" scallop circle, 1" circle, Boho Blossoms punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Designer Builder brads, dimensionals,
  

Now you're off to see what Justin has to share with you.  Enjoy the tour!

Secret Garden 4 Sheet Wonder!

I love this stamp set!  I haven't made a new set of 4 Sheet Wonder cards in awhile now and I knew this set would be perfect for it.  Look....

See?  It's gorgeous if I do say so myself!!

I used Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Raspberry Ripple with Whisper White.  The 4 templates to make these cards are part of my 4 Sheet Wonder tutorial my husband and I created years ago.  It's for sale for just $7.50 on my Flowerbug's Shop here. 

Whenever I make one of these I am reminded of how very easy it is to make 10 cards fast.  There's no measuring at all - honest!  The most difficult decision is what colors and stamp set to use.  From there I make it easy for you with my FOUR templates (most OSW's have just 1 template).  It's like cards by number!  Just print out the main template on your 8 1/2 X 11" neutral sheet and then stamp the other side with your stamps, creating your own patterned paper (which also works here!). Then you cut 10 pieces out using the printed lines. The 3 colored templates all have numbers printed on the back side with lines for cutting too.  After I cut them out I put the pieces in piles of 10 and then assemble the cards. 

If you've purchased this 4 Sheet Wonder from me previously there's no need to buy it again.  I printed the templates as follows:

• Template A - Old Olive
• Template B - Raspberry Ripple
• Template C - Pretty in Pink 
  

I added a few greetings from Perfectly Penned along with some ribbons and extra die-cut flowers and leaves from the set to finish them off.

I have lots of other tutorials for sale plus one free one too. Check it out!

***I do have a plan in the works for a brand new version of my 4 Sheet Wonder with all new templates and sketches coming soon.

 

Happy Hello Box & Cards Tutorial

Have you seen this Simply Sent cards kit in the Sale a Bration catalog? 

It contains 8 die-cut notecards, half with the 'Hello' printed on them already plus all the embellishments shown here plus matching die-cut envelopes!  What an awesome deal - especially since it's FREE!  Free with any $50 order during Sale a Bration that is. 

I cased an idea from Lisa Martz for my Team Meeting this last weekend to make this:

I used the Patterned Occasions Sale-a-Bration stamp set for these 3 X 3" cards with Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight and Basic Gray colors.  The circle punches are 1 3/4" in size. 

We made the box from just one card that holds lots of 3 X 3" cards! 

Here's how you score and cut the card.  I kept the original cards' center score which is the one on the left.  Then I scored 1 1/8" from that one just between the Baja Breeze patterned area and the printed 'hello'. Next score 1" in on the long sides.   Cut up to the long scoreline as shown.  Fold the flaps in and adhere to each other. 

Here's a close-up of the box.  I made my box just like Lisa's; I couldn't improve on it!  

A Manly Freaks Blog Hop

Yes; it's that time again where we share our creativity with you.  The theme this month is Masculine projects.

You may have arrived from Dannie's blog or started here on mine, but just keep clicking on the icon on the bottom of each page to see them all.  There are 12 fantastic stops this month.

First up I have a card you could give to a special man in your life. Or change the greeting to suit any occasion.

Isn't it pretty?  Yet it's manly too, right?! 

I used the Direct to Paper technique (ink pad rubbed directly onto the cs) on the Island Indigo layer first and then ran it through the Woodgrain embossing folder.  I used the smoother side of the textured piece so it looks a bit like water.

It's hard to tell but I used my stylus on the ships sails to puff them out a bit.  I couldn't get a good photo of it for you.  But to do this just rub your stylus on the front side around the stamped lines so it presses them in a bit.  Then turn it over to the back side and use those lines as a guide to dry-emboss them.  It's a lovely look & feel!     

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Next I wanted to make something I would give my own husband as a little treat.  Something 'just because' and to remind him I am thinking of him. He is a rare gem and I do not tell him often enough! 

It's a French Fry box filled with one of his favorites - trail mix.  He drives all over ND for his job, keeps some in his car, and sometimes this is lunch!  Poor guy! 

I mixed up craisins, peanuts, white & dark chocolate chips and almonds and put some in our new Gusset bags in the Holiday catalog.   Then tied it closed with either ribbon or Espresso scalloped tulle for easy munching access.  I used our World Spectacular dsp for the boxes and embellished them with Naturals wood-like buttons and die-cut & textured leaves with a bit of linen thread.

Here's the French fry box template I found online.

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And last is one of the cards we made at my Card Clubs this month:

We used the Triple-Time stamping technique with the new Wonderfall stamp set.

Everyone loved this card!  They were amazed at how easy this technique is.  Have you been wanting to try it?  Here's the trick:  Cut three layers of neutral card stock in decending sizes.  My Vanilla layers are 2 1/2 X 3 1/2", 3 1/4" X 4 3/8", and the largest is 4" X 5 1/4".  

Lay these three Vanilla pieces over each other so the smallest is on top and the largest is on the bottom making sure they are evenly spaced.  Add a tiny bit of adhesive between the layers to hold them in place while stamping.  Stamp over all three layers just as you would if you had one layer.  You will not get a good stamped image by the edges of each piece because of the thickness of the card stock.  That is why you will adhere these stamped layers to the Espresso layers.  It hides the discrepancy. 

My Espresso layers are as follows:  2 3/4" X 3 3/4", 3 1/2" X 4 5/8" and the full card is 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4".

And this is the inside of the card. 

Supplies: Stamps – Wonderfall, Sassy Salutations  Card stock –Vanilla, Early Espresso card stock Ink – Early Espresso, Island Indigo, Cajun Craze, More Mustard Accessories – dimensionals, markers

Thanks for stopping in to see my 'Manly' projects.  Now you can check out Justin's creative ideas.

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! 

Sail Away

This is another stamp I ordered right away from the Summer Mini catalog.

It's called 'Sail Away' and it's another great single stamp option for just $9.95 US.You may remember that my husband and I love the ocean.  We used to have a sail boat just like this one and had the best times sailing on the lake.

I cased this card from my very creative friend Lori Heiling.  Here's hers.

It's called a Funky Fold card.

You start out with a 4 1/4" X 11" piece of card stock.  I used my Fiskars cutter with the sliding cutting and scoring blades.  

CUT:  On each long side cut from 3/4" (or 1" works too) from one end up 5 1/2" or to the 6 1/2" mark from the end.  Turn it over and do the same on the other side.   

SCORE:  Use this template for the scoring.  The Red lines are scored lines and the two Black lines on the outside are the cutting lines.

  ***Ignore the faint fold line in the center at the 1" and 6 1/2" marks - mistake!

Here's a side view:

We're making this card at my May Card Clubs.  I do have a few open spots on Tuesday, May 17th.  If you aren't in any of my Card Clubs and would like to come, let me know if you want a spot saved.  Minimum order is $25 or a $5 fee to make the two cards.  And there will be drawings for free merchandise for those who place orders that night.   

Supplies:

• Stamps - Sail Away, On Your Birthday, Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Ink - Night of Navy, Marina Mist for sponging
• Card stock - Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Whisper White
• Accessories - 3" and 3 1/2" circle Bigz dies, Big Shot, Cherry Cobbler bakers twine, dimensionals, Word Window and Modern Label punches, sponges, watercolor crayons, Blender pen, Smooch Moonlight paint, White gel pen, Fiskars cutter with scoring blades

Updated 4 Sheet Wonder!

It's been awhile since I've made one of my 4 Sheet Wonders and when I saw these two new stamp sets I knew they'd be perfect for them.  Look!

This one was done using the new Flower Fest stamp set.  Don't you just love the colors?  Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant.  Bright and fun.

What is a 4 Sheet Wonder?  My husband and I created this years ago.  It's similar to a One Sheet Wonder with the exception that it comes with 4 templates not just one. 

You do stamp one side of a neutral sheet of card stock basically creatingy our own background.  On the reverse side is a template you've printed out showingy you where to cut the individual pieces for 10 cards.  And when you print out the other 3 templates on colored card stock you have perfect layers to create your 10 cards!  Yes - there is no measuring at all.  Just pick out your card stock colors, print them out using my templates and cut on the pre-printed lines.  Adhere everything together matching the numbers.  Then you just add sentiments and embellishments.

It's a dream for any stamper but it's also perfect for a demonstrator.  At my class on May 15th my attendees are asked to bring their own paper cutters (or use mine) to cut out their own templates.  It's fast and easy since they just cut on the printed lines.  No prep work for us demo's!

Here's the other one.  It's beautiful but a bit more 'manly'.

I used 'The Open Sea' for this one.  The colors here are Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Certainly Celery and Marina Mist. 

If you live in Minot, ND the class is Sunday, May 15th and costs $17 pre-paid.  There are just a few spots left. 

• Flower Fest - 1 pm
• The Open Sea - 3:30 pm
  

The planner for the 4 Sheet Wonder is just $7.50 and you receive a 19 page pdf with 5 - yes that's right - 5 different sets of cards with step by step directions via e-mail.  You'll also receive the 4 templates, sketches and photos of each of the 5 sets of cards and color combos.

See all 5 groups of cards here.

4 Sheet Wonder

4 Sheet Wonder $7.50

Playful Polka Dots Buckle Box

Here is the promised tutorial for the Buckle Box I posted here.

To make the box itself you need a 5 1/2" X 8" piece of card stock.  Use this template to cut the flaps & score it.

Here's a photo of mine after scoring the lines and cutting the flaps.

You'll fold up the side flaps adhering them over each other approximately 1/2" on the sides. 

For the front I cut out part of a Scallop Envelope die using the designer paper included in the Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' kit and adhered it onto the front of the box. 

Here's the side view:

I inserted my Word Window punch down into the front of the box as deep as I could and punched once.  This gives you the opening for your buckle strap.

I chose a few long adhesive die-cut strips to wrap around and embellish the base of my box.

To make your buckle strap cut a piece of coordinating card stock measuring 1 1/2" X 5 1/2".  Add a strip of designer series paper measuring 1" X 5 1/2" long.  I used my new Postage Stamp Punch to add a little bit of fun to the ends of each of these strips before I adhered them together and onto the inside back of my box.  You could easily just round the corners on the front flap. 

Here's the box and the cards I made by cutting 4 different colors of 3" square cards in Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight and Rose Red.  They fit our mini square white envelopes perfectly. 

I embellished them very simply by using the adhesive die-cuts provided in the Simply Scrappin' kit.

 

Quick & Easy Note Card Gift Box

If you were here to see the Freak's Birthday Blog hop yesterday you know I promised a Free Tutorial on my Easy Note Card Gift Box. 

Well here it is!  This cute little gift portfolio holds four note cards with envelopes.

Just click here to download the FREE Tutorial pdf so you can make your own.

****If you are unable to download the above pdf, you may need to get the newest version of Adobe Reader here.  It's free! 

Like I said before, I kept the note cards inside fairly simple to reproduce.  I used just two stamp sets - Bold Blossom & Sincere Salutations. 

This is one of the cards included in the set of four. 

Supplies:

• Stamps – Sincere Salutations, Bold Blossom
• Card stock – Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
• Ink – Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz
• Accessories – white Organza ribbon, Dotted Scallop ribbon punch, ¾” circle punch, assorted 1/8” brads, dimensional, Color Spritzer tool, sponge, bone folder, four  SU note cards with envelopes
• Sizzix – Perfect Polka dot embossing folder, Fun Flowers Bigz die, Big Shot

Thanks for stopping by!

Free Tutorial for a 16 cards One Sheet Wonder!

I was thrilled when I found the awesome One Sheet Wonder plan that Isis Pinero created for a sheet of 12 X 12" patterned paper. 

I knew right away exactly which paper I wanted to use for it.  The Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents pack called 'Ice Cream Parlor'.

I just love the bright fun colors in this bundle.  Best of all it's FREE!  Just order any catalog merchandise valued at $50 or more (US) and you can choose this pack.  The pack contains 9 sheets of double sided patterned paper plus two 12 X 12 sheets of self-adhesive die-cuts that can easily be used for scrap-booking too. Actually I used just one sheet of the patterned paper along with coordinating card stock.

It may look like I used two different pattern papers, but remember that it's two-sided paper so you can choose which pattern you use on each card.  These cards are A2 size - made from 1/2 of an 8 1/2" X 11" sheet of paper for the card bases.

Her plan includes the following:

• The One Sheet Wonder template for the 12 X 12 patterned paper
• Templates to make the 16 full A2 cards
• Pattern codes to help simplify your color choices
• Measurements for the card stock layers

I used a few various stamp sets to finish off the cards.  I also added some ribbons & buttons here & there.  I included a complete list of supplies needed to make these cards in this FREE pdf tutorial.

  FREE Ice Cream Parlor Bag & Cards Tutorial

I'm providing instructions in a pdf format and I've heard from some of you that you are having trouble opening them.

Here's some things to try:

• Use Firefox as your Browser ... Internet Explorer (whatever version) has conflicts & compatibility issues.  Firefox is free and will not hurt your computer and you will love it!!  It's works on a Mac and a PC.
• Clear your cookies also known as your temporary internet files. And then restart your computer.  This is very important to do ...especially if you look at a lot of stuff online.  Let me explain why..... everything you look at on online is store on your computer until you delete it...  if you watch a lot of videos or search the web that means your cache could be full.  (I know some of you don't want to delete your cookies because it keeps your password for you ...but please "just try it".  Storing those cookies are not good for you computer!!
• You could also try another computer in the house.

 

I also created a bag to hold the 16 cards. 

Remember the Bag-a-Lope? 

I haven't made one of these in a long time. It's made from an envelope & is extremely easy to make.

Complete instructions are in the pdf tutorial link above. 

I hope you try this fabulous One Sheet Wonder. 

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I wanted to tell you all that I've really appreciate the wonderful comments many of you have left on my projects lately.  I really love my stamping job & the enthusiasm my customers & fellow crafters share with me truly makes a difference in my life. 

Thank you! 

 

Hostess Appreciation Party!!

What a fun evening!  This was my first Hostess Appreciation night & it sure won't be my last.  I enjoyed treating & spoiling my hostesses a bit.

They got tons of stuff - or so they said!  We started with a Mexican themed dinner & then moved on to prizes for highest sales - gift certificates & stacks of card stock.  Next they they got their new Catalogs.... look!

 

My amazing husband bound their catalogs & also added an awesome clear pocket folder.  It has three pockets for whatever they choose to place inside - their mini catalogs, wish lists, receipts, Club Coupons & more.  They loved it. (I found them at a local office store.)

They also each got a set of printed labels for their ink pads.   Check them out here.  You punch them out with a Word Window punch & adhere them to the front of your Ink Pads.  It's a nice large print to easily see the ink color names.

Next they all received a New Colors Bookmark I made for them.

One side has the new Core Colors & the other has the new In Colors.

Below is the template if you'd like to make your own.  You print them out onto a neutral or light shade of card stock & punch out the printed circles with a 3/4" circle punch.  Then adhere another sheet of card stock between the two cut out book marks & glue the punched colored circles in the appropriate colors.  The circle punches are recessed & smooth this way.  

New Colors Bookmark

And they each got a FREE stamp set too. Here's a photo of some of them choosing their sets.  

I am so grateful to each of my hostesses who had outside workshops for me in the last year.  They each had a part in making this last year my most successful one yet.

Thanks so very much gals! (I wish I could take you all on the cruise to Alaska with me, but the budget just won't allow that!)

Last of the 4-Pack of Projects!

I've completed them all!  Thank you to everyone who has ordered these 4 Projects so far.  I've loved hearing & receiving your wonderful comments on them.

I'm calling this one a 4 Season Book Portfolio.

Why?  There are four 'Seasonal' 3 X 6" cards that each have a bookmark hidden inside a pocket.  It's the perfect little add-on to include inside a card.  A gift card would also fit perfectly in the pocket. 

This is the inside view of the 4 bookmark cards.  So quick & easy. I had fun using this old favorite stamp set of mine - Lovely as a Tree.  I am sure many of you have it too.  And see the colors here?  They are 4 of the newest SU colors - Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzazz & Early Espresso.  Aren't they gorgeous!?

If you choose to order this last project, you'll get the template for the cards plus the template for my portfolio that fits 4 or more 3 X 6" cards plus envelopes.  Very quick & easy gift to make & give.  But you also get three more fantastic gift projects.

Do you want to see them?  Click on the link below to see the other three projects.  Get them all for the low price of $12.

See them all here on my Stampin' Shop! 

'Undercover' Book of Cards

I'm very excited about the 3rd project in my '4-Pack of Projects'.  It's so pretty & looks like you spent a ton of time on it, but it's really quite easy to make. 

**If you're wondering what the '4-Pack of Projects' is, keep reading.  I'll explain towards the bottom of this post.

It's a beautiful handmade book with 10 assorted note cards & envelopes inside. 

Here's a close-up view of the front. 

It does look & feel like a book!  It's about 4 1/2 X 6" in size & holds 10 or more of Stampin' Up's note cards inside. 

I stamped the 10 note cards with the two large images in the new stamp set Elements of Style, from the Summer Mini catalog. The stamps are so beautiful there isn't a need for lots of embellishments on the cards. 

For this entire project I used just two stamp sets - Elements of Style & Sincere Salutations.  They're perfect together & let you create a wide variety of cards from these two sets.  

Basically I used 5 colors of ink along with matching card stock.  The two templates for creating the box are provided along with measurements, photos & step-by-step directions in both Adobe & Microsoft Word format. 

The photos in this tutorial do not include my watermark so demonstrators can use these directions easily for their own class project.

Here are a few reviews from the gals who've already received their May project:

• Just wanted to say that I love the tutorials that I have purchased from you.  I have made the Mix and Match Box of cards as a Hostess gift and she just loved it.  Thanks again.
• I love this project!  It will be just perfect for my mother who has everything. 
  

Okay, to explain the 4-Pack of projects..... they are actually four e-mailed Class Projects perfect for classes or just gift giving.  There's one each month from March - June.  No matter when you order, you still get all 4 Projects.  The last one in June will be sent out around June 15th.  

   

1st is the Mix & Match Box.  It's a sliding 'match box' with 6 easy 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" cards & envelopes inside.  You make an assortment of all-occasion tags with dimensionals on the back.  The recipient of this gift will remove the dimensional backing on the tag/sentiment of their choice to complete the card.  So fun & useful! 

2nd was the 2-Way Card Case & Clutch.  With this project you get two templates to make 2 different projects!

Both are purse-shaped.  The Card Case opens flat & holds 6 cards with envelopes & the Card Clutch has a lid that opens up to holds 4.  I used one floral stamp set, a few different greeting sets & two colors of ink. 

Remember you get pages of step-by-step directions, templates, measurements & tons of photos with each of these to help you re-create your own projects.

Click here to get to my Stampin' Shop to purchase all 4 projects included in this 4-Pack. Just scroll down to the bottom to the PayPal button. 

Eggcellent Eggs Basket & cards

I promised you the template to make this adorable spring basket with cards using the Eggcellent Easter kit found in the Occasions Mini catalog on page23.

It's so very easy to do.  Here's the template - sorry it's a bit messy!

You'll need a piece of card stock 6 X 9" in size.  Score 1" in on both long ends, turn it & score 4" in on both short ends.  Cut in to the 1" score lines at both 4" score lines.  Fold up & adhere the sides together. 

Then cut two Scallop Square dies or cut your own 4 1/2" square shape & adhere to the front & back of the basket.  I added polka dot texture to my Celery scallop squares with the Perfect Polka dot impressions folder.  And then I cut a length of ribbon for a handle & adhered it with brads.  

Here's a better view of the cards for those who like to case exactly.

Remember, I used SU's pre-packaged note cards with envelopes.  You get 20 in a package for $5.95 & are 5" X 3 1/2" in size. 

See my original post for one more photo of the cards & basket here.