WN Land and Cattle Designs

Baby Card

2012-01-28T07:58:00.001-07:00

I have several friends that are in need of baby cards,

so the design journey began.

Four ideas later came the final design.

The DP is from Paper Studio's Mirabella stack.

The front of the white card base has been totally

covered with maroon card stock.

The DP was cut to 4 x 5.25 inches,

glued to gold gift wrap, then

the gift wrap has been trimmed to a narrow border

with Perfect Layers rulers.

This is then centered and glued onto the card base.

The phrase has been done in PSP X and

mounted on a Spellbinder's Tag that was cut

from maroon card stock.

The phrase was punched.

The mother and child image is a stamp from

Second Star on the Right. It was stamped

with Ranger Archival black ink on white card stock.

It was cut into an oval using the remains of an oval die cut

as a template. This allows one to place the open space over

the image and perfectly position. I gently drew around the

inside of the oval and then cut the image out.

The Spellbinder Lacy Oval was made into a frame by

placing the Lacy Oval and Spellbinder's widest

nesting oval together on the card stock.

They are taped to the paper after the plain inner

oval die cut is perfectly placed.

The tape is left on after cutting to keep the

dies in place for the embossing mat.

To create the thin pale pink accent oval on the frame

use two nesting oval dies from the same nesting ovals

that were used to cut the inside of the frame.

Since the pale pink oval is so narrow you will have to cut

the larger and then position the smaller over

the larger oval die cut.

I tape the small oval in place to cut. Since this

is such a narrow piece even the slightest slippage

will be glaringly obvious.

After several failed attempts to simply glue the

narrow oval ring to the frame I gave up and taped

it in place with the usual low tack masking tape.

Then carefully lifted the oval up and place dots of

glue with my trusty toothpick.

Now small piece of paper egg carton were

glued all around the back side of the frame

The frame is then attached to the image and then

placed on the card.

Dragoflies and Butterfly

2012-01-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Let me begin at the bottom and work my way up, just

like you would do when constructing the design.

We have a white A2 (4.25 x 5.50 inch) card base.

Next is the textured layer that is done with an embossing

folder, cut to 4 x 5.25 inches, attached to

the pale green card stock and trimmed to a

very narrow border using a Perfect Layers ruler.

Now die cut two of Spellbinders beaded ovals in white,

then cut two pale green ovals from Spellbinders nesting ovals.

The green ovals have been textured in Cuttlebug's dotted Swiss

embossing folder and attached to the beaded ovals.

Cheery Lynn Designs Victorian Flourish was used

to cut the lovely flourishes that are over the

pale green dotted swiss ovals.

The ovals have been raised off the card base with

layers of paper egg carton. One has one layer and

the other two layers.

The butterfly and dragonflies are from dies by

Cheery Lynn Designs.

A green iridescent and blue iridescent gift wraps was glued

to card stock to make the bugs.

I just love all kinds of gift wrap for my designs.

It is inexpensive and they make such shiny pretty papers.

For card projects a little goes a long way. I am still

using gift wrap that I bought 15 years ago!

Christmas is the best time to buy, that is when

the shiny bling-bling stuff really shows up.

You can bend the wings on the insects to give them the appearance

of being ready to fly off the card. On several of them I have

attached very narrow pieces of paper egg carton

to raise them off the card a bit.

Hebrews 6:10

2012-01-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

I asked Pastor Dan and his wife, Connie, if they

had a scripture that they would like to see on some

cards that I made them. This is the scripture that they chose.

The two strips of green
DP (designer paper) are layered over dark green

card stock and then brushed gold gift wrap.

The narrow borders have been cut with Perfect Layers rulers.

The gold "tatting" is also from a gold gift wrap.

The gift wrap is attached to cards stock

before cutting. This makes it look like those

expensive stickers. (which I am far to cheap to buy)

The die cut is from Cheery Lynn Designs.

The scripture is computer generated in PSP X.

It was cut out with a Spellbinders Label die.

This was layer over a dark green oval and

a gold gift wrap scalloped oval, both

by Spellbinders.

Adding flowers to a design

2012-01-25T14:06:00.003-07:00

These three design are basically the same. The variance
is the in color and placement of the flowers
and the Spellbinders Labels used.
The peach and pink flowers were punched from
card stock, while the lavender flowers are from vellum

The card base is covered with a textured piece the exact
size of the card. I used an embossing folder to achieve this texture.
The centers of the flower on the textured pieces
have been accented with various glitter glues.

The scripture was computer generated in PSP X.
The scripture is raised over the lower label layer
with the flat pieces from a paper egg carton.

The flowers were shaped using a large stylus.
I rubbed each flower gently until it cupped around the stylus.
Then the flower was turned over and I again used
the stylus to press in the center.
A tiny sun punch was used for the center on two of the
cards. Again, just rub gently with a smaller stylus until
the paper cups around the stylus, then attach to the flower.

The peach flowers have a pearl product by Stickles in the
center of them. I am not wild about this method. The stuff
goes flat and just sits there and looks pearlie, not at all like
a flower center. ; )

Cougar

2012-01-22T18:15:00.005-07:00

PSX made this stamp at least 15 years ago.
It is so elegant and detailed. AND
since we have these critters in our hill pasture
I have a special respect for them.
The cougar is also the reason that we
seldom hike in our pasture without a pistol.
It just isn't safe and we humans are easy prey.
We jump up and down and make lots of noise,
but are basically very slow and an easy kill for a cougar.
No idea how good we taste. ; )

The cougar has been stamped on cream card stock
with Stampendous black pigment ink
and embossed with fineline black embossing powder.
The edges were inked with Rangers Archival coffee ink.
A thread cutter was used to rough up the edges,
followed by an inking of black Archival ink
for a faux burn effect.

Under the cougar image is a medium brown
card stock that has been die cut with a
Spellbinders Label.
This is attached to the card base.
The dark green pine branches are a Cheery Lynn Design die.
Pine cones are punched from an
Emaginations punch out of dark brown card stock.
They were then tightly scrunched up and
partially unrolled. I only smoothed them out
enough to be able to see the pine cone shape.
There is a lot of texture on those little pine cones.

The card base is an ivory and light tan parchment.
It has been sponged with dark brown and black ink.
By sponging the card base and the oval of the image
the look of the card is more "pulled together".

Under God's Feet # 2

2012-01-20T11:01:00.004-07:00

I will begin with the card base. It is
craft paper card stock. The edges have
been sponged with Ranger Archival black ink.

The texture layer is an embossing folder.
This was layered over black card stock and
a narrow border was cut using Perfect Layers rulers.

Over this layer is a band of DP from Paper Studio's
Everyday Kraft stack. Again it has been mounted
on black card stock and trimmed to a narrow border
using the Perfect Layers rulers.

The phrase has been created in PSP X. It is one
of my very favorites.
It was cut out with a Spellbinders die and
mounted on black card stock, then cut
to a narrow border with those Perfect Layer rulers.

The flourish is a single Bosskut die that is
wrapped around the phrase.

The final touch is three black rhinestones
in the upper right corner.

Isaiah 41:10

2012-01-19T09:45:00.003-07:00

Here is a relatively simple design that showcases scripture.
The scripture was designed using PSP X.
Fonts used are CAC Champagne and ST Honeymoon.

After adjusting the size of my scripture in Word
it was printed in 2 column format.
A Spellbinders die was used to cut it out.
The edges of the die and the card base
were sponged with Ranger Archival coffee and black inks.
A very thin edging of black creates the faux burned look.

The pine branch stamp is from Hero Arts.
First I inked it with a dark green Distressed ink.
Stamp once on scrap paper and THEN
stamp on the card to give a shadow appearance.

The pine branches were cut using a Cheery Lynn Designs die.
The pine cones are the fun part. Just punching them
out and leaving them flat was very ordinary and boring.
So I tried scrunching the punched pine cone.
I really scrunched it into a tiny ball.
Then only partial smoothed it out.
That gave the little pine cones a lot of texture.
At least they look a little more real now.

Christmas Ornament Card

2012-01-18T14:41:00.002-07:00

I don't normally do the artsy type pictures, but here is
one. I wanted to show the 3-D of the bulb over the
rest of the card front.

The metallic gold flourish and lines are a heavy gold foil gift wrap attached
to card stock with a thin layer of Crafters Ultimate Pick glue.
The Victorian Flourish from Cheery Lynn Designs was
cut apart to make the central focal point on the bulb.
The bands of gold are the finishing touches.
It just looked so much better with them in place.

The bulb is positioned over a "ribbon" of embossing folder
textured card stock layered over brushed gold gift wrap.
The Merry Christmas in the oval and the brushed gold gift wrap
large scallop oval under it are by Spellbinders, as is the
bulb die cut.

The Merry Christmas is a free font - Zenda.
It was created in PSP X.

Christmas Card Challenge

2012-01-17T12:50:00.003-07:00

Split Coast Stampers has a Christmas Card Challenge.
You are to make a Christmas card or two or three or four
every month till December.
Now I just thought that was a great idea.
I have been playing with Spellbinders 2010 Christmas bulb die
and one of their original Christmas bulb dies.

Here are the results of my efforts.
The bulbs have been cut from Polished Stone.
Polished Stone uses alcohol inks on glossy paper.

The textured layer under the bulbs is also glossy paper
that has been textured in a Cuttlebug 5 x 7 embossing folder.

After the polished stone paper was die cut I began the fun
of decorating my bulbs.
For this us used Cheery Lynn Designs
Victorian Flourish and a border die from them
that looks like tatting.

The gold used for the Cheery Lynn Designs is
a fairly heavy metallic gold foil gift wrap that has
been attached to cards stock using a thin layer of
tacky glue. It works best when the glue is spread on the
card stock with some type of credit card tool or a squeegee
kind of tool. You want a thin layer to cover the entire piece
of card stock. After putting the foil on the glued card stock
I ran over it with a brayer, using a lot of pressure to get the
bubbles out.

These die cuts really do look exactly like those expensive stickers.
For the wider bands of gold I first scored it in my ScorPal, then
carefully cut it while still in the ScorPall with a click blade cutter.

The final touches involved black sponging all around the edges of the
bulbs. Next is pieces of paper egg carton attached to
the backs of the blubs to add a little dimension.
A very thin piece of gold foil was added at the top of
each bulb to "hang" it.
BEWARE!!!!
Decorating these little bulbs is really addictive.

And the final product will be on the blog tomorrow.
While I like these designs, there is one that is my favorite.
There also some also rans that are my trial and error
phase of designing. Don't think you are going to get to see those.
They are visiting my trash can.

Giraffe

2012-01-16T13:44:00.002-07:00

The giraffe image is from a Bees Wax stamps. I have no idea
if they are still in business. The stamp is at least 15 years old
and this is the first time I have used it. I only used about
half the image on this design.

The giraffe is stamped in Ranger Archival coffee ink.
It has been die cut with Spellbinder's oval die.
I tried it on the card base with the giraffe skin print paper
after sponging the edges and it just did not work.
I knew that scallops would not look right. So I attached it
to another cream card stock piece, cut with a
deckle scissors and sponged again.

The greenery around the giraffe's head is from
a Cheery Lynn Designs die cut - Olive Branches.

Note that the edges of the card base have also been sponged.
By sponging the card base and two edges of the giraffe piece
the whole has been pulled together nicely.

Beautiful

2012-01-14T12:17:00.004-07:00

Let's begin at the bottom layer.
A 4.25 x 5.5 inch piece of cream colored
card stock was stamped with a Tim Holtz image.
I used several shades of brown and one green ink
from Ranger's Distressed Ink. After stamping
it was misted heavily with water to cause
the inks to run and fade. This is why I did
not do my background on the card base.
When the background paper was attached to
the card base with Crafter's Pick Ultimate glue
it spent a few hours under my huge college dictionary
to flatten it nicely.

After the card base had become flat by the pressure
of the dictionary the next step was to
dust the front of the card with talc.
Now the Stampscapes pine tree image was
inked up with black pigment ink and
heat embossed with fine line black embossing powder.

The deer image is unknown. There was no maker
ID on the wood of the mount.
It was stamped with black pigment ink
on cream card stock and heat embossed
with Rust embossing powder.
After the deer image
was cut out the edges were distressed with a
Tim Holtz thread cutter. Dark brown ink
was sponged around all four edges of the
deer image and the card base.
This was followed by a narrower sponging
of black ink to give a burned look.

The scripture is one of my own creations.
It was cut out with a Spellbinders die.
The edges were sponged with dark brown ink
followed by a burning of black ink.

Cards By Donna F.

2012-01-12T13:00:00.004-07:00

I belong to stamping group that meets every
Tuesday morning at a church in Scottsbluff NE.
We gather at 10 am, break for lunch, then come
back to create some more.
This is a very casual group. There is no leader and
generally each of us brings whatever project we are
currently working on.
We have been meeting like this for at least 7 years.
It is so much fun to see what everyone else is doing.
We spark each others creativity.

These five cards have been created by Donna F.
She is a talented lady that I am proud to call a good friend

Pine trees

2012-01-08T07:52:00.002-07:00

The stamped image is an unknown stamp.
I stamped it with VersaMark.
By careful application of two different embossing powders
it is possible to emboss both the green pine needles
and the brown trunk.

The trees image was cut out with the Spellbinders
Mega Oval die. The edges were distressed
with a Tim Holtz thread cutter.
I sponged brown in a short distance and
then "burned" the distressed edge with black ink.

The tree image is mounted on a brown cards stock
Spellbinders Label die cut.
The card stock was left in the die after cutting
and the edges sponged with dark brown ink.
This leaves a definite narrow border when
the paper is removed from the die.
You are going to have to clean you die.

The card base is a parchment beige paper.
All the edges have been sponged with dark brown ink.

The pine embellishment is done with
Cheery Lynn Designs pine branch die.
Pine cones are from an old Emaginations punch.
After punching them out in dark brown cark stock
they were closely crumpled and not totally smoothed
out when uncrumbling. This gives the pine cone
looking texture.

Since I live in an area of western Nebraska called
the Wildcat Hills and see Ponderosa covered
hills everyday, these cards are NOT Christmas.

Purple Flower In Frame

2012-01-07T07:28:00.003-07:00

An embossing folder is used to create the texture that
is the base layer for this card.
The textured ivory paper is cut to 4 x 5.25 inches.
The little berries are highlighted with glitter glue
and the whole is layered over purple card stock.
The purple is cut to a perfect narrow border using
Perfect Layers rulers.

Now we come to the framed k & Company sticker.
Begin with a purple card stock that has been
texturized in Cuttlebug's Distressed Stripes
embossing folder.

The frame was cut using both die cuts at the same time.
This is the only way I have found to get it perfect.
The dies are taped with masking tape to the paper,
cut in my trusty Wizard and while the tape is still
attached they are embossed.

The frame is raised over the sticker layer by
a double layer of paper egg carton cut
into small bits and glued carefully to
the back of the frame.

Five Sympathy Cards

2012-01-06T14:25:00.002-07:00

Five different versions of the same idea.
This was a lot of fun, thinking of different ways
to use my supplies.

The tree scene is a stamp from a company called
Bear Rubber. I have no idea if they are still in business,
but I sure do like a lot of their stamps.
It was cut out with Spellbinders Nestabilities Ovals,
then layered over a slightly larger black oval.
A medium tan ink was used to stamp the "shadow"
image, using the same tree scene stamp.

The phrase was done in PSP X (as usual), cut out with an oval
and layered over a black oval. The above card has a
textured layer in craft colored card stock under the
tree scene and the phrase.

An EK Success Martha Stewart punch was used for
the viney leafy border.

This last card does not have the tree scene. I was
experimenting with the texturing of the craft card stock
and using the viney leafy border on the top and bottom.
It turned out reasonably well.

I Am The Resurrection

2012-01-05T09:16:00.003-07:00

Another card for Pastor Dan and his wife Connie.
The scripture is John 11:25 and has been created
in PSP X. It was cut out with a Spellbinder's Label die
and layered over black card stock. I used
the Perfect Layers ruler to get the border even
all the way around, then rounded the corners
with a corner punch. The rounded corner fits
nicely withe the round corner on the label,
pulling the whole together.

The base of the card was craft color card stock.
The top third was stamped with VersaMark ink using B-Lines net
background stamp. It was embossed with clear embossing powder.

The bottom two thirds is black card stock that has been
embossed using an argyle embossing folder.
In the center, dividing the two patterns is a
"ribbon" of scrapbook paper layered over black
card stock. This paper came from the
Everyday Kraft stack by Paper Studio.

This basic design is called "Thirds Cards"
by our Wild Women of the West Stampers group.
The principle behind it is the "odd" number rule.
Placement of objects in any layout, be it
paper, flower arrangements, store displays,
or hanging pictures is usually more pleasing
to the eye if they are in odd number.
1, 3, 5, 7 etc. Try it and see.

2 More Versions of God Is Fair

2011-12-31T11:36:00.003-07:00

The hounds tooth pattern paper is yet another
from the Everyday Kraft by Paper Studio.
This was layered on black card stock along with the
phrase and plaid texture "bar" that
is under the other two.

The plaid texture has been accented by lightly
sponging with black ink.

A very simple basic design that highlights
the scripture that is found at Hebrews 6:10.

The second version of God Is Fair also showcases
the pattern papers from Everyday Kraft stack
by Paper Studio.

As with the previous card a craft color card stock
is the card base.

I used a Creating Memories punch for the
black portion of the three small squares.
These squares have three different papers
from the stack.

Again a very simple basic design with
the scripture as the main focal point.

God Is Fair

2011-12-30T20:08:00.002-07:00

Another card for my pastor and his wife to use.
They requested this scripture.

The scripture, Hebrews 6:10, was created in PSP X.
This allows me to copy and paste it into Word and
make it any size that I want. A real advantage
over stamps, plus I can use any scripture or
inspiring phrase that I want.

The oval cut zebra print scrapbook paper is from
Paper Studio's Everyday Kraft stack.
It has been layered over a slightly larger
oval. Thank you Spellbinders for those
wonderful nesting dies.

The scripture was die cut with a Spellbinder's
label and layered over black.
Note the plaid textured "bar" under the
scripture. This is from a Sizzix embossing folder.

The outer edge of the craft paper card base
was sponged with black ink.

Birthday Card

2011-12-29T18:19:00.002-07:00

An embossing folder has been used on the lavender paper.
This was attached to a plain white card base.
Mega oval by Spellbinders was the die used for the purple
oval and Mega scalloped oval for the white layer under it.

The Happy Birthday was computer generated,
then die cut with a Spellbinders die.

On either side of the Happy Birthday
K and Company stickers were used.

This was a fairly fast card to make.
I do like the finishing touch that the
flower stickers have added.

Jeri's Zentangles

2011-12-23T14:40:00.002-07:00

Our cousin Jeri has started making zentangles.
She used a Spellbinders Label to get the basic shape.

Then I took over. I mounted her carefully cut out zentangle
on a larger size of the same Spellbinders label.
These two layers are slightly raised over the rest of the card.

Next layer down is the cream oval that has
been embossed in a Cuttlebug embossing folder.
The last layer is a scalloped black oval.

Hebrews 6:10

2011-12-22T09:00:00.002-07:00

This design is very similar to one I posted several days ago.
The big difference is the texture covering the card base.
A piece of card stock the exact same size as the card base
was "altered". It was placed on a scoring board at an angle and
a line was scored into the paper every 1/4 inch.

This is a very simple design that makes the scripture
the main focal point.

The patterned paper is from the
Paper Studio Everyday Kraft stack.

Hebrews 6:10

2011-12-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Under God's Feet

2011-12-21T08:47:00.003-07:00

Another card for my pastor. The zebra stripe oval is from the Paper Studio Everyday Craft stack. A wonderful stack for "man" cards or scrapbook pages. The oval and the plain black larger oval were both cut with Spellbinders Nesting ovals.

The tiger stamp is from Sutter Enterprises Stamps. This company has a wonderful collection of western and wildlife stamps. The image was stamped with Ranger Archival Jet Black ink. This ink was also used to sponge around the edges of the card.

The phrase was computer generated in PSP X. It was cut with a Spellbinders Label die and mounted on an oval, again by Spellbinders. The final embellishment is three black "jewels" on the right hand side of the phrase.

I Am The Resurrection

2011-12-17T07:45:00.001-07:00

John 11:25 is such a great reminder for me. Jesus is life!This card began with a kraft colored A2 card base. The edges were sponged with black ink.I am not sure where the tiger image came from. He certainly is a regal big cat. He was stamped with Ranger Archival Jet Black ink.The zebra paper is from the Paper Studio Everyday Kraft stack. It is layered over black card stock and the narrow border has been measured to perfection with the Perfect Layers ruler.The scripture was designed in PSP X by myself. A Spellbinders Label die was used to cut it.

God Is Fair - Hebrews 6:10

2011-12-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

This design and the next few that I post will all be done with Paper Studio's Everyday Kraft stack. I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby.The card base is kraft paper. On this particular one I used VersaMark to stamp a flourish in the upper right corner of the card base. It was embossed with clear embossing powder.Both of the patterned papers from the Paper Studio stack are layered over black card stock. As usual I used a Perfect Layers ruler to get that "perfect" border.The phrase is from the New Testament and is found in Hebrews 6:10. I have designed the lettering using PSP X. The card is part of a series that I am doing at the request of the my pastor and his wife. Hers will be in pastels and flowers using the same scriptures and phrases. I do this as part of my ministry in my local church. I know how special it makes me feel when someone takes the time to send me a card, so my thinking is that this will help pastor and his wife connect with their congregation and pastors students at the Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange WY where he is a professor teaching several classes a semester.

Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

Every spring my husband spends hours and hours looking for deer and elk antler sheds. This past spring he founda 7 point elk antler which has been on display in our living room ever since. I decided to use this huge antler for our Christmas tree. So when dh was occupied elsewhere for several hours, I got wild and crazy with the glitz. I love it and so does he.

John 8:32

2011-12-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Truth makes us free. How very profound!The papers in the design come from DCWV Citrus and Cardstock stacks. The phrase has been designed by me in PSP X. The little flourishes sticking out from behind the scripture were cut using a Spellbinders die.That's it folks, just layering and rectangles. I use perfect layers rulers to get those perfectly even borders.

Rejoice!

2011-12-05T10:14:00.003-07:00

Such a great scripture - Psalm 97:12 - a wonderful reminder of how we should live every day rejoicing in the LORD.

The beginning of this card is a white card base that has the edges sponged first with Russet ink and then a narrower border of sponging that is Coffee. Both inks are from the Ranger Archival line.

The phrase has been die cut with a Spellbinder's Label. The edges have been sponged with Russet and Coffee. It has been layered over rust and dark brown. The edges of the two lower layers have the corners rounded.

The ribbon on the left begins with a fallish paper from K & Company that is layer on dark brown. The lacy border in rust is from an EK Success Martha Stewart border punch.

The leaves are from various punches from various glitter papers.

Shout for Joy

2011-12-03T18:56:00.003-07:00

A beautiful scripture matched with fall leaves. The card base is beige parchment that has a wide russet ink sponged along the outer edges, then a narrower sponging of dark brown ink. This same sponging was used on the scripture.

The patterned paper is from K and Company. It has been layered over a narrow border of rust card stock with a wider border of dark brown as the base layer.

The rust branch and leaf punched "ribbon" is from EK Success Martha Stewart line.
The glitter paper leaves are from various sources as are the leaf punches.

The scripture has been generated in PSP X as have most of the scriptures used on my cards. It has been die cut with a Spellbinder's Label die.

I have CD's availablwith 12 - 24 scriptures for sale for $7.50 - $12.50 + $1 postage. Each of these would be accompanied by a picture tutorial on the use of the CD and how to use the scriptures in Word. It would show you how to create two columns in Word, copy and paste from the CD to Word and how to size the scripture in Word. You may pick your scripture from my list which I could email to you.

There are also some inspirational phrases, fancy script basic words and short phrases and cowgirl wisdom. Your own favorite phrases and scriptures can be custom designed for as slightly higher cost. (these may become a part of my catalog and be available to others with your permission.)

Framed Poinsettia

2011-11-30T07:02:00.003-07:00

While this is not one of my favorites, There are parts of it that I really like. I love that Spellbinders Fleur de Lis square. To cut it put a square die inside of the Fleur de Lis square. I usually tape them in several places to prevent shifting while they are being cut.

Sadly the dark brown under the poinsettia layer is too wide and the striped pine cone and pine bough paper under it just do not match. Another on of those visions in the head that didn't pan out. I think I have other Christmas papers that would have worked a lot better.

Noel Tile

2011-11-28T08:10:00.003-07:00

This is such a fun card. It was one of those ideas that floated around in my head for a few weeks before I had time to complete it.

The Sizzix snowflake embossing folder makes a lovely background as a base for the whole design. Across the bottom is a pine forest punched border from EK Success. The dark green is "shadowed" by a second punched border in gold gift wrap.

Now for the Noel Tile portion. The letters are from a Sizzix's Trixie alphabet. They have been mounted on green and then red layers of card stock.

The finished letter tiles were carefully placed evenly on gold gift wrap. The gold was then trimmed to an even border using a deckle scissors.

More Easy Christmas Cards

2011-11-27T14:40:00.002-07:00

Two cards with the same basic design. These are relatively simple cards, using ribbon and stickers from K & Company.

The background on the plain white card stock card base is a Sizzix embossing folder. The snowflakes are rather random and make a very versatile beginning layer.

The ribbons can be seen on the inside of the card. It has been attached with double sided tape. The joining seam is under the sticker layer.

Spellbinder made the oval, rectangle and large scallop rectangle dies used on these cards.

Fast and Easy Christmas Card

2011-11-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the very simplest of cards. Fast, easy and impressive!

I began with a plain white card base. Use the Sizzix snowflake embossing folder to create a textured overlay to attach to the front of the card.

Now the easy part. Find a fairly large 3-D sticker and center it on the front.

Simple and elegant.

A Blue Christmas

2011-11-25T11:58:00.002-07:00

Blue has always been one of my favorite colors. These cards have a plain white card base with a muted patterned blue paper attached to the front. So many beautiful papers are just not heavy enough to be a card base. AND even if they are heavy enough you get more cards out of cutting them to A2 size (4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches) and attaching it to a much less expensive plain white card base.

The large snowflakes are from a Spellbinders die and the small snowflakes are from Cheery Lynn Designs.

You will note that two of the cards have some distressing on the white Label die cut. These were done with the paper still in the die cut. This allows one to leave that very attractive light border around the outer edge.

I really did have a lot of fun playing with the various snowflakes. I loved the blue ones and the white ones.

Now I am going to go have some left over turkey for lunch. Merry Christmas. May God bless you all.

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-11-24T07:24:00.003-07:00

Here are two cards of a very similar design. The construction is fairly simple when it is broken down into steps.

I began with a plain white A2 card base. The next step is to create a texture or in some cases a patterned paper layer to cover the entire card front. I used the Sizzix embossing folder with white card stock. My preferred white card stock is Georgia Pacific that is about $5.50 at Walmart.

The gold and the red metallic are from gift wrap and high lighting foil glued to card stock. Spellbinders are the manufacturers of all the dies.

The 3-D sticker in the center of the card is from K & Company. These are mounted on gold squares. The squares have paper egg carton attached to the back to raise them every so slightly over the next red foil large scallops squares.

I love the red foil scallop "shadow" under the gold scallop. To me the whole combination of textures and papers is very pleasing.

White and Ivory Snowflakes

2011-11-23T12:04:00.003-07:00

Begin with a white card base. Sizzix made the embossing folder that was used to create the snowflake texture that was attached to the front of the card.

Cream or ivory card stock is the color of the Spellbinder die cut snow flakes that are over the texture. A very subtle simple card.

Ascribe to The Lord

2011-11-19T09:45:00.003-07:00

For some strange reason blogger will not show my pictures in the new post box.
BUT I will persevere and post in spite of the glitch. I love this scripture and the PSP let me make a wonderful version of it.

The two cards with the punched mosaics are on cream card stock that has had the edges heavily sponged with three colors of distressed inks. The lightest color is the farthermost in with the darker brown on the outer 1/2 inch. Then black ink was used on the very edge to create a burn look. The scripture was cut out with a Spellbinders nesting oval.

The card with the patterned paper as a background has a Spellbinder's Label as a mount for the scripture. Spellbinder's Edgebilities were used to cut the border under the scripture.

The punched mosaic portions were done with a Punch Bunch punch. By placing the paper squarely against the back of the punch and using the first punched mosaic for placement of the next you can space them evenly.

Lattice and Pendant

2011-11-17T17:48:00.001-07:00

Well blogger acting up. My picture will show up on the blog itself, but not where I compose the post. Oh well, Here we go.

This card has the card base covered with one of the very first Karen Foster Designs papers. The next layer is one of Spellbinder's Pendant dies, in this case the Lattice.

The scripture has been created in PSP X (Paint Shop Pro Ten) and sized and printed in Word 2003. The flowers were punched using Punch Bunch punches and shaped using a large stylus.

If you are interested in some of my scripture or phrases for yourself please let me know. I have also worked up a picture tutorial on using the CD and copying the scripture into a two column Word Document. I will send you a CD with 12 Bible verses or phrases and the tutorial for $5 plus $1 shipping. Contact me for a list of scriptures and phrases.

3rd and 4th Christmas Designs for 2011

2011-11-08T07:36:00.004-07:00

Here are two versions of basically the same card design.
The metallic fold is a brushed gold Christmas gift wrap paper. This is the time of year to purchase all kinds of metallic papers to use all year round. They are an inexpensive resource, especially for layering. One roll of gift wrap goes a long long way when only used on cards.

You will note in this first card that the gift wrap kind of sank into the snow flake texture.

The letters are cut with Cuttlebug's Hippie Chick alphabet. Spellbinder's long rectangle nesting dies were used to cut the rectangles under the letters on both cards.

EK Success made the tree punch. Note the shadowing of gold behind the trees.

The card base is from a Sizzix random snowflake embossing folder.

I like the second card the best. Which one do you like?

2nd Christmas Design for 2011

2011-11-03T14:53:00.003-06:00

Here it is. I am not particularly thrilled with this design.
I like the basic concept of the letter tiles, but somehow this one just doesn't cut it.

The card base is covered with a snowflake texture that was made using a Sizzix embossing folder.

The Noel letter were cut from a Christmas paper. I used the Trixie Girl Sizzix alphabet. Spellbinder's Nesting Squares were used for the red and green layers under the letter.

The tree border is an EK Success border punch.

First 2011 Christmas Design

2011-11-02T10:48:00.003-06:00

The first Christmas design for 2011.
The snowflake textured base layer is an
embossing folder from Sizzix.
The cute little beady-eyed penguin
is paper pieced from a Bosscut die.

The "Christmas Blessings" sign is computer generated
and then cut with a Spellbinder's Label die.
The blue snowflake border at the bottom of the card
is another wonderful Spellbinder's die.

I used the snowflakes cut our from the border to
decorate the sign and place under Mr. Penguin's wing.

Stickers and Frames

2011-10-31T12:15:00.003-06:00

Oh my, I certainly do love these K & Company stickers.
The colors of card stock are a very light cream
and a deep royal purple.
With the purples in the stickers, it is a
perfect combination.

The embossing folder used were
Sizzix's holly and Cuttlebug's distressed stripes.
The frames have been cut with a Spellbinder's
Label and Oval nesting dies.
The frames are raised over the face of the card
using two layers of the flat part of paper egg cartons.
I cut them up into pieces that will fit under the frames.

Precious Little Girl

2011-10-29T11:01:00.003-06:00

The little girl image is stamped with Ranger Archival coffee
ink on glossy paper. The image is from one of several sheets
of stamps that I order years ago from a company called
Second Star on the Right.
I don't know if you can even find them anymore.

The first layer on the white card base is mauve.
Over that is an embossed texture.
The frame is created with a Spellbinders Label
and Nesting Ovals and is raised over the image with
the flat part of paper egg cartons.
The flourish greenery is a die from Bosscuts.
The remaining greenery and flowers are
from Punch Bunch. The flowers have been
shaped using a large stylus.

Pearl Accent Frame

2011-10-28T09:37:00.002-06:00

Begin with a lovely paper by Karen Foster Designs.
This is one of their very first papers and is now sadly discontinued.
The paper covers the entire card front.
The edges have been sponged with Ranger Archival coffee
dye based ink.

The frame is a Spellbinder's oval inside a Label.
The cream colored pearls are attached to both sides
of the cream frame.
The frame is raised over the flower sticker
by attaching a double layer of egg carton pieces
on the under side.
I cut them up in fairly small pieces and space
all around the frame.
The 3-D of the frame and the sticker is
so very pleasing to the eye.

A K & Company sticker is attached to a pale
green embossed card stock.
I used a Tim Holtz wood embossing folder.

Ovals and Diamonds

2011-10-25T18:26:00.002-06:00

The basic color scheme is cream and purple.
Two embossing folders were used in this design.
The cream paper that is embossed is a
Sizzix Christmas folder. It is supposed to be holly.
Yes, that's right, holly, and I could never find it.
But it does have great flourishes and berries.
At least I guess they are berries. Who knows?
The purple card stock under the K and Company
sticker is also embossed.

The frame is a Spellbinders Lacy Oval with
a nesting Diamond on the inside.
It has been raised off the card face
using two layers of paper egg carton glued together
and cut into sizes that fit the back side of the frame.
The three butterflies on the frame were
punched with an EK Success Martha Stewart
punch. The gold metallic is a candy wrapper
attached to card stock.

Can you tell I am into "recycling"?
Actually it is not recycling, it is being frugal.

The Season of Singing

2011-10-23T20:10:00.002-06:00

A wonderful scripture that is perfect for anything flower.
In this case I have used some of Punch Bunch's punches
and shaped them.

The scripture was done in Paint Shop Pro and after
printing was die cut with one of Spellbinder's Label dies.
The frame around the scripture is another Label that
has the inside cut out with an oval nesting die.

The cream textured layer and the purple under
the scripture were done with embossing folders.

Doggone Cards

2011-10-21T09:57:00.002-06:00

Well, here are a couple of dog themed birthday
cards and an encouragement card.
The dog images on all are from Inkadinkado.

There are some dog themed brads from
Creative Impressions.
The papers are from a DCWV stack.
Lots of layering and narrow borders.

The ink used was Ranger Archival black.
I don't remember where the stamps came from.

Arch Frames

2011-10-20T18:06:00.002-06:00

After creating the base layers using purple card stock
and an embossing folder the arched frame was
placed in the center.
Purple was used as the contrasting
base layer under the arched frame.
It has been textured with an embossing folder as well.

Two sizes of the Sizzix nesting arch dies
were used to create the frame.
The K & Company sticker was
placed in the center of the frame.
Highlighting foil attached to card stock
was used for the butterflies
which were punched using and EK Success punch.

Caring Butterflies

2011-10-19T09:36:00.003-06:00

Where to begin? First of all I am running out of titles for
designs that are not repeats. I may just switch to numbers, LOL.

This card has a plain white base. The bottom two layers
are a soft peach with a tapestry texture in white.
The texture was created using an embossing folder.
These ovals were place on the card with the larger
being raised off the card using paper egg carton as the "pop dot".
A flourish from Bosscut was used in the center of the
larger oval.

The ovals were die cut using Spellbinders beaded oval dies.
Another Spellbinders die, Nesting Ovals was used to cut
the soft peach inside the beaded ovals. It was textured with
Cuttlebug"s dotted swiss embossing folder.

A Fancy Tag die from Spellbinders was used to
cut the layer underneath the computer generated phrase.
The phrase and the peach scalloped layer under it were
cut with more Spellbinders dies, this time the Nesting Ovals.
I love using ovals in my designs, they are so pleasing to the eye.

The butterfly is a Cheery Lynn Designs butterfly cut from
highlighting foil (found at most beauty supply stores) attached
to card stock or text weight papers. A light weight card stock
will cut much better than a heavy one and
enable you to slightly fold the wings up, giving an
appearance of a real butterfly that has just landed.

The flowers are punched with Punch Bunch punches.
The paper is card stock painted with Lumiere's.
They are then shaped and "diamonds" placed
in the centers.

The smaller butterflies are from an EK Success
Martha Stewart punch. They are also from
highlighting foil.

Very simple

2011-10-18T12:29:00.002-06:00

A very very simple card. Yet it is so elegant.
The punching was done on text weight
medium gray paper.

How to make the mosaic "bar":
1. In the slot of the punch where the paper is placed,
make sure the paper is squarely against the back of the slot.
This ensure that one edge of the mosaics will be even.
2. Now to get the punched images evenly spaced from each other.
This may take a few tries so start with scrap paper.
3. I punch the first mosaic, now slide the paper through the punch
and estimate how far apart the punches will be.
Be sure to keep the paper squarely against the back of the punch.
4. Note where the edge of the punch is on the first punch.
5. Keep punching and experimenting until you have the desired
space between your punches.

I have a quilt ruler that has lots of measuring lines on it.
I used this ruler to cut an even border around the mosaic "bar".
One important trick is to be sure that you are in the same
sitting or standing position for each cut.
I also have put the no-slip plastic on the back of the ruler
to help prevent slipping when cutting.
I will also advise that you are less likely to have
the ruler slip under the pressure of cutting if you
have a light touch. I often make two cuts
to get a clean even cut with card stock.
One quilt ruler even has a Sharpie line drawn on it
that shows a frequently used measurement.

Magnolia

2011-10-17T10:55:00.002-06:00

Using a dimensional K and Company sticker
and some card stock, a card can be created.
Pale green card stock is the base layer, with
a cream paper as the textured layer that has been
made using a Sizzix embossing folder.

The same pale green card stock is under the magnolia
sticker. It has also been textured using an embossing folder.

Two Spellbinder's dies were used together to
make the frame. In this case a Label and a
Nesting Circle. After cutting, the frame was embossed
on that soft rubber mat. Very attractive.

Soft Sage

2011-10-15T09:15:00.002-06:00

Another K & Company sticker used as the center piece.
The embossed frame is a Spellbinder's Label
with an oval on the inside.
A Sizzix folder was used for the textured
base layer.

The soft sage green card stock was used
to create a narrow border under the
base textured layer.
It was also used under the
flower sticker. I cut an oval one size
larger than was used for the oval cut out
in the frame.

These cards are so dainty and elegant.

Using Stickers

2011-10-14T09:02:00.002-06:00

I do not use a lot of stickers, BUT one of the
Wild Women of the West Stampers, namely one
Phyllis Jordan, made a card that was similar to this one.
I was totally sold. It was a gorgeous card and I had to
make some for myself.

The frame for the K & Company sticker was
made using a Spellbinder's Label and a Spellbinder's
circle dies. If you carefully place the circle inside
the label and tape them down with a low tack tape
the result is as seen above.
I try to leave everything together
for the embossing phase. Usually the tape
holds it fairly well.

The frame is 3-D with a double layer of
cut up egg carton attached to the back side..
The stickers are two and three layers as well.

The blue card stock that is under the embossing folder layer and
under the sticker is a deep royal blue.
This particular card stock was purchased
at the "evil" Xpedex in Denver.
I go into that store promising myself I will NOT
buy a thing and come out with several reams
of paper. Do you have a paper problem like mine?

Butterflies, Ovals and Texture

2011-10-13T11:35:00.002-06:00

Two different textures are used on this card.
The white layer is an elaborate brocade type embossing folder
The peach ovals inside the white beaded ovals
are done with Cuttlebug's Dotted Swiss.

The metallic butterfly is from highlighting foil
from a beauty supply that has been attached to card stock.
It was made using a punch from EK Success Martha Stewart
line of punches.

The phrase was computer generated using
Paint Shop Pro X, cut out with a
Spellbinders Mega Oval and mounted on
a peach scalloped mega oval.
It was then placed in one of
Spellbinders Fancy Tags.

Birthday Cards

2011-10-12T10:18:00.004-06:00

The rust and cream color scheme is stunning.
Note the differences in the cards and decide which
you like.
The top card has a metallic Cheery Lynn Designs
butterfly cut from highlighting foil from the beauty supply.
The bottom butterfly is cut from rust card stock.
Both have a peach "lining" second layer underneath.
The peach has been sponged with Ranger
Rusty Hinge Distressed Ink.
This color of ink was also used to
sponge the edges, inside and outside, of
the Spellbinders Label and Oval frames.

The happy birthday is computer generated
in Paint Shop Pro X. It was cut out with
a Spellbinders Label and the edges also
sponged with Rangers Distressed Ink Rusty Hinge.

The frame and the phrase are made 3-d with layers
of cut up paper egg carton. Two layers under the frame
and one layer under the phrase.
Note that there is rust under one phrase and
peach under the other.

The rust flowers are the same, but the leaves
are different. One is silk leaves
and the other is punched card stock leaves
with the flowers and butterfly.

Generic Birthday Card

2011-10-10T13:57:00.002-06:00

This card is for a guy or a gal. It is fairly simple.
The card base is covered with scrapbook paper
that has been embossed in a Sizzix Christmas embossing
folder. (!!!!yes, Christmas) It is plaid.
After embossing a brayer and dark brown ink
was used to darken the just the very top of the embossing.

I computer generated the Happy Birthday in PSP X and
sized it to 1.25 inches in Word. This is the size that fits
nicely in the Spellbinders Fancy Tag die.
I used the free font Precious to create the phrase.

A Spellbinder's Mega Oval die was used to
cut the plain green oval. The edges of the oval
were sponged in the same dark brown ink that was
used on the folder embossing.

A Season

2011-10-04T16:26:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I made this card.
The punched leaves are from various paper
sources. Highlighting foil from the beauty supply,
glitter stack from DCWV and gift wrap.
The patterned papers are unknown.
The scripture is computer generated
and created in Paint Shop Pro X.

Sympathy Cards

2011-10-03T16:33:00.002-06:00

All three cards have the same basic design.
The middle one was made first.
It is the only one that has the stamped
image embossed with fine line black embossing powder.

The leafy branchy type trim
is an EK Success Martha Stewart punch.
I don't know the maker of the stylized tree,
but the trees on the top and bottom
are from a company called Bear Rubber.
I don't know if they are even in business anymore.

The images and phrases have been die cut with
Spellbinders circle and oval dies.

Trust in Him

2011-09-30T13:19:00.003-06:00

The patterned papers used are from the same
stack. I just don't remember which one.
The beaded oval by Spellbinder's
has been cut, embossed and dark brown
in was used to accent the embossing while
the paper was still in the die.

The EK Success border punch was trimmed and
added on both sides a almost a frame.

The scripture was computer generated
using Paint Shop Pro. It was then
cut out with a Spellbinder's Label.
As I am looking at the photo I am thinking that
I should have sponged the edges of the
scripture to provide continuity with the
sponging on the beaded oval.

Lattice Over Texture

2011-09-28T14:42:00.004-06:00

I really really like this Cheery Lynn Designs
lattice die cut. It has so many possibilities.

I had this idea. Now like all ideas the
execution is often leaves you with something
far more different than the vision in your head.
This one is OK. Not earth shaking, but OK.

The biggest leaves are a Spellbinders die cut.
The flowers and branches are punched from
Punch Bunch punches.

Butterfly 1

2011-09-27T17:44:00.002-06:00

The card stocks used on this card are
light peach and white.
There is a very fine border of peach beneath
the textured layer. (done with embossing folder)

Spellbinder's beaded oval was cut and
embossed in white.
I attached the flat part of paper egg
cartons to the back to attain
the 3-D look.

The oval in the center of the
beaded oval is in peach also.
It was embossed with the Cuttlebug
Dotted Swiss folder.
I really do like the dainty dots on this folder.

The fragile flourishes are from
Cheery Lynn Designs Victorian Flourish
die. This die is a real pain to cut,
BUT look at the results. Just stunning.

Now for the butterfly.
The die is another Cheery Lynn Designs beauty.
It has been cut from highlighting foil.
This can be obtained from most beauty supplies.
Spray glue either text or card stock weight
paper and attach the thin foils.
We at Wild Women of the West Stampers
spent one whole Tuesday wading up foil,
unwading it and attaching to papers.
We all liked the texture of the crinkled foil
more than the plain shiny that it was
when we purchased it.
It is well worth the effort.
It is also considerably less expensive than
buying metallic papers.

Cheery Lynn also makes a matching solid butterfly
to put under the delicate lacy one.
In this case I used the light peach paper and
lightly sponged it with
Ranger's Distress Ink, Rusty Hinge.
The edges were also sponged again to darken
them even more.

I am very please with the end result
of this card making endeavor.

I Am The Way

2011-09-26T15:00:00.004-06:00

Begin with a white A2 (5.50 x 4.25 inch) card base.
The next layer is a pale lavender card stock that has
been punched with one of EK Successes Martha Stewart
punch around the page punches.
The textured layer is made using an embossing folder,
the corner has been rounded to match the punched border.

The scripture was created in PSP X, cut into a rectangle and
the corners rounded. It has been mounted on the same pale
lavender card stock that was used for the punched border.
A Spellbinders Label was the die cut used.

Now medium purple shaped flowers and
a dark sage green flourish are
added as embellishments.
Half pearls were glued as the center of
the flowers.

A Sympathy Card

2011-09-17T09:24:00.004-06:00

Recently the husband of a very very special aunt died.
They had been married for 62+ years.
I wanted to do something extra special for my
dear Aunt Donna.

Rust and cream are the colors.
I used a scrapbook paper under the stamped phrase.
The frame was created with two Spellbinders dies
used at the same time and then embossed.
Rusty Hinge Distressed Ink was used
to sponge the outer and inner edges of the frame.

The Cheery Lynn butterflies are cut from
card stock that has been stippled with
Lumiere paint.
I brushed it on first and then quickly stipple dabbed
more of the same color on to remove the brush strokes.

The flowers and leaves are Punch Bunch punches.
The flowers have been shaped.
The leaves have been lightly sponged
the Rusty Hinge Distressed Ink
to tone down the green.
It also blends the whole of the card together.

The lowest cream layer has been textured
in an embossing folder.
K & Company scrapbook paper was used
under the phrase.

Lattice 3

2011-09-16T09:13:00.002-06:00

Here is a third version of the lattice card.
I really was not to sure about using a white lattice,
but over the pale green it is stunning.
The lattice is a die cut by
Cheery Lynn Designs.
The punches are from various companies,
mostly Punch Bunch.
The punched flowers have been shaped
as described in my post for Lattice 1.

Lattice 2

2011-09-14T13:25:00.002-06:00

Another beautiful lattice design.

This Cheery Lynn Designs lattice die

is so much fun.

This is a medium brown lattice over

a pale green.

The flowers are several shades of pink

with a kelly green fern looking leaf punch.

My goal was to make it look

like a trellis with a flowering vine

winding it's way up the card.

Lattice 1

2011-09-10T11:08:00.001-06:00

Isn't this lattice just stunning? This is

the very first card I made with

Cheery Lynn Designs Lattice.

It has been die cut using medium brown

card stock. A soft yellow scrapbook

paper covers the card front with the

perfect A2 size lattice attached over the yellow.

The punched flowers are from various punches,

all from Punch Bunch.

The large leaves are a

Spellbinders die.

The flowers are shaped.

SHAPED?

Here is how-

1. punch out the flower with your choice of card stock

2. place the flower on a mouse pad or thick craft foam

3. gently rub the flower with a large stylus until it cups around the tool

4. turn the cupped flower over and use a smaller stylus to press in the center.

This is an easy technique, time consuming if you want a lot of

flowers, but the results are impressive.

I have even shaped larger leaves, butterflies and dragonflies.

I don't see why you couldn't try this with any punched

or die cut piece of card stock.

Geometric

2011-09-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

The background paper has a geometric appearance.

It really had me puzzled for a while.

Then I went to Maria's in Commerce City CO.

For those of you who don't know about Album Memories

or It's Cheaper Than Therapy, this is

the ultimate die cut store. Check out

It's Cheaper Than Therapy on the web.

You may also find them at a stamp or scrapbook

convention in your area. She has more Sizzix dies

than anyone I know of. (and better prices too!)

The plaid looking texture is from a Sizzix folder. It

came as a set. A Christmas set I might add.

The other folder is snow flakes.

I bought it for the plaid.

I also tried this plaid folder on some green stripe

scrapbook paper. By brayering over the

top of the finished resulted with dark brown ink, the plaid really popped.

The have a heart and special card phrases are stamps,

the remaining phrases are computer generated using

Paint Shop Pro X.

Black and White

2011-09-01T09:55:00.001-06:00

The scripture for these cards was done in

Paint Shop Pro X by me.

The black and white papers come

from a stack called Formal Affair

by scrapworks.

It may not even be available now

as I bought it at least 5 years ago.

The punched border is an EK Success border punch.

There is ribbon on each card.

Note that each piece of white paper

has a narrow black border.

I use Perfect Layers rulers to get those

perfect narrow borders.

Spellbinders is the maker of all the dies used on

these cards.

Double Gate-fold Cards

2011-08-31T13:51:00.003-06:00

Three variations for
the double gate-fold card.
This card is sooooooo easy and
can be as detailed as you want to make it.

I got this idea and the instructions
from Technique Junkies
Fancy Folds and Motion Paper Crafts CD.
Great CD. I can highly recommend it.

The base for the card is 5 1/2 x 12 inches.
Score for folds at 2, 4, 8 and 10 inches.

All of the papers used on cards in this post are from
DCWV Citrus Stack and Citrus card stock stack.
Punches are from EK Success and EK Success
Martha Stewart line.
Some Spellbinders Labels have been used as well.

Wheat Thank You

2011-08-26T08:58:00.003-06:00

I work for Nebraska Agricultural
Statistics Service. One of the many
different thing that I do is called
Wheat Objective Yield.
This involves me going out into
15 to 20 wheat fields every summer and
setting up small sample plots.
Every month I do counts of the
stalks of wheat, check maturity and
send small samples to a lab for examination.
From all of this data that I send in,
Nebr. Ag Stats and USDA can
make a fairly accurate estimate of
the wheat harvest.
While wheat harvest is over,
I am now involved in
Corn Objective Yield and am preparing
to go out into some corn fields and
set up sample plots.

The above card is the thank you
that I made and sent to every
farmer that allowed me to play
in their wheat field.

The wheat in the oval is embossed
with a goldish emblossing powder that
I got years ago from Think Ink.
Then the shadow wheat
stamped on the card base are
Distressed Ink Straw.
These where ink, stamped on
scrap paper and then stamped on
the card base for a very light shadowy image.

All of the sponging was done first with
Rangers Archival Russet and then just the
very edges with Rangers Archival Coffee.

The thank you is an unknown stamp.

I used two different Spellbinders Label dies
to cut the corrugated cardboard.
I think I like the second one better.

The Lord Is My Strength

2011-08-24T15:34:00.002-06:00

Here is another of the very detailed
and delicate cards that were inspired
by a card I received from
from my stamping pen pal,
Celia M.. She had no clue
what she started. This can be very obsessive.

The phrase has been designed in PSP X.
Spellbinders is the maker of the delicate
die cut square. I used two different
embossing folders. The flowers
and leaves are from Punch Bunch.

Cowgirls Rule

2011-08-23T11:15:00.002-06:00

This has to be one of my favorite stamps.
These cowgirls are just so cute.
The images have been colored with
colored pencils and blended with
baby oil on a blending stump.

The phrases are computer generated.
The dies are Spellbinders and Bosscuts.
Faux snake skin has been used on the
2nd and 3rd cards.
Most edges have been sponged with
a dark brown ink.

Black and White Elegance

2011-08-22T09:41:00.002-06:00

I really really do love the elegance of
a black and white card.
The papers on these cards are from
an older stack call Formal Affair
by Scrap Works.

Note that each of the papers has been layered
onto plain black. I cut the very narrow
border with my Perfect Layers ruler.
The gross grain ribbon was attached to
the bottom two layers before
it was put on the white card stock base.

The phrases were created by me in
Paint Shop Pro X, then
cut out with Spellbinder's
Nesting Ovals.

These were very simple cards that
are easy to mass produce.

Double Gate-fold

2011-08-18T09:15:00.004-06:00

The basics for this card came from
Technique Junkies CD.
Fancy Folds and Motion Paper Crafts.
Thanks to Ginni S. who got for
me as a Christmas gift. It is a great CD
with lots of innovative ideas.

The paper is from DCWV Citrus Stack.
The punch is an EK Success from the
Martha Stewart line.
The scripture was created by me in
Paint Shop Pro X program.

Basic instructions-
5 1/2 x 12 inch piece of paper
score at 2, 4, 8, and 10 inches
the rest you should be able to figure out from
the pictures.

Waving cowboy

2011-08-17T09:07:00.002-06:00

I began this card with a discontinued crackle paper
from Karen Foster Designs.
It was attached to the card front, then
sponged with Ranger Archival coffee color ink
around all four edges.
A mountain scene (stamp unknown) with buffalo
grazing was stamped with VersaMark and
embossed with fine line white embossing powder.

The cowboy, image by Viva Las Vegas Stamps,
was stamped in Ranger Archival black ink.
It was colored with colored pencils,
a blending stump dipped in baby oil
was used to smooth out the pencil strokes
and blend the coloring.
The waving cowboy was torn out of the
piece of white card stock and the edges
were "burned" by sponging with Ranger Archival
coffee and black ink.

What's Been Going On Recently

2011-08-10T13:51:00.002-06:00

My husband, pictured above, hit
a deer with his motorcycle August 3rd.
After a trip to the emergency room,
I have been the nurse.
Praise the Lord he
only suffered some severe road rash.
It could have been a lot worse.

The Lord is my strength

2011-07-15T16:27:00.002-06:00

Let us begin at the beginning.
A purple card base.

Next layer - white card stock
in an embossing folder, lightly
sponged with a lavender ink, cut
to 5.25 x 4 inches.

Die cut the label, sponge the edges
with that lavender ink and glue
something to the back for a 3-D look.
(I prefer the flat part of paper egg cartons, inexpensive
and I am reusing those egg cartons)

Place a purple oval in the center of the die cut.

Use a rectangular die cut on the computer
generated scripture.
Sponge the edges with the lavender ink.
3-D it with pieces of paper egg carton or foam and
attach to the purple oval.

Place punched or die cut flowers
and flourishes as desired.

The flourishes at the top and
bottom of the first die cut layer are
a Spellbinders Fancy tag that I cut in half
and attached. It has
been sponged with the lavender ink too.

I do like the combination two colors and sizes
of flowers. I used a medium lavender
and cream for my flowers.

Another Bucking Bronc

2011-07-09T16:27:00.002-06:00

Another cowboy atop a bucking bronc.
The computer generated phrase really fits the stamped
image. This card was made using the same
design and construction techniques as yesterdays post.

Cowboy Wisdom

2011-07-08T09:36:00.002-06:00

There are a number of phrases that come
from the cowboy, cowgirl and western experience.
Life on a ranch leads to a very practical blunt wisdom
that sometimes has to lived to be understood fully.
It's a lot like living the Christian life. You
just can't completely comprehend it until you have lived it.

This phrase is very appropriate for any new venture.
Once you are on that bronc the are only two final
results. You are either eating dirt or you
tough it out until the bronc is no longer bucking.
So when you mount up, you had better
be real sure it's worth the effort, cause
comin' down is not going to be a painless thing.
Is it worth it?

The background on this card is faux snakeskin.
For a basic tutorial go to Stampers Quest and do
a search for faux snakeskin. The edges
of the card have been sponged with black ink.

The bucking bronc image is from Bear Rubber.
It is stamped on ivory card stock and metallic fleck rust
embossing powder makes the image stand out.
Tearing out the image and "burning" the edges
with brown and then black ink adds to the
worn western look.

I cut closely around the PSP X computer generated
phrase and burned the edges on it as well.

The "ribbon" an EK Success punch layered over
light kraft card stock. The edges of the light
layer have been sponged with dark brown ink.

Cowboy card

2011-07-07T15:36:00.003-06:00

Fourth of July in western Nebraska means the
Morrill County Fourth of July rodeo.
The Morrill County Farm and Ranch Association
has been putting on a 4th of July rodeo
for as long as I can remember.
The volunteer fire department always
puts on a tremendous fireworks display
at half time each night.
The Boy Scouts have always had
a concessions stand.
AND the bugs attack everyone that
is in the stands, practically eating one alive.

This card is my tribute to the dedicated men and
women of Morrill County that have consistently
put on a wonderful show for the entire
Nebraska Panhandle for many years.

The bucking bronc image is from a company
called Bear Rubber. I do not know if they are still
in business. This image has a kind of Russell feel to it.
It was stamped on a light colored kraft card stock
and embossed with a metallic flecked rust embossing
powder. It was then torn around and the edged
"burned" by sponging first dark brown and then
black ink around the outer edge.

The phrase has been computer generated in
Paint Shop Pro X. It was cut out in a rectangle
and the edges of it was also "burned".

The punched "ribbon" is from and EK Success punch.
It definitely has a western look to it.
I also sponged the edges of the card base.
The sponging really pulls the whole card together
and adds depth.

Wild Women of the West Stampers

2011-06-15T11:27:00.002-06:00

Well here I am at stamping.
Our group meets every Tuesday, rain or shine,
at a church in Scottsbluff NE.
We pay "rent" by supplying the
pastor with cards.

Above is Ann Jaramillo, a relatively
new stamper, but wow does she have a lot of
talent and great ideas.

This is Donna Feagin.
She has been a Wild Woman for years.
A lot of Donna's cards are sent to members of
her church. She has some fantastic
cards for the younger members of the church.

Here is Angie, Ann's daughter, Ann
and Ann's lovely granddaughters,
Brandi and Kaylee.
Angie was visiting from the Denver area.

Brandi and Kaylee, very talented
young women that have a lot of potential.
They join us when they can and we love it.

Not pictured are Phyllis, Eva, Charlene, Marsha and Nancy.

Center Step Cards

2011-06-15T11:17:00.002-06:00

After two frantic weeks,
I am able to return somewhat to blogging.
There are still some very time sensitive
surveys and Wheat Objective Yield
sample plots to work in a week.

I found the instructions for this fun design on
the Our Daily Bread Designs blog.
It was featured a few weeks later on Splitcoast.

If you have any questions about products used
please leave a comment.

Thinking of You

2011-05-30T17:38:00.002-06:00

Something a little different.
The square die cuts are from Spellbinders new
Fleur de Lis squares.

Lots of sponging and 3-d layering.
Shapes are either die cut or punched.
Textures were done with several embossing folders.

Since I will be frantically busy as of tomorrow until at least
the 12th of June there are going to be several weeks without
posts. Probably won't be doing much card designing either.
Just working real hard on the job
and maintaining sanity.

Inscribed On The Palms of His Hands

2011-05-21T06:37:00.002-06:00

This has to be one of my very favorite scriptures.
For this card I used PSP X to layer by layer
create the scripture. It was then cut out with
a Spellbinders die. Pale pink ink was sponged around
the edge of this die cut and the inside and outside
of the frame.

Punch Bunch punches were used for the flowers and leaves.
The flowers were shaped with a rounded tool.
Stickles pearl was used for the centers of
the flowers.

Note that the embossed bottom layer has
been sponged with the pale pink ink as well.

The scripture and the frame have been raised
off the card using layers of paper egg carton.
This creates a stunning 3-d look that is
far more pleasing to the eye than
simply attaching the pieces to the card front.

Precious LIttle Girl

2011-05-13T10:39:00.004-06:00

Begin with a white A2 card base.
Now take a Sizzix embossing folder
and cut the textured white card stock
to 4 x 5.25 inches.
Lightly sponge with a pale pink ink.
I wanted the embossing to show ever so slightly.
Attach it to a dark mauvey-pink
card stock and trim to a narrow border.
I use Perfect Layers rulers to get
exactly the same width with every cut.

The stamped image is from an old
company called Second Star On The Right.
I don't know if they are even in business anymore.
I purchased several sheets of unmounted
rubber from them about 10 years ago.
I used glossy paper and Rangers Archival
coffee ink to stamp this precious little girl image.

The oval within an oval frame was made using
two Spellbinders oval dies at the same time.
Position as the ovals are shown on the card.
Leave the dies attached to the paper after cutting
and emboss with the soft rubber embossing mat.
Sponge a soft pink ink on the outer and inner ovals.

Use one of Spellbinders Fancy Tags 3 die cuts
that has been cut in half to make the
flourish on the thick side of the oval frame.
I cut a small part off on each end to get
just the right look.
Sponge with the same pale pink ink.
Attach to the wide side of the frame.

I use the flat parts of paper egg cartons for my
3-d effect. This design has two layers
of egg carton to get a more dramatic look.

The pale green flourishes are from Bosskut.
The very pale pink flowers are from Punch Bunch.
As you know by now I really like Punch Bunch.
They have a very good product, their punches
always punch clean and seldom stick.

A Rainy Day

2011-05-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

A beautiful rainy spring day in western Nebraska.
Our average yearly rainfall is 15 inches.
That puts us in the semi-arid category.
At 7 this morning we had 1.11 inches of
wonderful healing rain.
At times there are huge snowflakes
drifting down.

This is the view from my covered deck.
I look out every morning and my heart swells
with praise to God. He has created such
beauty for us to behold.

These slow drizzly spring rains are perfect.
Not a drop of rain is wasted. It all
soaks in and heals our dry parched land.
Most of the corn has been planted and
the farmers have been worried that
there would not be enough moisture
to get it "up". Up - as in germinated.
Our pastures were so very dry and
the wheat was starting to show some stress
from lack of moisture.
Thank you Lord for this spring blessing.
Your people are grateful
for your lovingkindness and favor.

Another Birthday Card

2011-05-10T11:25:00.002-06:00

Pale pink and white with a touch of very
soft green is the color scheme for this card.

A Sizzix embossing folder was used to create
the textured lower layer. It was placed over
pale pink and trimmed to a very narrow
border with a Perfect Layers ruler.
The above combination was attached
to a white card base.
(A2 or 4.25 x 5.5 inches, aka quarter fold card)

To cut the frame for the phrase I used
two Spellbinders dies at the same time.
I place the Label die cutting side down on
the paper, then placed the oval inside.
These were taped down with masking tape.
Destick your masking tape by smooshing
it on your arm several times to reduce
the level of adhesiveness.
If you don't do this, when you remove the tape
the top layer of paper will come off with the tape.
Run the combined dies through your die cut machine.
DO NOT REMOVE THE TAPE!!!!!
Take the whole thing and place
it cutting side down on an embossing mat
(soft rubber sheet) and emboss.
Now you can take it apart
and see your lovely frame.

I sponged the inside and outside edges of the frame very
lightly with light pink ink.
Double layers of egg carton were attached
to the back of the frame.
The frame was then attached to a
light pink piece of card stock and
the oval cut Happy Birthday was centered in the frame.
I put a single layer of egg carton on
the back of the phrase.

The flowers and leaves were punched
with Punch Bunches fantastic punches.
Flowers were shaped with a
extra large stylus type tool.
Gently rub the petals and center of the
flower until it "cups" around the tool.
Now flip it over and press in the center.
I used Rangers Liquid Pearls (white opal)
for the flower centers. Stickles or adhesive backed
rhinestones or pearls can also be used for the center
of the flowers.

TIP - recycle and reuse,
cut up the flat pieces of your
paper egg cartons for creating
3-D effects

I Am Your God

2011-05-07T06:22:00.002-06:00

Sizzix embossing folders provided the texture
for the peach covering the card base and the
peach squares.
Now the white portion of those two squares
are from cut with Spellbinders new
Fleur de Lis Squares. Just lovely. I
know I am going to be using these a lot.

The scripture was done in PSP X and cut
out with a Spellbinders Label die.

The butterfly is two different punches with
the larger butterfly run through with an
embossing folder for that textural look.

Flowers and ferny type leaves are Punch Bunch
and the barely visible flourish is from Bosscut.

Just about everything on the card has been sponged to
add depth.
The squares, scripture label and butterfly have had
tiny cut up pieces of paper egg carton attached
to the back to create a 3-D look.
I put little pieces under each of the butterfly
wing layers to keep those wings separate
and 3-D even after mailing.

Because I Care

2011-05-06T08:05:00.002-06:00

The Quickuts butterfly is stunning with just the top layer
of the die cut over the Spellbinders Lacy Square.

A Sizzix embossing folder was used to make the
white textured base layer. A narrow border of
pale peach under it accents the color theme.

The Spellbinders Lacy Square has a center
or pale peach.
That lovely butterfly really stands out
with the rhinestones attached to the body.

The phrase was computer generated
and cut with a Spellbinders oval and
attached to a tag from their first
Fancy Tag set.

A Birthday Card

2011-05-05T09:26:00.002-06:00

The same Sizzix embossing folder was used for
the white and the peach texture.
Spellbinders Beaded Oval die,
one of the Fancy Tags 2 and
Oval and Scalloped Oval are
the dies used to create this card.

Bosscut made the delicate flourish under
the Punch Bunch flowers and leaves.
A pale green metallic paper was used for the leaves.
The flowers have been painted with Lumiere
metallic paint, shaped with a rounded tool from Punch Bunch
and pearls attached to the centers.

The beaded oval is elevated over the card base as
is the tag. I use paper egg carton cut
up to the perfect size and glued to the back
of the oval and the tag.

Today's Card

2011-05-03T15:30:00.003-06:00

Not much explanation today.
I had cataract surgery early this morning
and doing this one eyed is a little difficult.

There is a lot of details of how I do this type
of card in previous posts.
Enjoy!

Come unto Me

2011-05-02T10:03:00.003-06:00

Love this new Sizzix embossing folder!
It is the bottom textured layer.
The narrow dark reddish brown bottom
layer is the same paper that was used for
the large punched flowers.
The texture was lightly sponged to
make it stand out a little more.

The phrase was computer generated in PSP X,
cut out with a Spellbinders Label
and the edges lightly sponged with brown ink.

The two sizes Punch Bunch fern type leaves and
the Bosscut flourish are
cut from a light green metallic card stock.

The smaller Punch Bunch flowers are
white card stock and the edges
were sponged to make them stand out a bit.
Pearls were glued in the center of each flower.
I have discovered that the adhesive on these
lovely little embellishments doesn't hold very well
and have started to just glue them in place.

With Sympathy

2011-04-30T08:39:00.003-06:00

Layers, embossing folders, punches and die cuts.
Ahhhh....so much fun!

The die cuts are from Spellbinders and Bosscuts.
The punched flowers are Punch Bunch
while the butterfly punch is unknown.

The same embossing folder was used for
the white and the peach texture.

The bottom layer -
Cut the white texture to 5 1/4 x 4 inches,
attach to peach cardstock and
trim to a narrow border with Perfect Layers ruler.
Attach to card base.

Cut two different sizes of Spellbinders
beaded ovals. Now cut ovals that fit
inside the beaded ovals from
peach card stock.
Texture the peach ovals in the same
embossing folder that was used for
the white textured layer.

I used cut up paper egg carton to
get the 3-D look on the ovals.

Fancy Tag 1 was the die cut used for the
base of the phrase.
Mega Oval die cuts plain and scalloped from
Spellbinders were used to cut the phrase
and the peach scalloped layer under it.

Bosscuts is the maker of flourish die cut
in the center of the largest oval.

The Punch Bunch flowers are
made from silver Lumiere painted
white card stock.
For extra sparkle - sprinkle with
glitter while the paint is still wet.

Prayer is a Shield - 2

2011-04-29T08:40:00.003-06:00

The card base is a light blue parchment card stock.
The edges have been sponged with dark brown ink.

The scrapbook paper is from g.e.d, the
Ella Blue stack.
Dark brown card stock, a Karen Foster Designs
brown vellum and silver Lumiere painted
white card stock complete the list of paper used.

A Spellbinders Borderibilities die cut was
used on the lower half of the horizontal
bottom layer. The upper half
of this concoction is a carefully cut
piece from a striped page of the
scrapbook paper stack.

The computer generated phrase was
cut with a Spellbinder Label die, then
layered over another Label die cut.
Lowest layer is dark brown card stock
that has been trimmed to a narrow border
using Perfect Layers rulers.
The corner were then rounded.

Those lovely leaves are Karen Foster brown vellum.
I regret to inform you that this vellum has been
discontinued. It was some of the very first
that the company came out with.
I used VersaMark ink and brown embossing
powder, then carefully cut them out.

The flowers are made from double layers
of silver Lumiere painted white card stock,
that have been punched with a
Punch Bunch punch.
If you are looking for flower punches
I would highly recommend Punch Bunch.
They have multiple designs in many sizes.

The Path of Life

2011-04-28T13:40:00.002-06:00

Very simple and basic designs.
The papers all came from the same unknown stack.
The flowers were created by using a stipple brush
and dark blue Lumiere's paint to cover a
scrap of blue card stock.
After it was totally dry it was
punched with a flower shape punch
from The Punch Bunch.
It was then shaped from the back with a rounded tool
on a mouse pad, turned over, pressed in the center with
the tool and precious jewel added.
OK, just cheap bling-bling, but it looks great.
Each flower has two layers.

The dark brown branches are also from a punch.
They were added whole or in pieces, whatever
it took to make it look right.

The scripture has been created in
Paint Shop Pro X by me.
They have been cut out with
Spellbinders Labels.

I will answer you

2011-04-27T13:29:00.003-06:00

The texture is an embossing folder. I used the same one
for the white and the purple.
The scripture has been constructed in PSP X.
It was cut out with a Spellbinders oval die, mounted on a
Spellbinders Fancy Tag and those two layers
were then attached to Spellbinders oval cuts as well.

Be Exalted O God

2011-04-16T09:39:00.002-06:00

Background paper for this card is a discontinued
Karen Foster Designs. It was some of the very
first paper that the company came out with.

The elaborate dimensional flourishes are from
several Quickuts dies.
The edges have been sponged with a
light brown ink.
I used tiny pieces of egg carton for the
3-D look. I didn't want the thicker foam
3-D, it was too extreme.
There are three layers of flourish
and the phrase is the fourth layer.

The phrase is Psalm 108:5.
I computer generated it in
Paint Shop Pro X.
A Spellbinders oval die was used to cut it out.

Call To Me and I Will Answer You

2011-04-13T10:51:00.004-06:00

Layers and layers and layers.
Begin with the PSP X generated scripture
that is cut out with a Spellbinders Label.
Layer on this on a dark purple rectangle that
has had the edges rounded.
Glue paper egg carton to the back
and attach to next layer.
Next layer down:
The Big Scallops Square Spellbinders die cut
has been textured in an embossing folder.
Attach to dark purple card stock,
I used perfect layers rulers to cut a narrow border
and then rounded the edges.
This is layered over a Lacy Square.
Attach more paper egg carton to the back.

The flowers and butterfly have been painted silver with
Lumiere Silver and punched out
with a Punch Bunch punch.
They have been shaped with a smooth rounded
tool that is gently rubbed on each individual petal or wing.
When the flower cups around the tool you
turn it over and press in the center.

Bosskut flourishes have been cut apart
and strategically placed for most pleasing effect.
I did place some small pieces of egg carton under the
flourish on raised part of the card
to make them stand out.
I also attached tiny bits of egg carton in
the cupped part of the wings to maintain
the shape.

The lavender paper that is under everything
is one of the original Karen Foster Designs papers.

Two Cards Today

2011-04-10T11:56:00.002-06:00

I am home and not feeling the best,
just hoping it is not something that my
huband will catch!

The above sympathy card is similar to others
I have already explained in previous blogs.
I love the lavender and white combination.

A very simple and elegant design.
The scripture in the center
is my own creation in PSP X.
The scripture layer and the lavender
layer under it have been cut with
Spellbinders labels dies.
Karen Foster is the company
that made the patterned paper.
You are going to have
to explore previous posts to
find out how to create the
3-D effect.

Call to Me

2011-04-04T12:55:00.002-06:00

The background paper is some old purchases
from the very first designs by Karen Foster.
I still love them, even if they are discontinued.

The phrase has been created by me in
Paint Shop Pro X and is from Jeremiah 33:3
in the Holy Bible, NASB version.
It was cut out with a Spellbinders Label,
attached to a lavender card stock
and a narrow border cut using
one of the Perfect Layers rulers.

I rounded the corners
on the embossing folder textured white square.
The lavender square was cut with a Big Scallops
square from Spellbinders.
The scripture layer was then attached to
these layers.

The lovely white scrolly thing under the scripture layers
is from a Martha Stewart EK Success punch.

The leaves are a Karen Foster green vellum.
The unknown leaf stamp was stamped
in Versa Mark and a moss colored
embossing powder was applied.
Then they were cut out by hand.

The flower is a punch from Punch Bunch.
After punching I placed the flower in the
palm of my hand and with a rounded ball type
tool (available from Punch Bunch) I gently rubbed
the center of each petal until they curved.
When the entire flower had been textured with
the tool it kind of curls up and around the tool
when you rub in the center of the flower.
Now I turned the flower over and
pressed the tool in the center of the flower.

The flowers were painted with silver Lumiere
and glitter was sprinkled on while they were
still wet.
My husband noticed the glitter on my face. LOL!
The two flowers were glued together with the petals
offset to create a more textured look.

The butterfly is from and old, old punch that
I got when I first started stamping.
That was almost 20 years ago.
I textured it with the tool by rubbing
the wings to get them to curve.
The butterfly was then painted with
grape Lumiere and sprinkled with
clear glitter while still wet.
A half pearl was place in the
center of the flower.

The leaves, flower and butterfly
were then place on the card.