RFL and Free Ribbon Bookmark SVG

Dear Blog Readers,

Today I'm setting aside the creativity of this blog and asking for your support.  In the over two years I've had this blog, I've never asked for any compensation for the hours I've put into it: sharing projects, techniques, free SVGs, blog candy, tutorials and more.  I do it because I love to create and I want others to have that same love.

But today I'm asking for your support on behalf of something I also hold dear...Relay For Life.  I've been a participant for ten years and a cancer survivor for twelve.  Cancer touches all of our lives...it hits either ourselves or someone we love.  The ACS Relay For Life raises funds to not only find a cure for cancer but also to assist those going through the cancer journey.  This weekend is my local event and I'll be there...painting faces, playing captain of our team and taking my survivor lap.  

If you appreciate this blog I hope I can count on your donation of any amount...a dollar is not too small!  And it's easy to donate.  Just click on my Relay link HERE and click the "Donate Now" button.  It's that easy!  Thanks for being part of Relay with me!!

And because it's Relay time, I've brought back my Ribbon Bookmark SVG

You can get it FREE for one week HERE.

Sorry, this file is no longer available.

Card For A Bride

We have weddings on our mind here at TCP.  First off, it's exactly one month until little sis's wedding.  And as the Matron of Honor, I've been busy, busy, busy...and it's all been wonderful!  I can't wait until the Big Day when the Paper Squirrel becomes MRS. Paper Squirrel!

 The card above is the one I created and presented to her at the bridal shower earlier this month.  I used Graphic 45's Le Romantique Collection for the base of the card, vintage bride and matting.  I added the doily (an extra from the wedding invitations), which I gently distressed using Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.  The sentiment is made from Mini Market Stickers (October Afternoon).  The ribbon is plain seam binding accented with a stickpin and crystal.

Here's a closer look at the stick pin.  I used a pearl topped pin and added coordinating beads which I attached with Glossy Accents.  I nipped off the pin point so it was safe to handle.  The teardrop crystal was attached to the ribbon with a jump ring.

Now the second reason weddings have been a hot topic is that yesterday, hubby and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary.  (So hard to believe!) .  Here we were on May 28, 1983:

Entered Into the Following Challenges:

SIMON SAYS STAMP--ANYTHING GOES

MAKE MY MONDAY--HANDMADE EMBELLISHMENTS

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE VINTAGE--#44 SPRING ROMANCES/WEDDINGS

CRAFTING FOR ALL SEASONS--#53 WEDDING/ANNIVERSARY

Patriotic Picture

My Design Team submission for the latest CREATIVE CUTTING CHALLENGE turned into this patriotic picture.  I started out using my newest SVG file, the LIBERTY BELL cut from some pretty bright background papers---which is about all I had for 4th of July--and cardstock scraps.  To tone them down, I brought out my trusty Distress Inks and Stains and went to work.  Here's a break down on how this came together:

1.  The bottom layer of designer paper was a scrap of blue and white stars that had nice shading already so I left it as is.  On top of that was layered a rectangular piece of designer paper that had been white with blue and red stars---much too bright!  I fixed that by covering it with Distress Stains (Vintage Photo and Barn Red).  The third layer is a book page which I tore and then distressed with Barn Red Distress Stain.  After it was dry, I used the distressing tool to add Vintage Photo around the torn edges.  I zigzag stitched the book page to the other layers.

2.  I cut the Liberty Bell Elements using my electronic cutter then embossed with Texture Fade folders.  The background done with "Dot Matrix", the bell with "Cracked" and the top with "Woodgrain".  Then I used Distress Inks (Walnut Stain and Vintage photo) all over--which really made the embossing stand out and dulled down the bright cardstock.  I applied Perfect Pearl Medium to the raised portions of the bell and brushed on gold Perfect Pearls.  It gave a nice sheen to the bell but still kept the distressed look.

3.  Finally I added the wording which was an embellishment I've had laying around for years.  I backed the entire piece with chipboard and placed into the glass-less frame.  Now it's all ready to display on a shelf or hang on the wall...almost instant art!

Entered Into the Following Challenges:

FANTABULOUS CRICUT--#162 MEMORIAL DAY

ALL MY CRAFTS--#5 ANYTHING GOES

THAT CRAFT PLACE--DIES & PUNCHES

PAPER CREATORS CRAFTS--ANYTHING GOES

CFC--#102 RED, WHITE & BLUE

Colorful Birthday Card

 

As today's featured designer over at CARD A DAY BLOG. I created this simple and colorful card to go along with this week's theme of Birthday Cards.

Details:

The basic design is an interpretation of Joscelyne Cutchens design that was featured in Paper Crafts Magazine.  I used white 8 1/2 " x 11" cardstock and folded it in half.  To the front I attached a piece of "Birthday Words" from Queen & Co.  I cut the circle (coordinationg back side of the paper) using a Coluzzle and then stitched around the circle.  The sentiment was a SVG file I had cut that was in my stash.  I've had it for a few years so I'm sorry I can't share where I got it but I've forgotten!

Finally, I added three strips of washi tape.  Fast and fun and ready to send to someone special!

Iris Folding--Explanation & Free Pattern

I've shown samples of Iris Folded cards here before and realized that there are probably lots of crafters unfamiliar with this technique.  According to Wikipedia:  "Iris folding is a paper craft technique that involves folding strips of colored paper in such a way to form a design. The center of the design forms an iris — a shape reminiscent of the iris diaphragm of a camera lens.  Iris folding originated in Holland, where early craft persons made their designs using patterned paper cut from the inside of envelopes. Today, crafters use any light weight paper, such as scrapbook paper, origami paper, wrapping paper, the inside of envelopes or pages of magazines. Ribbon is also used."  There are lots of free patterns online.  Here's a site for the basic square pattern--available for free HERE.  Go to YouTube and you can see lots of demos on the easy Iris Fold technique.  I use my Cricut/SCAL software to cut out just about all of my openings, making it very easy to make multiples quickly.  Since Cricuts don't cut very good circles, I used a die and a Big Shot to cut those.  You could also use punches, a Coluzzle or just a craft knife to make your opening.  Iris folding is another great way to use up paper scraps!

I created two sets of four birthday cards (shown above) to use as a Bridal Shower prize and a Relay For Life auction item.  Here's a closer look: 

To make these cards a "set" I put them into an acrylic box (picked up at Paper Source) and created a little label.

Clothespin Memo Clips

Showing more of the recent Bridal Shower prizes.  These are memo clips made from pre-stained clothespins which I got from Hobby Lobby.  For the clips above, I used strips of Tim Holtz paper and accented with mini bottle caps. The paper was attached with Glossy Accents.  To get a nice edge, I lightly sanded all around the paper edge and then swiped on Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  This blended it nicely with the pin's stain. I added circles of the same decorative paper inside the caps and topped with a thick layer of Glossy Accents.  To make them durable, I brushed on several coats of Multi Medium over the paper.   The caps and magnets (back of the clips) were attached with GA.  To display them, I folded and stamped kraft cardstock. 

Love that bottle cap paper! 

This was scrap paper.  The flowers were die cut out of felt using the Tattered Florals die

 

The flower center was made from a pearl which was colored with Alcohol Ink. 

More scrap paper and vintage white buttons on this set. 

I have a lot of cross stitch floss so I just matched up a nice blue for the faux sewing on the button.

These are so fun and easy to make.  Make them up with out magnets for book marks or chip clips.  A great way to use up your paper scraps.
Entered into the following Challenges:
MY SHERI CRAFTS--FLOWER POWER
SUGAR CREEK HOLLOW--CLEAN IT OUT
PAPER PLAYTIME--BUTTONS OR BRADS

Altered Photo Flip Book

I found a brand new Burnes of Boston Susan Winget Photo Flip-its for just $1.79 at my local Salvation Army.  I planned on altering it for a Bridal Shower prize but it turned out so great that I kept it for myself!

Here are the details:

The album started out like this:

The first thing I did was rough up the surface with fine sandpaper.  This gave it some "tooth" to attach the first paper layer.  I used Tim Holt's embossed Kraft paper and Distress Stain to make it similar in color to the original album cover.  That way I didn't have to paint anything.  Over that I layered lots more Tim products and various embellishments. 

The main focus was this pocket watch die cut which I made from grunge board and grunge paper.  Tim's paper had just the right size clock face to add.  Everything was glued down well with Glossy Accents and sealed with several coats of Multi Medium.  (Which hid all my GA over shoots--Bonus!)  I love it and it will have a place of honor on my coffee table.

Here's a detailed list of products used:

• Ideaology:  Tissue Tape-Commute/ Film Strip Ribbon/ Grunge Blocks/ Grunge Paper/Grunge Board/Paper Stash-Kraft Resist/ Paper Stash--Lost & Found/ Game Spinners
• Distress Stains:  Peeled Paint/ Shabby Shutters/ Fired Brick/ Walnut Stain
• Distress Inks:  Peeled Paint/ Walnut Stain
• Sizzix Alterations:  Pocket Watch Die/ Movers & Shapers Round Dies
• Ranger:  Glossy Accents/ Perfect Pearls-Bronze/ Studio Multi Medium-Matte/ Alcohol ink-Black
• October Afternoon:  Mini Market Stickers
• Misc:  Scrap piece of kraft card/ brad/ gear/ clock sticker/ pearl

Entered Into the Following Challenges:

PAPER PLAYTIME--#10 BUTTONS OR BRADS

FRILLY AND FUNKIE--NO TIME TO WASTE
THROUGH THE CRAFTROOM DOOR--ANYTHING GOES
WHIMSICAL DESIGNS--ALTER IT

Dad is King Card

Now that Mother's Day has past, it's time to work up a card for the Dad in your life!  The new theme over at CREATIVE CUTTING CHALLENGE is "Father's Day Cards" and this is my submission.   I created a brand new SVG file for this challenge (purchase details below).  It's a shaped card but you could also use it for a heading in a scrapbook layout.  I dug through my scrap folders and found coordinating decorative papers.  Using Distress Inks, I swiped ink around all the edges.  Using the same color DI on all three layers and the crown pulls it all together. (The crown is cut so that it slides over the "A" so you could use it on other projects!)  A few gemstone "jewels" finished up this quick and easy card.

Purchase this HERE for just $1.

A Beautiful Bridal Shower and a Freebie For You

Oh yes, things have been busy both in the studio and out lately as we get closer to my sister's wedding.  Last weekend was the Bridal Shower (you've been seeing some of the painted prizes--more to come as I get time to post) and I wanted to show you some of the creative decorations and offer a freebie for anyone else throwing a shower.

One of the bridesmaids put together all the table centerpieces using mason jars and clear vases she wrapped in burlap, kraft, ribbon and twine.  Each one was different. The mat was a piece of scrapbook paper.  Lovely fresh flowers completed the look.

For favors, my other sister made homemade soaps that smelled simply divine!  She wrapped them in pink tulle and then added this label which I created using PhotoShop and vintage clip art.  My niece hand colored each label using Distress Markers.

We played "Bridal Bingo" using this card I also created.  Each place setting had the Bingo card paired up with a floral pen (ordered from Oriental Trading Company) and the soap.  If you'd like to print up Bridal Bingo cards for your own shower, I have put together a pdf file with four cards.  Just print and cut apart!

Get the file HERE.

Shadow Inked Card

Today I'm the featured designer over at CARD A DAY BLOG and the theme is "Sympathy".

 No one likes having to send out a sympathy card but they truly can bring comfort to a grieving person.  And since the need for these can be unexpected, it's always good to have a quick and easy--yet elegant--technique up your sleeve.   

So here's how I put this card together:

1.  First I stamped my flower image on a scrap of cream cardstock using Hero Arts Shadow Ink (Soft Sand).  I love this ink and should use it more!  It gives just the right amount of color to this Queen Anne's lace image (from Inkadinkado--Meadow).  Then over that image I stamped the sentiment (MSEI #M123 Sympathy Sentiments) in  Coffee Archival Ink.  Using a blender tool, I lightly added Peeled Paint Distress Ink around all the edges then  matted it on scrap green cardstock.

2.  I used kraft cardstock as the card base.  A piece of scrap designer paper was attached to it, which I cut smaller in order to use the kraft as the "mat".  Notice there is a larger margin at the top.  Then I attached the sentiment layer sightly above this.

And it's done!  Quick yet elegant and not bulky for easy mailing. While you've got your supplies out, work up several of these using up those lovely pieces of scrap designer paper.  Then you'll be prepared the next time you need a sympathy card.

May Day SVG Freebie--Today Only!

 May...my favorite month!    Lots of reasons why, but the biggest reason is that it's the unofficial start of spring here "up north".  The lake just melted, flowers are popping up and the peepers are singing.  And since it's been awhile since I offered a freebie, here's a file you can use to create a card for your Mom (since Mother's Day is just around the corner).

You can grab it HERE for free TODAY ONLY!  (Offer ends at midnight, EST)