Happy Little Crafter

I'M SIMPLIFYING MY LIFE!

2010-04-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

I've moved over to my new blog!
Click HERE to visit me there.

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This will be the last post on my Happy Little Crafter site as I am consolidating all of my sites into one site...AND every other month, starting in July, I will be teaching a new type of demo only paper craft class at a store closer to my home. MANY thanks to Memories Live On and to all of my wonderful students there. I hope our paths will cross again!

MY NEXT PAPER CRAFTER'S TEA PARTY CLASS

2010-04-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

20 IDEAS FOR $20!

My demo only TEA PARTY classes are a wonderful way to learn quick, clever and unique party/entertaining, culinary and paper craft ideas

all rolled into 90 minutes!

Each class includes a food tasting, a printed recipe, and a handout.

Bring your camera, pencil/pen and notepad to jot down

your favorite ideas from each class.

MY NEXT TEA PARTY CLASS WILL BE A FALL/HALLOWEEN/THANKSGIVING THEMED TEA PARTY ON Sunday, September 19th from 2 to 3:30 pm at SCRAPBOOK ISLAND.

(Located at 1375 Blossom Hill Road next to Walgreen's)

This holiday themed class will be jam-packed with LOADS of creative ideas! Some of the topics for this next TEA PARTY CLASS can be seen by visiting my new blog by clicking HERE.

I'm SOOOO Happy!

2010-03-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

One of my CARD & CRAFT CLUB MEMBERS, Julie Cefalu --- sent these two pictures to me so I could see how she used the March Butterfly Origami Card Project to make a sympathy card. Such beautiful work and paper selections --- it's inspired me to use the butterfly for sympathy cards, too. Thank you, Julie --- you made my day!

Birthday Card for a Special Person in My Life!

2010-03-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a birthday card for my son's "Second Mom." He is so lucky to have her in his life --- wouldn't it be great to have 2 moms to spoil us, take good care of us and guide us through life?!

These pictures show a quick way to give someone a gift card using SU's Word Window punch. I use this punch a lot and it works particularly well for words (as shown on the card front) and as a slot for gift cards. To make the gift card insert, score a 5 1/2" wide by 10" long piece of medium weight DSP. Score at 2, 5 and 8" and use a bone folder to create a valley fold at the 2" and 8" score line and a mountain fold at the 5" score line. Measure the width of your gift card as you hold it up to the center of the fold at the 5" fold --- add about 1/4" each beyond that on each side of the gift card and mark those points with a pencil. Start on one side and punch 3 times in a row - aligning the next punch point with the previous punch until you reach the other pencil mark. Punch in the center with a 1" punch to create a half circle and attach the entire piece to your card with red sticky tape. (I used a lace punch to add a border on each side before I attached the entire piece and also put red sticky tape between the 3" sections to prevent the gift card from sliding down too far inside the pocket.)

Butterfly and Lace Punches: Martha Stewart

Pearls: Creative Cafe

Paper: American Crafts I DO Gerber Daisies

Blue Paper for Lace: Lightweight light blue scraps I had from who knows where!

Ribbon: Celebrate It from Michael's

Easter Inspiration

2010-03-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

After one of my Canadian card maker friends sent me a version of this card, I had to make it! Thank you, LA, for the inspiration! I used a 1 1/4" circle punch for the bunny's rear end and a 12mm pink pom pom from Michael's attached with a large glue dot. The feet are modified from the small SU oval punch (I shorted the oval slightly), and the pink pads on the feet are punched from a standard hole punch. The clouds were made with a SU scallop punched circle and a dauber sponge in Ballet Blue. The Easter saying on the front is from SU's Well Scripted set and the flowers are from SU's Flower Filled set, but any flower set will do just fine. For the inside, I used the Labels 3 Nesties --- a wonderful gift from a friend --- you gotta be thankful for friends like that!!...and the saying was done on my computer. If you'll send me your favorite quote (for my Quote Journal) to ktdesigns@gmail.com, I'll send you back a pdf containing a sheet of these sayings for your Easter projects. Now, I've got to hop off to bed!...oh, and here's LA's card that she saw on Splitcoaststampers.com that gave me some Easter inspiration:

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

This card arrived from my SUPER talented paper crafting friend, Rachel! I love these waterfall cards, and Rachel's card made my day! So many layers and so much time went into this stunning card. I had to LOL when I opened it and saw the cute Irish man in his green suit holding up the flower. (I do have to admit...it took me saying the "Irish you luck!" out loud before the light bulb went on and I got it!) Thank you, Rachel!

Check This Out!

2010-03-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of my CARD & CRAFT CLUB members, Barbara Ernst, sent these sweet little angels to me after I sent out the February penguin project. Thank you, Barbara, for making my day with this wonderful surprise in the mail. These samples of your impressive crafting talents made this happy little crafter do quite a happy dance!

New Class at MLO

2010-03-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

FYI: Here is the info. on my next class at Memories Live On

Paper Crafters' Tea Party

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

1:00 to 2:30 PM

$15

Register for this class and receive 15 easy, clever and unique PARTY, CULINARY and PAPER CRAFT ideas all in one class! Each class includes a beverage, a food tasting with printed recipe, a new product demo, and PRIZES! Several wedding shower and special birthday or anniversary party ideas will be included in this first class along with many Easter/Spring projects. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind class! Since this is KT's first TEA PARTY class, each person attending will receive a composition book for notes, too! Call us today to register (408-446-9901). Only 3 spots remain! (Feel free to bring your cameras.)

Technique Explained

2010-03-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

One of my blog readers, Leslie-Ann, up in North Vacouver, BC, Canada wrote to me for more information after I posted the card in my March 6th blog entry yesterday. She was curious about the actual technique used to create the diamond scalloped accent. (See card below.) I wrote back to say that I'd take a picture, and I hope it will help to show just how it's done.

Start with the WRONG side of a 2 5/8" square facing up, turn the SU scallop punch over, place it into the center of a side, punch the side, then turn the paper 90 degrees and punch the center of the remaining sides. As you insert the punch on each side, look at the raised straight lines on each side of the punch (marked with green arrows) in order to precisely center the punch with the left and right borders of the paper. When finished, turn the square over and adhere to your card. (HINT: When using paper punches, the punch should cut through the RIGHT side of the paper through to the back of the paper. If it's done in reverse, a rough edge left by the punch is often showing.) Hope this helps and thank you, LA, for the question!...and here's another card using the bird punch...I can hardly stop making cards with it. (I think that is the first early warning sign of an addiction!)

New Stampin' Up Bird Punch

2010-03-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here I go again with a must have new toy --- it's a new bird punch from SU that includes the bird, the wing and the branch all in one punch! It was calling out my name the first time I saw it....and somehow, it has made it's way into my craft room! (If you have double-sided paper that is coordinated, it makes for the perfect wing and body combo.) I had several thank you notes that I needed to send out, and this punch was the perfect thing.

The saying on the inside of the first card was made on my computer and says "You're a Tweet Heart!" The saying on the front of the 2nd card is from a new SU set that can be used with clear acrylic stamp blocks (LOVE THAT!) and it's called Whimsical Words. The Nestie set used along with that saying is Labels 3. The embossing plate used for the card fronts is from Cuttlebug and called Stylized Flower. I'll post more cards later in the week made with this new LARGE BIRD PUNCH. BTW - to create the triangle accent layer in the first card, I cut a square that measured 2 5/8" and used my SU scallop punch in the center of all four sides --- then I layered it with brown and pink cardstock.

Wedding Shower Tomorrow!

2010-02-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

I've been busy getting ready for a wedding shower I'm giving tomorrow for one of my dearest friend's daughter who is getting married in May. I made this card with a saying that I love for the parents of the bride, and I'm sure it will bring a tear or two! The saying reads:
When children find true love, parents find true joy.

Some of the ideas I'll be demonstrating at my March 21st class will come from this shower --- they are ideas that can be adapted to any party or family gathering....for example...have you ever heard of the Right/Left game? I believe there are 2 spots left for my class. It's a Martha Stewart-type class filled with food, entertaining and paper craft ideas --- 3 of my favorite things on the planet!!! Click on my picture above to read more details about the class. If you can't come to this class, I'll be teaching them every few months!

BTW --- The heart punch is from Martha Stewart and the largest background paper is one of those huge sheets of paper from the Paper Source.

COPIC MARKERS

2010-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

FYI: Did you know that you can color black and white inkjet printer images with your Copic markers and the black ink will not smear?! Download the FREE Easter Bunny pdf described below (in the February 19th blog entry) and try it out for yourself! (Test your paper and image with your Copic markers to make sure the paper selected won't smear the ink.)

Card Made with FREE Download!

2010-02-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a card made with the FREE Easter Bunny download on my MLO site (see photo of the entire pdf shown below). Get your FREE bunnies today as described below or click on my picture in the upper right corner. I used COPIC Sketch markers E31 for the bunny's body and tail outline, E00 for the center of the tail and YG06 for the bunny's bow. The purple paper is BAZZILL DOTTED SWISS at Memories Live On, the punch is Martha Stewart's lace border punch and the purple gems are from Hero Arts. The ribbon is from JoAnn's Fabrics & Crafts.

FREE Easter Download Just Added!

2010-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

My CARD & CRAFT CLUB members will be getting this file PLUS one more SPRING/EASTER pdf file to go along with their MARCH CLUB PROJECTS delivered to their inbox on March 1st. Use COPIC MARKERS to color the bunny or use as is to make a stunning black and white card. Simply click on my photo in the upper right corner on this page to go to my MLO site - then click on the "MLO Downloads" tab to get your FREE file today!

Easter/Spring Bunny Boxes

2010-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sending out the supply list and photos for the upcoming March Card & Craft Club projects, instructions and video tutorials that will be emailed to members on March 1st. Join in on the fun and make someone happy with a cute little BUNNY BOX that holds small candies or gifts --- then learn how to make a quick and stunning ORIGAMI BUTTERFLY CARD for any occasion! Join today by visiting http://ktscardclub.shutterfly.com OR http://ktscardclub.blogspot.com --- March CLUB projects are now on display at Memories Live On. Come in and see all of the wonderful new papers that have arrived from CHA! The acrylic paper under the butterfly (called OLD LACE by Screen Prints) is one of my favs --- just use your roller adhesive to adhere to your card or scrapbook page!

Sample of a January CLUB Project

2010-02-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of the paper purse and matching card I made for my son's girlfriend's birthday. The smaller and last picture shows the inside of the card made with the Labels 3 Nesties. My husband's assistant gave them to me recently because an online site mixed up her order and sent her an extra Labels 3 set to make up for an error on their part...so I was the lucky recipient of the FREEBIE! Thank you, Tiffany!!!! The paper purse was made with my January Card & Craft Club template. If you'd like to make some of these purses, write to me and I'll send purchase details for the instructions and template. The Happy Birthday saying and background oval were cut on my Cricut (using the STORYBOOK cartridge --- one of my favorite cartridges). The butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch --- oh, it's so hard to resist her punches!...and I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder (WITH LOVE) for the line of raised dots along with my Scor-Pal to make the raised straight lines on the front of the card. The little silver adhesive balls (purchased at Michael's) on the butterflies and hearts added a nice touch of bling to the final look of the card.

Cricut Bridal Shower Invitation

2010-01-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

I'm still having the most wonderful time with my Cricut! For a bridal shower I'm giving in February, I made this invitation using the 2" branch image with the letter "K" key in the Storybook cartridge. The heart punch is by Martha Stewart --- oh, how I love her punches! Small adhesive pearls were also used for the center of each flower image. Using the negative formed from this image, I was able to sponge a flower design on the envelopes! Such fun!

Branch Out Valentine

2010-01-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here's another Valentine's Day card I designed last week. I used Stampin' Up's BRANCH OUT tree and the small heart from SU's SMALL SAYINGS set....but any tree stamp and small heart stamp will work. Using a Zip chisel tip glue pen, I added SU's Crystal Effects glitter. The saying is from a wonderful clear stamp set from VERVE called HEARTS ON FIRE - Click here to view the entire set. (The quality of VERVE'S STAMPS are impressive! I also ordered this set for a friend's birthday and it arrived in 3 days!) The little pink 3-D hearts are from JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts store (in their scrapbook dollar section). The ink is a multi-colored ink pad from SU called CELEBRATION. The silver cording is discontinued, but most craft stores sell thin metallic cording in their jewelry making department. I'm trying to work on Valentine's Day cards now so I can get them out before February 14th. It looks like I may get them sent in time --- YAHOO!

Valentines!

2010-01-25T10:18:00.001-08:00

Oh, what fun I had over the weekend! I made some valentines with my sister, mom and some very talented friends. The first picture shows a quick and easy card I designed with Martha Stewart's heart border punch and a heart ribbon with a silver heart charm (both from Michael's in their wedding section --- for $5.49 you get a zillion heart charms --- use your coupon for even more savings). The final rectangle is raised with foam tape for an added professional touch.

The second picture shows a card my crafty friend Katie had us make using SU's Sweet Treat Cups --- so clever! My son is giving this card to his girlfriend for Valentine's Day ;-)

Fashion Designers and Paper Crafters!

2010-01-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Papyrus cards....and these cards remind me of one of those striking yet quick and simple cards!

Here are two samples of the Perfect Dress/Perfect Friend card project from my February Card & Craft Club (now on display at Memories Live On in Cupertino). Club Members will receive the outside hanger graphic and "Perfect Dress" saying along with the inside "Perfect Friend" saying for FOUR cards PLUS the little black dress template. Be your own dress designer and create your own unique dress design using embellishments for the belt and the neckline of the dress --- then try using your border punches on the hemline! Stickles glitter glue on the hanger also adds a nice designer touch.

These cards are suitable for a friend's birthday, a thank you note or for Valentine's Day. To see the February penguin project, view the blog entry below.

February CARD CLUB Projects

2010-01-18T11:03:00.001-08:00

I'm getting ready to send out the February supply list and project photos today for my Card & Craft Club, so I thought I'd post some pics of the penguin project this month. Along with this candy kiss penguin, there's a "Perfect Friend" card that I'll post as well very soon. These two projects can be used for Valentine's Day or a friend's birthday.

I have to credit my son as a member of my Design Team this month! He saw my first rendition of the penguin and said it looked like a rapper penguin!...and once he pointed out some characteristics of that first penguin, I had to laugh because my penguin did actually look like a rapper! (It had to do with how I placed a different type of bow on top of the head AND a head that was out proportion to the body.) He gave me some more input and those comments caused me to take my penguin to a whole new level.....so MANY thanks to my son Kristopher. I'm so thankful that my family encourages my paper craft endeavors!

For more info. about joining my club, click HERE...and to get the Happy Valentine's Day saying below the penguin in the photo above, see the info. on the FREE downloads below.

BLOG CANDY FOR EVERYONE!!!!

2010-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

I've just added TWO new FREE downloads to my MLO website!! (See the second picture above.) One pdf has small red and pink hearts behind the saying and the other file has large pink hearts behind the saying. The top picture shows a card sample using the pdf with the large pink hearts. Download the FREE files, print them on white or cream cardstock and use your imagination to find ways to use these two FREE sheets of sayings. Email me a picture showing me your creations --- I'd love to see them! Enjoy and thank you to all of my loyal blog readers! CLICK HERE for the free files. BTW - the Sizzix embossing folders (used on the card above) worked very nicely in my Cuttlebug!

Embossing folder:

Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 2PK - Floral Flourishes & Vines Set

Heart Lace Punch:

Martha Stewart Heart Lace Border Punch

Card Made with Scraps

2010-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

The card on the right shows how I used the scrap paper from the Nesties card on the left to make one more card. (You know how hard it is for me to throw away perfectly good scraps!) The picture doesn't show it, but the outer frame on the right is raised with foam tape. (See blog entry below for the how to directions for these quilt cards.) The stamp set used was Stampin' Up's Bird on a Branch and diamond gems were added to some of the flowers.....and speaking of SU...I am elated to learn that SU has AT LAST offered a clear stamp mount option on their stamp sets AND sends them in a DVD case-type holder. YIPPEE YAHOO!!! I'm doing my HAPPY DANCE over that news!!

Quilt Cards

2010-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

I finally had a chance to try some quilt cards! They are so easy to make: Take a 5 x 3 3/4" piece of lightweight cardstock for the base (I trim a 4 x 6" index card down to this size), cut twelve - 1 1/4" squares from scraps and adhere them to the base with adhesive. (I like to lay the squares out in a 4 x 3 square pattern first before adhering.) Then cut out in any shape you desire using Nestibilities. I used the Labels Four Nesties for these two cards. I used rub ons for the sayings or you could use sentiment stamps on the card base. Adding 3-D embellishments adds a nice touch. I think I'll have to try adding some small buttons on my next versions! Complete the cards by using a coordinated marker to make faux stitches around the edge of the final shape.

Recycle Holiday Cards

2009-12-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

I thought you might enjoy 2 recycling ideas for all of your beautiful holiday cards that might be hard to just throw away.

St. Jude's Ranch has a program where they take used Christmas and other occasion cards and recycle them into new cards to help raise funds for their children's ranch. Click HERE if you wish to learn more....and Operation Write Home takes your new handmade cards or cards that you recycle yourself to make new cards and sends them to our brave men and women serving in the military. The shipping addresses and postmark deadlines can be found on the far left side of their home page HERE. They also give basic guidelines for sending cards to them. (I was surprised to find out that embellishments on the card fronts are perfectly fine AND they prefer no clear envelopes to hold the card and envelope together.)

It always gives me a great feeling when my handmade cards actually help others in such a big way. Cheers and Happy New Year!

Happy Little Opportunity

2009-12-27T12:54:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention that when my husband added the cupcake brad below, he put the hole for the brad right in the center of the white circle of cardstock --- as per my instructions...but I didn't notice that the brad flaps were actually at the bottom of the cupcake brad, so that made the cupcake sit up higher on the white circle...."No problem!" I said...."This is not a mistake but a happy little opportunity to put a few extra gems below the cupcake!" I love it when those "opportunities" actually enhance the look of the project!

Zutter Fun!

2009-12-27T12:40:00.001-08:00

After my very crafty friend, Katie, showed me how to use her Zutter machine, I had to put that little toy on my Wish List...and here are my first creations with my very own pink bundle of sheer joy! These are Post-It note holders and they are so easy to make that my husband made the one on the right for his assistant's January birthday! She enjoys paper crafting and will really appreciate his handmade efforts!....and not to take anything away from my dear husband, but it's so easy to make items with the Zutter that even a husband can use it --- hehe! (Some of you who took classes with me at MLO will recognize the papers used for these little books.) BTW - I used the extra large Stampin' Up oval for the sayings done on my computer.

Paper Crafters' Christmas Poem

2009-12-24T09:19:00.001-08:00

Here's my last Christmas Cricut card that I made with the Winter Woodland cartridge...I haven't had this much fun with a new crafting toy since I got my Cuttlebug!

My good friend and fellow paper crafter, Michele, just sent me the poem below. It gave me an extra big smile, and I hope it does the same for you ;-)

Twas the night before Christmas, I’m glued to the tree.
I’m wondering what Santa will bring just for me.
Could it be cardstock or inkpads or lace?
Or stamp sets, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that’s when I heard him...Hi Santa, I said.
To which he replied, You should be in bed!
Oh, dear! I said, I’ve just been caught...
But I was excited to see what you brought.
Well, let’s take a look in this room where you work.
Then he shook his head quickly, and left with a jerk.
And I heard him exclaim, as he put it in gear,
You’ve got enough crap, I’ll see you next year!

Now I ask you...can one ever have too much paper craft crap?!

Happy holidays and here's wishing you a plethora of creativity in 2010!

Cards from My November Class

2009-12-19T01:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of all 7 card projects from my November class....and I've just posted a sample of the sheet you will receive when you're a member in my card & craft club. Each month I mail out a sheet of project photos and a supply list about 2 weeks before the written instructions and YouTube video tutorial links are sent to CLUB members. You can check it out by clicking HERE.

Christmas Card Idea

2009-12-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

Are your Christmas cards ready yet? Here's one that you can whip out in a hurry: I used 3 shades of blue for this one. The background card base is navy blue, then I added a baby blue layer cut 1/4" smaller than the width and length of the card base, then came a white layer with a lighter blue strip of cardstock across the white layer. I added a circle of white below a metal snowflake embellishment and stamped the snowflakes and sentiment using white pigment ink and SU's Ballet Blue ink. Note: All stamping was done prior to assembly. If you are impatient like me and don't want to wait awhile to assemble the card after stamping with white pigment ink (since it needs extra drying time), use an embossing gun to set the ink or add white embossing powder to the white ink and hit it with the embossing gun for a nice raised image on the snowflakes. The SU set used for this card is called "Warm Winter Wishes" and it's one of my favorite sets!

It's been too long since my last post, but I'm getting ready for the big launch of my card club on January 1st, 2010 and Christmas is coming too fast for me on top of that! Will somebody help me slow time down a bit?! Happy holidays and enjoy these next two weeks before Santa arrives.

The Cricut Addiction Continues!

2009-12-01T13:03:00.001-08:00

Oh, I have having the time of my life with my new Cricut Expressions machine! I finally made some Christmas cards with it - complete with a red gem on Rudolph's nose (using the Winter Wonderland cartridge), then I made more cards with the new Pagoda cartridge --- and refined my previous attempts to make a panda card. Using coordinating Cricut images, I can customize the inside of the cards as well. Those bamboo stalks were the perfect thing for the inside of my panda cards! I keep telling myself that I'm building all sorts of new brain cells because I'm learning something new every day when I use my Cricut - oh, dear!...Aren't rationalizations a sure sign of an addiction - hehe!

BTW - I made the reindeer cards using a brayer loaded with blue ink (SU Ballet Blue) over a circle and a hill I cut out of cardstock and temporarily adhered them to white photo paper. Once you brayer over those two pieces of cardstock, simply remove them revealing the white photo paper underneath. The white glossy photo paper lets you brayer back and forth very quickly with a lot of pressure to blur all ink lines initially created by the brayer. It's a nice technique when using multiple colors of ink on the brayer as well. Give it a try!

Santa Claus has ARRIVED!

2009-11-27T13:14:00.001-08:00

My dear husband surprised me last night by giving me a Cricut for our anniversary, and here are my first attempts using the new Pagoda cartridge. I have to tell you that I am OVER THE MOON with happiness because of my new toy (and being married to my Bear for 29 years, too)!!!!...the only trouble is that I can already see that this Cricut will send me down the path of no return! Last night, my sister gave me a set of Asian stamps from Inkadinkado called Asian Influences, and it had the bamboo stamp as part of that set --- what are the odds that it would go together so nicely with this new cartridge?!....and my in-laws game me some "mad" money to treat myself to some shopping...and I think you might be able to guess where I was this morning at the crack of dawn?....YEP - at Michael's buying more Cricut cartridges at 60% off. Oh, please....help me now! I can thank my friend Rachel for that suggestion -- she wrote me late last night that she would be out shopping on Black Friday starting at 5:30 am. I had never done any shopping on Black Friday before....but that 60% off Cricut sale at Michael's with a 25% off of everything else coupon just lured me right out of bed and through the drizzle at 7 am this morning to get more cartridges!!! BTW - the picture below shows my first rendition of the panda card --- something was missing --- he needed a bow and some black added to the bamboo with a .005 micron pen to add that little bit of extra pizazz!

MAGNETIC CARD BOX plus Quick Card Ideas

2009-11-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

These were the projects for my last regular class at Memories Live On. Everyone got to make a card box AND 7 cards....and now you can order the step-by-step directions to make your own card box with a hidden magnetic closure for $4.99* and receive a sheet of pictures showing 6 quick card ideas for FREE!

* To order the pdf of instructions and card ideas, simply pay $4.99 at Memories Live On OR purchase via PayPal by sending an email to KT Hom at ktdesigns@gmail.com

Personalized Water Bottles

2009-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea for a meeting, office, party, class, etc. and use up your scraps that you hate to just throw away!

Give a water bottle with the WOW FACTOR by using an oval or circle punch: Punch out an oval or circle on the top layer, then stamp a saying or write a name on a separate piece of white cardstock, place adhesive on the wrong side of the oval punched paper, center and adhere saying/name in oval. Adhere one layer of designer paper to the bottle, then adhere the oval/circle layer on the top.

Your guests will never loose track of their water bottle when you use up your scraps this way!

Stamp Set: Stampin' Up Spotlight On Christmas, but you can use any stamp you desire.

More Card Party Pics

2009-11-11T19:48:00.001-08:00

Here are a few more pics of the beautiful cards we made from Katie's Stampin' Up Card Party last weekend. Oh, what fun we had! True Bliss for sure! The first pic shows the favor box she made for us filled with peppermints. The dish beside it was a cute little Christmas dish that Rina gave every person at the party. She got them at Safeway -- and the wrapped box it came in added such a lovely touch!

2009-11-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Michael's Contest

2009-11-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Michael's is having a contest now to showcase handmade items....did someone say CONTEST?! Well, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to promote my new card club by entering my Santa pants box....so if you get a chance, please click on the 5th star in the lower left corner to enter your vote for my project seen HERE on their site - THANK YOU! The YouTube video and details for ordering the Santa pants box can be found HERE.

Best Christmas Present EVER!

2009-11-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my very talented card maker friend named Katie, once again gave her friends the best Christmas present EVER! She had a Christmas card making party where we each got to make 6 gorgeous cards. It's going to be REALLY hard to give any of them away, and I thought you'd enjoy seeing this one made from a small and slightly larger Stampin' Up tag punch. The result was a stunning card with the 100% WOW! Factor. Thank you, Katie!!!

I Support Operation Write Home

2009-11-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Confession: It's REALLY hard for me to throw away larger left over scraps of paper after I finish a craft project! I definitely don't have the space to save them all - and what are the chances I'd ever go back and use them?!....so now I create cards with these perfectly good scraps for the brave troops serving our country. This was a flamingo I made for a friend out of my left over pink cardstock scraps. (Confession No. 2: The background had the birthday cake already on it - so that made it super easy!) I had enough scraps to make two cards: One for my friend and one for Operation Write Home. Visit their website if you are interested in learning more:

http://operationwritehome.org

Fall Card

2009-10-23T23:57:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick card that uses VersaMark clear ink for the background grass and white craft ink for the large flowers. It's a quick technique that produces such a lovely effect that you can try with stamps you already have! Craft ink produces a dense stamped image and does require extra drying time, so if you can be patient, set your cards stamped with craft ink aside before tying ribbons or adding embellishments. If you're in a big hurry, use a heat embossing gun to speed the drying time....and I'm getting close to the BIG announcement of my next teaching endeavor --I'm literally working day and night to get everything ready for the November 1st debut, and I'll announce it right here on this blog next weekend!

FREE Halloween Download

2009-10-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I just put a FREE download on my MLO site that will let you create tags for all of your Halloween craft projects using various circle punches. The photo shows 3 out of the 5 projects we will be making in class tomorrow, and a 1" circle punch was used on the TRICK or TREAT saying (= FREE download) for the pixie stix project in the background. Click on my picture above to go to my MLO site to get your FREE download!

Quick and Easy

2009-10-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here are two new cards suitable for the males in your life! They are quick and easy cards made from a variation on a Thanksgiving card that I demo'd in my last class. The formula is simple -- start with 4 rectangles that are 1 x 3" and adhere side-by-side on a base layer. (Hint: Trim the right-hand edge after adding the last rectangle.) Finish by adding additional background layers as desired. These cards are a great way to use up scraps -- and oh, how I hate to throw away perfectly beautiful paper scraps! I also like to have some cards on hand that don't have a specific saying on them. I could have used the top one today for a Bosses' Day card. We took my wonderful boss of 30 years out for lunch today -- and I completely forgot that we had this lunch planned for today soooooo I had no card to give him - oh, RATS! Well, I hope you have a terrific boss to take to lunch this week - and maybe you can use this design for your card!

Fall Happiness

2009-10-08T17:28:00.001-07:00

My wonderful sister gave me the most fantastic present last week --- she cleaned out a bedroom and found tons of ribbon she knew that she would never use --- so, she gave it to me and I was in HEAVEN! There were several spools of ribbon with wider widths than I normally would use for card making, but I discovered that I could attach a length of that wide ribbon around 2 layers of cardstock (cut 1" longer than the width of the cardstock), add a brad along with some cording in the middle of the wide ribbon, smooth out any folds in the ribbon, attach each end with adhesive on the back of the cardstock, then finish by adding a saying. YAHOO! I love it when the light bulb goes off and it takes me in a whole new direction! (Simply open up the 2 flaps on the brad, attach the ribbon in the middle of the brad, criss-cross the flaps over to close it around the ribbon and attach the brad, then adhere each end of the ribbon on the back of the cardstock.) Thank you, Janie!

BTW - to make the front of this card, take 4 different but coordinated 3x5" sheets of paper, and stack all 4 sheets on top of each other. Turn the whole stack over and draw your 3 cut lines in the pattern you desire. Cut through all four layers at once, then separate each segment into 4 piles and reassemble back into a rectangle. Prior to adhering the segments to a black piece of cardstock for the background layer, the first segment will require a 1/8" trim along one side due to the 1/8" spacing between each segment.

The stamp set used for the "happy fall" is Seasonal Swirls by Stampendous. It's a set of 9 clear stamps that I recently purchased at Beverly's. You can view the complete set HERE. The "Thinking of You" on the inside of the card is from a Stampin' Up set called Bird on a Branch....and the leaf on the inside is from a retired Stampin' Up set called Botanicals.

Bargain Shopping Alert!

2009-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was shopping with my coupons at Joann Fabrics, and low and behold, I found large spools of ribbon in the 2 for $5 bins near the registers in several wonderful colors!!!! I squealed with delight to myself - YIPPEE!! You can buy 100 yards of 3/8" luscious satin ribbon for $2.50! (A perfect size for card makers!) OMG - I nearly fainted, but managed to walk out with several colors. Don't you love a GREAT find like that?! Be sure to completely remove the blue tape by pulling back the cardboard side. It's very sticky and can damage the ribbon. (Obviously, the packaging was not designed by a crafter - hehe!)

The Perfect Hostess Gift for the Holidays

2009-10-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

I mentioned THE CAKE WORKS below and they also sell pre-assembled gingerbread houses that they package with a supply of pre-made royal icing and a variety of treats to add to the houses. (Pre-orders are required.) It's one of my favorite hostess gifts to give during the Christmas holidays and it gives off a wonderful gingerbread fragrance - oh, the memories that aroma brings back! Here's a pic of a house my sister and I made -- yes, I finally bought a kit for myself -- and the two of us had a blast putting our creation together! We bought frosted mini shredded wheat cereal for our roof...and you won't believe it, but my sister-in-law kept this creation from 2006 and it still looks great!

Halloween Ghost Pretzels

2009-10-03T00:57:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun idea for your little goblins this Halloween: Take white melting chocolate disks (I buy mine from The Cake Works on Bascom Avenue), melt them for one minute intervals in the microwave, then dip pretzel sticks in the chocolate and place on glossy sparkling paper cut slightly larger than the sticks, add edible eyes and bats (also from the Cake Works), put them in the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes, and add bat stickers or punches. Once they come back to room temp, package the sticks in cellophane bags (also available at the Cake Works). Can you tell I love shopping at the Cake Works?! (BTW - they're closed on Mondays.) One year I made a zillion of these for my kids' school Halloween parties and they were a BIG hit!

Revised Measurements for Pleats

2009-09-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

I had to revise the measurements for the pleated card I just posted last night! (See it HERE.) I think I need to go to bed earlier so my brain can function properly - LOL! The first pleat is created by scoring the paper at 3/4" and 1" , then the next pleat is created by scoring at 2" and 2 1/4". Continuing adding a score line at every inch and quarter inch until you get the number of pleats you desire. This birthday card shows 5 pleats and is an A7 (5 x 7") card. The trick is to make sure your score lines are straight!

Any Occasion Fall Cards

2009-09-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a set of fall cards I just finished. I was running out of cards without sayings on the front that could quickly fit any occasion - and it's always nice to have some of those on hand!

The dark brown portion of the card (next to the fall leaf paper) is pleated using my Scor-Pal. Simply score a piece of lightweight paper at 3/4", 1", 2", 2 1/4", 3" and 3 1/4" then fold to pleat, adhere to the card front, turn the card over and trim all 3 sides for an exact fit. Finally, add the top DSP (Designer Scrapbook Paper) and the ribbon of your choice. Give your cards an unexpected dimension with this simple pleat technique!

Next, try creating a 3-D accent for any card by using a square of the matching paper and adding at least two complimentary but contrasting layers, then adhere it to your card or layout with foam tape. Here I used a 1/16" border of black and a 1/4" border of metallic gold behind the black layer to complete the rich look of this card. The card pictured in the front also shows how to take a large brad and some cording (or narrow ribbon) to create a little picture hanger effect with the 3-D accent.

The DSPs are all from K&Co. and the dark brown ribbon is BASIC BASIC (from Michaels). It's a dream to tie into knots! Grab a card and some ribbon then follow along with my YouTube videos on how to tie the perfect knots HERE.

Martha's Bat Punch

2009-09-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

As previously promised, here is my Halloween bat card using my favorite Halloween punch from Martha Stewart. I used little amber gems for the eyes, and in person, those gems really make this card stand out! (FYI: The HANG IN THERE was printed on my computer and a stamp from Stampin' Up's ITSY BITSY stamp set was used to make the tiny black dots on the aqua blue background paper. The small star brads are from Making Memories at Michael's, and the skeleton ribbon was in the $1 bin at Michael's - gotta' love those dollar bins!)

A Chance to Spread Happiness!

2009-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Stamp: Bear for Paige (Whimsystamps.com)

Nestibilities: Labels 4

Note: Shading done with 2nd to largest Label 4 Nestie in place and sponging on Stampin' Up Bordering Blue ink.

I found this posting below on the whimsystamps.com website today. (See purple text.) If you enjoy using digital images to color with your Copics, please consider helping their cause by purchasing this cute little bear image shown here for $3. I have just donated a pdf with a bear saying that can be used with this bear image. To get this free saying - with 6 of the same sayings on one page for layouts or greeting cards, go to my MLO site and download it from the MLO DOWNLOADS page. If you purchase this image, thank you for making a difference in this girl's life! My saying to go with this bear image is:

In my next life,

I want to be a teddy bear…

EVERYBODY loves you,

the OLDER you get the more

valuable you become, and

you never have

to WATCH your weight!

Recently, Paige Welch, a young NH girl, was seriously injured in a boating accident. This child is the neighbor of our DT member Erin Bailey. Paige will be facing many months of recovery and many more medical bills.

In an effort to help, Whimsy Stamps has designed a special digital image in honor of Paige. “A Teddy for Paige” is now available for download. All proceeds from the sale of this image will go to Paige’s Account at Seacoast Credit Union in Exeter NH.

Start Your Holiday Shopping NOW!

2009-09-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

The second Used Stamp Sale at Cranberry Hill started today at 10am. Over 80 sellers and TONS of stamps, cutters, paper, tools...something for everyone. The sale runs through Sept 30th. I'm participating and dropped off a lot of new and nearly new stamps for the sale (at ridiculously LOW prices!), plus many other paper craft items and supplies. Check it out at:

Stamp On Over @ Cranberry Hill Mercantile
1014 W. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
408-736-9151
http://stamponover.com
stamponover@yahoo.com

NOTE: Cranberry Hill is between S. Bernardo and Mary Avenues

Cards from Creative Friends

2009-09-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here are two cards from my VERY talented card club buddies: The top one is from Mel Morgathaler and the lower one is from Janet Shannon. I love Mel's use of clear VersaMark ink to stamp a background on the gold (More Mustard) and green (Mellow Moss) cardstock. She also used a background stamp from Stampin' Up called "Linen" to put a subtle texture on the gold cardstock. These details enhance the overall style of this card, and the saying she used on this card is one of my favorites!

Janet's adorable little monkey card included a lined coordinated envelope - such a nice surprise when I opened the card! You can simply trace an opened envelope on the paper of your choice, then cut it out by cutting in approximately 1/2" along the top flap area (so the envelope glue is exposed), then adhere this piece inside your envelope with your favorite adhesive. Try this wonderful technique on your next card!

Another Pocket Silhouette Card

2009-09-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this Stampin' Up set called Pocket Silhouettes! I used the butterfly punch by Martha Stewart, added some diamond gems to the center of the butterfly body, and stamped the card with the "Thinking of You" sentiment from SU's Bird on a Branch. The punch used in the background card is SU's label punch along with SU's scallop punch. I waited a long time before I ordered that scallop punch. I kept asking myself if I REALLY needed another punch (i.e. an exercise in delayed gratification - hehe!)...and it has turned out to be one of the punches I'm using the most these days -- so this time, the answer to my question was "OH YES YOU DO!"

Sneak Peak

2009-09-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm busy getting project samples ready for my October class and this is one of the projects we'll be doing for that class. I love this little owl and I hope the people in my October class will love her, too! This was a prototype and I'm still deciding on the final colors... I sure am having fun with this project :-)

Need Some Inspiration?

2009-08-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

This Thanksgiving card was done by one of Gina K. Designs' illustrators - Theresa Momber. Isn't it lovely?! (For details, click HERE.) Every now and then I need to see some new ideas, cards and layouts to jump start my creative juices, and this card was the cure I needed! (For this clever card, the stems were stamped within the oval, then the flowers and leaves were stamped and colored on another sheet of paper, then cut out and adhered so they extended beyond the oval - LOVE that idea!) I discovered this card and MANY other beautiful cards at stamptv.com -- once you are on their hope page, you can scroll down, watch the latest how-to video, then scroll down further and watch a mega slide show of card ideas! Instead of the slide show, I like to use the "View All" link in the lower right corner to see the cards all at once...then, I click on the cards I want to view at a larger image, right mouse click, and select "Save image as" to save the pictures to a card idea file on my computer where they're ready for me the next time I have Creativity Block!

http://stamptv.ning.com/photo/photo/list

Shopping at Its BEST!

2009-08-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

FYI: I am participating in the following sale at Cranberry Hill to clear out many new and gently used items in my craft room * Come and visit to get some AWESOME bargains! Here is the information if you would like to sell items or attend:

Used Stamp Sale starts Sept 12th through September 30th. Remember, we are accepting "stamp and scrapbook related" items this time, as well as stamps. The sale begins Sat Sept 12 and runs through Sept 30th. There is no charge to participate. Stamp on Over will take 5% of sales if you are paid in a store gift certificate and 25% if you want cash. You must decide on payment choice when YOU SIGN UP. We have lots of participants and are looking forward to another GREAT SALE! Please call the store for a vender number if you want to participate:

Cranberry Hill Mercantile

STAMP ON OVER

1014 West El Camino Real

(Cross Street is South Mary Avenue)

Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 736-9151

Click HERE for Store Hours

Paint Chip Card

2009-08-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea you might try for a quick and easy card. Start with a paint chip, cut or punch out some leaves, use that bottle of flowers you had to have (guilty times 5!), some eyelets, skinny ribbon, and a 3-D word embellishment. This leaf punch is from Martha Stewart. I'm afraid Martha is leading me down the "MUST HAVE IT" path of no return when it comes to punches! I have a cute little Halloween bat card to show you soon using her bat punch. Oh - please help me!!!

2009-08-14T22:45:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of the witches shoes we'll be making in my September 27th Memories Live On class. My favorite time of the year is quickly approaching --- September, October, November and December are my favorite months of the year!

2009-08-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

It seems as though my design style these days has become quick and simple - so little time and not enough hours in the day to stamp and make cards! I've discovered Heather Pulvirenti's blog and I'm she will inspire you - just like she did for me! Check out her blog here. Below her blue flower card is one of my latest takes on her idea - try it for yourself! Just stamp your image and saying, then mark your four corners with a pencil dot and use a ruler/straight edge to connect the dots with a black micron pen. The pearls and gems hide any imperfections where the lines connect in the corners and add a nice dimension.

Anniversary Card

2009-08-08T12:14:00.001-07:00

My wonderful in-laws are having their 60th wedding anniversary soon, and I found this card to case on a terrific blog by Jen Sannes called Simple and Sincere --- one of my new favorite blogs to visit! You can view her original card here and view her tutorial on how to make the fish hooks here -- I must admit, though, it took me quick awhile to pull this card together, but I hope they'll enjoy it....and here's how I cut out the fins for the fish. I cut out one, then used that cutout as a template to trace the rest of the fins:

BTW - The circles are 1 3/8" each and the scallops are made with Stampin' Up's scallop punch. I printed out the words I needed and used SU's word window punch. I secured the red heart with a small glue dot folded in half. To make this card, use the scallop punch first, then the circle punch over the scalloped edge. I made the first ones a bit too short, so I had to redo them, but I discovered that I could layer them to give an added dimension to the fish bodies. Love those happy little accidents that turn out to be happy little opportunities! Jen's card would also make a cute wedding card, too.

Birthday Card #1

2009-07-31T18:10:00.001-07:00

I came across some scraps of beautiful origami paper that apparently, eons ago -- I couldn't bear to throw away --- and there was so little of it that I actually had to cut it in half lengthwise and piece it together in the middle to fit across this card and my second birthday card below. My friend, Donna, gave me the wonderful LEAFY BRANCH Cuttlebug embossing folder awhile back (used for the top part of the card), and it is one of my favorite embossing folders! I used Martha Stewart's butterfly punch twice, raised up the top butterfly with a glue dot and added a set of antennae, too, using needle nose pliers and gold wire. A row of gold beads finished off the body. For the inside of the card and the envelope, I stamped a butterfly then added some paper pierced dots. If you are worried about making a perfect spiral, just draw the spiral with pencil first, pierce the dots, then erase your lines. The HAPPY BIRTHDAY saying is from a wonderful Close to My Heart set of sayings called Say It In Style.

Birthday Card #2

2009-07-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the 2nd card I made using some origami paper scraps - can you find the middle seam?! The "Birthday" had a void in the ink when I stamped it -- of course AFTER I had finished the entire card....so, I took this happy little opportunity to re-stamp the "Happy Birthday" on another matching piece of card stock, cut out just the "Birthday," layered it with the navy blue matching card stock, and raise it up with foam tape. Whew!! -- and yet another happy little mistake that made the card turn out even better than I had imagined!

The lace punch is by Martha Stewart, the scallop punch is by Stampin' Up, and the present stamp on the envelope is by Hero Arts.

Projects for Memories Live On

2009-07-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

Black and white designs are some of my favs and here's a new set of ideas just completed for display at MLO. These designs feature a luscious piece of designer paper from Creative Imaginations called White Fanfare, and when I deliver these projects tomorrow, I've got to buy this paper and more ribbon so I can make a batch of cards for a few upcoming weddings! (You've got to see these papers in person to appreciate the striking impression they make.) There is also a FREE download on my MLO site for the wedding sentiment shown here. Just click on my pic above then MLO DOWNLOADS in the navigation bar to get yours today. BTW - the shoe is a design that you'll get to make if you take my MLO September 27th class. We'll be making it as a witches shoe along with some fun Halloween projects - including a purse to match the shoe!

BLOG CANDY!

2009-07-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here's some new BLOG CANDY: A set of 2 brand new coordinated photo albums for your 4x6" photos. I have several sets in a variety of colors and patterns, so I will randomly pick a few winners on August 1st. Enter to win by leaving a comment or sending me a comment about the paper crafting items that you are hoarding in your house -- Paper and ribbon definitely top my list! I'm running out of room to store them, and I have to start using what I have before Scrapbook Expo arrives next month (so I can make room for a few more must haves)!

Winners must be able to pick up these albums at:
Memories Live On in Cupertino, CA.

2009-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

I love this stamp set from Stampin' Up! (SU). It's called Bird on a Branch and I finally got it converted to use with my clear stamp blocks. Now, I can't stop using it! These are the first cards I've made with this set which also uses extra large eyelets from We Are Memory Keepers (from last year's Scrapbook Expo), Martha Stewart's Lace Punch and SU's scallop punch. The middle closeup photo also shows the Martha Stewart mini pearls ($2 from Big Lots) that I added to 4 of the largest flowers. The last photo shows a bit more detail of the 2 white-on-white cardstock rectangles placed on top of a brown rectangle (Chocolate Chip SU) - a simple technique that gives a finished overall professional look to the card.

Oh, how I wish there were more hours in a day to stamp...but I've got to put my "toys" away and focus on getting ready for my Christmas in July class this Sunday. I LOVE Christmas - so this will be one of my favorite classes EVER! This class sold out 2 months in advance, but I will be repeating the class on Sunday, November 15th, 1 to 4 pm. Call Memories Live On to register: 446-9901.

Cricut Expression Reviews Wanted!

2009-07-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

I don't have a Cricut yet - do you? Should I get one? Michael's is selling them for 1/2 off this week - for $99. I'm skeptical -- it sounds too good to be true! (I'm suspicious -- Michael's NEVER EVER lets us use our 50% off coupons on them!) ......and feeding my suspicion is the Cricut website here where they are announcing that something amazing and new is about to be revealed. Has anyone heard if it's a new and improved model? Please leave your comments and share your thoughts about the Cricut with us -- the good, the bad, and anything else that makes for good reading!

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!

2009-07-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to post the winner of my BLOG CANDY frog punch give away: Dawn L. it's you!! Congrats and thank you for your lovely comment - it made my day!

You are so extremely talented! Your cards always amaze me with their creativity and beauty. Memories Live On is so very lucky to have you! And we are all so lucky that you share your ideas with us and inspire us with your works of art.

Look for another BLOG CANDY give away soon ;-D

Wedding Shower Invite

2009-07-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

My lovely surrogate daughter, Jimena, is getting married soon, and an invitation to her shower arrived in the mail today -- a beautiful creation by one of her friends! I thought I'd show it here as an example of a stunning but simple-to-make invitation. There's a white layer that appears to have some black rub-on designs added to the top 1/3. This top 1/3 was run through a Cuttlebug to create an embossed pattern, and a pink gem was added to the center. The white text layer is matted by a thin black layer and a thin pink layer to create a stunning finished look. (The invitation was photographed on a black background.) Nice use of fonts and a cute saying, too! The whole invitation is clever and quite doable - and it all arrived in a business-sized envelope. LOVE it!

Frog Close Up

2009-07-13T09:12:00.001-07:00

Here's a close up of the EK Success frog punch used in the card below -- all glammed out with pink gem eyes! The pink gem eyes are wonderful for your female frogs - while the amber colored gems are perfect for your male frogs! Amuse and Hero Arts makes gems that fit just right in the eye area on this frog punch. The gems shown in the photo are 1/8" or about 3 mm. I also used a 03 black Micron pen for the mouth and raised the frog for added dimension with foam tape.

BLOG CANDY: TOADALLY Awesome!

2009-07-10T12:26:00.001-07:00

AT LAST! I've posted pictures showing what you can win: The EK Success frog punch, one of these "Hommade" card samples, and a sheet of both sayings! I designed these two sayings to go along with the punch to use on layouts or cards, and if you love frogs or if you already have this punch, email me (ktdesigns@gmail.com) and I'll send you the pdf of these two sayings to celebrate reaching 10,000 hits on my MLO website! To enter to win this punch, a set of sayings printed on cardstock and one of these cards, simply leave a comment here or anywhere on this site. A winner will be picked on Tuesday, July 14th! (If you have trouble leaving a comment, email your comment to me.) NOTE: Designer background paper is from K&Co., ribbon is by MEGAROLL from Michael's dollar bin - love those dollar bins!)

Katie's Card: What's Inside

2009-07-09T22:59:00.001-07:00

Someone asked me to show the inside of Katie's GORGEOUS tree card below. Again she used her new EK Success border punch to create a quick and easy way to finish the inside. This is a wonderful idea for any card base made with dark-colored cardstock.

New Card from My SSF

2009-07-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

I got this LOVELY card recently from my SSF - Stampin' Sister Forever - Katie. It's one of those KEEPER cards and it just makes me happy looking at it! She used FLOWER SOFT on the branches - a new product that really adds a nice ethereal 3-D quality to stamped projects. (Stamp set: Thoughts and Prayers by Stampin' Up) For the wavy brown border with the pierced dots, she used a punch from EK's new line of punches. Of course, it was a must have for me as I thought she actually needle-pierced the dots above the wavy line...but no -- she did the wavy border and the pierced dots all at once with a simple press of a punch! Do you have friends that take you down that path of "Paper Craft MUST HAVES?!"....but as my friend Donna says -- it's a happy path! (...as she bought this same new EK punch with me!!)

FREE DOWNLOAD for MLO's Christmas in July

2009-07-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

GIVE YOUR PROJECTS A PROFESSIONAL TOUCH! This card looks like a Papyrus card that would cost a lot of money...but simply by combining and layering our new white-on-white flocked cardstock by Creative Imaginations and your photo - look what you can do! (HINT: Separate layers with solid cardstock to accent each layer.)

See the post below to see a wedding card also made with these new textured papers!

Use this sentiment for the inside of a card or a layout, too! The sentiment is a FREE DOWNLOAD on my MLO site and includes the template to make the tree that serves as the "A" in this card. Get it now! Just click here or on my photo in the upper right corner.

Embossed and Flocked Cardstock Has Arrived!

2009-07-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

New embossed and flocked designer papers have arrived at Memories Live On! You have to come and see them in person to appreciate how divine these textured papers look, and I've designed some quick and easy cards with these "to die for" papers to show you how they give your projects a professional touch! This card reminds me of a Papyrus card that would cost a lot of money....but just by combining and layering our new leaf-embossed cardstock by Bazzill, the white-on-white flocked cardstock by Creative Imaginations, and Jolee's stickers - look what you can do! The picture doesn't do it justice - you must see it in person! I've also designed a simple show-stopper Christmas card, too, for our Christmas in July theme this month at MLO. (I'll post a FREE download and picture of the Christmas card by Tuesday.) Both cards will be on display in the store after tomorrow - Come and take a look!

(The metallic flourish stickers on the envelope are by Best Creations, and MLO carries a nice selection of them in the back left of the store. Right next to those stickers, you'll find the ribbon with the saying.)

Quick Card

2009-07-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Need a quick card or want to give several cards in a set as a gift? Try this simple idea using any stamp set you already have. Lay a piece of computer or scrap paper across the middle of a card front, stamp right to the computer paper edge to keep your line straight, add ribbon and an embellishment or saying in the lower left corner. (This card has a metallic oval on it that says THANK YOU. Memories Live On sells a variety of these oval sayings.) I've also made a short video on how to tie this type of knot - just click HERE to view. (Stamp set: Pocket Silhouettes / Ink color: Chocolate Chip * both by Stampin' UP!)

2009-07-02T17:55:00.001-07:00

Contest Winners!

2009-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Using an online random number generator, I'm happy to announce that Alicia is the winner of the $25 gift MLO certificate...and since I reached my goal, a 2nd random number picked Carol to receive a special goodie bag at my MLO Christmas in July class.

My July class has sold out, but my August class is now open for registration. Come and make SIX gifts for the people in your life that make you happy! Click on my picture to take you to my MLO site for the August class details.

Stamp Set Storage

2009-06-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Kirsten asked me yesterday in our MLO class how I store my stamp sets and how I convert my rubber stamps mounted on wood blocks for use on clear stamp blocks. I store all of my stamps in CD cases alphabetically. (Some larger stamp sets require more than one CD case, and Kirsten also suggested using DVD cases for those larger sets.) I use a label maker to put the name of the stamp set on the spine of the CD case, and I also make 2 copies of the entire stamp set - one to slide into the front of the CD case and the other copy to put in a file so I know which stamps I have very quickly. (Big Lots is where I buy my CD cases. Remove the black plastic insert carefully to make room to store the stamps in the CD case.)

The top picture shows my Making Memories Embellishment Center that stores my stamp sets in CD's. This center will hold 104 CD's! That's 13 CD's in each of the 8 larger square compartments. The second picture can be found on the Michael's website. That's where I bought two of these centers. They're $80 each, but I used my WONDERFUL 50% off coupons and my dear husband went with me so he could use a coupon and I could use a coupon -- now, that's love!

Here is the technique for converting rubber stamps mounted on wood blocks for use on acrylic stamp blocks:

Place one stamp into your microwave oven and microwave in intervals of 4 seconds to see how much time on HIGH is required to warm the wooden block and soften the glue. After the ideal time in the microwave is determined, the rubber stamps will remove easily from the wood block. Next - take facial powder with a puff (or any other powder) and lightly rub and coat the sticky backing on the stamp with the powder until it is just slightly tacky. Now you're ready to use your stamp on any clear stamp block! Occasionally, you may need to re-apply the powder. If the stamp sticks to your CD case, place in the microwave to soften. Recently, I've been keeping the protective tan backing that comes on Stampin' UP! sets and store my stamps on that backing in the CD case.

I have to thank my SSF (Stamping Sister Forever) - Katie Duzmal - for sharing these storage and stamp conversion ideas with me!! Once she told me about this revolutionary concept, I was working night and day on my vacation to get my sets converted! I felt such a sense of accomplishment and it is wonderful to be this organized -- at least on this one wall in my house - hehe!

Hope this frees up some space so you can buy even MORE stamps sets!

Since this post, Carol wrote and said:

What to do with the wood blocks?

KT's Response:
If readers have any ideas for uses with the wood blocks let me know, but I'm going to donate them to the RAFT (Resource Area for Teachers) - it's a non-profit that recycles unwanted items and sells them back to teachers and non-profits for pennies on the dollar so they can do fun and educational activities with them in their classrooms. My son worked there as a teen, so I know what good things they are doing to help in this world!

Card for a Friend in the Hospital

2009-06-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

I made this card in my card club quite awhile back. This was an idea from Katie Duzmal - a super talented friend and also a member in my card club. Katie was elated when she happened to find designer paper that perfectly matched the design in the sail stamp of this boat! Don't you just love a find like that?!! This card turned out to be the perfect one to give to another wonderful friend who I visited in the hospital last week -- a friend who can't wait to get out of there! Just seeing handmade cards makes her happy - just like me, too! She is quite a card maker herself and is what we call a handmade "Card Worthy Friend"-- someone who really appreciates all of the time you put into a card and tells you how much it means to them to receive one. I really cherish my CARD WORTHY FRIENDS!

This card uses the Swirls Cuttlebug folder. The clouds were created by ripping computer paper and sponging blue ink over the paper. The anchor punch is from Martha Stewart and was a must have! Oh, I am running out of space for of all of my must haves! The anchor punched out on the front of the cards was used on the inside for a little accent of color. The sayings were done on my computer.

Christmas in July Class at MLO

2009-06-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

My July 19th class, featuring unique Christmas in July projects, has already sold out! Thank you to everyone who made that happen....it will be repeated in November and a sign up sheet has been started for that class. All five projects will be on display at Memories Live On starting tomorrow.

HOWEVER, I did put a new and FREE Christmas in July file on my MLO website to download. Just click on my picture above to download the pdf. For those of you attending my June class at MLO, you will get a sample of this project included with your class kit!

August Class Projects

2009-06-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Quick Gifts for the Ones You Love!

August 23^rd, 2009

TWO SESSIONS – Pick One:

11:30 am to 1:30 pm OR 2 to 4 pm

Fee: $25

Here’s a SUMMER SPECIAL that will surely make you smile! Join me and make SIX quick favors or small gifts for the special people in your life. Come to this class and create 2 variations each of 3 different paper crafts that will surely be a delight to everyone! Use these gifts for your table settings, party favors, or as small presents to show someone how much they mean to you. Modify and customize them for any holiday or occasion. BONUS: Learn how to take your favorite 4 x 6” photographs and turn them into a one-of-kind treat package. Chocolates are included!

Paper Crafts and Baking!

2009-06-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the baking and paper craft talents of a wonderful baker who made this "Happy Meal" for Father's Day out of cupcakes, brownies and cookies. It combines two of my favorite past times on the planet: cooking and paper crafting! I belong to a cooking club and this creation would surely give my cooking club buddies a big smile ;-D To get the instructions with FREE templates along with the terrific pics that show how it's made, simply click HERE. It's probably not any healthier than a real Happy Meal, but it sure is clever - and you know how I love clever! I was thinking they could be modified for a 4th of July party/BBQ - oh, how I wish there were more hours in a day...

Update on My Sister's Birthday Card

2009-06-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Update on the post below: My sister and I made cards last night using her Music Expressions SU stamp set, and we decided to add some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (SU) to the swirls on the stamped image. When you see the card in person, the gitter really MADE THESE CARDS POP!

My Sister's Birthday Card

2009-06-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

We're celebrating a bunch of family birthdays tomorrow night and I just made this card to give my sister. I borrowed her new set called Music Expressions by Stampin' Up -- she loves music and the color blue -- I hope she'll like it ;-D

I stamped the image twice - once on white and once on brown card stock. I cut out the violin on the brown card stock and attached it to the card using foam tape to give it some added dimension. This is a great technique to highlight any element in a black and white stamped image. I used B21 Copic Sketch Marker for the bird -- to add a little more interest to the overall image.

Stamps - Simple Sayings and Music Expressions (Both from Stampin' UP!)
Punch - Martha Stewart Lace
Printed Paper - Nursery Tales by Prima: 96 sheets at Michael's marked down to $9.99 and I was able to use my 50% off coupon - so 5 bucks total - what a deal!! (Like I need more paper - but I couldn't resist - after all - I needed the blue sheets in the pack for my sister - Justification #10,000!)
Ink - Basic Black and Bordering Blue (SU)
Ribbon - Bride Elegance from Michael's

MAKE YOUR OWN FLOWERS

2009-06-15T18:23:00.001-07:00

Make your own flowers with the EK Small Scallop Punch by following these easy steps:
1) Mark the center of each scallop with a dot
2) Cut in between each scallop toward the dot - leave 1/8" uncut by the dot
3) Place a gem, pearl or small circle in the center of each flower
4) Adhere flower to your project using a medium glue dot

CLEAR BAGS/ENVELOPES ARE AT MLO!

2009-06-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

CHRISTMAS IN JULY is coming soon to Memories Live On and to get ready, I've designed some holiday projects with our new clear envelopes! Plus, in the spirit of Christmas, I have a FREE download for you with the graphics I used for these snowman kisses and get well projects. (The snowman kisses treat bag was made with the following measurements: 4 1/2 x 10 1/2" piece of glitter dot designer paper scored at the 1", 4", and 6" line.
I used a 1 3/4" square punch for the window opening and the large clear envelope (A7) to hold the kisses.)

To download the graphics, click on my picture above to get the FREE files now on the "MLO Downloads" page!

Enter to Win Blog Candy!

2009-06-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

WIN A $25 SHOPPING SPREE at MEMORIES LIVE ON!! Just tell me what your favorite paper craft product or tool is at the moment, leave your comment here, then hop on over to my MLO site and email me the current number on the counter at the bottom of the home page. (When you're done visiting this site, just click on my picture at the top of the page to take you to my MLO site. Family, friends and my students are encouraged to enter, too!)

My email: ktdesigns@gmail.com

The winner will be picked on June 30!

FREE DOWNLOADS ADDED!

2009-06-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

New products have arrived at MLO: The EK line of compact punches and new Anna Griffin papers!

Each month I design new projects for you with the new products carried at Memories Live On...and this month, I've designed 2 projects along with 2 FREE downloads to give you the templates and the sayings for making these quick cards. For the purse cards, I used a 1" punch first then a 1 1/4" punch over the first punch to create the purse handles out of our alligator paper -- ooooh, how I love that gater paper! HINT: Use the punches facing up to get perfect placement. I also used the new EK small scallop punch for the purse closure AND it also makes a beautiful flower!!The download will give you the directions and HOW TO for making your own flowers. Memories Live On has a nice selection of these new EK punches as well as a large selection of pearls and gems for embellishing your purses and flowers. Make a set of these cards for your graduate or make a set of 4 to give as a gift! Just click on my picture to get these FREE downloads - then simply click on the MLO DOWNLOADS tab. ENJOY!

FREEBIE: JUNE SKETCH and SAMPLES

2009-06-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

FYI: For Your Inspiration
15 MINUTES TO FABULOUS!

Each month I'll be designing a sketch that can be used to create your own quick layout or card with professional results. Just gather your paper, pictures and embellishments - then let your creativity soar! Please send me a pic of your finished layouts or cards based on this sketch. I'll post them here and provide a link to your blog if you wish! Send to: ktdesigns@gmail.com (File sizes less than 100K are ideal, but I'll take any size.)

TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS SKETCH, GO TO:
http://KTATMLO.SHUTTERFLY.COM

Monkey Business

2009-05-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a little monkey card for a friend who is going through some pretty rough cancer treatments. She inspires me every day to live my best life and treat others with kindness - as she always does! Even with cancer zapping her strength, she is able to muster the energy to make beautiful quilts, kitchen towels and handmade cards for her church auctions.

YOU ROCK, SUZANNE!

For this project, I was inspired by Debbie Mum's Value Pack of animal prints AND Faith's March 2, 2009 tutorial for crimped envelopes. You can find her terrific tutorial here.

How to Tie the Perfect Bow: Variation 2

2009-05-30T01:44:00.000-07:00

Watch this video and follow along with a piece
of 12" ribbon -- See if you can practice enough
until you can tie the perfect bow!

Current MLO Store Display

2009-05-30T01:23:00.001-07:00

Love this May Arts leaf ribbon!! It's in stock at Memories Live On and it comes in brown and green. Perfect for layouts and cards -- Try adding flowers in between the leaves to create another variation with this wonderful ribbon.

For the Men in Your Life

2009-05-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Make this unique masculine suit card for Father's Day or use as a birthday card. The instructions for this card are included with the graduation cap instructions - see photo and description below!

Make this Graduation Cap!

2009-05-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a 3D project that will make all of the grads in your life happy! It's designed with a paper hinge so that items such as money or candy can be placed inside.

If you wish to mass produce it for use as party favors, a ScorPal will help immensely.

The directions include a color photo, step-by-step instructions, measurements, and a cutting/scoring diagram.

Simply email me at ktdesigns@gmail.com if you wish to order the pdf for this project: $3.50 through PayPal. Directions for a a masculine suit card are also included.

I HAVE A BLOG!

2009-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has helped sell out my classes each month at MLO! Because I want to give you more content related to paper crafting, I've started a blog -- and hopefully, it will make you happy, too, along the way!