Gretchen Barron

Daisies for Retirement!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks May Blog Tour! Our theme this month is "Going, Going ... Almost Gone!". It's all about retiring stamps, papers, embellishments and supplies from the Stampin' Up! Catalog. The new catalog will become "live" on June 1st but there are a lot of favorites that are going away for good (sniff, sniff). Many of the retiring items that you will see on this month's tour are still available for you to purchase -- be sure and contact your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for more information.

 

If you've already begun the tour, then you must be arriving from the blog of Sandy Mathis! She had some amazing projects for us!

 

My projects have a common theme running through them ... daisies, daisies, daisies! Sadly, the Flower Daisies #2 Die (for use with the Big Shot) is one that won't be returning in the new catalog. I've fallen in love with these bright, colorful Gerbera Daisies that you can create with the die so I've decided to highlight them tonight. Each flower is created with 4 layers of the large daisy diecut and 3 layers of the small daisy. I've used Poppy Parade and So Saffron for this flower and used an Antique Brad for the center (don't worry, the brads aren't retiring!).

 

My first project uses two of the retiring InColors -- Poppy Parade and Peach Parfait. I've also used the Finial Press Embossing Folder and the Ticket Corner Punch (both retiring items). The sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations Stamp Set (yes (sniff, sniff) ... retiring).

 

This is a pretty straight-forward and simple card -- the bright beautiful daisy is really the star. It would be great for just about any occasion in spring. As you can see from the first picture above, these flowers really bring so much dimension and texture to your projects. After assembling the layers, just use your fingers to "fluff" up the petals!

 

 

 

Next in the lineup is another card, also with daisies, but this time using the Greenhouse Garden Stamp Set (yes, retiring).

 

The sentiment is again from Sincere Salutations. The Designer Series Paper is Just Add Cake and again the colors are retiring InColors -- Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade.

 

The ribbon is Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched-Poly. I used a Stamp-a-ma-Jig to line up the two-step stamps and stamped the center of the flowers with Black Stazon Ink.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, to round out the daisy ensemble for this tour, I create a quick and easy little pillow box using what else but the Pillow Box Die (yes, retiring). I tied it shut with some Concord Crush Stitched-Poly Ribbon and attached another Gerbera Daisy (created with Concord Crush Cardstock) with Stampin' Dimensionals. These little boxes make great little treat containers for all kinds of occasions ... or no occasion at all!

 

Well, that's all I have for this post! You can advance to the next tour stop by clicking on the button below. It will take you to Cindy Major's Blog. I can't wait to see what surprises she has for us!

 

Thanks for much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy the tour and I hope you'll be back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

Spring into Spring with the Control Freak Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks March Blog Tour! Our theme this month is "Spring into Spring". What a fabulous way to celebrate the arrival of the most beautiful season of the year!

If you've already begun the tour, then you must be arriving from Jason Caspar's blog! I was blown away by his projects this month!

 

My projects this month focus on Easter. My daughter is getting baptized this year and I've made her a very special Easter card and an Easter memory box for this very special occasion in her life. With the soft tones of Pink Pirouette and Crumb Cake, these projects could also be easily adapted for Mother's Day, a graduation or wedding or any springtime event!

 

For the card, I used a Card Base of Pink Pirouette with layers of Crumb Cake, Whisper White and the Polka Dot Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Paper Pack. I used the Big Shot, of course (what project wouldn't be complete without the Big Shot) and the Framelets Labels Collection, the Butterfly Die and the Beautiful Wings Embosslet. Other supplies used include Antique Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Pearls and the Vintage Vogue Stamp Set as well as the new He Is Risen Individual Stamp.

 

 

 

 

 

Although the Treasure Box could easily be constructed with Chipboard, I recycled a little gift box, covering it with Pink Pirouette and Pretty in Pink Polka Dot Designer Series Paper. I used the same butterfly medallion as on the card and added the fabulous Pink Pirouette Pleated Satin Ribbon around the edges (this also helps to hide the unsightly seams where the paper edges meet)

 

 

Well, I think that about does it for this stop! I hope that I've helped Spring into Spring with my Easter Card and Treasure Box. Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on the rest of the tour! Talk about inspiration!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis!  I know she's got some great surprises for you!Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Spring!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks March Blog Tour! Our theme this month is "Spring into Spring". What a fabulous way to celebrate the arrival of the most beautiful season of the year!

If you've already begun the tour, then you must be arriving from Jason Caspar's blog! I was blown away by his projects this month!

 

My projects this month focus on Easter. My daughter is getting baptized this year and I've made her a very special Easter card and an Easter memory box for this very special occasion in her life. With the soft tones of Pink Pirouette and Crumb Cake, these projects could also be easily adapted for Mother's Day, a graduation or wedding or any springtime event!

 

For the card, I used a Card Base of Pink Pirouette with layers of Crumb Cake, Whisper White and the Polka Dot Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Paper Pack. I used the Big Shot, of course (what project wouldn't be complete without the Big Shot) and the Framelets Labels Collection, the Butterfly Die and the Beautiful Wings Embosslet. Other supplies used include Antique Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Pearls and the Vintage Vogue Stamp Set as well as the new He Is Risen Individual Stamp.

 

 

 

 

 

Although the Treasure Box could easily be constructed with Chipboard, I recycled a little gift box, covering it with Pink Pirouette and Pretty in Pink Polka Dot Designer Series Paper. I used the same butterfly medallion as on the card and added the fabulous Pink Pirouette Pleated Satin Ribbon around the edges (this also helps to hide the unsightly seams where the paper edges meet)

 

 

Well, I think that about does it for this stop! I hope that I've helped Spring into Spring with my Easter Card and Treasure Box. Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on the rest of the tour! Talk about inspiration!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis!  I know she's got some great surprises for you!Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Spring!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis!  I know she's got some great surprises for you!Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Spring!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis!  I know she's got some great surprises for you!Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Spring!

Bouquet of Hearts

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks January Blog Tour! Our theme this month is "Love is in the Air -- Cards and Projects for Your Valentine". There's nothing like Valentines Day to bring out the cuteness factor and this year Stampin' Up! has made it even easier with all the wonderful new Die Cuts, Embosslets and other fabulous products for Valentine's Day and so much more! Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on this month's tour! If you've already begun the tour, then you are probably arriving here from Deb Currier's Blog. I loved her cards and that last fabric project was just too adorable!

Well, here's what I have for you today -- I'm calling it my Bouquet of Hearts! It's easily created using the Little Leaves Sizzlet and the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die. Adorable, aren't they? I used Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Regal Rose and Whisper White cardstocks with Lucky Limeade for the Leaves.

For the card, I used a Card Base of Real Red and the first layer of Peach Parfait. I cut out the three larger hearts using the Hearts Collection Framelets Die and then just adhered the leaves and heart "flowers" on top. I shaded the edges of everything with Real Red Classic Ink. The sentiment is from the Short & Sweet Stamp Set. A tiny bow created from 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon and a single Basic Pearl adds the perfect finishing touch.



The darling little treat box is quickly and easily created using the Fancy Favor Die and the Big Shot. I used one of the Heart Framelets to cut out the opening and attached a piece of clear plastic to keep the treats in. When I attached the Tiny Leaves Embosslet, I was delighted to find that the curve of the stem perfectly mirrors the curve of the heart -- gotta love it when things like that happen (okay, I know ... I'm easily amused!). Again, I just attached the embossed hearts with Stampin' Dimensionals, adding a bow and a final Basic Pearl for embellishment. The bag of candy finishes it off nicely. This little treat box went together so quickly, it would be a great project if you are making mulitples for gift-giving. And what a sweet little treat for Valentine's Day!

 

 Well, I think that about does it for this stop! I hope that I've helped get you in the mood for Valentine's Day and inspired you with some cute and quick projects. Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on the rest of the tour! Talk about inspiration!

 

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Well, here's what I have for you today -- I'm calling it my Bouquet of Hearts! It's easily created using the Little Leaves Sizzlet and the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die. Adorable, aren't they? I used Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Regal Rose and Whisper White cardstocks with Lucky Limeade for the Leaves.

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

Think Spring with Everyday Enchantment!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky December Blog Tour! This month we have some fabulous sneak peeks for you from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration -- both beginning in January! Just wait until you see what's in store for you. If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from Yvette Ashe's amazing blog! Wowza! Weren't you blown away by what she had to share!

 

I am totally in love with a new Designer Series Paper Collection that will be offered as part of next year's Sale-A-Bration freebies! Yes, that's right ... I said FREEBIES! The paper is called Everyday Enchantment and it is so beautiful, delicate and fresh for spring. I've created two different projects for you on this tour, but keep coming back because I have so much more in mind for this gorgeous paper!

 

 

First is this darling little gift box, made so quickly and easily with the Fancy Favor Die and the Big Shot. I embossed the front with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Embossing Folder, attached a row of the new 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Riding Hood Red and then attached this fabulous Elegant Bird Die Cut, created with a new Bigz Die that will be in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The bird is embellished with a Basic Pearl eye and a tiny Designer Button tied on with some Pool Party Baker's Twine. Tiny bows, created from the 1/8" Organdy Calypso Coral Ribbon (another Sale-a-Bration Freebie) and more Basic Pearls complete the darling little box!

 

 

My last project to share is this enchanting card, again created with the Everyday Enchantment DSP. See that elegant border? It was created with the new Adorning Accents Edgelit Die and the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ... what a duo! Can't you just imagine the endless possibilities we will have with these new tools at our fingertips! Again, I embellished with tiny organdy bows and Basic Pearls. Simple perfection! The sentiment stamped on the banner is from a new stamp set called Loving Thoughts.

 

Have I convinced you that there are so many beautiful new things to look forward to in 2012? I hope so. I think you will be enchanted with all the new choices and projects that you will see on this blog tour. I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and please come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

And now it's time to move on for more inspiration! Just click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, our group Mom, Lisa Martz!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

I am totally in love with a new Designer Series Paper Collection that will be offered as part of next year's Sale-A-Bration freebies! Yes, that's right ... I said FREEBIES! The paper is called Everyday Enchantment and it is so beautiful, delicate and fresh for spring. I've created two different projects for you on this tour, but keep coming back because I have so much more in mind for this gorgeous paper!

 

 

First is this darling little gift box, made so quickly and easily with the Fancy Favor Die and the Big Shot. I embossed the front with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Embossing Folder, attached a row of the new 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Riding Hood Red and then attached this fabulous Elegant Bird Die Cut, created with a new Bigz Die that will be in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The bird is embellished with a Basic Pearl eye and a tiny Designer Button tied on with some Pool Party Baker's Twine. Tiny bows, created from the 1/8" Organdy Calypso Coral Ribbon (another Sale-a-Bration Freebie) and more Basic Pearls complete the darling little box!

 

 

My last project to share is this enchanting card, again created with the Everyday Enchantment DSP. See that elegant border? It was created with the new Adorning Accents Edgelit Die and the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ... what a duo! Can't you just imagine the endless possibilities we will have with these new tools at our fingertips! Again, I embellished with tiny organdy bows and Basic Pearls. Simple perfection! The sentiment stamped on the banner is from a new stamp set called Loving Thoughts.

 

Have I convinced you that there are so many beautiful new things to look forward to in 2012? I hope so. I think you will be enchanted with all the new choices and projects that you will see on this blog tour. I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and please come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

And now it's time to move on for more inspiration! Just click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, our group Mom, Lisa Martz!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

I am totally in love with a new Designer Series Paper Collection that will be offered as part of next year's Sale-A-Bration freebies! Yes, that's right ... I said FREEBIES! The paper is called Everyday Enchantment and it is so beautiful, delicate and fresh for spring. I've created two different projects for you on this tour, but keep coming back because I have so much more in mind for this gorgeous paper!

 

 

First is this darling little gift box, made so quickly and easily with the Fancy Favor Die and the Big Shot. I embossed the front with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Embossing Folder, attached a row of the new 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Riding Hood Red and then attached this fabulous Elegant Bird Die Cut, created with a new Bigz Die that will be in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The bird is embellished with a Basic Pearl eye and a tiny Designer Button tied on with some Pool Party Baker's Twine. Tiny bows, created from the 1/8" Organdy Calypso Coral Ribbon (another Sale-a-Bration Freebie) and more Basic Pearls complete the darling little box!

 

 

My last project to share is this enchanting card, again created with the Everyday Enchantment DSP. See that elegant border? It was created with the new Adorning Accents Edgelit Die and the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ... what a duo! Can't you just imagine the endless possibilities we will have with these new tools at our fingertips! Again, I embellished with tiny organdy bows and Basic Pearls. Simple perfection! The sentiment stamped on the banner is from a new stamp set called Loving Thoughts.

 

Have I convinced you that there are so many beautiful new things to look forward to in 2012? I hope so. I think you will be enchanted with all the new choices and projects that you will see on this blog tour. I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and please come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

And now it's time to move on for more inspiration! Just click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, our group Mom, Lisa Martz!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

It's Freaky Tour Time with Boxes, Bags and Bows!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky October Blog Tour! This month's tour theme is "Boxes, Bags and Bows for the Holidays" and let me tell you, you are in for a fun ride this month! If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from my friend, Robin Spinner's amazing blog! Robin always puts a creative "spin" on her projects (sorry, every pun intended) and this month is no exception!

I've got some fun projects for you tonight and also, very quick projects. I've taken a couple of old favorites -- the Bag in a Box and the Mini Pizza Box -- and I've updated and glammed them-up with the luxurious and fabulous Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper. If you've tried this paper yet, let me tell you that you are in for a treat. Some of it is flocked, some of it is metallic and all of it is so pretty and special.

First, the bag in a box. This little project is so quick and easy to make. I think I complete the bag, start to finish, in less than 20 minutes. Of course, it takes a little more time to create the tag, but the bag is super quick and look how lovely it is in this specialty DSP.

I paired the DSP with Brushed Gold Cardstock and then embossed the Dasher Stamp with Gold Embossing powder on the oval medallion for even more glimmer and glitz! Click HERE for a tutorial on how to make the Bag in a Box!

 Next up is the always delightful Mini Pizza Box. AGain, this little box goes together so quickly and easily and look how lovely it is with the Mocha Morning DSP and the Brushed Gold Cardstock. And what a great little gift box for jewelry, a scarf or even a gift card! I paired it with this matching jumbo tag using the Spirit of Christmas stamp set. And yes, that gold bow is actually created using the Gold Waffle paper. It really is quite easy to work with and a unique touch to add to your holiday projects. Click HERE for a tutorial on how to create the Mini Pizza Box. 

Well, that will do it for this stop on the tour! But do continue on -- there's some fabulous scenery and inspiration waiting for you at each and every stop! I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

And speaking of inspiration, click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, our group Mom, Lisa Martz!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky October Blog Tour! This month's tour theme is "Boxes, Bags and Bows for the Holidays" and let me tell you, you are in for a fun ride this month! If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from my friend, Robin Spinner's amazing blog! Robin always puts a creative "spin" on her projects (sorry, every pun intended) and this month is no exception!

I've got some fun projects for you tonight and also, very quick projects. I've taken a couple of old favorites -- the Bag in a Box and the Mini Pizza Box -- and I've updated and glammed them-up with the luxurious and fabulous Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper. If you've tried this paper yet, let me tell you that you are in for a treat. Some of it is flocked, some of it is metallic and all of it is so pretty and special.

First, the bag in a box. This little project is so quick and easy to make. I think I complete the bag, start to finish, in less than 20 minutes. Of course, it takes a little more time to create the tag, but the bag is super quick and look how lovely it is in this specialty DSP.

I paired the DSP with Brushed Gold Cardstock and then embossed the Dasher Stamp with Gold Embossing powder on the oval medallion for even more glimmer and glitz! Click HERE for a tutorial on how to make the Bag in a Box!

 Next up is the always delightful Mini Pizza Box. AGain, this little box goes together so quickly and easily and look how lovely it is with the Mocha Morning DSP and the Brushed Gold Cardstock. And what a great little gift box for jewelry, a scarf or even a gift card! I paired it with this matching jumbo tag using the Spirit of Christmas stamp set. And yes, that gold bow is actually created using the Gold Waffle paper. It really is quite easy to work with and a unique touch to add to your holiday projects. Click HERE for a tutorial on how to create the Mini Pizza Box. 

Well, that will do it for this stop on the tour! But do continue on -- there's some fabulous scenery and inspiration waiting for you at each and every stop! I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

And speaking of inspiration, click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, our group Mom, Lisa Martz!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

Time To Fall Gently into Another Freakishly Fabulous Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky September Blog Tour! Boy oh boy, do we have some fantabulous projects ready for you this month! If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from my friend, Jan Tinklinberg's amazing blog! Jan always has something amazing to drool over and she's darn funny as well!

 

Our theme this month is "Fall Into Step -- Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving Ideas". I just love fall! I love the weather. I love the colors. I love the smells. I love snuggling under a throw and sleeping with the windows opened. And I love the fall holidays with their emphasis on family and gratitude. It's a great time of year. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw the new fall leaf stamp set that Stampin' Up! offered this year! It's a two-step stamp set (one of my favorite techniques) called Gently Falling. I just had to use it for my projects tonight!

I decided to make this darling gift bag and matching card! What a great duo for a special gift for your best friend, sister or mother! I know I would be thrilled to receive this see!

Both projects use the following colors -- Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, and Very Vanilla. Sentiments are from two different sets -- Pursuit of Happiness and Grateful Greetings. Additional supplies include the Big Shot, The Ovals Die, the Square Lattice Impressions Folder, a Brayer, the Designer Frames Textured Impressions Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Wide Oval Punch, Quilted Satin Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler and the new Simply Scored Tool. Check back tomorrow and I'll post a free tutorial for making the Gift Bag and using the New (simply fabulous) Simply Scored Tool.

 

The Gift Box is a BIG 3.5 x 2.25 x 5.5". You can pack a lot of goodies into this puppy! The front panel includes a piece of More Mustard Cardstock that is embossed with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder after it has been inked with Chocolate Chip ink. That's what makes this incredible texture and contrast -- such a great look for fall and a fairly easy (but messy) technique to do.

 

I'll include more instructions on the tutorial tomorrow!. I stamped the leaves using darker ink on each of the cardstock colors, cut them out and attached them with Stampin' Dimensionals. The crinkled paper is created by cutting narrow strips and running them through a Paper Crimper.

 

 

 

Now, on to the card. This is actually this week's MoJo Monday Sketch -- such a great jump-start when you need a little inspiration! I love the blocks of additional color behind the focal image -- it really brings it to life!

 

The colors and techniques are the same for the card as the box. Plus, I added a little extra stamping on the inside to give it even more interest! Did I mention how much I love this stamp set? It really is fabulous!

 

Well, that will do it for this stop on the tour! But do continue on -- there's some fabulous scenery and inspiration waiting for you at each and every stop! I hope you've enjoyed your stay here and I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration! 

And speaking of inspiration, click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, the ever-amazing Wendy Weixler!  I just peeked at her projects and you are going to be blown away by what you see! Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

It's Freaky Tour Time with the Freakin' Amazing Holiday Mini Catalog!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky August Blog Tour! What an honor it is for me to the the #1 Stop on this month's tour. Not that it really matter's however, since you can start at any of the stops and still take the entire tour! If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from my friend, Wendy Weixler's amazing blog! She is such a sweetheart and ALWAYS has something surprising and wonderful to share!

 

Our theme this month is to preview items from the fabulous Holiday Mini Catalog, available for customer orders beginning September 1st. Now let me tell you, you've probably heard it before, but believe me, this time IT'S TRUE! This is the most amazing Holiday mini that Stampin' Up! has every developed. Page after page will hold surprises and wonders for you. If you don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like a copy of the catalog for yourself, please e-mail me and I'll pop one in the mail to you!

 

This month, rather than focusing on a particular stamp set or Designer Series Paper from the mini, I want to show you two fabulous projects using a new Big Shot Die -- the Holiday Stocking Die! There is so much you can do with this die and, as you will see, it's not just for Christmas! But this first project, is for Christmas. It's this just the most darling Stocking Card you have ever seen? Well, at least I think so - LOL!

 

I've used a bit of the new DSP called Holly Berry Bouquet, Real Red and Very Vanilla Cardstock, a new stamp set called Festive & Fun, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Wild Wasabi, and a new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder called Snow Burst.

 

I colored in the stamped image with Stampin' Write Markers and attached the ribbon with Sticky Strip Adhesive. Such fun and so cute for Christmas!

 

And now for my second project ... I'm turning up the cute factor! Remember, this project is made with the Holiday Stocking Die and the Big Shot, the same as the Christmas project, but look how different it is! What happens when you turn a stocking upside down? It becomes a stick horse, of course!

 

Wouldn't this be a darling little gift box for a new or expectant mother or a darling centerpiece at a Baby Shower? I'm just thrilled with this way this little guy turned out! I used So Saffron Cardstock to cut out the stocking and then ran it through the Big Shot using the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I added a Chocolate Chip button eye and some 1/2" Polka Dot Ribbon in Chocolate chip for the bridle and reins. His scallop collar is cut with the Tasteful Trims Die in Certainly Celery.

 

The A-B-C blocks are created with the Petal Card Double Punch and the 1" Square Punch. I used Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery. The letters are die cut in Chocolate Chip cardstock using the Naturally Serif Sizzlets Strip Die. They are stacked and held together with Stampin' Dimensionals, which also attach them to the base of the Stick Horse. All of this is assembled onto a Fancy Favor Die Cut in Old Olive.

 

I hope you've enjoyed this stop on the Control Freaks Tour! Thanks for stopping. And I hope you'll be back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

And speaking of inspiration, click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, the ever-amazing Patty Bennett! Just wait till you see what she has in store for you!

 

Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!

 
 

It's Freaky Tour Time with Christmas in July!

 

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the Christmas in July Control Freaks Blog Tour! If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from my good friend, Patty Bennett's blog! WOW! She always has some fabulous projects and she didn't let us down this time! Thanks, Patty!

 

This month's Control Freaks Blog Tour theme is Christmas in July - or - fabulous Convention SWAPS. I'm going with the Christmas in July theme! Now you have to understand, it's a little difficult to get in the Christmas spirit today since the temperature was a searing 99 degrees with a Heat Index of 115 today -- WOW -- talk about a sizzlin' Christmas!

 

Today's projects use the new stamp set, Snow Much Fun and the non-Christmas Designer Series Paper called Big Top Birthday -- how's that for thinking outside the box!

 

I've got two projects for you! The first is this fabulous folded Origami Star. Click HERE to download and print a Free PDF tutorial on how to create this star.

 

The star looks really intricate but it's fairly quick and easy to make. You begin with 5 pieces of DSP cut at 5" square and you go from there. A little folding ... a little Sticky Strip ... a little patience and viola -- a fabulous star ornament perfect for your tree or a package topper or decoration!

 

 

 

 

 

Next I have this fun and festive, modified Gate-fold card! How fun this new stamp set is! I used Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen to add a little color to the line art images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two different DSP patterns and a little paper tearing (for the snow bank) finish off this cute card! And of course, a little stamping inside is always in order!

 

Well, that's going to do it for now! I hope you enjoy the rest of the tour! The next stop is the blog of the super-stupendous Debbie Currier ... just wait until you see what is waiting for you there! Wowza! Just click below to go to Debbie's post!

 
 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the tour today! I do hope you'll be back soon! And don't forget to stop back later this week for the Origami Star Tutorial! Until then ...

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow! May Control Freaks Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks May Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects on the theme "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow! Ideas for Masculine cards and Father's Day! Now, I don't know anyone who can't use some help and inspiration for masculine cards and projects. I'm not alone in thinking these are some of the most difficult projects I create!

 

So we hope and invite you to take the tour with us now! It won't last long and I promise it will be jam-packed with fabulous ideas for the guys in your life! If you're already on the tour, you probably arrived here from my friend, Mary Brown's blog. Wow!!! Her Sailing Into the Sunset projects were amazing!

Okay, without further delay, I've got two fun projects for you. Maybe it's a cliche but believe it or not, the most popular gift for men remains ... THE TIE!  

I created this cute little "shirt and tie" card using Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper! It's easy enough to do. The "shirt" is a rectangle cut at 2.5 x 3.25" and then mounted to Chocolate Chip cardstock cut 1/4" larger on both sides. The collar is a 1" strip of DSP, folded, attached to the shirt and buttoned down with two brads. I just drew the tie and cut it out, shading the edges with Chocolate Chip Ink before attaching it.

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, stamped in black Stazon ink. I used the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder to give some texture to the Crumb Cake layer. The Card Base is Baha Breeze cardstock!

 

My second project is a modified Z-fold card. I printed off the motorcycle image from MDS and used a sentiment from Word Play.

I began with a 4.25 x 11" piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock and scored it at 3" and 6".

I sponged around the printed image and attached 2 Black brads. The inside mat with the sentiment is 1/4" smaller so it will hide nicely behind the front when the card is closed. One great thing about this card is that it will still fit into a standard card envelope! You can click on the smaller images to view them larger!

Well, that's it for this stop. I do hope you enjoy the tour. I know you will get TONS of fabulous ideas from my freaky friends. Just click on the button below to go to the next stop, the website of the super-talented Debbie Currier! I peeked and you won't want to miss what she has for you!

 
 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy the tour and Happy Stamping! And please, come back again soon!

Sunny Fun Awaits You on the Control Freaks Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks April Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects using items from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog which begins on May 1st!  

There are only 11 stops so it won't take you long and I guarantee, it will be well worth your ride. If you want to see some great artwork and be inspired by fabulous project ideas, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride. It promises to be a great tour! If you're already on the tour, you probably arrived here from my friend, Jan Tinklenberg. Did you see her fabulous floral projects? Jan always has something wonderful and unusual and usually has a funny story to share as well. Love ya, Jan!

Okay, without further delay, I've got two some fun summer projects for you tonight. Now tell me, what do you think of when you think summer? Long, hot days? Beaches, sand and surf? Barbecues and picnics? Shorts and halters and flip-flops? Yes ... that's it! FLIP-FLOPS!!!!!

There's a fabulous new set in the Summer Mini Catalog called Sunny Fun. It has the cutest images of flip flops, ice cream cones and kids swimming in the pool. I'm also featuring some new Designer Series Paper in my projects tonight called Beyond the Garden.

 

Now what girl (of any age) wouldn't love this adorable flip-flop card? It's so simple to make.

Click HERE for a template that you can print. Cut the template out and trace the shape onto a piece of folded cardstock. Cut out another layer of DSP, just slightly smaller than the first and layer it on your card. Embellish with ribbon, flowers, buttons, etc.

 

The ribbon is Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon and see that cute punched flower? That, my friends, is created from ONE PUNCH (yes, you read that right), ONE PUNCH called the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. You move the toggle switch on the punch to three different locations to punch out three coordinating shapes -- how COOL is that? Click on the smaller photo to see a close-up of the inside of the card. The sentiment is from the new set called Happy Greetings!

 

The second project is a little gift box that is made by fastening together two of the Box #2 Die shapes (created with the Big Shot, of course). Instead of folding the lid down and into the boxes, you leave them up and punch a hole with the Modern Label Punch for the handle. How cleaver is that!

 

Again, I started with Melon Mambo Textured Cardstock and also embellished with Peach Parfait and the Scallop Border Punch, as well as more of the fabulous floral patterned paper. As you can see, there's another little matching flower on the box along with a tag created with the Small and Large Tag Punches. Add another bit of ribbon and some of those darling flip-flop images from the stamp set, colored in with Stampin' Write Markers, and you've got one cute little box.  Now, what could go in this box? Well, candy (of course) but what about some fun summer lip balms, lotions or frangrances in travel sizes. Or a little jewelry of even some packaged drink mixes. The possibilities are endless but one thing is sure -- this darling set will thrill any girl you know and will definitely make for some Fun in the Sun!

 

Well, that will be it for now. I do hope you enjoy the tour. I know you will get TONS of fabulous ideas from my Control Freak Friends. Just click on the button below to go to the next stop, the website of the super-talented Lisa Martz.

 
 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy the tour and Happy Stamping! And please, come back again soon!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks April Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects using items from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog which begins on May 1st!  

There are only 11 stops so it won't take you long and I guarantee, it will be well worth your ride. If you want to see some great artwork and be inspired by fabulous project ideas, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride. It promises to be a great tour! If you're already on the tour, you probably arrived here from my friend, Jan Tinklenberg. Did you see her fabulous floral projects? Jan always has something wonderful and unusual and usually has a funny story to share as well. Love ya, Jan!

Okay, without further delay, I've got two some fun summer projects for you tonight. Now tell me, what do you think of when you think summer? Long, hot days? Beaches, sand and surf? Barbecues and picnics? Shorts and halters and flip-flops? Yes ... that's it! FLIP-FLOPS!!!!!

There's a fabulous new set in the Summer Mini Catalog called Sunny Fun. It has the cutest images of flip flops, ice cream cones and kids swimming in the pool. I'm also featuring some new Designer Series Paper in my projects tonight called Beyond the Garden.

 

Now what girl (of any age) wouldn't love this adorable flip-flop card? It's so simple to make.

Click HERE for a template that you can print. Cut the template out and trace the shape onto a piece of folded cardstock. Cut out another layer of DSP, just slightly smaller than the first and layer it on your card. Embellish with ribbon, flowers, buttons, etc.

 

The ribbon is Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon and see that cute punched flower? That, my friends, is created from ONE PUNCH (yes, you read that right), ONE PUNCH called the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. You move the toggle switch on the punch to three different locations to punch out three coordinating shapes -- how COOL is that? Click on the smaller photo to see a close-up of the inside of the card. The sentiment is from the new set called Happy Greetings!

 

The second project is a little gift box that is made by fastening together two of the Box #2 Die shapes (created with the Big Shot, of course). Instead of folding the lid down and into the boxes, you leave them up and punch a hole with the Modern Label Punch for the handle. How cleaver is that!

 

Again, I started with Melon Mambo Textured Cardstock and also embellished with Peach Parfait and the Scallop Border Punch, as well as more of the fabulous floral patterned paper. As you can see, there's another little matching flower on the box along with a tag created with the Small and Large Tag Punches. Add another bit of ribbon and some of those darling flip-flop images from the stamp set, colored in with Stampin' Write Markers, and you've got one cute little box.  Now, what could go in this box? Well, candy (of course) but what about some fun summer lip balms, lotions or frangrances in travel sizes. Or a little jewelry of even some packaged drink mixes. The possibilities are endless but one thing is sure -- this darling set will thrill any girl you know and will definitely make for some Fun in the Sun!

 

Well, that will be it for now. I do hope you enjoy the tour. I know you will get TONS of fabulous ideas from my Control Freak Friends. Just click on the button below to go to the next stop, the website of the super-talented Lisa Martz.

 
 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy the tour and Happy Stamping! And please, come back again soon!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks April Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects using items from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog which begins on May 1st!  

There are only 11 stops so it won't take you long and I guarantee, it will be well worth your ride. If you want to see some great artwork and be inspired by fabulous project ideas, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride. It promises to be a great tour! If you're already on the tour, you probably arrived here from my friend, Jan Tinklenberg. Did you see her fabulous floral projects? Jan always has something wonderful and unusual and usually has a funny story to share as well. Love ya, Jan!

Okay, without further delay, I've got two some fun summer projects for you tonight. Now tell me, what do you think of when you think summer? Long, hot days? Beaches, sand and surf? Barbecues and picnics? Shorts and halters and flip-flops? Yes ... that's it! FLIP-FLOPS!!!!!

There's a fabulous new set in the Summer Mini Catalog called Sunny Fun. It has the cutest images of flip flops, ice cream cones and kids swimming in the pool. I'm also featuring some new Designer Series Paper in my projects tonight called Beyond the Garden.

 

Now what girl (of any age) wouldn't love this adorable flip-flop card? It's so simple to make.

Click HERE for a template that you can print. Cut the template out and trace the shape onto a piece of folded cardstock. Cut out another layer of DSP, just slightly smaller than the first and layer it on your card. Embellish with ribbon, flowers, buttons, etc.

 

The ribbon is Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon and see that cute punched flower? That, my friends, is created from ONE PUNCH (yes, you read that right), ONE PUNCH called the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. You move the toggle switch on the punch to three different locations to punch out three coordinating shapes -- how COOL is that? Click on the smaller photo to see a close-up of the inside of the card. The sentiment is from the new set called Happy Greetings!

 

The second project is a little gift box that is made by fastening together two of the Box #2 Die shapes (created with the Big Shot, of course). Instead of folding the lid down and into the boxes, you leave them up and punch a hole with the Modern Label Punch for the handle. How cleaver is that!

 

Again, I started with Melon Mambo Textured Cardstock and also embellished with Peach Parfait and the Scallop Border Punch, as well as more of the fabulous floral patterned paper. As you can see, there's another little matching flower on the box along with a tag created with the Small and Large Tag Punches. Add another bit of ribbon and some of those darling flip-flop images from the stamp set, colored in with Stampin' Write Markers, and you've got one cute little box.  Now, what could go in this box? Well, candy (of course) but what about some fun summer lip balms, lotions or frangrances in travel sizes. Or a little jewelry of even some packaged drink mixes. The possibilities are endless but one thing is sure -- this darling set will thrill any girl you know and will definitely make for some Fun in the Sun!

 

Well, that will be it for now. I do hope you enjoy the tour. I know you will get TONS of fabulous ideas from my Control Freak Friends. Just click on the button below to go to the next stop, the website of the super-talented Lisa Martz.

 
 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy the tour and Happy Stamping! And please, come back again soon!