Gretchen Barron

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!

Welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky Tour -- We promise You a Great Ride!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks January Blog Tour -- the first tour of 2011! This month we are featuring cards and projects for Valentine and Love Themes! 

There are only 12 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, Barb Mullikin's Blog. Didn't you just LOVE her fabulous projects!

I've got a fun and fabulous project for you today -- it's this darling box of Note Cards, complete with a Bird's Nest on the Top. I call it "Sending Love Your Way"! 

Now, if you come back in a day or two, I promise I'll post some more photos and instructions for this adorable little Gift Set. We don't want to bog down the tour with putting too much in this post, so do come back and I'll have more complete instructions for you!

The little Bird's Nest is created by starting with a  large circle of Chocolate Chip Cardstock. Spray it until it's completely saturated with water and then wad and roll it up into a tight ball. Carefully spread it out and then form it into a Cupcake tin or small bowl to make the nest shape. Once it's dry, you can add shredded cardstock to look like twigs and nesting stuff and you can give your little bird a permanent home!

The box is a simple construction, using two sheets of Real Red Cardstock. I embellished the top with the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Dies, Whisper White and Pretty in Pink Cardstocks and lots of embedded hearts using the Embedded Embossing Technique, the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Die. I just love the look that you get with these embedded punched out pieces. So much fun!

 

Okay, now for what's inside the box -- a set of 4 Cards with Decorated Envelopes! And, each card has a mini Card tucked inside the Scallop Envelope, which is created with Cardstock Vellum and the Elegant Bouquet Impressions Die. I used the Red Polka Dot Designer Series Paper from the Valentine Bundle, the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, the Two Step Bird Extra Large Punch, Basic Rhinestones, the Heart to Heart Punch and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder -- whew ... that's a lot of stuff!

 

The envelopes are embellished with some punched hearts on the front and more DSP inside the flap. Click on the photo to view it larger! Another great thing about this set ... although it would be perfect for Valentine's Day, there are no sentiments. So, it could be used for a variety of occasions!

 

I hope you enjoyed this stop on the tour and my little Sending Love Your Way Gift Set! I'm so glad that you stopped by and hope you found some inspiration waiting for you here. This is the last stop on the tour, but if you're just beginning, never fear ... you can click on the button below and go back to the beginning and the wonderful work of Wendy Weixler.

 
 

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 January Blog Tour -- the first tour of 2011! This month we are featuring cards and projects for Valentine and Love Themes! 

There are only 12 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, Barb Mullikin's Blog. Didn't you just LOVE her fabulous projects!

I've got a fun and fabulous project for you today -- it's this darling box of Note Cards, complete with a Bird's Nest on the Top. I call it "Sending Love Your Way"! 

Now, if you come back in a day or two, I promise I'll post some more photos and instructions for this adorable little Gift Set. We don't want to bog down the tour with putting too much in this post, so do come back and I'll have more complete instructions for you!

The little Bird's Nest is created by starting with a  large circle of Chocolate Chip Cardstock. Spray it until it's completely saturated with water and then wad and roll it up into a tight ball. Carefully spread it out and then form it into a Cupcake tin or small bowl to make the nest shape. Once it's dry, you can add shredded cardstock to look like twigs and nesting stuff and you can give your little bird a permanent home!

The box is a simple construction, using two sheets of Real Red Cardstock. I embellished the top with the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Dies, Whisper White and Pretty in Pink Cardstocks and lots of embedded hearts using the Embedded Embossing Technique, the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Die. I just love the look that you get with these embedded punched out pieces. So much fun!

 

Okay, now for what's inside the box -- a set of 4 Cards with Decorated Envelopes! And, each card has a mini Card tucked inside the Scallop Envelope, which is created with Cardstock Vellum and the Elegant Bouquet Impressions Die. I used the Red Polka Dot Designer Series Paper from the Valentine Bundle, the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, the Two Step Bird Extra Large Punch, Basic Rhinestones, the Heart to Heart Punch and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder -- whew ... that's a lot of stuff!

 

The envelopes are embellished with some punched hearts on the front and more DSP inside the flap. Click on the photo to view it larger! Another great thing about this set ... although it would be perfect for Valentine's Day, there are no sentiments. So, it could be used for a variety of occasions!

 

I hope you enjoyed this stop on the tour and my little Sending Love Your Way Gift Set! I'm so glad that you stopped by and hope you found some inspiration waiting for you here. This is the last stop on the tour, but if you're just beginning, never fear ... you can click on the button below and go back to the beginning and the wonderful work of Wendy Weixler.

 
 

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 January Blog Tour -- the first tour of 2011! This month we are featuring cards and projects for Valentine and Love Themes! 

There are only 12 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, Barb Mullikin's Blog. Didn't you just LOVE her fabulous projects!

I've got a fun and fabulous project for you today -- it's this darling box of Note Cards, complete with a Bird's Nest on the Top. I call it "Sending Love Your Way"! 

Now, if you come back in a day or two, I promise I'll post some more photos and instructions for this adorable little Gift Set. We don't want to bog down the tour with putting too much in this post, so do come back and I'll have more complete instructions for you!

The little Bird's Nest is created by starting with a  large circle of Chocolate Chip Cardstock. Spray it until it's completely saturated with water and then wad and roll it up into a tight ball. Carefully spread it out and then form it into a Cupcake tin or small bowl to make the nest shape. Once it's dry, you can add shredded cardstock to look like twigs and nesting stuff and you can give your little bird a permanent home!

The box is a simple construction, using two sheets of Real Red Cardstock. I embellished the top with the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Dies, Whisper White and Pretty in Pink Cardstocks and lots of embedded hearts using the Embedded Embossing Technique, the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Die. I just love the look that you get with these embedded punched out pieces. So much fun!

 

Okay, now for what's inside the box -- a set of 4 Cards with Decorated Envelopes! And, each card has a mini Card tucked inside the Scallop Envelope, which is created with Cardstock Vellum and the Elegant Bouquet Impressions Die. I used the Red Polka Dot Designer Series Paper from the Valentine Bundle, the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, the Two Step Bird Extra Large Punch, Basic Rhinestones, the Heart to Heart Punch and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder -- whew ... that's a lot of stuff!

 

The envelopes are embellished with some punched hearts on the front and more DSP inside the flap. Click on the photo to view it larger! Another great thing about this set ... although it would be perfect for Valentine's Day, there are no sentiments. So, it could be used for a variety of occasions!

 

I hope you enjoyed this stop on the tour and my little Sending Love Your Way Gift Set! I'm so glad that you stopped by and hope you found some inspiration waiting for you here. This is the last stop on the tour, but if you're just beginning, never fear ... you can click on the button below and go back to the beginning and the wonderful work of Wendy Weixler.

 
 

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

Spring is in the Air (even though it's not even winter yet!)!!!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks December Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects using items from the upcoming Occasions Mini (begins January 4th) and Sale-a-Bration (begins January 25th) catalogs.  

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, Dawn Olchefske's. Didn't you just LOVE her sewing-themed projects -- sew sweet! (ok, couldn't resist).

Okay, without further delay, I've got two ... well really 3 great projects to share with you today.

Isn't this a darling little set? Perfect for any spring event -- wedding, shower, May Day, Easter, Mother's Day ...

For the card, I used the Build a Blossom Stamp set with the coordinating Blossom Petals Extra Large Punch. The colors are Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Whisper White and Certainly Celery cardstocks and inks. I also used the new embossing Folder, Framed Tulips, along with the Big Shot for that fabulous border that runs along the edges of the card. The Big button is from  the Sweet Stitches Designer Collection, tied on with a bit of 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon. The flower is attached to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!

Now, I know you're probably wondering about this cool Cone Favor. It's the newest die for the Big Shot, called the Petal Cone Die. And it's super easy and fast to put together.

 

The scallop circle comes as part of the die, along with a banner for a sentiment. I used textured Melon Mambo cardstock and again, Peach Parfait for the scallop border on the flaps. The ribbon is 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon in Peach Parfait, fastened with the fabulous new Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads.

 

The cone is about 4.5" tall so can really hold a lot of candy or other treats!

 

Okay, I've got one more project for you today -- a fun interactive spinner card using the Take a Spin Set. How fun is this and think of all the possibilities! The stamp set comes with 4 different "faces" for the spinner. I decided to go with the Birthday Theme and make it in bright "girly" colors -- Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery and Whisper White.

 

Now, in addition to the spinner, do you see that fabulous and funky Popcorn Trim? Available in 3 colors, beginning January 4th, this promises to be a real winner. What fun to add such wonderful texture and interest to your projects.

 

The sentiment is from Curly Cute and I used the Big Shot along with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder and the Scallop Squares Duo Die. The ribbon is 1/2" Stitched Poly in Pear Pizzazz.

 

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 Wendy Weixler.

 
 

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 December Blog Tour. This month we are featuring cards and projects using items from the upcoming Occasions Mini (begins January 4th) and Sale-a-Bration (begins January 25th) catalogs.  

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, Dawn Olchefske's. Didn't you just LOVE her sewing-themed projects -- sew sweet! (ok, couldn't resist).

Okay, without further delay, I've got two ... well really 3 great projects to share with you today.

Isn't this a darling little set? Perfect for any spring event -- wedding, shower, May Day, Easter, Mother's Day ...

For the card, I used the Build a Blossom Stamp set with the coordinating Blossom Petals Extra Large Punch. The colors are Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Whisper White and Certainly Celery cardstocks and inks. I also used the new embossing Folder, Framed Tulips, along with the Big Shot for that fabulous border that runs along the edges of the card. The Big button is from  the Sweet Stitches Designer Collection, tied on with a bit of 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon. The flower is attached to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!

Now, I know you're probably wondering about this cool Cone Favor. It's the newest die for the Big Shot, called the Petal Cone Die. And it's super easy and fast to put together.

 

The scallop circle comes as part of the die, along with a banner for a sentiment. I used textured Melon Mambo cardstock and again, Peach Parfait for the scallop border on the flaps. The ribbon is 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon in Peach Parfait, fastened with the fabulous new Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads.

 

The cone is about 4.5" tall so can really hold a lot of candy or other treats!

 

Okay, I've got one more project for you today -- a fun interactive spinner card using the Take a Spin Set. How fun is this and think of all the possibilities! The stamp set comes with 4 different "faces" for the spinner. I decided to go with the Birthday Theme and make it in bright "girly" colors -- Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery and Whisper White.

 

Now, in addition to the spinner, do you see that fabulous and funky Popcorn Trim? Available in 3 colors, beginning January 4th, this promises to be a real winner. What fun to add such wonderful texture and interest to your projects.

 

The sentiment is from Curly Cute and I used the Big Shot along with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder and the Scallop Squares Duo Die. The ribbon is 1/2" Stitched Poly in Pear Pizzazz.

 

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 Wendy Weixler.

 
 

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

Time for Another Freaky Tour with Candy Cane Christmas!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks October Blog Tour. This month we are focusing on Cards and projects for December Holidays -- Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa!

 

There are only 13 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, Patty Bennett's blog. I just loved her double high Fancy Favor Box!

 

Okay, without further delay, I've got two ... well really 3 great projects to share with you today.

 

See my adorable little basket created with the Scallop Envelope Die? It's really two projects in one. The fabric flower detaches from the handle (it has an alligator clip glued to the back of it) and can be used as a pen, brooch, headband embellishment, back pack charm or used for just about anything else that you can clip it on.

 

To make the basket more sturdy, I used a 12x12 multi-purpose Adhesive Sheet to bond the Candy Cane Specialty Designer Series Paper and Real Red Cardstock. Let me tell you, that is one sturdy box! Both the card and the basket were created with just one sheet of DSP (with even a little left over). I cut 4 Scallop Envelopes using the Big Shot and fastened them together with Sticky Strip Adhesive to make the basket. The handle is created with another strip of the reinforced DSP and is attached in opposite corners using Glimmer Brads. This DSP is so beautiful in real life -- the red stripe is glittered -- so very cool and festive!

 

I created the fabric flower using the two smallest flower shapes from the Flower Folds Die and our own Stampin' Up! Designer Fabric. Have I told you how fabulous these fabrics are? Well, I have now! I used 3 layers of the larger flower on the bottom and 2 layers of the smallest one, hot-gluing each layer together. I tied some 1/8" Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon through one of the new Big Designer Buttons and glued that on as well. The final step was to hot-glue on the alligator clip on the back of the flower. Now tell me ... how simple is THAT? Amazingly simple and quick! The pictures below show both the front and back of the flower. The great thing is that whoever might receive this little basket as a gift, can use the flower in so many ways. It could even be clipped on the Christmas tree as an ornament. And it all coordinates so wonderfully!

 

Well, what's a gift basket without a great card to go along with it? I am so in love with the cute little kids in the Greeting Card Kids Stamp set. They are so much fun to watercolor. I added the color to this one with Reinkers and a Blender Pen, adding some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and a Basic Rhinestone to the top of the little Christmas Tree. The DSP was left over from the basket project. The scallop Frame is the larger one from the Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die. It's popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals. Finishing touches include some 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon and some more Glimmer Brads! The sentiment is from the Cute & Curly Stamp Set.

 

Well, that's all I have for this stop! You'll want to check out all the other projects along the way. Just click on the Tour button below to go straight away to Jan Tinklingberg and the next stop. You know Jan will have something wonderful to share with you!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy the tour and Happy Stamping!

September Control Freaks Blog Tour -- A Day of Gratitude

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks September 2010 Blog Tour. This month we are focusing on Cards and projects for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving! 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 taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Lee Ann Greff's amazing blog.  She just returned from Founder's Circle and is full of inspiration. Didn't you just love her projects? 

When I saw the Day of Gratitude Stamp Set and the Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Series Paper from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog, I knew I had to have them. I love the fall -- fall colors, fall leaves, fall weather and fall traditions -- and this dynamic duo has all that and more!

My first project today is a delightful set of Home Decorating blocks which you can find in the Big Idea Book & Catalog. The four blocks which come in the set seemed a perfect match for this duo ... spelling out the word "FALL". I know these colorful and festive blocks will enhance my fall and Thanksgiving decorating for years. And they are so easy to make!

I cut 24 3" squares of the DSP, 4 from each pattern. I glued them on the blocks using Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Alright, I'll admit this did take a little time and it was pretty sticky and messy, but the result is worth it! After the glue dried, I sanded each of the edges lightly and sponged on some Chocolate Chip ink to add just a bit of distressing. The letters were cut with the Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet Dies. I adhered the DSP onto heavy chipboard (again with the Tombo Multi Glue) and then easily cut them out with the Big Shot. I inked the edges just a bit for more depth and contrast before attaching them to the blocks using Stampin' Dimensionals! I then embellished with ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine, Buttons, Antique Brads and cut-out leaves from the Stamp Set. A couple of BIG bows tied with 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon provided the perfect finishing touch. I'm really pleased with the way these turned out and now can't wait to get out the rest of my fall decorations. I know they will fit right in with the pumpkins and scarecrows and leaves that adorn our home each year!

Now to go with my gorgeous set of blocks, I also made a card using the same Stamp Set and DSP. I began with a cardbase of Cajun Craze cardstock and added a layer of More Mustard which has inked edges and is embossed with the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. A narrow piece of DSP provides even more contrast on the bottom of the card. I used 3/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, buttons, Natural Hemp Twine and Stampin' Dimensionals! for embellishments.

And the tag was stamped on Naturals Ivory Cardstock and punched out with the Extra Large Decorative Label Punch. The frame around the punched piece is created by punching just a narrow strip of all sides of the punch and adhering to the back of the label with SNAIL adhesive. The tag is applied to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!

 

 

Now, you know me by now! I just can't stop with the front of the card. I have to add a little embellishment to the inside as well! It was easy in this case ... a couple of stamped leafs and then two more cut-outs on top with a little sponging around the edge. The perfect finishing touch!!! (click on the image to view it larger)

Well, that's it for this stop on the tour. I hope you enjoyed your stay and were inspired by my fall projects. It's time to move on to the next tour stop and the blog of Jen Smith. She has some adorable Halloween project ideas to share with you! Have fun and enjoy the ride!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope you'll come back soon!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks September 2010 Blog Tour. This month we are focusing on Cards and projects for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving! 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 taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Lee Ann Greff's amazing blog.  She just returned from Founder's Circle and is full of inspiration. Didn't you just love her projects? 

When I saw the Day of Gratitude Stamp Set and the Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Series Paper from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog, I knew I had to have them. I love the fall -- fall colors, fall leaves, fall weather and fall traditions -- and this dynamic duo has all that and more!

My first project today is a delightful set of Home Decorating blocks which you can find in the Big Idea Book & Catalog. The four blocks which come in the set seemed a perfect match for this duo ... spelling out the word "FALL". I know these colorful and festive blocks will enhance my fall and Thanksgiving decorating for years. And they are so easy to make!

I cut 24 3" squares of the DSP, 4 from each pattern. I glued them on the blocks using Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Alright, I'll admit this did take a little time and it was pretty sticky and messy, but the result is worth it! After the glue dried, I sanded each of the edges lightly and sponged on some Chocolate Chip ink to add just a bit of distressing. The letters were cut with the Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet Dies. I adhered the DSP onto heavy chipboard (again with the Tombo Multi Glue) and then easily cut them out with the Big Shot. I inked the edges just a bit for more depth and contrast before attaching them to the blocks using Stampin' Dimensionals! I then embellished with ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine, Buttons, Antique Brads and cut-out leaves from the Stamp Set. A couple of BIG bows tied with 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon provided the perfect finishing touch. I'm really pleased with the way these turned out and now can't wait to get out the rest of my fall decorations. I know they will fit right in with the pumpkins and scarecrows and leaves that adorn our home each year!

Now to go with my gorgeous set of blocks, I also made a card using the same Stamp Set and DSP. I began with a cardbase of Cajun Craze cardstock and added a layer of More Mustard which has inked edges and is embossed with the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. A narrow piece of DSP provides even more contrast on the bottom of the card. I used 3/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, buttons, Natural Hemp Twine and Stampin' Dimensionals! for embellishments.

And the tag was stamped on Naturals Ivory Cardstock and punched out with the Extra Large Decorative Label Punch. The frame around the punched piece is created by punching just a narrow strip of all sides of the punch and adhering to the back of the label with SNAIL adhesive. The tag is applied to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!

 

Now, you know me by now! I just can't stop with the front of the card. I have to add a little embellishment to the inside as well! It was easy in this case ... a couple of stamped leafs and then two more cut-outs on top with a little sponging around the edge. The perfect finishing touch!!! (click on the image to view it larger)

Well, that's it for this stop on the tour. I hope you enjoyed your stay and were inspired by my fall projects. It's time to move on to the next tour stop and the blog of Jen Smith. She has some adorable Halloween project ideas to share with you! Have fun and enjoy the ride!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope you'll come back soon!

It's Almost Time to Hop on the Bus for another Freaky Tour!

Hello everyone! Just a heads-up that you'll want to make sure and stop by on Monday, September 20th, to take the Control Freaks Blog Tour. This group of stampers have been doing a Blog Tour on the 20th of each month for more than a year now and we'll have some great fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving projects for your inspiration.  Make sure and come back on the 20th and save some time to take a leisurely tour. You won't be disappointed!

No time this weekend to enjoy all we have planned for you! No problem -- we keep our links up so that you can revisit the tour whenever you want! In fact, if you want to see some past Control Freak inspiration, you can click HERE to revisit past tours!

Thanks for stopping by!

No time this weekend to enjoy all we have planned for you! No problem -- we keep our links up so that you can revisit the tour whenever you want! In fact, if you want to see some past Control Freak inspiration, you can click HERE to revisit past tours!

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the August Control Freaks Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks August 2010 Blog Tour. This month we are focusing on new Stamp Sets and products from the amazing Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog! This newest catalog will be available for customers on September 1st and it is filled with the most wonderful new stamp sets, papers, embellishments and so much more for Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas! Contact your demonstrator to reserve your copy - you won't want to miss it.  And just to make you drool and get you excited about the great new things to come, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride on this tour!

If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Janine Tinklengberg's amazing blog. I know you enjoyed her fabulous projects! She always has a surprise up her sleeve!!!

I am absolutely ga-ga in love with the new Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper that you will find in the new catalog and so I decided to make all my projects for this tour highlighting this wonderful new double-sided paper. Coordinating with the colors of Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke and Crumb Cake, it is perfect for beautiful, traditional and victorian holiday cards and projects.

Look at this centerpiece I created, perfect for your holiday table or as the focal point on a mantle or other display! The darling 3-D bird is made entirely of the Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper. This is the same pattern for the birds that I shared with you a week or so ago and guess what, I have a FREE tutorial and pattern for you. Click HERE for the original post or click on the image in my right side-bar!

To make this festive holiday bird, I embellished him with a bit of Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding and some Basic Adhesive Pearls for his eyes. He's also spritzed with a bit of Gold Glow Smooch Spritz for a touch of extra shimmer and bling!

The candle is easily decorated by cutting out just a portion of the DSP and attaching it to a common pillar candle using Sticky Strip Adhesive. Again, I embellished with a Seam Binding Bow and spritzed it as well for a little extra something.

Immersed in a stylish glass dish, surrounded by color coordinated glass marbles and sitting on an inexpensive charger plate, this dynamic duo looks like a million bucks. It's guaranteed to bring you complements at all your holiday gatherings!

Last, but not least, I have an equally glimmery card for you. This could be used as a Christmas Card or an invitation to the stylish holiday gatherings that you're going to have!

I used a card base of Always Artichoke with a layer of Cherry Cobbler and then another with DSP. This is embossed with the Petals A Plenty Impressions Folder and the Big Shot and once again, spritzed with the Smooch Spritz for extra glimmer and glow. I created the gold poinsettias using the 5 Petal Flower Punch and Cherry Cobbler Cardstock along with Metallic Gold Waffle Paper. The centers are new 3/8" Gold Glimmer Brads. Again, the bow was created with 1/2" Seam Binding. The sentiment is embossed with Versamark Ink and Gold Embossing Powder and is from the All Holidays Stamp Set. The frame around the sentiment is punched from Brushed Gold Cardstock and punched with the new Decorative Label Extra Large Punch.

So what do you think? I think it's going to be a fabulous Christmas with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and all the great new products from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog!

It's time to move on to the next tour stop and hold on to your hats because the fabulous Dawn Olchfeske is next! Have fun and enjoy the ride!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope I've inspired you!

Welcome to Another fabulous and Freaky Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks June 2010 Blog Tour. We have a treat for you this month! We're focusing on new Stamp Sets and products from the fabulous 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! This newest catalog will be available for customers on July 1st and it is filled with the most wonderful new stamp sets, papers, colors, embellishments, ribbons and so much more! Contact your demonstrator to reserve your copy - you won't want to miss it.  And just to make you drool and get you excited about the new IDB&C, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride on this tour!

If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Patty Bennett's stupendous blog. I know you enjoyed Patty's fabulous projects, she always has something creative to share!

Do you have a music lover in the family? Then you're going to love this little box, created with the masterful new Newsprint Designer Series Paper. Musical notes!  Aren't they great!!!

I created the box using a 12x12 sheet of Basic Black cardstock. The finished box size is 2.5 x 2.5 x 4". I tied it off with some of the scrumptious 1 1/4" Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. Yes, it's going to be in the new catalog along with a bunch of new colors in this ribbon that is so much fun to work with!

I tied it off with a big, fabulous bow and added an embossed tag using one of the stamps from the new Perfect Punches Stamp Set. click on the small photo on the left to see a close-up of the bow and tag!

Now, this is a box that will make anyone stand up and take note! (sorry, I couldn't resist)!

Project Number Two is this beautiful card, created with the glorious new Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper. You know how much I love Designer Series Papers and let me tell you, the new catalog is filled with so many beautiful paper collections! They are truly amazing!

The floral image from Friends Never Fade, was stamped with Real Red Ink on Whisper White cardstock and then coated with a 2-way Glue Pen and covered with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Such shimmer and shine.

 

The sentiment is from a fabulous new Level 3 Hostess Set called Occasional Quotes. This set is destined to be a classic and a keeper! There are 12 different quotes in all, with different fonts and sizes and variety for the entire year. You will love it!

And finally, if you're looking for a very quick but elegant thank-you note idea, you might try this out!

I created this with the Big Shot and the Scallop Square Die. The Whisper White layer is embossed with the new Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

The ribbon is 1/8" Taffeta in Basic Black and the tag was created using another of the stamps from the Occasional Quotes Stamp set. Punches are Large Oval and Scallop Oval.

Are you getting excited about the new Idea Book & Catalog? I hope so ... I sure am! But don't stop yet!  Mary Brown  has great inspiration for you, as do the rest of the Control Freaks on down the line. Just click on the logo below to move on in the tour!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope I've inspired you!

It's Almost Tour Time!

Hello everyone! Just a heads-up that you'll want to make sure and stop by Sunday, June 20th to take the Control Freaks Blog Tour. This group of stampers have been doing a Blog Tour on the 20th of each month for several months now and we'll have some great projects for your inspiration, using new stamp sets and products from the soon to be here 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog! Make sure and come back this weekend and save some time to hop on the bus. You won't be disappointed!

No time this weekend to enjoy all we have planned for you! No problem -- we keep our links up so that you can revisit the tour whenever you want! In fact, if you want to see some past Control Freak inspiration, you can click HERE to revisit past tours!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's Freaky Tour Time Again -- This Month with a Focus upon the Summer Mini Catalog

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks May Blog Tour where we are focusing on Stamp Sets and products from the fabulous Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog!

If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Wendy Weixler's fabulous blog. Wendy always has something wonderfully (and wickedly) creative to share and today is no exception!

I've got a variety of things for your inspiration today! My first items are created with the new Presto Patterns Specialty Designer Series Papers, the new Smooch Spritz Sprays and the Elements of Style Stamp Set.

The Presto Patterns papers have designs that are already embossed on them so you can easily do resist techniques, adding your own colors and textures. The Log Cabin Smooch Spritz Spray adds a wonderful brassy, golden, and brown spritz to your papers which makes antiquing and distressing oh, so easy!

I've fallen in love with these new products. For my Fancy Favor Box and card, I first sponged Rose Red, More Mustard and Chocolate Chip ink over the DSP in a circular motion and then sprayed on the Smooch Spritz. Distressing was done with the Distressing Tool in the Cutter Kit. I love this vintage look! Click on the smaller images on the left to view them as larger.

The color, shimmer and glow on these projects are amazing when you see them in real life. They almost look metallic! So cool!

Okay, now for an about-face with my next project. Moving from elegant, vintage classic to fun and whimsy!

Banana Split, anyone? It's fun and easy (and calorie-free) with the new Sweet Scoops Stamp set! I used the Big Shot and the Perfect Details Texturz Plate (I've always thought it looked like the texture from a waffle ice cream cone) to put the texture on the Creamy Caramel Layer. I sponged lightly on the edges and over the top with Close to Cocoa ink. The card base is Real Red (cut at 6x6" and folded for a 3 x 6" card), as is the 3/4" Polka Dot Ribbon. I cut the banana free-form from (what else) Barely Banana Cardstock and inked the edges lightly with Close To Cocoa ink. My banana-split has luscious scoops of chocolate, strawberry, raspberry and orange ice cream with Chocolate sprinkles and a cherry on top! And Dazzling Diamonds Glitter makes it look frosty cold -- great for a hot summer day! Such fun! There's even an extra ice-cream cone on the inside for a friend!

Well, that's all for my stop on the tour. But don't stop here! Ilina Crouse has some great inspiration for you, as do the rest of the Control Freaks on down the line. Just click on the logo below to move on in the tour!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope I've inspired you!