Hello everyone! Welcome to the first Freaky Blog tour in 2010. The Control Freaks are at it again, bringing you some terrific projects showcasing wonderful ideas for the most romantic (and fun) holiday of the year -- Valentine's day! If you're already in the midst of the tour, that means you arrived here from the wonderful Lisa Martz's blog. But however you got here, pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and enjoy this next stop! I've got some great ideas for you today and when you're done here, hop back on the bus and take a ride to the next stop! The fun never ends!
These aren't your children's Valentine's day projects today! I've created today's projects for a more mature audience! And what can say Love better than chocolate? Isn't this little chocolate box just yummy? Created with Basic Black and Rose Red cardstocks, the beautiful new Pinking Hearts Border Punch and some of that sexy Black Satin Ribbon, this box is definitely for adults only. There's a little peek-a-boo heart window on each side of the box (using the Heart Treat Cups) so you get a glimpse of all the good things inside! The hearts are from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, stamped in Black Craft ink and Embossed with Black Embossing powder. By the way, this box is big enough to hold almost an entire bag of kisses! All I can say is ... ooh-la-la!
Want to create this box for yourself? Click HERE to download a 4-page tutorial in PDF form.
Now, no gift of chocolate would be complete without a card to say "I love you"! This one will fit the bill perfectly! The same embossed hearts are joined with another created with the Scallop 
Heart Embosslet and the Full Heart Punch. The stamp set is Well Scripted and again we have the Pinking Hearts Border Punch and Satin ribbon. You can just barely see one of the hearts that adorn the inside of the card as well. The top black layer is also embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.
Finally, as if the Cherry chocolate kisses in the heart box were enough, one last bit of chocolate tucks neatly inside this cute little folder, created with the Petal Card Die and the Big Shot. What a cute and quick idea to share just a little something special with someone you love! Well, that's it for this stop. I hope you enjoyed my projects for a more mature audience! It's time to move on to the next stop -- there are some absolutely fabulous projects waiting for you out there on ControlFreak blogs!
Click on the button below to move on down the road to Melanie Schulenberg's blog. I know you won't be disappointed! Have fun on the rest of the tour. Happy travels, Happy Stamping and have a wonderful Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope the Freaks have helped make it just a little better and brighter!
Gretchen as always....awesome projects...hope you will do a tutorial or video on the box!
Posted by: Terry Molineux | January 19, 2010 at 08:07 PM
Gretchen, I love the pink and black together and how you've used the heart cups on your box! Absolutely lovely!
Posted by: Cindy Major | January 19, 2010 at 10:00 PM
I love this set, the colors are awesome, and that card is so beautiful!
Posted by: Julie | January 19, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Black and Rose Red??? That's IT??? Well, all I have to say is, "THAT'S IT!!" These are all so strikingly amazing!! I am SOOO gonna steal this color combo, my friend!! Every detail is just executed to perfection! :)
Posted by: Wendy W. | January 20, 2010 at 12:02 AM
These projects are for adults. So decadent. They're just beautiful!
Posted by: Melanie Schulenberg | January 20, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Whow Gretchen these are out of this world
I totally love the black - genious!
and the little box is darling
way to go
thank you for the inspiration you are the best
now I am going to try to do your sketch yhe I am finding time this week
Thank you Gretchen!
Posted by: Carole'Anne AKA Stampin Stressaway | January 20, 2010 at 05:01 AM
i think these projects are reeking sexual havoc in somebody's mind. stunning!!!
xox ~ carol.
Posted by: carol marbach (udi) | January 20, 2010 at 05:33 AM
hello -- thanks to everyone who has requested instructions for making the little Heart Window box! Stop back later inthe week and I'll edit this post with instructions and photos! Hope that helps! Thanks for taking the tour, everyone -- hope you're having a freakishly good time! Blessings, Gretchen
Posted by: Gretchen Barron | January 20, 2010 at 05:43 AM
That whole set just ROCKS, Gretchen! I love the colors!!
Hugs,
Brandi
Posted by: Brandi | January 20, 2010 at 06:26 AM
Ohhh la la! LOVE IT!
Posted by: Sherri | January 20, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Awesome gift trio!!
Posted by: DOstamping | January 20, 2010 at 07:21 AM
Stunning projects! I love how they all go together and the colour combo is great!
Posted by: Allison B | January 20, 2010 at 07:37 AM
These are fabulous!!!
Posted by: Kristi-Anna | January 20, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Gretchen, I love how you always show us interesting new ideas for using our products. I would never have thought of putting the heart cups on all four sides. Way cute!!!
Posted by: katy C. | January 20, 2010 at 08:15 AM
I love your projects. You are so creative. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kay Kibbel | January 20, 2010 at 08:27 AM
These are just lovely!!
Posted by: Mickey Roberts | January 20, 2010 at 08:37 AM
These are absolutely beautiful - love the use of Rose Red with the black. Love this blog tour!
Posted by: Wendie aka tankergypsie | January 20, 2010 at 08:39 AM
Wowsers! These are amazing! They do remind me of a Victoria's Secret store - you captured that image so clearly.
I cannot believe how beautiful & sexy these colors & images are together.
Just wonderful!
Posted by: LeeAnn | January 20, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Wowzers! I love the box with Heart Cups and the colors you used just POP elegance! Great job!
Posted by: Connie Babbert | January 20, 2010 at 09:05 AM
Gretchen, these are beautiful! I really love that you gave us the big close-up photo at the end! Rose Red is not my favorite color and I think I can honestly say I've never tried the Rose Red/Black combo. I think I may just like Rose Red if I use it with black! Huh! Thank you for the inspiration! Your project are all very classy and elegent! Great job!
Posted by: Wendy J. | January 20, 2010 at 09:26 AM
ooolala Gretchen--you're onto something new; I like all of these ALLOT!; definitely love the old look of black & rose red; stunning!
Posted by: Susan:))) | January 20, 2010 at 09:43 AM
I love the rich colors you used along with the fabulous new satin ribbon. Gorgeous creations!
Posted by: Jenn Diercks | January 20, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I am right there with you Gretchen, ooolala is all you can say! Fabulous.
Posted by: Jonia | January 20, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Ohhhhhh....wow. These are sooo classy and gorgeous!! Such beautiful rich colors and beautiful projects! tfs
Posted by: Crystal L. (craftingandrambling) | January 20, 2010 at 01:11 PM
WOW! Your projects are gorgeous!
Posted by: Cindee Wilkinson | January 20, 2010 at 02:13 PM
beautiful projects and I love your color choice
Posted by: Diane Harris | January 20, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Gretchen,
So rich and classy! BEautiful!
Posted by: Lisa M | January 20, 2010 at 07:59 PM
Great projects Gretchen! LOVE the colors and those kisses are my favorite!! TFS!!
Posted by: Jennifer Weide | January 20, 2010 at 08:59 PM
Pink and Black--what a great Valentine color combo!
Posted by: lisa808 | January 20, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Not only are these projects sexy, they are very elegant!!! I love the color combination! Great ideas, Gretchen!
Sue
Posted by: Susan Erickson | January 21, 2010 at 01:18 AM
What can I say?! These projects are scrumptious!!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mary Jo Kersey | January 21, 2010 at 01:57 AM
These are just gorgeous, Gretchen - I love your colour combo!
Posted by: Genelle Little | January 21, 2010 at 05:22 AM
This is so SASSY! I love it!! Great job!!
Posted by: Gina Lantz | January 21, 2010 at 10:20 AM
As always, I LOVE your projects, Gretchen. Thanks for your constant inspiration!
Cathy W
Posted by: Cathy Warhank | January 21, 2010 at 12:46 PM
How cute and creative! I love all of them!
Posted by: Connie W | January 21, 2010 at 01:44 PM
You've done it again, Gretchen. I love how you used the Treat Cups for the "windows" in this adult ;-) box!
Posted by: Sue duffy | January 21, 2010 at 03:04 PM
Love this Gretchen! Can't wait for the instructions! What a great color pair!
Posted by: jeanne nielsen | January 23, 2010 at 02:27 AM
These projects are SO beautiful. I never thought of that color combination but it makes such a "sexy" valentine. I'm going to make some for my hubby -- he loves chocolate!!! Thanks for sharing. I love your blog!
Posted by: Linda Grames | January 23, 2010 at 10:40 AM
I absolutely love these colors!!!! Certainly is not your kid's valentine!!! I'm a Late Night Stamper too so off to make a card or two! Yvonne Walker www.sassyflamingodesigns.blogspot.com
Posted by: Yvonne Walker | January 23, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Great card and box! Unusual color combo which really makes it stand out! TFS
Posted by: Linda Bandow | January 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM