Gretchen Barron

A New Punched Flower!

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

 

For my card today, I am using Sunny Garden Double Sided Designer Series Paper, the Just Believe Stamp Set, 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Antique Brads, The Big Shot with the Lattice Die, Swirly Decorative Strip Die, and Square Lattice Impressions Folder. In addition, I've used Stampin' Dimensionals, the Small Oval Punch, the Extra Large Decorative Label Punch and the Owl Punch. Yes, you heard me right ... the OWL PUNCH!!!

Aren't these tulips just the cutest things! And so easy and fun to make. Here's a quick tutorial!

Punch the Owl body and the Small Oval out of your flower color.Trim off the little feet. Punch just the top part of the owl (with the ears) out of Green cardstock (I used Garden Green). Sponge the edges of the two pieces that will make up the flower.

 

Using SNAIL adhesive, attach the Small oval punch as shown. Tape the Green "ears" to the bottom of the flower, turn and trim even with the curve. And there you have it ... a quick, fun and easy way to fabulous flowers with a punch!

 

OK -- here's the Dimensions for this week's card:

1. Layer One -- Peach Parfait Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form a card base.
2. Layer Two -- Poppy Parade Cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25". Run through the Big Shot with the Impressions Folder to emboss.
3. Layer Three (DSP strips) -- cut at 3/4 x 4". Use your Grid Paper to space the strips evenly on the card.
4. Layer Four -- Lattice Die Cut made of Whisper White Cardstock.
5. Layer Five -- flowers and swirly leaves and stems
6. Layer Six -- Sentiment stamped on Whisper White Cardstock and punched out with the Decorative Label Punch. Click HERE to learn how to make the frame around the punched shape.
7. Layer Seven -- Inside of Card -- whisper White cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25". I placed another flower and swirl on the inside to dress the card up a bit!

 

Well, that will do it for now. You will definitely want to check out Stamping 411 to see what the other Operators have created this week -- their cards are stunning!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you visit again Soon!

 

 

Earth Tones are in this Week with the UDI Color Challenge!

Hello everyone! We have a new color challenge for you this week from Utah Divas International! Look at these beautiful earth tones -- Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip and Basic Gray!

 

Now I must admit, these are not usually colors that I would choose or combine. But then, isn't that why we play along with challenges? They help us to step outside the box and try new ideas and combinations that we wouldn't normally do on our own. And I must admit, these colors do look beautiful together on this chair!

 

Well, how well do they look together on my card for this challenge?

 

I rather like how this turned out. I used the Seasons of Friendship and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp sets. I added some Very Vanilla Cardstock and stamped all the images on this, mounting it on layers of Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip. Doesn't that little own look right at home in that tree? He is punched with the fabulous Extra Large Owl Punch and I added some black Brads for his eyes. The only other thing I did was to add some 5/8" Satin Ribbon (OK, it's Early Espresso but close enough!).

 

And of course, I had to do some stamping on the inside of the card -- a few leaves that look like they blew up in the corner of the yard!

 

Okay, now it's your turn! Are you ready to accept the UDI color challenge this week? I hope so. You'll want to check out the projects that the other Design Team members created and once you're completed your project, return back to the UDI blog and leave your linking information! We can't wait to see what you do this week!

 

Look at What You Can Make with Just Half a Package of Holly & Jolly Rub-ons!

Good morning, everyone! If you're looking for quick Christmas Card ideas you might want to think about using the Stampin' Up! Holly & Jolly Rub-ons. Rub-on's make quick and easy work and no stamping or ink is required!

I made twelve of these fabulous cards in no time at all using just half of the package of Holly & Jolly rub-ons, along with cardstock and Jolly Holiday Double-Sided Designer Series Papers. To dress up the cards even more, I lined the envelope flaps with coordinating prints from the DSP pack.

It's a great deal -- one entire pack of Rub-ons would probably make at least 30 cards and they are oh, so cute!

Here's all you need:

• 119249, Holly & Jolly Rubons, $7.95
• 117159, Jolly Holiday DSP, $9.95
• 107300, Very Vanilla Envelopes (pack of 40), $6.50
• 120992, Cherry Cobbler Seam Tape, $6.95
• 121000, Always Artichoke Seam Tape, $6.95
• Cardstock (I used Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler)

Want to try your hand at these quick and fabulous Christmas Cards? You can order all the supplies at my Online Store (click on "shop now" at the top of the page) or e-mail me and I'll process the order for you!

 

Thanks so much for looking and Happy Crafting!

Winter Post Blues

Hello everyone and welcome to another Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators.

 

 

For this week's card I've teamed up the Winter Post Stamp set with the Northern Frost Decorative Strip, the Big Shot and a whole lot of glitter and cool Blues and Browns!

 

Look at all the glitter and shimmer on those beautiful snowflakes. Can you see it in the photo? Click to enlarge and it might show up a bit better. Here's my trick for glittering up these intricate snowflakes. Adhere Whisper White cardstock to the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets and cut it in 2" strips. These can then easily be run through the Big Shot, using the Northern Frost Decorative Strip. Punch out the snowflakes, carefully peel away the backing and you have a snowflake that is perfectly primed to be pressed into Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Use some Basic Rhinestones for even more bling and there you have it -- Beautiful, glittery, frosty snowflakes for all your Christmas and winter projects. If you're like me, you might want to make up a bunch of these and keep them handy in a little container so they're ready to go when you feel creative.

 

Okay, here's the measurements for my card this week:

1. Layer one -- Night of Navy Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your card base.
2. Layer Two -- Crumb Cake cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25". I stamped images from the stamp set, using Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake ink and then inked the edges with Chocolate Chip ink. Attach ribbon across the bottom of this layer, using SNAIL adhesive to fasten to the back.
3. Layer Three -- Night of Navy Cardstock cut at 2.75" square.
4. Layer Four -- Baja Breeze Cardstock cut at 2.5" square.
5. Layer Five -- Whisper White Cardstock cut at 2.25" square. stamp image with Black Stazon ink and watercolor with reinkers and blender pens. Sponge the edges with Baja Breeze ink. Assemble layers 3-5 at attach to card with Stampin' Dimensionals. Attach snowflakes and embellish as desired.
6. Layer Six -- inside of card -- Whisper White cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25". I stamped snowflakes in the corner and inked the edges with Crumb Cake ink and then adhered one more glittered snowflake on top.

That's it! Pretty straight-forward and simple but oh so pretty! I really love the dark ribbon contrasting against the crumb cake background. Will definitely be using this color scheme again!

You'll want to be sure and check out the cards that the other Stamping 411 Operators have created with this week's sketch. There's some beautiful artwork waiting for your inspiration! And once you've completed your own project, we hope you'll revisit Stamping 411 and leave your linking information!

Have a great weekend, everyone and ... Happy Stamping!

 

 

 

**New for Christmas** Santa Suit Gift Card Holder -- Available as a Kit or Assembled and Ready to Give!

Good morning, everyone! I've added a new option to my popular Test Tube Gift Card Holder Kits! It's a Santa Suit for Christmas! Isn't it darling? You can fill the attached Test Tube with candy, trinkets or amost anything! And when the recipient opens up the card, they are greeted with everyone's favorite gift -- a Gift Card! After all, even the Naughty deserve something Nice! LOL!

 

The Santa Suit Test Tube Gift Card Holder is now available in two different options!

Option 1 is a kit which includes pre-cut cardstock, punchies and shapes, test tubes, corks and ribbon to make 4 gift card holders  The price (which includes postage) is $14.95. You will need to provide your own Stamps (I used the Tags Till Christmas Set. Contact me to add this to your order). You will also need to provide your own SNAIL adhesive and sticky strip. Everything else comes in the kit, ready for you to assemble. Start to finish, you should be able to assemble all 4 Gift Card Holders in the kit in less than an hour! Printed Instructions are also included with your kit.

Option 2 is to purchase the Gift Card Holders already assembled. Everything is stamped and put together and all you have to do is fill the test tube and tuck in your gift card. With this option, you receive 4 fully assembled Gift Card Holders for $19.95 (includes shipping). Bubble envelopes are recommended if you are mailing the Test Tube Gift Card Holders and are not included with either option.

Prices are for shipping within the US only. International shipping is available for an additional shipping fee. Contact me if you are interested.

Order by clicking on the drop-down menu below to choose your option and then click on the PayPal button to complete your order. Once your order has been placed, I will respond within 24 hours, giving you an estimated delivery date.

Choose Your Option:

Option 1 -- Santa Suit Gift Card Kit (makes 4) $14.95 Option 2 -- Santa Suit Assembled Gift Card Holders (4) $19.95

 

Choose:

Option 1 -- Original Test tube Gift Card Holder Tutorial $5.00 Option 2 -- Santa Suit Test Tube gift Card Holder $5.00

Thanks for stopping by today!

New Colors Now Available for the Test Tube Gift Card Kits!

Good morning, everyone! I've got some good news this morning! I'm now making the Test Tube Gift Card Holder Kits in four fabulous color schemes. I've added a "girly girl" pink and purple and a great combination for fall -- Chocolate Chip and pumpkin Pie!

Pictured to the left is the original in Real Red, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White. It's stamped with the Tart & Tangy and A Word for You Stamp Sets. The test tube is filled with fruit shaped candies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured to the right is the second color scheme of Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White. I used the Watercolor Trio Stamp set to stamp the images and added some of the new fabulous Basic Pearls to the center of the flowers. Are you wondering what you might put in this test tube? What about some scented bath salts along with a gift card to a favorite bath shop or spa? What about flower seeds with a gift card to a local nursery? What about potpourri with a gift card to a candle store? You get the picture! There are all sorts of ways you can use this cute gift card/test tube duo! The photo on the left shows you the inside of the Gift Card Holder once it's all together! (click on the photo to view it larger).

 

 

 

 

I've now added two additional color schemes! The one on the left is Pretty in Pink and Elegant Eggplant. It would be great for any girly gift or floral theme. Here I've used the Friends Rock stamp set along with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and Adhesive Basic Rhinestones for lots of bling. And look what fits in the test tube? What child doesn't always need more Stylus sticks for their DS game system? Imagine their surprise when they open the card to find a gift card inside!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for fall, I've added one additonal color scheme -- Chocolate chip and Pumpkin Pie! I've paired it here with Rock N' Roll stamping and the Day of Gratitude Stamp Set.

Each kit contains pre-cut and scored cardstock to make 5 complete test tube gift card holders. You pick the color scheme you want to order. Can't decide, order more than one! Kit also includes five test tubes, five cork stoppers and ribbon for all five sets. The photos on the right show you what you will get to complete each card (remember, the kits include materials to make 5 complete gift card holders!). Click on the small photos to view them larger. Remember, all the cardstock is pre-cut and pre-scored, making it so quick and easy to add your own stamping, test tube fillers and gift card! These can literally be put together in minutes! A printed instruction sheet is also included with each kit. The kits sell for $14.95 which includes USPS First Class S&H. Each kit makes 5 complete gift card holders! The only supplies you need are your own stamps and ink pads, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, test tube filler and embellishments.

 

If you need the stamp sets to go with them, notify me by e-mail at gbarron56@comcast.net and I will assist you in getting everything you need to create these darling projects just as they are pictured above!

Prices are for Shipping to the US only. International shipping is available for additional postage. Contact me for more information!

**Just Added and New for Christmas** -- Santa Suit Gift Card Holders! This new option for Christmas is avilable as a kit or already assembled. Click HERE for more information and to place an order for the Santa Suit Test Tube Gift Card Holders!

 

 

To order the kits or Tutorials, click on the PayPal button below and specify the color scheme and number of kits you wish to order!

Choose Your Options:

Option 1 -- Test Tube Gift Card Kit Red/Pumpkin (makes 5) $14.95 Option 2 -- Test Tube Gift Card Kit Celery/Eggplant (makes 5) $14.95 Option 3 -- Test Tube Gift Card Kit Pink/Eggplant (makes 5) $14.95 Option 4 -- Test Tube Gift Card Kit Chocolate/Pumpkin (makes 5) $14.95 Option 5 -- Santa Suit Gift Card Holder Kit (makes 4) $14.95 Option 6 -- Tutorial Only for Original Test Tube Gift Card Holder $5.00 Option 7 - Tutorial Only for Santa Suit Gift Card Holder $5.00

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!

Another Bright and Cheery UDI Color Challenge!

Good morning, everyone! It's Tuesday and time for another Utah Divas International Color Challenge. This week poses a bit of a challenge because it uses so many colors ... and they are bright colors, not ones usually affiliated with this time of year -- Rose Red, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight! Sounds like spring, right? WRONG!

 

I decided these colors would be perfect for a child's birthday card so here is my project for this week.

 

I used Fox & Friends and On Your Birthday stamp sets. Other items used include 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, the large and small Tag Punches, The big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder and Stampin' Dimensionals.

 

This is a quick and fun little card to put together and one that can easily incorporate so many bright colors!

 

I think the Design Team at UDI did a great job with this week's challenge. You'll want to view all their cards HERE and make sure and leave us a link to your creation using this week's challenge colors!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! You'll want to be sure and come back tomorrow for the October Control Freaks Blog Tour, featuring cards and projects for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. I hope to see you back then!

 

Watercolor Fun with Autumn Harvest

Hello everyone! Are you ready for a new Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators? Well, it's your lucky day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my card this week, I used my favorite fall set of all time, Autumn Harvest. If you like to do watercoloring, this is the set for you! I colored in my pumpkins and leaves with ink and Blender Pens, stamping first on Very Vanilla Cardstock with Black Stazon ink. I filled in the pumpkins with Pumpkin Pie ink first, and then added the shadows with Cajun Craze -- what a great combination! There's a little bit of Old Olive on the stems and gourd as well. And see those curly "tendrils" for the vines? I wrapped Natural Hemp Twine around a pencil, sprayed with water and let it dry for this cool effect! The pumpkins and leaves are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.

 

I used Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Series Paper and stamped right on the DSP for the background look. The sentiment is from a new little set, Thank For ...

 

 

 

And of course, I did a little stamping on the inside as well. A few more leaves twisting and swooping in the wind!

 

 

 

 

Okay ... here's the measurements:

1. Layer One -- Chocolate Chip Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form the card base.
2. Layer Two -- DSP cut at 4 x 5.25". I stamped leaves with Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Cajun Craze inks.
3. Layer Three -- Chocolate Chip cardstock cut at 2.25 x 3.25"
4. Layer Four -- Very Vanilla cardstock cut at 2 x 3". I stamped the sentiment with Chocolate Chip ink.
5. Layer Five -- stamp the pumpkins, gourd and leaves on a scrap of Very vanilla cardstock with Black Stazon ink. Color in. Cut out and attached with SNAIL and/or Stampin' Dimensionals.
6. Layer Six -- Inside of Card -- Very Vanilla cut at 4 x 5.25"

Well, now it's YOUR turn! Visit the Stamping 411 blog to see what the other Operators have created and then come back again after you've done your magic with this sketch. Leave us your linking information so we can all enjoy your creativity!

Have a great weekend, everyone! And Happy Stamping!

Super Quick and Simple Hallowen Treat Box!

Are you looking for a super quick and simple treat box for Halloween? One that you can duplicate many times without investing a lot of time? This just may be what you're looking for! A great idea for classroom gifts or even to pass out at the door on Halloween, this treat box literally goes together in minutes! In fact, if you were to assembly line these, I'll bet you could put together 20 or more in an hour, start to finish!

 

There's no stamping -- only die-cutting and punching! I used the Fancy Favor die and the Big Shot and cut the little bag out of Basic Black cardstock. Run it through the Big Shot one more time using the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and then put the box together using Sticky Strip Adhesive.

 

The tag is created by puching the 2 1/2" Circle out of So Saffron Cardstock. Two bats are puched out of Basic Black and applied with SNAIL adhesive. Use the Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole through the tag and box all at the same time and tie on the tag with a bit of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon. That's it! I told you it was quick and super simple!

 

I hope you can use this idea to bring some extra special treats to all your ghosts and goblins this Halloween!

 

 

Speaking of ghosts, goblins and Halloween, you might want to check out my Frankie & Friends Kit and/or tutorial. These little guys promise to bring personality and attitude to all your Halloween Festivities. You still have time to order the kit and receive it before Halloween. The tutorial is e-mailed within 24 hours. Click HERE for more information.

 

It's not too late to place orders for the new ribbon and DSP samplers from the BIG Idea Book & Catalog. I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

 

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!!!!