Gretchen Barron

HO, HO, HO ... It's the ControlFreaks Christmas Blog Tour!

Hello    everyone  and welcome to the Control Freaks November Blog Tour! This  month is all about Christmas!

 

If you're arriving here before 8 pm, some links may not be working yet! Please come back in just a bit if you run into a road block! If you've already begun the tour, then you must be arriving from the blog of LeeAnn Greff. She had some amazing projects for us!

 

I decided to create a gift duo for the tour this month, using the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper. The circular gift box is so fun and really big as well -- it measures 5.5" tall with a diameter of about 4" -- big enough to hold a beautiful scarf, a pair of gloves or even delicious homemade cookies!

 

We don't want to bog down the tour with extra pictures and details right now but never fear! Come back in a couple of days and I'll post some additional pictures and directions for making this project!

 

 

 

Stamp sets include French Foliage (for the fabulous poinsettia). I used the Big Shot with the Apothacary Accents Framelits and the Window Frame Framelits as well as the Large Scallop Circle Die. The poinsettia leaves are stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on Pretty in Pink Cardstock, coated with Versamark and Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder and then heat set. They are so sparkly and beautiful in real life! The final embellishments include Basic Pearls and 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon.

 

 

 

 

That's pretty much it! This project looks a lot more complicated than it really is! Try it ... you'll definitely want to make more than one! 

 

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!

 

 

It's time to move on down the road now to the blog of the always amazing Wendy Weixler (love ya, Wendy!) Just click on the image below and you'll be magically transported to the next stop!

 

 

 

Back to School with the Control Freaks!

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks August Blog Tour! This month we are heading Back to School with cards, projects and more focusing on this most wonderful time of the year .... the beginning of School!

 

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

 

My own baby is starting Junior High TOMORROW! Sniff, sniff! I can't believe it! It's a new chapter in our lives with a new school, new teachers, new expectation and ... A NEW LOCKER OF HER OWN! So, I decided to create some Locker Art for my daughter Bethany to get her year off to a great start!

 

This first piece is a BIG Magnet with her name and Butterflies! I used the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper Kit for all of today's projects .... it's so bright and fun ... perfect for a tween girl!

 

 

I've relied heavily upon the Big Shot for these projects, cutting out Chipboard shapes for most of the magnets. I began with the On Board Chipboard Sheets, adhering the DSP with Tombo Adhesive and then cutting out the shapes! I love the dimension that the Chipboard gives to these projects! I used the Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die to cut the background shape and the Typeset Alphabet Bigz set to cut the letters. The magnet is embellished with multiple butterflies cut with Beautiful Wings Embosslet and I added quite a bit of bling with lots of Self Adhesive Basic Rhinestones! I attached 4 big, powerful magnet discs on the back of the piece, using Crystal Effects. Believe me, this magnet will never fall off of her locker!

 

Now, when you cut out the shape, you end up with what? A frame, of course! What a great way to use the "negative" shape as a picture frame. I created and decorated it in much the same way, attaching the big Magnet Discs to the back. Before I give it to her, I'm going to add a photo of her and either her best friend or her and Rueby, our puppy! She will be thrilled!

I created the thought bubbles with MDS2, using the Seriously Awesome and Cottage Garden Stamp Brush Sets!

Now, in order to get the die through the Big Shot machine, I had to go with the funky angle but you know ... I kind of like it that way. It definitely adds to the appeal for a tween girl, don't you think?

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, I created a card to give my sweet girl in the morning as she goes off for her first day of Junior High ... Just to remind her that her possibilities are truly endless (the Stamp Set is Word Play)!

 

 

 

That's it for this stop on the tour! If you've not completed all the stops, you'll want to continue by going to Judy DiScipio. You know that she has some amazing surprises waiting for you!

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Ready for the Ride! It's Tour Time with the Control Freaks!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks July Blog Tour! This month we are featuring a little bit of everything ... convention swaps, items from the upcoming Holiday Mini or anything from the new Idea Book & Catalog! If you don't have the new catty, be sure and contact your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator to get one pronto, along with the Holiday Mini (which begins on August 1st)! After this tour, you'll know you just have to have one!

 

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

 

I've created three projects for you this time around ... two cards and an adorable (and very quick & easy) halloween treat bag! Here's my first card ... it's all about being pretty! This card was inspired by this week's MoJo Monday Sketch #251! I love the bold, color blocking look along with the delicate and lacy look of the Delicate Doilies Sizzlet. I've used three different patterns from the Floral District Designer Series Paper, attached each color block to a Whisper White mat and then embossed the whole thing with the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. Cardstock Colors are Rose Red and Whisper White. I used four (4) Scallop Circle punchies for the dimensional flower -- punch a hole in the middle of all 4, secure with an Antique Brad, and then beginning with the top layer, scrunch each layer up to look like a real flower ... it's a pretty cool and fast technique. I attached it to the doily assembly with dimensionals, over two Little Leaves die cuts and a perfect little bow created with 1/2" Baja Breeze Seam Tape Ribbon (love that stuff for bows). The sentiment from the "Trust God" stamp set is punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch and attached with a 2" Circle of Rose Red.

 

 

 

Next is my version of the Triple Time Stamping technique. I learned this from my friend and fellow Control Freak, Dawn Olchefske. My little twist on this is that my third layer (the smallest layer) is a Labels Collection Framlet, rather than another square layer. Gotta make it my own, right! I used the French Foliage Stamp Set (so glad that made it into the new catty), stamped in hues of More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Cajun Craze, Always Avocado and Cherry Cobbler. The sentiment is from the Sassy Salutations Stamp Set. Cardstock colors are Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White. I attached the framlet layer with Stampin' Dimensionals. This technique is so quick and easy and really makes quite an impression ... if you haven't done so yet, you really need to try it! Of course, I did some stamping on the inside of the card as well! It's always nice to give someone a little unexpected surprise when they open their card!

 

 

And finally, I have a really fun and really easy little Halloween Treat Bag for you featuring a new stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Monster Munchies!

I used the Top Note Die to cut out some Pumpkin Pie Polka Dots (from Polka Dot Parade DSP). I cut another shape with Black cardstock and used that to line the top and bottom of the Top Note topper. The Monster Munchie stamp was punched with the 1 1/4" Square Punch and backed with 1 3/8" in Basic Black. Two tiny black brads create the screws in old Frank's head. I filled a large Cello bag with Chex Mix, folded and stapled the top and then attached the topper with Sticky Strip Adhesive! Now, thats a Halloween Munchie that even the scariest monster will enjoy!

 

That's it for this stop on the tour! If you've not completed all 16 stops, you'll want to continue by going to Jan Tinklinberg's Blog. You know that she has some amazing surprises waiting for you!

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!

 

A Freaky Tour with New and Fabulously Freaky Things!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks June Blog Tour! This month we are featuring fabulous new stamp sets, papers and embellishments from the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog! If you don't have the new catty, be sure and contact your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator to get one pronto! After this tour, you'll know you just have to have one!

 

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

 

My projects tonight all have a common theme -- they all use the wonderful new International Bazaar Designer Series Paper. This paper is so bright and beautiful and versatile ... I just love it and hope you will as well. The first project is this fabulous gift bag, made with 2 sheets of Designer Series Paper. This is a BIG 7" square bag with reinforced handles to hold quite a load. 

The handles are made with the fabulously freaky and wonderful 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon. I created the Rosette with the Big Shot and the Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die. It's embellished with a Natural Designer Button and a sentiment flag stamped with the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set. I'm so excited about this bag, I think I'll be using up a lot of my retired DSP sheets making them! Click HERE to view the tutorial and download and print your own PDF copy!

 

Next is a card, created again with the International Bazaar DSP. I've used the 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Pacific Point. The stamp set is called World Treasures. The scallop was created with the Big Shot, the Large Scallop Edgelet and the Delicate Designs Embossing Folder ... beautiful, isn't it?

 

The colors are Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White and Pool Party. I've also embellished with Basic Rhinestones and the sentiment is mounted on a die cut using one of the Apothecary Accents Framelets. I also embossed the Whisper White layer with the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.

 

One more project for you on this stop ... another card. Now I must say, this card turned out completely different from what I originally intended. Let's just say it was a happy accident, if you know what I mean. I always say there are no mistakes in stamping, only opportunities for creative embellishment. Well, say hello to creative embellishment! LOL!!!

I LOVE the way this card turned out. If you know me, you know I love purple and this Rich Razzleberry card fits the bill. I punched the squares with the 1 3/8" square punch and rounded two opposite corners on each square. The ribbon is 1/8" Stitched Grosgrain. The butterflies were created with the Papillon Potpourri stamp set and coordinating Elegant Butterfly Punch (LOVE IT!) and embellished with Basic Rhinestones. The sentiment is from a new set called Sassy Salutations!

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 my good friend, Patty Bennett'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!

 

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!