Hello everyone and welcome to Takin' It To the Top Tuesday! We're in the pink with the three cards I've created for you today -- one basic, one intermediate, and one stepped-up. This weekly feature on Inspiration in Actions helps to show you what just a little "extra" can do to step-up your cards and make them even more special. Colors for all three cards today are Real Red, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White. I've used just a bit of the Swirly Bride Specialty Designer Series Paper (for the heart punch). I've used the new stamp sets, Well Scripted and I {Heart} Hearts along with the old favorite, Baroque Motifs (it will be a sad day when this one retires). Accessories include 5/8" Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, the Full Heart and Heart to Heart Punches, the Stampin' Up! Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslet (with the Big Shot) and the new Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches.
As you can see, the basic card is quite beautiful in itself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this card and it's actually quite a good option if you are making multiples and sending them out. It's fast and easy and quite beautiful. But it can be even more beautiful ...
Here's the second card, the intermediate one. What did I change on this one? Well, I added some shading around the edges with Pretty in Pink ink and a sponge. The center of the large heart (the punched image) also has some sponging on it to bring out the swirly pattern in the Bride Specialty DSP. And, instead of using 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, I added the beautiful and luxurious 5/8" Satin Ribbon. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a tutorial on how to tie a perfect bow (or at least I think it's near perfect). Those are the only changes but you can see that just those minor changes can make a big difference in the way the card looks. Now, let's see if we can step-it-up even more!
Here's the final card -- stepped up even more. what did I change this time around? For starters, I stamped the Baroque Motifs flourish twice, one in the upper right-hand corner and another time 
in the lower left-hand corner. I added a focal frame of Real Red cardstock, punched with the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches. I began with a piece of cardstock that was cut at 2 3/8 x 3 1/4". For instructions on how to cut squares and rectangles with the punched trim all around, see my previous Tutorial HERE. I stamped the Baroque Motifs flourish again on the 
piece of Whisper White cardstock that I attached to the top of the punched rectangle and shaded the edges with Pretty in Pink. On this one, I didn't emboss the center White Heart, but instead just swirled on some ink with a sponge to bring out the beautiful swirly pattern in the DSP. That's it -- simple changes but again, simple changes can make a BIG difference!
So, here's all three lined up side-by-side -- basic, intermediate, stepped-up ... what do you think?
Okay -- here's how I tie a bow -- there may be other ways, in fact, I'm sure there are. But this is what I do. I call it (for lack of a better name) a Bunny Ear bow because you begin by making two loops that look like Bunny Ears. Follow along step-by-step and I guarantee you after just a couple of practice bows, you will be tying beautiful bows for your projects! Click on any photo to view it as larger.
Step One: Do not cut your ribbon off the spool. Make two loops, hold one in each hand (I'm only using one hand because my other hand was taking the picture -- but you use two hands -- trust me, it's much easier that way).
Step Two: Cross the right loop over the left loop
Step Three: Fold the right loop down and through the center opening that was formed by crossing the two loops. don't pull tight, not yet! when you pass the right loop through the opening, the bow will flip so it will look like you're working on it upside down (actually at this point, I guess you are working on it upside down).
Step Four:
t
urn the bow right-side up and "fiddle" with it until you get it the way you want -- adjust the loops to the size you want, smooth out any wrinkles and twist the ribbon if it's going the wrong way. Once you get it all adjusted, slowly pull it tight. Do this slowly and you may need to do some more adjusting as you tighten it.
Step Five: Clip the ends of the tails on a diagonal. You will finally separate the bow from the spool of ribbon. If you want a "notched" end, fold the end of the ribbon in half and snip it on a diagonal with your Paper Snips. when you let it unfold, you will have a "v" shaped notch cut out of the ribbon
Step Six:
Now, this may be the most important step of all. Turn the bow over. what you find on the back will probably (at least 90% of the time) look better than the front that you were working on. Don't ask me why. It defies logic. But I've
found that the back side usually looks nicer and the ends lay better. don't fight it, don't question it ... just go with it! To attach the bow to your project, I usually use a Pop-Up Glue Dot or glue it with Crystal Effects. If it's a small bow (made with 1/4" ribbon), a Mini Glue Dot may also work. You don't want the Pop-up Glue Dot to show, so you can fold it over or even cut it in half to attach your bow. that's it ... that's how I make my bows! Let me know how it works for you. I would love to hear your experience!
Well, I think it's time to go for now. Thanks for stopping by and I hope I inspired you to step-up-your cards a bit this week and maybe even add a bow!
Don't forget that I am currently taking orders for Samplers of new Designer Series Papers, Ribbons and Embellishments from this great new catalog? Receive a 10% discount when you order all three samplers. You'll find all the information Here! I will order supplies for this next batch of samplers on Friday and will be shipping them out to those who have ordered next week!
