Birthday Wishes

Posted in Birthday Cards, Cards by lisababitz

Birthday Wishes

This card was made with three challenges in mind:

1) There is a color challenge over at The Paper Players. Here is the color palette we are to use:

If we don’t have these exact colors, it’s ok. As long as the color scheme is similar, we are welcome to play along. (http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/2015/03/pp235-anne-maries-color-challenge.html)

2) For the Mod Squad “Make a Background” Challenge, we are encouraged to make a background where we can use ink, watercolor, markers, crayons, stencils, stamps….well you get the idea. Basically anything but pattern paper. (Sadly, this site is no longer active.)

3) Over at Pile it On, we are to incorporate their CURRENT challenge with at least one other CURRENT challenge . We are encouraged to see how many challenges we could get into one project! Their challenge this week is to use green. (http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/03/pile-it-on-59-green.html)

I created my background by applying Tim Holtz distress inks and water to my craft mat and then placing my card stock onto the ink. The inks I used were peeled paint, scattered straw, frayed burlap, and tattered rose. These colors closely matched the color palette above. I trimmed the panel to fit my card base and then used a scrap of it to create the squares on the left as well. I also used patterned paper from the Gina K Delicate Essentials 6×6 paper pack. For card stock, I used white to create my background panel along with Stampin’ Up Crisp Cantaloupe, Gina K Sweet Corn and Grass Green, and Bazzill Basics Quick Sand. To make the vase, I used the Spellbinders Filigree Vase set. The Spellbinders Fantastic Flourish One die was used to cut the leafy flourish in green. I cut additional pieces in sweet corn and crisp cantaloupe and cut off the flowers and a few sections of the flourishes for my accents. I also used a Creative Memories square punch. The greeting stamp came from the Gina K Designs “Elegant Florals” stamp set and was stamped with the peeled paint ink on a scrap of my hand-made background paper. (To see how I easily adhered all the delicate flourishes to my project, check out my earlier post HERE.)

This was a fun card project to make. I really like the color palette and would probably never have thought to use these colors together on my own. It had been a while since I had made a background using distress inks. And trying to combine challenges is always …well, a fun challenge!!

Thanks for checking out my card project!

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9Mar2015

Potted Plant

Posted in Birthday Cards, Cards by lisababitz

Potted Plant

It’s amazing how some cards begin with an idea and you just need to execute the plan while other cards evolve so much throughout the process that they end up looking nothing like they were intended to look. This card falls into the second group! I originally envisioned this card with delicate flowers in a pot made with patterned paper. The patterned pot was beautiful, but I couldn’t make the background work so I decided to use the patterned paper for the background instead. I had a sentiment I intended to stamp on the pot, but it was too big. I wanted to make flowers out of crepe paper, but I had trouble with that so I redid them on paper and added 3D Stamp Paint that made them too bold and sparkly. Then I added the leafy flourishes, and when I moved the flowers to arrange the leaves, I liked the plain leaves better so I decided to go with a potted leafy plant instead. My very feminine idea ended up being a card that is more gender neutral. I’m still not sure if I like the solid colored pot and may try different patterned papers. And I still may go back and re-try a version with flowers like I originally wanted, but I do like this evolved design as well!

The pot, tag, and leafy flourishes were all cut with Heartfelt Creations (Spellbinders) dies from the “Flower Pot” set. (I hand-made the top part of the pot as the set did not include a die for that part.) The greeting on the tag is a Gina K Designs stamp from the “A Wish For You” mini stamp set (retired?) that I received in a grab bag. Gina K Warm Cocoa ink was used to stamp the greeting and to sponge all the edges. Paper and card stock used: Gina K Fresh Asparagus, Core-dinations Valentia, Paper Pizazz Tan Floral Tapestry (printed background), and Melissa Frances First Class Mail (gray script).

I used my Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio Bubble Cap maker and Clear Round (14) epoxy shapes to create the three orange embellishments in the upper left corner to match the flower pot.

This tool is pretty cool because you can use whatever paper you want to create custom embellishments for your projects. If I end up changing the paper for the flower pot, I will make new circles with matching paper.

Just a note – this company makes tools to create embellishments in different shapes and sizes. Each tool makes only one shape/size so you’d need to purchase multiple tools to create the different shapes. (This is very much like a punch you might purchase.) In addition to the tool itself, you need to purchase the corresponding epoxy shapes to create your embellishments. These are consumable and need to be replenished when they are gone. In addition to the epoxy shapes, they also have metal charms you can use to create your embellishments. (The tool, epoxy shapes and charms are all sold separately.)

I previously made an anniversary card (called “Happy Anniversary” originally posted in my StampTV gallery which is no longer active.) where I used the square tool and a mini wedding photo to create a square shaped epoxy embellishment that fit inside a mini picture frame.

Thanks for checking out my card project!

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8Mar2015

Don’t Lose Hope Card – “Make It Better”

Posted in Cards, Get Well/Sympathy by lisababitz

Don’t Lose Hope Card – “Make It Better”

I am so excited to be sharing my first card project as a member of the Perfectly Rustics Design team! This fortnight, the challenge is called “Make It Better” (challenge no. 43) where we are to improve on a project that we have done in the past while making sure to keep some elements of the original project the same. (See challenge post HERE.) The card I chose to re-do is a card I did last October called “Don’t Lose Hope” which was a card of encouragement for someone battling breast cancer. I like the layout of the original, but I was going for a vintage look, and I feel it ended up a bit dark. Here is the original card:

(click HERE to see original post)

In addition to the background being on the dark side, I felt the flowers were much too dark. I thought the paper I used was burgundy, but it really seemed dark brown once it was on the card.

For my first attempt at a re-do, I decided to try it in lighter shades while still keeping the layout and vintage style similar. Here is the card I came up with:

I changed the background paper, used a piece of the original, darker paper as an accent, added a smaller, light panel for added interest, and spruced up the corners with a ticket punch and pink pearls. I also made two of the three flowers lighter to match the new background.

Personally, I like these new, lighter shades better, but I know brown tones aren’t for everyone! So, just for fun, I thought I’d try a completely different color scheme and changed the background and flowers to a bright greenish-blue. The leafy flourish now matches the eggplant mat.

This version has only two flowers.

The two re-done cards are definitely not as dark, and I am happy with the results. I probably like the first attempt with the warm tones better, but that should not surprise anyone who knows me! (I do like my browns!!!) It was really neat to see how changing a few aspects of the card really changed the whole look of it.

Now it’s your turn! Choose a project you did but are not crazy about. While keeping some of the elements the same, change some of them to “Make it Better!” (You only need to make one new version.) Link your new version for the challenge, but be sure to include the “before” photo somewhere in your blog post along with your new version. I can’t wait to see what you create! (This challenge will close at 11:59 pm Saturday 21st March 2015 (AEST) Australian Eastern Standard time. Here is a Time Zone Converter to figure out when they end wherever you happen to live!)

Thanks for checking out my card project!

[The greeting stamp for these cards came from the Gina K Designs “Don’t Lose Hope” duo and was stamped with Tim Holtz walnut stain distress ink. (Clear embossing powder was used on the original and greenish-blue cards.) The flowers were handmade using dies from the Heartfelt Creations (Spellbinders) Vintage Floret set. The leaves were made using dies from the Heartfelt Creations (Spellbinders) Cut Mat Create 2A Die set. Cardstock used was a pink from a Recollections paper pack, Recollections Evergreen, and Gina K Edible Eggplant. The printed card stock came from two Heartfelt Creations Paper pads: Floral Key Collection and Antiquity Collection. The greenish-blue paper is K & Company Addison Blue Garden Swirls. The ticket corners were made with a Tonic Ticket Punch.]

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8Mar2015

Exciting News!

Posted in I'm Honored by lisababitz

Exciting News!

I’m very excited to announce that I’ve been invited to join the design team over at Perfectly Rustics!

Three very talented women in Australia, who shared a passion for crafting, started this site in June of 2013. Perfectly Rustics continues to host bi-weekly ( fortnightly) challenges on a variety of themes. I have enjoyed visiting their site regularly since last fall to be inspired, encouraged, and motivated, and I really feel that my regular participation in these challenges has helped me to become a better card maker.

While I am extremely honored to have been asked, I am also a bit nervous since I have never done this before and have always looked to the design team samples for inspiration. (I saw the first challenge topic for which I would need to do a sample, and my first thought was, “I wonder what the design team did with this.” Then I realized, that’s my job now!) I am very excited to give this my best shot, and I hope that I can add value to their site and provide inspiration and encouragement to others as I have received in the past.

Whether you enjoy card making, scrapbooking or off the page projects, I hope to see you and your wonderful creations soon over at Perfectly Rustics! And tell your friends to join us too!

Oh, and one more thing… I am “Time Zone Challenged” and had a heck of a time figuring out the corresponding time here in Cherry Hill, NJ where I live with the time in Australia to know when the challenges end!

As I mentioned above, the challenges are fortnightly (they last for two weeks) that end at 11.59 p.m. (AEST) on the date posted for each challenge. Here is a Time Zone Converter to figure out when they end wherever you happen to live!

Thanks for checking out my post!

(All clip art on this post came from Google images or various clip art sites and is not my original artwork.)

7Mar2015

How to Adhere Tiny Elements to Your Project With No Mess

Posted in Tutorials by lisababitz

How to Adhere Tiny Elements to Your Project With No Mess

There are so many beautiful flourish dies, cut files with tiny pieces to assemble, delicate die cut fonts, and a variety of other small elements that can prove challenging when it comes time to adhere them to your project.

One of the first Cricut cartridges I purchased years ago was “Disney Mickey and Friends” which I planned to use for my Disney vacation scrapbook pages. I excitedly cut out the pieces for a few of the characters just to see how they’d look (pictured above) and realized very early on that I may have bitten off more than I could chew! All the tiny pieces!!! How was I ever going to assemble enough of these characters to decorate multiple 12 x 24 inch layouts (for each of my 4 children’s scrapbooks)?! The cartridge got tucked away, and I went on to work on “easier” designs with larger die cuts. Then I started purchasing font cartridges which also involved adhering small pieces to my pages. I was determined to figure out a way to use these beautiful (if not small and skinny!) elements on my projects without going nuts or making a mess!

I tried a number of different products and methods and eventually discovered 2 items that I use together that have made adhering these elements to my work a breeze!

***

The first item I use (for paper elements) is Scotch Removable Tape. It allows you to pick up your elements and place them on your project without ever touching them. This is particularly helpful when there is glue on the back of the pieces! This product works great because it is clear so you can see through it to make it easier to place your elements exactly where you want them (as you’ll see below), and you can use one piece of tape over and over so the roll lasts a long time.

***

The second item is glue that can be applied in tiny amounts and with precise placement.

I use a glue pen. Originally, I used the Creative Memories Precision Point Adhesive Pen (which I think is no longer available?), and have since started using the Zig 2 Way Glue pen. It looks like a pen and has a fine ball point. You can squeeze or roll just the right amount of glue that you need with perfect placement. This glue can be used two ways. Use it when it’s blue and wet for a permanent bond or let it dry clear for a few moments to get a temporary bond.

Another type of glue I like is Art Glitter Designer Glue with optional metal tip that I talked about in a previous post (HERE). The metal tip makes applying small amounts of glue very easy, as well.

Any glue will work as long as you can apply tiny dots or lines of glue to your project.

Here’s how it’s done:

Let’s look at an example of paper piecing a character.

All the pieces (big and small) can be adhered the same way AND WITH THE SAME PIECE OF TAPE. I’ll use the scarf as my example. To adhere the scarf, place it on the table and place a piece of removable tape across the top. Make sure the tape extends past both sides enough that you can hold the tape without touching the scarf.

Flip the tape and scarf over and place it on the table. Use your glue pen to apply your glue to the back of the paper.

Pick up the tape on both ends, and flip it over. (Thanks Kelly, for “lending” me your hands so I could take the photo!)

Hold it over the penguin’s body where you’d like to adhere it. Because the tape is clear, it is really easy to see where to place it! Once you are happy with the placement, push it onto the body as if you are taping it in place.

Carefully remove the tape. If necessary, hold the scarf in place with your finger or a pointy tool like a tooth pick or paper piercer while you remove the tape.

The scarf is in place without getting a spec of glue on your fingers or anywhere on your project except where you wanted it!

This method works especially well for tiny pieces:

And here is the adorable penguin all paper pieced together:

(He was made with the Cottage Cutz Skating Penguin die.)

Now, let’s look at an example of something very delicate and thin like die cut lettering. I placed part of this scrapbook page title on a scrap of paper with a line to make sure it’s straight. For this example, the “W” was cut separately from the rest of the lettering, but it needs to be placed properly as part of the word. (The dot over the “i” will be added last.)

Place your piece of removable tape over the whole word.

I noticed that the second “d” is a bit crooked so I straightened it out on the tape.

Once you are happy with the placement on the tape, flip the tape and lettering over, and apply the glue. These letters are extremely thin so use tiny dots of glue.

Hold the tape on both ends, flip it right side up, and hold it over project to figure out where you want to adhere it. Once you’ve found the perfect place, push it down and “tape” it in place. (I’m using a scrap for my example.)

Carefully remove the tape.

Now add the dot over the “i” in the same way.

The finished project:

The flourishes and gazebo on this page were adhered using this method as well.

I personally prefer the glue pen, but…

An alternative for adding the glue to your elements is to use disposable micro brushes (with whatever glue you choose; I use the Ranger Matte Multi Medium because it doesn’t dry shiny if you get some on your project by accident. But any glue will do). I’ve seen these brushes marketed as dental tools, beauty tools to adhere eyelash extensions, and on craft sites online. (The craft sites tend to be more expensive.) They come in a variety of sizes. HERE is a link on amazon for the ones similar to those pictured below. (I have used the blue ones from Simon Says Stamp, and I just received my order for these blue ones below. They appear to be EXACTLY the same, but I got 4 times more for the same price when the cost of shipping is taken into account.) Search for the best price and size that suits your needs/taste.

In addition to using glue pens and/or glue, I sometimes use glue dots on some of the heavier, non-paper elements.

I LOVE the removable tape!

In addition to making it easy to adhere tiny pieces to my projects, I find it particularly useful when adhering multiple letters or elements that I’ve worked hard to place just the way I want them but still need to pick up to glue. The tape keeps everything in place relative to the other pieces while the glue is added (like the “W” with the rest of the word in the example above). I use this method a lot for titles on scrapbook pages.

I also love that you can use and re-use the tape. I’ve done whole scrapbook layouts at a crop, stuck the piece of tape I used on the side of my tape dispenser when I was done, and used the same piece a month later at my next crop! Eventually, it loses its stickiness as paper fibers and dust stick to the piece, but that could take a while!

The removable tape works great with paper elements. However, for things like sequins, gems and other tiny non-paper embellishments (like the tiny hearts on the project below), I find that the tape isn’t strong enough to hold these pieces.

For these elements, I like the Silhouette Pick-Me-Up tool. One end has a tacky substance on it that allows you to pick things up. The other end has a removable tool that has two ends that allows you to push the item off the tacky end and onto the adhesive on your project or to push the item in place. (You can see this tool HERE at amazon.com.) I found a “review” with instructions on how to use this tool online HERE that you may find helpful.

(You can use this for paper as well; I just prefer the tape!)

One final tip:

If you should happen to get glue/adhesive on your project where you don’t want it, I have found the best way to get rid of it is with a rubber cement eraser. There are a number of brands out there; HERE is a sample of one I found on Amazon. Just carefully “erase” the blobs away! (I erase the excess glue right away while it’s still wet. Just be careful not to rip the elements you’ve glued in place. Don’t rub the eraser back and forth. Instead, rub in one direction, lifting between each stroke.) It works great for removing mono-adhesive, Xyron adhesive, glue dots ….. just about any adhesive that may stray!