Birthday Doodles with So Suzy Stamps

I've got a fun birthday doodle card today, featuring stamps from So Suzy Stamps.  April 20th is the official, bonafide birthday of So Suzy Stamps and there have been celebratory events happening all month long.  Scroll through Suzy's blog to see what you've missed, including free shipping offers, product discounts and giveaways.

Let me briefly share how I made this fun card and how you can re-create it as well.

For this 4" x 5" card you will need: 

black cardstock 

white cardstock

So Suzy Stamps Present and Happy Birthday stamps

Tombow dual brush pen *optional

white gel pen

white dye or pigment ink

adhesive

trimmer

watercolor paper *optional

1.  Cut 3 pieces of black cardstock, two as a base layer (inside and outside) and a smaller piece as your top layer.   

2.  Cut 2 pieces of white cardstock, one 4" x 10" (scored in half) and a smaller section to layer in the middle. 

3.  Draw doodle lines on one piece of your larger black cardstock, using a white gel pen.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  Freehand doodling has a charm all it's own!  You do however, want to avoid smudging, so take care not to rub your hand against where you drew.  You may wish to use a heat tool to quickly zap/dry.

4.  Stamp your present stamp with white ink (I used a white dye ink) and fill in the ribbon and circles with a white gel pen.  Allow to dry, then reapply another layer.  Use a light touch the second time around, so you don't dig into the first coat with your pen.

5.  Mask your sentiment and stamp the word "Happy" underneath your present image.  Use a white gel pen to enhance the letters. 

6.  Mask your sentiment and stamp "birthday" on your other large piece of black cardstock, writing over it with the white gel pen.  Adhere to the inside of your card.

7.  Originally, I was going to use a black/white theme, however I really thought a pop of color would be nice.  You can go two ways with this; color or paper piece.  I chose to watercolor the ribbon and fussycut/piece it onto my stamped image.  The watercolor offers a nice contract to the rest of the doodling theme.  I used my Tombow marker and a waterbrush, blotting with a paper towel to get this effect, on Strathmore water color paper.

What do you think?  Do you like the contrast?  I noticed that the ribbon on top pops even more because I colored in the white first.  Let's call that an added bonus, shall we?

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Here are a few noteworthy birthday happenings that you'll want to take note of:

April 6th - 20th - Free Shipping all orders over $25 including international

April 16th - 20% off Cupcake Stamps April 17th - 20% off Ice Cream Stamps April 18th - 20% off Sentiment Stamps April 19th - 20% off Fairy Stamps

Purchase Present, here.

Purchase Happy Birthday, here.

#sosuzystamps #happy #birthday #wavingmywand #terriburson #present #gift #doodle #doodling #watercolor #celebration #celebrate #party #cards #DIY #cardmaking #craft

Celebrate With Simply Charming Bags

Hello lovely crafters and bag lovers.  I'm partnering monthly, with Miss Denise over at simplycharmingbags.com, the new home for Bunkie Bags and more.  Today's feature is this brand new, custom zip pouch for the Original Misti Stamping Tool.  Oh, but wait.....

You know what else will fit in this bag?  Your ipad!  Yes!  It's well padded and will perfectly fit your lap top computer up to 10".  With graduation events on the horizon, and summer weddings, isn't this balloon celebration bag the perfect gift?  Not to mention, birthday celebrations.  Of course, you can have this fabric customized into Bunkie Bag totes as well, which is a great accessory for your bridesmaid gifts.

I was so inspired by this amazing fabric, that I made a matching card, to join in the celebration!  Lots of stenciling, paint splatters and stamps from So Suzy Stamps.  I even drew in some fun stripes and dots on my balloons, to match the fabric.

The bag dimensions are 11.5" x 10" and is well padded and fully lined with this gorgeous gold polka dot and black fabric.  Miss Denise pulls out all the stops!

The zipper even gets a little treatment with this polka dot finish and gold plated zipper pull.  Yup, there's a party going on right here.......

Be sure and visit the Simply Charming blog and look around, then stop by the store and see what you like.  Don't forget, Miss Denise can customize just about anything and I do mean anything.  I have a nice little stash to prove it.  My favorite?  My Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer large tote!

Thanks for stopping by.  Tell Miss Denise that Terri sent you, when you pop in!   Be sure and follow/visit Miss Denise on her Facebook page and Instagram page too.

#wavingmywand #simplycharmingbags #bunkiebags #zippouch #custombags #computerbag #laptopbag #wedding #birthday #graduation

Christmas Gifts, Lettering and Two Paper Divas Stamps

It's Christmas card making season!  I'm sure some of you are probably way ahead of the game.  Me?  I'm not an early bird, so this is just about the time that I get cranked up.   I had a lot of fun making this Christmas card for Two Paper Divas, using their "Holiday Greetings" stamps.  TPD is having a 40% off storewide sale so don't dilly dally......get to the end of this post and go shop!

But first, the details..... my papers are from the Echo Park Papers collection, The Story of Christmas and I'm using them to also paper piece my gifts.  However, for the bows, I've colored them using various coloring instruments: Tombow Dual brush and Zig Clean Color brushes.  I've even added a little sparkle to my bows with Stickles glitter glue, although this photo doesn't truly capture the sparkle.

For the sentiment, I did a little lettering by my own hand, using the calligraphy pen from my Tombow Lettering set.  I've spent the last 3 months or longer, working on lettering and it requires lots and lots of practice.  I think it's finally starting to pay off.

One of the things I love about this set is the clean and simple lines.  You can do soooo much!  There's a lot of wiggle room so you can get super creative, whether it be adding some of your own little doodles to the images, paper piecing, coloring or even layer with other stamps, such as the TPD Background stamps.  If you don't have this set in your collection, get it before it's gone.  I've used it for so many things and I love it.  Particularly when you need to add a little interest to a card's background, or to give a little character to your tags.

Purchase Holiday Greetings, here.

Visit the Two Paper Divas Blog for daily project inspiration and on Wednesdays for the Design Team Roundup.  Check out the newest release right here:

http://www.twopaperdivas.com/product-category/whats-new/

Shop Two Paper Divas for a wide selection of clear stamps, digital stamps and accessories.

#twopaperdivas #tpdstamps #card #wavingmywand #handmade #stamps #cardmaking #DIY #cre8time #terriburson #holiday #greetings  #seasonal #christmascard #christmas #merrychristmas #kuretakezig  #tombow #tombowusa #letteringset #echoparkpaper #thestoryofchristmas #spellbinders #dies #neenah #jesusisthereason

Coloring Summer Note Cards With TPD Stamps

Can I just say how much I love this new stamp set from Two Paper Divas Stamps?  It's called, "Stuck on You" and is one of the fun, new stamp sets in the July release.

  Make a set of colored note cards, and have them on hand when you want to quickly drop a note to a friend.  This card was so quick and easy to color.  Switch out the sentiments and make a bunch or give some as gift sets to friends.

You don't even need to use an ink pad for this project.  Swipe your black marker across your stamp instead, then stamp on your cardstock, starting in the center and space out additional images on each side.  I simply eyeball it.  I used a strip of washi tape across the bottom to line up the bottom edge of the pottery though, so my images would all stamp evenly.   A quick tip for getting varied shades on the leaves?  Swipe your marker down once on your leaf, leaving a little white space along one side.  Color in with a lighter shade.  I love to use the fine tip of my Tombow Dual brush markers to just add another thin line of dark shade along just one edge of each leaf.  When I finished coloring, I swiped the blender brush down each leaf to blend more light.

Use a plain colored brown pencil or watercolor pencil and shade a little around the bottom of the pottery for added definition and a little eye pleasing pop.  A white gel pen adds some additional embellishment, and turns this into more of an aloe or snake plant, don't you think.  I'd like to say I have a green thumb but the closest I come to keeping plants alive is on paper!

Purchase Stuck on You here.

Visit the Two Paper Divas Blog for daily project inspiration and on Wednesdays for the Design Team Roundup.  Check out the new July release right here:

http://www.twopaperdivas.com/product-category/whats-new/

Also linking to these challenges:

Creative Moments #98 Anything Goes

Inspiration Destination #95 Anything Goes

Crafty Sentiments Designs Anything Goes

Crafting From The Heart #121 Anything Goes

Love to Scrap #82 Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create #185 Anything Goes with

Optional Twist (colors- black,orange,green)

Crafts Galore Encore Anything Goes July Challenge

Southern Ridge Trading Company July Anything Summer

World Wide Open Design Team July Challenge- Anything Goes

#twopaperdivas #tpdstamps #stuckonyou #tombow #tombowusa #gellyroll #palm #aloe #succulent #summer #notecards #hello #wavingmywand #terriburson #cre8time #pottedplants #greenthumb #greenery #leafyplants #card #craft #scrapbook

Huge Savings on the Cricut Explore Air! Look!

FTC Disclosure **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

You all know that I LOVE my Cricut Explore, right?  I've cut everything from vinyl monograms to paper boxes to vinyl stenciled images on glass to cupcake liners to......well you get the idea.  

Here's a few examples of some of my creations:

For a limited time, Cricut has significantly discounted theirCricut Explore Air™ Machine and bundles. We're talking over $200 in savings on some bundles!

Do you want to be able to easily make pretty décor, personalized gifts, and fun cards for upcoming holidays? Then you need to treat yourself to a Cricut Explore Air™ — Cricut's very popular electronic cutting machine. It's the best DIY crafting tool to be developed since the sewing machine! 


The Cricut Explore Air is versatile, easy to use, and allows for very precise cuts. It's also incredibly affordable, especially since Cricut generously discounted the cost by up to $200 on the machine and bundles — just in time for the holiday crafting season! 

With the Cricut Explore Air™, you can cut over 60 different types of material, including paper, fabric, plastic and vinyl to name a few. The Explore Air also features Cut Smart™ technology, which allows you to cut a wide range of shapes and sizes with exceptional precision, from ¼" tall up to 11½" wide x 23½" tall. 

**Get free shipping on all orders at Cricut with code FREESHIPNOV

This Cricut Explore machine is called the Air because it has built-in Bluetooth® capability. This means you can use Cricut’s free iPad app and design anything you want from your iPad, just like you would on your home computer, but with the convenience of being able to take your projects with you anywhere. Then, you can just wirelessly send your project from your iPad to your Explore Air to bring it to life.

While the Cricut Explore Air is impressive on its own, purchasing it with one of Cricut's bundle offerings makes it even more valuable. Each bundle comes with different accessories that allow you to expand your creativity and make your crafting projects even more simple and fun to create. Plus, by purchasing your Explore Air with a bundle, you're able to save a bundle in the process! 

Go to Cricut.com and check out the savings Cricut is offering on their Cricut Explore Air™ and bundles today so you can get your very own in time to make this holiday season your most creative one yet!

#cricut #cricutexplore #cricutexploreair #wavingmywand #designspace #freeship #christmas #gift #birthday #celebration

New! Washi tape from Adornit!

  (FTC disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a small commission. I only participate in affiliate programs that feature products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.)


When I found out that Adornit was putting together a line of washi tape that coordinates with their Art Play collection, I have to admit..... I got a little dizzy.  I love washi tape!  And, I love Adornit!  Pairing those two is like sitting down at a crafty buffet with nothing but dessert on the menu.

 

Carolee's Creations - Adornit - Art Play Washi Tape - Owls in a Row

from: Scrapbook.com

Carolee's Creations - Adornit - Documented Faith Collection - Washi Tape - Doodle Words

from: Scrapbook.com

Carolee's Creations - Adornit - Art Play Washi Tape - Hello

from: Scrapbook.com

Check out the entire collection of new washi tape from Adornit and grab a couple of their brand new coloring books as well!  Or the new Art Play Paintables, priced at under $2.00 each and featuring holiday, adventure, critters, faith images and more.  These would make wonderful Christmas gifts, birthday presents or just because, for your favorite crafter.  Hey, everyone loves to color, even my mom.  It's relaxing, helps relieve stress, and fun.  Get yours today!

#adornit #artplay #artplayaday #paintables #coloring #coloringbooks #washi #washitape #craft #cardmaking #scrapbooking #scrapbook #pocket #faith #scripture #Christmas #holiday #Halloween #autumn #thanksgiving #bible #critters #folk #folkart #folkgarden #trickortreat #faithdocumented #watercolor #diy #homedecor

Forget Fantasy Football....how about Fantasy ribbon? #Ad

(FTC disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a small commission. I only participate in affiliate programs that feature products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.)

I am totally loving wired ribbon right now.  In fact, I'm loving it so much, I wanted to share the love and show you my current favorites.  The colors that I'm totally diggin'?

Bittersweet, Parrot Green and Violet Iridescent.

Sheer.  Bendable.  Beautiful.

These beauties are totally jazzing up my home decor, my card making and my gift giving.

"1.5 inch Bittersweet Sheer Iridescent Wired Ribbon"
from: Ribbon Resource


What I REALLY love about these colors, is that they translate not only to autumn and Halloween colors, but to color themes as well.  My mom does this gorgeous purple and green Christmas tree every year.   I wish I had a picture to share.   Stunning, really stunning.
 

"1.5 inch Parrot Green Sheer Iridescent Wired Ribbon"

from: Ribbon Resource

I'm right aren't I?  These ribbons are total stunners.  Click on any of these photos and you'll be directed to a place full of color and rainbows.... The Ribbon Resource.

"1.5 inch Violet Sheer Iridescent Wired Ribbon"

from: Ribbon Resource

The Ribbon Resource now has smaller, 5 yard bundles; perfect for smaller projects.  Want a little more but don't want to spend the money?  Grab a friend and order the larger spools and split the cost!  Another great way of saving a dollar, which I am ALL about!

I hope you'll take a peek at my favorite ribbon store.  Be sure and check out the Ribbon of the Week and the Sale page while you're there for even more savings.

Need some project ideas?  Visit the blog for projects and tutorials from the design team.  

Have fun!

#ribbonresource #mayartsribbon #halloween #easter #autumn #seasonal #ribbon #gift #decorate #DIY #homedecor #christmas #bow

Coffee Lover's Gift Set - May Arts Ribbon

(This is the 2nd of 3 projects posted today.   Go here for Skittles New Release, and go here to the Ribbon Resource / Spellbinders Woodland Blog Fest post)

I've made a fun coffee lover's gift set for May Arts Ribbon.  Hop on over to the the May Arts Ribbon Blog for instructions on making this fun set which includes the coffee ribbon coozie, the fabric ribbon tag and the fabric gift card pouch that also doubles as a storage pouch for your coozie that rolls up.  

Ribbon Resource is also sponsoring the Coffee Loving Papercrafters Blog Hop and offering a giftcard to their online retail store, The Ribbon Resource, to one random winner.  You can check out

 that blog hop here:  http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/2015/09/2015-fall-coffee-lovers-blog-hop/

May Arts Ribbon used:

SM10  1/8” Natural Burlap String

536-15-28 1.5″ Natural Ribbon With Velvet Polka Dots

416-25-02 2.5“ Open Weave Burlap Net

XT1 3/8” Ivory Twill / Print Ribbon, Coffee Beans

(Please note: these ribbons are not yet available for retail purchase at The Ribbon Resource)

Handmade Gift-Giving ...It IS the thought that counts

Wedding season is upon us.  How do I know this?  Well, for one, I read it on Facebook, so it has to be true.  I can tell you this; love is in the air in our family. My sister's youngest is getting married soon.  Wedding preparations are under way and I've been "volun-told" to make several crafty things in preparation.

I sought to make something decorative for the couple-to-be and decided on a decorative candle.  But how to personalize?  Well, I inquired as to the colors of the wedding and they are gray and coral.   In looking through my coloring tools, I have a gray and I have what looks to be a light peach.  Maybe that will work?   I chose the word "Faith" because my nephew plays in the worship band at church and he and his bride-to-be are strong in faith.  What better foundation for a marriage?

I begin to work.  Uh, oh, this light peach color a.k.a faux coral, is a bit brighter orange than I thought.  And the gray?  It's a bit dark.  What to do?  The only thing a crafter can do; work with what you've got.

So the colors don't exactly match the theme of the wedding.  I could probably have gone crafty shopping (seriously, it was the perfect excuse to go shopping!) but instead, I poured all the love I had into this project, using the tools I had at hand.  While I was at it, I learned that yes, using a heat tool and wax paper on the mesh ribbon will also melt the ribbon onto the candle (which is what I was going for).   Bonus!

I learned something new, and, I created a beautiful, personal gift for someone special.  I think the sweet couple will recognize that this came from my heart, and isn't that really what matters?  

You can learn about the technique I used to decorate this candle here:

Coloring an image on tissue paper and melting onto a candle

I would love to thank the makers of the products I used today as they are products I absolutely adore.  Take a look!

May Arts Ribbon

Tombow USA

ADORNit Art Play Paintables

Additional Supplies: ADORNit Art Play Paintables "Home" collection, Marvy Le Pen black ultra fine point, Tombow Dual Brush pens in Groovy, Bright and Soda Shop, May Arts Ribbon green mesh, May Arts Ribbon natural burlap string, Doodlebug Designs enamel dots, Stickles Tropical Tangerine glitter glue, heat embossing tool, Tombow Mono Aqua Glue

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#nationalcraftmonth #tombow #mayartsribbon #adornit #cre8time #wedding #watercolor #glitter

Artsy business cards 20% off now through 2/17/15 at tinyprints with code

Save 20% off now on these artsy business cards at tinyprints.com with code BIZ20FEB, good through 2/17/15.  The perfect business card for the artist/crafter.  Add your social media contact information and be ready at your next event.  Add this stylish business card to your packaged orders and impress your customers.

Affiliate link.... tinyprints Bashful Brushes business card

 

#tinyprints #tinyprints.com #art #craft #businesscards

 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Ok, Cricut. My mind is blown.

Let me start by saying, I did a lot of research before deciding on whether I would go Team Cricut or Team Silhouette.  I even considered a few other devices.  However, after much deliberation, I went with Team Cricut, in particular, the Cricut Explore.

I have read and heard a lot of comments about changes in the company, how customer service was really ramped up, etc.  I did not expect to have an experience with customer service before I even plugged up my unit.  Here's what happened....

Like a kid waiting for Christmas day, that is exactly how I felt waiting on my Explore to arrive.  It came the day before my birthday this month.  Bonus!  I opened up my box, inspected everything and discovered the mat was bent in half.  A pretty definite crease that I wasn't sure I could work with.  So I went to a favorite site devoted to all things Cricut on Facebook.  The girls gave me some tips on how I could correct the crease, so I was good with that.  Before the conversation was over, a Cricut rep pops in to the group and asks me for my mailing address so she can remedy the situation and send another one pronto.  I assured her I was ok with the fix it suggestions, but no....she was sending me another. 

Remember when I said Cricut has ramped up their customer service?  I was not kidding.  The hubs told me a package had arrived from Cricut.  Well, I knew what it was so I didn't bother opening it until late in the evening.  Not only did I get a new mat, all flat and uncreased (yay!), but there was also a brand new cartridge, an extra german carbide blade (you need to know about those blades) and a thank you card.  Mind blowing, to say the least.  So thank you Cricut for going the extra mile when you didn't have to.  A little publicity goes a long way, right?  Smart thinking, Cricut!


*If you're thinking about going with Team Cricut, click on the banner below and check it out!  Machines are still on sale, plus right now you can get All clearance items at 75% off at Cricut, through Jan 20, 2015.  Free shipping on all orders in January with code FREESHIPJAN too. 



Free Images of the week are: Chat Bubbles!  Love it!  Expires on 1/21/15 

 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the Cricut affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!


#cricutexplore #cricut #create #cre8time #birthday #Christmas #gift #clearance #sale

Shutterfly 40% off everything - ends 1/21/15 (Love my pillow!)

I am so excited about the pillow I just got in the mail.  I had ordered this for my mom for her birthday and presented it to her today.  She was thrilled!  I have to say, I am so pleased with how it turned out.  Just so you know, when I loaded up this photo of my son and went through the checkout process, I got a  "low resolution" symbol on my picture that indicated the quality was not good.  I took a chance and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.  The quality looks pretty darn good to me!

Right now, through 1/21/15, everything is 40% off at Shutterfly!  Use it on a pillow!  Or, photos, or other gift items......Valentine's Day is right around the corner, Easter, Mother's Day...get a jump start with this awesome deal! The pillow size I chose was 12'' x 16" and there is one larger size as well.  

Click the link below to take you to the site.  

Link:  40% off everything at Shutterfly

New to Shutterfly?  Click this link to sign up and get 50 free 4"x 6" prints

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the Shutterfly affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

#shutterfly #deal #discount #coupon #code 

We R Memory Keepers Scoreboard/Trimmer Product Review

  Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on the We R Memory Keepers Scoreboard/Trimmer.  I received this product at no cost from WRMK and in exchange, I'm going to give you some honest feedback after having given this a test run.

First, this is not a heavy duty trimmer.  It's designed to be portable and fold up for crafting on the go and general use in your daily crafting.  It opens up to a full 12"x12" and has two locking mechanisms on the back to provide stability.  

Use this on a level, flat surface for accuracy in your trimming and scoring.

I decided to test out 3 different types of paper, to check the trimmed edges; vellum, medium weight cardstock and heavy cardstock.

The edges of each were perfectly cut and consistent, which I would attribute to the titanium blades.   

I couldn't find any flaws in the trimmed edges.   I took the vellum piece and trimmed it into a 4"x4" section which lined up perfectly square.  WRMK provides an extra blade in your kit which, when ready to replace, simply pop the old one out and snap the new blade into place. 

Now for the scoring....there's a notch at the bottom of the scoreboard where the scoring tool is stored.  Insert it point forward, for storage, so you can easily grab the handle for removal.   I held the unit upside down to see if the handle would fall out and it didn't, however when I shook it, it did fall out.  I would suggest that you make a point to carry this device upright, to make sure you don't lose your score tool.

If you're a card maker, you really need a scoreboard.  Scoring makes all the difference in the world for having perfect edges.  Folding just doesn't get it, not if you want a professional touch on your cards.  Particularly, if you sell your paper crafts or are thinking about selling. 

When using the score board, take your time to score.  I rushed through the first attempt and my tool wobbled a bit and got off center.  Use even pressure, take your time and you will have a nice, perfect score every time.

Isn't that a beautiful score?

I even made a little gift box, just by experimenting with scoring and measuring. 

After fully testing this tool, I can say that I'm extremely pleased.  It's exactly what I was looking for: 

a handy, portable, multi-functional tool that I can 

carry to crops and use in my craft room.

If you would like further information on this tool, visit this link: http://www.weronthenet.com/Trim_And_Score and view the

1 minute video tutorial with additional instruction on scoring.

#cre8time #wrmk #wermemorykeepers #score #gift

Disclosure:  If you decide to make a purchase through my affiliate links, Amazon will pay me a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!