Queen of Hearts

Isn't this the cutest idea? These would be great to create for Valentine's day and have them hold suckers. Perfect to give to friends and co-workers. I want to make these but need to find the old cards I had lying around.

If you would like to learn how to make these, check out Mg Party Impressions here.

Free Abstract Pink Digital Papers

FREE Abstract Pink Papers - Six lovely paper designs.
Each paper is 12'' x 12''

by Zboooh Design Studio

These digital papers would be great for Valentine's day cards and layouts. Click here to download this gift.

Elements of Style

Would you believe I've had this adorable set from SU called 'Elements of Style' for two months and am just now getting around to getting them inked up??? I sure can't!

I created this card using Kraft and red cardstock, mulberry paper and lace. The flower image was created using direct marker technique.

Challenges I participated in: Papertake Weekly, 'Thankful' - City Crafter Challenge, 'Stamp It Out'

Happy Holidays Flag Freebie

Here is a FREE Happy Holidays template to decorate your walls from Mujka Chic . If you are planning a New Year party this template would be just perfect for the Black and white or Damask theme. Instructions are enclosed.

Click here to download the free banner.

Girl Friends

Hello Crafters~

How are you on this fine day? I am TERRIFIC! I have a card to share with you today.

This digital stamp is called 'Girl Friends' from Stretch N' Bubbles. When I saw this image I immediately thought of my two sisters. The image would be great for a sister's card or a Girl Scouts card/invitation. Purchase the digital image in the store here for $2.50.

Challenges I participated in: Creative Craft, 'Anything Goes' & Digi Doodle Shop's Best, 'Anything Goes' & Digi Stamps 4 Joy, 'Anything Goes' & Moving Along With the Times, 'Anything Goes; Except Christmas'

Embossed Oval Reindeer

Gonna make this quick, this is another style Christmas card I made this year. This was a difficult card to photograph due to all the shine on the project.

Did you notice the embossed oval frame? You can recreate this technique using your Cuttlebug and a oval photo mat. The reindeer was created with transplant embossing paste and a brass stencil and dazzling diamonds.

Challenges I participated in: Papertake Weekly, 'Anything Goes' & Creative Inspirations, ' Anything Goes Christmas' & For Fun Challenges, 'Anything Goes.'

Directions:
1. Place your paper inside your embossing folder.
2. Then, on the outside of the folder place your oval mat.
3. Sandwich this stack between your Cuttlebug plates. Use your combination of the A and B plates until it is tight enough to run through the bug.
4. When it is done the outside edge of the oval frame will be embossed but, the inside will remained smooth.
5. Use metallic silver and lightly sponge over the embossed paper. This will bring your embossed image to life.

Punched Snowflake Sugar Cookie Tags

Today's share is an inspiration I got from Creations on Paper. She received inspiration form some Betty Crocker's sugar cookies.

The box of ready-to-bake homemade cookie was in her kitchen counter and she saw this beautiful picture below of a sugar cookie with white confection snowflake trim.

I decided to make some snowflake sugar cookie tags. I used crystal effects and chunky diamond dust for the sugar coating.

These are so 'sweet.' This was a quick and easy project for any last minute tags you might need to make.

Punched Smore Snowman

This is a card for all of us who LOVE PUNCHES! And yes, I love them! They make my life so much easier, and who can’t use perfection every time you punch?

This smore snowman could be used for Christmas cards, camping scrapbook pages, cards, invites, however; I was thinking it would be cute to make for Valentines day. The smore snowman could hold a red heart. Chocolate and hearts could differently pass for Valentine's day.

Directions:

1. Used the SU 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 square punches and punch one of each out of off white cardstock. Then use the corner rounder to all corners. This will be your snowman body. Sponge the rounded squares edges with ink.

2. Punch 2-light cardstock word windows. These will be the graham cracker.

3. Punch one word window in dark brown cardstock. This will be your chocolate bar.

4. To make the snowman's nose, use the SU small star punch and punch out one in orange cardstock. Then cut off one point of the star.

5. Layer your snowman as indicated in photo.

6. Use a light brown marker to draw the eyes, mouth and hands.

Fire:

1. Punch out 3-word windows in brown cardstock.

2. Using the five petal flower punch, punch out 1 in orange cardstock. Then cut the flower where you have 3 point flower and 2 points. Layer to give the appearance of fire.

3. I added chunky glitter to the fire to give the appearance of crackling flames/coals.

Christmas Collage

I wanted to share one of my Christmas cards I created this year. I've been noticing many of the cards and stamps this year have an traditional feel.

I love how the Crumb Cake and red cardstock added to this feeling. The poinsettia is a sticker I found at HL. I created the main image using the 'Christmas Collage' stamp from SU. I punched out the '25' with the 1 3/8 circle punch. I add shimmer mist to the front of the card but, the photo is not showing this glimmer. To finish off the card, I tied a small piece of lace around the punch opening.

Challenges I participated in:

A Spoon Full of Sugar, 'Christmas Cards'

Creative Card Crew, 'Anything Goes'

For Fun Challenge, 'Christmas'

Wine and Dine Freebie

Wine and Dine with this very special give away for the holiday season. A gorgeous Do it Yourself Wine Glass Place Card Ornament Freebie from Blackleaf Studios. The files contain a printable template to create your very own customised Wine Glass Place Card Ornament.

Click here to download the freebie.

It's Party Time

As we are getting closer to Christmas, if you are like me, you are starting to scramble to get all of your crafty gifts finished. Today, I have another quick card to share with you.

This digital stamp is called 'Party Tree' from Stretch N' Bubbles. The image would be great for a whimsical New Year's Eve party, Birthday or baby shower.

I used Copics to color the image. Purchase the digital image in the Stretch N' Bubbles store here for $2.50.

Challenges I participated in:

Create 4 Fun; 'Card Sketch Challenge'

ABC Challenge; 'J is for Gems'

Pop Up Ornament

You have to see this wow ornament pop-up video I came across.

Brayered Background Technique

This card was easy and quick to make but the effect is amazing. This card features the brayered background technique using glossy paper. I used Bashful Blue and Marina Mist ink pads and laid them side-by-side and inked up the brayer.

Run the brayer over the glossy paper until all of the ink is blended. I then used Versamark and embossed with black powder the Bethlehem image. Rip the top and bottom of the glossy paper; tear toward yourself. Distress the edges. Layer the cardstock and indicated in photo.

Challenges I participated in:

Mami Doodles; 'Anything Goes'

Stamp, Scrap & Doodle; 'Monochromatic'

Here is a video which provides some information on how to create a background using a brayer.

Christmas Party Freebie

Here is another giveaway to decorate your Christmas table and set the mood for a wonderful evening; a cute set of printable cupcake toppers, place cards and napking rings. Xmas party printable freebie by Lil Ellaboudy Design

You can find other great digital Arts and Crafts at Mygrafico store.

Scrapbook & Cards Today Winter Issue Available

The winter issue is here—in stores and on-line! From beautiful winter-inspired layouts and festive cards to home decor projects that are perfect for the holidays. Here’s just a little more of what you’ll find in this issue:

* home for the holidays—join Davinie Fiero as she shares her favourite gift and home décor ideas for the holidays * the diversity of die-cuts — see five fabulous projects to get the most from your die-cuts! * PageMaps – see one sketch, 3 ways!
And, so much more! Click here to view.

A Very Merry Christmas to You

It's time for another MyGrafico Challenge! This week's #78 challenge was 'Anything Goes.' I created this cute hybrid card using the 'Vintage Pines' by Cheri Wenger and the 'Traditional Christmas Damask Papers' by Cupcake Cutiees. Using your digital papers and stamps along with some ribbon, glitter and other great products make this card come to life.

I created the base of the card on the computer using the one of the designs from the 'Traditional Christmas Damask Papers', word shapes and colors to create this hybrid card. I then printed out the pine cone digital image twice. The saying is and frame is from Vintage Pine collection. I added gold glitter and a brad to the frame. To add the ribbon, I cut two small slits on each side of the color block. I really liked how this hybrid card came alive.

Challenges I participated in:

Lots To Do, 'Words'

Stamp Something, 'Christmas Combo'

Cupcake Cutiees Christmas Damask Papers are beautiful!! These would be great for invitations, cards,paper goods and great scrapbooking papers! You will receive 13 patterns with this set for $5.00. Purchase this set by clicking here


Use these elegant pen-n-ink frames and design elements to create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, papers, frames and gift items. Print and hand color the designs or use the brush files to change the colors and combine elements or create multi-colored designs. Perfect for cards and invitations, place cards, winter weddings and more! These also make beautiful overlays for photos. You will receive all of the elements in this set for $5.50. Purchase this set by clicking here.

Would you like to see more project utilizing the theme?Stop by the the other MyGrafico design team's blogs

Weekly Top 5

I made the top five over at Cupcake Craft Challenge for my Unicorn card.

Sorry, I Suck

Today's sample was made with Stretch N' Bubbles; Sorry I Suck digital stamp. When I saw this image and saying I just thought to myself, yes there are times I feel this way.

I embossed the solid brown cardstock and then lightly sanded so the white core of the paper would show through. Purchase the digital image from the SNB store for $2.50 by clicking here.

These are the colors of Copics I used.

I participated in Create 4 Fun sketch challenge.

Gingerbread Tag Video

I came across this cute video on how to make Gingerbread man tags.

If you don't have the large petal punch from SU you could use your Circut to cut out the flower for the gingerbread man. Love it.

Snowman Candy Bar Wrapper Tutorial

Turn this into....

A special treat....

Crafters Digital Art Center has a complete tutorial on how to make these HERE!

Christmas Card Set with Box

Last week, I shared a card called 'Be Merry & Bright' with you. Today, I have created a Christmas Box set of cards using another digital image from the set called 'Traditional Christmas' by Blackleaf Studios.

Love how these images work so well together to create this card set. The box will hold 4 cards and envelopes. I will be sharing how I created the box later in the post.

Close up view of the card. The image was colored with Copics.

Challenges I participated in:

A Crafty Little Place, 'Anything Goes'

Anything Goes Challenge, 'Anything Goes'

The file contains 7 different joyous and fun Digital Stamping Elements. This charming Festive and Traditional Christmas Stamps are sure to add that sparkle to your special events - Party, Cocktail, Dinner, Celebrations, Festivities, etc. You can purchase this set in the Mygrafico store here for $4.00.

Directions:

1. 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock.

2. On the 8 1/2 inch side, score at 1, 1 3/4 and 7 3/4 inches.

3. On the 11 inch side, score at 3/4, 5 1/4, 6 and 10 1/2 inches.

4. Crease all folds.

5. See pattern and cut off the top left side of the cardstock. You will be making the 'flap' for the top of the box. Round the corners of the flap.

6. See pattern and cut the small box in the lower right corner.

Friends

Wanted to share some Birthday cards I received from friends last week. I know many people don't send cards anymore but, I love how it feels when you receive one.

Did you notice the corset? It was created with Iris Folding.

My sister Loretta, sent me this beautiful card. I love the soothing colors she choose.

Simple but very cute card. Notice the embossing across the top of the card?

Thanks to all my friends.

Believe

It's time for another MyGrafico Challenge! This week's #77 challenge was 'Anything Goes.' I created this cute card using the 'Christmasy Stamps' by Blackleaf Studios .

I love the design of this card. I used pearlescents chalks for the center. I colored the reindeer with watercolor pencils added Crystal Effects and dazzling diamonds. The antlers were colored using a silver gel pen.

Challenges I participated in:
The Sweet Stop, card sketch layout.

This charming Festive and Traditional Christmas Stamps are sure to add that sparkle to your special events - Party, Cocktail, Dinner, Celebrations, Festivities..etc
The file contains 7 different joyous and fun Digital Stamping Elements which can be purchased for $4.00.

Would you like to see more project utilizing the theme?
Stop by the the other MyGrafico design team's blogs.

Damask Candle Holder Freebie

Heres another very special give away for the holiday season. A gorgeous Do it Yourself Damask Candle Holder/Place Card Freebie for your festive decor. by Blackleaft Studio. The files contain a printable template to create your very own customised candle holder. You can download this freebie over at the Mygrafico store by clicking here.

Charity

To start your week off, I would like to share a card I created with a digital stamp called 'Charity' from the Stretch N' Bubbles store. I have noticed lace is being used on many projects. I thought why not give it a try on this project. I'm pleased how it turned out.

Challenges I participated in:

Splitcoast Stampers #308 card layout challenge

Lots To Do, 'Embossing'

Papertake Weekly, 'Cut it out' punched shape or a die cut

Free Floral Patterns Digital Papers

Over at Mygrafico you can download this FREE digital papers. The set includes six lovely seamless floral patterns: 5x5 inch 300dpi JPEG and PNG files created by Zboooh Design Studio.

At first, I was intimidated by digital papers and wondered how much ink it would take to print them off. Well, I have learned that if I save my digital paper on my thumb drive and go to the local printer center with my white cardstock I can print a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet for .59 cents.

My local DYI print centers are just now starting to have the devices where you can use your thumb drive. You might have to look around to see if they are using this equipment yet. I noticed when taking to the printer center the colors are exactly as indicated in the photo. Click here to download this free set.

Bethlehem

Here's another Christmas card I made during a recent stamp camp. This card features the technique called 'Bouncing Brayer.' The card came out beautifully and are quite simple to make once you get the hang-of-it.

The colors used on this card is Rich Razzleberry and Not quite Navy. Set your Rich Razzleberry and Not Quite Navy pads side by side and ink your brayer with half of each color. Bounce brayer over shimmery white cardstock. Pivot your wrist so that the Navy stays in one spot at the middle of the paper. Don't roll the brayer. Next, using the wise men stamp the image with black craft ink and heat emboss with black embossing powder. Embellish as you like. It's that simple.

I would have never thought these two colors would work well together but they do. I love how the rhinestones sets it off. Below is a video I found on YouTube regarding the bouncing brayer technique just in case you would like to see it in action.

Challenge I participated in: For Fun Challenges: 'Anything Goes' and Totally Paper Crafts, 'Untraditional Christmas'

Be Merry & Bright

I started making some Christmas cards this weekend using some products I received from Mygrafico store. This card was created using one of the digital images from the set called 'Traditional Christmas' by Blackleaf Studios.

The card layout is SC305.

Challengs I participated in:

Paper Cutz, Christmas using bling

Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C64), their theme was circles

Crafty Creations Challenges, Christmas is coming

The file contains 7 different joyous and fun Digital Stamping Elements. This charming Festive and Traditional Christmas Stamps are sure to add that sparkle to your special events - Party, Cocktail, Dinner, Celebrations, Festivities..etc You can purchase this set in the Mygrafico store here for $4.00.

Unicorn

It's time for another MyGrafico Challenge! This week's #76 challenge was to Go Girly. I created this cute card using the 'Unicorns Stamp Set' by Blackleaf Studios and 'Stick Fairies Paper' by Stick Fairies Paper.

This card was created using SC296 layout. I colored the image with Copics. I have been seeing many cards with scrunched ribbon so, I thought I would give it a try.

Challenges I participated in:

Cupcake Craft, was 'Fairy Tales & Panto Season.'

A Spoon Full of Sugar, was 'Anything Goes.'

Digi Doodle Shop, was 'Anything Goes.'

Stick Fairies paper pack. Great for scrapbooking, craft projects and more! 16 -11x11 papers. Paper match with coordinating clipart set found HERE. Purchase set at Mygrafico for $5.00.

Chic, Trendy, Fun and Playful Unicorn Stamps Set. The set contains 8 fully editable design elements for your craft project. Purchase set at Mygrafico for $4.00.

Would you like to see more project utilizing the theme?
Stop by the the other MyGrafico design team's blogs.

Good News

My "Autumn Bingo" card was just featured on Scrapbook News and Review Magazine (SNR) Card Universe. They choose all Thanksgiving/autumn themed cards for the Featured Cards this week.

Create Icicles

Every now and then I come across a YouTube video I want to share with you. This video will show you have to make icicles for your winter cards.

If Friend Were Flowers

For my project today, I used a digital stamp called 'If Friends Were Flowers' from the Stretch N' Bubbles store. The sentiment also comes with this set. The is a square card which measures 4 1/4 x 4 1/4.

I also created a envelope by cutting down a standard A2 size. The main image was colored using Copics. At the bottom of this post will be the instruction on how to make the envelope. I submitted this card over at Create 4 Fun, they wanted us to create a card using this card layout.

Below is a close up view of the colored image.

You can purchase the digital image and sentiment from Stretch N' Bubbles by clicking here. The set is $2.50.

Instructions for the square envelope:

1. Lick and seal a A2 envelope.

2. Cut the sealed envelope at 4 1/2 inches.

3. With a 1 3/8 circle punch, punch out a half circle on the top of the cut-off envelope.

4. Cut a piece of pattern paper at 4 3/8 x 2 1/2 inches, score at 1 inch. This will be used for the envelope flap.

5. Round the two corners on the larger piece.

6. Adhere to the envelope.

Selected to be a Polka Doodles DT Member

I have some exciting news to share. I was chosen to be on the Polka Doodles Design team. This is what they had to say, the standard of applicants was mega high this time and we had about 50 people apply so it’s was a toughest choice to select the new teammates. If you’re still interested we would LOVE to have you on the team, we all completely love your projects, your blog and we would love to have you on board!

Click here to visit the Polka Doodles Challenge Blog.

Click here to visit the Polka Doodles Store.