Easter Greetings & Treat Holders!

Pin It Now! I haven't had much time to post lately, but wanted to share a few of the Easter goodies I've made for friends & family.   I've been working behind the scenes to create more often, so here's a recap of this month's projects!

Here's a funny little punch art bunny.  I love this bunny with his tail end sticking up!  

The Stampin' Up! owl dressed as a bunny!  The bunny idea was a find on Pinterest, and the banner was added for a little more celebration!  

I loved this bunny card, it's clean and simple.  Uses the fabulous Hardwood background stamp, Eggstra Spectacular Easter set from the 2014 Spring Mini, and a little layering and glittering (note the glittered bunny tail!).  I knocked out a bunch of these in no time!

The Easter cross card!  I love this retired Crosses of Hope set.  It looks SO wonderful as a cross for Easter.  Layered with Deco Label Framelits, the new Petite Petals punch (2014 Spring Mini but WILL carry over to the 2014-2015 catalog), and Bird Builder Punch for the leaves.  The sentiment is stamped on vellum & hand cut into a banner strip.

I have to make some more of these little bunny houses this weekend!  They are SO fun!  They are cased from here. Using Milk Carton Bigz XL die, Hardwood, Elegant Butterflies Sizzlits, Bird Builder, and 1-3/8" Circle Punch.  

These Tag Topper Punch treat holders have been all around the web this year.  Created with the Tag Topper Punch (spring 2014).  My boxes measure 2" x 8" - punch both ends, score the bottom, and stick a little treat to the inside.  Then decorate as you wish! 

Mine are all gone by this point, but my stampin' friend Kathy made these for a class and I'm borrowing her pic.  Thx, Kathy!

Finally, my bunny bags!  I sent these to my downline and my mom.  They loved this little handcrafted muslin sack!  The chocolate bunnies are stamped on fabric, stitched onto scraps of old sheets, and stuck on a muslin sack.

If you have any questions about any of these projects, please feel free to shoot me an email or ask in the comments section.

Have a Blessed Easter, everyone!  xoxo

Bunch O' Banners Thank You - HSS 181

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This card features an abundance of banner pieces, from several different sources. 

The focal point is a burlap banner piece from the Sale-A-Bration FREEbie, Heartfelt Banner Designer Kit. So many pieces in this kit can be used on a card or scrapbook layout!  

Then we have the strip of banners across the top from Banner Blast (Sale-A-Bration 2014 also).  They're zig-zag stitched together to give them a little cohesion. 

Finally, the sentiment is from the Bitty Banners Bundle, these are a snap to die cut with this coordinating Framelits. 

And I finally have found an opportunity to ink up my new Dictionary stamp. I love this because you can have a vintage book page look, but it will match anything when you change out the color!

The colors were inspired by our latest color challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments:

-Midnight Muse

- So Saffron

- Tangerine Tango

An unusual combo, if I may say, but I like they way it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Banner Blast, Itty Bitty Banners, Dictionary, circle stamps from My Paper Pumpkin kit Feb 2014

Ink: Midnight Muse, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake

Paper:  Midnight Muse, Gold Glimmer, Whisper White

Embellishments:  Gold Sequins, Banner Piece from Heartfelt Banner kit, Basic Metal button, Midnight Muse Stitched Satin ribbon 

Big Shot: Bitty Banner Framelits Die

World Map Masculine Card

Pin It Now! Here's a card I made for a beginners' class last week.  It features World Map, a great background stamp.

A couple of strips in Night of Navy and Real Red with Tasteful Trim die, and a Chevron ribbon banner strip.

The Starburst Sayings and Framelits bundle was used here. I love the sentiments and the fun zigzag edges in this set!  Great for so many occasions!

Starburst Sayings Clear-Mount Bundle	134818
Price: $38.95

Starburst Sayings Clear-Mount Bundle

134818

Price: $38.95

Who Doesn't LOVE a Chocolate Bunny?! Hybrid Muslin Sack & Card ForEaster

Pin It Now! Surely I'm not the only one who adores Stampin' Up!'s retired Chocolate Bunny stamp!  Did you know it's available as a digital download?  Yes!  You can color them any color you want, including any of SU's colors that have ever existed, and print them any size, any quantity, forever!  For only $1.95.  Seriously!

Today, I want to share with you my Chocolate Bunny project!  I've put the bunny on a card, and printed her onto fabric and stitched her to a muslin bag.

The hexagon embossing folder is used, but I only cranked it about 2/3 through the Big Shot to give it a subtle fade.

The bunny is nestled inside the photo strip Framelit from On Film Framelits set.  The chevron behind her is just the reverse of the cutout from the die.  I backed the square holes with Coastal Cabana for contrast.

The Happy Easter sentiment is from Delightful Dozen, stamped onto vellum with Staz On.

See the circle garland?  I stitched it myself from Subtles DSP (pink) and stamps from the latest Paper Pumpkin kit (February 2014).  It was easier than I'd imagined!  And I'm just smitten with it, I want to make loads of garland now!  

Three different circles make up the garland: 1" circle punch, smallest Starburst Framelits, and a 1" Martha Stewart punch.  

Here's a close up of my fine (JOKING) sewing workmanship!

I used printable fabric (you can find in on Amazon), printed bunnies, cut them out, and stitched them onto a scrap of Beau Chateau fabric (this is on CLEARANCE for $1.99!!!)

Before stitching all the way, I stuffed a little cotton batting inside to give her some dimension.  The pink fabric has a zigzag stitch around the edge, but I did that before attaching it to the muslin bag...I adhered the pink panel with Sticky Strip!  Easy enough!

I thoroughly enjoyed getting crafty with this project.  So often, I get pigeonholed into using paper only, but today was all good!  

The card was inspired by our latest sketch at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  I turned the sketch clockwise 1/4 turn.  Head over to play!  I'd love to see what you are up to!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Chocolate Bunny (digital), Delightful Dozen

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Coastal Cabana, Jet Black Staz On, Baked Brown Sugar
Paper: Very vanilla, Subtles DSP stack, Vellum, Coastal Cabana

Embellishments: Very Vintage Deigner Button, Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, basic rhinestone

Big Shot:  Hexagon embossing folder, On Film Framelits, Starburst Framelits

Punches:  1" Circle, 1" Scallop Circle (Martha Stewart)

Tag Topper Punch Trifold Card

Pin It Now! I love this new Tag Topper Punch.  I've always had a fascination with tags, and this opens up my cardmaking world to so many new ideas!

Today I want to share another card fold using the tag topper punch.

It's a pretty easy, but a nice surprise of a fold!  The card base is 5-1/2 x 11".  Simply score the left side of the cardstock at 4-1/4 & 8-1/2, and the remaining flap gets the Tag Topper Punch. 

Inside, from Kind and Cozy.  This is appropriate for sympathy, get well, or just - well - Thinking Of You!

DSP:  Sweet Sorbet

STAMP:  Kind & Cozy

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a blessed and creative day ~ Erika

Spiral Flower on Tag Topper Side Fold Card

Pin It Now! I have pretty colors and fancy folds to show you today!

Here's a trending technique - creating a trifold card with a special closure using the Tag Topper Punch. 

You can find a video here on how this tag topper closure is done.  

I have finished my card using Sweet Sorbet DSP and twine from the matching Accessory Pack available in the Sale-A-Bration brochure going on now!  

Inside: Again, Petal Parade from Sale-A-Bration, but the sentiment is from Another Great Year.

Check out this lovely flower!  It's made in a snap using the new Spiral Flower Originals Die.  I will tell you that there's a learning curve involved with this...don't give up, because when you find your "style" of flower, you'll love it:  Here are a couple of tips:

1 - I found that the Core'dinations paper worked by far the best for holding  the petal shape.

2 - Use a hot glue gun once you get it worked out right.  You don't want this flower falling apart!

3 - Use your bone folder to shape the petals before rolling it up.

4 - This flower is my prettiest one, and it was my eighth try!!!!  I will make more!

With the bulk of this card, it either needs to be hand delivered or sent in a box-type envelope.  I have glassine bags available in my Etsy Shop!  These are great to show off your work.


Have a blessed and creative day!  ~ Erika

Hello Friend! Hipster Camera Card

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I'm digging into some new stamp sets this week, and up first is the new bundle featuring the stamp set Peachy Keen!  A super hip, modern set that is sure to please the younger set.  My 9 year old, Ryan, thinks it's cool ;)

The color combo we're challenging you to use this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments is:
Midnight Muse
Smoky Slate
Rose Red.

This one did have me scratching my head for awhile, but a little inky time fixed me up!

The little camera cutout is done with the Envelope Punch Board.  It's a piece of Smoky Slate, 2-3/4" x 4-1/4", and scored at 2-7/8", flip it over, and score again at 2-7/8". Round the corners, and you have a cute centerpiece!

Come on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and see the inspiration the other designers have posted!  I'd love to see what you make!

Have a blessed and creative day ~ Erika

Supplies:

Stamps:  Peachy Keen

Ink:  Rose Red, Midnight Muse, Basic Black

Paper: Midnight Muse, Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer

Embellishments:  Hardware Clip, Wooden Elements, White Bakers Twine

Big Shot:  Chevron Embossing Folder

Envelope Punch Board, Corner Rounder Punch

Banner Blast Valentine's Day Cards

Pin It Now! Hey crafty friend!  Are you keeping warm?  It's minus 5 degrees outside as I'm writing!  But I'm cozied up in my craft room with a hot chai latte'.  Warm puppy at my feet.  Ahhhh.

My first Valentine of the season!  Boy, am I glad to see fresh, bright colors like these.  Have a little peek at some upcoming Sale-A-Bration items.

The cute little banners are made with the SAB Banner Blast stamp set (the center banner) and coordinating banner punch.  No more worrying over crooked banner ends!  Just punch, punch, punch. 

The center stamp, "Love", is covered with Iridescent Ice heat embossing powder to give a little oomph. 

Patterned paper is Fresh Prints Designer Paper Stack.  These 4.5 x 6.5 papers are just the right size and easy to store!

I think I like this red background  best.

Be My Valentine is from Delightful Dozen (#122652 $24.95). It's just right with a red Glimmer heart!

I'm playing with the Monday Lunchtime Sketch TSSC296. Nice sketch, I love clean sketches, you can literally go anywhere with them!  Love the inspiration from the designers, too!  Heck, who doesn't love a banner?!

Have a blessed & creative day!  Stay cozy ~ Erika

Petals & Feathers - New Spring Supplies! HSS176

Pin It Now! Hey crafty friend!  How's it going?  Have you recovered from Christmas yet?  As much as I love Christmas, I am very ready for some springy projects!  Here's one using some new spring mini & Sale-A-Bration goodies, as well as some regular catty stamps I have in my stash.

I'm drawing inspiration from this photo from Hand Stamped Sentiments. This is a fantastic photo because there are so many ways to interpret it.  Hearts? Pink? Nature?  I chose feathers, and a little pink!

HAND STAMPED SENTIMENTS
PHOTO INSPIRATION CHALLENGE
HSS176

Fine Feathers is a stamp set that I purchased right away, and it sits and looks pretty on my shelf most of the time.  This was a great opportunity to ink it up!  I stamped three feathers in three colors - Crisp Cantaloupe, Blushing Bride, and Soft Sky.  Cut and arranged them on a tag. A little stamp layering with two new stamp sets (Petal Parade & Simply Celebrate) and some spritzing. 

See the sequins?  You'll be seeing a lot of them!  They come in a huge roll, and I think they'll last a long, long time!  I adhered them with Sticky Strip behind the (new SAB) Sweet Sorbet DSP. They add a nice glimmery touch to an otherwise pastel card, and I love the way they catch the eye when the light hits them.  

So go on, make a spring - love - birdy - feather - whatever card!  I'd love to see what you come up with using Hand Stamped Sentiment's photo challenge!  

Have a blessed and creative day ~ Erika

Supplies:

Stamps: Fine Feathers, Petal Parade (SAB), Simply Celebrate (Spring Mini)

Ink: Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Soft Sky, Crisp Cantaloupe

Paper:  Sweet Sorbet DSP (SAB), Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Embellishments: Gold Sequin Trim, Crisp Cantaloupe Stretch Ruffle Trim, Gold bakers twine

Punches:  Scallop Tag Topper, Crop-A-Dile

Other: Stampamajig, Spritzing Tool. 

Sketch Full of Sneak Peeks! HSSSC175

Pin It Now! Tis the season to be busy!  I've had a box full of sneak peek products from the upcoming Spring Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration for over a week now (even paid for expedited shipping!) and finally have had time to make a birthday card for my mom using this week's sketch at Hand Stamped Sentiments!

Most of the supplies are from a mini album kit - Mini Memories Simply Created Album Kit, and I've broken out the kit so I can use it for cards because all the elements of it are so sweet!  It has a little bit of everything...the paper bag, doily, the large sequin, and the lovely gold baker's twine are all from the kit.  I've cut apart the tulip printed bag and sanded it a bit to tone down the white, and there's plenty of it leftover for more cards.

The stamp is from the upcoming Another Great Year set, and it has the BEST birthday stamps...you'll see the largest one below on the inside. "Wish Big" is embossed with white and watercolored with Wild Wasabi and Calypso Coral. A few sequins and a bow from the twine embellish the sides of the Natural Composition DSP frame.  

I love the watercolor trend!  It was very easy and I didn't have to worry about getting things perfect.  See the muslin banner there?  It's part of a Sale-A-Brations freebie! A super lovely banner kit called Heartfelt - OMGoodness I LOVE it!  There are POM POMs in it! The top of the banner is punched with a new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch.

Inside is a show stopper sentiment with a little more watercoloring brushed on. 

So, do you have a little time set aside for stamping during this busy time?  Head on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and play along!