4 You!

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND TO ALL MY USA FRIENDS!

Not much going on here today so I thought I'd have a little fun and join in some challenges!  The Memory Box Challenge for September is 'Falling for Fall' Autumn Cards and the Mix It Up Challenge is Anything Goes with an option of 'Inlaid Die Cut' were a good starting point.  This 'inlaid die cut' is a fun technique that I thought would be good to use for a birthday card.  My daughter & grandson have birthday's this week so one of them is getting this card.

Would you believe we are already seeing the leaves changing color here in Ohio!  It won't be long before the neighborhood is in a blaze of Fall color ... and I haven't even taken a 'summer' vacation yet!  LOL

I you know me at all, you know 'clean & simple' is not my usual style.  Believe me when I tell you it was all I could do to NOT ADD more to this card LOL!  But I'm pretty happy with the outcome and hope you like it too!

If you are not familiar with this technique, you can find several Youtube tutorials here.  Give it a try ... it's a lot of fun and you end up with a fabulous & unique design.  I happen to receive an email from Simon Says where they shared some awesome videos for 'quick cards' ... THIS IS THE VIDEO I drew inspiration from.

Here's a side view shot showing the dimension:

Let's see if I can find a few other challenges to share in today:

Love to Craft September Challenge - ATG

Dl-Al(l) Kreatives Challenge #9 - Leaves

Pink & Main Challenge #25 - Autumn

Moving Along with the Times Challenge - Use a Number

Star Stampz Challenge - 2 or more die cuts

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Orange cs, Goldenrod cs,

Dies:  Memory Box 'Amazing You' #30015, Memory Box 'Parker Numbers' #98365

Accessories:  Tim Holtz distress inks, sponge daubers, 3M dimensional tape, Art Glitter glue

Here's a little Labor Day humor for you . . .

Go with the Flow . . .

Hello Everyone and Happy Monday!

I had a little extra crafting time yesterday so 

decided to create a card for the

latest Memory Box Out of the Box Challenge

I've really gotten hooked on creating backgrounds
using the Tim Holtz oxide inks and a
'watery' scene is my favorite at the moment.
Here's what I came up with ...

I recently received the Memory Box
'Oceana Corner' (99144) from the Dies R Us store
and I've had the Memory Box 'Big Splash
Border' (99438) for quite some time so
decided to see how they would look together.
LOVE IT!!

The Penny Black 'Fancy Fish' (51-314) was
the perfect addition and I used the 'pop out' bubbles/little fish
from the MB Oceana Corner with this fancy fish ...
otherwise they may have been thrown away.

The Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks I used
for my background panel are:
Peacock Feathers, Broken China
Wilted Violet and Cracked Pistachio

Challenges to share in today:

Challenge Up Your Life #71 - Circles (bubbles & waves)
Crazy 4 Challenge - Monochromatic
The Fairy and the Unicorn Challenge #6 - ATG option/We are all at Sea
A Vintage Journey Challenge - Watercolor
Dare2BArtzy August Challenge - Pastels
Simon Says Monday Challenge - Nautical

Well that does it for me today!
Here's wishing you a FABULOUS week ahead!
Thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

On a Calm Winter's Night . . .

Hi Everyone!

Today I have a card which was created primarily for the 'Stencil' challenge for Memory Box.  With the end of the month comes the end of this challenge so I figured I'd better get hoppin'!  

I truly didn't realize just how many different Memory Box Stencils I had in my stash until I started on this card but of course you know how it is . . . never the one you really want to use!  LOL

I wanted to create a 'wintry' sky and since I didn't have a stencil that really was made for that purpose,  I used the Modern Pop Dots stencil and the Bubbles stencil along with a few different Tim Holtz blue distress inks to create the sky.  

Next I wanted to create the landscape.  To do that, I used the Memory Box 'Fresh Pine Landscape' die. 

Of course, you can't have a wintry, forest scene with a couple deer!  So, I chose the Memory Box Woodland Deer (older die) and Dee's Distinctively 'Deer 2' for today's scenery card.  For added dimension, I die cut two Memory Box Snowflake Corners.  I just LOVE this die!

Here's a closer look at my stenciled background ...

I have so much fun creating cards using primarily die cuts.  And never gave it a thought to use my stencils for the background ... even if they weren't designed for exactly what you're in need of!  Guess you could consider that 'thinking outside the box' LOL.   I also added specks of snow using a while gelly roll pen and highlights to the levels of snow using Stickles.

Challenges I'd like to share in today are:
ABC Christmas Challenge - T is for Two (two deer)
Addicted to Stamps & More Holiday Challenge - Holiday (Christmas)
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog - Christmas Die Cuts
Fab'n'Funky Challenge - Christmas
A Snowflakes Promise Challenge #29 - ATG optional/seasons
Create & Makes Challenge #4 - ATG w/dies
Craft-Dee Bowz September Challenge - ATG w/handmade bow
Crafty Ribbon Challenge #169 - Lace or Ribbon


Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!
Hope you have a fabulous day and as always . . .

Time to Celebrate Christmas in July

Hello Everyone!

Today I have a card to share that was created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog!
One of my team mates mentioned doing 'Christmas in July' cards.  I thought it was a great idea and decided to give it a whirl myself!

Now mind you ... when it's upper 80s outside, I'm really not in the mood for holiday cards  ... BUT ... with the A/C on and I'm in the basement ... the temperature feels like it could be snowing in here!  LOL
So why not!

I don't make many 'shaker' style cards but am always impressed with them when I see the amazing creations other crafters come up with so that was the direction I decided to go with today's card.

AND, it's a great use for that packaging so many of my dies come in ... I keep them all and when I get a free minute I cut the edges off so I have a flat panel to use for various other projects.

Here are a few steps I took in making my shaker card:

First I decided on what scene I wanted to create and chose the Memory Box 'Cascade Evergreen Frame and Memory Box Everygreen Trio (no longer in stock) but the Memory Box Mountain Evergreen would work well also.

As you can see, I cut a panel in white and another in green.

Next I wanted to create a 'backdrop' for my evergreen forest so I cut a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 panel of white card stock and simply sponged just the top half to represent the sky using Tim Holtz 'broken china' distress ink and a large sponge dauber.

After cutting the green trees from the border ... I staggered them on top of the white tree panel to give the illusion of snow on the branches.  Next I started 'creating my forest'. 

 

To create my SHAKER, I decided to hand cut strips of dimensional tape to help create my 'window'.  After laying a strip on all four sides, I removed the protective strips from all but the top strip.  Next I adhered my 'window panel' ... poured in some Martha Stewart 'snow' ... pulled the top protective strip off and VOILA!!

Now for the finishing touches!

By positioning the Impression Obsession 'Icicle Edger' across the top and one of the deer from the Frantic Stamper 'Reindeer Duo' Set, down on the bottom, the dimension of my winter scene really came together ... what do you think?

I couple more dies for the inside sentiment and the first holiday card of the 2016 season is complete!
I chose the other reindeer in the Frantic Stamper 'Reindeer Duo' Set, and the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Merry Christmas with Tree' Sentiment die.

Sorry for the long post ... thanks for sticking with me!!

I hope you'll take the time and pop over to our Dies R Us store!
The holidays are 'not that far away you know!' ... YIKES!

There are so many wonderful die cutting companies to choose from ...

I'm sure you'll find exactly what you might be looking for (and more, lol) !!!

Remember, there is a new inspiration sample shared each and every day of the month

on our Dies R Us Inspiration Blog using a variety of dies from several different companies.

Then of course you'll want to come join us at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.

There's a new challenge theme offered on the 1st & 15th of each month with

a gift voucher prize to one lucky winner each challenge!

OH!  And did you know we have a FB Page and PINTEREST Page?

I hope you'll check out all the fabulous fun going on through DIES R US!!

Challenges to share in:
Broken Fairy Challenge #6 - Anything Goes / Twist - Christmas in July
Digi Designs Challenge - Christmas in July
Christmas Cards All Year Round July Challenge - Anything Goes (Christmas)
Creative Corner Challenges - Anything Goes
 Cut It Up Challenge - Anything Goes (must have die cuts)
Winter Wonderland Challenge - Let's see a Christmas tree and make it cute.
 ABC Christmas Challenge - N is for No Rules

Till next time . . . 

And, as always . . .

Play Time Saturday . . .

Happy Saturday Everyone!

I know I should be doing cards for upcoming Fall shows but today I just

wanted to create something for fun and maybe use up a few tidbits that were

laying on my craft table ... so, that's exactly what I did.

What do you think?

It all started with this oval cut panel that was laying on the

table 'screaming to be used' ...

I had cut it for another project but was larger than I needed for that project.

The ovals I used are from Lawn Fawn ... Stitched Ovals ... LARGE and SMALL.

The Memory Box Calla Oval Wreath was cut from white card stock so I used

whatever ink was remaining in some of my smaller finger daubers to color it.

I sponged my background panel with TH Broken China
before adding my encouraging sentiment by Art Impressions.
 
As you can see by the glare,

I actually make this a 'window' card by repurposing a panel of 
acetate packing from one of my die sets (I keep them all for this purpose).

LOOKING BACK ... I guess I could have actually made this a shaker card ... hmmmm!

 The larger butterflies are cut from the

Memory Box 'Fairyland Butterflies' ... just the top two.

 

It's always nice when you can use your dies in different ways.

A few other 'tiny' butterflies joined the party ...
They are from the Martha Stewart '3 in 1 butterfly punch'.

Challenges to share in:
 Crafty Calendar July Challenge - Punches & Dies
Crazy 4 Challenges - Encouragement
"Just Us Girls" Challenge - Sponging 
Sweet Stampin Challenge - Sentiment as Focus
Moving Along With The Times Challenge - No Designer Paper

I hope you enjoyed today's post and will stop 
back again tomorrow when I will have TWO posts to share!
One for Dies R Us and one for the new Tutti Designs ... you'll love them both!!

Have a fabulous weekend and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs

Stamp / Ink:  Art Impressions, Versafine Onyx, Tim Holtz Broken China

Accessories:  Small finger daubers, dies and punches, dimensional tape, clear acetate packing material

Tea and Chocolate ... Yum ...

Hello my friends ...

I mentioned earlier this week that I was busy working on creations for a couple upcoming shows.  My first show is for a group of ladies from one of our local country clubs.  This group loves everything 'vintage' so last Fall I created a few tea cups and they went like hot cakes ... needless to say I put it on the top of my list for this years Spring Show.  

The theme is Spring/Summer Brides.

I think these tea cups would be fabulous favors ... don't you?

I've also received emails regarding how these little gems are created so thought I'd share my secret!  Well ... really not much of a 'secret' since most of the work is done by this wonderful (though older) die from Sizzix called 'Tea Cup -3D' ... #656549.  To be honest, I'm not even sure if you can still purchase this die but you might be able to find it on Amazon or Ebay if it's no longer listed by Sizzix.

As you can see on the front of the die there are several pieces that cut at one time.  But of course to create the 'usable' cup, I needed to cut another panel the size of the cup portion and cut it 'in reverse' in order to have a front & back tea cup panel.  

For the saucer, of course I cut a panel from my pretty design paper, but for sturdiness, I also cut a panel using chipboard or a panel from an old cereal box.  We buy our cereal at the wholesale club so the boxes are heavier than those you buy at your typical grocery stores.

Anyways ... If you happen upon this die and have any questions, please feel free to email me (akadafney@yahoo.com) and I will help you as much as I can.

I prefer to use double sided design paper that has some weight to it so it doesn't tear as easily as some other papers do.  I went in search of and found these two beautiful K&Co spring colored, floral 12x12 paper packs that worked perfectly!!

 After die cutting and assembly was completed. Then came the fun of decorating ... which I did three different ways.  Some I decorated the tag with a bird or butterfly (something that matched in with the paper design) ... some I simply added a crochet/pearl flower and others I punched or die cut lacy panels to add to the front rim.  

 You can decorate these in so many ways!  As you can see, I die cut 'a doily' to be placed under each cup.  My 'doilies' are actually to be used as a sentiment tag/label but they worked perfectly for this project.  Those I've used this time around are Sue Wilson 'Scandinavian' Corner, Border, Tag #CED4202 (my favorite), Spellbinder 'Beautiful Locket' & 'Oval Regalia' die sets.

There is a tag that cuts out with the other pieces ... sometimes I use them, sometimes I save them and use on my cards.  This time on some I stamped the 'A Gift for You' sentiment and adhered them to the front on some of the cups along with a 'fancy button' (back shank has been cut off). 

 Since they are TEA cups, I felt a tea bag was required to be included and chose an English Breakfast Tea.  But, we all enjoy a good piece of chocolate from time to time so I decided to also include Ghiradelli  & Dove squares inside each cup.  What a treat!

Next came the packaging ...

Last year I must have had taller treat bags because I was able to pull them together at the top and add a pretty ribbon bow.  But all I found in my stash were these treat bags that are 9" tall ... which was not quite tall enough for that same process ... HENCE PLAN B!

Why not make a topper?

So, that's exactly what I did!

 

After going through some of my dies I found an oval that I thought would work perfectly.  It is actually the largest die from the Sue Wilson 'Frames & Tags' GRACE  (CED4313) set.

I placed each filled tea cup in a treat bag, folded down the top and placed a staple in the center of the (folded in half) oval.  

Of course, that was just too plain so pulled out the tray of already die cut Heartfelt Creations flowers that are actually left over from last years Adventures in Stamping demo.  

All that was required was a sponging of ink, a dab of glue and a touch of greenery.  I wanted something open and airy so chose the Memory Box 'Geneva Vine' #98595.  This is actually more of a floral vine vs leaves but I was able to cut it into smaller segments and think it works beautifully. 

Sorry this post was so long but I was hoping to satisfy all the questions that were asked about this project all at one time.  However, if you do have additional questions please don't be afraid to ask.

A few challenges I'd like to enter into today:

Memory Box Challenge #11 - Anything but a Card

Crafting for All Seasons Challenge #123 - Die Cuts/Punches

Decorate to Celebrate #30 Challenge - Anything Goes

Scrapy Land Challenge - Anything Goes + dies carried in their store

Creative Card Crew Challenge - Die Cuts

If you've made it all the way to the end of my post, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

As always . . .

Winter is Coming!

Hello Friends!

My goodness but it's been a bit crazy around here the past few months and my mojo is 'lacking' to say the least!  BUT ... I did find time (and enough mojo) to create a winter scene card that will go in my holiday card collection.  Whether for sale or for my own use, I enjoyed creating it and am very happy with the outcome.

It's so quick and easy to create a winter scene with all the amazing new die cuts available.  One of my all time favorite die cut companies is Memory Box.  Their dies always seem to be more along 'my style' and I love all the outdoor images they have available.  

Have you seen they now have a challenge to play along in?

Check it out ...

Outside the Box 

Now about my card creation . . .

  

By using my new Memory Box 'Distressed Holiday Collage' corner die,

it gave me the feel of snowflakes but yet left me room on the

opposite side of my panel for more 'sky' space where

I could create small snowflakes in my scene with a white

Gelly Roll pen.

My 'original' card only had one bird in the trees but after photographing it

I didn't like how it looked so went back through my

dies and located my Memory Box 'Contempo Birds' die which

has a variety of different size birds and

added a few friends for my lonely single bird ... BETTER!!

Since my original bird was glued down I simply popped a bird facing the 

other direction up in front of him and added a few

friends on other branches ... I'm much happier with this version. 

 What do you think?

      

I love how you can create a snowy ground cover by simply tearing an 'off cut' from your white card base card stock.

Quick ... Easy ... Perfect!

OH!  And did you notice I CUT my Memory Box 'Deer in the Trees' frame?

I didn't like the positioning of the frame on my A6 card background so simply gave it a quik cut in order to have the trees LOWER on my scene.    You probably wouldn't have even noticed that if I hadn't pointed it out!  

Other challenges to share in:

Crafting with Attitude Challenge #6 - Anything Goes

Moving Along With The Times Challenge - Snow in Summertime

Ruby's Rainbow Challenge #111 - Dies Cuts or Punches

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I've been dealing lately with some vertigo issues but today seems to be a better 'health' day so I'm going to get busy crafting while I can!  LOL

Have a great day!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Hunter Green cs, Medium Blue cs, Red cs
Dies:  Memory Box 'Distressed Holiday Collage #30063, Memory Box 'Simple Evergreen Frame' #99243, Memory Box 'Deer in the Trees' #99275, Memory Box 'Contempo Birds' #30017
Accessories:  White Gelly Roll pen, dimensional tape,    

Technique:  Torn paper

Dies R Us - Christmas in July

Hello Friends!

There's no time like the present to get started 

on those holiday cards!

I couldn't wait to receive some of the new holiday dies released 

from Memory Box and available in the Dies R Us Store.

Today I've created a card as an inspiration sample for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  I've used both a NEW die and a couple OLDER dies.  I love being able to combine dies to create a quick and impressive card creation!  I think I've succeeded in doing that today ... hope you think so too!

These newly released dies go in & out of stock quickly so be sure to get your order placed while they are available!  Today I've used one of the new Memory Box snowflake dies called Dazzling Snowdrift Corner #MBD 99272 which unfortunately at the time of this posting ... is out of stock.

 This is really a fun die!

The snowflakes actually cut & pop out for additional versatility on your card (as I have done today).  First I die cut my corner die from white card stock ... then from a scrap of the medium blue I used for my background panel, I die cut just the 3 larger snowflakes.  I lightly sponged Tim Holtz 'faded jeans' distress ink onto the blue snowflakes and inserted them into the my corner die panel where the white snowflakes were popped out from. 

Follow me?

Maybe this closeup will help ...

 

After getting the corner created to my satisfaction, I decided to use a couple of the white snowflakes from the original cut along with these adorable Memory Box 'Precious Mittens' #98663 and of course a sentiment.  In this case, I chose the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Merry Christmas Set' #B186.

 

Of course every holiday card needs a touch of sparkle so I grabbed my red Stickles and added a dab here and there to 'pull it all together'!  

AGAIN ... be sure to get your holiday dies on order NOW!

The prices at the Dies R Us store are fabulous  ... as are the shipping charges ... and the selection is AMAZING!!!!

Don't forget about our CHALLENGE BLOG ... please come join in the fun!  Today's card actually fits with the current challenge which is CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!  You have until the 28th to get your entry in and YOU could be the winner of a gift voucher to the store! 

Challenges I'd like to share in today:

Outside The Box / Memory Box Challenge #2 - Christmas in July

Pile It On Challenge #78 - Christmas/Winter in July

Crafty Calendar Monthly Challenge - Christmas in July

My Time To Craft Challenge - Christmas in July

The Stamping Boutique - Red, White and/or Blue

Emerald Faeries Challenge #69 -  Christmas in July

Live & Love Crafts Challenge - Christmas in July 

Paper Creators Crafts Challenge - Christmas in July

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope you have a fun & fabulous weekend!

As always . . .