Bear Wishes

We have a good friend that has retired from the California Alumni Association, and his upcoming party is on Friday.  I wanted to make a special card just for him, so this is what I came up with.

I found the words that I put on the card a long time ago, but just haven't had the right time to use them until now.  It reads:

Advice from a

BEAR

Climb beyond your limitiations

When life gets hairy, grin and bear it

Eat well

Live with the seasons

Take a good long nap

Look after your honey!

Cute poem by Ilan Shamir.

I used plain white card stock which I cut into a 6.5" x 10" card.  I then figured out where the approximate middle of the card was and then ran it through my printer to add the poem to the front.  Then I ran the card through my Cricut using the "camp out" cartridge and cut a bear "shadow" out of the front of the card directly below the poem.  This was a little tricky getting things to line up, but I think it is pretty good.  I then cut out a light brown bear "shadow" and then another bear "original," which game it the cut outs for the bottom bear to show through.  I then figured out how to mount the brown bear so that it shows through the cut out bear hole on the front.  Something new to try, haven't done this before, but I think for this particular card it came out pretty darn good.

For the envelope I didn't want to have a white envelope, so I made an envelope out of blue card stock.  I then glued to the front the white bear that I had cut out of my card, and then wrote with a gold pen, our friend's name on the front of the envelope.  Go Bears!

Make A Wish!

Make a wish, what better way to wish someone a happy birthday.  I purchased the "wish" paper quite awhile ago, thinking that one of these days I would make a card with it.  I saw a card online that had added the candle, and I thought what a cute idea to complete my card.

Plain white card, a piece of red cardstock down the one side, the "wish" paper, which I chalked in red.  I then added the black oval, and the white oval (chalked in red), which I cut using the "George and Basics" Cricut cartridge.  Add your "Make a Wish" and then attach your candle and a bow.  I chalked the rest of the card in black. 

HONEY BD

Yesterday was my honey's birthday.  Well here's my card, and a picture of my honey with his brand new GPS, which he has appropriately named "Penelope Nosoeewe."  If you haven't figured out the last name, it stands for North, South, East and West, pretty cleaver, but understandable for an engineer/surveyor.

Cute coordinating paper with lavendar rick rack for an accent and 3 little mismatched buttons added to the bottom.  I cut the Happy Birthday using the Cricut cartridge "George and Basic Shapes."  This cartridge is always my fall back cartridge, because it has so many things that you can use.

WISHES FOR A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Donna and Jamie, our friends, actually more like family than friends are celebrating their anniversary this weekend, and I wanted to make a pretty card for them.

Pretty purple and lavender paper for the background.  Instead of ribbon, I even used a gingham lavender paper that I cut with the fancy scissors and then chalked the edges.  I used my "George and Basic Shapes" cartridge to cut out the flower.  Love that chalk, more chalk around the edges of the flower petals (I used different colors, black on the bottom, purple, matching lavender print as in the background and then dark purple for the top.  I free-handed the green leaves.  Attached the whole flower to the card using a lavender brad.  Added a couple of pretty little lavender pearls as my finishing touch.  I like it!

BON APPETITE

We have a friend that loves to cook, and his birthday is August 25th, the same day as my husbands.  He and his wife purchased an outdoor pizza oven a few years back and from that point on, he has cooked some outrageous things, as well as inviting his friends to share in some of the delicious things that he makes.  YUMMMMO!

Love the paper, red gingham for the top, kind of makes me think of a picnic, but without the ants, and green strips for the bottom.  Funky polka dots for the back of the circle and then a plain green to tie in with the bottom stripes.  Cut out the apron using my Cricut cartridge, "Block Party" and then added a fancy do-dad with brads on the bottom and cut out "Mike" using the "George and Basic Shapes" cartridge.  Fancy little ribbon and there you have it.  Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with a card that is a little more masculine, I seem to lean the other direction, but I think this one came out pretty cute.  It goes out in the mail to day, "Bon Appetite!"

LUGGAGE TAGS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM

I actually saw these luggage tags on someone else's Blog, and couldn't resist making some for Jenna and Dan to have for their upcoming honeymoon in October to Maui.

Bought Self-Laminating Luggage Tags at Target (4 per box).  Measured the tag and cut the black paper slightly smaller so there was bonding space around the entire tag.  Used my corner punch to round the edges.  Using a white pen, I drew on the stitching all the way around the tag and then wrote the words.  On the back side, using the computer, I typed out their name, address and cell phone number and attached.  Positioned the black tag onto the sticky portion of the plastic tag, and carefully closed the front rubbing towards the end to get a good seal.  I then attached some cute little ribbons just as an added touch.  I am going to attach these tags to the top of Jenna's shower gift.  Something a little different, but fun.  Just think of all the different tags I can make.

BRIDAL SHOWER FOR JENNA

Getting ready for Jenna's (just like another one of our kids) Bridal Shower tomorrow. One of her colors happens to be plum, which of course, I didn't have plum paper, however, I did have purple, so went with this color scheme (close enough) for her card.

The base is just a plain white card.  I cut a piece of white paper, used fancy scissors for the edge and then chalked it with purple.  Then I added the cute lavendar gigham paper on the top and the darker purple paper on the bottom, both of which came from JoAnn Fabrics topping it off with some ribbon that I have had (white with silver linking hearts).  Attached it all to the front of the card then added the embelishments, flowers with rhinestones (Paradise Scrapbook Store), diamond ring sticker and big white "J" for Jenna.

Can't let the envelope be a plain Jane, so I added the corresponding purple paper from the card to the back outside of the envelope, cut the fancy edge with the same scissors I used for the card.  Use my purple caligraphy marker and wrote "Jenna," and then added a fancy little flower sticker.  Tomorrow's the big day, can't wait to see all the nice things she and her soon to be hubby are going to get.

AN APPLE FOR THE TEACHER!

Good friend, Phyllis, went in for surgery today on her shoulder, a repair of the repair work that failed the first time.  I wanted to send her a little note letting her know that we were thinking about her, and decided once a teacher, always a teacher, so the apple paper was perfect.

Found the cute apple paper at JoAnn Fabrics, backed it with some plain green paper that I cut with the fancy scissors "Colonial" cut.  Added the cute red gingham ribbon topped with the apple, which I cut out by hand, added the center in white, added a few little details with a brown marker.  I cut out a second red apple, attached it to the card and then used 3-D dots to add the detailed apple, just to give it a little added dimension.  Cut out the leaf, and then added the brown gingham ribbon for a stem.  Chalked most of the edges, I think this gives things some character.  Chalked the edge of the card in green, and done.  As they say, "An Apple A Day Helps to Keep the Doctor Away."  Well maybe not in Phyllis's case, but I think the apple always hits a home run with a teacher.

WELCOME BABY!

Had to make a card to go along with the baby blanket.  Love making baby cards, so much fun, and so many cute ideas that I could come up with.  This one I decided should match the blankie.

Made the background baby blue, it is for a boy.  Had some scraps of the gingham yellow that I used for accents.  I found the cute little monkey sticker at Michael's in a bin for a $1, and this was the first time that I had an opportunity to use it, how perfect.  I cut out the leaves on my Cricut using the "Give A Hoot" cartridge, and then chalked the edges with a darker green and drew the vein down the center.  I cut out the coconuts using the "George and Basic" cartridge, as well as the "BABY."  Added a cute little brown gingham ribbon and there you have it.  Welcome Baby!

BLANKIE FOR A NEW BABY

A friend is getting ready to have a baby boy, and I have been trying to come up with something cute for the second little addition to their family.  I happened to be at JoAnn Fabrics yesterday and found the cutest blanket top, so couldn't resist.

I am not the best when it comes to using a sewing machine, plus mine is hidden somewhere out in the garage, so I put this together by hand.  Found cute coordinating brown fabric for the back, and added some cushy batting in the middle.  Tied the blanket in a few spots to keep the batting from shifting.  I love it, of course, how can you go wrong with cute little animals, and so easy.

POST-IT-NOTE CLIPBOARD

Saw this idea on someone's blog and thought what a great idea for a hostess gift or just a little something to surprise someone.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR PROJECT:

Chipboard restaurant coasters, free

medium size binder clip

scrapbook paper scraps

ribbon scraps

 

Base Directions:

1) I didn't have a coaster on hand, but I had some chipboard, so I cut that to 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square.

2) Glued a patterned piece of paper to the front and then chalked the edges.

Binder Clip Directions:

1) Cut a piece of coordinating paper 1-1/4" wide by 2" long

2) Fold your piece of paper over the binder clip, just to kind of get it to mold to the shape

3) Glue the backside of the paper and then form it around the clip (you might have to hold it a second, and as you press, wipe off the excess glue that comes out on the sides)

4) Add an embellishment if you like

5) Tie a coordinating piece of ribbon to the top of the clip

Place your Post-It-Note onto the chipboard (I did not glue or attach, just laid it on top)

Attach with your binder clip

You could write something cute on the front note, if you like to personalize it.

JAZZED UP COMPOSITION BOOK

Love these plain little old black and white composition books, but they are just plain boring.  Now days they are actually starting to come out with some better looking designs, but why not create your own personalized book.  Finished it just in time for the beginning of school.

Love this pink leopard paper that I found at Michael's the other night and so I decided to use it along with coming up with some other combinations of what I had.  I also used paper from the "Rock Star" collection, love the rock star look with the skull and stars on the black background.  I then added a cute bow of zebra print that I had purchased from the Paradise Scrapbook store ages ago, but hadn't come up with the right project to use it on until now.  Tied a bow, attached it to the front sheets with a brad and then glued a pink sparkle onto the front.  I then attached my completed front sheet to the book front using tape.  Using sandpaper, I smoothed the edges and then chalked them with charcoal to finish it off.  Found some cute pictures from the summer, good times, good memories to get you through the beginning of the fall semester.  Make it fun, lots of blank pages to fill in.

PERSONALIZED POST-IT-NOTE COVER

I have bought these as gifts over the years, and I thought to myself, I know I can make this, but of course, it was just taking the time to figure out the dimensions and create myself a template.

Post-It-Note Holder Directions:

What you will need:

Paper (double sided works best)

Scoring board

Post It Note Pad

Double sided tape or glue

Velcro

Cute sticker or embelishment for the front cover

* Cut a strip of paper 3" wide x 8" long (double sided is cute because you will see the inside when you open it.

 

Scoring:

First fold is at 2 5/8"

Second fold add another 3/8", which makes it at 3"

Third fold is an additional 3-1/8", which makes it at 6-1/8"

Fourth fold is another 3/8", which makes it at 61/2"

You should have 1-7/8" remaining

 

Attach your Post-It-Note pad with either tape or glue. I took off about 10 sheets, because you will see that it is a little too thick otherwise.

Add velcro to the top and bottom with glue, and let dry throughly; see my photo.

Add your embelishment as your finishing touch.

Thinking of You!

I have a good friend that is having surgery tomorrow and I wanted to send her a special card to let her know that I was thinking about her.

Started with a background of red gingham paper covering the full card top.  Found this very, very cute double sided paper with flowers on one side and polka dots on the reverse.  I put the two together doing them in reverse and then added a ecru colored edging down the right hand side and then added a sassy red and white ribbon across the middle where the two papers came together.  Cut a rectangle out of a embossed off-white paper on my Cricut using the George and Basic cartridge, and then added the words "Thinking of You," which was also done on my Cricut.  Attached it altogether and then added a couple of snappy little ladybugs.  For the back of my envelope I added the matching polka dot paper, cut the edge with my fancy scissors "Arabian" cut, chalked the edges and then added the ladybug stickers and leaf.  There you have it.  I think this will brighten her day and let her know that I am thinking about her while she is recovering.

Happy Anniversary

Well, it was our 36th anniversary on August 2nd, and I needed a card for the occasion.  We just returned from our week up at the Lair (family camp in the Sierras), and I thought what better theme then chipmunks.

I started with a cute background of baby blue paper with brown polka dots and then added a cute brown and beige checkered ribbon.  I then used my Cricut "Give A Hoot" cartridge to cut out the cute little chipmunks, and then added a flower brad to the little girl and then gave them an eye and little noses.  I then cut out a couple of acorns and added them to the card.  The "Nuts 4 U" was done using my "George and Basics" cartridge, which always seems to have just the perfect plain font that I am looking for.  I think it came out pretty cute, if I don't say so.

Matchmakers

My husband belongs to a wonderful group called the Santa Rosa East Rotary Club.  The people in this club are all truly wonderful and loving and we have become true friends over the years.  A few months back, one of the ladies, Phyllis, thought it would be a lot of fun to put together a group to play Bunco once a month and alternate around to different houses.  Last night was our Bunco at Ken and Judy's house, and I wanted to take some kind of a little hostess gift.  I decided it might be kind of fun to decorate a box of matches with some pretty paper, etc., so here is how my project turned out.

Matchmakers

I purchased an ordinary box of matches at the hardware store thinking that it would be fun project.  I cut polka dot paper (turquoise blue, green, orange, purple and red dots) the exact size of the matchbox top and then attached it using multiple strips of "Miracle Tape."  For the bottom, I cut a coordinating piece of paper (green with white stripes) and attached it the same way.  I then cut about a 1/2" strip of paper out of the green and white striped paper and then used my fancy scissors to trim the edges.  I chalked the edges of the strip with brown chalk and then mounted it onto the box using tape.  Next I had some lavendar rick rack that I glued to the top of the green strip.  Using a regular piece of sandpaper, I sanded the edges of the top and bottom of my box and then chalked the edges with brown.  For the top outside edges I glued some green fancy rick rack, which I think gives it a nice finished look.  I added some cute little flower stickers that look like they must be buds for some kind of a fruit.  I wanted to personalize the matchbox, so I cut a "C" out of lightweight cardstock and then covered it with a lavendar gingham paper and finally, I chalked the edges in lavendar.  The last thing was to stamp my personalized stamp onto the back, an artist should always remember to sign their work.

Pinecrest Birthday

It is almost time for us to head up to Pinecrest for our annual week at the Lair of the Golden Bear.  22 years and we are really looking forward to visiting with our friends and catching up on what has been happening over the year.  Of course, we always are honored to celebrate our friend, Mike's birthday while we are there.

Add caption

Pinecrest Birthday

I like the look of ripping paper and then chalking the edges, it's easy to create the look of sky or mountains, or whatever you like.  I used the Cricut cartridge "Camp Out" for the trees in the background.  Found the ribbon and the wine paper that I used at the Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I simply cut out the wine bottles and glasses that I chose from the paper and then mounted them onto the card.  The one in the upper left I cut out 2 duplicate copies and then put 3-D dots underneath to give it that raised dimensional look.  The wording, I typed on my computer and then added to the card.  "Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the rest improve with age."  Pope John XXIII

Butterflies and Lace

The one thing about making a generic card is that you can use it for any occasion.  I don't like to be linked into using a particular card for a specific day, there are just way too many other days that I like to send a note or special greeting to friends and family.

Butterflies and Lace

Amazing how we have so many beautiful little scraps, and of course, I can never throw them out, I just keep waiting for that special card to be able to mix and match those little pieces together.  As you can see on this card, I used 4 different patterened paper and then added the cute little lavendar ric rac and the 3-D butterfly to finish.  I added the matching yellow gingham to the flap on the envelope and then trimmed the edges with my fancy scissors.  Pretty and it's my creation, so it is one of a kind. 

Wish for Rocky

My friend and hairdresser for the last 23 years is having a birthday on July 14th, and I just had to make a card to let him know that I remembered.  He's just a little bit older than me, and because my birthday is in May, he always has to tease me when we are the same age for a couple of months.  Happy birthday Rocky, on the 14th you are older than me again.  :)

Wish for Rocky

I covered a blank white card in light gray cardstock.  I put together the star paper and the black and white diamond shaped paper and then added the red gingham ribbon and the "wish" coupon and a tag.  I then attached them to the card leaving a small bit of gray showing at the bottom.  Then I attached a little strip of polka dot paper on the side.  I was presently pleased with this card as sometimes it is really hard to come up with a masculine card.

Hibiscus for Penny

Our friend Penny just celebrated her "50th" birthday, and we were priviledged to be part of the celebration.  The theme was Hawaii 5-0, and because we all love Hawaii, I just had to make a card that went along with the Hawaiian theme.

Hibiscus for Penny

Began with a blank white card that I highlighted using blue and lavender chalks.  I then cut out hibiscus flowers and leaves using the Cricut cartridge, "Life is a Beach."  One of the flowers, I gave it a 3 dimensional look by adding an extra layer and putting a sticky 3-D dot underneath.  I also chalked the edges with a slightly darker shade to make them pop out.  Last but not least, why give a plain looking envelope with a card that you have spent so much time working on.  Make them match and use a pretty coordinating color to write the recipients name.  Fun card and what a fun party this was.

I'm Proud to be an American!

Happy 4th of July!  Don't you just love being able to create a card that not only is attractive to the eye, but really has a special meaning.  We celebrate Independence Day, but we really need to take to heart what we are celebrating the freedom that all of our men and women are fighting to give us.



I'm Proud to be an American!



Just a plain white cardstock card turned into a card celebrating freedom and independence.  A strip of red paper with white stars, added a small strip of plain blue paper and then I add a larger strip of the dark blue background paper with silver stars.  For the bottom edge, I ripped it with a rough edged ruler and then chalked the edge.  Cut the different sized stars from a templated onto blue felt and then backed them with cardboard.  Attached them to the card with a couple of them attached with a 3D dot to give them a little pop.  Backed the envelope flap with matching paper and it was ready to go.

STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER!

Happy 4th of July!  Loved being able to add the flags onto this card.  My cousin served our Country and is a very special lady.  She lives in Wisconsin, which is quite a distance from California, but I love being able to send her a note every once in awhile just to let her know that I am thinking about her.




Stars and Stripes Forever!



Paper, flags, as well as the blue star sticker were all purchased from the Paradise Scrapbook store.  Actually, my husband, Mike on one of our visits to the store, found the paper and surprised me later with what he had bought.  Good Job!  On the front of the envelope, I added a few sticker stars to make it cute.

God Bless the USA!

Happy 4th of July!  I loved working on cards for the 4th of July.  Loved cutting out the stars, the colors and thinking about what the whole concept of this card related to.  This card I made for a gentleman that lives at the Yountville Veterans Home.  A retired serviceman, a Rotarian, an amazing artist, and we miss not seeing him, but we appreciate that he served his country in the time of need, and want him to know that he is thought of often.



God Bless the USA!

The key really seems to be in finding that particular piece of paper that gives you inspiration to create.  The paper came from the Paradise Scrapbook store, as well as the plain blue base ribbon and the red & white striped ribbon that I added on top.  The blue stars, I traced from a template onto felt and then glued them onto heavy cardboard, cut them out and attached to the front of the card.  The envelope, I have found that it is a really nice touch to add a piece of coordinating or matching paper to the back flap.  I think it gives the recipient an idea that something special is coming their way.

Joy to the World!

Joy is our youngest daughter's middle name, and she loves it, so sometimes if I find something with joy on it, I know that she will be thrilled.

I have seen these name photos at different shops, but when I have looked at the prices, they were way too pricey.  So, I decided, if they can do it, why can't I?  So a couple of afternoons, my husband and I drove around and walked around different in Sonoma County and San Francisco taking photos of different parts of architecture that looked like letters.  We had a blast looking for things and trying to see how a part of something could actually look like a letter.



Joy to the World!

 I then printed up my photos in black and white, found a frame with the correct number of openings that I needed and there you have it.

If I can do it, you can do it.

Easter Pillows

Cute little Easter rabbit pillow project.  I had a lot of fun making this one.  I got so excited about making the first one that I made some others, just because I enjoyed creating them and then sent most of them off to others to enjoy.



Easter Pillows



The front of the pillow is all felt.  I found a bunny pattern on the Martha Stewart website and downloaded it and then enlarged it to make it the size I wanted.  Once I had the rabbit all cut out, I used my scrapbooking chalk to edge the rabbit and give him a little coloring on the white background.  I used pink chalk on a q-tip to highlight his ears and cheek.  Used a blanket stitch to attach all of the pieces.  I found some cute green polka dot material for the back and then did a blanket stitch all the way around leaving an opening to be able to stuff the pillow and then closed it up with the final blanket stitching. 

Below are some of the other pillows that I also made the same way.  It is always fun to add a few little extra touches, it makes it special.