Simple Vintage Card

This card is a very simple vintage style one.

The main images are a two digital stamps merged. They are free digital vintage images from Tid Bit Trinkets, The background is also a vintage digital image.

The computer generated sentiment (obcsured a little by the ribbon, sorry) says "Be good, and if you can't be good - be stylish."

Challenges I'm entering this in are
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #127 - Dieing for a punch (no punches or dies allowed) (Sept 2nd)

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Challenge #106 - Let's Get Digital (September 5th)

Stampin For The Weekend - Challenge 45 - Anything Goes

Crafty Girl Designs Celebrations

Crafty Girl Designs is celebrating her blogaversary. 

She has a great idea to spread the celebrating around.. She's doing 5 small, easily postable giveaways for 5 separate people. Lighter things can be sent anywhere less expensively - makes a lot of sense and very generous. The stamps pictured are just one of the giveaways over 5 separate posts.

Other prizes include Cuttlebug Folders and a gorgeous cling stamp.

Head on over to Crafty Girl Designs to find out more. Some close on Monday August 30th, and the rest on September 6th.

How Many Types Of Ribbon Are There? A Roundup

I've been reading The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts. 

They list ribbons I hadn't thought of, so just for fun, I thought I'd explore. Here's a bit of a list of the different type of ribbons and tying fibres available these days. Still a lot I need to try out.

Isn't it wonderful to have so many crafty choices? Any others?

Types of Ribbon Roundup

• Satin
• Taffeta
• Picot Edge
• Grosgrain
• Twill
• Jacquard
• Sheer - Organza, Georgette etc.
• Velvet
• Chenille
• Silk
• Metallic
• Wire Edge
• Synthetic (Curling Ribbons etc.)
• Paper, Jute, Raffia, Other Fibres including recycled
• Knitting Ribbons
• String, Baker's Twine, Wool
• Cord
• Lace
• Ric Rac
• Wrinkled Ribbon
• Suede
• Fancy - Pearls, Sequins, 
• Shaped - Leaves, Flowers etc.
• Punched Metal e.g. Sequin Waste

 And that's without thinking of patterns and other variations such as stitched ribbon etc.

Can you think of any other types of ribbon I've missed?

Cute Teddy Thank You Card

This cute Teddy Thank You card opens out with the double half fold. Not sure if that is called a gatefold?

I used a Nelllie Snellen Multi Die for the circle. I love these dies. They are so versatile, reasonably priced and give a nice effect. The edge of the circle is sponged with blue ink and the plain blue paper is cuttlebugged with one of the Asian Cuttlebug folders.

The teddy is a digi stamp from the wonderful Mellissa at MelJen's Designs


Challenges I'm entering this card in are
CES - Challenge #1 Anything Goes
Bee Crafty - Challenge #37 - Anything Goes (September 11)
Aud Sentiments - Challenge #9 - Anything Goes (August 31)

Clean & Simple Challenge Card

I've made this card for my sister's birthday. She likes clean, stylish but simple lines. Apologies for the shadow in the photo. You can click to enlarge it, to get a better idea if you like.

It was very easy, but I like how it turned out - quite elegant, I think.

It's white Swiss Dots paper layered onto a black edge. The Martha Stewar doily punch softens the lines. The flower is from Dover.

I rubbed a spoon on the back of the flower to curl it a bit, for more of a dimensional effect. I added a single pink rhinestone in the middle, and kept the ribbon simple too.

I'm entering this into the Totally Papercrafts Challenge 31 - Let's Keep It Clean & Simple.
If you want to enter the challenge, it closes on Friday, September 3rd.

Pink Card Making Inspiration

 

Aren't they gorgeous?

I photographed these beautiful pink begonias in the Begonia House in Ballarat, Australia.

I was all set to come home and grow begonias myself, I was so in love with the delicate blooms. Alas, I found out they won't grow in my area, as it's too hot.

Pink Inspiration Card Making
Next best thing, make some pink flower inspired cards, and a good excuse to buy all things pink. I've gathered yummy pink ribbons, flowers and paper in all shades. Oh and yes, of course pink bling.

I have the pink inspiration and the card making materials. Now, I just have to get to and actually make the cards.

I may not have pink begonias in my garden, but I still have the gorgeous photos to inspire me. Can you grow begonias in your area?

Etsy Wish List Craft Gossip Giveaway

Who wouldn't want a blank cheque to spend at Etsy?

The Craft Gossip Etsy Wishlist Giveaway
I bet we all have an Etsy wishlist. It's a great place to browse at all the wonderful goodies.

Craft Gossip is a network of craft blogs, including Scrapbooking and Stamping. They are giving 3 people a chance to win a $100 gift voucher each to spend at Etsy on their Etsy Wishlist. Check out my Wishlist for the Giveaway below.

They cover shippping too, which is a real bonus. Find out more at the Craft Gossip Etsy giveaway post on their site.

What I'm Looking At
I'm keen to make some more cards and papercraft projects, especially experimenting with Vintage, French inspired and Oriental themes. I found the perfect selection for my Etsy wishlist for the Craft Gossip giveaway.

Here's my $100 Etsy Wishlist
Cute Japanese Stamp - Traditional Pattern - $10.50
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Bird  - $26.00
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Paris - $26.00
Duet Stamps - Bird & Bird Cage - $9.00
Duet Stamp Set - Angel - $9.00
Duet Stamp - Lace - $9.00
Cute Japanese Stamp - Flowers - $10.50

Comes to $100 exactly and all from the one Etsy store... Karaku - one of my favourites.

Gosh. that was fun choosing. Hard to stop though! It would be so fun to play with this little selection of goodies. I have some ideas already.

Do you have an Etsy wishlist?
Head on over to Craft Gossip to find out how to make your own Etsy wish list. Winners announced September 1st and open worldwide.

Mini Books Know How Links

The very talented Kerri at My Scrappn Addiction reignited my creative juices with this fabulous envelope book, pictured above.

She runs all sorts of papercraft classes too if you're in the Melbourne area (Australia).  Check out her site for lots of wonderful creations and ideas. I'm also looking  forward to seeing the Recipe Book that Kerri's going to make soon.

I've recently tried making a tag book, also known as a flag book.  I'm just dipping my toe in the water with mini books, but enjoy experimenting, especially as I now have my new Bind It All.

Over 60 Mini Book How To Videos
So I went on a search. Wow! Check out Card Making Accessories for a feast of mini book goodness. There are over 60 individual videos of mini books there. That should keep us all busy for a little while. :)

First though, I'll be making Kerri's yummy envelope book!  Thanks for the inspiration, Kerri.

Envelope Book Image: © My Scrappn Addiction - Used With Permission

Free Downloadable Word Art Sentiments from Papercrafts Magazine

Papercrafts Magazine has a section on their site with great free downloadable sentiments, patterns and other downloads. Many are in colour. 


I've made it easy for you, by doing a very broad listing of some of what you'll find there.


The word art sentiments I spied include -

2010

• September/October- Halloween
• July/August - Thankyou, Gratitude & Inspiration
• Card Creations Vol 8 - Christmas, Birthday, Thankyou, Dad and more
• May/June - Mothers, Fathers and A Good Laugh
• Go To Sketches - Birthdays, Best Wishes, Friends, Thinking of You
• March/April - Baby, Love, Marriage, Congratulations, Thanks tag
• January/February - Valentines

2009 

• November/December - Christmas, Holidays, Thanksgiving
• September/October- Halloween
• July/August - Earth, Tree, Mother, Thankyou
• May/June - Mothers, Fathers, Graduation
• March/April - General
• January/February - Success, Wisdom, Happiness, Education

2008

• November/December - House, Home
• September/October- Halloween
• August - Flowers, Birds, Colours, General

Here's an article with links to cards done with these free word art sentiments. More cards are shown with the actual sentiments in the download section. Enjoy browsing... some great ideas there!

For more free digital stamps and downloads check my Free Digital Stamps List

Please Note: Check rights and terms of use for freebies or downloads before use.

CalligraFUN - Callilgrafun Brush Marker Lettering

I'm thinking of doing Martha Lever's online Calligrafun workshop.
It's fancy lettering with brush markers. Others who've done the course have given positive feedback. I'm a long time reader of Martha's blog, Art Du Jour. She is delightful and super talented.

I also enquired about the course and Gail from Shabby Cottage, which hosts the courses, couldn't have been more helpful with my questions. So all is sounding good. Now, I just need to get myself organised.

In the meantime, here are some Calligrafun videos from YouTube. Enjoy!

Shabby Wrinkled Ribbon Candy

I love vintage and have a thing for ribbon, so I was delighted to discover this Shabby Wrinkled Seam Binding in a beautiful array of colours.

Nicole at Gotta Have Paper is giving away a gorgeous bundle of 3 different coloured ribbons from Prairie Bird Boutique, an Etsy shop. This one is called Past Autumn with 5 yards of each colour.

I'm also partial to the ribbon bundle called He Sent Roses which has "moss green, deepest rose pink and beautiful burgundy wine" colours. There are some amazing shabby wrinkled ribbon colours on offer.

This giveaway closes on August 22nd, so head on over to check it out.

Super Idea - Make Your Own Stamped Doily Image

At the Paper, Scissors and Superheroes blog, there is a super idea to "build your own doily" stamped image. I love this idea and it looks so elegant. And of course, you can make your own variations using whatever stamps you have at hand.

It looks like a medallion. Basically, you use any circle stamp (a fancy one is even better). Then you bend any clear stamp straight line image, such as a border into a semi circle or scallop shape and stamp around the outside.

Better still, head on over to Paper, Scissors and Superheroes and check our the superb tutorial for this very clever technique.

Thanks for a great idea, Betsy. I'm off to experiment with this fun way to use my border stamps.

Found A Great Stamping Blog - Selma's Stamping Corner

With so many blogs, there is always something to learn, something to marvel at and something to be inspired by. So I was delighted to discover Selma's Stamping Corner which ticks all those boxes beautifully.

I'll be going back to visit regularly. I also want to have a really good look at Selma's Rose Tutorial for beautiful pink paper and vellum roses and the Crepe Flower Tutorial.

I'm also a big Just Rite Stamps fan, so was pleased to see lots of wonderful ideas for Just Rite projects. Selma generously shares her tips and how to's.

I encourage you to head on over to Selma's Stamping Corner and explore.

Ah.... so many great blogs... so little time.

Blogging The Book - Complete Photo Guide To Ribbon Crafts - Part 1

 

The Complete Photo Guide of Ribbon Crafts - Book Review - Part 1
I'm obsessed with ribbon at the moment and have found the most amazing book by Elaine Schmidt.
I just zipped across to Amazon and notice it has  good reviews there too, so I'm not alone.

I thought I would cover this book over a series of posts to give a better overview for ribbon lovers. First, I have to say, I would really recommend this book.It's the most comprehensive I've seen (224 pages), and covers a lot I haven't seen before,. The full colour photos and clear instructions are a big part of this.

Chapters include -

A Brief History of Ribbon
I found this fascinating.

• Did you know they used ribbon to adorn clothes in Ancient Egypt?
• Did you know that during the 16th Century the British Parliament tried to make wearing ribbons a right only of the nobility?

All About Ribbons
Covers different types of ribbon from satin to metallic and stylish ways for trimming up ribbon "ends"

Making Bows
This was an eye opener to me with full colour photo instructions for an amazing array of bows - many I'd never seen before.

There are also chapters on - 

• Ribbon Flowers
• Ribbon Embroidery
• Ribbon Trims, Rosettes & Tassels
• Ribbon Weaving, Patchwork & Knitting
• Sew & No Sew Ribbon Techniques
• Ribbon Accessories
• Crafting With Ribbon (including Papercrafts)
• Resources

Available from Amazon - $16.49

First Impressions of The Complete Photo Guide To Ribboncrafts
Loved the broad coverage and ideas
New bow styles I hadn't seen, but definitely want to try
Not just for papercrafters (e.g. sewing and knitting with ribbon too), but lots that could be adapted.

Watch out for Part 2 of the Review with specific details e,g, all the different bows covered, in a future blog post.

Over To You
Have you read this book? Do you have any other Ribbon book recommendations?

There's also a Complete Photo Guide of Papercrafts in the same series. I'll be looking for that one, for sure.

Calling All Australian Cardmakers

Making Christmas Cards For Australian Troops Overseas

Can you help?
Karen at Paper Lady and Tracey - an Aussie Stampin Up demonstrator, are organising blank handmade Christmas Cards to be sent to Australians troops serving overseas. They need to have them by November 5th, 2010. See further details at Karen's and Tracey's blogs.

Target of 1000 Christmas Cards - Updated Total To Date - 330
Karen and Tracey have a target of 1000 cards. The tally so far is 75, 250, 330 so a fair way to go yet. Spread the word.

They've had great success in past years with sending Christmas and Mother's Day cards with lots of grateful feedback from the troops who have little access to quality cards. Also, the troops appreciate the gesture from people thinking of them back home.

Organise Your Own Group Cardmaking Day
Or you could send the cards yourself if you get together with a group of friends for a card making day. I'm not sure if there are any specific guidelines e.g. cards with glitter cannot be sent to US troops. Karen and Tracey may have more details.

Some details on what can be sent to Australian troops can be found at the Ocean Sky Khaki blog.  Apparently, you can send up to 2kg post free (not just limited to cards) through any Australia Post Office.

Just in... August 9th Update From Tracey
....combined christmas cards Karen and i now have 250 cards and climbing daily, we have had 2 pizza boxes full from the Gold Coast and some from others all over Australia. The donations for me are over whelming and I cannot thank everyone enough, but please keep them coming, we would definitely love to reach 1,000.

Updated: August  10 - 330 cards

Delicious Doodles Birthday Digital Stamp Freebies

Teri will be sharing a free digi a day from Sunday August 15th through to Saturday August 21st. All the goodies will be available in the Delicious Doodles Shop.

For more digi goodness check out my posts on

• Free Digital Stamps list... just a starting point - not comprehensive.
  
• Crafters Digital Arts Center Spotlight
• Free Digital Stamps All In One Place

Tim Holtz Candy

Tim Holtz seems to be something of a crafting rockstar. 

Stacy from Scrap With Stacy is celebrating her birthday in style with a fabulous Tim Holtz giveaway. It closes August 23rd. Head on over to find out more and to wish Stacy a Happy Birthday.

Here is the low down on the crafty bonanza. I have my eye on the distress ink... love it.

1- Film Strip Ribbon (Idea-ology)
1 - Muse Tokens (12 tokens)
1 pkg - 48 Charm Fragments
1 pkg - Grunge Flakes - Stampers Anonymous Stamps
1 pkg - Journaling Tickets - (Idea-ology)
1 pkg - Grungeboard - Basics - Plain (10 sheets)
1 pkg - Grungeboard - Plain Elements (94 shapes)
1 pkg - 3 sheets of 12x12 Grunge Paper
1 pkg - Ruler Ribbon (36 inches)
1 pkg - Timeworks Masks (5 pieces)
2 pads - Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy and Frayed Burlap)
1 pkg - Tissue Tape -Symphony (2 rolls- 16 yards each)

Jak Heath Candy

The amazingly talented Jak Heath is offering blog candy.

You can be in the running for a set of Promarkers and a set of ultra cute HAnglar baby stamps. What a great combination. The candy closes August 8 at 10 p.m. UK time.

When you go to check it out,  be sure to take some time to look around the blog.

I have been a long time follower of Jak's blog and she has a wealth of great ideas. Her cards using Mo Manning digital images are stunning. I'm also a fan of her style with Stampin Up cards. Plus there are even some free designs by Jak herself including background papers - all beautfiul.

Operation Write Home & No Glitter On Cards

Operation Write Home

This may be old hat to some, but it's a very worthwhile concept and I was interested in the background of their no glliter on cards requirement.

Operation Write Home asks you to make cards to send to soldiers overseas. Their mission is 

To support our nation’s armed forces by sending blank greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.

What a great idea!

To support this cause, Operation Write Home offers card makers a lot of support and have developed a blog community. Check out the site and blog for card challenges and some great tips for card making.

There are even some free digital stamps donated by well known digital artists to help you with making cards for the armed forces.

No Gllitter Rule for Operation Write Home Cards

And the most often asked question - Why no glitter?
The reason behind our "no glitter" requirement may help to clarify things. It's not about the shiny aspect of glitter. It's about the messy side of it!

Many of our deployed heroes live in very primitive conditions. Primitive as in no showers for a couple weeks. No laundry. Nowhere to get cleaned up. And if they open a box of cards and get sprinkled all over, they might have absolutely nowhere to get rid of all that mess; they may not even realise it's all over them.

And if they have glitter on their uniforms it can put them at risk — it can make them visible to night vision goggles, and that is just not a risk we're willing to take!

More on the topic at the site.

Easy Origami Men's Shirt For Male Card

Simple Origami Men's Shirt
I found some great instructions at Operation Write Home for the men's shirt above - great for men's or boy's cards. These would make an effective Thank You card for a male teacher too.

My friend makes these beautifully, and gave me one to copy. I worked it out by taking one apart, but now the visual instructions in this great tutorial will be a big help. It shows the folds, the direction and order of the folds etc. with very clear instructions and photos.

Origami Men's Shirt Video Tutorial
They also tracked down a great Origami Men's Short video on YouTube. This adds some more hints for folding and finishing these origami shirts.




Variations
You can draw buttons or add brads for buttons. It's amazing how different papers give a different look e.g. a formal shirt with a tie or a beach shirt with summery papers. Different sized shirts can be effective too.

I'm going to give it another try, now that I have some more reference points. Thanks Operation Write Home.


Image Credit: Operation Write Home

Crafters Digital Arts Centre Spotlight

Are you a digital stamp fan?

Crafters Digital Arts Center
Check out the Crafters Digital Arts Centre. This is a great relatively new resource for those who are interested in digital art, digital challenges, digital stamp freebies etc. It's a Ning Network, so it's set up much the same as Papercraft Planet with a forum etc.

Digital artists such as Michelle Perkett, Karen's Doodles and Dustin Pike are represented there. As well as some free digital stamps, you also see what new digital stamps are coming up for sale.

Free Tutorials
One of the aspects I've found incredibly useful is the Tutuorial Section shared by the leaders and community there. There are over 60 tutorials available right now. They cover a huge range of topics related to digital stamps and digital art.

Tutorial - Faux Postage Stamps in Microsoft Word
One I found really interesting is Faux Postage Stamp. You could adapt this for any digital stamp.

There is also a listing of tutorials which will be "go live" when they are ready... good to know what's ahead, and more are added regularly.

Check It Out
It looks like a generous and active community, so take a look if you're interested in doing digital or hybrid work with your cards, scrapbooking or mixed media art. Want to know more? Head on over and explore. I found it really interesting and informative - also good to have a specific digi focus all in one place.

Craft Stamper Magazine Fan & Tag Books

What is your favourite craft magazine?

I'm a big fan of Craft Stamper, a montly UK magazine for papercrafters. It has a mixed media touch as well as tradiitonal cards and other papercraft projects. Craft Stamper comes with a free clear stamp and extra projects online related to the magazine.

Flag Books & Tag Books
I'm going to attempt the Flag Book pictured on the cover of the June edition above, for my calligraphy project.

If you're a fan of Craft Stamper Magazine, the Craft Quartet is a blog inspired by the magazine. The whole blog is about projects sparked by Craft Stamper. There are some great posts on the flag books. They look stunning.

When researching flag books, I also found this great video from the super talented Dawn from Dawn's Stampin' Thoughts. She calls it a tag book, but it's the same effect.



 


Update: Check out an innovative flag book or flag card variation with different size tags from Jozart Designs, a blog I follow... very inspiring.

Any more flag book, tag book or flag card variations? I'd love to hear about more ideas for this technique.