Card Making with FUN New Techniques - "Scrap Tag" & "Diamond Fold"

WELCOME TO THE SHAQUE

CRAFTY BLENDS

If you stopped in yesterday, you found out that I have been stepping outside of my comfort zone a wee bit and diving into some fun challenges.  These challenges are really getting the mojo to work some overtime.

I shared a Tri Shutter Fold Card yesterday and have 2 more cards to share with you today.

The first card is a New Technique to me called "Scrap Tag".  It is a great way to use up those small tidbits of scrap paper you have kept in your studios.  The technique was shared by a New Friend I met on Scrapbook Friends and More Crafts (a SUPER FUN group of Crafters on Facebook), Brandy Martin.  I couldn't wait to try it out.

I started by gathering all the scraps I had left over from my Altered Treasure Chest last week.  If you missed that post, check it out HERE.

I sorted them out by patterns and started folding away.  You simply make a quick loop from the strips and adhere the ends together.  Your strips can be skinny, chunky, short, or long.  There really is no wrong way to play with this technique.

One of my favorite things about this style, is the uniqueness of the dimension it gives to the card.  You can choose to fold the "loops flat" or leave them rounded and more puffy.  I opted for something right along the middle of the spectrum for mine.

I grabbed a Christmas Tree Die Cut that I also had laying about (I have to remember to see if I own this die because I want more of these....LOL).  The tree was cut from some Core'dinations card stock I have in Produce Greens.  

Does the sentiment HAPPY HOLIDAYS look familiar?  Well, I had mentioned those in the Altered Treasure Chest post as well. 

 I had cut all the Subway Word Out from a pattern paper, but decided not to use it on that particular project.  I knew it would come in handy soon, though!

I gave the tree a little extra "pizazz" and I embossed it with my Sizzix Swirls folder.

To finish off my card, I added some scraps to the inside and used my Spellbinders Postage Stamp die cuts for the sentiment tag.  The sentiment "Believe in the magic of Christmas" is from the Unity Stamp Co. Kit of the Mon (Aug 2012) called COLOR of the Seasons.  I inked it up using my Tim Holtz Barn Door (red) Distress Ink.

I really love how simple this technique was to play with.  I also enjoyed that I found justification in my "paper hoarding" since I had kept the pieces that were already "perfect size" for this style!

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For my second card, I tried another new Fancy Fold.  This time, it was the Diamond Fold Technique.

And, I am so eager to try more of these now too!

I followed the steps in this wonderful Diamond Fold Tutorial on SCS.

As a self-claimed STACK-A-HOLIC, I was ecstatic to play with my newest DCWV 12x12 Stack, called the Playtime Stack.

It has wonderful images and patterns and 1/2 of the entire collection is Glitter embossed!  eeeeekkkk---SPARKLY!

Here are the sheets I used

and

here are several views of the finished card!

FRONT VIEW-FOLDED IN

The focal image/sentiment is a Unity Stamp Co. set called Birthday Jubilee by artist Joslyn Nielson

I heat embossed it with some Whispers embossing powder--Baby Blue.

I used some of my paper flowers that I ordered from the sweet Adele G. at Glimpz of Memories on Facebook.  I love twirling the wire stem around a skewer to give it the "vine" look sometimes.

FRONT VIEW - SLIGHTLY UNFOLDED

FRONT VIEW - FULLY OPENED

For the side panels (rectangles), I used by Spellbinders Persian Motif dies to cut a few medallions.  I simply sliced them down the center to fit within the panels and to layer a small onto a larger one for added affect.

INSIDE VIEW - FULL

Again, I adorned the sentiment square with some lovely paper flowers from Adele G. at Glimpz of Memories.  The triangles were cut from the the same sheets in the DCWV Stack - the Playtime and a few scraps I had left over from another project.

INSIDE VIEW - CLOSE UP OF SENTIMENT

I {LOVE} all the Birthday Sentiments in the Birthday Jubilee set by Unity!  

They really helped bring my cards to a great Grand Finale!

If you try either of these techniques, I would love to stop by and check out your creations!  Feel free to leave me a link to a post, facebook page, or any other site so I can visit you, too!

Remember 

to 

Keep Crafting, 

Because 

♫ CRAFTING ♫ 

♫ ROCKS ♫ 

\m/-_-\m/ 

:O) Jessica

thanks sew much _ _ _ _ _

Hey there Blends and 3 Girl JAM-mers

Today is my Design Team Day and 

I am sharing a quick card
showcasing a few of the newer
products available at 3 Girl JAM

Did you get a chance to grab up
any of the Jute Ribbon & String Packs?
If not, this might convince you to....

I used the 1" Cream Jute Ribbon and the Moss Jute String

I love how EASY the Jute String and Ribbon are to use.

I think they added the perfect accent to my simple card.

You Should JOIN THE CURRENT 3 Girl JAM CHALLENGE
The THEME is GIVE THANKS + RIBBON

You'll always find
LOADS of inspiration
at the 3 Girl JAM Challenge Blog!
Stop over for wonderful ideas from the Design Team
and all those linking up!

Another way to get wonderful ideas, check out
the 3 Girl JAM Pinterest Boards!

Thanks for Stopping In Today

Stop by 3 Girl JAM
to shop around
and place an order
for this Wonderful Jute Pack!
or some Beautiful Ribbon!
or a bundle of State Line Bags!
or some adorable FLAIR Buttons!
or any of the other amazing products that are

a MUST HAVE in your stash!

Remember 

to Keep 

Crafting, 

Because 

♫ CRAFTING ♫ 

♫ ROCKS ♫ 

\m/-_-\m/ 

:O) Jessica

Craftin Desert Divas Linky Party!

Happy Monday Sweet Blends.

I am honored that Tara, Craftin' Desert Divas, asked me to participate

in her Newest

and I am thrilled that the Pinque Peacock Pinquettes are joining as Guest Designers as well.

THANK YOU TARA!

Welcome to another Craftin Desert Divas Linky Party!
This linky party is a "Peacock Color Challenge". Inspired by our sponsor Pinque Peacock.

You must use at least one color on your project and it must be the focal point.  You may also use several or all the colors on your project. You may have accent colors other than the colors on the chart.

Every Monday will mark the beginning of a new semi-weekly linky party at Craftin' Desert Divas. Tara will designate a theme and invite you to share projects you've made!!

And don't forget about the prizes!
Every linky party will have a sponsor and a winner, plus a top 3! The winner will be announced on a semi-weekly basis. The more times you link up, the more chances you have to win!! Sponsors will be announced at the beginning of every linky party.

I would love for you to be a follower at Craftin' Desert Divas so you don't miss out when the new linky party starts and the theme of the linky party.

Linky Party Rules & Guidelines

Linky parties are open from Monday at 12AM Arizona MST thru Sunday 12PM Arizona MST.

Any projects you submit must be linked to your blog or online gallery.

Projects must be NEW, no backlinking, please.

Number of entries per linky party is unlimited.

You may link up ANY type of craft project (layout, card, altered item, tag etc) as long as it goes with the theme of the party.

Winners will be randomly chosen.

This "Peacock Color Challenge" linky party sponsor is Pinque Peacock

Pinque Peacock is sponsoring a ...

Pinque Peacock has just released a wonderful array of items for the "Peacock Beauty" New Release.  Dazzling Stick Pins and Luscious Fabric Covered Buttons.
Hop on over to the Pinque Peacock Shop and see all the beautiful items.

~ ~ ~ ~ NOW ONTO MY PROJECT ~ ~ ~ ~
For my project today, I am delighted to share my finished Altered Cotton Tote Bag (another New Item COMING SOON to the  Pinque Peacock Shop

I used a lot of supplies and techniques, so I will explain as I go along and share the images along the way, too.

I first started by stamping the Peacock (by Inkadinkadoo) using clear embossing ink, Blue Glitter embossing powder, and my heating tool.

The center flower image was stamped from the Unity KOM - 12/12 Everyday Fairytale using TH Distress Ink - Vintage Photo.  I then painted the leaves and flower petals with my Creative Inspirations Paints.  I love the sparkle and shine their paints have and they are so easy to work with.  I have tried them on several projects, and have been pleased with the result on ALL of them.

The Butterfly image was stamped from the Unity KOM - 1/12 HEART and SOUL and heat embossed with a lavendar embossing powder.

Although it is hard to tell, there is another stamp used behind the Layered Garden Beauties (larger fabric flowers available at Pinque Peacock).  It is the Circle Journaling Image with leaves.  It is from the Unity KOM - 8/09 Following my Heart.  I simply painted the leaves with some light green glitter glue. 

I hot glued the peacock feather ribbon around the top of the bag opening on both the front and back side of the Cotton Tote Bag.

 To add a little pizazz around each of the circles, I affixed gorgeous Flat Back Pearls, in an array of colors, that are from Miriam's Crafting Supplies.  I love the vibrant and rich colors of all her pearls and adore her unbeatable prices.

The small cluster of flowers near the bottom of the Cotton Tote are all Handmade Flowers from the Pinque Peacock Shop.  A few small and medium Felt Poppers and a few small Splendid Swirls.  I added more of Miriam's Pearls to the centers. The larger flowers pictured below are the Layered Garden Beauties.

The swirl of rhinestones near the butterfly is from Want2Scrap.  I really love the effect this gives to entire design.  The small sun in the upper corner is an off brand and the round circles of rhinestones under the Splendid Swirls are by Recollections (I think).

The peacock feathers are also handmade using a few supplies (Coordinations Cardstock, Stickles, Gold Dew Drop ink, Markers, Acrylic Paint, Perfect Pearls mist, and a black jelly roll pen).

I am so glad I got the idea to add the rows of 3 Girl JAM Crinkle Ribbon under the ribbon border on the top of the bag.  I love how it brings the color palette together.  I pleated the ribbon in rows of Sunflower Yellow, Goblin Green, Ice Blue, and Witches Brew Purple.  

I added a few droplets of Perfect Pearls, here and there, for added effect.

I am eager to make these Custom Decorated Cotton Tote Bags be available at the
Pinque Peacock Shop

VERY SOON

Make sure you hop over to the Craftin' Desert Divas Blog and peek in at the gorgeous Inspiration on display.  Then Link up for your Chance to Win an Amazing Prize!!!

Remember to 

Keep Crafting, 

Because 

♫ CRAFTING ♫ 

♫ ROCKS ♫ 

\m/-_-\m/ 

:O) Jessica

~ ~ Live Each Moment ~ ~ with 3 Girl JAM

HELLO Sweet Blends

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am here with a quick project to  share with ALL of YOU!!!

I was so happy to get back into crafting mode after a VERY LONG time away from sharing some projects.  I created a card using a St. Patrick's Day color scheme and some fun other  elements.

I started with a 4.25" x 4.25" black card base.  I cut two Persian Motifs from my Spellbinders  set.  The largest motif,  green polka dot pattern paper, is from the amy tangerine - Sketchbook paper pad.   The smaller green motif, is from Core' Produce Green card stock.  I cut a black circle using my 2" circle punch to place behind the smaller motif.  The sentiments are from a Unity KOM , and were fussy cut after stamping on white card stock.   I used lots of foam squares for dimension.

 Because I like to stick with things that make me smile....of course there is some 3 G irl JAM Crinkle Ribbon on my card.  The small bow was made using my Bow Maker and Sterling Crinkle Ribbon (Celebrations Bundle).

But, that's not all....

The Flair Button in the center of my card is also from 3  Girl JAM.

It is from of the Christmas Flair Set 

(psssttt... which is in the shop for only $2.99 right now)

. . . and look, on a card in February....WHOOP...SCORE...BONUS!!!!

I am glad to be back and hope you feel inspired by my card today!

Keep Crafting

Because

Crafting

Rocks

\m/-_-\m/

~Jessica B.

Beaded Stretch Bracelets and more Gift Boxes: Growing In Unity - Day 5

Happy Friday Blends

I am here to share my last Growing In Unity Post for this week.  :(
I have had an amazing week being able to play with my Beloved Unity Stamps and being able to share all of my projects and creations with my dear sweet Blends!

Thanks to all of you who have taken time to stop in for each post, for leaving such uplifting comments, and for sticking with me during this blasted head cold.  I was hoping to create a fun New Year's Celebration Project as my Day 5 Project, but the dizzy spells that I am having aren't allowing me to stand or concentrate for long periods of time.  

 

Many of you commented on how eager you were to see what the Handmade Beaded Stretch Bracelets looked like that were being given out as gifts as I mentioned in my Growing In Unity Day 2 Post.  So, I figured, why not make a positive out of this negative cold, and show you a few more of the fun Pizza Box Gift Boxes I created using my Unity  Stamps and give you a peek at a few of the bracelets that I made my Mom and Sister as gifts!  

 

Keep in mind, the Handmade Beaded Stretch Bracelets are a fairly new item/product being offered at our Pinque Peacock Shop and custom requests are always accepted!!!

Here is the bracelet that was placed in the Box I shared on my Day 2 Post . . . 

This one was for my sister Tammy.  She isn't a big jewelry wearer, but she does love

our Native American heritage and proudly wears Turquoise.  So I made this to suit her fancy.  The Bracelet includes Turquoise stones, turquoise glass beads, and Topaz/Citrine colored glass beads.  I included the Topaz since that is her birthstone.  There is also a little boy charm to represent my nephew Jace and a charm with the letter T to represent Tammy.  Each stone or bead is separated by a fun metal spacer.   As you can see, I also stamped the PEACE Stamp from the Kissmas & Misteltoe Unity Stamp set on the inside upper lid of the box, too.

 

For my Mother's gift,  again, I followed the wonderful tutorial by Sarah Hamer, Pink Cricut to create the gift box and belly band.  This time I used the fun itty bitty called

Celebrate Wreath

 

 The papers I used are from Bo Bunny (Double Dot), Red card stock (textured), vellum, and Echo Park (Very Merry Christmas)

 

 I stamped the wreath image onto Vellum using Embossing ink.  I then sprinkled green embossing powder and heat set it.  After that, I fussy cut the wreath and set it aside.  I used the  Warm Wishes circular sentiment from my September 2012 Kit of the Month {the Vintage Touch} on vellum, but this time using black ink and no embossing.   

 

Oh, how I miss getting those fun kits in my mail box each month.  But my daughter is ecstatic to have her own phone now.  I hope she knows the sacrifice I made for her  <<wink>> :)

 

I used my 2" circle punch for the background circle and placed the warm wishes on top of the vellum wreath.  Because of the rush we were in on Christmas Day to get the gift boxes and bracelets finished, I didn't get any "great" pictures, but will try to take more the next chance I get.

 This bracelet was Custom Made for my Mother.  Since she is a Mother of 13 kids, this was a task all in itself.  Each glass bead between the spacers is accompanied by a coordinating charm of a little girl or a little boy.  So 8 girls and 5 boys rest along side a glass bead that represents that child's birthstone.  The bracelet turned out quite pretty I thought.  It was funny how well the glass beads looked together since there are several birthdays in February, May, and November.

This is another gift box I made using the same Celebrate Wreath Stamp by Unity, only this time heat embossing it on green card stock with white embossing powder.  The Christmas sentiment is one from a Grab Bag purchase.   The papers from from Echo Park (Very Merry Christmas) and Simple Stories (Harvest Lane)

  

Here are several of the boxes that were finished in time for pictures on Christmas Morning.

 

DON'T FORGET!

A random winner will be chosen TOMORROW to receive

2 itty bitty

stamps 

of their choice

Thanks for stopping in today.    Be sure to stop back later tomorrow for the Winner  Announcement.  And another Sincere Thank You  SHOUT OUT to Unity Stamp Company  for this amazing opportunity.

Remember to 

Keep Crafting, 

Because 

♫ CRAFTING ♫ 

♫ ROCKS ♫ 

\m/-_-\m/ 

:O) 

Jessica