How To Make Simple Cards with Word Dies {The Stamps of Life}

My goodness, hello friends - I've kinda been missing you! (Not kinda. . .I've definitely been missing you!) After almost a week in Phoenix, I left again two days later for our family vacation. I am not used to traveling so much, so it was a mixture of good but exhausting fun! I am absolutely a homebody. It takes a LOT of days in my house, before I start going stir-crazy. 

Despite traveling, and catching up this week, I've  been working like a crafting maniac who's fingers are on fire. The only problem. . . I can't show you anything that I've created these past two weeks. That will sort of be the nature of my new job with Fun Stampers Journey - a lot of what I create will be for catalogs, and features on the RG/FSJ websites -so you won't get to see them right away. 

But today, I have two cards that I CAN share with you. They both feature word dies from The Stamps of Life. I am obsessed - seriously OBSESSED with word dies lately. They are easy and fun, and can add such a pop of color to a card. On this first card, I used the hello die, from the Bicycle Club Die Set, (which coordinates with the bicycle2stamp set.) It has the word, and the background to layer together - such a fun way to play with colors! The scalloped border is a Sizzix die from the Word Labels set.

I guess today is as good a day as any, to tell you that after the April releases at TSOL, I will no longer be on the team there. I have been at The Stamps of Life for over five years, and it's been such fun - seriously, one of the best companies I have designed for. It's been a great team, and a great place for me to grow and create. I've met a lot of sweet, crafty people - many of you who follow my blog, found me there . . . and I hope you'll still come and visit me! But enough of that business - onward to the next card. . . this Thinking of You die was also just released, and again - it has the sentiment, plus the background layer. You can use them together, or use the sentiment on it's own. I also used the Fancy Labels Framelits dies - these have been some of my favorites of all the Framelits dies. I just love the shape!

Okay my friends. . . .have a beautiful rest of your week! Thanks so much for coming by, especially when I disappear for a week or two at a time! I have to totally readjust my life to working part time, even though it's from home - I have to learn to limit my distractions (i.e.: laundry, Facebook, napping,  stepping on Legos, etc etc) and find my groove. But I'll get there, and hopefully I'll get back on a blogging schedule too! Hugs, my friends! xoxo

TSOL and Sizzix products used on these projects:

On Hello card-

Bicycle Club Die Set

Word Labels

On Thinking of You-

Thinking of You die

Fancy Labels Framelits dies

The Stamps of Life Celebrate Collection patterned paper

The Stamps of Life Ocean Yardstick

Ocean Aqua Grosgrain Ribbon

Favorite Posts of 2014: By The Sea party ensemble {featuring Graphic 45 and Sizzix}

Hello friends! Welcome to day 2 of my favorite posts of 2014. We'll be looking back at some of my favorite projects, tutorials, and posts of the year as we prepare for a new year of crafty goodness in 2015! Thanks for joining me! 

Original blog post on July 2, 2014:

Hello friends! The Fourth of July weekend is just about here! We'll be spending the weekend out at the beach, enjoying a view of the ocean and the sand in our toes. It's only a 20 minute trip from our house, so we go there fairly often, but there's still something about the July 4th weekend that makes the summer beach scene extra magical! 

Today I'm sharing this summer party ensemble on the Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking blog. I used Graphic 45's By the Sea collection, and YOU have the chance to win it over on the PC&S blog (so if you haven't been there yet, click on over for a chance! There are more pictures of these projects too!)

As I promised over there, I have more details, and supply lists here in case you'd like to try this yourself.  First up, the banner. I LOVE using my Sizzix Framelits pennant dies to create party decor. It is so easy to create pennants using any paper you choose (or even felt or foam!) There's a scalloped die, and a straight edge die, so I die-cut one of each and layered them. You can see I alternated sizes between small and large. I used a small hole punch on each corner and then I threaded twine through each pennant. (Yes, it's my favorite May Arts burlap string. . . seriously, it matches EVERYTHING. I'm obsessed, which you might already know!) Then I just added some chipboard embellishments, and pinwheels (also a die, which is from The Cat's Pajamas.)

Next up, the drink bottle. This is just a recycled Starbucks Frappaccino bottle. Sometimes I save things, even though I'm not sure why. . . .and this was one of those saves that worked perfectly. A mason jar would have been fabulous too. I jazzed it up with burlap, twine, and chipboard. This would be fun to personalize for each guest, maybe with names or initials too. (You could even let them take it home with them!) 

Next we have the cute little place setting bag. Wouldn't this be fun (and handy) when serving up a BBQ or buffet? Guests can grab a bag and have their napkin and utensils contained in this cute little bag (this one is from Fancy Pants.) Again, I just decorated it up with goodies from the By the Sea collection, a pinwheel die, and twine. 

(And would you like to know a funny secret? The napkin I used for this photo, is a Star Wars napkin with Darth Vader on the other side. It was the only red napkin I had in the house!)

And last but not least, a quick card. . . .because really, how could I NOT make a card? It could be an invitation, or maybe a thank-you card after a fabulous summer soiree. Below, I've linked up the products I've used. If you have any questions, ask away! I'd love to chat with you! And be sure to stop over at the Paper Crafts blog, for a chance to win this paper collection, plus lots of coordinating goodies!  Have a fabulous, safe, and FUN Fourth of July weekend! 

Supplies:

kraft cardstock

Graphic 45 By the Sea 12x12 pad and chipboard shapes

Sizzix Framelits pennants dies(from scrapbook.com) or (from Sizzix.com)

Sizzix Framelits scalloped pennants dies (from scrapbook.com) or (from Sizzix.com)

Pinwheels die from The Cat's Pajamas

May Arts burlap string (from Simon Says Stamp)

Fancy Pants bag

Burlap Ribbon (on bottle) Close To My Heart

Favorite Posts of 2014: Nautical Baby Shower {featuring Paper Smooches, Sizzix, and Carta Bella}

Hello friends! Welcome to day 1 of my favorite posts of 2014. We'll be looking back at some of my favorite projects, tutorials, and posts of the year as we prepare for a new year of crafty goodness in 2015! Thanks for joining me! 

Originally posted on September 12, 2014: 

I am finally here to share all the details and tidbits of the nautical baby shower that I recently decorated for. WARNING: This post is photo heavy, link heavy, and info heavy! Hang in there!

My sweet friend Sara is having a baby boy in just a few short weeks, and some of her friends got together to host a shower. My job was to decorate and to bake cupcakes, and I had a blast doing both! I have a ton of pictures to share with you, and lots of great links and ideas that I collected along the way.

The Ahoy There collection from Carta Bella, is what jumpstarted this whole theme. I just love the colors, (you might know how I love a pop of AQUA) and I thought the theme would be perfect for a baby boy shower. I like that it all came together in a very non-baby way though - these decorations and theme could have been made for a birthday party, or any occasion really, so don't be scared away by the word BABY!)

The first project I started was the banner. I created a banner for my friend Sara's first child, and it hangs above her bedroom door. So now, the new little mister will have a banner to hang above his room too. Now that his name has been chosen, I'm going to add his name onto the banner and get it ready to welcome him home! Banners are one of the first party decorations I start, because the Sizzix Banner Framelits dies make it so easy and fun. I love to layer them and combine patterns and colors. I added pinwheels and anchors to the banner for fun details.

The next project I created was a framed piece of art to serve as the centerpiece. I created the text in a word processing document, printed it on cardstock and then added patterned paper matting, and stickers to embellish it. I put it in a simple IKEA frame. It reads "Mightier than the waves of the sea is His great love for you." Many people attribute this as a Bible verse, but it's a pretty (extremely) loose translation from what I can find, so I left off the verse number. 

Now, onward to the cupcakes. This recipe is my very favorite. It's absolutely delicious, and although it starts as a cake mix, you'd never know it! They're called Wedding Cake Cupcakes - and thats truly what they taste like! To decorate the cupcakes, I stamped and die cut fun little embellishments and adhered them to toothpicks.

I turned again and again to my Paper Smooches stamps and dies for all of the projects here. The stamp set Wicked Nauticool and the coordinating dies made these projects so fun to create! I also used a stamp or two from Lawn Fawn's Float My Boat set. 

For the party favors, I followed some great tutorials (you can find them on my Pinterest board) to create paper boats. They turned out really cute, although some of them didn't want to stay standing up! I created sails from the Sizzix Banner Framelits, and adhered them to skewers. After forming the boats from kraft paper, I poked the skewer and sail through each boat. Then we filled the boats with Lifesavers candies, for the guests. They also doubled as cute decorations scattered around. 

And finally, as a gift to the lovely mama, I created a coordinated 6x6 scrapbook with the leftover papers I had. I simply cut papers and cardstock into 6x6 blocks, added some simple layers and embellishments, punched holes and threaded twine through. Usually when I create these fun little books, I use metal book rings, but I didn't have any, and I love the way the twine looks. Sometimes they are a little tight to open and close at first, but they loosen up over time. 

Also as part of the gift I created, I made coordinating thank you cards - because hey, what's one MORE project??? I tried to keep it as simple. . . and I love the way they turned out! Paper Smooches anchor die, banner dies, and sentiment dies made it pretty fun to just mix and match. I ended up with a few different combinations. . .these were my two favorites! 

So I think those are the highlights. I always love decorating for parties, but I must admit, I'm always happy when they're over! Sometimes my brain just can't stop thinking about new ideas and projects, and I tend to overwhelm myself! The weekend after this shower, we hosted my five-year-olds Sharks and Fishies party. I'll be working on that blog post next!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Products I used: (affiliate links)
Carta Bella Ahoy There 12x12 Collection Kit
Sizzix Banner Framelits dies and scalloped dies
The Cat's Pajamas pinwheel die
Paper Smooches anchor die
Paper Smooches Wicked Nauticool clear stamps and dies
Lawn Fawn Float My Boat clear stamps
Paper Smooches Banners Dies
Paper Smooches Thanks Die
Paper Smooches Quote Tag (with sentiments)

PS You can find all the things that inspired me on my Pinterest board, Party: Nautical Baby Shower. Many of the products I used are also linked there, as well as products that might be perfect for YOUR next party!

brushstrokes2stamp {The Stamps of Life}

I'm happy to introduce you to brushstrokes2stamp, from The Stamps of Life. 

I had a blast creating backgrounds, sentiments, and designs with this stamp set! 

On this card, I paired brushstrokes2stamp along with new tag dies, that Stephanie Barnard created for Sizzix.  (affiliate link) I'm a sucker for tag dies. They have so many uses, and I love putting them on cards or using them for journaling blocks (plus, well. . .using them as tags.) I stamped the brushstroke in three colors of pigment ink to create this fun effect. Then I died the ribbon to match. I used color-ready ribbon from Close To My Heart, and I just got it slightly wet and then brushed ink onto it. It spread and blended and turned out really fun!

On this card I tapped my stamps into some diluted ink, to create a watercolor effect, and then added a few splotches with a brush. Super simple, but kind of fun, right?

On this last card I overlapped the brushstrokes to create a background and then just stamped my sentiment right on top. I'm just realizing I need to reproduce this card about 20 times, because how EASY is that, and it's the perfect card to mass-produce. I think it will be fun to play with different color combinations too. I know what I'm working on tonight! :)

Cool Tools Vol. 2 {Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking magazine}

Hello friends! Have you stopped by the Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking blog this week? We're sharing the scoop on our newest special issue, which is on newsstands NOW! It's Cool Tools Vol. 2! I have a few cards in this issue, so I thought I'd share one of them with you. . .

I used Sizzix Banner Framelits to create these triangles. I die cut banners, and then die cut the center out with the smallest die. Then I layered the triangles into a fun pattern. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches, and the gold stripe of Stampin' Up gold paper was a fun finishing touch. 

Cool Tools Vol. 2 is all about inspiring you to use your tools. Those decorative scissors, and crimper at the bottom of your drawer? Yeah - it can totally do cool stuff. You'll find ideas for die-cutting machines, punches, scoring boards, stencils, and so much more. You can find it on newsstands where you buy crafty magazines, or you can pick it up in the Scrap & Paper Shop - in print form, or as an instant download! (Love that instant gratification, don't you!?) 

But before you go. . . . .I happen to have an extra copy of Cool Tools Vol. 2. I wonder what I should do with it??????? Maybe - just maybe, I should share it with one of my lovely crafty friends!? Leave a comment, and tell me about one of your most neglected crafty tools. I'll choose a winner on Monday, October 20th to win a copy of this issue, plus whatever other goodies I can fit in the envelope! :) GIVEAWAY IS OVER. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Shop my most used card making supplies:

Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock

at Simon Says Stamp 

at Scrapbook.com

Platinum 6 die cutting machine

at Simon Says Stamp

at scrapbook.com

Spellbinders Large Blending Brushes

at Simon Says Stamp

at scrapbook.com

Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue

at Simon Says Stamp

at Scrapbook.com

Spellbinders 4-inch detail scissors

at Simon Says Stamp

at Scrapbook.com

Nautical Baby Shower {featuring Paper Smooches, Sizzix and Carta Bella}

I am finally here to share all the details and tidbits of the nautical baby shower that I recently decorated for. WARNING: This post is photo heavy, link heavy, and info heavy! Hang in there!

My sweet friend Sara is having a baby boy in just a few short weeks, and some of her friends got together to host a shower. My job was to decorate and to bake cupcakes, and I had a blast doing both! I have a ton of pictures to share with you, and lots of great links and ideas that I collected along the way.

The Ahoy There collection from Carta Bella, is what jumpstarted this whole theme. I just love the colors, (you might know how I love a pop of AQUA) and I thought the theme would be perfect for a baby boy shower. I like that it all came together in a very non-baby way though - these decorations and theme could have been made for a birthday party, or any occasion really, so don't be scared away by the word BABY!)

The first project I started was the banner. I created a banner for my friend Sara's first child, and it hangs above her bedroom door. So now, the new little mister will have a banner to hang above his room too. Now that his name has been chosen, I'm going to add his name onto the banner and get it ready to welcome him home! Banners are one of the first party decorations I start, because the Sizzix Banner Framelits dies make it so easy and fun. I love to layer them and combine patterns and colors. I added pinwheels and anchors to the banner for fun details.

The next project I created was a framed piece of art to serve as the centerpiece. I created the text in a word processing document, printed it on cardstock and then added patterned paper matting, and stickers to embellish it. I put it in a simple IKEA frame. It reads "Mightier than the waves of the sea is His great love for you." Many people attribute this as a Bible verse, but it's a pretty (extremely) loose translation from what I can find, so I left off the verse number. 

Now, onward to the cupcakes. This recipe is my very favorite. It's absolutely delicious, and although it starts as a cake mix, you'd never know it! They're called Wedding Cake Cupcakes - and thats truly what they taste like! To decorate the cupcakes, I stamped and die cut fun little embellishments and adhered them to toothpicks.

I turned again and again to my Paper Smooches stamps and dies for all of the projects here. The stamp set Wicked Nauticool and the coordinating dies made these projects so fun to create! I also used a stamp or two from Lawn Fawn's Float My Boat set. 

For the party favors, I followed some great tutorials (you can find them on my Pinterest board) to create paper boats. They turned out really cute, although some of them didn't want to stay standing up! I created sails from the Sizzix Banner Framelits, and adhered them to skewers. After forming the boats from kraft paper, I poked the skewer and sail through each boat. Then we filled the boats with Lifesavers candies, for the guests. They also doubled as cute decorations scattered around. 

And finally, as a gift to the lovely mama, I created a coordinated 6x6 scrapbook with the leftover papers I had. I simply cut papers and cardstock into 6x6 blocks, added some simple layers and embellishments, punched holes and threaded twine through. Usually when I create these fun little books, I use metal book rings, but I didn't have any, and I love the way the twine looks. Sometimes they are a little tight to open and close at first, but they loosen up over time. 

Also as part of the gift I created, I made coordinating thank you cards - because hey, what's one MORE project??? I tried to keep it as simple. . . and I love the way they turned out! Paper Smooches anchor die, banner dies, and sentiment dies made it pretty fun to just mix and match. I ended up with a few different combinations. . .these were my two favorites! 

So I think those are the highlights. I always love decorating for parties, but I must admit, I'm always happy when they're over! Sometimes my brain just can't stop thinking about new ideas and projects, and I tend to overwhelm myself! The weekend after this shower, we hosted my five-year-olds Sharks and Fishies party. I'll be working on that blog post next!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Products I used: (affiliate links)
Carta Bella Ahoy There 12x12 Collection Kit
Sizzix Banner Framelits dies and scalloped dies
The Cat's Pajamas pinwheel die
Paper Smooches anchor die
Paper Smooches Wicked Nauticool clear stamps and dies
Lawn Fawn Float My Boat clear stamps
Paper Smooches Banners Dies
Paper Smooches Thanks Die
Paper Smooches Quote Tag (with sentiments)

PS You can find all the things that inspired me on my Pinterest board, Party: Nautical Baby Shower. Many of the products I used are also linked there, as well as products that might be perfect for YOUR next party!