Paper Compulsions

Boxes and Books

2012-03-05T17:51:00.000-06:00

I had a bad week-end pain wise so I am just now getting to explaining these boxes that look like books. (not that any one was holding their breath until I posted about it ...LOL)

I ended up making several different videos. At first I was r-e-a-l s-l-o-w , then I took pain meds and was way too fast. LOL I discarded some of those videos and made new ones. So, this is a potpourri of information on the books that look like boxes and how to make a plain gift box.
Hope I made sense.

I used Graphic 45 papers on them along with the Graphic 45 Signature Series Core-dinations paper.

This one started out as a real box from the G45 "Staples" line. I altered it and covered it to make it look like a box.

I made the smaller boxes/books from card board and card stock.

I just love the little library card graphic that came on one of the papers from the ABC Primer line. I matted it and placed it inside the front cover.

I used some of the papers from the G45 Tropical Travelogue for the inside cover and the bottom of the front cover of this one. I added one of the "This book belongs to " tags that come on the same sheet as the library tag.

I embossed the spine of this book with a thin Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Here is a video I made on Friday to show more of the decorations. (Keep in mind that I was hurting pretty bad so my mind was just not working well. :)

Here is a short video on how to make a basic box. (i.e. gift box)

...and here are 2 videos showing how to make the book/box. It was one 17 minute video that I had to break down into 2 parts.

How to make the book/boxes

part 1

part 2

Thanks for hanging in there!

Peek-a-boo Card Tutorial

2012-03-01T01:25:00.002-06:00

I have been showing the peek-a-boo card I made with the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime paper. For this peek-a-boo card tutorial I will show a simpler card.

I used some thick double sided K&Co paper for the base and some thinner K&Co patterned paper for the butterflies. (Yes I keep using the same papers that I used for the butterflies last week. I just can't quit using them. LOL)

The glue holding the micro marbles onto the yellow butterfly had not dried yet. I was just too impatient to wait to take the picture. LOL

The frame around the opening is white card stock that I inked with Tumbled Glass and a little bit of Antique Linen just to keep it from being too harsh of a contrast next to the patterned paper. Then I embossed it for a little texture.

Here is a video tutorial for making a "Peek-a-boo" card.

Here is a link to the cut files. I will leave the files for the card base up for a while but the butterfly files will only be available for a few days.

Butterfly Peek-a-boo Card

Graphic45 Peek-a-boo card

2012-02-29T01:34:00.000-06:00

I shared several pictures of this peek-a-boo card on my audition post.

Here are a few more close-ups and a 4 minute video.

I will share the cut files, templates, and a "how to" video showing how to make a Peek-a-boo card tomorrow.

I hope you get some inspiration and make something with your pretty papers!

Rounded corners tag

2012-02-27T23:54:00.002-06:00

Hello crafters! Thank you so much for all the great comments on my last post. I APPRECIATE them so much! I feel the crafty love. :)

Since there was way too much goodness to go into details, I will be going through the projects a little slower this week.
(I have not forgotten about the "ruffled ribbon" tutorial or the quilling project tutorials that I promised. I am just postponing them a little :)

I will start with the rounded corners tag that had the roses and beaded pearl spray.

I made the beaded spray by following the directions that LuvleeScrappin gives in her video tutorial; bead spray - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AljxwrgqHto

You may also want to check out her other video tutorial on making a Daisy Chain bead spray.

I used to make Daisy Chain bracelets for my nieces years ago so I look forward to trying this one!

I used Graphic 45's Love's Labyrinth paper along with some cream colored card stock. I dyed the seam binding with TH Distress Stains. (Bundled Sage, Spiced Marmalade, and Dried Marigold)

The roses were a little trickier to color. I tried several different colors before deciding on an combination that I never would have guessed. Spun Sugar, Victorian Velvet, and Rusty Hinge,

(Who would have guessed???)

You can download the cut files as well as the templates here.

I made a little picture to show the colors that I used for each layer.

(pictures always help...LOL)

click to enlarge

Graphic 45 Design Team 2012 Audition

2012-02-26T22:38:00.000-06:00

Well my crafty friends, I think I have a new obsession! I finally overcame my inhibitions for cutting into my Graphic 45 paper and now I am HOOKED! LOL

I know I am not the only one to confess that I tend to hoard designer papers. I pace them in my paper stacks and take them out to look at them every once in a while. They are so pretty that I don't want to cut them. Especially the beautiful Graphic 45 papers! After months and weeks of gazing at these beautiful papers, I decided it was time to cut. I am SO glad that I did! Not only did I enjoy making these creations using the Graphic 45 papers, I also love looking at my finished projects. (I took the plunge just in time to try out for the DT too) I will show them by paper collections. There will be more pictures and information about each project during the next week. Take a look and let me know what you think. (This is a long post, but I promise you will want to see it all :)

Once Upon a Springtime 8 x 8 papers

This enchanted little fairy garden is a peek-a-boo card.

(You may recognize the archway. I used the same cut file that I made for my blog header sign :)

It is packed with whimsy and cuteness.

Of course I HAD to add some paper flowers!

This time I used my "small flowers" cut file and added gold micro beads to the center.

Then I added some of the gorgeousness Graphic 45 flowers from the Primrose Cottage paper.

I used the same small flowers in this desk calendar project.

I sent it to a friend in this lovely gift box that I topped with pearls and my handmade "open rose" and "5 point" flowers.
I changed the format of my calendar pages slightly since I took those pictures. You can download the free printable here; Calendar

Then I moved on to the 12x 12...

Love's Labyrinth

I used my "Regal Rose" cut files for this tag. I make the cut files for the flowers, cut them out on neutral colored card stock with my Black Cat electric cutting machine, and ink them with Tim Holt Distress Ink.

You can download a PDF copy of the tag layers. You can print them out to use as a pattern.

Come back tomorrow to get the free cut files.

Rounded Corners Tag PC

ABC Primer Collection

& Signature Series Core-dinations Paper

They look like old school books, but they are really boxes. The boxes would be great to hold mini-albums, craft supplies, or school supplies. Can't you just see these on the corner of a teacher's desk?

The Core-dinations papers have a white core and look great when sanded, embossed, or inked. Of course they are the perfect colors to match the other Graphic 45 sheets.

I bound them up with a cute little belt made from an embossed sheet from the Graphic 45 Signature Series. I used the buckle cut file that I made for my Tool Belt Card. The silver is from my pain patch packaging and slightly colored with alcohol inks. The buckle actually works and the belt can be easily removed.

Tropical Travelogue Collection

Here are a couple of lovely cards using these vivid Graphic 45 papers and more of my handmade flowers. The cut files for these flowers came from Penny Duncan. (she is great!)

Love the post card look that is so popular now.

I have saved the best for last.

You may remember my Beach Explosion Box from this summer. Well look at the new improved version using Graphic 45 papers! (I am getting so addicted to this line :)

Great little hut, huh?

Let's take the lid off and take a peak inside...

LOVE these papers!

Here is a closer look at the pages.

The wave details were cut from more of the Signature Series Core-dinations paper, embossed, and sanded. The portion that was cut from the center is what I used for the corner decorations.

I used more of the S.S. paper for the island and palms.

You may recognize the palm trees from my "Where's Santa?" card from my guest designer spot for The Paper Dolls.

Well thank you, friends, for sticking with me through my rantings. I also want to thank the Graphic 45 team for considering my application.

There was way too much goodness to share on this post. I will be showing more pictures and information about each of the projects throughout this week. I will also include some cut files, instructions, and even some videos. Hope you decide to come back.

Enjoy!

Roses and D'mask

2012-02-21T13:43:00.000-06:00

Hello blogger friends. I have a card to share with you that is very special to me. I made it for my sister's birthday. She loves purple so that was my first color choice. For some reason the colors don't photograph well, but they are so pretty in person.

Check out the purple and black paper. At first I panned to use black and white D'mask paper and have purple accents. The D'mask paper is flocked and feels so luxurious. The problem was that when I started to add the black and white paper, it was too big of a contrast with all the black and purple.

So I came up with a good idea. Those are so few and far between sometimes so I decided to document it with a really quick video. LOL

You can't see the sparkle in the pictures or video but it glimmers. The flock is completely fine too.

Here is another little video showing how I arrange my handmade paper roses on cards and other projects.

After many, many, many attempts and several hours worth of useless videos, I finally came up with a way to explain how to make these flowers. I am going to call these "Regal Rose" because they are different than the "Cabbage Rose".

The video links to the Regal Rose Tutorial videos will be on my sidebar as well as my Etsy shop. Fair warning, these flowers are detailed and take several steps. (Some of us like that sort of thing and others do not) I just do not want anyone to purchase the cut files and links to the videos and then be disappointed because you decided that it was too much work or that you just don't have time to make them. I believe in knowing what you are getting :)

Card Pattern Sketch # 153

2012-02-19T22:05:00.000-06:00

When I saw this week's sketch at Card Patterns Challenge Blog, I immediately thought of the butterfly card I made last week. I still had the scraps nearby but I chose to use a handy little butterfly paper punch this time.

I mounted each butterfly with a 3/4 inch square of pink cardstock. The edges of the card were inked with Antique Linen. The crinkle ribbon was dyed using TH Distress Stain; Tattered Rose.
I used a simple running stitch to gather the ribbon and taped it onto the card with my ATG. The scalloped border was from my stash. My Sew Easy straight stitch made the holes and pink embroidery thread added the perfect little touch.

I even added a cute little butterfly charm that I got in a recent swap.

I am entering this card in the Card Patterns Sketch #153.
Here is the sketch...

Yep, I know I took a literal approach on the sketch, but I like it.

Leave a comment if you would like to see a tutorial on the ruffled crinkled ribbon.

Super CUTE cupcakes

2012-02-17T03:44:00.000-06:00

Look at this! Is this not one of the cutest things you have seen in a while???

It is a QUILLED CUPCAKE BOX!
Yes those are 1/4 inch strips of paper!
It is a very small box that could hold a Hershey's Kiss or some tiny trinket.

I think it is ADORABLE if I do say so myself. LOL It was made from a kit that I bought at Paper Wishes so it is not like I am bragging on myself for coming up with the idea. I just followed the directions.

I made two more.

A swirled chocolate cupcake with a cherry on top :)

A frilly cupcake with a heart on top.

Don't look too close because I got a lot of messy glue on this one. haha
My heart is not symmetrical but at least it is "in the right place" LOL
(Yes, by the way, I have taken a lot of pain medicine today :)

The $15 kit comes with paper and instructions for 6 cupcake boxes. A quilling tool, glue, curling coach, and mini mold set are also used. I tried to make one without the curling coach and mini mold but ended up with a big ugly mess so I highly recommend them unless you have a bit of experience in quilling :)
(I know several of you have awesome quilling skills because I have seen your beautiful work)
I did alter some of the details slightly such as making the candle taller.

I am sending the to my niece who collects anything to do with cupcakes. I know she will love them as much as I do.

I need to brush up on my quilled flowers and share those soon as well as a tutorial on how to make a quilled hummingbird using a combing technique. (which is fairly easy)

Late Valentine Picts

2012-02-15T20:23:00.000-06:00

Well, I am a little late in posting this. Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day.

Here is a picture of the car I made for my sweetie. (I took over a dozen pictures because the red did not show up well. This was as good as I could get. I promise the ribbon matches in person...LOL)

I have not quilled in a while. He always likes quilling though so I figured I make him a heart.

I stamped in the inside And added a tag that I got from MTCSCAL-E-Files a couple of years ago.

(Sorry Ladies, the rest of the inside is just for my hubby LOL)

I also made him a cute pillow box using a printable file from BlueCat. She has some awesome files that she generously gives away for free. Go check out her files at CartezChezBlueCat.

Be sure and leave some blog love :)

Pizza Box for The Crafter's Cafe'

2012-02-12T02:16:00.000-06:00

Hello there. I hope you are having a wonderful day!
I had a lot of fun last night doing an online chat and project at The Crafter's Cafe'. They are a wonderful group of ladies and it was so fun to feel like I was part of a crafting group for a little while. Since I am not physically able to go be a part of a crop or craft group, this was a treat. I could not join in for very long because I was not feeling well but I was able to make this really pretty pizza box.

We got the instructions for making the box itself at Split Coast Stampers. I was able to use several of my left overs from other projects to decorate it so it went together really quickly. (That is rare for me. LOL)

I even put a little design on the inside lid.

I had a lot of fun with the group and am glad I was able to use some of my stash :)

Loving eyes

2012-02-08T23:28:00.000-06:00

Hello bloggy friends.
I was playing around with my heart files and came up with these really cute heart shaped glasses. I used to the the queen of fun glasses and hats when I taught school. My co-workers all came to expect that I would have some type of fun wearable item for each holiday or major event. Now that my teacher files are all packed away, this was a fun memory.

You can download the cut files and PDF printable pattern by going to Cuttin' Up With Class.

I cut these glasses out of plain card stock and was about to cut patterned paper to put on top. Then my hubby walked in with the mail and a package from my Secret Sweetie swap group from The Crafter's Cafe. It was filled with all sorts of fun Valentine's craft goodies.

THANKS Sherry Wegner!

So I was compelled to stamp and emboss the glasses. Then I added some gems and stickers.

Don't these just scream fun!

Head on over to the CUWC blog to get the files and details.

Birthday Butterfies

2012-02-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

I needed to make a birthday card that was pretty but not too bulky. It seems like all the current patterned papers and embellishments have beautiful butterflies adorning them. One that really caught my eye was an October Afternoon paper with several butterflies with different prints. I decided to run with that idea and use up some scraps at the same time.

I inked the edges with Old Paper distress ink and added some glossy accents down the center of each butterfly then added clear micro beads. It is subtle, but it adds an extra little dimension.

I will have the cut files and templates available for download for a little while. Instead of black and white outlines for the templates, I made them with color and patterns. That way it will be easier to see how to cut out the different patterns. Actually this could be done with any butterfly die cut or punch.

Butterflies in Flight Card

Heart ornament

2012-02-06T00:13:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun with my snowflake ornament last December that I wanted to make a heart ornament. This one has a heart cutout in the center. The center was a perfect place to hang a little crystal bead. Of course it was not yet complete until I added one of my paper flowers :)

It is simple yet pretty.

I have it hanging on the lap next to my craft table and it make me smile.

After all, that is the real purpose of our crafts isn't it?

The files are offered on my Etsy shop for $1.

Cross Cards

2012-02-04T18:34:00.000-06:00

I have been playing with my pain patches again. I ddded alcohol inks, then embossed them.
(Cuttlebug Musical Flourish and Tiffany in picture above) Then I went over the raised areas by rubbing a black pigment ink pad directly over the embossed portions. When I wipe the black ink off with a baby wipe, the black ink takes the alcohol ink underneath it away. The silver foil shines through and creates a really cool effect.

I also made a new cross cut file. I got the inspiration from a tattoo style cross. It is hard to see all the detail in the silver foil paper. Here is a picture of the cross.

You can download it here.

Here are a few more cards I made.

The panel on the left side is what the foil paper looks like when it has been inked and embossed. I used a Sizzix TH Texture Fade there. It gives a wonderful deep impression.

I used the same Texture Fade folder on the background here. I embossed the blue card stock then wiped the top with a silver chalk ink. I edged the embossed panel with a cool new Prismacolor Metallic Silver pen. It covered the area perfectly even though it was uneven from the embossing.

I used a Cuttlebug folder. Grace's Frame, around the sentiment.

I think I have given the sentiment out before, but here it is again if anyone wants it. You can right click it and save it to your computer then open it in a picture editing program.

Inking embossed paper

2012-02-03T18:11:00.000-06:00

Hey there! I have one last heart shaped box to show. (Hope you are not tired of them yet)
This is the one I made in the video on my last post.

The matching card is in front and the box lid is behind it. The bottom of the box is peeking through in the very back.

I made a video about how I decorated the boxes. The assembly video ran so long that I did not include it.

While I had everything out, I went ahead and did a short video on how to ink the embossed area like I did on this card.

I am entering this box in the Decorate to Celebrate - Valentine challenge (Thanks Rhonda:)

Video for Heart Shaped Box

2012-02-02T02:31:00.003-06:00

Well my crafty friends, I intended to make this video several days ago. Well, actually, I did make a video several days ago...just not a very good one. After many attempts, several hours of reworking the cut files, and 4 boxes later...I present to you a video tutorial of how to make my heart shaped box. It still has some mistakes, but at this point whatever happened in this version got left in. There is a really good blooper at the very beginning :)

There are 2 parts

Video 1

Video 2

Here are some close up pictures

This is the box with the card.

This was cut from cream colored cardstock and inked with Fired Brick distress ink.

I did a video on how to ink the embossed area but it will have to be edited.

I don't have any pictures of the red, black and white box yet. They will be coming soon :)

Cut files and templates will be on my Etsy shop along with these finished boxes.

Heart Shaped Box

2012-01-29T01:13:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I made a decorative heart shaped box.

I used some old Anna Griffin paper that I stocked up on a while back. Along with colored cardstock and white cs that I inked. (Antique Linen and Fired Brick) Then I topped it of with one of my handmade open roses. (I have made a tutorial put I need to make a few changes and my body just has not cooperated with me this week...so it is coming soon)

Check it out, I even stamped the inside. (notice I did not get a close up picture of the stamped areas. LOL

I added a decorative heart flourish to the side.

It will be perfect for sending some craft goodies to my "secret sweetie" swap group over at The Crafter's Cafe'.

The cut files, templates, and video will be available tomorrow.

I am entering this project in:

Papercrafting Journey - Florals

Whimsical Wednesday - love themed home decor

Heart of Gold

2012-01-28T21:36:00.000-06:00

My hubby got a bag of Godiva chocolate truffles to put in my stocking this past Christmas. (Yep, he did good) Of course, I shared the chocolates with him. Between the two of us, we finished it off a few days ago. (hey, one month is better than one week, right?) Well, the bag that they came in was so pretty that I just had to find something to craft with it.

It had beautiful foil pink and gold colors on it, but it also had a lot to writing all over it. I decided that I could get several small paper punches out of it.

Here is a card I made using the punched hearts. (There are 4 pink hearts and 1 gold heart)

The inside reads, "You have a heart of gold."

It is clean and simple, but I like it. :)

Just some cool news

2012-01-23T17:36:00.000-06:00

Hello, I don't have any pictures or videos to share today. (Although I have a ton of things in the works :)

I just wanted to share some news and a little information.

First of all...Tim Holtz is coming out with DISTRESS INK PENS!!!!
I get a little dizzy just thinking of all the possibilities with these great pens. I have put off buying Copics. I will try Tim's new pens first.

You can read more about the pens and all sorts of goodies coming up in his new lineup here...
http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/

...but let me warn you, looking at all his new stuff coming out in one sitting can be a little overwhelming. LOL

Also, I had a request from an anonymous person asking about the Calla Lilly files that I had on an old post.

I made these files a while back and have updated them by including SCAL and MTC versions. If anyone wants these files, just email me and I will send them.

Last item for the day...
I have a lot of stuff planned out for the next few weeks. (I am pretty much at the mercy of the weather and my body). Are there any crafts that you have been wanting to see or learn more about? Just leave a comment and I will see what I can do.

Speaking of comments... I changed an option in the "comments" settings so hopefully it will be easier to leave a comment. Please let me know if it helped.

Thanks and happy crafting!

Winners!

2012-01-21T17:22:00.002-06:00

Hello Blogger friends! It is time to announce the 2 winners of my paper flower giveaway.

(there are more flowers that are not pictured here)

First of all, I would like to take a second to say

THANKS

to everyone for entering and for all the wonderful comments! I really do appreciate you ladies!

Moving right along...

Drumroll please....

The winners are

#6 - Maida

from http://marg0006.blogspot.com/

and

#10 - Ardilla

from http://tarjetasdeardilla.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS ladies!

I will email you to get your addresses.
You each get 70 flowers.
(Yep, that means I made a total of 140 over the past 2 weeks!)

Loose Rose Tutorial

2012-01-19T13:19:00.000-06:00

Hello my blogger friends. The moment a lot of you have been waiting for is finally here. I made a couple of videos showing how to make my "loose" rose.

You can check them out here.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I have made so many of these flowers, but it was difficult to put it into words.

Also, I am pretty good at doing things upside down and backwards because as an elementary teacher I usually had to show students how to do something where they could see what I was showing them. However, making flowers while trying to hold the flower up the the camera was a whole other story. LOL ...so bear with me :)

I also made a video showing some tips and techniques to making flowers even if you do not have the tools that I usually use.

The SVG cut files and PDF templates for the loose rose and these "cabbage" roses
will be available in my Etsy store along with the link to the video on how to make these flowers.

Leaves

2012-01-15T20:41:00.000-06:00

Hello my crafty friends. I made a few changes to the leaf files and it is ready to download. If you downloaded it several months ago and the calyx did not show up in MTC, I have finally figured out how to fix the problem. It should work now. I also added the dainty leafy branch. You will find three different sizes of the leaves and calyx in the PDF template.

You can download the files here: Leaves PC (the PC is for Paper Compulsions :)

As pictured in these photographs...

You can find the video tutorials on a tab under my blog header.

Enjoy!

Pretty flower tutorial and leaf tutorial

2012-01-15T02:44:00.001-06:00

Hello my crafty friends. I made a few more paper flower videos. Today I will share the "pretty flower" video and on that I made on "leaves" . They are both short and hopefully helpful.

"Pretty Flowers"

Pictured here are the "pretty flowers" and leaves along with a tattered flower.

(I now have video tutorials on all three.)

"Pretty Flowers"

"Leaves"

You can download the cut files and templates here.

"pretty flower"

leaves

You can also find a picture tutorial here. for the flower.

Don't for get that I also have a paper flower giveaway going on until the 21st.

Click here for more info.

Leftover

2012-01-11T00:20:00.001-06:00

Well, between the holidays and all the different projects I have had going, I left out a card that I wanted to share.

I made this for a "pink" winter card challenge but ended up not finishing in time. LOL

I stamped the snowflake background on white cardstock and used clear embossing powder. Then I use 3 different shades of blue Distress inks for the background. I glittered the edges of the mat behind the background as well as one of the snowflakes. (I used some of my snowflake cut files for those shapes) I dyed the seam binding ribbon by spritzing it with water and using Distress Stain in Victorian Velvet. The water helps the ribbon absorb the stain evenly.

Now for the part I had the most fun with... I used my much neglected I-Top brad maker to make the brad. First I cut a piece of lightweight cotton fabric then dyed it using water and Tumbled Glass Distress Stain. (I love the stains!)

Then I let it dry and used my brad maker to cover the brad blank with the fabric. I intended to sew some fake pearls on bit that did not work too well. I opted to using self adhesive pearls. (much easier :) Since the brad is slightly curved, I went ahead and put a little glue behind the pearls to make sure they would stay on.

Very fun and I used things I already had. Instead of trying to find a brad that matched my card, the Distress Stain allowed me to customize it my self. (...And best of all, I had fun with a tool that I purchased last year and had only used twice before :)

Now I plan to go dig out more goodies that I bought but rarely used. LOL

If you would like more info on the brad maker, just leave a comment and I will post more about it.

Uppsie Daisy Flower Tutorial

2012-01-09T02:10:00.001-06:00

Wow! First of all, I have to say THANKS for all the wonderful blog comments during the blog hop. Y'all just made my day!

I was playing around with some extra petal shapes the other day and came up with a new flower.

I am calling it an "uppsie daisy" because I found it by accident and because I turned the small petals UP in the center. (Yes, yes...I am easily entertained by puns and playing with words)

Here is a video tutorial on how to make it.

I will also add a tab under my blog header for videos for reference.

Happy Crafting!

Celeste's Birthday Blog Hop

2012-01-07T00:14:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Celeste's Birthday Blog Hop

I am sure you will join me in wishing her very

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Here is the line up:

Celeste-- www.touchedbyabutterfly.com

Heather-- http://joemamainks.blogspot.com

Amy-- http://aimitup.blogspot.com

Melin-- http://www.cookingwithcricut.com

Paula-- http://purplecows.net/blog

Monique-- www.uniquemoniquecreating.com

Kerri-- http://kerripowell.blogspot.com

Debi-- http://fabric-ecraft.blogspot.com

Jani - http://papercompulsions.blogspot.com You are here

Yolie-- http://www.justyolie.com

I made a cute little cupcake card.

The ribbon is some ribbon that I won as blog candy from Celeste several months ago.

Love that ribbon!

The little stones and gems were from my Secret Santa over at Cutting Cafe.

I attached the little stones with "Crystal Lacquer". That stuff will hold anything. LOL

I also made a 3D cupcake that could be a cake topper or just a decoration.

I wrapped the candle in twine and added glitter to the top.
I added some hot ping rhinestones and a cute little felt ribbon.

You can download the svg cut files here

CUPCAKES PC

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Your next stop is

Yolie-- http://www.justyolie.com

New Year at Paper Cutz

2012-01-06T04:41:00.002-06:00

Well this is a new year so I wanted to make my sister a desk calendar to look at while she is at work. She already has several of my cards on her desk. I thought this would be a perfect addition.

Since the challenge this week at Paper Cutz is about the new year, this calendar fits right in.

Purple is her favorite color. I have had those crystals for over a year now and finally decided to stop hoarding them and use them on a project. LOL My sister will love them as much as I did.

Each month is on a little card that fits in little slits at the top and bottom.

Look! Look! I even stamped!!!

There is a little holder on the back to keep the other monthly cards.

(Yep, I stamped there too...I was on a roll :)

I added an easel to the back after I took this picture.

Well, I know she will love it and think of me every time she looks at it. :)

Join us at Paper Cutz this week for the New Year challenge.

I also wanted to remind you about the blog hop coming up.

Handmade Paper Flower Giveaway

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

How would you like to win some of my handmade paper flowers?????

Well, I have been busy making flowers and thought I would share.

Take a look...

Plus many more that I just do not have room to picture.

I will pick two random numbers to receive these lovely flowers after noon on

Saturday, January 21st. (That is just a little over 2 weeks from now)

You can have up to three chances.

Here is what you need to do:

1) Be a follower of my blog and link up below. If you have a blog, please use it for the UIL. The UIL is not mandatory to enter.

2) Go to my You Tube channel and subscribe then link your name below. Leave the UIL space blank.

My You Tube Channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/lovepapercrafts?feature=mhee

3) Post about the giveaway on your blog, copy the blog address to that post, and link up below. Paste the blog address that you copied in the UIL space.

That is it :)

Thanks and good luck!

Tattered Flower Tutorial

2012-01-04T23:41:00.000-06:00

Tattered Flowers

I have been making these "tattered flowers" for a while now. I have put them on everything from cards, scrapbook pages, and birdhouse boxes.

They are quick, easy, and pretty.

I did a picture tutorial earlier this year. (you can find it on one of the tabs under my blog header.)

It is only fitting that I make a video tutorial on how to make these lovely flowers.

Hope you enjoy this and THANKS for all the encouraging comments!

I will be posting a flower giveaway tomorrow :)

Gerber Daisy Tutorial

2012-01-03T19:17:00.001-06:00

I have not been feeling that great so I am just now getting around to posting and making another video.

I have a new flower to share with you today. I am calling it a Gerber Daisy.

It is just a cute little daisy that goes together quickly and easily.

You could also put pearls or stones in the center.

It would look great in all kinds of bright colors.

Here is a video on how to make this flower.

(It is short and to the point :)

You can download the SVG cut files and PDF templates for all of my daisies are available in my Etsy store.

Is anyone interested in pre-cut kits? I am thinking about adding pre-cut flower kits and card kits. They would include all the paper pieces already cut out and ready to assemble. Leave me a comment and let me know what you would like.

I also made a short 3 minute video on coloring brads, pearls,

and rhinestones to use in the center of your flowers.

Enjoy.

Blog Candy at Creating From the Heart

2011-12-31T11:52:00.000-06:00

Check out this AWESOME give away over at Creating From the Heart.
Melissa is giving away a huge gift card, a set of Copics, and an airbrush system.
You don't want to miss out on this!

Another Easy flower video tutorial

2011-12-30T17:16:00.001-06:00

I made another "easy flower" tutorial video. I don't really have a name for these flowers. You are welcome to suggest one :) You can find a picture tutorial for these flowers under the "easy flowers tutorials" tab under my blog header. Just scroll down to flowers numbered 2 and 3.

Here are the Easy Flowers files.

Speaking of blog headers... I LOVE the new header I made. I used the "long flourish frame" cut file that I recently made and colored it with some of my new Distress stains. The stains are similar to the inks but easier to use when you want to color the entire surface. Then you can ink the edges with the regular foam blending tool. SO COOL.

Enjoy the video and be sure to check back tomorrow for a chance to win some of my handmade flowers :)

Easy Multi-layered Flower Video

2011-12-29T14:00:00.003-06:00

You may have already seen my picture tutorial for this easy flower with lots of layers. I posted it several months ago and I placed it on the "Easy Flowers" tab located under my blog header.

Now I have made a video tutorial for it also.

Here is a link to the updated cut file and templates. (It is also called "basic daisy" file) If you have downloaded it before, you may want to replace the old file with this new one. I fixed a few things.

Multi-layered flower SVG and PDF

Hope you enjoy the video.

Poinsettia video tutorial

2011-12-26T18:36:00.001-06:00

Wooo Hoo! I finally got a video camera and made made my first paper flower tutorial!

I was nervous at first but then again it is exciting at the same time.

I know a lot of you want to see my roses. Considering the fact that I am just learning how to video, I am going to start off with some of the easier flowers. This will also help you get a few of the techniques down as well.

The first video just shows examples of some of my flowers and the tools I use to make them.

The second video is the Poinsettia tutorial.

I have added some information on the tabs that are just under my blog header. Look for the tab that says, "helpful info" (or click on the link here) It explains SVG files, digital die cutting machines, and how to resize PDF templates.

I will be doing more paper flower tutorial videos during the the next couple of weeks.

You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and get emails when I have posted each new tutorial. My YouTube user name is "lovepapercrafts".
I had that account before I had a blog and now I cannot change the user name to Paper Compulsions. Sorry if that is confusing.

Thee poinsettia files and round scalloped box files are available on my Etsy store.

Enjoy! Please leave a comment here or on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Last challenge for CUWC

2011-12-20T05:06:00.000-06:00

Well, this week's challenge at Cuttin' Up With Class will be the last. I have had fun and enjoyed it while it lasted. I will be forever grateful to the DT members that made wonderful projects every week. I will still keep in touch with them and hopefully be joining them for other projects in the future.

The challenge is to use the gingerbread file in some way on any project.
Since this is the last challenge, I made 3.

A gingerbread girl in the snow with some warm accessories...

(she has glittery trimming)

A Santa gingerbread man...

(He has fake snow on his trim)

And an adorable baking gingerbread man with lots of goodies to share.

Complete with glittery doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, and beaded cupcakes. The "table cloth" is a paper doily. (That is an oven mitt in the back next to the stove.

It is a step card I modified to form a cabinet with a built in stove. (get a load of the burners...LOL)

I will have this file available in my Etsy store soon. I have to work out a few kinks first.

I hope you enjoy this and get inspired to "Cut Up" with us this week at CUWC.

Calendar for the New Year

2011-12-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

I needed to make a little something for a few friends. I decided to make desk calendars. They can always be used and can be left out all your long.

The calendar cards fit into the holder by slipping into 3 little slits I cut into the paper and hid with paper flowers. (You know I just had to add some paper flowers LOL)

There is a box on the back that holds the calendar cards.

The decorative frame that holds the cards is not my file. (If you recognize it, please let me know so I can give the designer credit) I can offer you the cut file for the little flowers and a pdf of the calendar pages though.

Small flowers calendars

Here is a diagram for the box. You can download this file along with the cut file and template for the box. (This cut file is only in svg. If you need a different format just email me at papercompulsions@gmail.com .

The decorative paper I used is from Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime.

The flowers were cut from white card stock and inked with Tattered Rose distress ink.

Paper Cutz Challenge Hearts for Christmas

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-06:00

This week at Paper Cutz, the challenge is:

"All Hearts Come Home for Christmas" Make a card, LO or craft project for Christmas using Hearts, and any colors you'd like.

Here is a heart shaped card I made with one of my poinsettias.

I cut it from ivory chard stock. Then I inked it with Festive Berries, embossed it, and inked the edges with Fired Brick. Last, I rubbed the Fired Brick ink pad directly on top of the card front. I am loving this technique.

I used the same ink colors on the poinsettia so it matches perfectly.

You can download the "Heartfelt Christmas Wishes" caption here.

Join us over at Paper Cutz for the All Hearts Come Home for Christmas challenge.

Secret SantaGifts

2011-12-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy making crafts that I have not had time to post any of them yet. Here are a few things I sent my Secret Santa from The Crafter's Cafe group.

She like fairies and I just happened to have some Graphic 45 paper from Once Upon A Springtime. I made a perfect gift box for some of my handmade paper flowers.

It is hard to tell in the picture, but I put paper lacquer on the fairies to make them stand out a little. It is really cool in person. I also added lots of little pearls. (Once I got started it was hard to stop LOL) I cut the flowers above from white cardstock and inked them with Tumbled Glass and
Tattered Rose Distress Inks.

Of course, I just had to make a few Christmas flowers so I made s cut file for a poinsettia.

The Poinsettias were cut from white card stock. I inked the petals with Festive Berries and Fired Brick. The leaves were inked with Shabby Shutters, Pine Needles, and Forest Moss. (It takes a while but it is soo worth it) The inside stamen were inked with Wild Honey and Pine Needles. (I am so loving my distress inks!)

Good news! My hubby let me open my present early so I will be working on a video tutorial for the poinsettias!

Wooo Hooo!

Christmas card 2011

2011-12-14T18:30:00.001-06:00

I make so many cards during the year that I want to really go all out for my Christmas cards. Here is my card for this year.

It is a tri-shutter card. You can get more details on how to make a tri shutter card here.

When I look at this card, i see the outward beauty as well as an inward beauty. As many of my followers know, I broke my hip when I was 11, had it replaced at 36, and have had severe extensive nerve damage ever since the hip replacement 5 years ago. (yes, if you do the math, I am 41) As you can imagine, the past few years have been extremely difficult and painful. I have had to live with pain on a daily basis that most people will never experience in a lifetime. I can no longer physically do so many things that we usually take for granted. I have had to mourn the fact that my life is never really going to be the way I imagined or wanted. At first I tried to tell God that I was just not string enough to handle all the pain and disappointment. God has allowed me to realize that I don't have to be string enough, because He is strong and through my weakness He will be my strength. My situation has caused me to grow closer to Him and to see so many ways that God takes the things that are so painful in our lives and make something beautiful out of it.

What does all this have to do with my Christmas card??? Well, see all the pretty silver foil paper that I have cut and embossed? That is the inside packaging of the Lidocaine pain patches that I put on every day.

The medicine never actually touches the package so it is safe to use. I cut the pouch open and it is a light weight paper that has a foil lining on one side. Everyday, as I apply a pain patch , I have learned not to focus on the obvious pain, but to look at the cool new craft product I can use. I am constantly reminded that even in my pain, God can make something beautiful out of my life just as I can make something beautiful out of the package.

So when I look at my card, I see a year's worth of pain patches but a lesson that will last me a lifetime.

Here are a few more pictures. I used a Sizzix embossing folder for the dry embossing and a Stampabilities "snowflake background" stamp with Stazon ink and silver embossing folder for the heat embossing. The snowflakes and labels are cut files that I made in Inkscape.

Hope you enjoy looking at this.
I have some cool new poinsettias that I made to share tomorrow. I am getting a video camera for Christmas so I will finally be able to make tutorials for my paper flowers. (just as soon as I learn how to use the camera that is...LOL)

Snow Much Fun

2011-12-13T01:24:00.000-06:00

My DT for this week's challenge at Cuttin' Up With Class also happen to be one of my Christmas cards for this year. I have included snowflakes in my cards for the last two years and this year is no exception.

For the background, I used a Sizzix embossing folder that I rubbed with Broken China Distress Ink then sprayed it with Abominable Snowman Glimmer Mist. (You can't tell from this photo, but it has a great frosty look.) I put the paper in the embossing folder and embossed it. I used Broken China around the edges with a direct to paper technique.

The paper snowflakes are cut files that I have available in my Etsy shop. The small blue jeweled snowflake was a leftover from an old Christmas card project. I purchased the pretty little jewels from Oriental Trading Co.

I have been so busy making this next Christmas car that I have neglected my blog and blog buddies. They ended up being more work than I really wanted but I like them.

Here is a look at the front, but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see more and find out all the details :)

Be sure to go by CUWC to download the files and play along with the challenge this week.

Fireplace Card Challenge at CUWC

2011-12-06T00:41:00.001-06:00

Cheryl from CAFExpressions has a made a cut file for us to use this week at Cuttin' Up With Class. It is a really fun file. Here is the card I made.

I made a little Christmas stocking file that you can get at the CUWC site.

I used fake snow for the top.

I used the pain patch for the fireplace screen and embossed it with Musical Flourishes.
The rest of the pieces were cut from white cardstock and inked with Distress Inks.
(Barn Door, Fired Brick, Black Soot, Pumice Stone, Wild Honey, and Rusty Hinge)
The fireplace is embossed with an old Fiskars embossing plate that looks like bricks.

You can get the fireplace card file at Cheryl's blog, CAFExpressions, and you can get the stocking file at CUWC.

How great my joy

2011-12-03T00:19:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun making these cute little penguins. I made 7 styles of penguin cut files. Two of them are included in this project. I recently bought more Distress Inks and wanted to try them out. I have also been watching videos on different techniques with these inks. So I cut all the shapes out of white cardstock and went to town coloring.

I used Black Soot for the bodies and eyes and Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge for the feet and beaks. Then I used Festive Berries (one of the new seasonal colors for winter) on the Santa hat, the top layer of Joy and the top layer of the holly berries. Next I stamped with the same color onto the Joy caption. I used Fired Brick on the back layers. I like that it is just a little darker.

Shabby shutters is the color on the top layer of holly leaves and Peeled Paint on the back layers.

For the white parts of the Santa hat I edged them with Pumice Stone and then Weathered Wood then misted them with Glimmer mist to soften the color and add some shimmer. Then when they were dry I embossed them with swirls.

For the blue headphones. I heat embossed them with silver then applied Faded Jeans.

Now for my favorite part. For the green headphones, I inked Shabby Shutters on with the blending tool then embossed with a Sizzix folder. I took the Peeled paint and rubbed it directly onto the raised embossed parts. Then I went around the edges with the Peeled Paint and the blending tool.

I really like that look! I will defiantly be using this technique a lot.

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing this as much as I enjoyed making them and sharing the info.
I am not sure I am ready to try Tim Holtz's Christmas tags yet, but I will certainly be playing around with the techniques.

Paper Cutz Challenge - Jingle Bells

2011-12-02T01:57:00.001-06:00

This week's challenge at Paper Cutz is

Jingle Bells

#118: "Jingle All the Way!" Make a card, LO or craft project using a stamped, digital stamp or Cricut cut image of Jingle Bells. Use any colors you'd like.

I made a flat jingle bell design, some holly, and used a cool font to make the caption.

I added some red gems to the holly berries because they needed a little something.

I used the pain patch package for the bells since it is foil lined.

You can download the files for this card here for a limited time.

Jingle All The Way Card cut files and templates

I have been playing around with an idea for a 3D jingle bell, but have not come up with one that I like yet...but of course I'll keep trying LOL

Grab some jingle bell decorations and join us over at Paper Cutz.

November Show and Tell at CUWC

2011-11-28T22:37:00.001-06:00

Man, I am not sure where this month went, but it seems to have flown by. Since it is already the last Tuesday in November, it is time for a

SHOW & TELL Link Up Party at Cuttin' Up With Class.

You can link up ANY project you have made

AS LONG AS...

You make a NEW POST mentioning that you are linking it up at the

Cuttin' Up With Class Show & Tell Link Up Party

and

provide a link back to CUWC

then

You must VISIT at least 3 other blogs in the "class" and say you came by from CUWC.

That's all :)

Here is my project

It is a snowflake ornament that I made from 3 of my new snowflake files.

(available in my Etsy shop)

Here is a better view of the 3 different snowflake cuts.

For this ornament, I made 8 sets of snowflakes, scored them all in half,

stacked the 3 different flakes on top of each other,

then glued all 8 sets together.

Then I misted all the sides with Glimmer Mist and tied a decorative thread around the top.

(I promise it is so much easier than it sounds)

Here is a picture for the visual learners like myself...

I got this idea from Lovely Linda at Lovely Linda's Craft Central.

Check out her beautiful ornaments .

Be sure and link up something this week at

CUWC's Show & Tell

Embossed Snowman

2011-11-28T09:18:00.001-06:00

I got some new toys and just had to play with them. LOL
I got a set of embossing folders from Sizzix, There is a snowflake background, a snowman, a gingerbread man, and a caption (warm wishes). This is a quick card I put together.

I rubbed Stormy Sky distress ink on the embossing folders then embossed. I added some color to the snowman with markers and cut out the snowman and the caption.

I love this little guy.

I also wanted to mention that Custom Stamp Place is having a sale.

They have some really cute designs that you can add your name too and use to stamp your cards.

One last Thanksgiving project

2011-11-25T22:40:00.001-06:00

OK, I know Thanksgiving is officially over, but I just have to squeeze in one last project.

I made this project for a caption challenge my blog friend Eva is having over at Creative Kuts.

I made a banner from a file that I made that looks something like the Sizzix fancy labels die. I cut the letters out from my foil lined pain patches. Then I inked them with TH Adirondack alcohol inks. (Sunset Orange, Butterscotch, Currant, and Caramel)

I embossed it with my new Cuttlebug embossing folder, Musical Flourishes.

The mumms are from my cut file. You can find the tutorial here.

The sunflower is from a cut file I bought from Creative Kuts.

I love the way it turned out.

Turkey Rosette

2011-11-23T02:01:00.001-06:00

I had so many ideas for Thanksgiving crafts that I was never able to get to. Here is a project I made at the last minute just because I had the idea and wanted to see how it would look.

I used different sized rosettes to make the tail feathers for this 3D turkey.
I used scalloped strips cut at 1 inch, 1 1/2 inches, and 2 inches. (My last 2 strips were not long enough. I should have cut 2 strips for each but I was tired :) -LOL I am just now noticing that the middle rosette is turned the wrong way and you can't see the scallops. - I told you I was tired LOL

I used some K & Co patterned paper because I loved the oranges and reds in it. Once you make all the folds, the pattern on the paper does not really matter. All you notice is the color.

This little guy is only about 2 inches tall, but it would look great cut larger and used as a centerpiece.

I have not converted the svg's into any other files yet, but you are welcome to the svg cut files. I have not written any instructions, but I think you can figure it out :)

turkey rosette SVG

Happy Turkey Day!

Family challenge at CUWC

2011-11-22T02:08:00.001-06:00

The challenge this week at Cuttin' Up With Class is Family. I went a little overboard on the files for this challenge. I made captions, stick family "decals", stick family paper dolls, and digis.

Here are two projects I made.

These place cards were made using the decal style stick family files.

I also made a scrapbook page using the paper doll style stick family cut files.

I guess you can tell I had a lot of fun making these files LOL.

Go over to the Cuttin' Up With Class blog to enter in on the fun.

Gobble 'til You Wobble Blog Hop

2011-11-19T00:16:00.001-06:00

Hello and welcome to the

Gobble 'til You Wobble Blog Hop

( don't you just love that title :)

This blog hop is put together by the very talented

Jean of Jean's Crafty Corner & Tina of Tina Time.

Thank you ladies for letting me "play" along with you!

If you arrived here from Audrey's awesome blog, Cute and Some, you are in the right place.

If you are just joining us, be sure and go to the beginning over at Jean's Crafty Corner.

Well Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.

Thanksgiving just would not be complete without a turkey.

I took the "Gobble 'til you Wobble" theme literally.

I made a turkey wobble card.

I gave him a little bib along with a spoon and fork.

The tail feathers are loops of 1 inch wide strips of patterned paper.

The best part is that the card actually wobbles!

Check out this short video.

How fun is that!

If you would like the svg cut files or pdf templates for this wobbling turkey card,
this is what you do:

1) Be or become a member of my blog

2) Leave a comment with your email address
or
email me at papercompulsions@gmail.com

It is that easy.

Thanks for coming by:)

Your next stop on the hop is

Carri over at Double Click Connections .

Thanks for joining us and keep on Gobbling till you Wobble! :)

In case you get lost along the way, here is a list of all of the participants.

Blog Hop Lineup

Jean at http://www.jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/

Tina at http://ollieanddextersmommy.blogspot.com/

Rhonda at http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/

Georgiana at http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/

Audrey at http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/

Jani at http://papercompulsions.blogspot.com/ ***You are here***

Carri at http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/

Paper Cutz Challenge Turkey

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-06:00

The Paper Cutz challenge this week is

#117: "Let's Talk Turkey!" Make a card, LO or craft project for Thanksgiving, using a stamped, digital stamp or Cricut cut image of a Turkey . Use any colors you'd like.

I made this turkey treat box.

Here is a close up of the turkey before I added the "gobble" captions.

It is hard to tell from the picture, but the dark brown cardstock is lightly embossed. The light brown is Bazzill that I ran through my printer and printed out the gobble captions and the turkey tracks digi. (I am still learning how to do digi's so any comments would be appreciated.) The patterned paper is K & Co (I am ALWAYS drawn to the K & Co lines no matter how many brands I look at...LOL)

Here is a link to download this digi file of the turkey tracks

The turkey cut file and digi stamp are available to download at my challenge blog, Cuttin' Up With Class. The "gobble, gobble, gobble" caption is available on CUWC also.

Check out what all the other Paper Cutz DT members have come up with and play along with us.

I also have a "Gobble 'til You Wobble" blog hop tomorrow. You won't want to miss this project :)

Turkey Time

2011-11-15T02:09:00.001-06:00

This week at the Cuttin' Up With Class challenge blog, it is turkey time!

The challenge is to use the free turkey cut file or digi stamp on any project.

I made these two projects.

I turkey time clock so you can let everyone know when dinner will be. The hands of the clock are attached to the wings. The brads allow them to be manually moved and positioned into place.

I also made a holder for utensils.

I used a rosette for the front and used part of a rosette for the tail.

You can get the free files on the CUWC blog and play along with us.

Paper Flower Mumm Tutorial

2011-11-12T22:13:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture tutorial for the Mumms I showed in my last post.

This is a really easy paper flower to make (as my paper flowers go). It does take a few steps but to goes together quickly without a lot of shaping and molding.

For a good Mumm you will need about 16 spidery flower shapes in different widths. You can use as many or as few as you like. ( I will have a link to a cut file at the bottom of the post.)

For this flower, I used flower shapes in the following sizes:2 flowers at 2 inches, 2 flowers at 1.75 in., 2 flowers at 1.5 inches, 2 at 1.25 in, 2 at 1 in, 2 of .75 in., and 6 at .5 inch

Stack the flower shapes on a craft mat or plastic.

Spritz with water.

Put the 6 smallest flowers to the side.

Take the larger group of flowers and use your fingers to scrunch up the petals. (yes "scrunch" is the official term LOL) Repeat with the smaller group of flowers.

Push the petals back a little and...

Spread the larger group of flowers out. If the centers are too wet to glue, allow them to dry a little. (if the little flowers are too wet they may need to dry out too.)

OK, starting with the largest flowers glue & stack the large group of flowers. Stagger the petals.

Now, with the smaller group of flowers, scrunch one up like this...

Then put glue on the bottom and attach to another flower shape...

Fold the bottom flower up and
repeat this with the remaining small petals.

Now just put the small group of flowers in the center of the large group

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and make some Mumms of your own.

Here is a link to the cut file. Mumm

This tutorial will be posted in the "easy" flower page at the top of my blog.

Paper Crafting World Harvest Time

2011-11-10T23:59:00.001-06:00

Hello, Paper Cutz challenges are changing their schedule to every other week during the holidays, so I have some time to play along with some other challenges that I have missed out on.

Paper Crafting World has started challenges again. Melin always has some great files and the DT members always have such great inspiration. This week the theme is Harvest and Melin is offering a wonderful file with pumpkins, leaves, and a basket. Here is my project.

I made a scalloped circle card.The patterned papers are all K and Co but are from different sets.

The pumpkins, leaves, and basket are Melin's files. I cut the basket twice then cut slits in them by hand and wove them together.

I used a Cri-Kit gold metallic pen for the sentiment in Regency font.

The flowers are my version of a Mumm. The flower shapes are just stacked and squished together. ("squished" being the highly technical term LOL) They go together very quickly, but I will warn you that They take forever to cut out. (but hey, that's what cutting machines are for...right?)

I'll post a tutorial on the flowers tomorrow. You can go ahead and download the card files, sentiment, and the flower files.

Scalloped Circle Card Harvest Time Mumm

Head on over to Paper Crafting World and join in on the challenge.

Cuttin' Up With Class Give Thanks Challnge

2011-11-08T01:00:00.000-06:00

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, this week's challenge at Cuttin' Up With Class is to make a "thank you" or "Thanksgiving" card or gift.

Well, believe it or not, I still had leaves left over from make the wreath a few weeks ago. So I used them on my card.

The leaves were cut from white cardstock and inked. (Rusty Hinge, Wild Honey, and Red Barn)
I also used the inks to cover over a strip of "Color Me" paper from Paper Wishes.
For the tag, I cut the curved rectangles and "thanks" out of white cardstock and just inked the smaller rectangle. The files for the tags and leaves are on the Cuttin' Up With Class blog.

This card is 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches so I embossed half of the cover and placed the Color Me paper over the seem.

I just got several colors on the twine so I could not wait to use it. I think it adds a nice touch.

Head over to the CUWC challenge blog to get the cut files and digi stamps.

Paper Cutz Challenge #116

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge #116: "Gobble, Gobble!" Make a card, LO or craft project for Thanksgiving incorporating a recipe for your favorite Thanksgiving dish. Use any colors you'd like.

For this challenge I decided to make a little book to store treasured Thanksgiving memories and much loved recipes. I used several of Penny Duncan's nested shapes to come up with this design.

Here is the front cover.

The back is blank so I can add pictures later.

The next page has a little pocket for the recipe to slip into.

I used a combination of K & Co and DCWV patterned papers and one solid paper.

I plan to send this to my sister who lives in another state. We don't always get to see each other at Thanksgiving, but we always try to share something around that time to let each other know we are thinking of each other.

I hope you create something fun with your favorite Thanksgiving dish and come play along with us at Paper Cutz Challenge Blog.

Cuttin' Up With Class scarecrow challenge

2011-11-01T02:07:00.004-05:00

This week at Cuttin' Up With Class the challenge is to use the scarecrow files or the digi stamp.

I decided to make a scrapbook page.

I used one of Penny Duncan's nested shapes for the frame and the photo mats. I added some of my leaf outlines and acorns. Next I added my little scarecrow and a bow to balance out the colors.

Head on over to Cuttin' Up With Class to get either the cut files or the digi stamp and play along with us.

Paper Cutz Challenge #115 leaves

2011-10-28T01:27:00.001-05:00

Paper Cutz Challenge #115 we're "Turning Over a New Leaf "! Make a card, LO or craft project for Fall using LOTS of leaves and any colors you'd like, EXCEPT NO GREEN or BLUE!

This week at Paper Cutz the challenge is leaves. I had some leaves left over from the wreath I made. I decided to stamp some leaf images in brown (Memento Cocoa) then use Distress Inks to color over the area. See the decorative edge on the bottom? I went old school and used some decorative edged scissors/ (remember those LOL) I added my left over leaves to the corner Brown trim and ribbon finish it off..

I had more supplies left over from over projects so I made a second card. I went old school on this one too and used a Colluzzle oval cutter for the image. (if you have been crafting a while you might remember those) Man, I used those Colluzzle shapes almost every week for years when I was a Kindergarten teacher. (good memories)

I had these little leaves that were left over from my leaf shaker card. They were the perfect little touch.

I had fun using scraps and my old tools. Would you believe I did not even turn my Black Cat cutter on for this project. What happened? I was watching a movie and did not want to leave the room :) LOL

Head on over to Paper Cutz Challenge Blog and enter in on the leaf card challenge. (One of the DT members made a leaf wreath that looks so realistic I could swear it looks like actual leaves)

Cuttin' Up With Class Show & Tell Link Up

2011-10-25T00:24:00.001-05:00

Hello Blogland friends. Have you been creating something special that you would like to show off?

Well this week at Cuttin' Up With Class we are having a Show and Tell. You can use any project that you have made. Old or new. Just simply make a NEW POST telling that you are entering the project in our Show and Tell and include a link to Cuttin' Up with class, Then you can link up your project and go visit at least three other sites in the link up and leave comments. It is that easy and is sure to be a lot of fun.

Here is the project I am going to take for Show and Tell.

It is a center step card that I made for a teenage girl's birthday. She loves these colors so I think she will really like it.

You can find instructions for the center step card in the tab at the top of my blog marked step cards.

The flowers are what I call my "loose rose". You can find instructions for them on a tab at the top of my blog too.

The butterflies are from one of the SVG files from my "butterfly collection" in my Etsy store.

Hope you enjoy my card and head over to the CUWC site to link up one of your projects :)

Paper Cutz #114 Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week at Paper Cutz challenge blog, we are honoring Breast Cancer Awareness .

#114: "In the Pink" As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so to help promote this worthy cause, let's make a card, LO or craft project for Breast Cancer Awareness month using PINK and any other colors you'd like.

I made a step card with pink handmade roses.

I cut the roses from white card stock and inked them with TH Distress ink; Victorian Velvet. I used Forest Moss for the leaves. I used my own cut file this time instead of Penny's. I copied Penny Ducan's basic design but changed the petals a little. I told her all about it and got her blessing before sharing this cut file. (the rose file is included in the "Think Pink" step card file) You can download the svg and pdf files here. Think Pink Step Card

I also included a little bling.

Hope you enjoy this card and think PINK.

Featured at Scrappin' Sista's

2011-10-21T02:38:00.003-05:00

I am very honored to be featured on Christel's blog, Scrappin' Sista'. She is celebrating her birthday month by featuring some of her crafty friends. I made this card for the occasion. (I promise it matches better in person LOL)

The patterned paper has reds and purples in it. The colors did not photograph very well.

Here is a better look at the roses.

Drop by Scrappin Sista's blog for more details.

Caramel Apple Treat Cups

2011-10-19T20:10:00.002-05:00

Hello my bloggy friends. I wanted to show you my caramel apple treat cups that I have been working on for my Etsy store. They are really cute and the best thing about them is they are FAT FREE! (then again if you fill them with candy, that point is moot LOL)

On this one, I cut the caramel layer then added some Aleene's Paper Glaze to make it shine. I wanted to give it a little something extra. I used my "scalloped border with holes" cut file and accordion folded one of them to make a rosette. You can download it from here.

For these apples, I embossed the caramel layer. I also embossed the sticks on all of the apples.

And for the last apple, I decided to add some beads to look like candy Jimmies.

The beads my not be a good idea if young children will be getting the treat cups, but little pieces of paper would do just as well.

The ribbon is from the blog candy I won from Celeste at Touched By A Butterfly a while back.

(BTW I was one of the winners for the Link Up For Pink event !

Woo Hoo! I won a gift certificate from Cutters Creek! I already did a little "window shopping". Yipee!)

I am entering these treat cups in Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge; Apples.

CUWC Challenge #4 Trick or Treat

2011-10-18T01:31:00.004-05:00

Well this week at Cuttin' Up With Class we have a really fun challenge going on. I am calling it

TRICK or TREAT

If you want to trick someone, you will get the files and instructions on how to BOO! a friend.

They will include a door hanger

and files to make a BOO! bucket.

See the challenge blog for more details.

If someone chooses TRICK, they will get these candy files.

and a cute little treat cup.

I also made this treat box and bag.

Come on over to Cuttin' Up With Class to get in on the fun.

Leaf wreath and award

2011-10-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

I made this leaf wreath (say that 3 times fast LOL) using the leaf files I gave away on the Cuttin' Up with Class blog challenge this week. I cut them from white cardstock and colored them with distress inks.

I also received this blog award from my dear, sweet, crafty friend Eva from Eva's Scraps N' Cards.
Be sure and go by Eva's blog and leave her a nice comment.

As a recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award, there are 3 rules to follow…
1. Thank the person who awarded you.
2. Tell 7 things about yourself that your readers may not know.
3. Award 7 other bloggers with this award.

Thank you again Eva!

Hummmm... 7 things about me...that I have not already mentioned...

1) I have been making flowers in some form or fashion since I was very young. From tissue paper flowers to clay to icing and to paper.

2) We lived in New Mexico for a few years and want to move back there someday.

3) We have 3 cats that were all rescue kitties. (we are suckers for furry little animals)

4) I LOVE Cherry Coke Zero!

5) We are huge Lord of the Rings/ Tolkien fans.

6) My maiden name was Hollister. (what I would have given to have a Hollister brand t-shirt when I was a teen...then again I would have to give a lot for one wouldn't I LOL)

7) I have always loved elephants.

7other blogs for the Versatile Blogger Award.
(in no particular order)

Cheryl from CAFExpressions

Lori from Papercrafts by Saints Rule

Audrey from Cute and Some

Kim from Paper Punch Addiction

Davi from Alstromeria's Artistry

Linda from Lovely Linda's Craft Central

Paper, Scissors, Ink

Hope you enjoy these fun blogs! Be sure and stop by Eva's blog too )

Paper Cutz challenge 113

2011-10-14T01:51:00.000-05:00

It is time for Paper Cutz Challenge #113. I have to admit, I can usually come up with all kinds of design ideas but this challenge had me stumped. We were supposed to create a project with stars, circles, and diamonds.
I could not think of anything for several days. Then it hit me to use the shapes as part of a bigger picture. Here is what I came up with.

The circles are in his eyes. The diamonds can be sen in his feathers and his beak. (I folded the beak in half but it is a diamond) The stars are obvious :) They are from a file I gave away here back in May. If the leaves look familiar, they were left over from the leaf shaker card I posted yesterday. They were still laying on my table and I thought they added a cute touch.

My printer is out of ink and my DH got the wrong kind so I just printed "you're a hoot" on my label maker. (I am nothing if not inventive LOL)

I can't decide if my little owl should have wings or not. I made some but they looked weird. Leave a comment and tell me whether or not I should have added wings. :)

Leaf shaker card

2011-10-13T02:05:00.001-05:00

Hello blogger friends.
I have another leaf file project I made with the file that I am giving away on the Cuttin' Up With Class challenge blog.

It is a leaf shaker card.

I cut the leaf shape out of the front of the card and lots of little leaves to go inside. Then I inked them.
I tried to put foam tape along the leaf frame but you could see the white edges so I just cut the leaf frame shape out 12 more times, stacked them, and inked the sides.

Fall Fun was a caption file I made to give out on the challenge blog too. Hop over there to get the files.

Cuttin' Up With Class challenge #3

2011-10-11T03:22:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for day 2 of the Scrappin' Sista Blog Hop click here.

It is time for challenge # 3 over at Cuttin' Up With Class.

This week we are using these leaves file I made. There are sooo many things you can do with this file.

Here is what I came up with.

It is a swivel card. This side says "Seasons come and seasons go...

Then you flip the center section and ...

This side says "My love for you will always grow.

Be sure and stop by Cuttin' Up With Class to get the free cut file and enter the challenge with us.

You will defiantly want to see what the DT made with these files.