A Year of Card Techniques - (June - Basic Card Folds Using Double SidedPaper)

Welcome to A Year of Card Techniques Blog Hop where each month we feature a different card technique.  We’ve assembled a team of card makers who range from new to advanced, so you’ll see a great variety of cards and ideas.

June‘s hop is devoted to basic card folds; featuring drapery/curtain fold, peek-a-boo fold or double-z gate-fold.  And we’re adding a twist of using double-sided paper.   We hope this gives you lots of ideas and will inspire you to try these card folds yourself...and pull out that double-sided paper as well!    If you would like to check out our past technique hops, you can do that here:

• January-Shaving Cream Marbleizing
• February-So Sketchy
• March-no hop this month
• April-Stamp Set Showdown
• May-World of Watercolors

We have an amazing sponsor this month, Candy Spiegel.

Please take a moment to check out all the crafty goodness on her blog, Candy Scraps.

And the awesome prize this month is:

We  really appreciate feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in the hop today.  While you are encouraged to comment at any time, only comments received by  Friday, June 23, 2017 at 8:00pm (EST) will be eligible to win.   The winner will be announced on Sunday,  June 25, 2017 on A Piece of (my) Heart’s blog, so be sure to check her blog on Sunday.

And speaking of winners, the lucky hopper from last month is SUSAN ELIOT; picked by Random Name Picker.  Congratulations, Susan!  Please get in touch with last month’s sponsor, Jodie Park, to claim your prize.

You should  have arrived here from A Card A Day Challenge Blog. If you're visiting  here first, you might want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing and increase your chances of winning by commenting on  each blog.

I absolutely l-o-v-e folding paper! I mean... who doesn't just keep folding that little gum wrapping into various things including the smallest square possible? But today, I went with the simplest of folds... partially because I l-o-v-e the name (peek-a-boo) and partially since it's for my husband and he doesn't exactly appreciate homemade cards (like we all do) because I needed to.

And so I started with a cute, manly, double-sided paper, cut it to size, cut a slit in the middle (but only part way down), scored it from corner to slit, and folded it.

My only trouble? Choosing which side to have "peek"-a-boo!

I went with the lighter side sticking out...

Next? Add stamping... via MISTI!!!! In case you haven't discovered this great tool... 

YOU SHOULD!!

And VOILA! There you have it... ready for Sunday (Father's Day... in case you forgot!)

Now  you’re off to visit with Sandy! Hope you had fun and thanks for stopping by.  See you next month with another technique!

Here’s the full line-up in case you get lost:

• Sharon
• Claudia
• Kim
• Wilma
• Jearise
• Amanda
• Card A Day Challenge Team
• Lisa
• Sandy
• Jodie
• Candy
• Debbie

A Year of Card Techniques - World of Watercolors (May)

Welcome to A Year of Card Techniques Blog Hop where each month we feature a different card technique. We’ve assembled a team of card makers who range from new to advanced, so you’ll see a great variety of cards and ideas.

For May, we are venturing into the world of watercolor. There are so many watercoloring techniques available to us today; far too many to list here. But actions speak louder than words; so our team has worked with their favorite mediums to bring you lots of examples and loads of inspiration.

If you would like to check out our past technique hops, you can do that here:

• January-Shaving Cream Marbleizing
• February-So Sketchy
• March-no hop this month
• April-Stamp Set Showdown

We have an amazing sponsor this month, Jodie Park of Close to My Heart:

Please take a moment to check out the great products Close to My Heart has to offer. To visit Jodie on Facebook page, just click here.

And the awesome prize this month is:

We really appreciate feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in the hop today. One winner will be chosen from all comments on the hop as of May 26, 2017. The winner will be announced in our June hop; so be sure to come back next month.

And speaking of winners, the lucky hopper from last month is Golden Goddess Designs; picked by Random Name Picker. Congratulations! Please get in touch with last month’s sponsor, Wilma Payne at wpayne@email.com, by May 26th to claim your prize.

You should have arrived here from the Card A Day Challenge (Aren't those girls AWESOME?!?!). If you're visiting here first, you might want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing and increase your chances of winning by commenting on each blog.

And now... we are off to my mishaps adventures!

I began with these... the Windsor Newton Watercolor Pens. (Yes!!! I said, "PENS!!!") Which side to use? The point (definitely not a fine-tip) or the brush... Um... BRUSH it is!

And then I did something fun. At least I thought I did... I sprayed "snow" on watercolor paper and let it dry. (L-O-V-E that texture. Kinda like the "orange-peel" on textured walls.) Then, I brushed on color, sprayed on water, and let that baby run! OOOH!!! I really liked it! And then... I let it dry. Oops! It was SO hard... I wasn't about to put any of my paper cutters through THAT mess. So, I took a photo and tried to print it. After several print-head cleanings... it came out pink magenta'ish. And I'm SO not down with that. I had to go another route...

And so... I drew dots and lines on watercolor paper. See? (Say it with me..., "Oooh! Ahh!")

And then I spritzed them with agua fresca (that's Espanole for "fresh water"). And let it run. I turned them and turned them, so the color would get everywhere.

I didn't like the way the dotted one was going, so I blotted it a tad with a paper towel Um... It took out most of the color, so... I placed the striped one on top and pressed it in, giving it a little more "oomph." (I do like the way the texture turned out but decided it really wasn't for this project...)

Loving the striped one, I stamped a "thank you" on it (I need LOTS of Thank You cards and am WAY behind in getting some out...), layered it on a green card base and called him 'er done!

Now you’re off to visit with Sandy! She'll be sure to show you another dimension world. Hope you had fun and thanks for stopping by. See you next month with another technique!

Here’s the full line-up in case you get lost:

• Sharon
• Claudia
• Kim
• Wilma
• Jearise
• Amanda
• Card A Day Challenge Team
• Lisa
• Sandy
• Jodie
• Candy
• Debbie

A Year of Card Techniques - (April - Stamp Set Showdown)

Welcome to A Year of Card Techniques Blog Hop where each month we’ll feature a different card technique. We’ve assembled a team of fabulous card makers who range from new to advanced, so you’ll see a wide variety of cards and ideas.

The month of April features a Showdown! A stamp set showdown, that is. We’re using one stamp set in various ways. Let’s face it, stamp sets are getting more and more expensive; so we’re here to inspire you by demonstrating how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h those stamps!

If you would like to check out our past technique hops, you can do that here:

• January-Shaving Cream Marbleizing
• February-So Sketchy
• March-no hop

We have an amazing sponsor this month, Wilma Payne of Fun Stamper's Journey:

Please take a moment to check out the great products Fun Stampers Journey has to offer. To visit Wilma's blog, click here and her Facebook Group here.

And the awesome prize this month is:

We really appreciate feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in the hop today. One winner will be chosen from all comments on the hop as of April 28, 2017. The winner will be announced in our May hop; so be sure to come back next month.

You should have arrived here from Amanda. If you're visiting here first, you might want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing and increase your chances of winning by leaving a comment on each blog.

Off we are! I looked at my bookcase to find these...

rather dismal... don't ya think? But... I thought I'd try out a set anyway. And, since Spring is Sprung... I picked...

Super cute, right? And I mixed and matched things up a bit to get these:

Then... I went to slice them up cut them to card-size and...

Yep this happened...

So I made the most out of them and decided to add a lot of **SPARKLE**! sparkle is like magic. It tends to take away your errors. didn't you know?

See? The sparkly even shows up on photos!!! Woohoo! At least something went right this time...

After coloring... I've got all these card tops! I'm way ahead of the game, now!

And just so you know... I'm probably going to give up coloring for a bit. My inner kindergartner doesn't seem to want to come out to play very well. I'm still having a bit of trouble with blending (and staying in the lines) and cutting them correctly, etc. I haven't played with my Cricut in awhile... so I believe she'll be waiting for me.

Now you’re off to visit with Jodie. Hope you had fun and thanks for stopping by. See you next month with another technique!

Here’s the full line-up in case you get lost:

• Sharon
• Claudia
• Kim
• Wilma
• Jearise
• Amanda
• Lisa
• Jodie
• Card A Day Challenge Team
• Ronda
• Sandy
• Candy

[Connie's] Birthday Bash Blog Hop!

Welcome to the 

Birthday Bash Blog Hop

We hope you are ready to celebrate Birthdays with the biggest Bash around!!
This hop is full of Balloons, Cake, Presents, Smiles and more!
So let's make a wish and blow out the candles
as we celebrate another year of birthdays!! 

  You should have arrived Shannon H.
If you just happened upon this spectacular hop, Connie Can Crop is the first stop in this hop. 

This is a one day blog hop, but you have until Sunday to finish hopping and leaving your comments for all of these amazing crafters.

We have an awesome sponsor for this month!

One lucky winner will get to choose two Bundles or files of their choice ($6.00 value)

Please visit Miss Kate Cuttables HERE

Follow their blog HERE

you can find them on facebook HERE

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 3/15/17

at Connie Can Crop.
Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

OMG! My friend Connie is.... (shhhh.... $&!!!!) and if you can't figure that out... look at the corresponding numbers on a "normal" computer keypad... and that's a good age, too! Because... that's what I'll be later this year! So... HAPPY BITHDAY, CONNIE!!!!

I made... a card... hmm... I really tried to use something else. I did a "gatefold" type. I'm not sure I did the "3-way" dies right... But, YOU can take a look for yourself and see...

I had a 1/2 sheet of cardstock, scored it at 2-1/8", then flipped it and repeated. Really flipped it because I didn't want to do the math. It worked out just fine... And I was starting with this die and this paper (my LAST bit of THAT paper... so I had to make it work...).

I ran it through a total of 4 times (2 on each flap side) and had to do that... because it didn't fully cut through (you'll see that later...).

Don't do THIS at home... (if you're going to use a paper as a backing... be sure to apply adhesive to the DECORATED SIDE!!!)

Ummm... Spectrum Noire Glitter Pens go through TWO layers of cardstock. 

Use it sparingly...

The dies probably cut much better if you empty them out of their previous cuts' little tiny pieces. I was a tad on the lazy side that day..

And Voila! There you have it...
Be careful with wild brush pens, as they are likely to go WILD and do their own thing... No... my kid DID NOT color this. I did. Um... Yes... I need A LOT
more practice... but... I've said that before...

 Up next is Marji!

Here's our line up in case you get lost:

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

Michelle- https://michellekinder.blogspot.com/

Holli- http://sunflowerholli.blogspot.com/
Kim- http://katydidcards.com

Sandy- http://simplycraftycreationsbysandys.blogspot.com/

Amanda- http://salnclts76.blogspot.com/
Rebecca- http://rebeccaanndesigns.com/

Veronica- http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com
Alicia- http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

Sue- http://suek86401.blogspot.com/
Angela- mermaidsnmonograms.blogspot.com

Shannon M- https://my-o-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Miranda- http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/

Ashley-  http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
Christi- https://tranquility1905.blogspot.com/
Shannon H- http://shannonhdesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa- http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/

Marji- http://fstampaholic.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to check out this month's new challenge at Connie Can Crop!!

Connie Can Crop Challenge #56

Sketch Challenge

due 11:59 P.M., Friday, March 31st, 2017

Pacific Time

A Year of Card Techniques - (January - Shaving Cream Marbleizing)

Welcome to a Year of Card Techniques (2017)! We are starting out the New Year "clean!" (Shaving cream is a cleaner... ya know!)

Actually... "Hold up. Wait a minute! Let us put [shaving cream] in it!" And if you, too... are a child of the 80's, then you know I'm kinda still there! You should have arrived here from Kim (because she always does a grip of wonderful things! But if... you just happened here, for the heck of it or because it just "came up in a random Google search" or some other reason... You could benefit quite a bit if you start at the beginning, which is Theresa!

This month, we're "playing" a little more... Get your fingers ready for fun, it's January/Shaving Cream Marbleizing!

If you are having a problem imagining that... check out these videos... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6dfkTIqCqo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkHbOo_NvH8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3Gl7ENNXoQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvGOfXvFDmI

(and there's so much more!!!)

Our Sponsor - Scraps by Gracie!

We do have a wonderful prize package (bloggers in this hop's lineup are not eligible to win). One winner will be chosen from all comments on the hop as of February 4th and will receive one... 

"Sending Love Designer Series 6x6 Paper Stack and Ribbon Combo." 

(Winner will be announced on February hop.)

So... I love messes. Yes... I do! I love messes SOOO much, I can barely walk into my craft room... Hence the reason why all these pics are taken at my kitchen table... This project is ULTRA messy! (and OOOOHHHH! So! Fun!!!!!) I loved it so much, I kept playing... But, let's get to the beginning of my wonderfully creamy adventure...

Oh! And... I apologize ahead of time for the "shady" photos... We (in Southern California) have FINALLY been having lots and lots of rain. So... I just enjoy it and have been sticking with natural lighting for the most part. Whoopsie!

I began with the supplies listed/shown on the videos. I used a tiny bit of food coloring (on the blues) and the rest I used acrylics. Ahem... most of the videos used a ruler to smooth out the shaving cream. Whelpers... I used the flat side of a bread knife. Works for me! Smoothed that shaving cream out really well... and here ya have the end result, as well... I just might use it AGAIN!

What happens in my kitchen stays in my kitchen... am I right? Except when I share it with all of you, here... Soo... Note to Self... Um... take the cap off the shaving cream before you frustrate yourself again...

The above is blue food coloring only. I felt the "blobs" were a heck of a lot more than drops and had less control... and so, I switched to acrylic paint for my color. This one is on white cardstock. (The shaving cream design on top, end result on the bottom... the same for the remaining 2-shot pics just in case you needed help figuring it out..  No judgment here.)

I used the leftover blue food coloring (that was ALREADY on the shaving cream), smoothed it out, and added drops of light blue acrylic paint. This one is on watercolor paper. L-O-V-E it!!!!

Oooh! Ahhh! and this one... is done on craft cardstock... (my forever fave cardstock...) however, I don't remember which creamy concoction it is... lmbo!!!!

And then... a thought struck me! OMG, Becky! "look at her butt!!!" (and really... my name is Lisa... and even when I talk to myself which I do often I still call myself, "Lisa...") I told myself, "Lisa!!! Theresa picked a PINK marbled title button!!!! Duh, girl!!! You know what to do!" Don't ya'll just have these same kind of convos with yourselves all the time, too????

And... YUP! I started my VALENTINE'S DAY cards... with acrylic (and different shades and different papers...) Above, we have a pretty red heart, with the lines pulled out into a swirly ruffle... done on craft cardstock... I put the shape in myself, as some of those videos showed stencils... and A) I really didn't want to clean anything else and B) I really didn't want to try to find any stencils, much less make my own this time around and C) I was already in the "zone" and didn't want to disrupt my creative juices flowing, because sometimes it's so hard to get them going... and uh... I've been a little dormant, as of late.

And then we have a lighter version of a heart done on black cardstock (advice to myself? um... Let the paint/shaving cream combo dry A LOT longer before scraping... still looks pretty, though!)

And then... I did a SUPER swirly dark/light pink heart on watercolor paper (I think it's my favorite...!)

And it was such my fave... it got mounted on a light pink color base, after cropping all the corners of the cardfront and base with the We R Memory Keeps Crop-a-Dile for the "Photo." I love that finish. And for once... I don't believe it needs anything more... of course, I'll put a sentiment inside.

The other fronts will make it, as well, in time. I really didn't want to make this post super excruciatingly long for you all to have to scroll through...

Seriously... this is a MUST play with this. I will keep doing it FOREVER!!!! I had THAT much fun! Had to keep telling my kid to go away...

Don't forget to follow and comment. Totally love what you have to say!

Up next is the wonderfully marbelized marvelous... Claudia (who is probably pretty marbled/stained, like I am right now...)

Here's today's lineup, in case you get lost along the way:

Theresa

Kim 

Lisa

Claudia

Wilma

Sandy

Jodie

Remember to please join us the third Saturday of each month for a new technique. We love comments and sharing on social media!