Abacus

 Abacus

An abacus, also called a counting frame, is a hand-operated calculating tool which was used from ancient times, in the ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia, till largely replaced by handheld electronic Calculators, during the 1980s.  Why the lesson in an abacus, because Jen Rzasa latest Altenew #altenewlivechallenge theme is Time Travel.  

supplies used:  Altenew Abacus die, Delicate magnolia die set

I used the abacus because it goes way back in time.  The magnolia flower was just to dress up the abacus.

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Wildflower, Yikes!

 Wildflower, Yikes!

Check me out over Blank Page Muse blog today with a pop up, or it can be called a pop out card.

Once you do one of these cards you will be addictive to this card design. 

The wildflower is unique, and quirky along with the fun pattern paper.  Of course, with this quirky flower I just had to use a bright green ink to show it off.

First I wrote up these measurements for the pop up mechanism. Next I drew pictures to go along with my notes.

Measurements/Basic instructions:

1.  On A2 card 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" adhere pattern paper.

2.  die cut out section.  save cut out shape to adhere to pop up mechanism later.

3.  cut strip of cardstock 1 1/2" x 4"  score at 1", 2", 3".  fold on all scores.

4. on folded strip add glue (or favorite adhesive) to one of the sections with glue on the inside of the card at the fold.  see template/notes #2 drawing.  When card is closed you can see the strip through the opening.  Open card and fold the strip in half. see template/notes #3 drawing.  Put glue (or favorite adhesive) above fold of card.  see template/notes #3 drawing.  Close card to attach pop mechanism to card. 

 Next adhere die cut shape you saved from before to the pop up mechanism when card is closed.  Good idea to stamp/decorate the die cut shape before adhering to pop up mechanism.  Finish decorating to complete the card.

stamps/products used:

Blank Page Muse Wildflower, Yikes stamp set by Monique van Dijk

Blank Page Muse Cyan Corsortium paper pack by Pam Bray

I Brake for stamps Harvest Love (saying) stamp set

Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

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The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

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Pintrest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

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Meadow Reflections

 Meadow Reflections

Unfortunately we need sympathy cards, so I decided to make a few to have on hand.

stamps used:  Altenew Meadow reflections stamp set, MFP stamp co. saying

Instructions:

1.  Make a reverse circle mask. 

2. Place post it notes over half of the circle mask.  Lay down cloud stencil and add color.  Remove post it notes and replace on other half of mask.  Now blend (in this sample) green ink, then put strips of masking paper over green ink.  Blend same green ink but darker over strips.  Remove strips and see the results.

3.  Remove circle mask to reveal.

4.  Stamp image in black ink over the inked circle.  Add sentiment.

5.  Layer stamped piece on black layer and green A2 card.

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Violets back fold card

 Violets back fold card

I'm on I Brake for Stamps blog today showing the back fold card.

This is a fun, and unique fun fold card that I saw on Rachel Tessman you-tube channel, and fell in love with the design.  

This beautiful violet stamp from I Brake for stamps co. stamps up beautifully even with a color ink.  Here I used a dark blue ink to match the pattern paper colors.

Measurements

base card: 5 1/2" x 7 1/4"  scored at 1 1/4" & 4 1/4"

Layers: pattern paper front 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" (front)

2 3/4" x 5 1/4" (inside left side)

1" x 5 1/4" (back fold-right side)

Use mounting tape to mount image on back fold (right side) of the card.  BUT only put mounting tape on right side of image otherwise you will tape the card closed ... and you don't want that.  teeheeheee

See another back fold card here.

stamps and products used:

I Brake for stamps Violets Jumbo clear stamp set

Cyan Consortium paper pack by Pam Bray

Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pintrest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

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A Rose is a Rose

 A Rose is a Rose

“Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose” is a sentence/quotation from a poem called “Scared Emily” by Gertrude Stein. Didn't know you were going to learn something today about poetry, did you? 

stamp/supplies: Altenew Darling Rose stamp/die set, Unity stamp co. scallop/stitched die set

For this card I die cut the layers with scallop/stitched die set, then added a stamped background(don't remember the name) from my stash. Stamped, blended some color on rose, leaves, then die cut it, and adhered the rose to black die cut oval.  Adhered the rose piece on the background, then added a stamped saying with brads to the card.

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***not affiliated with above companies just satisfied customer***

Rocker card

Rocker card

Another fun fold card that is FUN, and interactive.

stamps used: Catherine Pooler Take a peek stamp set

This is an easy interactive card.  

Instructions:

1. cut out circle die.  I used a 5" circle die.

2.  fold the circle die in half. That's it for this card.

Next all you do is decorate it. When it stands up it rocks back and forth.  

Here is one of my first rocker cards back in 2013.

You can look on pinterest or you-tube to see it rocking.

Short but sweet post.

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Decorative florals

 Decorative florals

Lately, I like to fool around with embossing folders. Here I used one of my favorites from Altenew stamp company, called Decorative Florals 3D embossing folder.

                    stamps/supplies used:  Altenew 3D Decorative florals embossing folder

I ran the 3D embossing folder thru my Big Kick (yes, I still have and use old Big Kick die cutting machine) on white cardstock.  These 3D embossing folders create wonderful pressed out images.  For this one I spot colored with my Catherine Pooler inks.  The little Hi was from an Altenew stamp set I have in my stash. I layered the embossed card onto a black layer, then onto a salmon colored A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") card.  Simple, but I think effective, and unique card.

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Vroom!

 Vroom!

Something I don't do a lot ... a masculine style card.

stamp set used:  Unity  stamp co.Vroom big background

basic instructions:

Stamp big background image on white cardstock.  Colored the bus with my prisma color pencils.  Die cut with Unity stamp co. mini scallop rectangle die set.  Die cut mini scallop with black cardstock, layer stamped image on this black card.  Adhere this piece to turquoise A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") card.

This is what I call a simple card because there isn't a lot of coloring.  Just simple details with the spotlight coloring technique, and a little die cutting of frames.

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Painted poppies

 Painted poppies

Had a left over piece of white cardstock ... so what do you do?  STAMP IT!  

SU Painted poppies stamp set

I stamped the outline poppies several times on the white card.  Next I stamped the splatter stamps from the same stamp set in the light blue, and yellow/orange inks.  Then die cut the stamped piece, and black card with Unity stamp co. rectangle scallop/stitched dies.  The light blue cardstock was just cut on guillotine cutter.  Stamped the edges of the top folded card with the same splatter images.  Adhered the stamped layered card to front of card.  Added a thinking of you die for the saying.

You will be seeing more cards with this stamp set.  It's not a new one just haven't been giving it any love lately.

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Kokopelli

Kokopelli

Years ago I carved lots of different images.  This kokopelli and sun are just a couple of the many stamps I carved.

                                                            stamps used:  My carvings

For this card I blended some colors to make it look like a sunset. To fancy up this card, I die cut it out with a postage stamp style die. 

 Kokopelli represents story, growth, joy, and more to the people native.   

                                                        January 15, 2023 sunset - my photo

I took this photo around 5 p.m. the other night.  

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Christmas in July

 Christmas in July

stamps used:  Catherine Pooler stamps/dies

Here is my card for my local stamp group for July 2022.  Yes, it is Christmas in July!  I did partial stencil on the side of the panel, then stamped the pine cones, and saying in brown ink.  A simple card, but I like it, because it will be easy to duplicate later in the year, when I need more Christmas cards. 

Short post today ... just wanted to show a card.

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Gel plate printings

 Gel plate prints!

This post is going to have lots of photos.

stamps used:  Hot Potatoes --- die: Unity stamp co. Thinking of you

Gel printing is a fun process but can get very messy.  

Above is a photo of a print being pulled off the gel plate.

The prints showing are either on 80 lb. cardstock, or Rice paper.  Rice paper is very thin, so when I added to a card I needed to back it onto cardstock.

I die cut some of the prints that I created.

I have lots of prints ... so I will be making lots of cards.  Think I might even add a few of these prints into Treasure books I have created just for fun.

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Punch Art

 Punch Art

Believe it or not but NOT one stamp got inky for this card!  

What is Punch Art? It's craft projects made from paper punches you already have. Everything is made from basic shapes. It's fun and easy and it takes very little time. Takes little time once you decide what you are doing.

Paper Punches used:

tag, scallop circle, various circle punches, mini flower, and SU word window punch.

The background for the card uses a cloud stencil for the sky.  The ground was just color sponged with post it notes used as straight line mask.  The layers were cut out with Unity stamp co. rectangle scallop/stitched dies.

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Simple card design

 Simple card design

stamps used:  Stampin' Up

This is a simple design card I did for my creative card swap gals a couple of months ago.  I had computer trouble back then so I'm just getting around to posting it.

I used a two step stamp set from Stampin' up, which really makes this a simple card design.  I stamped the detail bird image first, then the solid color second.  As you can see this is not supposed to be perfect.  The solid image is made to be uneven.  Looped a piece of ribbon behind the image, and stamped the saying underneath to the side.

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Twisted gatefold

 Twisted gatefold

stamps used:  GinaKdesigns Always Delightful

This card is a fun fold with a twist on the gate fold card.  This card size does need a handmade envelope because it is an unusual size.  I use my envelope maker to make different size envelopes.

Measurements:

base card: 9" x 6"  - score at 3" and 6"

layers:  (3) light blue 5 1/2" x 2 3/4"

pattern paper: (3) 5 1/4" x 2 1/2"

inside: 5 3/4" x 2 3/4"(color layer)

5 1/2" 2 1/2" (white)

diagram how to fold card

Once you make one of these cards it will be easy peasy.  It's just a matter of going for it, and folding on the score lines in the same directions as you see my diagram.

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Double easel step fun fold

 Double easel step fun fold card

 

stamps dies used:  Altenew stamp co.

This fun fold card has been around for years ... this one just has an added a full size card to the back instead of just a panel to write or add saying.  

Measurements:

base accordion card:  4 1/4" x 11"  score at 5 1/2" and 2 3/4"

inside card:  4 1/4" x 11" score at 5 1/2"

Accordion fold base card, then add folded card to the back of accordion folded card.  Add pattern papers to panels of accordion card and die cuts to front of card.  Stamp inside card with saying and add pattern paper strip plus dies as desired.  You will be seeing more of this style card soon.

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***not affiliated with above company just happy customer***

August Creative card crew card

August Creative card crew card 

stamps/stencils/dies used: Gina K. Designs kit

This is as stated above my Aug. 2021 sketch card swap card for my local group.  Sketch cards are still out of my comfort zone, but I keep trying.  This sketch was especially difficult for me.

Don't know why but this sketch threw me for a loop.  I finally just turned it horizonal, and hoped for the best.  Not sure I used all the layers correctly ... but ... they say a sketch is just used for a jumping off point!  It is what it is!  On to next months theme which if I remember without looking at my list ... is ... fun fold. NOW that is in my comfort zone and up my alley!!!

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Sandpipers on the beach

 Sandpipers on the beach

stamps used:  Just For Fun and Dina Wakley 

The theme for my local creative card crew this month (June) is Beach.  Beach theme for this month is appropriate because it has been so hot around here all week, although it is not officially summer till June 21st.  Anyway back to my card and what I did to make this card.

basic instructions:

1.  I cut out masks to lay down on my white card layer to create what I call faux layers.  The faux layers make the illusion of sand, water and sky.  

2.  Lay down the mask and blend color ... blue for sky and water...kraft color ink for the sand then remove the mask.

3.  Stamp over the faux layers with the birds, weeds and saying.

4.  Die cut the stamped layer with wonky rectangles die then layer all the layers onto a kraft card base.

5.  Add a few gems to finish off the card.

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Slide and Lock card

 Slide and Lock card

 

stamps used:  SU Forever Fern

 Measurements:

base card - 5-1/2” x 10-1/2” scored parallel to the short end at < 4-1/4” and 8-1/2”

2-1/4” Circle

layer - 4” x 5-1/4”

1-3/4” x 5-1/4″ (marked at ¾” at the top and then cut diagonally)

 

Instructions:

Start with a card base measuring 5 1/2 x 10 1/2. Score this piece at just a hair less than 4 1/4 and at 8 1/2. Burnish the folds with your bone folder.

Now, with the smaller flap folded down, mark along the top at at 1” from the right edge.

Line up this mark in your trimmer and cut from the mark diagonally to the bottom corner of the flap.

tip: The reason to put your first scoreline at just a little less than 4 1/4 is so that the larger flap can easily fold under the smaller one without the two flaps overlapping. If you put your scoreline right on 4 1/4, the flaps won’t have enough room to fold together.

Cut two pieces of cardstock that has been stamped:
4 x 5 1/4
1 3/4 x 5 1/4

Mark the smaller piece of the stamped cardstock at 3/4" from the top right and trim diagonally as you did with the card base.

 I used the word window punch on the large flap of the card base. Leaving about ½” on right side, slide the cardstock into punch as far as it will go.

Close the large flap over the small one, and mark the right edge of the punched label shape with a pencil.

inside of card -  check out the position of the circle and word window punch area on the angled inside of the card.

Open the card and punch the smaller flap where marked. The smaller flap will only have part of the word window punched out.
You can now add adhesive to the outside of the small flap, avoiding the punched hole. Any wet glue is great for this purpose as you’ll be able to reposition your card if needed.

Once your stamped card is attached, it’s very easy to see where you need to punch the word window shape.  Do the same thing on the large flap.

Time to create the locking mechanism. For this, you will need a circle punch or other die-cut shape that is wider than the hole. Using this circle punch, cut a shape from the same color cardstock as your card base. This circle will go inside your card.

Cut another circle in the same color, and decorate it as desired. This one will go on the outside of your card.  Position your inner circle and hold it in place with a Post-it note. Remember, you want the circle to cover the punched label slot.  

Now, from the outside of the card, apply foam dots. Notice that they are lined up with straight edges parallel to the edges of the punched out word window slot.  Remove the backing and mount the outer circle on the foam dots.  

A look at the card fully opened after completed.

On the inside of the card, remove the Post-it note so that your inner circle can slide. (The inner and outer circle are now attached by the foam dots.)

The circles create a locking mechanism that slides across the word window slot so that you can lock and unlock your card!  

Decorate front and inside of card as desired.

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Still trying out card sketches

 Tulip card sketch

stamps used:  Unity stamp co.

Yes, I'm still trying to get comfortable using a card sketch for a starting point to create a card.  This card sketch is from Pixel Maven's Retreat blog challenge.

For my card I pretty much cased the card sketch except I decided to add a little dimension to my card by running it through an embossing folder.  The embossing folder gave it some extra texture.  I used the new Unity stamp co. tulip stamp and stencil for the main focal image.

Hope you like it and give card sketches a try at some time.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just a satisfied customer***