Day 1 (of 12) Days of Christmas Hop - Bib Cards

The day has finally come!! It's my first year in the Honeybearz Designs Annual 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!! Over the next 12 days I will post a new project daily along with many talented bloggers and guest designers. What's in it for you? Well... boundless inspiration, generous craft companies/sponsors and giveaways galore! 

If you've arrived here form Miranda's blog you're in the right place! If not please feel free to start from the beginning of the hop by clicking here.

Giveaways and Sponsors -

Comment on all the blogs in the hop to be entered to win some amazing blog candy from our sponsors and me! Today I will list all the sponsors in this post. Look for a complete list check on my sidebar starting tomorrow.

• 3 Jaded Blossom  - Stamp Sets
• Stampin Up
• ScrappyDew - $20 Gift Certificate good on pattern files from the ScrappyDew store http://shop.scrappydew.com/ 
• Little Scraps of Heaven Designs - $20 Gift Certificate http://www.littlescrapsofheavendesigns.com/ 
• Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons - $15 Gift Certificate to their store http://prettypapergraphics.com/
• Cardz TV Stamps - 2 Stamp Sets http://www.cardztvstamps.blogspot.com/ 
• Designs on Cloud 9 - $20 Gift Certificate http://designsoncloud9.com/ 
• Pink and Main Stamps - $20 Gift Certificate http://www.pinkandmain.com/ 
• Spiced Sunshine Stamps - $25.00 Gift Certificate for stamps
• Craftin Desert Diva's - Holly Day Punny Stamp Set http://www.craftindesertdivasshop.com/ 
• Kathy's Cozies - 1 custom Cozy for a Cricut Expression, E2, Create, Explore, Mini, or SIlhouette Cameo https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathys-Cozies/131156133592420 
• Scrappy Moms Stamps - sponsor a stamp set of the winners choice http://scrappymoms-stamps.blogspot.com/ 
• SVG Attic - 2 $20 Gift Certificates http://www.svgattic.com/ 
• Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps - 5 Stamp Set SHOP: http://mfpstampshop.com/ BLOG: http://mfpstampshop.blogspot.com/
• Treasure Box Designs - $20 Gift Certificate http://www.treasureboxdesigns.com/ 
• The Paper Nest Dolls - http://stamps.the-papernest.com/ 
• KaDoodle Bug Designs - (2) $15.00 gift certificates and one pattern of their choice for each day for 1 game on facebook event page. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kadoodlebugdesigns Store:http://kadoodlebugdesigns.com/shop/

On to the project!!!! I created a pair of bib cards starting with a kit from The Paper Cut.  It includes the pre-cut cards and the overlays to place on the outside, inside or both. I've always been interested in stamping my own random word background so I created one for these cards. I used almost all of the 27 stamps in the Limited Edition: Joy set from Clear and Simple Stamps. Plus a couple of stamps from Hero Arts and Stampin' Up! to complete the card.

Here's a closer look at the first card. This one-of-a-kind card is perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

Supplies:

·       Clear and Simple Stamps – Limited Edition: Joy stamp set
·       Stampin’ Up! – Itty Bitty Bits, 25 & Counting, embossing buddy
·       Dotted heart stamp – stash
·       Stampendous - Nativity Christmas, Detailed gold embossing powder
·       Sparkle ‘n Sprinkle – Midnight Maddness: Detail, Opaque, glitter embossing powder
·       The Paper Cut  - bib cards & overlays, black mirricard cardstock
·       Bazzill Basics – White cardstock
·       Martha Stewart – scalloped circle layering punch
·       Gold, silver adhesive glitter cardstock – stash
·       Memento Ink – rhubarb stalk, ladybug
·       Versafine ink – Onyx black
·       Encore ink – Metallic Gold
·       Stazon ink – Jet Black
·       Nicole Heat tool
·       Tim Holtz grid blocks
·       Multi matte medium
·       Xyron 2.5”, 5”
·       Scotch ATG

In order to create the word collage I used my grid work surface to line up the stamps before pushing them onto a acrylic block all at once. The gridlines help you keep everything straight.

The second card boast bold color, glitter cardstock and glitter embossing powder from Sparkle 'n Sprinkle for that extra special flair. Stazon works best when stamping on glitter paper.

Thanks for hopping by! Don't forget to leave me a nice comment to be entered into the drawings. And for a chance at a crafty grab bag of goodies from me, follow me on all social media. Leave me another comment telling me where you followed me and your username so I can follow you back. Here are my links:

1. Pinterest
2. Instagram
3. YouTube
4. Facebook
5. Twitter
6. Follow me on blogger or Bloglovin - links on my sidebar.

Thanks, good luck and please hop next to Sandy's blog!!

The entire lineup for today is:

1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Guest Designer - Lyne http://lynnseverydayideas.blogspot.com/

2. Scrappin Madge ~ www.thescrappinlounge.com

3. Beth McGee ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

4. Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.com/

5. Denise ~ www.craftconfectionery.com

7. Cely ~ http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com

8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

9. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

10. Anna- http://www.stampanna.com

11. An'Jenic- http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/

12. Angela- http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/

13. Heather- www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com

14. Jessica -http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/

15. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com/

YOU ARE HERE 16. La-Vie Borde-Perry ~ http://www.cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/

17. Sandy- http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

18. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com

19. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

20. Ashley W ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

21. Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow!! You won't want to miss a thing!!

Join in on the FB invite. Amazingly, there's extra games and giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/events/888469727838902/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming


La-Vie

Making Jewelry with Craft Supplies - Crafts Galore Encore Anything Goes Challenge

Have you ever made jewelry with your scrapbooking supplies? I bet you'd never guess what you can make with some plain black cardstock, glue and bling! Well, you're in the right place to find out! But first things first! It's an anything goes craft challenge at Crafts Galore Encore for the month of November so pull out something you've never tried before and go crazy! Or do your tried and true techniques - your choice! Crafts Galore Encore also is hosting a Design Team Call. See more info at the end of this post and on the CGE blog.

Our sponsor Whoopsidaisy Digis is offering 2 sheets of their digis to the winner this month!

I decided to switch it up this month and try a kit I have had for at least 2 years. I know, I know.... we all do it. We hoard for that rainy day when we are brave enough to try something new. Well I always visited the Outlines booth at craft fairs and everything was so ornate and sparkly I couldn't even imagine being able to reproduce any of it. I'd get very overwhelmed and leave without buying anything. Well, a few years back I did buy one of their kits called harmonica necklace and earring set. Outlines Rubber Stamp Co. closed in 2012 and I'm so sad because now that I tried it I would love to make more.

Feast your eyes.... this set is made with some jewelry findings, cardstock, stamping, heat embossing, glue and bling. It is even more stunning in person!

Here's a closer look at the pendant. I was provided with the chain, bail, filigree square and round a stamp, aquamarine and blue Zircon (bling), crystal lacquer and black cardstock. I had to provide gold embossing powder, pigment ink, a heat gun and a jewelry tool.

To ensure a clean embossed image, I prepped my surface with a Stampin' Up! embossing buddy to remove all moisture from the cardstock. I then decided to use Stampin' Up! Gold Glory embossing powder for that antique gold look. The stamping was done in Encore! ultimate metallic gold ink as a back up for any area I might have missed with the embossing.  For the pendant I had to stamp and heat emboss the harmonica jewel image (see below) twice and cut out certain portions of the design (see below), apply crystal lacquer and let it dry. The first square shows the missing part cut for the pendant and the second square shows what I cut for the dangling part of the pendant. Only a tiny square of the second embossed image was needed. I cut two just in case.

Next, the pendant square had to be adhered to another piece of the black cardstock in order to accommodate gluing the bail in-between the layers. Once dry all the pieces were coated with crystal lacquer on top and bottom and adhered to the filigree pieces with the same adhesive. While still wet, I adhered the bling in the pattern provided and once it dried it was pure perfection!

The earrings were made the same way. It required stamping and embossing two more times to cut out the small squares for the earrings (see below).

Placing the bling can be challenging. But the kit included toothpicks with wax on the end to make a handle (see below). Sometimes going old school is the way to go! I let them dry overnight to be sure before I put on the earring hooks.

I was amazed with the results. I cannot even tell it's cardstock or something homemade. I sooooo wish I had gotten more of these kits... ah well, such is life.

I am not sure if I should wear these myself or give them away as as gift. It's an 18" gold chain. Hmmmm. What do you think?

La-Vie

Don't forget to pop over to the blog to enter up to 3 projects this month and to read more about the DT call. Hey, throw your hat in the ring! These ladies are fun to work with and it's a great challenge to make something different each month to exemplify the challenge. ~La-Vie

We are looking for some new DT members join us at the start of January 2015. You will need to create one project per month (usually using digi stamps provided by sponsors) and to comment on challenge entries. You are also expected to enter challenges with your projects and promote the challenge where ever possible. We are a happy band of crafters living across the world, we don't "do," drama and we have lots of fun! If you would like to join us please add DT next to name on your entry. We will contact a short list of people who will be invited to tell us a little bit about why they would like to join us.

Happy Easter Cards - Metallic Ink

 

Here are some more cards I made for the deployed troops from Forks Twp PA via Humble Hearts for Hope. I made these cards for those who are neither religious or into the whole Easter bunny hype. I love stamping on metallic cardstock with metallic ink. It's a whole new type of shimmer when glitter and gems are a no-no.

 

 

 

I used a pre-cut card from DCWV and cut a layer of white metallic cardstock from The Paper Cut. The ink is by Encore - Ultimate Metallic: Gold. All three stamps are from Stampin' Up! in a set called Easter Blossoms.

 

I decided to play and make a few other configurations of the same card.

 

 

Which do you like best?

Wish me luck! This card is entered into Creative Kuts: Easter Card or Layout Challenge


La-Vie

Happy Happy Birthday card

This is a quick, yet perfect, birthday card. I love how well this card held the embossing! Some cards tear due to the pressure. This one is available to patrons of Amare Hair Salon, a local spa (yeah!). There are 12 cards in total. Feel free to check out my previous posts to see them all!

Supplies:

• Card base: gold card by Recollections
• Cuttlebug embossing folder - happy birthday
• Sentiment - The stamps of Life - Greetings4Birthday
• Cupcake - Inkadinkado birthday fun
• black ink - Ranger Archival Ink
• gold ink - Encore ultimate metallic ink

La-Vie

Thanks Heat Embossed Card - Sophie

This is another card is the order fulfilled for teacher appreciation week (an order from my bestie Nikki...shout out girlfriend!) and I love how the heat embossing gives it that extra something special. I'm just starting to heat emboss sentiments. It can be tricky getting the right coverage with the ink and the embossing powder. I use a tooth brush to get rid of stray embossing powder that sticks to the design before adding heat. That way my sentiment is clean and clear (for the most part...)

• Cricut Cart - Sophie card 2 pg 53
• gold encore ultimate metallic stamp pad
• gold embossing powder and heat gun
• darice rubber stamp pad
• stamps by Inkadinkado - Thankful for Everything set
• card base - bazzill premium cardstock
• layer - SEI poppy paper stack
• top note - QuicKutz
• Pearls from Recollections

La-Vie

What's your stamping or embossing tip?

Repeat Impressions DCC21- heat embossing challenge

One of my 2012 goals is to submit my work for more challenges and for publication in print magazines. So, today I am entering the Repeat Impressions Designer's Choice Challenge (DCC21) that calls for a project using the technique of heat embossing shown on the Repeat Impressions blog entitled The House That Stamps Built. The deadline is 2.14.12 at 5pm EST and the prize is the choice of one sheet of Repeat Impressions unmounted stamps.

I love Repeat Impressions stamps and card kits. I have used them several times on this blog. However, today my project does not use their stamps. I created a card for teacher appreciation week (an order from my bestie Nikki...shout out girlfriend!) and I love how the heat embossing gives it that extra something special.

• Cricut Cart - Sophie card 2 pg 28
• gold encore ultimate metallic stamp pad
• gold embossing powder and heat gun
• darice rubber stamp pad
• stamps by Clear and Simple stamps Teacher set
• card base - bazzill premium cardstock
• layer - "School paper" Cosmo Cricket Core Impressions by Core'dinations
• layer distressed with We R Memory Keepers heart tool
• Pearls and ribbon from stash

Wish me luck!

La-Vie

Mom-to-be Congrats Cards

Two great friends of mine are expecting their first child! To celebrate I created these cards and sent 2 of my favorite pregnancy books - Baby Bargains by Denise & Allan Fields and The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy by Kimberly Seals-Allers.

I am very happy with how these cards came out. I used Bazzill cardstock is two shades of pink for the card base. The card was cut at 6" from Cricut Cartridge Everyday Pop-up Cards on page 56. On the same page is the pregnant lady and layers cut at 5". The gold metallic used on the outside and inside of both cards is ANW Crestwood Shimmer Sand Metallic card stock. The clothing layers and the side stripe was cut from S.E.I. Poppy Paper stack. The ribbon is Wings: Vineyard Berry from Close to my Heart. I inked the pointed edges of the card with Encore Ultimate Metallic ink in Satin Rose to make it stand out from the straight edge of the card.

I have been more deliberate about finishing the inside of my cards. This time I played with embossing and debossing using the Sizzix Scrollmark folder from the Wedding Set #2 in my Cuttlebug. The picutre shown is the debossing, so the image is sunken in rather than raised. The corners were rounded with Creative Memories corner rounder. The stamped sentiment is from Stampin Up! The outside stamp is from my stash. In order for the stamping to come out right I used the Darice Rubber Stamp Pad underneath my work.

La-Vie