WWC78 Jean's Theme Challenge - Anything With a "B"

It's time for the weekly Watercooler Wednesday Challenge hosted by our wonderful design team artist, Jean Fitch.  This WWC78 "anything" theme challenge has a twist....you must create a card or project using anything with a "B" theme in it.  To help you out Jean's compiled a list of "B" ideas in her banner.  Now, all you have to do to play along, is pick one of these themes or come up with something of your own, and link it to our challenge site by next Monday morning.  It's time to put your thinking cap on, join in and let's have some fun! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. 

When I saw this challenge I began wracking my brain trying to come up with something different - not on the list.  I was stumped because either the idea worked but I didn't have anything to go make  it with or I wasn't happy with the idea.  In the end I was getting a little bit frustrated when that voice in my head blurted out "man this is a BEAR of a challenge".  Blink the lights went on!  Houston we have liftoff!  I'm doing a BEAR card!

Here's My Card: 
For my project today I've actually incorporated five "B's" into my challenge. You'll see that some of the other design artists have multiplied their "B's" too, but you don't have to do that - the rules say "a B".   

As you've already guessed, BEAR is one of my "B's".  But, how about the other four, can you guess what they are?  Well, BEAR with me, because you'll have to read through to the bottom of the post to figure out all five "B's".  

Last week following the Wacky Watercooler July Anniversary Blog Hop, I received a number of requests for a tutorial on how the Rectangular Pop Up Box is actually made.  So I thought this would be a golden opportunity to show you how.  This week's version is a birthday card/gift card holder.

Aren't these bears from the Bear Hug stamp set all nestled into this card just adorable? They were my inspiration for this fun project.

BEAR TIP:  When I'm working with this stamp set, I like the bear faces to look more dimensional, so I stamp an extra bear face for each bear image I'm using.  I cut around the eyes and nose from the extra image and adhere this piece (which looks like a key hole) over the original stamped image with a dimensional.  I also touch up the eyes and black tip of the nose with  Crystal Effects.  I usually do the claws and some of the accessories like the honey jar lids and the chapeau (hat). You have to try this. Everyone is drawn into the BEAR faces as soon as they see them. It makes such a difference!

Here's the back view  of the card before I insert a gift card.  By adding foam tape on the backside of the DSP panel, it leaves enough room to slide in a gift card or some lottery tickets.  TIP:  If you need more room in the panel for whatever you're inserting, just double the foam tape height (see below).

The back panel of the card was adhered with the new foam strips instead of glue or tape, I'm able to enclose a gift card or lottery tickets.  

As you can see, I've incorporated lots of images in this card but it still folds flat and fits into a standard card envelope. If you need a bit more wiggle room with your card, try making a custom envelope using the Stampin' Up! Envelope Punch. The Bear Hugs framelits and the punches for the trees and balloons make assembly quick and easy.

Here you can see the rows of images attached to the inserts.  The back row of the card has balloons and the Birthday Banner, the first insert at the back of the card has the two bears and a grouping of trees. The front insert has a small bear and a stack of honey pots.   Layering TIP:  I find it easier to group things together with glue or glue dots, before trying to add them to the inserts, for example the stacked honey pots and cluster of trees.

Supplies:Stamp Sets:  Bear Hugs #139546, Time of Year #141790, Party Pants #141327 (R Sab 2016)
Card Stock:  Pumpkin Pie (one 12 x 12 sheet), Old Olive, Tip Top Taupe Whisper White and Gold Glimmer Paper.  DSP is from Welcome Neighbor (R)
Ink:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Tip Top Taupe, Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Big Shot, Trimmer, Tom Bow Glue, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Bear Hugs Framelits, Tree Builder Punch, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Tree Punch (R), Small Star Punch (R), Itty Bitty Accents Punch (R), Foam Strips and Crystal Effects.

Details for Assembling the Rectangular Box: 

Here you can see all the bits and pieces I've stamped and cut out prior to assembly.  I find it much easier to have my images and layers already completed, rather than doing it as I go. Some of the images weren't used, but that's okay they're ready for another project.

Rectangular Pop Up Card Base and Inserts:
1. Cut Pumpkin Pie base to measure 4 x 12"
2. Score the base at 2", 5 1/2", 7 1/2" and 11" 
3. Turn 90 degrees and score at 2" the length of the card base.

This is a very rough diagram of the score lines and cutting lines.  The dotted lines represent how far down on the score lines you cut. 

4. From the remaining Pumpkin Pie card stock cut two insert pieces measuring 1" x 4 11/16".  These will be your support pieces.

In this picture you can see the two support pieces.  Once you have assembled the box, you can place the insert pieces inside the box opening.  I used Tom Bow glue to attach them as it's a little more forgiving.  Start with the insert at the back of the box first.  Adhere one side, wait for it to dry and then attach the other side. Make sure the insert pieces are flush with the box and not above the top of the box. INSERT TIP:   In this picture it shows the front insert with the two tabs facing backwards.  You're going to want to turn this around as the tabs should fit flush with the front of the box corners that means the tabs have to fit in the direction of the box either front or back. 

Panels and Gift Card Holder:
1.  For the outside of the card you need the following card stock layers: Cut two pieces of Old Olive 1 7/8 x 3 3/8" and two 1 7/8 x 1 7/8".
2.  For the DSP layers, I cut two pieces of Welcome Neighbor (R) dsp to measure  1 3/4 x 3 1/4" and two measuring 1 3/4 x 1 3/4".  
3.  For the Gift card panel cut a piece of Old Olive 3 7/8 x 3 3/8", and a piece of Whisper White  3 3/4 x 3 1/4".  You will be adhering the gift card panel to this layer with foam strips.  

Here you can see the layered panel for the back of the card.  Stamp your sentiment on the Whisper White piece before attaching the bottom gift card holder panel.  I recommend using foam tape as it's easy to work with and it's higher than dimensionals. If you want more room in the gift card panel add two layers of foam tape, one on top of the other - remember to take off the paper backing on the first layer before you add the second.  This will double the height of the foam tape.

FOAM STRIP TIP:  Because the foam strips are white, they will show on the sides of the gift panel.  If you don't like that look, simply colour the foam tape around the edges with the large tip of a marker that matches your card stock.  Voila, the foam tape blends right into the card.You can do this touch-up before or after you add the foam strips; I did mine after the holder was adhered to the card back.

Outside of the card with all the DSP and card stock panels added.  Do this before shaping in to a box and gluing the tab in place.  I use sticky strip because it is strong to attach the tab.  The sticky strip should be placed on the outside of the tab.  Attach the remaining panels to the inside of the card.  Decorate the front and two side panels to match the inserts.

I've added some balloons cut out with the Balloon Bouquet punch, Gold Glimmer stars, and a honey pot.  I've used dimensionals to attach the balloons.  The Happy Birthday sentiment is from the Party Pants (R) set.  I stamped it on to the leaf portion of the Tree Builder Punch and sponged around the edges with Old Olive.

 

Bonus Project:
I was having so much fun making this box card I decided to add a BONUS treat box to this post, made with the images I had left over. Here it is:

This cute little box measures 4 x 4 18" tall.  It can hold a set of 4 small cards (3 1/2 x 3 1/2) and matching envelopes, candy, or other goodies.

The side view

Here it is "glammed" up with some crinkle wrap.

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Bear Hugs, Oh My Goodies (R)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Tip Top Taupe, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive,
Card Stock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Tip Top Taupe and Welcome Neighbors DSP (R)
Accessories: Big Shot, Trimmer, Crystal Effects, Basic Rhinestones, Scissors,
Simply Scored, Bone Folder, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Bear Hugs Framelits, Corner Rounder

Measurements for Gift Box:
1. Cut One piece of Old Olive card stock measuring 4 x 10" and scored at 4 1/4 and 5 3/4". Round corners on each end and fold on the score lines - this forms the bottom of the box.
2. Two pieces of Old Olive measuring 2 1/2" x 3" and scored at 1/2" on each long side are for the side supports of the box.
3. Piece of DSP measuring 4 x 3 7/8" with corners rounded for box front.        

   

Isn't this girly bear just the cutest?   I put some Crystal effects on her claws, her nose and eyes and the center of her hair bow.  She was cut out with the Bear Hugs Framelits.  I used Tip Top Taupe and a sponge dauber around the edges of the bear and Pumpkin Pie around the hair bow and skirt for some added depth.  

The sentiment is from the Oh My Goodies retired stamp set.  I stamped it in Old Olive and then again in Pumpkin Pie.  I cut the "Umpteenth" strip from the Pumpkin Pie image and adhered it in the center of the Old Olive image with dimensionals.  Rhinestones in each corner finished it off.  

Well that's it for me today and my two projects. I'd love to have some comments.  How do you like these projects?  

Also if you try out either of my projects, I'd like your feedback on my directions and I'd like to see what you came up with.  Oh and before I forget, although I'm sure you figured out from the bold hints that I gave you what my five "B" theme items were, here they are:

1. Birthday Card

 2. Box Card (rectangle)

 3.  Bear Hugs - main stamp set

 4.  Balloons

 5.  Bonus Project  

I hope you've had an opportunity to check out the other Watercooler Wednesday design team artist's blogs.  I know they've come up with some really great ideas to share with you.  See you next week with a new project!  


Happy Stamping!
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Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop - 3rd Anniversary Celebration

Hi and thanks for stopping by.  Hope you've been having a great time following the 3rd Anniversary Celebration of the Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  Yippee, let's party!!!!  

You know the saying the "Gangs All Here", well that certainly applies to this blog hop because we're fortunate to have all of the original design artists here to help us celebrate this very special occasion.  If you're interested in going back in time and seeing the original blog post from July 2013 here is the link: 

If you started at the beginning then you've probably arrived here from the incredibly talented Marie Green's blog.  Wasn't it fun? This is a circular blog so no matter where you started, if you continue going to the next blog, you'll wind up where you started from.  

For this special hop, the design artists were asked to feature an anniversary card, a project using one of the original stamp sets that has survived since 2013 and to CASE one of the original designer's projects.  What fun!  Let the games begin...............

Project One: An Anniversary Card
Since this is an Anniversary Celebration for the blog hop itself, I thought it would be fun to actually make a celebration card for the original "Wacky Watercooler Wednesday" crew.   It took some thinking about what needed to be in this card, but here's what I came up with:

This is a rectangle box style pop up card, that's super easy to assemble............what's hard is deciding how to dress it up with all the right stuff.   Where to start?   I made all my decisions based on the DSP I had on hand and that happened to be the new By the Shore. I've totally fallen in love with this DSP.  It is so much more versatile than one would think, simply by the name.  Don't be afraid to use it for other projects that aren't "beachy".  

Isn't this box card colourful and fun?  I had a wonderful time deciding what elements I would include.  You can see I've made some labels using  my computer and printed off a couple of the watercoolers.  I've also added lots of balloons and stars. 

From this view you can see the DSP I used on the bottom of the card as well as the banner for this anniversary celebration.

 

Supplies:
 Stamps: Number of Years, Celebrate Today 
Ink: Dapper Denim, Mint Macaroon, Calypso Coral 
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Dapper Denim, Mint Macaroon, Calypso Coral 
Accessories: Big Shot, Trimmer, Balloon Bouquet punch, Medium Star Punch, Small Star from Itty Bitty Punch Pack (R), Basic Rhinestones, Balloon Framelits, Large Number Framelits, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Sponge Daubers, Computer

Project Two: Featured Stamp Set
For this project I chose to use two stamps from the original blog hop that have survived all the retirement cuts and are still current today.  The stamp sets are Wetlands and Gorgeous Grunge. You simply can't go wrong with these two sets.   Here is my card:  

Once again I've used the By the Shore Paper this time as the background for my beautiful  Canada Goose.  The goose and reeds from Wetlands were stamped on Watercolour paper and I used my aqua painter to blend the colours.  I fussy cut around the image and adhered it to the DSP with dimensionals to give it some depth.

This is a not very clear view of the inside of the card.  The card base was cut from Soft Suede. 

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Wetlands, Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Emerald Envy and Dapper Denim
Card Stock:  Watercolour Paper, Soft Suede, Dapper Denim, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Designer Series Paper:  By the Shore
Accessories:  Trimmer, Acetate Blocks, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Adhesive, Scissor, Aqua Blender

Project Three: Case Project From Original Blog
While I loved all the projects from the design team in the Original Blog Post, one really stood out for me.  The project was designed by Jean Fitch and featured a box and belly band made origami style from a single sheet of designer series paper.  Jean CASED her box from Tanya B an Australian Demo, who created a youtube video showing how to make this origami box. 

Here is Jean's original version followed by my CASE.    

Here's my updated version 
Instead of making a birthday card I've made Christmas boxes, using the absolutely awesome Christmas Designer Specialty paper.   This is lightweight paper, so is ideal for all the folds required to make this box.  You get 24 sheets - 4 each of six double sided designs.  Love it! 

     

I loved making the belly bands for these boxes.  What fun!  Next week I'll do a post showing what supplies and some how too's on these fun bands.

Supplies: 
Stamp Sets:  Time of Year, Wonderous Wreath
Card Stock:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla 
Designer Series Paper:  Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper #141628,
Gold Glimmer Paper  
Ink:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Trimmer, Simply Scored Board, Bone Folder, Big Shot, Mini Treat Bag Thinlets, Layering Squares Framelits, Perfect Pines Framelits

 

 

Well that's it for my projects today. I hope you enjoyed them. I'll be back in a day or so with some more information on how to assemble project 3.  Hope you'll return to see the instructions.  

If you're moving on to the next hopper you'll be going to the wonderful Marsha Reed's Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe  where I know she's going to simply wow you!  

Marsha Reed

 

Marie Green's My Tanglewood Cottage

Go To The Beginning of the Hop

 

WWC77 Marsha's Colour Challenge

July is half over and it doesn't even feel like summer has arrived yet.  We're having mostly rainy cloudy days, and lots of thunder and lightening drama.  Who'd think the time would be flying by so quickly?  And yet, another week's gone by and it's time for the Watercooler Wednesday challenge.  

Marsha is our host and she's presented us with a color challenge featuring four very cool colours and a neutral.  Are you up for the challenge?  If so get at 'er as I'd love to see you join in the fun! 

Here's My Card:  

I used the sketch from Create With Connie and Mary's Sketch Challenge CCMC415, and, I'm really pleased with how this card came together. 

Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Banners For You, Occasional Quotes (R)
Ink:  Night of Navy, Sweet Sugarplum, Mint Macaroon, Pink Pirouette 
Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Sweet Sugarplum, Mint Macaroon, Pink Pirouette and Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Baby Wipes, Big Shot, Acryllic Blocks, Trimmer, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Ink, Sparkle Embossing Folder (New), Wink of Stella, Sponge Dauber, Pansy Punch

The inside of the card shows the verse from a retired Stampin' Up! Stamp set called Occasional Quotes.  The flowers were cut out and pasted onto the card base. 

I used the Baby Wipe Technique building an ink pad with four baby wipes folded in half.  I used Mint Macaroon, Sweet Sugarplum and Pink Pirouette re-inkers to add colour to the baby wipes.  The back ground behind the flowers was embossed with the Sparkle Embossing Folder.  Although it's difficult to see in this picture, I used Wink of Stella around the edges of the flowers for a little sparkle.

Details:

• Very Vanilla card base measures 5" x 10" and is scored at 5"
• Night of Navy layer measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
• Sweet Sugarplum layer measures 3 3/8 x 3 3/8" 
• Pink Pirouette layer measures 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 and is embossed with the new Sparkle Embossing Folder.  The edges are sponged with Pink Pirouette ink. 
• I used a 1/2" strip of Night of Navy and a 1/4" strip of Mint Macaroon for the accents.
• The flowers were stamped using the Baby Wipe Technique and the inks are Mint Macaroon, Sweet Sugarplum and Pink Pirouette.  The edges are sponged in Mint Macaroon.  The top flower is raised with dimensionals while the others were added with Tom Bow adhesive. 
• The sentiment stamped in Night of Navy is from the new Banners stamp set ............love it! 

Banners For You is a 32 piece Photopolymer Stamp Set and coordinates with the Bunch of Banners Framelits.  Save 10% when you buy as a bundle. 

So are you going to join in the fun?  I hope so.  Details are at the Watercooler Wednesday site, and if you haven't already done so, make sure you visit the Design Team's blogs to see for more inspiration.

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot