Watercooler Wednesday #WWC153 - Gail's Masculine "Anything Goes" Challenge

This past week has been so much fun.  It's been filled with good things like being with friends, playing cards, cooking Pierogies and entertaining.  All things that put joy in my heart.  The warmer weather and longer days are also contributing to my good spirits.  

Although I didn't have much time for stamping my thoughts were on it and I was able to design a card for the WWC153 at the Watercooler.  Gail Allen is our hostess and she's challenging you to step away from your comfort zone and make a "Masculine Card".

The WWC153 challenge is open for links until 5:00pm MST Monday January 22nd, 2018.  There's plenty of time.

Here's My Card:

Supplies:
Stamps:  Country Living, Gorgeous Grunge, Make a Wish (Fiskers)
Inks: Smokey Slate, Momento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso,
Card Stock:  Smokey Slate, Basic Black and Sahara Sand 
Accessories:   Paper Trimmer, Detail Scissors, Big Shot, Happy Birthday Thinlet, Tom Bow Adhesive, Gray Dots.

I made this card for a friend whose birthday is coming up soon.  He's into guitar picking and wearing boots, so this card is perfect for him.   I started with a Basic Gray layer for the card base and added a layer of Basic Black.  My third layer was a piece of Sahara Sand that I'd stamped the images on, but I kind of messed up on the stamping and had to cut it down  by a 1/4"  on all sides. Because this panel was so much smaller than I'd anticipated I layered on some   additional layers of DSP that I found in my scrap drawer.

I decided to use the Happy Birthday Thinlet for my sentiment on this card. The bold lettering was perfect.  Because this card is going overseas, I wanted it to be as light as possible and not too bulky.  By cutting two layers of the words in Basic Black and gluing them together, I was able to add a bit of texture and pop and keep the card weight in check. 

I coloured the boots with Chocolate Chip and Early Espresso inks that I'd watered down considerably.  I wanted the guitar to be the focal point so I coloured it with more intensity.  I has a bit of a sheen like a real guitar would. The basic gray dots and splashes from Gorgeous Grunge were added for more expression.

I kept the masculine feel on the inside of this card by adding a strip of the dsp and a piece of basic black card stock.  The sentiment is from an old Fiskars set I have called "Make a Wish".  I stamped it in Momento Tuxedo Black. 

And that's it for this week's challenge.  Hope you liked my card and will leave me a word of encouragement.  Don't forget to check out the entries by the other Design Team Artists at the Watercooler Wednesday challenge.

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Watercooler Wednesday #WWC152 - Kath's "All About Occasions" Challenge

Hi Stampers!  How's your week going?   We're getting rain in this part of the world and although sadly needed because of the drought conditions, it's still dull,dismal and wet.  The upside is it'll only last a few days, and maybe, just maybe I can get some stamping time in during the showers.  

We have a new challenge for you today on Watercooler Wednesday, hosted by Kath.  She's challenging us to create something for an "Occasion".  The WWC152 challenge is open to everyone  until Monday January 15th at 5:00pm MST.  So why don't you join us, who knows you could ROCK THE WATERCOOLER!

Here's My Card:

The occasion I'm  celebrating is my friend "M's" upcoming birthday.  I wanted to create a sophisticated and glam card for her and I think I hit it on the mark with this "Double Z Joy Fold Card". 

Here is the Double Z Joy Fold Card opened up.  This is a  5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square card when closed.  I made a special envelope for it with my Envelope Board, but forgot to take a picture for you.  I lined the flap with the green striped paper and stamped a Dragonfly on the front. 

 
Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Dragonfly Dreams and Happy Birthday Gorgeous
Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Old Olive
DSP:  Merry Little Occasions
Ink:  Old Olive
Accessories:  Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Stitched Shapes (Circles) Dies, Detailed Dragonfly Thinlet Dies, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Sticky Strip, Large Basic Rhinestones, Green Sequins,Wink of Stella.

Details:
The Base Panel is 11' x 5 1/2" Basic Black card stock scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2".  Use bone folder to crease score lines in Mountain and Valley folds. 

 For the panel layers cut:

• Front Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 2 1/4" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.
• Inside Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 2 1/4" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.
• For Square panel cut a 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 5" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.  

 The Joy Fold Panel is a 9 1/4" x 3 3/4" Whisper White piece scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2". Use bone folder to crease the panels in Valley and Mountain folds.  

For the panel layers cut:

• For Square Panel cut a 3 1/2" square of Basic Black, a  3 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White and a 3" x 3" piece of DSP and adhere.  
• For Inside Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of Basic Black, a 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White and a 2" x 3" piece of DSP and adhere. 
• For the Last Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of Basic Black and a 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White. Adhere.  Stamp the sentiment "It's Your Day" from Happy Birthday Gorgeous set in Old Olive ink. adhere. 

For Front Circles cut the largest stitched circle from Basic Black.  Cut the next largest circle from Whisper White. Adhere together with dimensionals.  Stamp the floral image after stamping off twice in Old Olive on the white circle.  Stamp the sentiment "Happy Birthday" across the center in Old Olive.

Cut three Dragonflies using the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlets  - 2 from Old Olive and 1 from Basic Black and adhere in a stack.  Add large basic rhinestones down the spine.  I coloured the wings with Wink of Stella to give some luminescence.

To Assemble:
1.  Add Tom Bow Glue to the back of the last panel of  the Joy Fold section.  this will be attached at the midway point on the large square panel. 

Once it's attached, fold up both the the Joy Fold Panel and the Back Panel and add glue to the left edge of the Joy Fold Panel and secure to the Back Panel.  Tip:  Before you add the adhesive check your panel placement to get your best position.  

Once the panels are adhered together attach the circle and Dragonfly to the front panel and add some sequins.

Well that's it for this week's card.  I hoped you enjoyed it and will try this fancy fold.  You'll find it is a quick and easy card to assemble and the sky's the limit in terms of decorating it.  It can be used for any occasion.  I'd be happy if you'd leave me your thoughts on this card.  

If you haven't visited the Watercooler Wednesday main page and checked out the cards by the other Design Team members you can click here to link  back.  You won't be disappointed.  Lots of inspiration this week. 

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot 

Creative Circle Design Team January Blog Hop - Love Is In the Air

Hi stampers and welcome to the first Creative Circle Design Team blog hop for 2018.  Our hops are held on the first Thursday of each month, and there's always a new and creative theme. 

Here is My Project:
This month's theme is Love Is In The Air and it since I have a February wedding coming up, the timing was perfect for creating a wedding/gift card holder.

Here is the front view of my wedding card.  I've decorated it with images from the Lift Me Up stamp set.  

This is the back view of the card.  When you pull the tab at the top a gift card holder slides out.  The pocket is made with Stampin' Ups! Mini Treat Bag die cut.

The inside of the card is unique because it has an acetate divider page which separates the back and front of the card. 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Beautiful Bouquet and Lift Me Up
Ink: Smokey Slate, Momento Tuxedo Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Smokey Slate and Basic Gray
Other Papers:  Silver Glimmer paper, DCWV Elegant Holiday Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Mini Glue Dots, Basic Pearls, Lots of Labels Thinlets, Up and Away Thinlets, Mini Treat Bag Thinlets, Stitched Shapes Framelit Dies.

Details:
I have not included the details in this post  for the front of the card.  You can find them by clicking here, to see an earlier post I did for the Watercooler Wednesday Blog Hop.

I did however add a gift card holder to this card using the Mini Treat Bag  and Lots of Labels Thinlet Dies.  The gift bag was cut from Whisper White card stock, assembled and glued to the back of the card with sticky strip adhesive.  I added a 3 3/8" x 4 3/4" piece of Silver Glimmer Paper, topped with a 3 1/4" x 4 5/8" piece of Designer Series Paper to the front of the bag.  

I inked up the medium sized hot air balloon from Lift Me Up in Smokey Slate and then stamped off twice on a scrap of paper before stamping the image on a piece of Whisper White card stock. Next I stamped over top of the balloon with the sentiment "Wishing You a Day of Love and Happy Memories" from the Beautiful Bouquet stamp set in Tuxedo Black ink. I cut out the sentiment with the largest circle in the Stitched Shapes thinlet die set. I stamped the heart from the Lift Me Up stamp set in Smokey Slate and cut it out with the matching die and added it to the bottom left side of the heart. I also added some small clouds and a hot air balloon cut from silver glimmer paper to finish off the detail on the gift card bag.

Lift Me Up Stamp set coordinates with the Up and Away Thinlet Dies.  Order #142896

 

Stitched Bouquet Stamp Set #143666

For the gift card holder I cut out the largest label from the Lots of Labels Thinlet set in Whisper White.  I cut a 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" piece of Whisper White and a piece of the Designer Series of paper and attached them over top of the label only leaving the tap part showing.  I cut a 2" x 3 1/4" piece of designer paper and glued it to the bottom of the designer paper side to hold the gift card.  As an after thought I also cut the top of the label again in Silver Glimmer Paper and glued it to the back of the label top.  

Thanks again for dropping by and I hope my card inspired you to try this acetate peak a boo card.  It's a really fun technique and is unbelievably quick and easy to assemble.  Make sure you check out the other blog designers at the CCDT home page or click on the links below.  Lots of inspiration is in store for you. 

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Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

 

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge #151 - Charlotte's Feminine "Anything Goes" Challenge

Happy Wednesday everyone!  I hope you've had a terrific Christmas and New Years.  Life's been hectic around our house with lots of seasonal activities and not much time for stamping, but now it's time to shake out the cob webs and start a whole new season of challenges at Watercooler Wednesday.  Are you ready?

Before we get started I want to give a shout out to Helen Finlay from Queensland, Australia, who is joining us this challenge as our newest design team member.  Welcome on board Helen!

Our very talented Charlotte Ehrukainen, is our first hostess of the year and is challenging us to create a "Feminine" Anything Goes project, so we hope you'll play along with us.

Here's My Project:
One of my 2018 New Years resolutions is to "buy less and use more" and my goal is to incorporate more designer papers into my projects and use up some of the scraps that I seem to be hoarding. 

Today's monochromatic feminine birthday card is based on that resolution.

By cutting a series of DSP scraps into squares and mounting them on matching card stock I was able to cover the front panel of the card.  The pattern layout works for either a side or top fold card. 

The birthday wishes have been stamped on the inside. All in all, this was a super fast and easy card that can be put together in assembly line fashion and would make nice cards for card gift boxes or packages. I plan on making a lot more of these cards.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Half Full, Beautiful Bouquet
Ink:  Old Olive 
Card Stock:  Old Olive and Whisper White
Designer Series Paper:  Merry Little Christmas DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Rectangle Stitched Dies,  Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals,  Sticky Strip, Wink of Stella, Sponge Dauber.

How It's Made:
1.  The Old Olive Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored at 4 1/4".

2.  I cut two 5 1/4 x 4" pieces of Whisper White for the first and inside layers.

3.  Cut 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" squares from Designer Paper.  Use 3 patterns and cut two from each design. Cut one  3/8" x 5" strip of DSP. Use a sponge dauber and Old Olive ink to sponge the edges. 

4.  Cut 6 squares of Old Olive card stock measuring 1 5/8" x 1 5/8" and one strip 1/2" x 5".  Sponge the edges of these pieces with Old Olive and then glue the DSP squares and strip to same. 

5.  Attach the squares and strip to the card front with adhesive leaving a small amount of white space between the squares and sides of the white panel.  Before attaching decide how you want your patterns on the squares to align.

6.  On a scrap of Whisper White stamp the "Wine Improves with Age...." image in Old Olive ink. Colour the grapes with Wink of Stella to add a little sparkle. Fussy cut around the label's edge.

7.  Cut a 3" rectangle from Old Olive and attach the label with dimensionals.  Add sticky strip to the back of the rectangle and attach to the center of the card.

8.  On the inside Whisper White panel stamp the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the Beautiful Bouquet set towards the top of the panel.  Stamp the sentiment and wine bottles towards the bottom half of the panel.  Attach to the inside of the card.

And, that's all there is to this card.  Very easy.  I hope you'll try out this paper piecing technique.       

Just a reminder to stop by and check out the rest of the Watercooler Wednesday Design Team's contributions to this challenge. For details on how the other Watercooler Artists created their projects, just click on the name underneath each photo and you will be taken to that blog post.  This challenge ends on Monday January 8th at 5:00pm MST. 

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge #150 - Heidi's Masculine Anything Goes - Two Week Challenge

Hi stampers!  Christmas is just around the corner and I don't know about you, but I'm way behind this year with my card making and Christmas preparations.   I've been thrown off schedule with all the events happening where I live and company, but I wouldn't have changed it for the world.  Life happens!  

With that in mind, this week's Watercooler Wednesday challenge is going to span two weeks instead of our regular one week, to accommodate everyone's busy schedule and Christmas week.   I think everyone will give a round of applause to our Administrators for arranging that.  I know I will.  

Remember this Linky doesn't close until Monday, January 1st, 2018 at 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, so you've got plenty of time to get crafting.   All you need to do is follow a few simple rules and link up your post to our blog using the Linky.  Check out the details on Watercooler Wednesday Challenge blog's home page. Hope you'll join us.

Here's My Card:

 

This week I'm adding to my Masculine birthday stash and have chosen a country western theme for those male friends and relatives who are "a little bit country". 

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Country Living, Basic Butterfly and Cupcakes Clear Stamps, Howdy from Artful Impressions
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
DSP and Specialty Papers:  Coffee Break DSP, Gold Foil 
Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Momento Tuxedo Black, H2O Twinkles
in brown shades
Accessories:  Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Circle Dies, Sponge Daubers,Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tom Bow Adhesive, Dimensionals, Aqua Painter.

When I began making this card I couldn't decide whether I wanted to showcase the boots or the guitar from the Country Living stamp set but after a few trial runs, I wound up doing a bit of both. 
 

Country Living Stamp Set

The Details:
The card base is an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Crumb Cake card stock that was scored and folded at 4 1/4".  I added an Early Espresso layer that measured 5 1/4" x 4 followed by a 5 1/7" x 3 7/8" piece of the coffee ring paper from the Coffee Break Designer Series paper pack. 

I added three more layers to the card front  a gold foil, an Early Espresso and a Whisper White.  When I was trying to decide how to feature the guitars, I began stamping using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to place the guitars end to end on a larger sheet of Whisper White card stock.  I stamped the guitars in Early Espresso and coloured them with a wash of Crumb Cake and the H20's.  

I had a small Artistic Impressions stamp that said "howdy" that I thought would lend to the country feel and I stamped it randomly between the guitars with Early Espresso ink.  

I splattered Crumb Cake and Early Espresso inks over this panel to give it a weathered look.  When I finished stamping I cut this panel to 3" x 4 1/2" and adhered it to a piece of Early Espresso that measured 3 1/8" x 4 5/8".  This panel was attached to a 3 2/8" x 4 6/8" Gold Foil panel with Dimensionals.  The Gold Foil panel was glued to the center of the DSP panel. 

Love those boots.  I started out by stamping the boots with Momento Tuxedo Black ink on a piece of Whisper White card stock and then I applied a wash of Crumb Cake ink with my Aqua Painter.  I layered on Early Espresso and some of my H2O inks in various shades of brown to finish off the design.  In real life the boots look pretty leathery which was the look I was going for.  The boots were added to the front layer with Dimensionals.

I stamped the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from my Cupcake Clear Stamps set on a piece of Whisper White card stock and cut it out with a 1 1/4" circle punch. I sponged the edges of the circle with Early Espresso.   I cut additional circles from Early Espresso and Gold Foil and layered the sentiment to them.  The Dots are from my stash and I can't remember the Manufacturer.  

The inside of the card features the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the Basic Butterfly stamp set, some more of the Coffee Break paper and a spare guitar that was left over from my earlier efforts.  After I took the pictures of the inside of the card I actually added a 1/4" x 5" strip of Early Espresso to cover the meet lines between the DSP and the White card stock.  It was an afterthought but worked well.

Well that's it for today's post.  Just a simple card, but I know it will make one of our friends very happy. How about you, do you struggle with themes for your masculine cards?  Do your like the country theme in this card?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and my card.

If you haven't already done so don't forget to drop by and check out the awesome masculine cards contributed by the rest of the design team.  They're pretty stunning and inspiring.  Just click here to return to the Watercooler Wednesday WWC150 Challenge.  Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot