WWC158 - Helen's Masculine Anything Goes Challenge

Hi stampers. This week Helen Finley is hosting the Masculine "Anything Goes" challenge over at the Watercooler. This was a tough challenge for me this week. I've had a great deal of difficulty trying to focus, to come up with an idea and to get my mojo on. Does this happen to you?

Helen's Masculine "Anything Goes" Challenge will run until 5:00pm Mountain Time on Monday February 26th.

Would you like to join us? We certainly hope so, as we love having new and returning players and can't wait to see all the projects. If you've never participated in a card challenge before it's easy to play along. All you have to do is make a card or project with a masculine theme, take some photos and link up using the Linsky at the bottom of our challenge page. There are a few other rules  to follow and that's it. Who knows perhaps you'll by our next "Rock Star". 

Here's My Card:

I'm a big fan of Tri-fold Shutter style cards so I thought I would make one for this challenge.  I used an old tutorial designed by Marcy K of Canton Ohio for the Operation Write Home blog.  Click this link for Marcy's  fabulous step by step tutorial and a PDF Diagram showing all the cutting measurements for the various boxes.  

In this top view you can see how the card looks when all the score lines are in the right position.  It's tricky folding them the right way so the card closes, but if you pay attention to Marcy's tutorial you'll get it right in no time.

Here's what the card looks like when it's closed properly.  There are other versions of this card made with12 x 12 paper, but the beauty of this tutorial is that it uses 8 1/2 x 11 and the finished card is A2 size, so no adjustments need to be made for an envelope.  

The fellow I made this card for likes to fish on the open sea so it was appropriate to make him a card that featured water. I stamped the lighthouse scene with Stampin' Ups! High Tide stamp set.  This set has so many stamps to help you create a wonderful seaside scene.  I stamped the light house twice fussy cut out both and layered them together and then added them to the panel with Dimensionals.  The designer paper I chose made me think of water.  It's from the Picture Party Paper Stack and features a circular design in Bermuda Bay, Pool Party and White and my coordinating card stocks were the same.  

I also used the Picture Perfect Birthday Stamp set to decorate some of the panels.  The sentiments in this set are absolutely fabulous, not only for their wording but also for the font.  Love, love, love this whole set.  Here you can get a better look at the DSP from the party stack.  It's awesome.  I also added some Glitter Enamel Dots in blue on the end panel where you can write your birthday message.  

Supplies:

Stamp Set(s): High Tide and Picture Perfect Birthday (145519)

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Pool Party

Card Stock and DSP: Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Whisper White and Picture Perfect Party stack 6x6 #145559)

Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Fine Detail Paper Snips, Glitter Enamel Dots (Blues), Acryllic Blocks, Misti Platform

Well that's it for this week.  Hope you liked my Tri Fold Masculine Birthday Card project.  I'd love to hear from you if you can take the time to leave a comment.  I read every one and it simple makes my day to hear from you.
  

If you haven't already checked out all the submissions from the other Watercooler Wednesday Design Team members stop by at this link.  You  won't be disappointed.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

WWC157 - Heidi's "All About Occasions" Challenge

Hi stampers Happy Valentines Day!  Welcome to this week's Watercooler Wednesday challenge #WWC157.  Heidi Weaver is our host and our theme this week is "All About Occasions".    

We hope you'll join us  by linking up your special "Occasions" project by 5:00pm Mountain Time, Monday February 19th, 2018 to our Linsky.  Who knows, you might be our next Watercooler Rockstar.

Here's My Project:

Today I want to share my Thank You Note Clutch Purse project.  This cute little clutch purse and accompanying note cards could be made for just about any "Occasion" you can think of.  Mine was made as a gift for a sweet gal friend for Valentine's Day. 

The clutch is made from a single 12 x 12 sheet of double-sided designer series paper.  No special skills or tools are needed to make this clutch, other than the ability to fold the square of paper into the clutch design.  Mine was made with retired paper stock because I'm still trying to use up what's in my stash.

The clutch holds four note cards and envelopes inside, and has a magnetic clasp to keep it closed.  Here is a link to an original tutorial and video by Dee Slater on Split Coast Stampers that clearly shows how to make this special little gift card clutch purse.   

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Amazing You and One Big Meaning

Ink: Watermelon Wonder, Old Olive and Soft Suede

Card Stock: Ivory Fleck (R), and Soft Suede

DSP:  Stampin Up (R) - from my stash and Ivory Envelope Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, So Succulent and Stylish Stems Thinlets (R), Stitched Shapes 2" Circle Thinlets, 2 Small Magnets Watermelon Wonder Grosgrain Ribbon, Faceted Gems, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Sticky Strip.

Note Cards:

I made my own note cards, but I've seen some beautiful sets completed with the Stampin' Up! premade note cards and envelopes that are in the Annual Catalogue.  Great value here as you get 20 note cards in Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stocks with matching envelopes and the card stock is a little thicker on the note cards so make for perfect backings.

1.  Base is 7" x 5" scored at 3 1/2"

2.  1st layer - 3 1/4" x 4 3/4" Ivory Fleck card stock.  Before adhering to the note card front stamp the floral image from Amazing you in Watermelon Wonder and Old Olive.  Stamp the sentiment "A Little Thanks" from One Big Meaning in Soft Suede ink just below the floral image. Add a Faceted Gem to the flower center.

3.  2nd layer - 3 1/4" x 3/4" strip of DSP adhere below the sentiment.

4.  3rd layer - 1 1/2" x 3 1/4" strip of DSP flip so reverse side is showing.

5.  Cut a strip of ribbon and attach over the seam created by 2nd and 3rd layer and glue ribbon ends to the back of Ivory Fleck layer.  Tie a small bow in the front with another piece of ribbon and trim ends. 

6.  For the inside of the note card cut a 3 1/4" x 4 3/4"piece of Ivory Fleck card stock and adhere.  It could be stamped with another floral image but I chose to leave my black for messaging. 

7.  Two cards and envelopes fit into each of the panels on the inside of the clutch.  They tuck in rather neatly and will  stay in place.

The Clutch:

I made the clutch following the instructions in Dee Slater's video.  I changed up the way the flaps hold shut though.  I attached two small magnets under the flaps with glue dots.  I started on one side positioning the magnet underneath the flap then flipped the clutch over and let the magnet attach itself and then added the glue dot and pressed the flap down.  These are really secure and hold the clutch shut.  You could also do a belly band or tie ribbon around the clutch if you're looking for alternate methods to close it.  

The Flower Embellishment:

I created the floral embellishment with bits and pieces of cardstock I had on hand and two of my favourite die sets - So Succulent and Stylish Stems, both retired.  

I always like to ink around the edges of my flower and leaf pieces as it seems to add more depth.  For this arrangement I layered the four flower pieces together with glue dots, and attached the assembled flower to a 2" stitched circle piece that I cut from Soft Suede card stock.  Next I added the leaves with glue dots.  The circular piece was attached to the flap with sticky strip.  A few random rhinestones were added to the flap on either side of the flower.  

And that's all there is to creating this note holder.  It's a fun and very quick to assemble project and I thoroughly enjoyed making it.  So much so, that I'm  planning to do a class on how to make these, for Mother's Day so if you're in my area and interested let me know.  

I hope you enjoyed this project as well as the ones created by the rest of the Watercooler Wednesday Design Team this week.  I'd love to hear what you think of it so leave me a comment before you go.  Your feedback is really helpful.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

WWC156 - Penny's Feminine "Anything Goes" Challenge

Welcome to this week's Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.  I'm happy to be your hostess this week and hosting a Feminine "Anything Goes" challenge.   Last week's Watercooler Wednesday Challenge received over 50 amazing entries from stamping gals all over the world.   This week I'm challenging you to beat that total and join me in making and posting a card or project with a Feminine theme.  How cool is that?

Our challenge is open until 5:00pm on Monday February 12th Mountain Time.  To participate just link your project to our Watercooler Wednesday challenge site through the Linksy at the bottom of the main page.  Check out the rules we have posted and may be you'll Rock the Watercooler.  What fun!  

Here's My Card:

For my feminine card I chose to make a birthday card using stamp sets and embossing folders from Stampin' Ups! brand new Occasions 2018 catalogue and their Sale-A-Bration flyer. 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Amazing You (SAB-18) 147215, Picture Perfect Birthday #145519
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Watermelon Wonder, Old Olive
Card Stock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Watermelon Wonder
Accessories:  Big Shot, Simple Stripes and Scattered Sequin Embossing Folders, Everyday Jar, Stitched Shapes and Circle Dies, Aqua Painter, Paper Trimmer, Wink of Stella, Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestones and Facetted Gems.

Details:  
This card began with a Whisper White card based measuring 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4".  

I added the following layers:

• a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Watermelon Wonder
• a 4 3/4" x 3 3/4" piece of Whisper White 
• a 3 5/8" x 4 5/8" piece of Old Olive 
• a 3/12" x 4 1/2" piece of Watermelon Wonder that was embossed with the  Simple Stripes Embossing folder.
• two 3" circles cut from Watermelon Wonder and Old Olive embossed with the Sequins Embossing folder 
• a 3" circle cut from Whisper White with the Stitched Shapes thinlet dies that was stamped with the Amazing You floral image, the sun, and the sentiment "you".  

I stamped the floral image in Momento Tuxedo Black onto the 3" Whisper White Circle.  I stamped it again on a post-it-note, fussy cut this and used it as a mask. I stamped the sun in Peek-a-boo Peach above the flower.  The flower was coloured with an aqua painter and Watermelon Wonder Ink.  

Thanks for dropping in and visiting my blog this week.  I hope you enjoyed my project and that my tips on how it was designed were helpful.  I love reading comments so before you go if you can leave me a few words of encouragement you'll make my day.  

The word "celebrate" from the Amazing You stamp set was stamped in Watermelon Wonder ink on a scrap of Whisper White card stock.  I fussy cut around the sentiment and it was adhered with Dimensionals below the floral image.  I stamped the word "You" from Amazing You in Old Olive ink below the floral image and the "Happy Birthday" sentiment was stamped on another scrap in Momento Tuxedo Black ink and cut into a small banner. Some basic rhinestones and a coating of Wink of Stella on the floral design finished off the card front.  

I stamped the floral image once again on the inside of the card and added the sentiment Celebrate the Good Stuff from the Picture Perfect Birthday stamp set to the inside of the card. Two 1/4" strips of Old Olive and Watermelon Wonder ink were added to the top of the inside panel. 

So that's it for today for my Feminine "Anything Goes" Watercooler Wednesday project.  I hope you liked it.  I'd love to have your comments.

Don't forget to check out the other Design Team Artist's at the Watercooler Wednesday Main challenge page.  To get a closer look at their creations simply click on their name below their sample picture.  Until next time..........

 

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot

Creative Circle CCDT February Blog Hop - Easter Eggstrordinary!

It's time once again for the CCDT - Creative Circle Design Team monthly blog hop.  The theme this month is Easter.  Yes, I know it's early to think about Easter but demos are always looking ahead.  

You won't see a project from me for this hop because I was unable to participate, however, I really want to give fellow CCDT artists a shout out for their hard work and inspiration.  

I hope you'll take some time to visit these blogs and check out the beautiful Easter Themed projects they've created.  Here are the links for this months hop:

Click on each link and checkout their creation! 

1.	Jay Soriano
2.	Liz Holloway
3.	Juana Ambida
4.	Laurence Lolascrap
5.	Lynn Streifert
6.	Kate Creasey

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot

Watercooler Wednesday WWC#155 - "Anything Goes"

Welcome to this week's Watercooler Wednesday Challenge. Our WWC155 challenge this week is an "Anything Goes". That means that anything you want to share with us is a-okay. It could be a card, a tag, a project, whatever. All you have to do to play along is take pictures of your "anything goes" and post to our Linsky by 5:00pm on Monday February 5th, 2018. Check out our rules and how to play along on our main page.  Kath Ricks is leading the way for our Design Team on this challenge.

Here's My Card:
My "Anything Goes" project features a technique called "Ghosting". Using this technique and the floral image from the "Amazing You" Sale-A-Bration stamp I made a total of eight thank you cards in a very short time.  Here are some views of my cards: 

 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Amazing You SAB 2018, Painted Harvest,One Big Meaning
Ink: Whisper White, Fresh Fig
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Fresh Fig
Accessories: Trimmer, Tom Bow Glue, Basic Rhinestones, Clear Wink of Stella, Purple Sharpie Marker, Heat Gun.

Details:
1. Card Base - Cut a piece of Crumb Cake 4 1/4" x 11. Score at 5 1/2".
2. 1st Layer - Cut a 5 1/4" x 4 1/8" piece of Fresh Fig and adhere.
3. 2nd layer - 5" x 4 piece of Crumb Cake.
4. Ghosting Technique:

• Begin by stamping the flower from Amazing You on the 2nd layer with Whisper White Ink.  Set aside so ink dries or use a heat gun. 
• Once the Whisper White ink has dried begin stamping over the images with Fresh Fig.  Make sure you offset the image slightly to create a shadow. And, that's all there is to this simple yet beautiful technique.

 5. To finish off the card face I stamped the "Thank You" from the One Big Meaning stamp set.  As you'll see later on I added some Wink of Stella and some rhinestones for some glam.

6.  I stamped the inside panel of the card with a sentiment from Painted Harvest and the flower from Amazing You.  I also stamped the back of the card with the flower and my logo stamp.  Another flower was stamped on the matching envelope. 

7.  Because I wanted to mail these cards locally instead of making a special trip to the postal station in town, I kept them very simple.  I added Clear Wink of Stella to the centers of the larger flowers and some of the greenery so there was some sparkle and shine without being weighted down with embellishments such as rhinestones.

I decided to add some Basic Rhinestones that I'd coloured with a purple Sharpie Marker to two of the cards I planned to hand deliver.  I also added some Wink of Stella to the flower centers before setting the rhinestones. 

The great thing about these cards besides, being super simple and fast to make, is that by having minimal to no embellishments added, they are inexpensive to mail. That's right - no extra postage and nothing to get mashed up in the postal machines. 

Thanks for dropping in and visiting my blog this week. I hope you enjoyed my project and that my tips on how it was designed were helpful. I love reading comments so before you go if you can leave me a few words of encouragement you'll make my day. 
 
Don't forget to check out the other Design Team Artist's at the Watercooler Wednesday Main challenge page. To get a closer look at their creations simply click on their name below their sample picture. Until next time..........

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot