Saturday, March 21, 2015

Just a super quick post. I made these collage cards a while ago. Don't you think they just say "Spring"? Both cards were easy. I used a Spellbinder die 'picot', and the 'scalloped circle' die for the background. Just had leftover paper that I stitched and distressed. The collage is a set of circle collages from https://www.etsy.com/shop/bydigitalpaper?ref=l2-shopheader-name
 
 

That is it for now, off to make more cards!

Monday, March 9, 2015

 
I know, I know, it looks like I am reverting to Christmas, or I am very early for 2015. I just finished some embellishments on the accordian cards. The other two cards are going in the box for the nursing home.
 
 




The last two cards were made using the "Icon" dies from Elizabeth Crafts. I think there are six, the tree, deer, dove, and unless I go look I can't remember! The dots are Paper Smoothies.
Thanks for looking, and yes, it is in the 70's here today! Sorry!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Hello to all! My newest obsession, along with some old ones are featured today. Love the Floral set from Mama Elephant. Yes, a company called Mama Elephant!  http://mamaelephant.com/collections/stamps/products/freestyle-florals  This is the link for these.  However, don't stop yet, there is a die cut to match! I didn't order it and wish I had. I 'fussy' cut all the flowers and double-sided taped, (or glued) them on the cards. The card itself, is standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. Since I do cards for church ministries I need flat and regular 'postage' size cards.
 
 
 
 


 My second obsession or my ' obsession' from last week, the Shaker card. Love the paper. I got the stack from Micheals. It is called The Primrose. Need to scan this bird.



  This one is actually watercolored with distress inks. Just stamped on watercolor paper, masking, and attaching to the base card. Fun!! It is probably alot easier than cutting !! Enjoy!
     

Monday, February 16, 2015


Unbelievable!! I've been trying for a week to show these cards. The three of us, the two Lindas and myself, made the 9 square on our Friday gathering. Actually it has been a couple weeks ago. The muted blue papers are pretty, but was so hard to match a bow! For this card I layered, stitched, the background papers. I gessoed the top square and distressed everything! 




The paper is glittered, but I still distressed the top square. Felt odd to do 'glitter & distress"! Like using the heart here. I did sent this off for Valentines day. 
This is the glittered paper too. But I think this is my favorite. Love the softness of the wreath and flowers. The wreath is a memory box die. 
Thanks for looking!
Mary

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Paper Smoochies, yes Paper Smoochies "Retro" die is my new obsession! Before we get started, here is a link to Paper Smoochies http://www.papersmoochesstamps.com/Retro_Arrow_Die_p/m2d-14-144.htm
Looks pretty much like a 'one time use' die. Oh no. It is not .
The 'happiness' card actually is for the church. It has an inspirational verse on the inside. 
This next one in the yellow, turquoise, and red has a distinct ethnic look. I put the layers down alternating direction of the arrows.
Finally, the reason I bought this was Jocelyn Olsons 'retro shaker'. Still obsessed with the shaker cards!
Thanks to all for looking and especially 'thanks' to Jocelyn, for this adorable card!!
 
 

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Just one more! I made the triple pockets for this one. I think, probably 'never again'! One of a kind is good isn't it??
 

I've been having fun!! Love the Julia Nutting paper dolls! Reminds me of  'a long time ago' when my friend Linda and I sat in Union Park in Des Moines, Ia.  We drew and colored and it was a safe place!

Thanks for looking!
           Mary
 
 

Saturday, January 3, 2015


This is pretty long post, so again, I hope you can stay! When I do a shaker card usually the openings are (easy) square with foam mounting tape following the design. When you want to do the specific shapes it gets alittle more complicated. Like the butterfly, star, circles and even a tree shape. This time I would like to share a step by step instruction for any design that you can cut multiple times. The butterfly I used is a Memory box die.


 
 
The first step is to die cut your shape on the patterned paper or cover paper of your choice. I cut the base card (not shown yet) 4 1/2 x 6, The green accent paper is 4 1/4 x 5 3/4 and the printed paper is 4 x 5 1/2. Next cut the 4 pieces of cardstock ( about 3 1/2 x 4). For this cut you will line up the die for the white cardstock to fit under the patterned paper. I cut 2 at a time.  TIP: think where  you are placing the die on the patterned paper. I thought I placed the die too low on the orange card,  I cut higher on this card so that I could add an embellishment or sentiment.



The photo above shows all 4 die cuts cut out. The next step is to tape all four die cuts around the edges. Notice we didn't use foam tape, only two-sided tape! Tape fairly close to the shape. We are making a package for your confetti. The next photo shows the butterfly all lined up and taped together.
 
Next I attached the transparency to the cover paper just over the die cut. Now add the 'package' or cardstock with your die cuts tape behind the transparency. It is alittle different here. I used foam mounting for attaching the 'die cut out' to the green base. I taped all around the butterfly just as I had done with the regular tape. Remove the backing from the tape from ONLY 3 sides. Leave the backing on the top of the card. This is the difference, you will fill your card from the top instead of laying flat!

 
Sorry these last two photos are reversed! The one just shows the card with the confetti added. This one is my finished card. Hope you enjoy!