Sparkling Snowflakes For You

 Today is a fun sketch challenge card using the Freshly Made Sketches site.

It's a great sketch, and I could see a lot of possibilities right away.

A full video of how to create this card is posted on my YouTube channel; I have it here for your ease in watching:

Here is a list of the supplies used, and if you want to shop on my online store for any of these supplies, be sure to use the Host Code of RKXG46KG (good until December 30, 2023) if the order is less than $150.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you take the time to get inky.

Tip for Using New Punches

 I am sharing a tip with you today about using brand new punches.

I finally had enough in our budget to purchase some new punches, but before using them, I need to use some scrap card stock and punch out a whole bunch of the images with the punches.  This will get rid of any residual oils left on the punches from the manufacturing process.  

The oils on the punches is minimal and completely normal; however, the oils can make it unpleasant if you don't get it off before beginning a project.

The video about this tip from my YouTube channel is right here

If you would like to place an order at my online store that is under $150, please be sure to use the December Host Code:

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Hope you have a chance to get inky!

Enjoy Your Day with Heartfelt Hellos

 This card is one of my favorites that I've made in a while.  I absolutely love the colors.  I used the Heartfelt Hellos stamp set that is free with Sale-A-Bration, as well as the DSP of Flight and Airy - also a Sale-A-Bration goodie.

It came together so very quickly as well.

I enjoyed making a short for YouTube and Reel for Facebook and Instagram as well.

Here's a link to that for you:

Hope you enjoy a wonderful day and take the time to get inky.

Here are the supplies for you - please be sure to use the Host Code RKXG46KG if your order is less than $150 - and the online store link is here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps, Ink and Paper Card with Heartfelt Hellos

 Today's card is made using several Sale A Bration items - a stamp set called Heartfelt Hellos and some Designer Series Paper called Flight and Airy.  They come together in such a fun way, and I can't wait to share them with you!

It's so pretty and quick to make, too!

Here is a video outlining all the steps from my YouTube channel:

And the measurements are here: (all in inches)

Soft Seafoam - 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4, 4 x 5-1/4

DSP - three different sheets - 

1st sheet - 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 and two cut at 1-1/4 x 2-5/8

2nd sheet - two cute at 1-1/4 x 2-5/8

3rd sheet - 1-/4 x 1-1/4 and 1-1/4 x 2-1/2

Basic White 2-3/8 x 1

Vellum - 2-3/4 x 2-3/4

inside card - DSP 3-7/8 x 5-1/8 and Basic White 3-7/8 x 5

Please remember that if you place an order at my online store and it is under $150 to use this host code:  RKXG46KG.  

This code is good until December 30, 2023.

Your purchases are very appreciated!

Here is a list of the supplies used for making this card:

Thanks very much for stopping by today.  Hope you get inky!

Easy Shutter Fun Fold Card Using Enduring Beauty and Go To Greetings stamp sets

 This fun fold card is completely fun to make and is a quick fun fold to wow that person to whom you want to send a special card.

There is lots of detail, and yet the card is simplicity personified!

I enjoyed using the Enduring Beauty stamp set that will be available for public purchase at the beginning of January 2024.  This stamp set has a coordinating set of masks that help you create the most beautiful flowers easily.  The stamp set also has coordinating dies - so it's a no brainer to purchase.  Lots of versatility happening here!

Here is a list of the measurements: (in inches)

Old Olive - 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 2, 3-1/8, 5-3/8 and 6-1/2

Basic White - large scrap for stamping and 1-7/8 x 5-1/8 for inside

Crushed Curry - large enough piece for largest Deckled Rectangle die

Misty Moonlight - large enough piece for third to the largest Deckled Rectangle die and 2 x 5-1/4 for inside

DSP - 4 pieces 1-3/4 x 5-1/4

I also used some free-to-me Designer Series Paper from the upcoming Sale A Bration.  It has a wicker pattern that is perfect for complimenting this card.

I have a video showing how this card was made:

And all the supplied used are listed below:

Please remember that if you place an order that is under $150, use the December Host Code.  I will also be sending you a special thank you full of fun projects just for you!

Thanks for joining me today.  Hope you get inky!

Grateful for this Year and Making Plans for 2024

As the New Year approaches, I'm setting goals for 2024! This year I'm excited for being able to continue building my small business. I'm also making a resolution to have more online classes.

In fact, I've been getting ready for a fun January class featuring a few goodies for Valentine's Day as well as other occasions.

I want to hear from you - what would interest you for a paper crafting class? Let me know in the comments!

Silly Goose Quick and Easy Card Using a Template

 Today's card is the fourth and last in this grouping that I'm going to do using this template style of card.  It's so quick and easy to use a template and change things up slightly while having a "map" of how the card will look and all the measurements handy that you need.

The step-by-step video from YouTube is below

The measurements for the card are as follows: (all in inches)

Basic white base - 11 x 4-1/4, scored at 5-1/2

Basic white - 2-1/8 x 4-3/8, 2-7/8 x 7/8

Lost Lagoon - 3-7/8 x 5-/14, 2-3/4 x 3/4

Pretty Peacock - 2 x 4-1/4

Here are all the supplies used for the card:

I'm very grateful to you for joining me today.  Hope you make a moment or two to get inky!

Hey Chuck Quick and Easy Card Using a Template

 Today's card is using the Hey Chuck stamp set.  I really like the whimsy of this card.  So cute.

And here's the video from YouTube about creating the card, step-by-step:

Measurements are - (all in inches)

Mossy Meadow base 11 x 4-1/4, scored at 5-1/2

2-1/8 x 4-3/8 and 2-7/8 x 7/8

Basic white - 5-1/4 x 3-7/8, 2 x 4-1/4, and 2-3/4 x 3/4, also need some scraps

inside of card - 5 x 3-3/4

All the card ingredients can be found here:

Hope you get inky today. Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me for a few minutes!

Birthday Card Using the Template

 Today's card is a variation on a theme of sorts, with a fun birthday twist.

Now, I never would have chosen these colors to go together; however, I was experiencing a complete blank as to the direction I wanted to go - so I went to the Stampin' Up! Color Coach to look up ideas to use colors I rarely use.  I found this:

Okay then!  I decided to go with the Flirty Flamingo, Pumpkin Pie, and Lemon Lime Twist combo!  And I actually like how it turned out!

Here are the measurements - (all in inches)

Pumpkin Pie base 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4, 2-1/8 x 4-3/8, and 2-7/8 x 7/8

Lemon Lime Twist - 1-3/8 x 5-1/4

Flirty Flamingo - 2-1/2 x 5-1/4

White - 2 x 4-1/4 and 2-3/4 x 3/4

Inside of card - Lemon Lime Twist 3-7/8 x 5-1/8

White 3-3/4 x 5

and here is the YouTube video of the card being made

If you would like any of the supplies used, this chart should make it easier for you

Thank you for joining me for a bit today.  Hope you enjoy a chance to get inky!

Using Templates to Make Quick and Easy Cards

 Using templates is one way to quickly and easily create cards without too much thought.  It's one of my favorite things to use when I feel I'm stuck in a rut for card creation.

This card uses a simple template that I will be using all week to show you the versatility.

I put up a video for this card on my YouTube channel as well:

Here are the cutting instructions (all in inches):

Pecan Pie base 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 scored at 4-1/4

DSP 1-3/8 x 5-1/4, 2-1/2 x 5-1/4, and 2-7/8 x 7/8

Basic White 2 x 4-1/4 and 2-3/4 x 3/4

Pretty Peacock 2-1/8 x 4-3/8

Inside of card - white 3-3/4 x 5; Pretty Peacock 3-7/8 x 5-1/8

Thank you so much for joining me today.  Hope you get inky!

Quick and Easy Card Using Gorgeously Made and Wonderful Thoughts

 Today I was playing around with creating Reels for both Facebook and Instagram. I'm still having to work on the sizing of the video so that it shows up well in mobile and computer versions of FB and Insta.  It's a challenge, but I know I'll get it down!

Here's the video I ended up posting on YouTube.  I like this music better.

And here is a list of the supplies used in this card

Thanks so much for joining me today.  Please be sure to take time for yourself and create for a bit today!  It's important to take time for your mental health.

Three Things I Love About Gifting Handmade Cards

 I love gifting my handmade cards, whether it's the holidays, birthdays, or some other occasion.  One time that people really seem to appreciate them is when I know someone who has had a death in the family, and I gift them with a selection of handmade thank-you notes with envelopes for them to use.  

Here are the top three reasons I love to gift handmade cards that I've made:

It keeps me from being a hoarder of my paper stash

It's a cute AND practical gift

It gets people inspired - especially going into the new year!

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you get inky today!

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

 Every Christmas Eve since the early 2000s, I enjoy the tradition of making Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls for our family to share while we open up our gifts on Christmas morning.

We sit around in our jammies in front of the crackling fire in the fireplace, listening to Christmas music, sipping on hot cocoa or tea while munching away on these sweet treats and playing Santa together.

The Cinnamon Rolls is a tradition our sons request every. single. year.

This recipe actually makes two pans of Cinnamon Rolls. I always try to only have us eat one pan and freeze the other - but the rolls never last that long!

I promise that I'm not the only one responsible for that though.

Here is the link to the recipe

Using the bread machine, these rolls are very easy, making you rethink ever buying them pre-made or packaged again. Hope you enjoy making some of the Cinnamon Rolls. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks for joining me today. Please be sure you get a chance to enjoy some crafty time! It's good for your mental health.

The Perfect Solution - a Gift Card Holder

 It's that time of year for lots of gifting.  You may think that gift cards are an impersonal gift, but they are actually quite practical and useful, especially when you know what will be appreciated by the recipient!

 And here's a solution where you can be sure that gift card isn't seen as some generic quick fix you decided was safe!  

Making a unique gift card holder is super quick and easy - making your gift perfect and personalized as only you can do it.

Watch the video here:

Cutting Instructions - 

Base = 4-1/4" x 11"

DSP for inside of card = 1-1/4" x 4

Basic White or Very Vanilla for inside of card = 3-3/4" x 4"

DSP for outside of card = 3-3/4" x 4"

Here is the list of supplies used for this gift card holder -  

Please be sure you take some time to fuel your creative juices today.  Thanks ever so much for stopping by and spending some time with me.

Quick and Easy 2, 4, 6, 8 Box Perfect for Stocking Stuffers

 This time of year, it's great to know how to make the perfect little box for that co-worker or stocking stuffer.

Here's the video for making this fun box

All the supplies I used are listed right here

Thanks for stopping by for a few minutes.  Be sure you get inky today!

Quick and Easy Winter Card Using Blending Brushes

 One of my favorite things is blending brushes, and I'm always trying to find ways to use them in my crafting and card making.

Today, I'm showing you a beautiful card made using the blending brushes.

And there's a video, too!

And, finally, here's a list of all the supplies used.  Thanks so very much for stopping by today.  I hope you have a chance to try out this technique with the blending brushes and get inky today!

Score Once, Cut Once = 2 Card Bases

 Hot tip here today!  

How often have you cut a piece of cardstock to make a card base, knowing you were going to make two cards, and then had to score that cardstock twice?  

Well, it's easy to only score once, and then cut once to get two card bases - here's how:

You have two bases for your cards!

And, again, with only one cut - saving you time and effort, you have two bases for your cards!

I love this tip.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Be sure you take time to get inky today!

Simply Origami Trees

 Today, I want to share some simple origami trees with you.

I showed how to make these easy decorations today as a preview to the Class I am offering beginning today until the end of the 2023 year.

And here is a list of the supplies I used for these adorable trees

Hope you get crafty today.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

December Class

 December is a such a wonderful time of the year, full of traditions and the making of memories.

To help to make your December easier, I have created a new class for the entire month.  In this class, you will learn to make Origami Trees, beautiful bows, decorative stars and cards using up leftover cardstock and Designer Series Paper you may already have on hand.  

And if you need any of the supplies, they are listed below:

Also included in the class are instructions for making an origami star - perfect for present tags, table decorations, and anything else your imagination can dream up!

Here is the supply list

Wouldn't it be great to always have a bow to make that present look perfect?  Well, you can - by making your very own with whatever paper you have on hand!  You can also make them as big or small as you want.

Here are the supplies I used:

And, finally, to make great use out of those scraps of Designer Paper you may have laying around, I've got ideas you can use to create cards with them.

Here is a list of supplies used for these cards:

Thanks for spending some time with me.  Hope you enjoy some craft time today!