Template Tuesday!!!!!

So I was in crisis last week because my lovely little laptop decided to give up the ghost on me and die a most horrible death....dont you hate when that happens so as I started cleaning off my machine and started placing the files on my PC I noticed all the hidden jewels I had on my machine and thought wouldnt it be fun to share them with my blogger friends. One of the files I discovered was full of templates for cards and boxes that I fell in love with....did I mention I am a paper crafting horder? Yes I know it is a terrible thing to admit but I know I am not alone in this addiction right. So I thought it might be fun to offer you my friends a free template each Tuesday so you can hord them as I do, lol! I do use them really I do!
In any case let me start by telling you these are NOT my template designs I got them through a number of amazing sites such as Mirkwood, Stampingtom, The house of Stir Fry...oh you get the idea but thought perhaps if you had not visited these places or do not have time to seek them out you can come here each Tuesday and per take of their amazing designs. So to start things off here is a fun little template from Stampington .

 template created by Karen Thomas of Yasutomo paper company

This sample is done by artist Beryl Taylor

1. Copy template, enlarging or reducing as desired.
2. Cut out.
3. Score and fold along lines.
4. Punch holes.
5. Stamp, paint and embellish as desired.
6. Assemble and feed dowel through holes

If you do one of these amazing little boxes please share with us and send a message attached to this entry with a feed to your project!

Have fun creating a wonderful project and have a happy scrappy day!

Leanne

DELIGHTFUL RIBBONS!

As alot of you know one of my big weaknesses is ribbons...I have bins of ribbon spools in my studio and love coming up with new and unique uses for it. One of my altime favorite ribbon companies is May Arts and I thought it would be kind of fun to feature them as this weeks online shop so everyone can go take a peek at the wonderful selection they have....but I warn you, like chocolate their product is highly adictive! So first I wanted to share with you a few works I did using their ribbons, I hope you enjoy them!

SEW CUTE CARD

For this card I used May Arts ribbon BS22 in red. I also worked with Core'dinations white wash paper. Gecko Galz "Card Toppers" collage image and crop-a-dile to punch my holes.

EVERY DAY CARD

For this card I used May Arts ribbon AF16 in green and gold. I also used Core'dinations chocolate box paper, Gecko Galz "Card Toppers" collage image, stick pin and lace from my stash.

WHITE RABBIT CARD

For this card I used May Arts Ribbon ABB22 Check stitch in Pink/Orange. I also worked with Core-Dinations paper, Cuddle Bug embossing folder, Prima Flowers, Paper and image from Gecko Galz.

CREATIVE INSPIRATION PLAQUE

I had a blast doing this little inspiration plaque for my studio and for this I used May Arts Ribbon BM66 in blue and green.

I also worked with Gecko Galz images, papers and digi stamps as well as UTEE from B&J Art Stamps (they have amazing UTEE in multi colors)

COWGIRL CARD

For this card I used May Arts ribbon 363-28 Twisted Burlap red cord and C32 sheer gold ribbon. I also used Gecko Galz "Wild Wild West digital stamps" and papers by Gecko Galz. And used Copic markers to color in the image.

KICK UP YOUR HEELS MINI BOOK

for this cute little coaster book I used May Arts ribbon EA17 in pink.

I also used 4 blank 4x4 coasters, Papers & ephemera images by Gecko Galz, Hero Arts flowers, 7 gypsies jeweled dangle, paper studios pearls, and spare parts jeweled brad

LOVE NOTES CARD

For this little valentine card I worked with May Arts JD25 red sheer dot ribbon.

Also paper by Gecko Galz, Valentine Ephemera image by Gecko Galz, red stickles.

DESTINY CARD

I wanted to do a card that was a bit more masquline with fathers day approching and came up with this adventure card using May Arts Ribbon MKK04, it gave it the little pop of color the card called for! I also used glossy paper, Butterscotch Alcohol ink, papers by Paper Studio and GCD Studios and stamps by blockheads Stamps.

And now I thought it might be fun to walk you through a card that might be fun for you to create at home. The card we will be making is the following;

HAPPY SPRINGTIME CARD

Now for this card you will need the following products

white card stock

May Arts Ribbon 370-14-66

Shimmer Paints (you can use twinkling H20's, or any brand. Hobby Lobby has a great set for around $5 in the art department)

a white flower (we used prima)

a colorful button (we found ours at Jo Annes)

An embossing folder of your choice (we used a floral one by Paper Studios found at Hobby Lobby)

a piece of BO Bunny swiss dot paper in yellow

small paint brush

a natural sponge

Water in container

Archival Ink by Ranger

And fun spring stamp (ours is from Third coast stamps)

First take your card stock and cut out your 5"x10" square card base and using a bone folder score the center. 

Next take your embossing folder and emboss the top layer of your card base. Take your sponge and dip in water to make damp (you want to squeeze out excess water) and take one end and dip in your pink color shimmer paint. then with a circular motion cover top of card lightly (you do not want to press to hard because you will loose your raised area) dont worry if there are white areas left you are going to go back in with your second color (I chose a gold color) and ink areas that were missed with the pink and also over lap the two colors....this is a great way to distress paper.

While that is drying take your white flower and using your paint brush paint your first layer of color (I used the same pink that I used on the card base) then go back in with your second color and add to flower (again I used the gold, this creates a great gilted look).

 Let that dry and cut a 4"x3.5" piece from the white card stock and using your black ink stamp your image in the center (I suggest using either Ranger Archival Ink or Staz On ink when working with water based products). Next using your paint brush you will paint the image (to create great shadows use your pewter color and go along the inner edge of the design, on my card you can tell on the girls left side) also play with your colors using a plastic plate you can mix colors to create new colors. The great thing about shimmer paints is they layer and blend well. after you have painted her then you will take your brush and add paint then alot of water and do a wash for your back ground. Let it dry and then using a moist brush add an edge to your image using paint.

Now take your dot paper and cut a 4"x1.5" strip and a 4"x3" rectangle. Place the large piece on the inside of your card to stamp a sentiment on and then place the strip on the left side about 1/4" from bottom of card base. Next adhere your stamped image to the right side of your card base and in the lower left corner the flower. Using clear glue adhere your button to the center of the flower. To finish the card take your ribbon and cut 2 12" pieces and a 6" piece. Tie your two 12" pieces around the top of the card at the score line and tie into a knot. Then take your last piece and tie around other two and tie into bow. Now you are ready to send to your favorite friend!

I hope you enjoyed all my little works and please feel free to check out May Arts art

Have a happy Scrappy Day!

Leanne

Skipping Through the Daisies

Once in awhile I come across a shop that offers a product that I just have to share with everyone and as I was skipping through the internet last night I thought it would be fun to go see what was going on at the DYSU Challenge blog and saw that one of their sponsors was a lovely little shop called A DAY FOR DAISIES SHOP.....and what you ask do they sell? well thye have some of the most deliciouse little digital stamps. So I was sucked in and yes I have to admit I was lured to make a purchase, however I warn you you will want them all when you see them. So I picked out 4 wonderful little stamps (But I will be going back for sure for more). So I thought I would show you a few of the cards I came up with using their stamps....I hope you enjoy them!

BLUE BIRDS OF HAPPINESS

I love this charming little stamp their stamps make your creations feel like they are actual art pieces.

The Stamp is; Braid in my hair

I also used Kay & Company summer papers, Distress ink in Broken China and Wild honey, Silk hand dyed ribbon and a scalloped piece that I punched stars in. Copic Markers in cashmere yellow, golden yellow, acid yellow, purple, Flesh tone, and turquoise blue.

CHERRY FAIRY

I love the whimsy of their stamps!

The stamp I used; Cherry Fairy

I also used; Red Card stock, Doodle bug red glitter paper, Cuddle Bug Embossing folder, Distress inks in Shabby Shutters & Ripe Presimmon

Copic markers in red, green, lavender, acid yellow and flesh

Ribbon by May Arts

CHILD OF NATURE

There is also this beautiful ethereal feeling to their stamps.

I used stamp; Birds Nest

Also I used Kay & Co. summer paper, Coredinations paper in brown, copper star brads by spare parts, Twig from my garden (you will want to place your twip in a plastic container with mint oil on a cotton ball, this will get rid of any unwelcome creepy crawlies), and hand dyed silk ribbon!

GREEN APPLES

I love all the folds and fabrics they use in their designs.

The stamp I used; Apple Girl

I also used Lime green card stock, olive card stock, red card stock, American Crafts paper, May arts ribbon, Distress inks in Ripe Prisimmon, Shabby Shutters and wild honey. Copics in lime green, Acid Yellow, sephia, dk brown, flesh tone and hot pink. And red Radiant Rain Ink.

be sure and check them out at

http://adayfordaisies.com/stamps/

So here is something a little fun for everyone just use the little stamp image below or one of their lovley stamps from their site and create a card/ATC/Tag and then send a link to your project in the comments under this entry and on May 15th we will select one lucky winner who will win a $15 gift certificate  to their shop...fun hu!

Also be sure and join in the challenge at

http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/

Happy Scrappin'

Leanne

FUN WITH STRIPES

Such whimsy is found in a beautiful piece of Striped paper.....when you look at it all kinds of fun things begin to form in the far reaches of your imagination. So I thought it might be fun to show you a few designs I came up with while using stripes and fun papers, hope you enjoy them!

COWGIRL UP CARD

To create this card I used Gecko Galz "Lucky Stripe" paper, May arts woven ribbon. red bling, red twine, And a cowgirl image I found. And then for something funI took a pair of worn out jeans and made my own trim.

DRAGONFLY DREAMS CARD

Now for this card I created my own stripes by tearing papers and layering them. I used red cardstock, Gecko Galz Now and Zen papers, May arts black and red twine, clear buttons that I alcohol inked.

HANG 10 CARD

I love this stripe paper by My Minds Eye and have a huge stack of it and am always using it for summer cards. I also took glossy paper and alcohol inked it with citrus and then tore the stripe paper and formed a pocket. The ribbon I got at Michaels and the images from Gecko Galz, it was part of the "Surfs Up" collection.

HERE NO EVIL CARD

for this card I used stripe paper by My minds eye, and then used the "Beautiful Background" stamps by Gecko Galz and colored it with copic markers, then I took a piece of black card stock and embossed it using a cuddle bug folder and distressed with Versa Mark ink then sprinkled with Silver UTEE and this became the mat. then added a bit of black tulle in the corners.

I hope you enjoyed the samples and this inspires you to go out and create your own creations.

Want to see more fun stripe ideas or enter a fun stripe challenge? Just visit the Do You Stack Up blog site!

http://www.doyoustackup.blogspot.com/

Have a happy scrappy day

Leanne

FUN WITH ATC's

So I often get asked what is the best thing to do with my scraps? And my answer is simple and plain...make ATC's. So just what are ATC's? Well they are little works of art that measure 3.5"x 2.5" and can be done in any medium. I tend to enjoy doing paper crafted works which feature left over papers I have from doing cards or pages and collage images then sme kind of fun technique like UTEE...alcohol inks.....sewing...the skies the limit. I also have taken part in swaps where you actually do your own art work which is alot of fun for then you get little mini master pieces.
And the fun thing about these little gems are the their are swap groups all over the internet and in the yahoo group area. I wanted to share a few of my works with you and then I will give you a little list of swap sites where you can go and take part in swaps. Just remember have fun!

All Sewn Up

Celtic Dreams

Tangerine Dreams

Clowning Around

Tiny Dancer

Stardust

Behind the viel

Le Chat

Queen of Hearts

Now that you know what an ATC is try your hand at it. Here are some groups that trade ATC's!

ATC FUN; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATC_Fun/

ATC WORLD; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATC_World/

THE SUM OF ALL ATC'S; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheSumOfAllATCs/?yguid=475782229

BLISSFUL ATC SWAP; http://blissfullatcswap.blogspot.com/

Happy Scrappin'

Leanne

SPRING TIME IN PARIS.....FREEBIES FOR ALL!

So spring has sprung and the flowers are in bloom and nothing is more beautiful than Springtime in paris so I thought how fun it would be to offer everyone some pretty little parisian inspired images for you to use on your projects...then I thought wouldnt it be fun to have a little challenge so everyone can win a little something by using the images.....sooooo all you have to do is create a project usig at least one of the images below and then leave a comment on this post with a link to your samples image (it can be on your website, blog site, photo hosting site) then we will randomly select a winner on May 20th and announce the winner here. So what will you win? Well I thought it would be fun to giveaway something from one of my favorite paper companies WEBSTER PAGES, so the winner will get a digital paper set from them, 3 Gecko Galz Collage images of your choice, and a digi stamp from whimsy stamps. Good Prize pack hu? And all you have to do is create a wonderful crafted item!
So here are the pictures to choose from Have a great time!

Happy Scrapping
Leanne Seed

Happy Spring with fun little Challenges!

Happy Spring to everyone!

This time of the year the world burst into color and mother nature treats us to a painting that displays all her glory. And of corse she inspires us all to do our beautiful spring works and join in any and all challenges. I wanted to let you know about two great challenge sites in case your like me and love taking part in challenges. The first site is FLYING UNICORN they have new challenges every month and this month the owner of the site Alda is doing a great Spring challenge. Below is my entry for her challenge it a spring inspired plaque.

if you would like to take part in any of their challenges visit them at
http://flyingunicornforums.com/home.html

Now the second site is the Gecko Galz Paper Crafting challenge site on Yahoo at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/geckogalzpapercrafting/

These are great places to take part in great challenges....perhaps win a prize or two....and lots of tuturials and a few free goodies.

Another spring project I took part in is this wonderful little trinket shadow box. I am in a challenge group here in Houston and we decided it would be fun to take one of the 9 compartment Tim Holtz trinket boxes and everyone take one of the boxes from each persons box and decorate it in a spring theme (mine is the little bunny with the egg.
and then we swapped them and decorated our own outside. So I want to give cudos to the other artist who took part in this amazing box....Jan Stevens, Paula williams, Kirsteen Gill, Jean Wyatt,  Patty Provance, Becky Miller, Penny Nelson and Kristen Rhodes. A very talented bunch of ladies!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and Spring .....next week I will be sharing with all of you some of my favorite Spring Images!
Have a Happy Scrappy Day
Leanne