Saturday, September 29, 2012

More Zero celebrations

Hi all.

In the upcoming posts, I will be sharing a multitude of same concept, different spin ideas that I have done for friends with ZERO birthdays.

Recently I have a Blog Buddy that celebrated one such milestone!!! I have never met this gal, but she has a passion of coffee (a kindred spirit indeed)...take a bow Leonie Schroder. Now I had to take a bit of a stab-in-the-dark with a colour scheme, because trawling through Leonie's blog did not really give up any real clues!!!

The idea I had in mind was this FAB and super cute Bird House post it holder by Cynthia Richards. I downloaded the tute and started to work. Essentially it is easy peasy to put together, the only real modification I made was at the base with adding a Round Tab Punch to help it sit up a little better. I also added a wee slip for the pen to go to through at the base. Given the gift was based around an easel format, I made a matching card too. Here are the two together.......

closed.......
 
 

 
...and open in all their easel wonder......
 
 
 
The bird houses are made identically for both the card and holder. I sponged ALL edges which made a big difference actually!!! There is fine detail all over with texture in the bird wing, the roof and even the letterbox lid!! Here is the card and the post it holder detail close up......
 


 
 The flowers were stamped with the "dotty centre" from the Mixed Bunch stamp set and then the flowers were punched out and layered.
 
 
The bird sits pretty on a branch from the XL bird punch and the post box was done with the 1 1/4 inch square punch, double punched just to nip a corner....if that makes sense. The post is a word window punch cut lengthwise and trimmed. on the second pic you can see how the addition of the round tab punch helps the whole thing sit.
 





 

There are MANY punches, pieces and things used in this and I will try to list them all. If I have missed anything out, ask the question when you leave a comment and I will get back to you with an answer!!
 
Thanks for popping by....much more to share very soon....including a fab teen male card!!!
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Crumb Cake, River Rock (roof), Soft Suede (main house), Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzaz (grass), Old Olive (branch)
Ink: (CS) River Rock, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzaz
Stamps: (SU) Sincere Salutations, Mixed Bunch
Punches: (SU) XL Bird Punch, 1 3/4" circle Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Word Window Punch, Round Tab Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Border Punch,  Martha Stewart Grass Punch, Carla Craft CP2 and CP1 Daisy punches
Other Bits: SU Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Crimper, Sponges, Metallic Gold number stickers fm stash, Clear Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Post it notes, small blue glitter gel pen
 
Lynda xx
 
 
 
 


Friday, September 21, 2012

Cherries - II

Morning all!

Firstly, thanks to all those commenters on the last post that pointed out all the PINK I have been using of late!!! Yes...it has been prolific, however, when it comes to little and incredibly girly girls....it is an obvious choice!! Please keep that in mind when viewing today's post and photos!!!

Miss 8 enjoyed a sleep over (her 1st) at a friend's house not so long ago, She was turning 9 and Miss 8 wanted one of the cherry cards to give her. We had her gift already (bling from Diva) so all I needed was the packaging. Miss 8 also wanted to give her a special bookmark. This is the booty from Diva....

 
I had fun with the last pillow boxes I did, so I thought I'd have another crack...and this is what I came up with....
 
 
 
So cute all done up together.
 
The bookmark was a variation on one I had done for my son (that I don't believe I have posted yet...oops!!) It uses the 2 Tags Die.
 
 
Finally, since the card did not have the birthday girl's age on it, I fancied up the inside a bit. Miss 8 chose this card....
 
 
and then on the inside......
 
 
This is it all together.........
 
Not to be outdone, Miss 8 also wanted to make her own special card for the birthday girl. As she was turning 9, it was based around 9 items on the card. Miss 8 designed it all.... and I was so very touched by the words she wrote inside.....
 
 
Thanks for popping by and enduring all the photos. Will be back with some fun bloke things very soon.
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Regal Rose, Whisper White, Doodlebug Cherry paper (see prev post), Hot Pink and Fluro Green Glimmer CS fm Alice's
Ink: (SU) Pink Passion (ret), SWM in Regal Rose and Lucky Limeade
Stamps: (SU) So Happy For You (ret SAB '12)
Dies/Punches/Embossing Folders etc: Large and Regular Scallop Circle Punch, Two Tags Die, Leisure Crafts Pillow Box Die, Nestabilities Classic Circles and Scallop Circle Dies, Cuttlebug Olivia Alphabet, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots EF
Other Bits: Dimensionals, Double Sided tape
 
Lynda xx

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Cherries - I

Morning all.

Question - Have you ever been strolling through your local crafting paradise and stumbled across something that inspired you then and there?? That is how today's cards started. My local craft haunt is Alice in Paperland. I am always there for MUCH longer than I plan and Alice is such a sweetheart. I was there recently with one of my netball gals helping her sort and suss some things for her daughter (Miss 10). Whilst there, I found the SWEETEST cherry paper by Doodlebug. This is it close up.....

 
I immediately thought of the wee cherry stamp I had at home and the mojo flowed from there. I made 3 cards, picking up the colours from the paper. These are the cards....
 
With a red base....
 
 
..a pink base....

 
And one in landscape.......
 
 
As you can see, I need to work a bit on my "bannering"!! However, I was very happy with the way that they turned out. I think they are perfect for a little girl's birthday. As my next post will show....turns out, I was right!! En masse, they look pretty good...
 
 
Thanks for popping by again. I love to read your comments. Remember, if you have any questions about what I have made, please feel free to drop me a line. My e mail address is under my profile.
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Real Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Doodlebug Paper - Cherry Amore (2123)
Ink: (SU) SWM's in Lucky Limeade, Regal Rose and Real Red, Real Red and Regal Rose
Stamps: (SU) Just Jawing (ret), Curly Cute, So Happy For You (SAB '12), Occasional Greetings (ret)
Other Bits: Nestabilities Classic Circles and Classic Scallop Circles. Dimensionals
 
Lynda xx
 
 

 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Classic Black and White

Morning all.

I cannot believe the amount of punch art cards I have done recently. It is only really putting all my posts together that it kind of hit home.

Today's card comes care of inspiration from Laurie Zoellmer here. One of the doctors at work (do you get the feeling I make a lot of cards for the people in my office??) needed a wedding card and I thought Laurie's card fitted the bill perfectly. Here's my version....

 
Once I decided on the embossing folders, it went together so very easily...literally 10 minutes!! I am a sucker (as most of you know) for anything dry embossed.
 

 
Apologies for the crappy picture quality. These were taken very late in the afternoon!! The groom's bow tie is simply a small diamond cut in 1/2 and then a 3/16" circle punch. Too easy!!
 
Thanks for popping by. Promise to be back very soon.
 
Stuff used:
CS: (CS) Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Stazon Black
Stamps: (SU) Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Punches: (SU) Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Carla Craft CP21 Heart, 3/16" circle and Francheville Diamond
Embossing folders: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Victoria Folders
Other bits: Dimensionals, White 1/2 pearls fm stash and black "diamond cut" accents from "Hot Dollar.
 
Lynda xx

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Cute Critters

Hi All.

I have some more punch art to share with you today. Some time back my good friend mentioned to me that her girls liked particular animals and if I made something for their birthday (they are twins), could I somehow incorporate them. One LOVES (bordering obsessed) owls and the other has a passion for dragons.

I recalled a tutorial for sale by the uber talented Jackie Topa here. I have had my eye on it for a long time and finally relented. This is what I came up with for the girls.....

 
and.....
 


The wee note things are post-it holders. So quick and easy. I used Dawn Griffiths tute here. I have actually used it many a time!!

You may recall seeing a version of the owl card recently and you are right. I made it for a 50th birthday card here. My friend saw this and wanted it for one of the girls!!

Thanks for popping by. Will be back soon with wedding cards, more dragons and even a bit of fruit on the side!!!

Stuff used:
CS: (SU) Tangerine tango, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, Choc Chip, WW, Basic Black, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, G.C.D Design Paper - Jumpin' Jellybeans (Item #0006), Owl paper I think is making Memories.
Ink: (SU) Choc Chip, Old Olive (sponging), Tangerine Tango
Stamps: (SU) So Happy For you, Curly Cute
Punches: Dragon (see Jackie's tute), + added Carla Craft CP1 Leaf and Lily, SU Owl Punch, Modern Label Punch and Word Window Punch, Bird Punch, Crimper
Other Bits: Swiss Dots EF, Olivia Alphabet die, Mini glitter gel pens fm Reject Shop, Hot pink 1/2 pearls fm stash, Dk Pink Glimmer paper fm Alice's.

Lynda xx
 

Saturday, September 8, 2012

More Owls!!!

Morning all.
 
One thing you may have noticed of late is that I am having A LOT of fun co-ordinating cards and gift boxes. Basically...if it can be made and hold anything....I'll have a crack at it!! This project also has a bi-line in that ALWAYS read the description when you are getting stuff on eBay!!! I do like the Pillow Box....and purchased one on eBay. When it arrived.....it was actually a thin metal die....NOT the thicker Sizzix-like one I was expecting....but undeterred...I went ahead.
 
Recently a niece (another one!!) had a birthday. I saw this GORJUS wee ensemble done by Lynn Putt here. I figured the owl would fit the goodies I had purchased from Diva. This is what I came up with...
 
 
I HAD to use this paper as it had owls ALL OVER IT. I used the colours from the DSP to use as the colour palate. I guess you could say brights and I are getting better acquainted....LOL!!
 
This is the card closer up (click on the pics if you wish to make them larger)...
 




 

 
 
...and here is the close up of the owl.....
 
 
I am kinda chuffed with the way it turned out and I think I may be making a couple more of them as time goes by. Thanks Lynn so very much for the inspiration.
 
Thanks for popping by.
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Pacific Point, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and My Memories Scrapbook Paper (147361)
Ink: (SU) Night of Navy
Stamps: (SU) Curly Cute
Punches: (SU) Scallop Border, Lg Scallop Circle, Scallop Oval, Owl Punch, Carla Craft CP2 - 1" Circle, 3/4" circle, Primitive Heart and CP 1 Primitive Heart
Other Bits: 3mm Baby Pink Ribbon fm stash, Dimensionals, Nestabilities Classic Circle Dies, Leisure Crafts Pillow Box Die
 
Lynda xx

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Father's Day Card with the LOT!!!!

Morning all.
 
Thought I'd get in with these cards close to time as opposed to my usual sooooooooooo v v much after the occasion kind of thing!!!
 
The Sunday just gone (2nd Sept) we celebrated Father's Day in Australia. I am very lucky to still have 3 "Dads" in my life, them being my DH, my Dad and my FIL. Most women know that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach! With this in mind....and also thanks to the amazing punch art inspiration of Kelly Matthews - Indiana Inker (here), this is what the 3 dads in my life received as cards.....
 DH

 
 
My Dad
 

and my FIL
 


Aren't they a hoot???? Kelly used the Lg Oval Punch for her burgers....but I super sized mine and used the wide oval punch instead. The "seeds on the bun" are done by stamping off one of the "Itty Bitty Background" stamps. Here are the burgers and chips close up.....


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DH did have a wee dummy spit because I put VEGETABLES with his burger (wink!!) All the edges are sponged in the same colour to give them that bit of oomph!
 
So...what did I give my vege-phobic DH for the occasion....a very VERY tongue-in-cheek gift (so unlike me!!).......
 
 
Here are the 3 cards together en masse......
 
 
Thanks so much Kelly for the inspiration for these cards. They were a hit to say the least. I made these cards with one of my netball gals and her Miss 10 daughter the day before Father's Day. Seriously....I have never seen 2 gals have so much fun with a crimper!!! Thanks to Trish and Miss Renee for a fun and fantastic afternoon!!! From all accounts the men in their lives that got their cards loved them too.
 
Thanks for popping by and enduring a long post. Have sooooooooo much more to share it isn't funny. Please feel free to leave a comment. I love hearing your thoughts and impressions.
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana (ret), Whisper White, CM Cranberry Gingham, Bright Yellow Textured CS (cheese)
Ink: (SU) Island Indigo, Not Quite Navy, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight, So Saffron
Stamps: (SU) Occasional Greetings (ret), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (ret)
Punches: (SU) Wide Oval, 1 1/4" square, Carla Craft CP2 1" Circle and Heart, Nestabilities Classic Circles
Other Bits: Crimper, Sponges, Dimensionals
 
Lynda xx
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Hoot of a Card!!!

Morning all and welcome to Spring!!!! (insert wee happy dance and beaming grin!!)
 
Before I share today's card with you I have to send out a MASSIVE thank you to Katie Ridden for the inspiration. Since birth of bubba #2....most of her creative works are shared on Facebook here. We met a couple of years back on a creative forum...and our daft senses of humour were a PERFECT match.
 
Katie's creations are brilliant, and with 2 younguns under 5...she has her finger on the pulse of all things kiddy related. i made a particular mental note when one day she sat down and created these.....
 

Now for those not all knowing in the "real young-uns" area....the above are punch art creations of Hootabelle and Hoot the Owl. Hoot has his own programme on the ABC here in Australia (Giggle and Hoot).

Now (again) one of the doctors at work, well his niece was turning 1 and she is MAD about all things Hoot....to the point where her party was totally Hoot themed!!! He asked if I could make her a special card. I immediately thought of Katie's effort. This is what I came up with.....


There was a lot of research into all things Hoot. He has a special set of drawers in his house and this is what I based the card around. Here are a couple of close ups of the card....




 
 
I tried to get the drawers as close to authentic as possible using EF's and some checkered DSP with a slight marker adjustment to make the squares bigger. I stamped the Weathered BGS in Versamark to add a bit of texture to all the brown space.
 
Under the "Happy Birthday" there is the "splat" from Extreme Elements in very light pink. (sorry about the dodgy pic). The card is known as a Side Step card. There are many tutorials around, but I used this one here by Jackie Topa.
 
 
When I gave it to the doctor in question, I was MOST stunned and shocked by his reaction. I am not really THAT tech savvy (he is about a decade younger than myself and STREAKS ahead!) He snapped a pic on his iPhone, sent it to his fiancee, she sent a text back and he came in whilst I was with a patient with HER reaction!! Thankfully the patient was a regular and has a brilliant sense of humour.
 
Now I have used a lot of stamp sets and punches here. I will try to list them all, but if you have any questions, please ask and I will get back to you. Thanks for popping by and making to the end of this post.
 
Stuff Used:
CS: (SU) Soft Suede, Whisper White, Pool Party, Orchid Opulence (ret) Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red, SU DSP (can't recall name), Optix Purple and Turquoise
Ink: (SU) Pink Pirouette, Versamark, Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo SWMs
Stamps: (SU) Weathered BGS, Extreme Elements, Birthday Wish
Punches: (SU) XL Owl Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Carla Craft CP8 Heart Punch, Carla Craft CP1 punch
Other Bits: Cuttlebug Olivia Alphabet, Buttons fm Big W, Mini Silver Brads (Kaiser I think), 0.05mm black felt tip for stitching, Dimensionals, Glue Dots
 
Lynda xx