Friday, March 31, 2017

Birthday Card Tutorial


Using the Hooked on You - Seasons & Nature Stamp Set, you, too, can make this card!  What a fun stamp set for all the fishermen and marine lovers in your life!  The sentiments are great for cards, tags and scrapbooking for many of life's events! Don't you just love multi-purpose supplies?

Before stamping the "Happy Birthday" sentiment on White Daisy Cardstock, I curved the stamp just a bit to flow with our jumping fish. 


I love that you are able to bend these stamps when placing on your block!  They’re super easy to use, simple to store, and most importantly, offer creative control and artistic precision every time you use them. Woo Hoo!  


I selected Pacifica from the palette of 43 colors for my stamping.  To enhance the stamping I used my colored pencils and Clear Shimmer Brush.  So much fun!

On my 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" card base, I layered Swiss Dot paper from the Adventure Fundamentals collection and Sea Glass Cardstock, followed by the previously stamped and colored image and sentiment.  

These are all attached with my Tombow tape runner.  



For the inside sentiment, I stayed with Pacifica ink for continuity, yet used the "Happy Birthday to You" sentiment from the Birthday Sparkles stamp set


Birthday Sparkles Stamp Set

This was a fun card to make -- it makes me want to visit the waters other than the creek running along out back.  


Until next time --

Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII




Saturday, March 25, 2017


Make This Sweet Cupcake Birthday Card!

Let me share with you how I made this fun little card! I used a plain white card, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" for my base and cut a piece of the yellow striped paper from Whimsy Fundamentals just a bit smaller than card front.  Adhere this to base using your favorite tape runner.  I used the fun polka dot paper from Adventure Fundamentals for my dovetailed banner.  I love how this paper coordinates with the little cupcake sleeve.  This piece is centered and adhered as shown.  

Although I used my Cricut and Flower Market cartridge to cut out a number 3, you could easily freehand this.  


Here's a close up of the cute little cupcake.  After cutting out the cupcake and party hat with White Daisy Cardstock using the Sweet Birthday Thin Cuts, I covered "masked" the cupcake base with a sticky note.  Next, I stamped the "frosting" and little face with Chocolate Ink.  I removed the "mask" and replaced it to stamp the base of the cupcake with Emerald Ink, as well as the party hat.  


A length of yellow and white twine from the Whimsy Ribbon Pack is tied around the card, knotted and then frayed for a tassel look.  So fun!

The fun doesn't stop on the front of the card, on the inside, I stamped a cute little seal found on the Circus Birthday Day to Day stamp set.  The sentiment is from the Sweet Birthday Occasions stamp set.  The seal and balancing ball were colored with Watercolor Pencils.  A touch of Liquid Glass brings shine to the ball.  Black and Emerald Green are my stamping colors.  You can see the pretty yellow and white twine along the inside of the card as an accent. Sweet!

For an extra touch, stamp your envelope!  I like to use the sentiment "This card is a paper hug" on the back of the envelope.  The sentiment is found on the "True Love" stamp set.   

Materials Used:

Adventure Fundamentals Paper
Whimsy Fundamentals Paper
White Daisy Cardstock
White Daisy Value Pack Cards/Envelopes
Whimsy Ribbon Pack
Sweet Birthday Stamp Set
Sweet Birthday Thin Cuts* 
Circus Birthday Day to Day Stamp Set
Flower Market Cricut Cartridge

Basic Tools Used:

Acrylix Block
Watercolor Pencils
Liquid Glass
Tombow Adhesive Runner
3-D Foam Tape
Clear Shimmer Brush
Non-stick Micro Tip Scissors
Paper Trimmer

*25% off through March 31, 2017

Until next time --
Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII


Thursday, March 23, 2017




March Stamp of the Month: Tea-rrific!

If sending handmade cards is your cup of tea, then this is the stamp set for you.  No need to be a tea connoisseur to see the wide array of uses for these cute stamps!  Have fun creating cards, scrapbook layouts, tags and mini albums!


As with all of the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month releases, you can get it for just $5 with a qualifying purchase! This exclusive set is only available this month, so get yours right away!  


If you are not familiar with Close To My Heart, I invite you to visit my website.  While you are there, you can view all the beautiful artwork shown in both the Annual Idea Book, and the current Seasonal Expressions Idea Book to gain additional inspiration.  


Until next time --
Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII

Monday, March 20, 2017

HELLO LOVELY "BEST DAY" LAYOUT

WITH POCKET PLUS PAGES

PART 3



Welcome!  Today we'll wrap up our look of the scrapbook pages I made with the "Hello Lovely" Creative Collection.  All of these layouts are designed to be made by you with basic scrapbooking tools and materials.  I've really enjoyed working (playing) with these papers and look forward to adding family photos.  

Our  "Best Day" 2-page layout easily comes together to showcase your precious memories.   With the addition of the Pocket Plus pages, our layout combines aspects of decorative, fundamental and pocket scrapbooking.   

Both the Pocket Plus and Flip Flap protectors are wonderful to have on hand -- you just slide your photos or your memorabilia into them for safe keeping. So fast and helpful for all the photos!  
On our first page, the "Best Day"  title is a pocket card, along as is the "True Story" card.  Both are included in the Hello Lovely paper collection.  So easy to use!  I added a self adhesive 3-dimensional heart for balance and as a touch of bling to the title.  The rosette found in the coordinating Complements as well as the Gold Glitter Gems were added for  a unifying look.  

Blush Shimmer Ribbon frames our left and right pages -- so pretty!   I've also used as sprinkling of self adhesive Gold Glitter Gems and Complements throughout the layout pages.  These complementary components are all included in the Workshop Your Way kit and are also available separately.  


My layouts are designed to work seamlessly with both designs 1 & 3 Pocket Plus Protectors.  Design 1 holds a total of 6 additional 4 x 6 photos and/or pocket cards. Design 3 has the same overall dimension as design 1, yet is made to hold a total of 12 3 x 4 photos and/or pocket cards.  These are great to use when you have an abundance of photos.

Along with the journaling box in our main layout, I've also added an additional journaling box within my Pocket Plus pages.  These are included with the Hello Lovely papers.  It is very important to note my who, what, where, when, and sometimes why and how info -- even if we think we will remember this, will other members of the family?  


I used my trusty Tombow tape runner to adhere all of my papers to make my layouts as well as foam tape and Glue Dots.

I hope you enjoyed my Hello Lovely layouts, and that they have sparked your creative juices.  Remember, when you purchase any Workshop Your Way kit from me, you will be prompted at checkout to download a complimentary tutorial.  Woo Hoo!

To see Part 1 for my first 2-page layout using Hello Lovely, click here, and here for Part 2.  

Until next time --

Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

HELLO LOVELY "LOVE" LAYOUT
PART 2


Welcome!  I'm so glad you're here as we continue our look at the layouts I made with the Creative Collection "Hello Lovely."  Each of these layouts was made with basic scrapbooking tools and materials.  The papers and its coordinating complements are simply lovely.


Our  "Love" 2-page layout is a simple, yet elegant layout for your photos to shine.   When using a Creative Collection, you are assured that all of your papers and embellishments will work beautifully together.  I love to scrapbook, yet life is busy, so having the coordinating collections available, makes my pages, "faster, simpler and easier."  Woo Hoo!

On our first page, the "Love"  title is a graceful gold foil self adhesive complement.  So easy to use!  By placing it in the upper left section of the page, your eye is drawn to "read" your 2 page layout of photos.  Very pleasing!


To accommodate me with the ability to slip my photo under the overhanging rose, I used foam tape to provide dimension to the cardstock weight sorbet rose sticker.  Three Gold Glitter Gems placed near the rose add just a touch of bling.  


My main photo will be showcased on the left hand side of my layout.  I'm planning on having two smaller photos stacked next to this.  You could easily have one focus photo on this page and remain balanced with the right side of the layout by centering it, using a larger photo, or simply matting your 4 x 6 photo.


The very pretty Blush Shimmer Ribbon on both pages provides your eye a resting place between the floral paper and your photos.


On our second page, I again used foam tape for the floral sticker.  I really like how this brings just a touch of dimension to the layout, and again, for balance, added three Gold Glitter Gems.  


   
I've added a Journaling Box, from the coordinating Complements, to note my who, what, where, when info -- so important!  
The additional three-dimensional arrow and heart embellishments are self adhesive found in the coordinating Complements which are included in the Workshop Your Way Creative Collection kit, but can be purchased separately. 

The Blush Shimmer Ribbon, as well as the Gold Glitter Gems, are also included in the Workshop Your Way kit or on their own.  

Along with the foam tape and Glue Dots, I used my trusty tape runner to adhere all of my papers to make my layouts.


I hope you enjoyed seeing my Hello Lovely layout, and that it has sparked your creative juices.  I'll post the remaining two-page layout and show you how I used Pocket Plus Protectors in my next blog post.  


To see Part 1 for my first 2-page layout using Hello Lovely, click here.  


Until next time --



Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!
Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII

Friday, March 10, 2017

HELLO LOVELY SCRAPBOOK LAYOUT - PART 1



Welcome!  I really enjoyed creating these layouts.  The papers and complements are simply beautiful.  Let's take a closer look at this lovely creative collection, and what YOU can do.  

Today we'll look at one of three, 2-page layouts I've created using Hello Lovely.  I think the pages are simple yet elegant. 

On our first page, the "BEAUTIFUL" title is made up of individual self adhesive dimensional letters.  Very easy to use!  To provide me with the ability to slip my photo under the overhanging flora, I used foam tape to provide dimension to the cardstock weight floral bouquet sticker. 

These embellishments are found in the coordinating Complements which are included in the Workshop Your Way Creative Collection kit, but can be purchased separately.


 
On our second page, I again used foam tape for the floral bouquet and single rosette stickers.  I really like how this brings just a touch of dimension to the layout. 
    
The three little self adhesive hearts are made of the same material as the "Beautiful" title on its companion page.  So easy to use, and oh, so sweet!  

My bow is made with the beautiful Blush Shimmer Ribbon, also included in the Hello Lovely Workshop Your Way kit.  I have found that Glue dots are great to adhere your bow, and any ribbon in general.  

Along with the foam tape and Glue Dots, I used my trusty tape runner to adhere all of my papers to make my layouts.  

I hope you enjoyed seeing my Hello Lovely layout, and that it has sparked your creative juices.  I'll post the corresponding pages shortly. 




When I purchased this collection, my thought was to use the papers for Easter and my grand-daughter's upcoming First Holy Communion.  Now that I have them and have "played" with them, many additional thoughts come to mind -- weddings, engagements, dances, home & family, springtime, gardens, graduations, etc.  This collection is a wonderful go-to for many of your life events.  

Oh my goodness, I am also using them for cards -- new baby, birthday, Easter, wedding, engagement, hello, get well, sympathy, etc.  What will you create with Hello Lovely?

Although floral patterns run through the papers and complements, the reverse side of the papers are very neutral and can be used for so many other projects.  The colors are soft and soothing.  Featured colors include Colonial White, Desert Sand, Fern, New England Ivy, Sea Glass, Sorbet, Whisper, and White Daisy.  So pretty and versatile!
  
Until next time --

Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day! 
Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."  

Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII


Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Welcome March!

Save 25% on all Thin Cuts! Sea Shell Card Tutorial!

Thin Cuts give you a fast and easy way to cut all kinds of shapes for your crafting, and this month they are all available at 25% off! Let's look at a card I made using the Swirly Seashells Thin Cuts and coordinating Stamp Set.  




Thin cuts give you a fast and easy way to cut all kinds of shapes for your crafting.  Just run them through your favorite die cutting machine, i.e. Sizzix, Cuttlebug, etc.
Choose from titles, sentiments, and a wide variety of shapes to stamp on, so you can get precise, dimensional cut shapes in no time!  I love using them!  One of my go-to tools for cards, scrapbooks, banners, tags, etc.  Very versatile!  They come on a magnetic mat and are super easy to use.  Woo Hoo!  



As you can see in this photo, my Swirly Seashells Thin Cuts coordinate perfectly with my Swirly Seashells Stamp Set
 Love this!   

In the Happy Retirement card I made, I used foam tape to adhere the "It's Your Day" banner as well as the sand dollar and star fish to give the card dimension. 

    
Pixie and Desert Sand are the colors I used to stamp my Swirly Seashells.  Using my Colored Pencils, I gave the seashells a light splash of color and the Clear Shimmer Brush provides a touch of glistening sparkle that we find along the shore.  To provide a sense of movement for waves, I tore the edges of Sea Glass Cardstock to show the white core.  

I used the Hooked On You stamp set for the card's sentiments "It's Your Day" and "Happy Retirement".  The banner for the "It's Your Day" was cut using my Flower Market Cricut cartridge so I could give this stamped image dimension on the card. This was stamped with Sea Glass, and "Happy Retirement" with Desert Sand


For your convenience, here is the entire collection of Thin Cuts.  Woo Hoo!  You'll see that some are listed as "Bundles."  These are specially packaged Thin Cuts with Stamp Sets made to specifically coordinate with the current Creative Collections and Stamp Sets.   
Thin Cuts — Hearts
Thin Cuts — Hearts
$14.95
$11.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Stars
Thin Cuts — Stars
$14.95
$11.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Happy
Thin Cuts — Happy
$13.95
$10.46
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Love
Thin Cuts — Love
$10.95
$8.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Hello & Thanks
Thin Cuts — Hello & Thanks
$11.95
$8.96
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Celebrate
Thin Cuts — Celebrate
$13.95
$10.46
Add to Cart
Hello Lovely Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
Hello Lovely Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
$28.95
$21.71
Add to Cart
Sugar Rush Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
Sugar Rush Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
$23.95
$17.96
Add to Cart
Dreamin’ Big Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
Dreamin’ Big Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
$23.95
$17.96
Add to Cart
Some Kinda Wonderful Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
Some Kinda Wonderful Cardmaking Thin Cuts Bundle
$23.95
$17.96
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Basic Hearts
Thin Cuts — Basic Hearts
$12.95
$9.71
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Basic Circles
Thin Cuts — Basic Circles
$12.95
$9.71
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — XOXO
Thin Cuts — XOXO
$10.95
$8.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Happy Birthday
Thin Cuts — Happy Birthday
$9.95
$7.46
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Swirly Seashells
Thin Cuts — Swirly Seashells
$18.95
$14.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Sweet Birthday
Thin Cuts — Sweet Birthday
$9.95
$7.46
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — Wreath
Thin Cuts — Wreath
$10.95
$8.21
Add to Cart
Thin Cuts — School Kids
Thin Cuts — School Kids
$15.95
$11.96
Add to Cart
Swirly Shells Stamp + Thin Cuts
Swirly Shells Stamp + Thin Cuts
$31.95
$23.96
Add to Cart
Sweet Birthday Stamp + Thin Cuts
Sweet Birthday Stamp + Thin Cuts
$18.95
$14.21
Add to Cart
Wreath Stamp + Thin Cuts
Wreath Stamp + Thin Cuts
$16.95
$12.71
Add to Cart
School Kids Stamp + Thin Cuts
School Kids Stamp + Thin Cuts
$32.95
$24.71
Add to Cart

Offer available March 1–March 31, 2017 while supplies last. Shipping & handling based on full retail value.  

Until next time --

Thank you so much for visiting!

I enjoy hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day! 
Happy Papercrafting,

Gayle Piron

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."  

Story of a Soul, Chapter VIII