Especially For You Accordian Card

Happy Wednesday!
I trust your day is going well, and I'm so glad that you've added a visit with me here to your list of things to do today!

I can't believe we're ready to start a New Year...time just really seems to fly these days!
I remember as a child, your birthday and Christmas especially,  always seemed to take forever to come.  Now it seems that I'm constantly getting ready for a birthday or the holiday season and thinking to myself "didn't we just celebrate this?"  LOL

And Wednesdays seem to come so quickly here on the blog as well!
I'm back again to share with you another project for Heartfelt Creations today!
Yay!
 I hope you get as excited as I do to see what the team has come up with for new inspirations!

This week I decided to create a "special fold" card...you know, something that is different than the regular rectangle or square fold...a creation that hopefully you feel packs a punch and leaves an impression!

This card is your regular A2 sized card when closed, however opens in an accordian style.
It is kept closed together with a decorative belly band.  

Here's a look at my project for the week...

...lets take a peek at the project closed first as your special someone would be receiving it...


 ...and a look at the card completely opened...



...and a peek at the combination of both pieces...


 Just a little something special for your someone special as they celebrate something special!

Now, be sure to check out the Heartfelt Creations blog to oohhh and ahhh at all of the other design team members creations...each and every one of them are truly amazing!  It's so neat to see how each members style comes through in different ways when we're all using the same collections.  Each creation is as unique as the person doing the creating!  Just as God has created each of us to be a one of a kind and unique!

If you're looking for instructions and supplies on how this card has been made, I will direct you to the Heartfelt Creations blog today.  Were you aware that you can print out instructions for each of the projects?  There is a print button icon under each project just beside the Pinterest "Pin It" button!
How handy is that!

Thanks for the visit!
I'll see you next Wednesday again for sure!
Oh, and I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year!
May God shower His richest blessings upon you!

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...

Warmest Wishes To You This Holiday Season

Welcome...and a happy Christmas Eve!
I'm sure you are hustling and bustling about just
 as I am today...so I'm ever so appreciative that you took the time to stop by for a minute or two. 

I have to say that Christmas Eve is one of my most favorite days of the year.  For me, Christmas begins on Christmas Eve...I am finally able to slow down a little that day and just enjoy the season. Our little family celebrates together with a candlelight supper meal that has been specially planned together.  After supper we head out to church for the Christmas Eve service...which is just my favorite service!
The candle light, the mixture of hymns and carols, the reading of the Christmas story...it sets ones focus on what the real reason for the season is!  Then we head home and the kids get to open up their traditional present that they receive every year...a new pair of pajamas and a Bible based book about the true meaning of Christmas.  By the time they leave home one day, they'll have a wonderful collection of Christmas books that they can share with their families one day. 

With today being Christmas Eve and also a Heartfelt Creations Wednesday, I wanted to create a special creation from me to you...please consider this holiday card my warmest wishes for you this Christmas season and the upcoming New Year!

Here's a peek...


I wanted to create a card with a simpler vintage and country style feeling...something warm, cozy and a tad rustic that looked like it had been just recently rediscovered in your attic.  The Festive Christmas Collection is perfect for this type of card.  The rich reds and greens in this collection make this so easy! The premade card panels are perfect for creating a quick card, and some distressing and inking around the edges bring out a rustic and antiqued look perfectly!


 And what could be more country and rustic than a candle in the window and some poinsettias around the tree!  I love driving by houses and seeing their candles in the windows during the holiday season... and you will always find a poinsettia under my Christmas tree.

 
 So, I knew that I wanted to incorporate the candle stamp image on this project. To add to the country feeling, I've added some burlap paper in the background and some rusty elements such as jingle bells and a rusty safety pin!  And of course, several threaded buttons!  For a finishing touch, nothing says vintage country more than bakers twine!

You can find all the products and instructions for this card at the end of this blog post, or on the Heartfelt Creations blog!  While you're there, be sure to check out all of the other design teams creations!  Oh, and don't forget out the holiday special that is happening in the Heartfelt Creations store...maybe treat yourself to a little Christmas present from you to you? 

My wish for you this holiday season is that you would be blessed by family around your table, and beautiful memories of those who are no longer able to join you in the flesh... a peace in your heart that only our Heavenly Father can impart and a New Year full of God's richest blessings.

Oh, and one last bit of sharing...I have a video of one of my favorite Christmas songs that I'd love to share with you.  For those of you who have followed me for some time, you will recognize it as I try to post it every year.  It is sung by one of my favorite contemporary Christian bands...Third Day... and the lyrics so clearly remind us of what Christmas is really all about...the gift that was given so long ago, and the price that was paid for each and everyone of us after that. 
Enjoy!

 
Until next time...

Project Instructions:

Other Products Used:  Scor Tape, maroon card stock, Burlap paper, Versacolor Pine Cone Ink, Espresso Truffle Memento Ink, Toffee Crunch Memento Ink, distress tool, 3D pop dots, rusty jingle bells, rusty safety pin, bakers twine, small buttons, hot glue gun, premade 5"x7" premade card base, Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight Die, Big Shot manual die cutting machine, Stampin Up 1 3/4" circle punch, washi tape

Select the background paper you wish to use to cover the entire card front.  (This will only show through in the areas where the distressed premade card panel will curl or lift off the page.)  Next, select the premade 5"x7" card panel from the Festive Christmas Paper Collection you wish to work with as well as a smaller coordinating premade card panel. Mask the the open area in the smaller card panel with washi tape making sure to cover all areas you don't want stamped.  Ink a portion of the Festive Notes PreCut Set and stamp into open area.  Allow to dry and remove washi tape. Cut a piece of solid card stock slightly larger than the small panel to use as a mat. Ink all of the panels with a light brown ink.  Using a distress tool, distress the large and small card panels from the paper collection, however not the smaller solid color mat.  Then ink upturned edges with a darker brown ink.  Cut a piece of burlap paper to the size you wish to use on the card.  Die cut all of the pieces you will be needing in coordinating colors that you wish to use as per example shown.  Create one white circle using a circle punch.  Ink candle image from Bright Christmas PreCut Set with Toffee Crunch Memento ink, stamp it onto circle and allow to dry.  Mat onto doily die cut from the Fleur de Lis Doily Accents Set.  Moving back to the card panel, begin to assemble card.  Adhere background paper to front of card.  Then adhere large 5"x7" distressed premade card panel on top of background paper. Moving along, it is now time to adhere the burlap paper onto the card front, setting it down on an angle.  Next move along to the grouping of the smaller card panel elements. Take the distressed smaller panel and adhere it to the red solid color mat.  Now adhere this panel to the ornamental die cut background you have cut with the Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight die.  Wrap the bakers twine around the small panel several times and tie in a bow on the front.  Apply 3D pop up dots to small panel grouping and adhere to center of card front.  Add corner die cuts to one top and one bottom corner.  Add candle die cut to opposite top corner.  Choose and cut greeting from the paper pack collection you wish to use and add rusty safety pin.  Adhere to card.  Choose two buttons and thread with bakers twine.  Adhere with glue gun to the corner die cuts.  Adhere jingle bells to desired locations.  Surprise someone with a holiday greeting card in their mailbox this holiday season!


A Sweet Treat

Hello!
So glad you've been able to stop by for a quick visit with me today.  
Christmas is almost here...are you ready?

I have one last minute packaging and tag idea to share with you!
I'm popping in today with a reminder that our current challenge over at Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges is running until the end of the month, so you still have some time to join in with those last minute items you're still creating!
The Holly Jolly elves have all been busy prepping for their holiday season, and the blog has some new inspiration from all of us today...everything from cards, decor, packaging, etc. 

Here's a peek at the treat box I created for todays inspiration, along with the quick tag I created using the sponsor image "Snowman Bring It On" from The Stamping Boutique. (And just so you are aware, they are currently running a sale on all Christmas and Valentine digi stamps...time to stock up and score a savings at the same time!  Woot Woot!)


The treat box itself I cut with my Silhouette Cameo.  Makes it so quick and easy...it feels like you're cheating!  LOL  Pick your cutting file, pick your paper and let the machine do the cutting.  Assemble and voila...a fast but impressive creation!
I printed out the digi image in a circle with my Cameo as well, and colored with my Spectrum Noir markers. I added a touch of Glitter Ritz to the snowman to give him a little sparkler... add a ribbon and you're ready to fill with some delicious sweet treats!

I also wanted to let you know that we have some other wonderful sponsors for this challenge as well...

...as previously mentioned...

store 

...offering one lucky winner 3 images from their store...
...as well as...

 

who are offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice...

and welcome back...

finally the stamps you've been looking for rubber stamp company Rubber Stamps, Gold Leaf, Foil, and Glass Beads for Stampin, Scrapbooks, Card Making, and Paper Crafts 

...who are offering one lucky winner 5 digis of their choice from the store...

...also a proud sponsor...

 

...offering another lucky winner 3 images from their store...

...also sponsoring this challenge...

 

...and...

THE STUDIO...

...both offering 3 images from their shops...

So many chances to win!
Be sure to link up those last minute creations with us at Holly Jolly for your chances to be one of our lucky winners!  We can't wait to see what you have to show us!

Until next time...


A Last Minute Gift Idea

Welcome back!
So glad you were able to stop by for a visit today!
Christmas is fast approaching and I know that the crunch time for last minute preparations is closing in on us rather quickly!  With that being said, I decided that for Heartfelt Creations Wednesday I'd like to share with you a quick and easy last minute gift idea!
What makes this gift idea even more fantastic is that you will be able to use up some of those scraps kicking around your craft space from previous creating!
I've even included a very quick picture tutorial for you for part of it...not that you'll be needing it!  LOL

Here's a look at the project for today...


...and here's a close up of just the ornament...which by the way would make a great last minute gift even without the matching packaging...


These glass ornaments are all the rage this year and if you browse the internet you'll find all sorts of things to do with them.  I loved the idea of filling the bauble with beautiful scraps of Heartfelt Creations papers so they wouldn't go to waste.  The colors and patterns are so gorgeous!

So let's get started!

Gather together left over paper pieces from the Festive Christmas Paper Pack Collection and a clear glass ornament in the size of your choice.  Trim small pieces of scraps to the size that you wish to use to fill the inside of the ornament with.  Wrap each piece of paper over the body of a paper shaping tool or pencil.  While still rolled, remove from tool or pencil and place inside glass ornament.  Decide whether you would like to fill entire bauble or just half way and continue filling until you've reached desired amount.


 Locate a piece of light beige paper in the paper pack that has been printed with music and stamp the Christmas Poinsettia PreCut Set once in Espresso Truffle Memento ink. Die cut the images using the Sun Kissed Fleur metal die.  Ink the flowers with the Cherry Cobbler and Close to Cocoa ink using finger daubers.


  Once dried, shape one mid sized poinsettia with 3 layers.  Apply small Cameo colored Sparklet to the centre and stickle edges of flower for added sparkle and shine.  Set aside to dry completely.


 Ink leaves using Old Olive and Garden Green inks.  Once dried, snip apart leaf sections and shape.


 Create the bow for the ornament while warming up your hot glue gun.  Attach ribbon, poinsettia and leaves to ornament using hot glue gun.  Attach gold twine to hang ornament.


And so concludes our ornament tutorial!

Now I have to admit that the box did give me some trouble as the overhead transparency paper I used was a tad too thin and this box did not come out as solid as I would have liked it to.  So, my advice to you is to use a stronger and thicker transparency or acetate sheet.
I've included the instructions here for the box as well...however I have not done a pic tutorial.

Here's a close up of the box...


 Cut pattern for clear portion of ornament box using your electronic die cutting machine (or fussy cut pattern available from on internet) and box insert from patterned paper in the paper pack collection according to the size of your ornament.  Measure and cut decorative strips from the Festive Christmas Collection papers to layer on the upper portion of the box insert on 3 sides.  Moving onto the back insert of the box, cut 2 matching pieces of paper measuring just a bit smaller than the size of the box itself.  Adhere them together so that the front and back are matching and the back of the box will show the same pattern as the front of the panel.  Choose a small coordinating card panel from the collection and adhere it to the front of the double sided piece.  Insert into the back of the box to give it some extra stability.  I also used small glue dots to stabalize the box adhereing a few along the sides and corners.  Choose the patterned paper you wish to use to create a band for around the box.  Cut four 1" strips across the entire 12" length.  You will need to adhere two together giving you 2 reinforced 1" strips thar are 12" long.  Adhere the two long strips together and begin to wrap around your box marking where you will want to score crisp folds. Once scored, use small glue dots to apply the box band to sides of box...do not adhere to top.  Add a piece of velcro to top where the ends of the box band meet so that band is easily opened and closed.  Fussy cut a premade tag from the Festive Christmas Collection and affix to the box band with gold twine.  Using your electronic die cutting machine cut the bow in matching paper to that of the box band.  (Fussy cut patterns for bow also available on internet.)  Assemble bow and adhere with hot glue to top of box band making sure to not glue it to the portion of the box band that needs to remain free to use velcro closure.  Present to a special friend, family member, teacher, neighbour, etc. to enjoy year after year!

 HCDP1 246 Festive Christmas Paper Collection
HCPC 3557 Christmas Poinsettia PreCut Set
HCD 734 Sun Kissed Fleur Die
272486 Cameo Sparklets
048749 McGill Paper Shaping Tools and Piercing Mat
159223 McGill Paper Blossoms Molding Mat
SMP001 Stamp Mat Pad

Other Products Used:  clear glass ornament, Scor Tape, mini glue dots, Big Shot Manual Die Cutting Machine, Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Machine, Silhouette Design Store Cupcake Box Design ID #13565,  Silhouette Design Store 3D Layered Paper Bow Design ID #35588, ribbon, gold twine, Ranger Mercury Glass Stickles, hot glue gun, finger daubers, Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler ink, Stampin Up Close to Cocoa ink, Espresso Truffle Memento ink, Stampin Up Old Olive ink, Stampin Up Garden Green ink, overhead projector transparency sheets (x3)

 I hope you've enjoyed todays post and that you've gleaned a tiny bit of inspiration here!
Be sure to check out what the other extremely talented design team members have created for your inspiration as well and leave them some love on the blog!

Until next time...

This creation has been shared in the following challenges...

Love and Cherish

Welcome back to another Heartfelt Creations Wednesday!
I'm so glad you're here!

I'm back showcasing the Romantique Garden Collection!
Before you know it, Christmas will be over and we'll be headed straight into Valentine's Day!
And, this collection is perfect to create a romantic card for the love in your life!

Aren't those love birds adorable?
And the die cut swirls in this gorgeous collection make the perfect heart frame!
I decided to keep this project more simple and make the stamped image the main focus on the card.  I popped up the die cuts with 3D pop up dots to give the card some dimension.  The die cut bleeding hearts have also been shaped and popped up with 3D dots as well.  The Viva Decor Stamp Paint was the perfect way to add a beautiful shine to this design. 
The simple sentiment of "Cherish" is enough to explain the feelings you have for the recipient of the card.  

I hope you've found some inspiration here today.
I encourage you to check the Heartfelt Creations blog to see the beautiful creations the rest of the design team have created!

 And just in case you're interested...here's the instructions on how to complete this card...

HCDP1249 Romantique Garden Paper Collection
HCPC3641 Heartthrob PreCut Set
HCPC3639 Love Bird Hangout PreCut Set
HCD755 Romantique Garden Die
048749 McGill Paper Shaping Tools and Piercing Mat
159223 McGill Paper Blossoms Molding Mat
119391036 Rose Metallic 3D Stamp Paint

Other Products Used:  scor tape, 4.25"x5.5" prefolded card base, Toffee Crunch Memento Ink, Victorian Velvet Distress Paint, Bundled Sage Distress Paint, Stampin Up Basic Black ink, Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils (bleeding hearts - 042, 039, 037) (small flowers - 015)(leaves (05, 08), paper blending stumps, blending solution, Stampin Up Stampamajig, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, 3D pop up dots

Begin by choosing a small decorative panel that is blank and ready to be stamped (from the paper collection),  along with the image pictured from the Love Bird Hangout PreCut Set.  Cut the panel down to size to fit the centre of the card.  Mask area that you do not want to have the stamp image applied to and stamp image in black ink.  Set aside to dry.  Continuing  with the stamping process, stamp two sets of the bleeding heart blossoms set in black ink as well.  Set aside to dry.   Select  a decorative base paper to cover the 4.25"x5.5" card front. Ink with Toffee Crunch ink.  Select a decorative paper to mat the image panel onto.  Apply a light coat of Bundled Sage distress paint by swiping the edges of the image panel.  Once dried, apply a light coat of the Victorian Velvet distress paint in the same manner as well as a quick inking of the Toffee Crunch Memento ink.  Repeat this same process on the image panel.  Going back to the paper pack, trim the sentiment strip to size that you wish to use on the side and bottom of the card.  Also trim out a decorative strip to adhere the sentiment strip onto.  Locate a word sentiment of your choice and using the same paper you will be matting the image onto cut a mat for the word sentiment.  Ink all of these elements with Toffee Crunch Memento ink.  Going back to your image, use Spectrum Noir colored pencils to color and then blend with blending solution. Color the bleeding heart blooms and die cut.  Shape flowers and add a thin coat of the Rose Metallic 3D Stamp Paint with your fingertip.   Assemble all of the card pieces.  Take a piece of light green patterned paper from the paper pack, die cut each of the flourishes in the Romantique Garden Die Set with your manual die cutting machine.  Apply a thin layer of the Bundled Sage distress paint and just a swipe of the Toffee Crunch ink on the edges.  Forming the die cuts in the shape of a heart, adhere to the card front with 3d pop up dots under each of the bleeding heart blooms.  Taking your shaped flowers, apply to the vine flourishes with 3D dots making them appear to be popping off of the vines.  Send to a friend or loved one to enjoy!

Until next time...

Oh Holy Night

One of my favorite Christmas carols is "Oh Holy Night".
It brings to mind what the night of Jesus' birth might have been like.
  
And for this weeks new challenge over at Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges I had the pleasure of playing with a digi with this carol title!

Our new theme this week is...

"Anything Goes"

...Christmas that is!  
We are a Christmas challenge blog after all!

I had the pleasure of playing with Lacy Sunshine's "Melanie and Benny Boo's Holy Night"
I loved this digi image the minute I saw it!

Here's what I created with it...

 
I wanted to create a simple and rustic scene for this image.  I thought my new burlap paper would be the perfect back drop for the image.  And the simple sentiment of Oh Holy Night was all that the card needed to say.  The image has been colored with my Spectrum Noir blending pencils.  

We have a collection of sponsors for this challenge.  Be sure to check out the Holly Jolly blog for more information about who they are and what they are offering to our lucky winners.  

The rest is now up to you...you still have a little time to create a special holiday card and link it up with us!  You may just be one of our next lucky winners.  

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Last Minute Christmas Gift Packaging Ideas

Can you believe we've almost finished the first week in December?
Time is just flying by...and I'm so glad that you've taken the time to squeeze in a visit with me today!

Have you started your holiday shopping already?  Are you almost finished...or maybe you are completely done!  Well, I wanted to quickly stop by with a quick post about some packaging ideas for those smaller items like treats and gift cards, and to let you know that there is still some time to take advantage of online shopping with Scrapbooks by Design!

I came across some adorable holiday themed box svg cutting files at My ScrapChick that I knew I wanted to create. So, I got the Cameo humming and set to work!

Here's how they turned out...


Aren't they the cutest!
They would even make a festive display for home decor!

Here's a close up peek at each...

...a gingerbread man perfect to hold a homemade goodie...


...Jolly Old St Nicholas is just waiting to have his belly filled with sweet candy treats...


...and a frosty snowman all bundled up and ready to keep a gift card safe and cozy...


There's still some time to shop for supplies for your packaging...but don't wait too long.  Scrapbooks by Design can help you out with the card stock you need, a Silhouette Electronic Die Cutting Machine, Silhouette accessories or Silhouette gift cards!

I hope I've been able to help you get into the festive mood as well as inspire you to dress up your packaging this holiday season!

Sending You God's Beauty

Well, it's Wednesday and we're half way through another week!
Christmas is fast approaching...are you ready?
Maybe you have a scrapbook or card making fanatic in your life and you're still looking for that perfect gift?!?!
I know Heartfelt Creations can definitely help you out in that department!
Have you seen the gorgeous "Romantique Garden" Collection that debuted last week?
It's just in time for Valentine's Day and wedding season!
Nothing says "I Love You" or "Congratulations on Your Special Day" (wedding, anniversary) like a handmade card!  Or maybe you have a special romantic occasion that needs to be scrapbooked and given as a gift!
 But, this collection isn't just for romantic occasions as you'll see today!
Maybe you have someone who loves to create with gorgeous garden themed collections!

I'm back today to share with you another project created with this beautiful collection.

I decided to create a card...and it's not overly romantic because I wanted you to be able to see that this collection can be used for more than those "lovey" occasions.  
The card I created can be used for Encouragement, Just Because or Thinking of You!

Take a peek...




I loved this verse sentiment and thought it went so well with this collection.  What could show us God's beauty more than gorgeous flowers and a hummingbird?  For those of you who have followed me for sometime, you'll know that hummingbirds and gold finches are among my favorite birds.  

Everyone on the Heartfelt Creations design team has created a different take on this gorgeous collection.  Be sure to check out each and every one!
You are sure to leave inspired...and maybe even get some ideas from the online store for last minute Christmas gifts!

For instructions on creating this card, please see the HC blog.

Until next time...

Heartfelt Creations "Romantique Garden" Release

Happy Friday!
And can you believe it's "Black Friday" already?
Time sure is flying!
For us here in Canada, this day is certainly not as crazy a day as for our US neighbours.  The idea is catching on here slowly it seems, and there are a few sales to be had... but nothing like the stories I hear about sales and crowds in the United States!

I have exciting news for you today though...Heartfelt Creations has decided to release a new collection today just in time for "Black Friday".

Here's a little info on the new collection...

Love is in full bloom with the Romantique Garden collection from Heartfelt Creations.  A romantic symphony composed in subtle shades of pink, fuchsia, green, cream and charcoal harmonizes beautifully with picturesque images of dainty hummingbirds, devoted love birds, graceful swans and delicate bleeding heart bushes.  Ornate ironwork backgrounds are in perfect harmony with layered elements of vintage sheet music, lace, flowing handwriting, scrollwork, florals, stripes and flourishes.  Six hand drawn stamp sets capture the idyllic beauty of a peaceful garden where swans glide across the surface of a glassy lake, nesting lovebirds are wreathed in flowers, and hummingbirds sip nectar from blossom laden branches of exquisite beauty.  The coordinating die cuts feature elegant swirled stems, a graduated set of bleeding heart blossoms and a majestic pair of swimming swans.  Dreamy and idyllic, uplifting and inspiring, romantic and moving as a masterfully scored concerto, this enchanting collection is a celebration of love and life amidst the extraordinary beauty of nature.

 Such a beautiful, romantic collection!

Have you ever heard the folklore story behind the bleeding heart?
It is a story of unrequited love!
It involves a prince who is head over heels in love with a princess who doesn't give him the time of day.  He tries to woo her and she is not interested.  Upon his last attempt to win her heart, she once again seems disinterested and he takes his life.  Low and behold the princess realizes that she really did love him and has made a mistake and she decrees her heart will bleed forever.  And, each piece of the bleeding heart flower ties into part of the story as you pull apart it's layers. You can read more about this bit of folklore here

When I saw this collection for the first time, I couldn't get over how romantic it was. 
I knew I wanted to create something that told the story of this beautiful flower.  When I came across the cutting file I've used at SnapDragon Snippets, I knew it would work perfectly!
What could be more romantic than a carriage ride through a wooded garden around a castle...and represent the folklore of the prince and princess more perfectly?

Let me show you...


and another view...


I thought this would make an awesome paper craft to accompany a gift for a bridal shower, wedding or special anniversary!

So, hurry on over to the Heartfelt Creations Online Store and pick up this collection before it's gone!  It's perfect for all those romantic occasions you need to create for!
And don't forget to pop by the Heartfelt Creations blog to see all of the other dreamy creations the rest of the very creative design team have created for your viewing pleasure...as well as the instructions for this creation!

Until next time...

Thanks for visiting!

Thanks for visiting!