Earlier this week I told you about a wonderful charity, Cards For Hospitalized Kids.  You can see my post here.

I'm happy to report I reached my goal.  I made twenty five Halloween cards with envelopes for Cards For Hospitalized Kids. I thought I would share a few of them with you.  They are all simple in design due to the number I wanted to make and time restraints.

I decorated the inside of each card with stamps and Washi Tape.  I don't know why I haven't thought of using my "collection" of  Washi Tape to embellish the inside of cards before.  I love using Washi Tape, instead of just collecting it!  I'm sure some of you can relate.

Here's a peek at the inside of two cards.

I hope you'll consider sending some of your cards to Cards For Hospitalized Kids too!

Have a wonderful week.

One-Layer Wednesday 157 ~ It's All About The Sentiment

Welcome to this weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge.  This week it's all about the sentiment.  Use your sentiment as the focal point of your card.  Any theme, any color, it's your choice. 

I've been playing around with backgrounds (paint, watercolor, and spray inks).  For this card, I used an Acrylic Paint Daubber by Adirondack. With a back and forth motion, I brushed the paint dauber over watercolor paper and let it dry before stamping my sentiment.

With my second card the background was created in the same way, however the paint was thicker and not as easy to manipulate.  I decided to add a tiny butterfly embellishment to this card.  Embellishments are acceptable with one-layer (OLW) cards if kept to a minimum.

I hope you'll have a chance to play along.

OLW157 Rules
 1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of paper allowed. 2. Make a One-Layer card using your sentiment as the focal point. Remember to keep the embellishments to a minimum.
 3. Post your card somewhere online and link back to my blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. If linking to a blog post, please be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's home page.

Supplies:

Stamps: The Stamps of Life - Phrases2say
Paper: Watercolor Paper
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black and Nautical Blue
Accessories: Adirondack Acrylic Paint Daubbers - Aqua and Lettuce, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Bling and Washi Tape

One-Layer Wednesday 147, Use-Your-Stamps Challenge, Never Before Used Stamps (NBUS), And a Christmas Card...

*An interruption in my regularly scheduled blog post... In an effort to post my Wednesday or One-Layer Wednesday post, I ran out of time.  Time being after midnight, tomorrow, the next day.  It's now Thursday, the 4th of July.  I would be horribly remiss if I didn't wish all of you a very happy 4th of July! 

God bless our military and their families. Along with all of our veterans and retires.  Thank you for all you've done in the name of peace.
 
                                                   *************

On to today's post.  Yes, I really did say Christmas and I know, it's only the beginning of July...! I'm sure you've all heard the old "Christmas in July" saying, right?

Before I go any further, I should mention this is a rather lengthy. I'll be glad to wait if you need to grab a cup of coffee, iced tea, or sweet tea (for those of you who live in the south). 

So, this week's One-Layer Wednesday host is Susan.  Her challenge is to use glitter or something shimmery on a one-layer Christmas/holiday card.  You can see Susan's post here. 

So here's my sparkle.

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I thought I would play around with some non-traditional colors.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm all about tradition.  I love the traditional reds and greens of Christmas, but I have to admit when the Christmas displays go up, I can't wait to see what's new and trending. What do you think the trends will be this Christmas season?    

Here's a peek at the inside of my card. I like the way the gray Washi Tape coordinates so well with the silver embossing. 

Earlier I mentioned the Use-Your-Stamps Challenge.  Susan, (the creator of the OLW Challenge) recently started her Use-Your-Stamps Challenge. You can see the rules here.  Really, the rules are very simple!  Please don't let the word rules scare you off.  Just think of the gratification you'll receive in knowing that you really did use all your stamps.  Then you can purged the ones that are outdated, overused, or you just don't care for anymore.  This of course, makes room for more stamps.  Did I hear a YES?  I thought I did. After reading Susan's challenge, I knew I needed to participate!  So this is my first post using my never before used stamps. 

Now, the Never Before Used Stamps (NBUS) is another stamp challenge that the very funny, and oh so adorable, Darnell also started recently.  This is another challenge involving your neglected stamps.  I think I'm seeing a trend here.  I hope you'll visit both sites and join in.

The Stamps used in today's card all fall under the Use-Your-Stamps Challenge and the Never Before Used Stamps Challenge (NBUS). I'm still searching for an accounting system that will help me track these challenges!

And finally, Susan's Christmas card challenge falls perfectly in line with my blog plan for July.  This month, my focus is on Christmas.  I'll be featuring a different category (cards, tags, packaging, etc.) each week this month.  My hope is to motivate you to start early this year.  My personal goal is to start earlier this year.  This all falls under the category of better planning.


OLW147 Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of paper allowed.

2. Make a sparkly card using glitter, glitter embossing powder, or some other shimmery substance (Brilliance, Smooch, Glimmer Mist, Twinkling H2Os, etc.). You can even use a card base of shimmer cardstock! The key is to get sparkly. Remember to keep the embellishments to a minimum.

3. Post your card somewhere online and link back to Susan's blog using the InLinkz button on the sidebar. If linking to a blog post, please be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's home page.

4. The most important thing is to...HAVE FUN!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Vintage Ornaments & Gina K Designs - Sentiment
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Hibiscus Burst & VersaMark
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Stamp Positioner, Silver Cording, & Washi Tape

Washi Tape And Your Die Cuts

Welcome back to another post in my Washi Tape Series.  Today I'm focusing on die cuts and your Washi Tape.  Most of us have die cuts, right?  Maybe even several die cuts? So, I wanted to show you a few ideas using those die cuts, but first I have a tip or two to share with you.

As you can see by the photo below, I started off with white cardstock for my base, but because of the translucency of the tape you may want to use another color cardstock.

For this die cut project, I chose three different Washi Tapes in varying widths, and placed them on the diagonal. I think the varying widths are important when planning this project. They (varying widths) are not always easy to find, but well worth the effort. 

Another option is to use chipboard or a cereal box for thicker die cuts.  If you plan to use one of these, you will probably want to put a coat of acrylic paint on first before applying the Washi Tape.  Again, because of the translucency.

 



Here are a few close ups:

I hope you will explore your die cuts and Washi Tape collection. 


Supplies:

Washi Tape: Queen & Co, Little B (both purchased at Archivers), and Michaels
Die Cuts: Papertrey Ink

 

Spice Girls...

This week's One-Layer Wednesday host is Ardyth.  Her theme "Spice Girls".  Make a one-layer feminine card inspired by a spice, condiment or flavoring. You can use your spice as color inspiration, as part of a sentiment or as a theme.

I think this was my third attempt at the challenge this week. You should see what my work table looks like, not to mention the trash can. 

So this is what I came up with.  The "Spice" is my color inspiration,  paprika and saffron.  The "Girls" are the ever-so-cute Elzybells.  I can't tell you the last time they were out of the box.  I added a bit of Washi Tape which is all over my desk right now, a burlap flower, and a bit of lace. 

I hope the OLW police won't notice it's a tag instead of a card!


Supplies:

Stamps: Elzybells Art Stamps
Paper: Premade Tag
Ink: Memento Potter's Clay and Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Washi Tape, Lace, Felt, Burlap, and a button.

More Washi Tape Fun and a Mini Tutorial

Before I get to today's post, please note this week's One-Layer Wednesday host is Ardyth.  She has a great challenge for us! I hope you'll check it out.

Okay, now for more Washi Tape Fun.  This month the focuses of my posts are "all things Washi Tape". Today I have some envelopes to share with you.  We decorate the inside of our cards.  Why not decorate our envelopes?   It's fun and easy, and a great way to justify that stash (of Washi Tape, I mean).  Also, it's another way to carry out the theme of your card.

  Here is a mini tutorial for mitering the corners of your Washi Tape (see the green stripe tape above). 

First, cut two pieces of Washi Tape and lay them on your work table creating an "L" shape. 

Next, lift up the connected corner and cut at a diagonal (starting at the bottom right corner and cutting up to the top left corner).

Then, pull the two pieces of tape apart and place.

 
Here is the end result. 

I hope you'll find this helpful.  Please, feel free to email me with any questions.  Also, look for more Washi Tape posts later this week.  I have more ideas to use your Washi Tape collection.

Supplies:

Stamps: (Sentiments) Papertrey Ink, A Muse (Retired), and My Favorite Things
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black and Lady Bug
Paper: A4 Envelopes - Stampin' Up  White
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-Jig

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Trending... with Washi Tape, Sequins, and the Color Gray

Edited: June 5 - This weeks One-Layer Wednesday is on Susan's blog.  It's a cute one!

Welcome to another post in my Washi Tape Series!  Today I wanted to share with you a card I put together with many of the supplies I've had on my work table for the past week, however this card has key elements that are "trending now" (washi tape, sequins, twine, and the color gray).

I think we can all agree, some trends aren't worth the bother (mustaches), but then there are others that just seem fun and sparkly (sequins); Trends that you want to try. You can see where I'm going with this, right?  After seeing sequins all over blogland for several weeks, I decided I had to give them a try.  Love them!  They add that touch of bling and sparkle to any project, and come in a rainbow of colors.  Even better, they're inexpensive.  Yeah!

Washi Tape still seems to be a growing trend . Whether you shop for your supplies at Archives, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, online, or at your locally owned, brick and mortar store, you can find Washi Tape in so many colors, patterns, and widths.  It's really hard to resist picking up a few (several) rolls.

Twine, on the other hand has become a staple in our embellishment stash.  It has far surpassed the "trend status" in my mind.  I just love all the luscious colors that Twine comes in.  You can find mandarin, lemon drop, pink sorbet, orchid, honeydew, butter cream, strawberry, and so many other colors  on Etsy.  Of course, the basic Twine colors can be found at all of your craft/hobby, and scrapbook stores too.

Gray, my last trending feature is an intermediate color between black and white.  Some say "gray is the new black".  I find I'm using gray more and more.  At times, black is too bold or strong for a project, whereas gray can be that soft, subtle color that blends so well. Have you tried gray lately?

Finally, I feel trends are fun to incorporate into your projects as long as they fit your style and flair.  Oh, and your budget too. I so dislike that word "budget".  It's too restrictive!

I would love to hear your thoughts on these "trending" elements, and hope you'll stop back by for  more on my Washi Tape Series.


Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Sentiment  Paper: Stampin' Up- Whisper White  Ink: Memento-Gray Flannel  Accessories: Washi Tape, Twine, Sequins, Bling, Brad, and a Paper Flower.

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Washi Tape and a Lesson

How many of you have Washi Tape?  Maybe even a stash of Washi Tape?  How could anyone resist all of those pretty patterns and colors, right?  Don't worry, your secret is safe with me!  I sure hope my DH doesn't read this post.  Does your DH read your posts?  We really need to explore this in another post.

 A few days ago I posted a birthday card for my blog buddy, Ardyth.  Here's the card.  As I was cleaning up my work table (after finishing Ardath's card), it occurred to me that I had planned to post a Washi Tape Series.  So, what better time than now when my table is littered with just about every roll of Washi Tape I own?

With this card, I had envisioned a "one-layer-ish" card.  Clean and simple.  As you can see, the ink did not adhere to the pink stripped  Washi Tape.  Yes, (the stamp was conditioned first).  So, I tried it again, thinking "operator error".  Same results!  Really?  So, I did more experimenting, and found that some tapes you can stamp on/over and achieve a clean imprint and others you can't.  Unfortunately, because I took most of my Washi Tape out of the original packaging, I can't tell you which brand works better with ink and which doesn't.  My suggestion, test first.

Here is plan B.  Clean, simple, a bit of bling and still one-layer-ish.

I hope you stop back by for more in my Washi Tape Series.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey, Ink
Ink: Memento - Tuexedo Black
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Accessories: Washi Tape, Stamp-A-MA-Jig, and Bling
Card Size: 4.25 square

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Happy Birthday, Ardyth!

I'm sure many of you know my blog buddy, Ardyth.  She is one of the One-Layer Wednesday hosts, and also designs for CASology and Muse.  Today is her birthday, and I wanted to wish her a very SPECIAL one...  Happy Birthday, Ardyth!

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