Iron Craft #19: Mother's Day Card

(Mom -- don't look!)

I was really stumped by the Iron Craft challenge this week. The theme was too broad and I just couldn't figure out where to start. I finally found a little mojo on the last day and made this "Springtime Vintage" Mother's Day card. (The Springtime Vintage fabric from Stampin' Up! is still available. Click here to see a whole list of products from the Occasions Mini Catalog that are still available to order.)

I layered the vintage elements until I had it just right. Check out this close-up photo to see the Vanilla Smooch Spritz I used on the vanilla cardstock. The subtle sparkle is just gorgeous in person!

This week, the Iron Craft challenge was a contest! The theme was spring and there was such a variety of projects created. Click here to check out the other contest entries and vote for your favorite.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Basic Gray ink, Very Vanilla cardstock, Rose Red cardstock, Beautiful Butterflies die (Big Shot), Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Vanilla Smooch Spritz, Victoria Crochet Ribbon, Antique Brads, Pearl Jewel Accents

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Iron Craft 17: The Wedding Challenge

This week's Iron Craft Challenge was the kick in the butt I needed to start thinking about wedding invitations for my father-in-law's wedding. I used My Digital Studio to help them design Save the Date cards, but I want to be a little more hands-on with the invitation. Here's a first draft of an invitation and favor box. I have a lot of Basic Black cardstock that I bought in the Clearance Rack last summer, so I went with a classic ivory and black color scheme. If they decide they want more color, I may have to revamp this a little. I'm sure I'll be posting more drafts and samples as we go.

The favor is quick and easy using the Bitty Box & Envelope XL die and the Big Shot. I cut a 1-3/8" Circle from a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder (in the Big Shot) and added a pearl in the center.

This classic and simple invitation was inspired a sample and technique shared by Tami White at our Spring Into Stamping meeting earlier this month. I have seen people cut (GASP!) their embossing folders to do partial embossing like this. If you want to keep your folder intact and get the same effect, try Tami's tip. Cut a piece of chipboard the shape of the design that you want to show up on your project. I cut a piece of embossed cardstock as a guide. Then, tape the chipboard to the front of the embossing folder. Line up your printed invitation and send in through the Big Shot.

There is a change in the "sandwich" that you'll use to emboss it. Instead of two cutting pads, close all the tabs on the Multi Purpose Platform, place the embossing folder directly on the platform (no pad underneath) and then place one pad on top. The chipboard completes the needed thickness and embosses that side of the folder.

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Iron Craft #16: Penny Spinner Card

It's time for another Iron Craft Challenge! This week's theme was money since it's tax time. [And as a side note, I'm happy to report that I filed ON TIME this year! Woot! No extensions (=procrastination) for me!]

When I saw the money themed challenge on Iron Craft, I knew exactly what I would make! A penny spinner card! I've been making this card for so long, I don't remember where I first saw it. This spinning card, like any with moving parts, is always a huge hit with kids. I made this one for a friend's daughter's birthday.

When you tilt the card, the monkey spins. The mechanics behind the spinner is where the money comes in! Two pennies to be exact. I always like to say that this is a card you can really put your two cents in! (wink!)

Spinner Card Tutorial

Click here for a free tutorial (.pdf) to learn how to make this card. The Word Window punch makes creating the track a breeze! Alternatively, you could use your craft knife and ruler to cut the track.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fox & Friends, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Blush Blossom marker, Blushing Bride marker, Whisper White cardstock, In Color Patterns DSP, Word Window Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimesionals

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Easter Table Treat with Peeps & Four Frames

My second week with the Iron Craft Challenges...I wasn't sure I'd pull it off again, but I managed! This week's challenge was to use Peeps! Yes, as in the marshmallow Easter treat. I debated whether to make a Peeps card, but ended up making the prototype for Easter dinner table treats. I made a few extra for the kids to sample and they LOVED them, so I think I will make more for Easter.

They are sooo easy! I just melted some chocolate chips in the microwave, stirred in some chow mein noodles and then scooped out a pile on an aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet. Add the peep and some jelly bean eggs and allow to set. (If you're impatient, pop them in the freezer!)

I printed the name in a handwriting font on Whisper White cardstock and then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the Four Frames stamp perfectly over the name. I inked in Regal Rose and then punched it out with the coordinating Decorative Label Punch. The "stick" is a lollipop stick I had in the cabinet. You could use toothpicks though. I will stamp the frames in different colors for each person when I make them again for Easter.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

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Iron Craft Challenge #14: Postcard

I recently discovered the Iron Craft challenge blog and have been wanting to play along for over a month.Their tag line is "1 Year, 52 Challenges...Are you creative enough?" Every Thursday, they post a creative challenge with a specific theme.

Things finally slowed down enough and this week's challenge was right up my alley -- to create a postcard. As a paper crafter, creating a card is not that much of a challenge, so I decided to use My Digital Studio (digital design software by Stampin' Up!) to create a more traditional postcard. I still haven't created much with the design software yet, so this was the perfect opportunity to work with it!

Here's a Close-Up of the photo. The text on the photo says: "wish you were here".

The photo is from my the Stampin' Up! Incentive Trip to Hawaii in 2009. I'm counting the days till my next free trip (this year to Alaska) next month. Maybe I'll bring My Digital Studio with me to create digital postcards to send home to my family and friends!

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