A Note of Thanks Card

Here is another Fall card.  I couldn't find the designer papers in the catalog so will have to assume they are retired but you can use almost any papers to create the look you want to achieve.

Our demonstrator embossed the leaf with an embossing folder which we then sanded to bring out the tan color.

We attached the 1x1.5" pieces of designer paper to the 2x2" pieces of brown card stock and then adhered them to a 5.5 x 2 1/4" piece of vanilla card stock.  Then, we adhered that to the card.
Then, we wrapped some ribbon around the leaf and attached it to the card with glue dots.  A small 1/2 x 2 1/4" piece of vanilla card stock was notched on the ends and then we stamped the sentiment.

I could see a number of ways to use this idea!

Have a great day!!
Char

Peek a Boo flower

What a fun card!!!  Well, till I got to the folding of the flower in the middle :-)  I guess you have to practice a little.

Basically, you stamp a background stamp on the left side of your card, punch out a circle and then take 6 smaller circles and fold them up so that they lay inside the cut out circle and form a flower.

We then put a little pearl in the center and stamped a Birthday sentiment to the right side of the card and tied some green organza ribbon to the card.  

I like the card idea, just couldn't get the petals to fit together perfectly.  Like I said, Practice, practice, practice!

Have a great day,

Char

Gatefold Card

 Happy Tuesday,
This is the Gate fold card that we made at stamp class last month.

Love the colors that were used, but once again, too busy actually making the cards to ask what they were, duh!!  It could be Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight.

She used the Adorning Accents Folder and embossed on the sides of the card (already done ahead for us) and then scored it so all we had to do was fold and put together.  She also had the Fun Flowers Bigz L die all cut out for us, too.  We are spoiled!!!!

See the little Dahlia in the center?  When I saw them in the catalog, I thought they were larger so was happy to see that they make a cute center for a flower.

Fun card!!!  Here is where you can go to see how to make a Gate fold card.

Have a great day!!

Char

Fall Tri-Fold Card

We made a Tri-fold card at class, last month.  It really speaks FALL, I think.   It was fun to do and fairly easy.

This is what it looks like when it is folded and ready to send.
and this is what it looks like when you unfold it!

I didn't get the instructions but you can go here and get a ton of ideas to try.  I think I am going to have to play with this card fold and see what else I can come up with.

Have a great day!!!

Char

Ornament Challenge

This is my last post of projects from my weekend in Salem, mid September.

I found these flat round ornaments at Craft Warehouse, in Salem and they were on sale.  So, I bought enough for each person at WAG to have to create an ornament.

I just did it very simple, like the display one at the store.  They had crimped designer paper and then cut it into strips.  Then, just folded it back and forth to make it squiggly and then inserted it into the ornament.   I tried to get it to be hodgepodge but they all wanted to just stay up and down.

Some gals got theirs to be going all different directions, but guess I am not as skillful as they are :-)

I bought a couple more boxes of these ornaments, so I am going to play in the next few weeks and see what I can come up with.

I am sure you can think of all kinds of ideas for these.  They also had really cool square ones and they had those decorated as scarecrows, Frankenstein and snowmen.

If you live near a Craft Warehouse, go check them out!!

Have a FUN day!!!
Char

Wooden Pumpkin trio

I got these wooden pumpkins at Craft Warehouse in Salem, OR.  They had them on sale and I thought, what a fun challenge for the girls!!  So, I bought one for each of them.

They come apart so that you can paint them or cover them with DP or both.

I chose to paint them orange on the sides and backs and then cover them with Halloween DP paper.  Sorry, I borrowed some from my friend, Vicky, and didn't remember to ask who made it.

Then she had these cute stick on eyes and a squiggly pattern that I cut to make a mouth on the front pumpkin.

I have this sitting on my book shelf in the living room.  I'll be getting the rest of the Fall decorations out in another week or so.

These were so much fun to do.  I didn't get photos of all the other girls' creations or I would have posted some of those, too.  Maybe I can ask really nice and they will share them with me :-)

These would be so much fun to give to friends and family but alas, I bought all they had in stock or I would have gotten more to play with.

Have a great day!!!

Bunny Card

Here is the project that I did for WAG weekend.  I found this adorable creation over on Dawn's blog.  Click here to take you to the video so you can see just how she did it.

That way, I get out of having to type all the directions AND give credit where credit is due! :-)

I made a lot of these last Easter and just had to share the idea with the girls!!  I know I will probably make some more this year.  I just think she is so dang cute!!!

Have a great day!!!
Char

Window Card

Here is another share from our girl's weekend in mid September.

What an easy and fun card to do!!!  Vicky had everything all cut out, pre Xryoned (is that a word??) and ready to just assemble.  All we had to do was tape on the DP and 'wall' paneling :-)

Love the deer grazing just outside the 'kitchen' window.

Have a great day!!!
Char

Vintage Tag

 This was Kim's project.

1.Distress tag with worn lipstick, fired brick, peeled paint and vintage photo. Next lightly spritz with water & dry with heat gun. Stamp tag with background stamp and jet black ink. Stamp sentiment on banner and distress with vintage photo.

2.Coat blackout modeling film with glue n seal, let dry. Next apply a coat of crackle paint  with some heavier spots and let dry. Die cut butterflies

3.Apply blending solution & metallic inks to felt pad and tap on both sides,   add other alcohol inks if desired.

4.Heat butterflies with heat gun and shape.

5.Distress flourish with vintage photo, Make paper rose. Adhere all embellishments to tag. Tie on ribbon.

I figured it was better to just post the directions than for me to try and remember the steps!!  :-)

Hope you give this a try!!!  

Hugs,

Char

Celebrate the occasion

This was Karen's project.  Looks harder than it actually was.

We layered the bottom two pieces of DP onto the white card.  Then, we cut the White die cut, sponged blue ink all around the outside, stamped the sentiment on the top half....and then put down the strip of DP.....being careful to add the ribbon to the top and tuck it in...and then arranged the two halves on the top and bottom of the strip.

We made little flags out of DP and attached them to toothpicks and adhered them to the ribbon and added a bow to the top!!
Have a great day!!
Char

Post it Note holder

This was Sue's project.  We used two square coasters and stamped a big background stamp on both sides of each coaster.  Then, we stamped an image on white card stock using blue ink, cut it out and adhered it to a black background and then attached that to the front of one of the coasters.

We punched two holes at the top using a Cropodile punch and attached a blue ribbon.

Then, we adhered a pot it note pad inside.

Have a Great day!!!
Char

 This was Nicole's project.  Using the SU Owl punch, she created this thank you card.  Her inspiration for this card came from Dawn'sStampingThoughts.  If you click on that link, it will take you right to the video to show you how easy it is!!

Enjoy your day!!!

Char

Copic Butterflies

This was Lori's project. Using some butterfly stamps, a circle punch and Copics, we created this pretty card.  We stamped and colored the butterflies, added the verse and then punched circles in the card stock.  Then, we attached the black ribbon and adhered that layer to the orange card.

You could also punch out the circles first and then stamp!

I am thinking it would be a cute idea with mice, too :-)  You know, like yellow card stock for the cheese....with mice on the front?  Get it??

I am not too good at Copics but it was fun coloring, just the same.

Hugs,
Char

Two step stamping

Easy, fun and so pretty!!  This card was the project of Rosie.  We did two step stamping, or that is what she called it.   You just lay three different sized pieces of card stock on top of one another.  Then, you stamp the leaves and dots all over.

After you are happy with what you have stamped, then layer your white card stock on top of your coordinating card stock and glue together.

We added three brads on the second layer!!

I will be making more of these in the next few weeks, after I get my stamping room back :-)

Hugs,
Char

Cute candy treat bag

Another fun, quick and cute idea!!!  Candice brought this project.  Just stamp a tag, add some embellishments, ribbon and attach it to a cellophane bag filled with goodies!!!

What a fun treat to give out for Trick or treating or just to give at a birthday party!

The ideas are endless with this one!!

Hugs,
Char

Photo Plaques

Adorable project.  Charlotte brought the square plaques for all of us to paint and decorate using the papers she brought.  Then, she had these little clothespins with cute little bees, flowers, lady bugs and other fun things, on them.  You attach those at the top to hold your photos.

Mine was done using Sunflower paper, although I didn't upload the photo of it.  I added the clothespin with a  little yellow flower on it.  I am going to use mine in my kitchen to hold recipes while I am baking.

There are so many options for this project.  I did buy 12 more wooden plaques so that I could make some for gifts!!  

Have a great day!!!

Char

Halloween Treat Holder

Fun and easy treat holder.  Bridget provided this project. You just score at two different places, add your background paper, punch a circle in the front piece, fold it up and adhere to the back piece.  Then, you add your pencil and sucker and tie it off with a ribbon.

On my holder, I had the option to either add a ghost or a pumpkin and I chose the pumpkin.

This would be a cute idea to give those special kids on your block!!

Hugs,
Char

Bunny Bag

This was a project the project that Tammy brought for us to do. I love how easy and cute it was.

It's basically a brown paper bag and she had us cut out different components for the nose, teeth, feet and ears.  Then, we added googly eyes, twine for the whiskers and buttons for the toes.

I will definitely be making some of these around Easter time.

Have a great day,
Char

What a fun retreat!!!

 We left on Thursday, September 13th to go to my annual retreat in Salem, OR.

We could see the smoke from the Pole Creek Fire ahead of us in Sisters, OR.

 As we were driving through Sisters, the smoke was laying over the town.

 We took a drive through Camp Sherman, which is along the way, to take some photographs.

It was about 40º outside and a tad chilly but I just had to take a few photos of the Metolius River winding through the camp.







We had a great time at the retreat!!  I would post photos but I didn't get a group photo and don't want to post individual photos without permission.  I uploaded all the projects and have them scheduled to start posting, tomorrow.

We had a great weekend with LOTS of laughter, shopping, silly games (to earn prizes) projects and sharing of ideas among one another!!!  Each attendee received a gift bag with fun goodies inside.

But all too soon it came to an end!!  Boy how come the time FLIES when you are having FUN??? We had our traditional farewell breakfast and we were OFF to our own homes!!

This year, we had gals from Montana, Idaho, WA and Oregon.  A few of these gals, including me, have been to every WAG since 2003.  We started out as demonstrators for The Angel Company, but since it closed it's doors in August 2011, we have continued to gather as friends.

On our way home, we stopped along the highway at a campground and had lunch.

 Here is a picture I took of the Breitenbush River before we stopped at the campground.

After we ate, we had to climb down an embankment and over a huge tree that had fallen (easier for my hubby and 17 year old granddaughter) but we found a little sandy area where we could lay on a blanket while he put his line in the water.

The sun was hiding behind the trees.  It was the perfect time of day to lay down and look up at the sky and listen to the river rushing by.

The leaves on some of the trees were just starting to turn!!!  Fall IS on the way!!!

What a great weekend!!!!

Have a great day!

Char

Birthday FUN continues

My youngest Son took me out for a belated birthday gift.  We stopped at a wonderful deli called Pastrami Old World Deli and had their Reuben Tall Boy.  YUM!!!! Stacked HIGH with corned beef and all the usual fixings.  I chose the Cole slaw as the side and it came with pickles and a pickled tomato.  I could only eat half but saved the other half for later that night.

 Then, we drove over to the amphitheater and had a bit of a walk to get to the venue.  We got there about 45 minutes to an hour before the Huey Lewis and the News concert began.  Then, I heard it....the heart beat and KNEW that they were starting with my favorite song of theirs, "The Heart of Rock and Roll".  They started right on time, WHOOHOO!!!  

Here is a photo I took off their website that someone else had posted because mine were all dark and didn't turn out all that well.  

Most of mine came out pretty dark, but then I was using a brand new camera and wasn't used to the settings, yet and of course, it was dark!!  :-)

Had an AWESOME time!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me

 Since yesterday was my birthday, I decided that since I didn't have any cards to post...(except my birthday cards which I will probably post later), I would post the drive hubby took me on.

Here we are on our way to Lake Simtustus in Central Oregon.  It's not too far to drive but it's really windy but not a lot of traffic, which I liked.

I didn't take many shots of the drive there because it's just sort of drab and boring.


Here is the first part of the lake that we took a photo of and we were sort of surprised that this part of the lake looks green....we weren't sure why that is...because as you can see in the next photo...it's blue.  I am sure there IS an explanation, we just don't have one.

 And, here, you can see what I am talking about.  Maybe the sun/shade...???  I have no clue. It's all the same lake.

I didn't take photos of the actual RV camp but it was set on a high hill and some of the RV's were parked at the very edge.  I told hubby that our luck, I would get out in the middle of the night and forget which way I was supposed to go and step over the edge.  Beautiful view, though, on the edge.  Just not for me :-)

Then, we drove on up to Pelton Park Store and Marina/Roxy's Cafe.  We had a yummy burger and no, I was too busy eating it to take a photo.  Dang!!

On down the road, we stopped at Pelton Dam and looked over the edge at the water and I saw some Indian Ponies down by the water.  I put my camera on zoom....otherwise you wouldn't have been able to see them.   They look closer than they actually were.

Then, we drove out to the highway and came on home.   It was a nice day and a nice drive.  I was planning on taking more pictures than I did, but we just were enjoying the scenery and quiet.

Here is the birthday cake my hubby made me, German Chocolate cake with Coconut/Pecan Icing. My favorite!!!

He opted to only put one candle in it, for fear of burning down the house ;-)

Oh, I didn't mention, he bought me a new camera,  (purple) with all kinds of features on it....so I will be learning how to use it in the upcoming weeks and months.


Have a great day!!

Happy 4th, a little late

This was a card we made back in June for the 4th of July.  I fully intended to do just that.....like I said.....I intended.....but I didn't get a chance to make more....so I will save it for maybe next year!!

Such a bright and cheerful card and so patriotic!!  Love the glitter paper from SU.

I think we used a background stamp for the stripes.  Correct me if I am wrong.

I guess I need to start making more cards here at home so I KNOW what I am using. ;-)

One of my favorite patriotic cards!!

Have a fun day!!!
                                                                        Char

Lady bug, lady bug

A fun and cute card.  Simple to make too!!!  Basically all red and black and a little sentiment and you are done!!

I think you can probably figure it out just by looking at it......

Have a great day!!!

Char

Hamburgers anyone??

We did this same card the same day we did the pizza card.  I think this one was my favorite only because I prefer hamburgers over pizza.  Not that I don't like pizza, too.

We layered different pieces of punched elements to create the hamburger.

I just love how it looks like it's sitting on a picnic table.

I'll probably send this to someone but not before I get the directions to the elements.

I keep planning on writing down the directions when I am doing the class but it's so fast and furious and I am yakking too much to take time to write down anything.

Have a great day!!!!!
                                                                       Char

Angry Bird Card

 Now THIS was a fun card!!!  But, alas, I don't remember just exactly how we did it.

I'll have to ask my class demonstrator next month.

But, it made me smile!!!  I love making character cards and animal punched cards.

Oh and by the way, I took a cute critter punch class a couple of weekends ago and will have some of those to show you in the weeks ahead...when I get them finished :-)

I goobered up by his nose.....so can't send it off to anyone so I have to get the directions to make some more of these.

Have a great day,
Char

Happy Birthday

I feel this could be used as a masculine or feminine birthday card.  I loved the yellow and blue combination.

This is a very simple card to make and you could try different color combinations.

Love the chevron embossing folder!

Have a day!!!  :-)

Hugs,
Char

Happy Retirement

This card was supposed to go to a friend that retired from her job at school!!  I thought I had sent it and now I feel so badly that I found it still sitting on my desk in the craft room.

I still plan on sending it to her...maybe it will be even more of a surprise if she gets it now that school has started again??

This was a bright, cheerful card....we used a sponging technique to make the sunbursts.  I wasn't all that good at it as you can tell...LOL

Oh well, the thought was there when I was making it.

I know so many are so good at creating and sending cards out in a timely fashion but things just always seem to get in my way........and I know that is just an excuse.

Anyway, hopefully she doesn't check my blog out but if she does and she knows who she is....please tell me to send you that DANG CARD!!!! :-)

Hugs,
Char

Cute Strawberry Card

Isn't this just the cutest card??  It's been so long, now, that I can't even remember how we made it.  But, I think we used a red heart and embossed it and then topped it with Boho blossoms and leaves?

Anyway, it's so cute in person!!!  I wanted to recreate some of these, after the class,  but I got carried away with just enjoying summer and never got around to stamping any more of them.  Heck, I haven't stamped all summer except when I went to class.

It never ceases to amaze me just how simple and fun a card can be to make.  Just a few little embellishments and a stamp and you are done!!

Hope you have a great day!!!

Hugs,
Char

Happy Birthday, AGAIN to my dear hubby

What a gorgeous display!!!

Happy birthday, to my dear hubby!!!

Ok, I thought I was being clever and sending him his card via my blog before he got the actual card.  BUT,  I gooooofed!!!   He is 68 today, not 67!   He caught that and I didn't.

He is two years older than me and since my birthday is not till next week, I just added two years to my current age.  DUH!!!

Here is a gorgeous display of God's wondrous sky art.  My Granddaughter and I were at Bi Mart, last night, and as I was coming out of the store, this is the sight I saw.  She was sitting in the car and noticed it and jumped out and she started taking pictures and I got my phone out and started taking pictures and  we kept walking to different parts of the parking lot to get a better view.  People were looking at us like we were idiots.  But, I didn't see ONE person actually look up to see what we were taking pictures of.  Didn't they even notice this glorious display?

That is one thing my Granddaughter and I share....the love of taking pictures and we will stop along side the road and jump out just to take a picture of something that moves us.

We live in the great state of Oregon where the mountains are plentiful.  I NEVER get tired of taking photos of Mt Hood or of the other mountains that surround us.

We are going to take a day and just go around taking photos of different things.  Next up is a trip to WAG (an annual stamping get together...our 8th year) over in Salem, OR and along the way we will be taking photos of different things we see.

Then, comes a FALL trip to take photos of the changing of the leaves.  Can't WAIT!!!

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!!

Hugs,
Char

Happy Birthday to my Dear Husband

Not sure if this is the card I will actually give him today, but since he likes pizza, I thought it was an appropriate one to share, today.

My hubby turns 67 today and he is still my favorite!! :-)

He has asked for hamburger cheese patties for dinner (two patties with a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle and then pinched all around and fried in a pan and then add tomato sauce) It was a dish my Mom created years ago and he just loves it!

Go figure....but hey, it's easy and he loves it....so that's what he's getting.  He also wants a berry pie for dessert.  He's not a cake person....so I'll see if I can find some berries in season or else....off to Costco I go :-)

This was such a fun card to make.....and it could be used for a teenager or just about anyone!!  It could even be made into a pizza party invite!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Hugs,
Char

So many candles, so little cake

This card could be used for a birthday card that is close to the 4th of July or it could be a 4th of July card by just changing the sentiment.

Fun, fun and EASY card...but it just is so colorful.  I really liked it.

This was another of our class cards we made a month or so ago.

I thought when TAC closed it's doors a year ago, this month, that I would miss having workshops and selling stamps and accessories.  Yes, I do miss it to some degree but I have found that it is SO FREEING to just stamp for the fun of it again and use whatever I wanted.  HOW FUN!!!!

Have a great day!!!!

Hugs,
Char

You're Amazing

What a fun card.  It is bright and just FUN!!  It reminds me of a circus!

We made this card in a SU card class a month or so ago.  I am just now getting around to sharing.

All papers and stamps are from SU.

Stay tuned, I'll have another share, tomorrow.

Hope you are enjoying the end of summer and getting ready for FALL...my favorite season of all!


Hugs,
Char

The secret of life is enjoying

I love this saying and I loved the technique on this card.

We cut pieces in a kind of long pie wedge shape.  Then, we layered them on the card one going one way and another going another way, all across the card.

Adding a little bling just kind of put that final little touch to the card.

All the papers and stamps used are SU.

I have more class cards to share and will be sharing them over the next few days.  I missed class this month but will have a lot to share next month after my yearly get together with a bunch of 'former' Angels from The Angel Company.  AND, I will have class again in September.

Have a great day!!

Char

Special Fold

Here is a card we made at stamp class a couple of months ago.  I thought this was a fun card and it really isn't as hard as it may look.

It is an unusual looking card yet fits into a regular card envie.

You can use any theme and any color.  I might just  make some more of these when I get back to stamping on my own  :-)

Messed up

So much for trying to get a bunch of posts scheduled ahead of time.  I messed up and forgot to click on September and they posted when they weren't supposed to post.....sigh

Oh well....looks like you got a bunch all on one day!!

Hugs,
Char

Been busy baking

I decided it was time to use up the last of the rhubarb.  So, on Saturday I baked (2) 9x13 rhubarb cakes and 5 rhubarb pies.

Sunday I made dog treats for our dog, Annie and my Grand dog, Raider.  The love their 'cookies'.  I break them up and put them into sandwich baggies and keep them either in the refrigerator or the freezer.  You should see their eyes when I get ready to give them one, they are like psycho eyes.  Too funny!!

Soon it will be fall and I will be doing a lot more baking!!   Haven't been making any cards or doing any crafting lately, it's just been too hot.

Next post will be a card, I promise :-)

Hugs,
Char