Oh man, I’m sorry it’s been so long since I posted! I’ve been sick, along with the rest of my family (but we’re all better now), then BUSY last week! But I have 3 projects to show you today, so hopefully that’ll help make up for it. I have other projects to show you, too – I just have to photograph them – so they’ll be coming up in the near future.
Ok, first up – I’m calling this one my ikebana card. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. When my husband and I lived in Japan I wanted to take a class so badly. I still regret not doing it. This card just looks like ikebana to me. Since Stampin’ Up! announced that the ornament punch, along with a bunch of other items in the 2009 Holiday Mini catalog, are still available for purchase, and will be featured in the next Idea Book & Catalog, I thought it appropriate that we do a card using it. I saw fellow demonstrator, Stephanie Rodgers’ card on Stampin’ Connection. I believe only current SU! Demonstrators will be able to follow the link to her card, and if that’s they case, I’m sorry. Anyway, I inked up the flowers with my Melon Mambo marker, and the branch with my Soft Suede marker. I also used the color spritzer tool to add more texture. The vase is made by first applying Frost White shimmer paint (also still available to purchase, and will be in the next catalog) with a sponge dauber to the swirl stamp from the Priceless stamp set and stamped it onto a piece of Soft Suede card stock. Then I punched it out with the ornament punch and cut off a tiny bit of the point to make the bottom of the vase. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop it off the paper a bit. The rest of the card is pretty self-explanatory, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Card measures 4″ x 6″.
Then we made this cute Explosion Box, which you can find the step-by-step directions for here. I used a 7 1/2″ square piece of Soft Suede cs, and stamped my flowers from Fifth Avenue Floral also in Soft Suede. Score at 2 1/2″ on each side, and then score each of the 4 corners diagonally from the outside corner in towards the middle square. The box lies flat when opened, and you can put a sentiment inside, as well as a small gift. My sentiment card is not attached, so a personal note can be written and removed. For the lid, please note my measurements, as they differ slightly from the original. In order to get the scallop along the edge, I knew I’d have to add 1/4″ on each side, so my patterned paper piece is 4 3/4″ square, rather than 4 1/4″. I scalloped the edges, then when figuring out where to score, I still used the 7/8″ mark and scored each edge at 7/8″, but I didn’t start measuring at the edge of the scallop, but rather the horizontal line where the scallop begins – as if you were to cut off the scallop – that line. You don’t need to worry about the corners because you will be cutting a bit off anyway to tuck inside the lid to glue (original instructions call it the “glue tab”.
That satin ribbon is just so yummy! I love it. And I love the heart and damask (on the inside card) from the Framed w/ Love set! The full heart punch fits it perfectly. The size of the box is 2 1/2″ all the way around.
When I saw Patty Bennett’s birdhouse, I knew it was going to be in my lineup for stamp club! It’s just perfect the way it is – colors, everything. Well, I did change one little thing. I added texture to my roof using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate. And I normally don’t mention cost here, but for $3.95 – what a value! And did you know it’s 2-sided? Have you seen other texture plates out there that are WAY more than that? I know I have. Just sayin’.
When you assemble the milk carton die, I find the Tombo glue works wonderfully. I stapled the top to hold it together, and it’s hidden by your cute, textured roof.
To make the nesting material, just cut some ultra thin strips of Kraft card stock and then bunch them up in your hand and stick them in the hole. Looks like the real deal. Make quick work out of it by using the Tabletop Paper Cutter that SU! sells on page 191 in the Idea Book & Catalog. You can make the thinnest cuts with this thing, or use it as you regularly do and it cuts like a dream.
Well guys, that wraps it up for today. I appreciate you. I’m so happy you come along and visit, and sometimes say, “hi!”. I hope you have a fantastic weekend. I look forward to my son’s gymnastics meet on Sunday!
{ikebana ingredients}
Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Priceless & Of the Earth
Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, & Soft Suede cs, Regal Rose from Patterns Pack II (retired Hostess item)
Ink: Soft Suede ink, Melon Mambo & Soft Suede markers
Accessories: Frost White shimmer paint, ornament punch, scallop trim border punch (free w/ $50 order), & corner rounder punch, Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon, stampin’ dimensionals
{Explosion Box ingredients}
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Simply Thanks, Framed w/ Love, Whimsical Words (free w/ $50 order)
Paper: Soft Suede & Very Vanilla cs, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: Soft Suede & Regal Rose
Accessories: Paper cutting using scoring blade, Very Vanilla satin ribbon, full heart punch, scallop trim border punch (free w/ $50 order), linen thread
{birdhouse ingredients}
Paper: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Bashful Blue & Kraft card stock
Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive & Bashful Blue (for sponging)
Accessories: Mini Milk Carton Bigz die, Perfect Details texturz plate & Big Shot by Sizzix, xl 2-step bird punch, 1 3/8″ circle punch, sponge, tabletop paper cutter
To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE
How cute are these?! Gotta love that bird and branch. Glad you and the fam are doing better…missed ya!
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Great projects — love them all
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Hey Jackie, great projects! I love the little birdhouse, it’s so cute! you’re amazing Jackie!
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GOSH I wish you lived closer!!!! You make some awesome stuff.
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I love these projects.
I am glad you are feeling better.
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So sorry you’ve been sick, Jackie…and I’m glad you’re feeling better! I LOVE all of your gorgeous projects!! I especially love your bird house!! Fabulous eye candy here!!
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Gorgeous projects Jackie!!! Hope you feel better soon!
lisa a.
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Oh gosh, your projects are adorable! I love LOVE that birdhouse! Super cute and I’m glad you’re feeling better. 🙂
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Jackie, I’m sorry to hear that you were sick but glad that you feel better!
All your projects are so clever! I wish I could be a member of your club 🙂
CC
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Awww… love these projects!!
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Love all of these!!! I *need* that bird punch!!
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Your ikebana is very pretty! And Jackie….I didn’t forget, just haven’t had the time but….the sakura blossoms are in bloom here in Hawaii! I need to stop and take a picture for you to see. Hopefully this weekend. Have a good one!
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