Happy V-Day!

After updating my post from yesterday, I had a little time to create.  I hate to say it, but a couple of these took five minutes or less to create!  How awesome is that?

Day 9 -

Another card for the coffee lover in your life!  Seriously, this one takes about 2 minutes to create...and that includes the cutting and stamping.  Love it!

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut card base from Kraft cardstock (3 x 8 inches; score at 4 inches).  I used the Crop-A-Dile corner chomper in 1/2 inch on the bottom corners.  (Sidebar: This tool is AWESOME.  It "chomps" through many layers of paper and is easy to use. You can buy it here.)  Stamp the double mug image and the sentiment from "The Perfect Blend" in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Stamp the array from hearts images from "Silver Lining" set in Cherry ink.  Add black/white dot washi tape from the Tuxedo assortment on left border.

 

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Day 10 -

 

I was laying in bed the other night thinking about designs for this Valentine a Day challenge.  Suddenly, I remembered I had a set with animal print with some pretty cute sayings that would work out perfectly!  Plus, I've never cracked open the box.  I'm ashamed...ok, not really.  I buy lots of stuff that takes me FOREVER to use.  Anyway, I thought this one would be fun for the man in your life.  Not so frilly.  Not pink.  Rawr.

 

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut card base from Orange Pinstripe cardstock (5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; score at 4 1/4 inches.)  Cut Onyx Chevron cardstock for bottom border on card front (1 x 5 1/2 inches).  Stamp animal print from "Go Wild" set using Versamark ink on Orange cardstock.  Immediately heat emboss using Onyx embossing powder.  Use punch or die to cut out circle (2 1/2 inch diameter).  Cut block for sentiment from Onyx cardstock (1 1/4 x 3 inches; round corners using 1/2 inch rounder).  Stamp sentiment (from same set) using Versamark ink.  Immediately heat emboss using White embossing powder.  Cut approximately one yard of Orange baker's cording.  Wrap around card twice and knot in front, trimming excess.



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Day 11 -

 

Gotta give credit where it's due...Sherry Czarnecki - you did a fabulous job on your "Sweet on You" card.  So fabulous that I wanted to make one similar but with my own flair.  I love this one because it's got a teen vibe to it.  You could even do it in other colors and add stars or other shapes to make it a totally awesome birthday card.  Again, this one took me virtually no time at all.  Gotta love that!

 

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut base from Sugar cardstock (4 7/8 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches).  Stamp circle pattern from "Rock Star" set in Berry ink.  (Don't forget to stamp randomly and turn your stamp this way and that to create a haphazard pattern.  Also, run off the edges when you stamp...just make sure you've got scraps underneath.  I love these 11x17 grid paper sheets for covering my work surface.  Buy them online.)  Add starburst heart shape from "Love is in the Air" set using Blush ink; randomly stamp around and inside circle pattern.  Stamp sentiment from "Sending My Love" set using Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the bottom right corner.  Stamp saying again on scrap piece of Sugar cardstock.  Then, stamp circle pattern again in Berry ink over the top.  Hand-cut heart from scrap and use a pop-up dot to raise it above the empty heart on the card front.

 

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As always, thanks for stopping!  Don't forget...a lot of these sets are STILL on sale, but only through tonight at 11:59 pm!  25% off is a great deal!  Here's a complete list of the sets on sale...

 

 

Shop my site at https://www.amusestudio.com/lauraleland.

And have a happy and safe Valentine's Day!



A Few Quickies!

Hiya folks!  I had a few spare moments today and was feeling better so I whipped up a few more Valentines.  I only did singles of these guys, but figured I could recreate them pretty fast for duplicates if I needed to.  Here's days 6, 7, and 8.  We'll see if I have time tomorrow to crank out a bunch so that I can finish my challenge.  If not, look for more ideas this weekend...sorry, you'll have to use them NEXT Valentine's Day!

***EDITED***

Day 6 -

I love the cartoon quality of this one!  So adorable and yummy looking too!

Supplies and Instructions:
Cut card base from Sky cardstock (3 1/2 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches). Cut layer from Cherry cardstock (3 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches).  Cut layer from Grapefruit Chevron cardstock (3 x 3 inches).  Cut circle using punch or Spellbinders Nestabilities using 3 inch circle.  Cut in half and adhere to card as shown. Cut Sugar cardstock for sentiment (1/2 x 3 inches).  Stamp sentiment from "Sweet Love" set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Use scrap of Sugar cardstock and stamp sundae image from "Sweet Love" set in Memento Black.  I used various grays, brown, pink, red, and green copics to color in the image.  I also outlined the entire image in the Cool Shadow copic.  Apply Le Pouf to whipped cream and heat with embossing gun until puffy.  (Note: Don't get your gun too close to the paper or you'll burn it!).  Fussy cut around image once dry and adhere to card using pop-up dots.

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Day 7 -

 

 

Another fun, pun-y card!  And you get to color with copics again.  Nothing fancy...more like old-school coloring book work.  This would one be perfect as the tag on a bag of gumballs for school giveaways!

 



Supplies and Instructions:
Cut card base from Cherry cardstock (3 x 6 inches; score at 3 inches).  Cut layer from Bubblegum cardstock (2 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches).  Cut layer from Cherry Chevron cardstock (2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches).  Punch or diecut circle from Sugar cardstock; diameter should be around 1 3/4 inches.  Near the bottom of the circle, stamp sentiment from "Sweet Love" set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Using a scrap of Sugar cardstock, stamp bubblegum machine image from same set in Memento ink.  Color in image using various pink and red copic markers.  I also outlined the image and shaded in the empty space in the machine with the Cool Shadow copic marker. Are you familiar with using the Colorless Blender to repel ink?  I did that to ensure some of the gumballs stayed white.  Once dry, fussy cut the machine and use pop-up dots to adhere to card front.

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Day 8 -

 



This one was Pinterest inspired...

 

Yeah, they're all pretty cute, huh?  But when I saw that one with candles, I thought that I could use my handy-dandy party straws and the card might actually be somewhat flat.  Plus, paper straws are a heck of a lot easier (no messy glue gun required) to attach to a card front!

 

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut card base from Sugar Cardstock (4 7/8 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches).  Cut card layer from Cherry cardstock (3 1/4 x 4 3/4 inches.  Cut Cherry dot layer (3 x 4 3/8 inches).  Cut Sugar cardstock (3 x 3 1/4 inches); you'll use this piece to stamp on.  Take one Onyx party straw and cut in quarters.  Flatten using your hand or a bone folder - you still want a little dimension, so don't crush it to death!  Adhere flattened straws to middle of Sugar cardstock.  Using Cherry ink, stamp heart from "At First Sight" set as a "flame" to each "candle"  Finally, stamp sentiment from "Sending My Love" set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Cut approximately 1 yard of Cherry baker's twine and wrap around Sugar piece, tying in a bow around the front.  Trim excess.  Attach Sugar piece to card front.



  

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So...as promised, those are better pictures and the instructions.  I hope to whip out a few more cards today before my Valentine festivities begin!

Sorry....

Ok, I had planned to post a Valentine a Day (hence the project name).  Unfortunately life has gotten in the way and if you've been trying to follow me you've probably been pretty disappointed.  Sorry about that.  I am finally feeling better and depending what tomorrow brings, I may just get around to posting some more ideas.  In the meantime, I invite you to check out the A Muse Studio blog...  They have been posting some cute, quick, and fun ideas for the upcoming Love Day.  Hope to be back tomorrow and thanks for stopping!

Playing Catch-up - Days 3, 4 & 5

So sorry for my hiatus this week.  I wasn't feeling the best early in the week...then I was busy...then I just, well - life happened.  But I'm back.  And the good news is that you'll get bombarded with several cards all in one day.  Yay!

Day 3 -

I love the colors in this first one.  Quite spring-y!  This one would be easy to replicate for weddings (using the Bride's colors), anniversaries, or whatever.  Hearts are always great!  Just change the sentiment for an adorable dimensional card.

Supplies and Instructions:
Cut card base from Sky cardstock (4 7/8 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches).  To create patterned hearts, use medium Heart diecut and cut from stamped cardstock and various printed cardstocks.  I used the "Mod Backgrounds 1" and "Mod Backgrounds 2" in Cherry ink, Mermaid ink, and Buttercup ink - all stamped on Sugar cardstock.  In addition, I cut hearts in Bermuda Polka Dot cardstock, Cherry Chevron cardstock and Lemon Whip (plain) cardstock.  Once cut, layer two hearts and staple near center.  Do this to create three dimensional hearts.  Glue to front of card, centered.  To create more dimension, pull up sides once adhered.  Finally, stamp sentiment from "Tweet Heart" set in Memento Tuxedo Black.  Add red heart from Twinkle Hearts assortment to center of heart in sentiment.

 

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Day 4 -

I can't take credit for this one.  I saw it last year in the A Muse Studio gallery and thought it was completely adorable.  It is also super duper quick to whip up!  I did add one minor awesome touch...google eyes!

Supplies and Instructions:
Cut card base from Cherry cardstock (3 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches).  Cut block for front of card from Sugar cardstock (2 3/4 inches x 3 inches).  Pick a monster from "Monster Bash" set and stamp near top in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Stamp sentiment from same set in Black ink as well.  Stamp heart from "Sweet Love" set in Cherry ink so that it overlaps sentiment.  Add google eyes (purchased at craft store) to stamped monster image.

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Day 5 -

If you're like me, you HOARD washi tape.  It's so cute.  It comes in rolls.  It's sticky.  It comes in all colors in patterns.  You have to have every single one you see!  Am I right?!  Well...now you actually use some!  These particular washi tapes are A Muse Studio exclusives.  I absolutely adore this card because it's fast, sophisticated, and easy-peasy to make.

Supplies and Instructions:
Cut card base from Sugar Cardstock  (3 x 8 1/2 inches; score at 4 1/4 inches).  Select washi tapes of your choice.  I used the following: red from "Holiday Assortment", black damask from "Tuxedo Assortment", and pink stripe from "Valentine Assortment".  Start with longest, bottom piece.  Take an approximate 4 1/2 inch piece and tear edge.  If some hangs off right side of card, that's a-ok!  Just trim with scissors!  Place near bottom of card, leaving a small white border.  Next, stamp sentiment.  I used the "At First Sight" set and Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Following the same steps, adhere two more washi tape strips to card, overlapping top strip with middle one.  I added two small bling stickers from Clear Dots twinkle stickers set to right and one to left.  I love a little sparkle!  Finally, take a yard long piece of Blush baker's cording.  Starting at front of card, wrap around back and then to the front again.  Knot in place and then form a bow (just like tying your shoelace!).  Trim excess cording. 

 

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I hope to catch up my Valentine a Day by tomorrow so look for some more cards soon!  Thanks for stopping and have a fabulous Saturday!

Valentine a Day - Day 2 Mini Envelope card

I'm back with Project #2 of this little series.  Yay!  I just received the mini envelope die (on sale now for 25% off!) and I had to use it on a card.  I found a little Pinspiration and created this Bar 4 size creation.

 

I have to say that I think it turned out pretty nicely!  This one took me a little longer...about 35 minutes for all three copies, but that's mostly because I had to die-cut 2 medium hearts and an envelope for each card.  Plus, tying those bows can be a little tricky! :-)

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut card base from Vanilla cardstock (4 7/8 x 7 inches; score at 3 1/2 inches).  Next, cut envelope using A Muse Studio die from Kraft cardstock; score marks also appear once cut.  Fold and glue envelope as shown.  Cut two medium hearts using A Muse Studio heart die from Cherry Cardstock.  Place one heart mostly inside envelope and adhere.  Place other heart "escaping" envelope and pop up using foam dots.  Stamp valentine postmark from "Love is in the Air" set in Wheat signature ink.  I randomly stamped to create a background pattern...don't forget to run off edges!  Adhere envelope/hearts to card front in bottom right corner.  Stamp three mini hearts from "Tweet Heart" set in Cherry signature ink.  Cut strip of Vanilla cardstock 2 1/2 x 3/4 inch.  Stamp sentiment from "Sending My Love" set in Memento black.  Cut banner edges and adhere on top of envelope, centering.  Finally, cut a yard or so of Onyx Baker's Twine and wrap around card, knotting in front.  Tie small bow and trim edges to size.  Your adorable card is complete and ready to mail!

 

Don't forget!  If there's a style of card or A Muse product you'd like me to showcase during the Valentine a Day project, email me and I'll do my best.  Happy Sunday Funday to everyone and thanks for visiting!

Valentine a Day Project

I'm not usually a huge fan of Valentine's Day.  At least not the grown-up, romantic, reservations at a fancy restaurant, chocolate and flowers version.  I am, however, pretty keen on the candy hearts and cute sayings, elementary school version.  Remember when you got an adorable little card from all of your classmates in a homemade mailbox?  So much fun!  In the spirit of that version of the holiday, I've created my very first "project" for the blog.  It's called Valentine a Day.  Every day until the 14th I'll post a new valentine project.  How neat is that?  And if you have questions about the techniques or products I use (all will feature A Muse Studio), be sure to drop me a message.  And remember,  you can shop online at my A Muse Studio online store 24/7!

Today's project is for the coffee lover in your life.  This one is perfect for a best friend or a significant other.  I totally connected with this design because I cannot survive without a cup of java every day.

 

It took me virtually 15 minutes to put together three copies of this cute card.  How simple!  The design was a take-off on a card featured in the Valentine Inspiration Guide now available online.  Want a print copy?  Email me your address and I'll drop one in the mail for you!

 

Supplies and Instructions:

Cut card base from Grapefruit Chevron Cardstock (3x6 inches; scored at 3 inches).  Next cut tag from Seattle Pinstripe Cardstock using Classic tag die.  A Muse Studio dies will cut on most machines, but I used the Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine.  To disguise the hole on the tag, cut a strip of Shell Cardstock.  I cut a strip 1/4 inch wide and placed on tag then cut edges to match tag.  Stamp coffee cup from "The Perfect Blend" set using Versamark ink onto Grapefruit Cardstock.  Heat emboss the image using Sugar (white) Embossing powder, then fuzzy cut once cooled off.  Cut small heart diecut from Shell Cardstock using die and machine.  Adhere cup and heart to bottom of tag and then stamp sentiment (also from "The Perfect Blend" set) in Memento Tuxedo Black near center of tag.  Adhere tag to card.  Done!

 

I'd love your feedback on styles/types of cards you'd like to see during this Valentine Challenge, so please leave comments.  Thanks for looking!  Have a fantastic weekend!