Picture Frame & Shadow Box cards

I thought I'd show you a class that I'm doing at the Whitman Community Center on May 16th.  I had more fun putting these cards together and knew I had to share them with my students.  While I DO tend to get intricate, these cards are incredibly easy to construct.  So without further ado, here's the first one.  I actually learned this particular technique from Shari Carroll of Hero Arts.  A really fun and quick card to make.

Of course, I put my own little spin on it.  But the premise remains the same.  Talk about quick cards to make!

This next card took on a life form of it's own.  You know, one of those things that you keep adding to and it gets better and better the more junk you throw on it?  By junk, I mean Mudd Puddles.  They are quite the rage and have their place in card making (as in F-U-N!)  I also used Glitter Ritz for the background.  BUT, the main focus is the frame that surrounds this entire diorama, if you will.  Super easy to make and construct.  While, not a flat card (you'll have to mail it in a special box), it is a standout for any recipient.

So, if you live in my area and want to take this class, go to KD Crafty Concepts to sign up!

Ciao for now and happy stamping!

Ciao Bella!

Elegant distress???

When we think of distress inks, we think muted colors, lots of browns and an overall shabby look.  Since distressing is not my forte, but I absolutely LOVE Distress Inks and how they work together, I thought I'd try what I do best -- keep it out of the shabby chic area.  And this is what I came up with.  I'm planning on doing this technique at our next Cape Cod event.  So, if you're in the area and want to attend, be sure to contact The Crop Shop and sign up.  The announcement should go in their newsletter later this week.

As you can see, I decided to use the same colors, but by using different stamps and the ever-present dies (my life would not be complete without a Memory Box die), it gives you an idea of how you can use the same colors and present two varying looks.

I also got the chance to use my new Distress Markers -- oh what fun!  That butterfly on the card on the left was done using these new markers.  I am so looking forward to playing with them more and more!  Another new item I used is Goosebumps on the Dragonfly, but I jazzed it up some more by adding Glitter Ritz.  Am just loving these two products combined!

Well, if you'd like to learn these techniques, be sure and check with The Crop Shop, or if all else fails, feel free to email me and I'll give you the information.

Ciao for now!

Ciao Bella!

Crafting on the Cape...

Well, strange things do happen all the time, and the strangest is that we did hold the Crafting on the Cape after all.  We had a lot of late sign-ups, so we moved forward with it.  Here are a few pics of some of our crafters and venue.

Here's Dee, Chris and Nancy setting the store up.  Hey, I was busy taking pictures!  It's kind of hard to take pictures and set up stock at the same time.  They do good work!

You can see some of the croppers in the background and what a great venue it is.  It's so full of light with windows all around us.  They even have a full restaurant on site which was wonderful and the food was superb!  A very pleasant place to be.

Here's Chris teaching the Zutter class.  All in all, paper crafters went home with 8 projects!  They had a blast and promised to come back next month with more friends.  Now that's what we want to hear!

So if you are reading this and know of any ladies down the Cape dying to resume their card making and paper crafting classes, tell them about our event.  Next one is May 6th and then we break for the summer from June thru August.  We will resume again on September 8th (the weekend AFTER Labor Day) and then back to the first Sunday of every month.  Our plan for May is to have a National Scrapbook Day event along with the paper crafting.  We'll have a minimum of 4 teachers on hand with lots of fun projects to do.

Keep crafting and Ciao for now!

Ciao Bella!