Inspire Me

Nlie's Multi Frame Dies

I recently have started carrying the Nellie's dies in the shop and they are amazing! I love how the cut and I LOVE the price! Just $12.00 for most of them! You can see them all at Nellie's.

I am happy to ship them - just click on Email me (located at the left of my blog) and type Nellie's in the subject box or feel free to e-mail me at ironic at(Insert at sign) megalink dot (insert a .) net

 

These are just a few of their dies. I always have a good supply in the shop and if by chance I don't have the exact one you are looking for I will order them and have them within the week.

Card Kits & a Fundraiser

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a long time since I've published anything but believe me I have been plenty busy with the shop and classes! Not to mention the new dog and kids summer camp programs, whew!

However, I wanted to let you know about something that the shop is doing. Over the years I have participated in many non-profit events, March of Dimes, Lyme Disease Awareness, ALS, MS, Brain Tumor foundation, and many local school programs to name a few. But lately as much as I believe in all of those organizations I have had a need to step away from the human side of the story and take a small break. But I didn't want to totally step away from volunteering and fundraising. So next Saturday, July 9th, 2011 I am hosting the Open Gates Equine Rescue Center here at the shop.

Heres how it all works:

Simply make a $10 donation to Open Gates and you can have your choice of 1 of 4 amazing card kits. Each kit has everything you need to make 4 gorgeous cards, just take a look:

  Kit # 1  - 4 Masculine Cards

 

 

 

 

 

Kit # 2 = Tulips and Butterflies

 Kit # 3 = Soft Images

Kit # 4 = Wildflowers

So Join us Saturday, July 9th for a super fun day, Make some cards and meet Belle from the center. Have a picnic on the back lawn and just enjoy an awesome summer day all while working to save the horses.

 

Meet Belle:

Bonny Bay Belle “Belle”

Belle, a Welsh Cob pony, arrived at Open Gates on a sub-zero February night in 2007 from an auction in Kalona, Iowa, after having made a brief stop at a rescue in Pennsylvania. Belle arrived with nothing but a harsh nylon stock halter and a number glued to her back. No name, no age (although estimated age is 12), no health information and no background. It was evident from the start that this pony had never known the warmth of human companionship.

With much attention and affection from volunteers at Open Gates, Belle now seeks out human contact from anyone who will offer it. She loves to be petted and particularly enjoys our youngest visitors. Belle is available for adoption.

A big thank you from all of us at Open Gates to Susan and Kevin Brennan who are now sponsoring Belle!

And if you can't join us that day but would still like a kit I would be happy to mail one to you. Simply make your check payable to open gates and let me know the kit of your choice. I will get that into the mail within the week!

 

Lapashe Holiday Collection

Okay, let's get all the jokes out of the way. Yes you are feeling the earth shake, lol.

After months of not being able to post I am finally going to post some amazing items! So sit back and grab a cup of coffee because I have a ton of samples to show you just in time for your holiday card & gift making.

I want to introduce you to Lapashe. They have some gorgeous holiday collections. Today I want to introduce you to the Trinitage Collection. These make the most beautiful cards for giving. Here let me show you one that I whipped up:

First you start with this:

Cut out the large photo first (above Season's Greeting's) then the 2nd largest image and finally the 3rd inage (top right corner). They are very simple to cut out, so don't stress. The 3 remaining rectangles form a pyramid when layered and pop dotted on top of each other.

You can choose to make the pyramid and the trinitage separate cards but I combined all of the pieces like so: 

This is the front of the card using the pyramid. Simply place foam dots behind the 2 smaller pieces and layer them on top of the larger rectangle. Then mount to your cardstock. Of course I had to add some blingage in the form of Stickles.

Here is the inside and side view of the inside: This is where the remaining three larger pieces come into play.

 

And here is a side view of how the card is put together so that it becomes three dimensional and gives the appearance that you're looking down a road at this cozy little cottage in the woods.

 

To make the card I simply cut a card base that was 5 1/2 x 11 and scored that in half to form my card. I added patterned paper to the top and matted my pyramid design for the front. To the inside you will want a piece of Patterned paper for the inside of the cover. The base piece is optional. Next you need to form your tubes that give it the 3-d appearance. Simply cut 2 pieces of paper 5 x 5 and score these at 1, 2, 3, & 4. Fold these into your tubes and adhere. Next add your largest of the three images to the inside of the cover. Then adhere the middle piece to a tube. Adhere that tub to the back and bottom of the inside of your card. repeat with the smaller image for the 2nd tube. Add your sentiment and embellish as desired!

I promise you that this is truly a 10 minute card with amazing results! Plus get this, they are only $1.25 for each sheet. And this is the exciting part (well exciting for me) The only place to get them in the USA is here at Inspired Designs. How cool is that?! However, if you don't live in Maine and you still want to get your hands on these goodies just drop me an e-mail and i will be happy to mail them to you.

To see all of the available designs just go to www.lapashe.com Trinitage collection. While you're there you might want to take a look at their other amazing items. I carry most of them here in the store and if I don't have it on hand I can typically get what you want in 3 to 5 days.

Be sure to check back in the next few days - I will be posting more Lapashe goodies!

Spellbinders Pendant Dies SALE

Have you seen the new Spellbinder dies that are coming out? They are awesome! I will be posting those new dies in a few more days but in order to make room for those dies I'm going to mark down the pendant and border dies that are in-stock. So tell all your friends cause this is an amazing sale!

 

All in-stock pendant and border dies are $20/each.

As of this posting I have:

In Spades pendant - 2 & Border - 1

Renaissance Hearts pendant - 2 & border - 2

Eyelets Pendant - 3 & border - 2

Lattice Pendant - 2 & border - 2

Kaleidescope Pendant - 2 & border - 3

Tulips Pendant - 2 & Border - 2

Contemporary hearts Border (only) - 3

Fleur De Leis border (only) - 3

Also on sale:

Cupcake die - 1

Poinsettia Framabilities - 3

Just drop me an e-mail and we will make arrangements. I accept MC/Visa, Discover, AMEX & Pay-pal.

Check back soon for pictures of all the newest dies coming out!

Open House Event

Hi everyone,

 

Just a quick not to say come on by Inspire Me on Saturday, November 14th 2009 for our Open House. Just take a look at these great Make N Takes:

For all my newsletter customers, print this sheet for your surprise savings Download Inspire Me Open House memo

And onto the projects:

Borderabilities & Pendant Dies

Hi, wanted to let everyone know what has just arrived in the store:

Tulips

Contemporary hearts

Fleur De Lis

  

Eyelets

Renaissance Hearts

Kaleidoscope

In Spades

Lattice

 

 

 

And all my Pendant Dies are only $20 - That's 20% off their original pricing!

 

 

 

If you're interested in these just drop me an e-mail and I will hold them or mail them to you.

Firecracker Designs Inspiration

Lately I have been so inspired by the stamp sets at Firecracker Designs. I especially love all of the scenic/landscape type sets. There are so many and they all work so well together or individually. I hope to bring you more designs using these stamps in the near future. In the meantime I was perusing the gallery (Which is full of amazingly talented people & their designs) I came across this card:

Designed by Julie Warner and called Peaceful Nature. You can see Julie's blog post highlighting the card and her directions for how she achieved this stunning look here.  While you're there be sure to look around - believe me this isn't the only amazing project that she has! Anyhow, I wondered how I might try to re-create this card or basically case it.

In the end here were my results:

 

Let me share with you how I completed mine.

I started with a reverse mask (I cut a 5" circle from the center of a piece of paper, remove the circle and discard. the frame is what becomes your reverse mask). Temporarily adhere that to your cardstock that you will be working on.

I used 6 different inks (Barely banana, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Only Orange & Real Red).

Starting with the lightest color I sponged it on all over my paper, then went to the next lightest color and sponged that color on but not covering the entire circle  - just going to almost the middle. Basically each time you start with a new ink color you sponge it on starting from the outside edge and don't go as far inside as you did with the previous color. Which is what gives you such depth and blending of colors. So continue on until you are at your very darkest color and at that point you are really just sponging around the edge.

Stamp the Joy of nature tree in the center of your card. I also extended the water by re-inking just the waves and stamping again. I stamped in Chocolate Chip Ink.

I then highlighted the body of the tree and other spots with a white gel pen.

My orange border is stamped with the pussy willow stamp from the set and stamped in Pumpkin Pie ink. The edges are rubbed with Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip. My brown cardstock is embossed using a SU texture plate.

Anyhow I put my card out for display in my store, Inspire Me and everyone went nuts (Thanks to Julie's inspiration!) So I decided to have a class and mix up things a little bit. So when class started I said they had to pick different colors then were originally used. I want to share with you the results of that class and the color of inks they used.

This card was completed by Betty miles and she did use the same colors as my original project but stamped her tree in Tempting Turquoise. It was simply stunning! And even though we used the same colors both cards look completely unique.

 

 

 

 

 

This card was completed by Deb Russo and she used:

Bordering Blue - Bashful blue - Brocade blue - ballet blue & elegant eggplant. Her tree is stamped in Night of navy. It's simply stunning and gives the feel of winter approaching. Now I do have to take a moment to pick on Deb, her words are stamped upside down. I placed the stamps on the block and just handed them to her. It was my fault I didn't pay attention when putting them on the block. We were all so busy admiring how the colors turned out that it actually took us a while to notice and then we laughed for a long time. Thanks Deb for being such a good sport!

This is Fran Pickard's card and she used the same colors as Betty & I. She stamped her tree in Night of Navy. Another amazing result! Each one looks so beautiful and yet so different! matted on Dark blue & yellow it was a stunning finished project.

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, but certainly not leastly is tammy's card. I owe her an apology since it appears I had the massive shakes when I took this blurry picture. And you gotta love that I permanently leave the anti shake button in the on position on my camera. And I still got blurry! But I think you can see the beautiful combination of colors. Tammy's card ended up feeling like a Sailor's Delight Sunset. She used, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Apricot Appeal & Taken with Teal. She stamped her tree in Always Artichoke and placed her words to the left of her tree. Way to think out of the box Tammy!

I also want to share with you a new (Or new to me) tool that I have come across that is making applying ink so easy and giving such amazing results. It's the Sponge tool from CTMH, they are called Foam Tools, product # Z1090 and be purchased here.  Applying ink couldn't be any easier or cleaner for that matter. The handles make them so easy to hold and use! In my studio these are a MUST HAVE!

So Julie, I hope we did your original card justice and we can't thank you enough for the inspiration!

As for you Pam; Simply fantastic stamps and we are having a ball here at Inspire Me. The gallery is full of amazing ideas and will keep you busy for days.

So a big thanks to the many talented ladies that took the class, to those that inspired us and to Pam for the awesome stamps!

Digi Stamping for Ethan

Okay, so I know I've been gone from posting for a while and at some point I'll try to catch up but I just had to post this and share with you.

I know first hand what it's like to live with an ill child, to live from one Dr.'s appointment to the next. To travel hours to see that one renowned specialist that you hope will take care of everything and then try to find a way to maintain your lives emotionally & financially. Anyhow, this isn't about me, it's just that I do understand that part.

Earlier this morning, I was perusing other blogs and I came across Lauren Meader's recent post. She is a wonder house to say the least. Well her connection with this family and Ethan, an amazing & adorable little boy, is what brings me to my post. Ethan passed on far to young and this is in tribute to him and his loving family.

 

Melissa from Pink Cat Studiodeveloped this Digi stamp set with all the proceeds from selling this digi file going to the Make a Wish foundation. I have never used a Digi Stamp before and always have been quite reluctant, to be honest. But for Ethan I had to do it. To the left is my result. Just in case your not sure what the background is, it's a wreath made of horse shoes with a red bandanna tied through it. I also found that as a digi image, here. I did painstakingly cut it out before matting it.

Here is what the full digi set looks like:

Seriously! Can you believe how freakin cute those images are? Now you can get some super cute images, and help a worthy cause! Plus since these are Digital Downloads you pay NO SHIPPING, NO STORAGE and you get them INSTANTLY! LOVE IT!

Help us honor the life of Ethan Weiman by purchasing the Weiman Wranglers Digital Stamps. All proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois, per request of the family, in Ethan’s honor! Make A Wish fulfilled Ethan’s wish last year, when they gifted him with his horse Sanador, and a barn! Later, when Sanador passed away, they gave him another horse, named Questions! This organization really helped make Ethan’s dreams come true! It will be nice to be able to honor him, and give back something, to help brighten the day of some other sick child.

So start at lauren's blogand see what she's giving away for purchasing, and being a part of something bigger than all of us, this Digi Set. And while you're there check to see what others have made at Pink Cat Studios and others that have linked on.

Here are the deets to my card:

• Weiman Wranglers Digi stamp set from Pink Cat Studio
• Digital photo of horseshoe wreath, Hoofprints.com

Copic Markers

• Spica Markers
• Lt Blue Bazzill CS
• Red cardstock from the Paper Co.
• White stardream metallic paper from Cut Cardstock
• Hero's have always been cowboys from Carolee's Creations
• Cowboy sign from Jolee's
• Adirondack denim ink for distressing

Here's one more photo of my card cause I really wanted you to see the awesome glimmer to it. I know they're cowboys and they should be tough, but now just didn't seem like the time to be tough and I thought a little sparkle might be just right for the situation. See how the horseshoes shine and her little pants, even the horses hooves do.

My thanks go out to Lauren for being so quick on the draw to do something for this family. And my heart is with the Weiman family as they start their lives over again. All my love to them.

Cheryl

Happy Keester

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Somehow life just gets in the wa - UGH!

I do have tons of projects to share with you and I am trying desperately to get them posted.

But I didn't want this day to go by without wishing you an absolutely wonderful Easter. I hope you get to spend time with your families, watch children hunt for eggs or just relax and enjoy the wonderful day.

Bunny Basket & Template Instructions

Here it is as promised, Bunny Basket #2. First let me share with you the photo that inspired me:

So once again, armed with my Scor-pal, just can't do it without that baby, I set out to make a paper version of these.

This time I wanted to have a bunny that was a light shade as opposed to white, so I chose to use SU Sahara Sand, and here are the results:

It can be made larger or smaller very easily and the collar can be made bigger, it's all so simple.

Here are the basic instructions for the one I came up with:

Supplies:

• 8 1/2" square of Sahara Sand cardstock
• SU Designer Series paper Spring Flowers Pack
• Small piece of SU Pretty in Pink CS (for ears & Cheeks)
• Small piece of SU Pink Pirouette CS (For mouth)
• Black multiliner - Copic
• Black Glossy (eyes)
• Chalk - Pebbles Inc
• SU Cameo Coral Ink
• SU uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
• SU Scallop edge border punch
• 1" circle punch
• 5/8" circle punch
• Paisley Nestabilities - Spellbinders
• Flower Punch (eyes)
• Scor-Pal

To assemble:

1. Place the 8 1/2" square on your Scor-Pal and score at 2 1/2" & 6". Rotate a 1/4 turn and score again at 2 1/2" & 6". You should have 4 intersecting lines. We are making a basic box and many sizes can easily be made from this same process. To see more great basic boxes visit Scor-pal and click on envelopes and boxes.
2. Cut along the score lines on two opposing sides, just up to the first vertical score line.
3. Apply adhesive to the four corners and fold the corners in forming a box. You now have the base of your bunny. NOTE: I did not line my corners up perfectly when gluing so that the sides of my bunny would look a little fat. Nothing cuter than a pudgy bunny, lol
4. To make his collar, cut a 1 1/2" x 12" strip of paper and a 1 1/2" x 3" strip. I cut mine from the yellow argyle patterned paper. Score the long edge at 1" - do this to both pieces. Fold the strip over the top of the box. You now have a decorative collar for your bunny.
5. For the ears cut 2 paisleys (Your choice of size) from the Pretty in Pink CS. Ink the edges with Cameo Coral ink.
6. For the inside of the ears cut 2 more paisleys at least 1 size smaller than the outer ear. I went 2 sizes smaller and cut the inner ears from SU pp.
7. To make the face punch 2 1" circles from Pretty in Pink CS. Rub with chalk and add 5-8 dots on each cheek using a black multi-liner or fine point marker. Slightly overlap and adhere together.
8. Punch a 5/8" circle from Pink Pirouette CS. This becomes the tongue. Adhere under the cheeks.
9. To make the eyes punch 2 flowers from the black glossy paper. Add small white dots using the gel pen. Glue 3 petals of the flower under the cheeks.
10. Now take the entire glued face and add it to your basket. Add three lines for whiskers, if desired.
11. To create the handles cut 2 strips of PP 1' x 12" Punch the scalloped punch down one side of the strip, turn and repeat the punching on the other edge. You will now have a scalloped/lace-like handle. Do the same process to the other strip. Adhere these inside the basket. Here is a photo of the handles from the top of the basket:

Isn't that the cutest way to make a handle? I just love that scallop edge punch. Now I still love my Tonic Punches but on occasion I want a smaller scallop I refer to this punch.

So that's it, my version of another bunny Basket. I'm going to play some more with this and since this one was so much easier to make I may do these for my Son's class at Easter time. I have some time.

I'm playing with another template for a St. Patrick's day box. As soon as I have worked out the kinks I'll be sure to share that with you also.

Stay warm and have a great day!