Inspire Me

Christmas Gifts

Hi everyone, I know it's been a long time - really it seems as though it's just been a few days. Time sure does fly! The reasons/excuses are long so I won't bore you and I'll just get right to the project.

As some of you may know I just love paper folding, Iris folding, tea bag folding, origami, etc. And trying to be ever so creative & thrifty for Christmas this year I came across these wonderful trays at The Christmas Tree Shop (don't ya love that place??) Anyhow they're designed to hold photos but I thought what about doing some iris folding? Well here's what I came up with:

This tray is for the secretary at my son's elementary school. She is just the sweetest lady and spoils my guys rotten with little gifts on an almost daily basis. She lives by herself and I'm sure has more "stuff" than she needs but I thought this would look nice if she just sat it somewhere or better yet even if she used it to carry her hot cocoa or tea. What do you think?

I used a basic square pattern for this tray and paper from Design originals Iris papers book.

So now I'm making 6 more trays. Each of them have different configurations for openings and some I am using more photos and only iris folding one opening. But they're unique and heart felt. I think I may take this back apart and add a few embellishments to the mat itself. I don't know, gotta think about that one.

A friend of mine saw the tray and decided her Aunt would love one also, so here is how hers came out:

 

Beautiful, don't you think? She used the Just Rite pre-inked stampers for the sayings in the center of each of her iris folded rectangles and used cat eye chalk inks to distress the mat. Plus I love the one flower in the center. I can't wait to hear what her Aunt thinks about it!

 

 

 

Well I promise to stick around more regularly and share some more great projects with you that I have been working on. I have tons to share, I just need to find the time to type it all up and photo it.

Be sure to check back this week for some awesome celebration candy. It's that time of year and I just love to give - so it'll be gooooooood! :)

Bling on!

Iris Folded Ornamental Flowers

I'm on a roll, or should I say a fold - ha ha. Held a class today for Iris Folding and I just love to watch people's reactions when they turn their project over and see how beautiful all the swirls and patterns are from just a few scraps of folded paper. Here is my latest creation -

The majority of my paper for this project comes from Cut Cardstock. Their line of metallic papers is to die for! It seems as though lately that almost every project that I post or teach has some of their papers in it. I have used their cardstock weight for a lot of my cards lately but this time I actually used the text weight. I bought the variety pack: it comes with these 5 colors. Plus I already had the Cryogen White and Anthracite (my black center - the Iris). This time I used an oval pattern to start with and chose 5 colors. Patterns will often vary from number of papers to use, depending on the size and ending style you are looking for. There is no right or wrong number of papers to use. After I created my oval I made the flower pot from the copper paper and used some Jolee's flowers that I have had laying around for a while. The flower pot is raised to add more dimension. The pattern paper mat comes from my Pocket Full of Posies paper stack by DCWV. The finished card size is 6x6 and is made from metallic cardstock again from Cut Cardstock. If you can't tell I am just in love with this company's papers.

The Metal Thank you comes from JoAnn's. I'm not sure where the ribbon comes from it was just a small piece that I had.

I hope that you are enjoying some of my paper folding projects. It is a true passion I have and being able to combine it with stamping or scrapping or even some altered projects is just so fulfilling.

Guess what???? The snow is almost gone from my front yard, just a little pile left and I even saw some of my Hosta's popping out. Now that's exciting!

Update of the decaf phase, had a cup of decaf this morning. It was okay but somehow I feel as though something is still missing. I'm drinking water and trying to ignore this feeling - NOT WORKING! I actually am having to laugh at myself, one little cup of coffee a day did this? It has to be mind over matter, but my mind is telling me that this is a big matter! HAHAHAHa

Thanks a Latte Iris Folding

Hi, I'm back with another Iris Folding card. This one I created just for my Doctor, He just told me I had to cut out the caffeine. I think he's trying to kill me - ha ha. So this card is a tongue-in-cheek dedication to him. And there may be more of these caffeinated cards as I try to decaf my body. I've now cut out so many of my vices that I beginning to wonder what's left? Well let's not answer that cause I could add a lot to the list (tee-he).

I'm excited about this card cause I finally got to use this stamp set from Impression Obsession, Smell the coffee. My friend Kellie had bought it for me a while back since she knows how I love a good cup of coffee and even just the smell of fresh brewed coffee just mellows me out. Isn't it funny what different scents can do to you. Now my DH is not a coffee drinker he does the soda thing in the morning - YUCK!

So I found this great pattern in this little Iris Folding Book: This author has a ton of these little books out and I recommend every last one of them! To add to this card I stamped the coffee steam, from IO, behind my cup and then added some Liquid Glass from CTMH on the larger parts of the steam. The three cups at the bottom are this really cute punch from All Night Media, which I then layered over brown paper from Cut Cardstock.

Card Particulars:

1. Finished Card Size is 5x7.
2. Card is bazzill Sugar Daddy.
3. Paper is from Reminisce: Flower Shower 2 - Perfectly Plaid - Genuine Girl 2 - It's a girl thing 2
4. Stamps from Impression Obsession
5. Ink is Adirondack Espresso (Pretty ironic, huh?)
6. Top mat 4x6
7. Brown mat 4.25 x 6.25
8. Pink mat 4.5 x 6.5
9. Tea Cup punch - Sandy Clough for All Night Media
10. Liquid Glass - CTMH

A few people have asked me if I am willing to share my patterns for Iris Folding. I would direct anyone that wants great patterns for free for Iris Folding or tea bag folding to my favorite place Circle of Crafters. Once you are there you can go to the scrapbooking, tea bag folding, Iris Folding, card making or sewing sections. If you sign up then each month you will automatically get the "pattern of the month"

So I have one more card that I am going to share with all of you tomorrow, so stay tuned for the Decaf version.

Iris Folded Beauty

One of my many crafting passions is paper folding. So when my scrap paper collection got out of hand the other day and I started to organize by cardstock or patterned paper I begin to think that all of that patterned paper would be perfect for Iris Folding. So I started with a basic square to get started:

I am so pleased with this card, even if I am tooting my own horn - Toot-Toot!

I'm now working on several other patterns that you'll be seeing over the next few days. I didn't stamp any verbiage yet since I'm not sure what I may use it for. So for right now it's an all occasion card. It could even be used for a manly card which is what is so great about Iris Folding.

I'm actually offering some classes here at my studio to teach Iris Folding, so if you're close by come on over on Thursday or Sunday.

Basically an Iris folded panel, such as this square is made up of strips of colored, folded papers. Any kind of paper can be used, but generally thinner papers work best. Also papers with small patterns or abstract designs often work better. You can make your panel in any size so that it can be used for a card or even a scrapbook page. The folded papers are then laid in a circular pattern until you have an Iris or center hole remaining.

The square was super easy to do since I was able to cut my frame by using two Nestabilities Squares and running them through the Wizard at the same time. I then edge the frame with a gold leafing pen from krylon.

Finished card size is 5x7, with a black textured strip that is 2x7. I then added a few square eyelets and a black satin knot.

So be watching over the next few days for more designs and if you've done Iris folding before please share your designs with us.

Happy Holidays, tea bag folding & Cards

I love tea bag folding and all the beautiful things you can do with it. So I was playing with some Basic Grey paper from last year and ended up making an ornament. I added bling to it and just kept playing. Then I had one of those "should of had a V-8" moments, "why not make this into a card so that the person receiving it has a gift along with my wishes for a happy holiday"?

So although I started with the ornament first then worked into a card, I'm actually very happy with the results. This is a 5x7, finished size, card made from Bazzill Silver metallic.

Since I love playing with templates I choose to use one of my favorite the lattice Folds. Before I actually started to cut and fold I glued a 2" strip of red patterned paper. This way when I folded down the cuts the silver would have another color to accent it. This is probably one of the easiest templates I have ever used and if you scroll through some of my other posts you'll see where I used the Lattice Folds template more. Here is what the spine of the card looks like opened up. Pretty cool how awesome it looks whether it's open or closed and the inside is just as neat. I also love how silver and gold work together even though lots of us grew up being told to "never mix the two". Ha - even to this day I have a hard time wearing silver and gold jewelry together:) Anyhow.........I edged the entire card with a gold leafing pen, including the spine.

To continue on with the gold & silver theme I took a versamark pad and randomly smooched and dabbed all over the front of my card. I then added Gold Utee for a thicker more altered look. I actually added the Utee twice. Once with the Versamark and then I added more while the first coat was still hot. Don't worry about patterns just be random and I guarantee that your project will always look as though you perfectly planned the end result.

My Happy Holidays stamp is from S.U. and is stamped on the same red paper, cut and mounted on chipboard and again edged in gold leafing.

Now onto the ornament: You will need 8 - 2x2 squares to start. From here I went to several tea bag folding websites to get you better instructions.

First fold each piece of paper in half, open it up turn it 1/4 and fold in half again. Open your paper back up and fold it into a triangle. Open and fold into a triangle in the other direction. Here are some photos.

Fold it back into a triangle and push the left & right corners into the middle to form a diamond, as shown in this photo, to the right.

Now you have a diamond. Each side point has two layers. Fold the point of the top layer on each side to the center, as shown in the pink photo to the left. Repeat this fold to all eight pieces and then interlock each piece to form the ornament. Interlock by slipping the left point of the bottom layer of one piece under the top layer of another. I hope these instructions are clear, if not I will give you a list of my favorite tea bag sites that may help more. You may be left with a small hole in the center of your ornament, that's okay. It's the perfect place to add some bling. I added a red rhinestone to the front and back. Remember that when it comes off the card it will spin so you will want to finish both sides. I then added several colors of stickles to enhance the blingness (not sure if that's a word, but it's a me word) of the card.

Final touches were to add some red and gold Mizuhiki decorative paper cords. For the card I wrapped the cords behind the card, however when hanging the ornament simply tie a knot in the ribbon and hang. I attached the ornament to the front of the card with temporary adhesive and that's all there was to it. :)

Some of my favorite tea bag sites:

www.circleofcrafters.com Great site if you sign up you will receive a free pattern of the month.

http://www.geocities.com/teabagfolding/

http://www.geocities.com/rubyburns@prodigy.net/folds.html

These are just a few and when you get out to these sites they have other great links. I have to warn you thought his can be very addicting.

Thanks for looking and stay warm - they say it's about to snow here - YIKES!!

That Holiday feeling has started!

I've been watching so many other bloggers out there, making cards, making decorations, making gifts. It took a while but it finally hit! All their creativity sparked a flame and now I have so many projects started, I'm running out of time in the day. So one thing at a time. Today I want to share with you the beginning of my holiday table decorations. I know I'll be making a lot more of these in many themes and colors:

Isn't this sweet?! I have to tell you I just LOOOOVVVEE those Tonic Punches! There are so many choices. Here I used the corner punch Diamond Print #898. I removed the corner frames and placed the punch in the border system and created the trim for my lampshade. One 2x12 strip of paper red paper will be enough to trim around this shade. Okay I'm ahead of my self. Here are the steps:

1. Trace and cut 4 sides of the lampshade using the Arnold Grummer Mission lampshade template. (You have to know that this entire line of templates will be available at Inspire Me within the next 2 weeks - Oh what fun!) Score at the designated marks ( 1/2 ") of each piece. For paper I used the new collection from Best Creation.
2. Using Terrifically Tacky Tape (the red super stick stuff) Place a piece on each of the folds and adhere to the opposite side of another piece. DON'T adhere the last piece yet.
3. Using a 2x12" strip of red cardstock punch that strip with your Diamond print Tonic Punch. Adhere your strip to the bottom of your lampshade, creating angled score lines where the lamp shade folds. Adjust the length of your trim as desired.
4. Add Kaiser Clear Rhinestones to the tip of each of the diamond, for that splash of bling. I love these Rhinestones they come 100 pre adhesived in a package with 3 different sizes within that package. They also come in 13 different colors. A total must have if you ask me!
5. Cut a piece of 1/2" red satin ribbon and adhere three side to the top of the lampshade. Be sure that you leave plenty of ribbon on both ends for tying laster on.
6. Add green cording to the bottom edge of your lampshade. I used Scotch tacky adhesive to hold it on.
7. Once the cording is dry adhere the final edge of the lampshade to close it up and form the lampshade. You can now finish tying the red ribbon, trim the edges and add a large kaiser Rhinestone to the knot on the bow. I also added one large rhinestone to each side of the ribbon, so that it looks finished all around.
8. Next I trimmed the stem of a champagne glass with Silver stars garland. I held it in place with a little glue dot. I put a small amount of silver rocks in the bottom of the glass and then I added a red tea light. I added the rocks just to help with weighing it down. As food flies across tables it'll help this stay in place.
9. To create the coaster I cut a scalloped circle with my Nestabilities dies.
10. Now to introduce my newest favorite stamping set from Inque Boutique, French Quarter.  Isn't this stunning? Plus I just love the curved pieces in this set, it was perfect for the scalloped piece of my coaster for the champagne glass. You could even do these just as coasters for your entire table. How beautiful would that be? I stamped with white Versacolor and embossed with Judi*kins white diamond embossing powder. Here is a close up of just the coaster. Isn't that a gorgeous stamp?
11. I then cut a smaller circle of the polka dotted paper to place in the center, for an extra splash of color.

Here is the whole thing lit up, I wanted you to be able to see the awesome glow of elegance that this light gives off. I'm very happy with the final results.

So this is the first piece of my Holiday Decorations. I do have to run cause my mind is just whirling with all the other options this one template has!

And I haven't forgotten that I need to finish that stamped scrap page from my last post. So off to create.

Have a Learn, Create, Bling kinda day!

20 Christmas Cards - YIKES 5 & 6 are here!

These two cards are so simple I'm not sure that I really like them. But I'll share cause the one thing that I'm massively excited about is that I finally got my nestabilities from Spellbinders. All of the shapes I might add! Yup I'm doing the happy dance! So here is card 5:

Again using the DCWV card kit pack I started with brown cardstock.

1. Then used my classic circles to create two rounds.
2. The Holiday Joy stamp is from My Sentiments Exactly! The embossing powder is one of my favorite colors, Chinese Red from the Ranger Antiquities line.
3. Punched two small holes in each side and strung red floss through and pulled it around my mat.
4. Then I didn't have just the right color brads so I made my own, so to speak. I took regular gold round brads, rubbed them in Versamark and embossed them with the same Chinese Red embossing powder as my holiday joy saying. It's as simple as that. Never fret about the right color brads just emboss them to any color you want. It's pretty cool and fun! Just be sure you are using a clip to hang on to the brad so you don't heat your fingers. :)
5. To finish my card I edged it with a copper leafing pen from Krylon.

That was it, very simple but I was too busy playing with my new nestabilities and wizard. But I did manage to squeak out card #6:

Same brown base and polka dot mat. Only this time I:

1. I cut a piece of 1x5 holiday ribbon and adhered that to my card.
2. Cut a classic scallop circle from the nestabilities scallops using green foam. Yup, believe it or not this is the same foam all the kids are using. I picked up a red, white and green pack just to play with. It worked great! And as you can see it even picked up the emboss. I added a touch of darker green around the edge using my Copic Airbrush system.
3. Cut a circle from the classic Nestabilities circles from the red foam.
4. Placed a big silver snowflake in the middle and attached it all with a brad. Then placed it over the ribbon.
5. I stamped Happy Holidays on green cardstock, edged it in copper then matted it on red cardstock also edged in copper.
6. To finish the card I again edged with copper leafing pen from Krylon.

Thanks for looking. I promise that tomorrows projects will be a lot more pizzazy! Things are a little crazy around here, my DH is on a business trip. I'm trying to finish the set up of my studio for teaching and three kids, well enough said. No more boo-hooing. My Dh has gone to accept a huge award for himself. I'm so proud of him! You go baby! Okay goodnight all, catch ya bright and early.

Weaving & Folding

I would like to share with you a few of my favorite techniques. I just love to weave paper or to fold it into shapes and accents. So of course I love origami. However for today lets focus on weaving and a great product from Hot Off The Press, their lattice & diamond folds templates. You can do so much with this template whether cardmaking or scrapbooking. I'll show you a few examples of scrapbook pages I did with this template.   The left side panel was done using the fold on the far right side of the template. I backed the reverse side of the paper with  a 2" strip of p.p.. Traced and cut the fold, then wove a thin strip of ribbon in-between the openings from the folding and backed all of that with  a solid purple paper.

The whole process took about 5 minutes from beginning to end. Now imagine doing that on the fold of your card. I'll have to make you a sample of that since I can't seem to find one that I had finished. Sometimes being too organized can also be my demise, as in the lost lattice fold card. But let me show you another sample page. Here is a great baby page that looks difficult but wasn't. The same fold was used but positioned at an angle to create a diamond frame. Since this paper from the Sharon Ann collection was already two sided all I did was place a solid pink strip behind the folds for added dimension and cut a thin strip of green paper to weave like a ribbon. A few vellum sayings and it was done. Aren't these fun?!

Onto weaving, this is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. Check out this layout from my son's Christmas concert. This time I used a curvy ruler and made 1" slits to give the sides a candy cane effect and the right side next to him just a unique woven look. I used polished stone paper from Murdock's. That paper is just yummy! To finish it off I used Quickuts to spell out Merry Christmas in shrink film and shrunk those letters. The "S" came out a little funny.

So now onto putting this all together. This wedding card features the weaving and folds all in one. The end result a beautiful wedding card.

This was done with paper from Deja View and Paper Adventures. Cut two similar patterns of paper into 14 - 1/2" strips and the other paper into 10 - 1/2" strips. Weave them together using the over and under method. Your end product should be slightly smaller than a 5x7. You may have to trim some of the edges a little. The brown vellum was then cut using Diamond Folds #3 template. The victorian filigree diamond is from Jesse James Button Co. Put all of this on top of  a warm brown cardstock and you have a beautiful wedding card.

Please e-mail me back and tell me what some of your favorite techniques are. It's so fun to share.

Also if you're interested in any templates I currently have Lattice Folds, Stitches, and Swirly Doodles all from Hot Off the Press. They are only $5 and I would be happy to ship them for free.