By Judi Kauffman
Have you seen the new Calligraphic Elements 3 die set from Suzanne Cannon? It’s already one of my favorites. And speaking of favorites…Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. As I always say, what’s NOT to like about a celebration that’s all about costumes, candy, and cards!
Inspired by over the-top Mardi Gras masks from New Orleans, today’s project is sparkly, sassy, and fun. It starts with an inexpensive black cat’s eye style mask.
By Judi Kauffman
I like to get ready for the holidays way ahead of time. The projects I’m sharing today are perfect little stocking stuffers and they make super teacher gifts or party favors. They’re great for birthdays and other occasions, too. And be sure to whip up a few to keep and use around the house! Fan decks are great for bullet journaling, grocery lists, favorite quotes, prompts for projects, and more. The magnet-backed pen and pencil holder would be handy on the fridge, in a locker, or on a file cabinet.
by Judi Kauffman
I’ve been collecting heart-shaped buttons for ages. They’re the perfect accent when it’s time to whip up something for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or Valentine’s Day. If they’re vintage or valuable, I always hand-sew them to my project so they aren’t damaged and can be removed and reused if the person has something else in mind. However, many of them are inexpensive plastic and those are the ones I reserve for cards. I cut off the shank and use a strong hold adhesive tab to keep them in place.
This card is so easy to customize. Use various shades of pink and lavender, as shown, or pick a different palette to suit the occasion and the taste of the recipient. If you don’t have hearts, switch to feminine round buttons or buttons culled from men’s shirts in a mix of sizes, or add clusters of small paper flowers instead.
Here’s the recipe:
By Judi Kauffman
This card is for my friend Jane. Hope. That’s the word we’re embracing. We hope her treatment continues to knock cancer out of her body, we hope to go to the Cape together next summer, we hope to make each other laugh for many, many more years!
And I hope you’ll want to make this card for someone brave in your life, too.
By Judi Kauffman
Suzanne Cannon’s new clear stamp sets at Elizabeth Craft Designs are filled with wonderful quotes, small motifs, and flourishes. Like her dies, they begin with pen and ink – calligraphy that is unique to her hand and eye. She truly has a way with words and that’s why it’s the name of her collection (“A Way With Words”).
By Judi Kauffman
I’m excited to share a sneak peek at some brand new dies from Suzanne Cannon. They’ll be shipping soon, so be sure to watch for them! I chose a flourish from Calligraphic Elements 3 and used all four word dies that come in the Brave/Bold set (Be, Brave, Bold, Yourself).
It’s such an easy project and quite versatile. Make several to send as cards, but be sure to make one to keep. Display it framed or propped on a desk, bulletin board or dresser so you won’t forget to stay true to yourself and embrace life to the fullest.
By Judi Kauffman
Want to make some impressive cards in under five minutes? Simply emboss a piece of Shimmer Sheetz in your favorite embossing folder, lightly sand the surface on a diagonal, and then again in the opposite direction, wipe with a damp cloth, and adhere the piece to a top- or side-fold card base using Elizabeth Craft Designs’ Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape. Skip the sanding if you want more sparkle.
Shimmer Sheetz Sunday: Watermelon Coasters
By Judi Kauffman
Did you know that Shimmer Sheetz is waterproof, colorfast, and garment quality? This makes it ideal for projects where durability is important, like jewelry, spangles for clothing, art quilts, and mixed media; floral picks, garlands to use outdoors, and home décor items like today’s project – Watermelon Coasters.
When I think of watermelons I think of ovals – the shape prior to cutting into wedges, but your coasters can be circles if you prefer to more closely match the base of a wine goblet or water glass. Or you could make squares or rectangles. The key is to evoke the spirit of this luscious summer fruit rather than worrying about being realistic. The colors tell the story!
I chose two die sets, Fitted Ovals and Stitched Ovals. If you prefer, stick to one set, or further mix and match, adding in a Dotted Scallop Oval for the white part of the rind. The dot pattern embossing folder I used for one of the coasters has the feel of seeds, though it’s a repeat pattern. The black seeds on the more realistic of the two coasters are the little ovals left after cutting Basic Black Shimmer Sheetz with a Ribbons 2 die (the pieces that come out of the long strip). I thought they provided just the right touch!
Another option: Instead of making cork-backed coasters, skip the backing, cut the oval (or circle) in half or into quarters and add the watermelon wedges to birthday cards, party invitations, gift tags, or an art journal!
by Judi Kauffman
Today’s project is a reusable sign to display on the table, mantel, or near the doorway at a birthday party! I picked bright, happy colors, but the color scheme is up to you. Go for school or team colors, a masculine or feminine palette, or something holiday-related. (If you pick shades of red, leave off the word ‘Birthday’ and use only ‘Party’ the sign is just right for Valentine’s Day and Christmas!) The optional easel folds flat for storage.
Nine-Patch Cards: Shimmer Sheetz Plus!
By Judi Kauffman
Just like nine-patch quilt blocks, nine-patch cards are a great way to use up scraps. In this case, it’s one-inch squares cut from alcohol ink-altered Shimmer Sheetz, embossed and embossed and sanded Shimmer Sheetz, and pieces of hand-painted and ink-altered paper and cardstock, set atop squares of solid color and patterned cardstock.
