Easter Blessings

I love Spring. I love everything about it, from the lengthening days (which has nothing to do with DST), to the renewed growth in the garden, and from the bright, happy colors to the birds chirping and carrying on. Yep, the season of rebirth and renewal is one of my faves (right up there with Autumn, Summer, and Winter)!

This Easter card sums it all up for me. Everything in one card! I didn't have a stamp with the greeting, so I printed it out myownself.

Stamps: None!
Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Attic Boutique DSP
Ink: None!
Accessories: Big Shot (of course), Framed Tulips embossing folder, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Holiday Windows Movers & Shapers die, Pearls Basic Jewels, Frost White Shimmer Paint, sponge dauber, computer & printer

The "Practice" Stamp

The image used on this card was the practice image that was stamped for this card. It turned out so well (they frequently don't the first time), that I couldn't just throw it away so it, combined with another practice scrap (the frame), turned into a birthday card. Birthday cards are another item I need to stock up on, so this will be a good start!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black Classic, plus Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Holiday Windows Movers & Shapers dies, Basic Black Striped 1-1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Birthday Bash and a Birthday :-)

The Operation Write Home Birthday bash last Friday was a wonderful success.  Eight crafty Patriots showed up to make cards for tour service members to send to their loved ones.  We made a total of 126 cards, and there are still more card kits to be put together!  I am so happy to be a small part of this organization.  The card above is so simple, yet elegant.  One of the ladies had never stamped before, and she picked it right up!  Didn't she do a great job?  Her "thinking of you" sentiments were perfectly placed!

Now on to another birthday celebration.  My daughter-in-law has a birthday tomorrow (and will officially be pushing 30 for the next year!), and this is the card I made.  We celebrated her birthday on Saturday so there could be a big family gathering.  I tucked a couple of Macy's gift cards inside, since that's her favorite store. :-)

USING PUNCH WINDOWS W/O THE MOVERS & SHAPERS PLATFORM

First of all, let me say that I love using the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die.  It makes a perfect invitation (A2) size card, already scored for the fold, with a fancy-shaped window pretty much wherever I want it.  I use it not only to make windows in cards, but to make perfect little mats that fit the Stampin' Up! punches.

Now, having said that, I don't like the limitations of the magnetic platform.  You can only make an A2 size card (4¼"x5½"), AND the fold is along the short side of the card.  What if I want the fold on the long side?  What if I want to make an A6 card (4½"x6¼")?  What if I don't want to make a card at all, but some 3D project that needs a window?  What then?  Hmmm???

Well, I figgered out a way to use any of the Punch Windows or Holiday Windows without the magnetic Curly Label platform!  Here's how:

The cast of characters
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Texturz Impressions Pad (the hard black one)
Standard Cutting Pads (the hard clear ones)
Punch Window or Holiday Window die of your choice

The "sandwich"
Place the black Texturz Impressions Pad on the bottom.

Next, place your well-used clear cutting pad on top of the black pad. ;-)

Lay your cardstock or DSP face up on the clear pad.

Place the die face down on the paper, so the lavender foam is against the paper. (And yes, I know that's not the same die as in the first photo.  Sheesh, some people are too observant!)

Lay the second clear cutting pad on top of the die.

Now pick it up without disturbing the "sandwich" and run it through the Big Shot.

Voila!  That's all there is to it!!!  A nice little window wherever you want it, and a nice little mat for use with the matching punch.  Which, in this case, doesn't have a matching punch.  But you know what I mean.

You can thank me later.