Smiling anyway!

     You know how you know you better just stay away from people because you can't drag up a smile to put on your face? So, I sat my cranky self in front of the computer.

      I messed around with this blog to come up with a fresh look and in spite of my mood it looks kind of cheery to me. How'd that happen? Not sure the fonts and colors are the best for reading. We'll see.

       Here's a little quote to put a smile on your face.

     "Doing service is like wetting your pants. Everyone can see what you've done but only you can feel the warmth." I don't know the author but it made me smile.

       I've been digging through some of my old stamps I love. So I made this to make my mom smile.

And here's a cheery little flower!

And here's someone who can always make me smile! 

Hope you find a reason to smile today, too.

Explosion box tutorial on you tube

     Hi!

     I've been searching youtube videos on the explosion box to find my favorite one...the one I used for instructions on the explosion box scrapbook I posted a few days ago. So, for a quick link and so I won't ever have to search again either ;0 here is the link!

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYCUdE_Rtcc

     There are actually 3 videos where this lady takes you through start to finish with lots of tips and ideas by the end of the 3rd one but this link is for the measurements for cutting and scoring your cardstock. The other 2 video links you can find along side the video. OK?

     NOW I am going to go start a new explosion box scrapbook. See ya!

If only. If only?

      If only life were simple and decisions were easy and choices were between good and better. You know?And by the way, isn't the phrase "if only" kind of weird? We don't really want our choices to be few or our decisions made for us or to not have options in our life. If only? Ah well. I'm just plugging along, hoping my choices and decisions turn out right in the end. Grateful for grace and believing for redemption.

    Well, that bit of philosophizing done, how about checking out a couple new card creations?

This is using the stamp set from Stampin' Up! called By the Tide, and their new in colors including coastal cabana, crisp cantaloupe and pistachio pudding. 

The new in colors speak oceans and seas to me. 

 

 

This little pretty is made using SU's Simply Fabulous stamp set with the Simply sent card kit. I backed it with Tangerine Tango. Easy, fast and beautiful. If I do say so myself :)

Well, if life doesn't make sense and your stress feels too much...create something pretty. Right?

www.janebuchanan.stampinup.net

That's where you can go to check out the Stampin' Up! catalog with all the great products used to make these cards! 

Go create something.

Name that flic...

     Here's a quote from one of my favorite movies. "Whatever else anything is it ought to begin by being personal."

     So, what's the movie?

     While you think I'll show you a couple new little pretties.

     Have you thought of it yet? OK, here's another quote. "oh yeah, right, a snap... to find the one single person in the world that fills your heart with joy."

     And here is another cute creation. There are some very wonderful one of a kind you just gotta try but you'd never know how awesome it is til you see it products in the last 2/3 of the new Stampin' Up! catalog. This is a gift box made of very sturdy kraft cardstock and it comes with thick acetate sleeves, all prescored and ready to put together and match up with the cute tag kit. The price is very reasonable and  the size is just right for gifts.

     Figure that movie out yet? OK, one more quote. "Is there someone else?" "No, but there is a dream of someone else."
      Well, if you haven't guessed yet, this is the quote that will give it away. "Don't cry shopgirl, don't cry."
    Yeah, I have probably watched You've Got Mail  about 89 times. Something about it I just love.

     So, what's the movie you watch over and over again and never get tired of? You know there is one! 

Explosion box time

     I love this cool explosion box. Originally, I planned to make it for my daughter. But by the time I was done I just couldn't part with it! It is not a difficult design, in fact it's quite simple. Even "easy peezy" as I have been know to say. But this time I mean it!

     Imagine the possibilities! Any occasion, any color scheme or picture theme! My grandson had a mustache themed first birthday. I see all kinds of ideas in my head for that explosion box.

     The base is a piece of 12 x 12 sturdy cardstock cut in 4" x 12" strips. 2 strips criss cross and then each layer gets smaller by 1/4" in each direction. Choose your theme, then your paper with contrasting colors and patterns. Then choose some embellishments that match your theme and start experimenting with placement before you glue anything down. Take your pictures and crop them to fit.

     Tip #1: have some pictures developed wallet size. The fit is much easier.
     Tip #2: Use sturdy cardstock for the base and the lid.
     Tip #3: Browse through your scraps of paper, ribbons and left over embellishments. This is the perfect size project to use them!
     Tip #4: If you have rubber stamps, think about your theme and stamp a few that match your ideas on your scraps. Then play around with the placement to fit the picture, paper or embellishment before you adhere them.
     Tip #5: After you finish the first box and you love it (which you will!) start your second and third one at the same time. Cut for two boxes at a time. This will decrease your time involved and then you will have one to give away. Otherwise you'll never have one to give away!

     For full instructions to make an explosion box search you tube "explosion box template" and there are quite a few options to choose from. If you need to order any stamping or scrapbooking supplies I would love for you to shop here:
www.janebuchanan.stampinup.net

     Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Still playing with paper!

Oh how I love playing with paper...and thinking about playing with paper...and reading about playing with paper...and seeing what other people do when playing with paper! Here are some of my latest creations.

     Some of my favorite go to techniques for what I consider to be great cards are using embossing folders with my big shot for the texture and layers. Layers really help the colors pop and and the card look more finished.

     Mailing cards with embellishments like brads and ribbons requires that you take your card to the post office and have it hand cancelled to mail. It costs a little more but if your card is for someone special and the embellishment is fantastic, well, it's worth it!! I have started making cards more without the bulky add ons due to the mailing process. More because I have to go to the post office than the cost. So, when making your cards, try a couple with and a couple without so you have options when you need just the right card.

     Check back soon because I am going to post pix of an explosion box and some great tips on making it. Have a fabulous day!