~~~

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Shaker Card Tutorial for a Traditional Shaker...using my Surprise Holiday Shaker Card




There are so many ways out there anymore to make a shaker card, but I would like to show you today how I make a traditional shaker card.  It really isn't very hard once you get the hang of it, and they really are so much more fun than a typical card that you can't "play' with.  They are so much fun for the holidays and especially if you have children on the card giving list.  However, I am thinking that I have heard of so many adults really enjoying playing with these too.  So, let's get started...



These are the basics to get your shaker card going. 

~You can choose whatever shaker material that suits your card best.
~Nice heavy cardstock, because shaker cards can tend to get a bit heavy and really need a nice supportive base to keep it sturdy.
~Any other papers that you will be using to design your card with.
~Dimensional tape
~I like to use the Bumblebee scissors when cutting the dimensional tape, because they don't stick to the tape like some scissors do.
~Ruler
~3 in 1 craft glue
~Acetate for the clear shaker window
~Nestability or anything that you use to cut your frame with.

Whatever shaker material that you choose.  I chose to use both, stars and snow for mine, but there are many things that you can fill a shaker with.




You'll want to have your image cut out  so that you know how big it is going to be and how big of a card that you are going to need to work with in order for the shaker to fit and still give you room to decorate it. 
Prepare your image by coloring it, layering or glittering, and let it dry before going any farther.  While you are waiting for your image to dry, you could always start working on your card base and getting it ready, since you should know the size of card that you will need at this point. 

Once you are done with your card base, decide where you want your image to be on your card and then measure a piece of desired cardstock to match the size of the paper that your image is on.  Take your nestability or whatever you choose to cut with (it can be any size or shape that you choose), then center it on your cardstock and cut out the center of the cardstock.  This is going to be your shaker window.  Be sure to leave enough room on ALL sides to be able to fit the double sided dimensional tape.  You don't want that to be sticking out anywhere.






Decorate that Shaker window cardstock any way that you like.  You can run it through the cuttlebug and emboss or whatever you would like.  I like to get this piece all decorated before I put the card together, but you don't have to do it that way.  You can piece your card together first and then decorate it.  I kind of like to see what things are going to look like before I put it all together in case I don't like it, then I can change it. 

The next step is something that you must take your time and be patient and precise.  I like to put a fairly thin line of glue down each side of the backside of the cardstock shaker window.  Do ensure that the glue line is even and covering each of the sides.  Do not overdo the glue though, because it will run when you try to secure it and it can seep into the window area.  This will really upset you as you will have to cut a new piece of acetate and try again.  Carefully place your acetate down on the glue side of the cardstock and again wait patiently for this to dry, because it can slide and ruin all the work you have already done if it is not completely dry. 

This is where you should be right now....Your window piece should be ready to go.





Ok, get your dimensional tape out and your shaker material ready




This step is also VERY, VERY important!!  You must line your shaker window with dimensional tape and you ABSOLUTELY MUST line your tape up evenly to have the tape meet perfectly at each corner.  Do not allow any gaps in the tape, or else your shaker material will leak out.  Unless you have a really thick dimensional tape, you will find that you are probably going to have to double layer the tape to give enough room for the shaker material to move around. 





Add your shaker material, but be careful not to overdo this either, because even though you may think you need more, you really need very little to fill these windows up without having it overtake your image.  Some shaker materials can seem to be static-y (don't know if that is a word), so you might want to check this out before using it.  I had heard somewhere that if you rub a dryer sheet over your clear window that it won't stick, but I can't see that not smudging or scratching the window, so I have not tried this myself. 

Remove the backing on the 3d tape and get ready to place your image over the window.  It's hard to know how you are placing an image when you are doing it upside down, but try to place your image as evenly as you can to line up with the tape on the shaker window.  When you get your image placed where you like it, be sure to press down around the frame to secure the tape to the image with no gaps or openings for your shaker material to leak out of.




This is what it should look like when you have completely secured your image to the window.




Now your have your completed shaker window, and all you have to do is decide where you are going to place it on your card, and then glue it down.





Your shaker material should flow freely within the window if all was done correctly, and you are ready to give your fun, interactive card to someone special in your life. 






I would absolutely love to see your shaker project that you try and hope that this tutorial will make it a little easier as well as possibly inspire you to try one of your own if you haven't done one before.

I am happy to answer any questions that you have or look at your links of your projects if you wish to contact me, and thank you  very much for taking the time to view my tutorial. 

Have a wonderful day, and Happy Crafting!  : )

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

MMSC21 Surprise Holiday Shaker Card



Welcome to our MMSC21 Sketch Challenge!
Our weekly sponsor for this week is Belles 'n Whistles Stamps.  Check out the MMSC blog and see what they are offering to our bonus winner for this week.  Our Monthy sponsor is Gurlee Girl Stamps  which is what you are seeing on my sample for this week.  She has been so VERY generous to our team (THANK YOU, CHELSEA) and is super talented in her own right.  Stop by and check out her line.  Her images are so cute!  I am having alot of fun working with them.  Chelesa is offering our players a chance to win 3 free stamps of their choice AND a $50 gift certificate that is valid until June 2010.  Someone is going to be a very lucky winner!!! 






Congratulations goes out to Kathrin aka Kruemel for winning the Midnight Madness Masterpiece Award this week.


Another congrats to the Midnight Madness Remarkables for the week:

Rosette
Sassy
Melody
Juut




I decided to make a shaker card for this week's challenge.  They are alot of fun to make, and Christmas time is always one of my favorite times to make several of them.  I will be doing a tutorial this week on how to make this type of shaker card if you would like to drop by for a look and make one of your own if you have never given them a try before. 




I wanted to make this one a little bit different, so I put a sentiment on the outside of the card, and decorated it up as you would an ordinary card, and then to make it even more fun and special, I decided to make a little surprise door, so that when you open it up, you can see the image with the snow and stars to shake up.  How much fun is that? 




As if that wasn't enough for one card, lol, I still decorated the inside of the card and left a place for a personalized message as well.  I also made a box envelope to match this, so it is all set to go. 







Here is the sketch. 

Go ahead and give it a try.  Let your creativity flow and "WOW" us with your own fabulous creations.  I can't wait to make my rounds to visit all of you this week. 

Thanks for stopping by for a look at my sample this week, and as always, I appreciate your comments.  Don't forget to drop back again to see my shaker tutorial. 

Have a beautiful week everyone!





Challenges for this card:
Our Creative Corner~ Monochromatic Mania
Crafty Creations Challenges~ Windows
Creative Card Crew~ All that sparkles
BasicGrey Challenges~ Embossing
Cinema Saturday~ Bling
Pollycraft Monday~ I chose snowflakes, sparkle and swirls
Timeless Tuesday~ Beyond the frame

Monday, September 28, 2009

Midnight Madness Events News

Whewww, there are so many things going on over at the Midnight Madness blog, I don't even know where to begin.

We will be hosting our very 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop.....

Beginning October 16th at 8 a.m. EST and ending October 20th at 12 a.m. Midnight.

AND OH WILL THERE BE PRIZES....... 25 prizes to be exact.

One Grand Prize random drawing
350th Brand New Sketch Player SPECIAL Prize
13 "Cards from the Crypt" (picked by our very own DT members from the MMSC archives) 
10 random Package winners


As if that wasn't enough........ How about this?

WorkBox HUGE Giveaway!!!!!

Enter to win your choice of a Ribbon box or the ScrapMaBob and qualify for the amazing Workbox giveaway taking place on October 12, 2009.  YES, you read correctly.  I am giving away either a Ribbon Box or a ScrapMaBob (these are so handy!)  and that winner will be entered into the Grand Prize Giveaway--a Workbox in their choice of color/style.  WOW!!!!!

Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping:  100writes  (worth $1,295.00)




We hope that you will join us in all the fun in the next several weeks.  Don't forget to check back again tomorrow for this week's MMSC sketch post.

Have a lovely evening!


Friday, September 25, 2009

Announcing the Fall Blog Candy Winner **********************************

I want to thank everyone again for dropping by, choosing to follow me and signing up for my blog candy.  This was so much fun, and I really do love meeting the new people as they sign up and finding so many wonderful blogs to visit.  I have had a wonderful response to this giveaway and will be having another one again very soon, so stay tuned. 

Now...........The Moment You Have All Been Waiting For......................................................................

The Winner Of The Fall Blog Candy Giveaway By True Random Number Generator is............................................................................................................................................................







#26  Rene

Rene said...



Hi Carolyn! Thanks so much for the comments on my Back to School cards! And, thanks for the opportunity to grab this wonderful candy. I've got you all linked up and I'm stalking your blog (tee hee)! Have a great week!






Scrappy Love,


Rene'


Congratulations Rene' ................You Lucky Girl!!!  Please let me know your address so that I can get your goodies out to you. 

THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE FOR PLAYING ALONG WITH ME!   BE SURE TO STICK AROUND WITH ME FOR THE NEXT GIVEAWAY.  YOU COULD BE THE LUCKY WINNER NEXT!!  : )


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

MMSC20 Posh Diva Kitty Card












Good morning!  Can you believe that we are on week 20 at the MMSC?  Wow,  I can't!  We have done so much and have so much more fun to come.  To all of you that have been playing along with us, thank you, and aren't you having so much fun?  If you haven't played with us yet, now is the time to begin.  You won't want to miss some of the fun and exciting times around the bend.  Remember to visit the MMSC blog to keep updated on the latest news and details.   MIDNIGHT MADNESS MASTERPIECE AWARD


Each week we are awarding a special Badge Award to one person for their outstanding sketch submission. If you would like to be considered for this award, please make sure your card link is posted to Mr. Linky by Sunday of each week. This is our way of let you know how wonderfully talented you are and how much we appreciate you sharing your craft with us. This week we are proud to say the“MIDNIGHT MADNESS MASTERPIECE” Gold Star Award goes to.....

32. Rosette

Congratulations also goes out to “Midnight Madness Remarkables” award winners…..
13. Julie- justwritedesigns

33. Kathrin aka Kruemel
51. Sandee

57. Lovely Linda

We are so lucky to have

as our Weekly Bonus Sponsor


 Now, onto my post for this week.



Don't ya just wish you were that kitty?  I just had to use pink and black for this card.  Pink for the feminine and delicate demure that this kitty has and black for the classy and rich taste of that girl.  This image is one from our fabulous sponsor this month DRS who has a wonderful selection of stamps for any occasion.  You should give them a visit and check out their awesome holiday stamps. 

Thanks for dropping by today for a visit.  I hope you enjoy my sample card this week, and have a great day!


Back to School, Fall, Thanksgiving Blog Candy Giveaway!

Blog candy giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all of you that entered and joined along with me.  It's been fun.  Good luck to you all, and I am now going to go through all the entries and draw the winning name.  Stay tuned, and I will have the winning name in the next couple of days.  : )



This post will remain at the top of my blog until September 22nd. Please scroll down to view my most recent posts.

Well, it's that time of year again, and I thought I would celebrate by offering up some awesome blog candy again. This is a great giveaway with lots of fun items to use. I had so much fun doing my last blog candy and met so many great new friends and found lots of fabulous blogs, so I wanted to do another one and hope to meet many more friends and give this great lot to ONE lucky person.

Included in this offer is:

1-Autumn/Thanksgiving Clear stamp kit that includes

  • 10-stamps
  • 1-stamp pad
  • 1 acrylic block

1-Anna Griffin 10-pc. Clear Stamp Set

1-Anna Griffin 6-pc. Template Set includes

  • 1-instruction sheet
  • 1-cd cover and gift tag/label template

  • 1-pillow box and gift tag/label template

  • 1-gift bag and gift tag/label template

  • 1-cone favor and gift tag/label template

  • 1-small gift box and gift tag/label.....and 1-large gift box, envelope and gift card template

  • 1-place card and tag, and....1-place card #2, and....table card and tag template

1-set of Designer Eyelets and Snaps

1-House Mouse Buzzy Friends Wood-Mounted Rubber Stamp

1-Glitter Foam Paint

1-Fiskars 4-in-1 Embossing Corner Punch

1-Icicle Stickles

1-20 pc. adhesive gems

1-6 pc. self-adhesive metal hardware

1-8 pc. self-adhesive chipboard punch outs

1-15 pc. get-well stickers

1-Chipboard Album Purse

This huge lot off goodies will be given to ONE lucky winner..................

All you need to do to be eligible is:

  1. Become a follower of my blog if you are not already
  2. Post my candy on your blog with a link back to my blog candy post.....don't worry if you don't have a blog, you can still be eligible if you post a comment letting me know how you will spread the word about my candy offer.
  3. Leave me a comment and let me know that you are signed up, followed the steps to be eligible and how to reach you should you be the winner.

That's all there is to it!!!

Only one entry per person please, and entries that have not followed ALL of the steps will not be added into the drawing, so please be sure to check that you are showing up as a visible follower on my blog, that you have posted me on your blog with a link to my candy and that you have left me a comment.

Thanks for entering and Good Luck to Everyone!!!!

Offer is open to everyone worldwide and the deadline to get your entry in is SEPTEMBER 22nd. I will draw the winning name shortly after that.

HAPPY AUTUMN!!!



Thursday, September 17, 2009

Halloween Altered Tin For Teacher
















Ok, we are really gearing up for Halloween here, and I wanted to give something nice to my youngest's teacher, because she has just been so great with him so far this year, and he really adores her!  My friend and DT sister, Jane posted an awesome tutorial yesterday, and I couldn't wait to try it, because it is just perfect for what I needed.  Thank you so much Jane for the wonderful step-by-step tutorial that made this project idea so much easier for me. 

Who would have thought that this little container that used to hold a little cinnamon treat would turn into a special gift for teacher?  I added the little teacher goodies and wrapped it in a Halloween treat bag that I used for all the other kid's treats in the class too and then put a big festive bow with some curly ribbon on it and he is set to go now. 

What a fun idea that I am so glad to have discovered and will probably be doing for some other holidays and occasions too. 

Pop over to Jane's blog or to the Midnight Madness blog to see this tutorial on how to make your own altered container. 

Thanks for taking a few moments to look at my project today.  I would  love to hear what you think. 

Have a lovely day!






Challenges for this project are:  Creative Belli
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday
No Time To Stamp
Whimsy Stamps
Cute Card Thursday
Polka Doodles

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Old Fashioned Santa Christmas Card Winter Wonderland

LOL, Don't fall over everyone, but YES, a third card from me today.  I sort of cheated on this one though, so it was easier to do.  I cased my own card ; )  I made a card just like this last year, and so many people liked it, that I wanted to do another one like it this year.  I don't know that I could do another one like it again though.  Had just enough of the same supplies left over to do this one more card.  I guess I was inspired by the vintage challenge over at Winter Wonderland to get the old fashioned stamps out again.  I am not sure if they allow two entries or not though, but I made it anyway and will at least let them have a look at it. 
I hope you enjoy it, and now, I have to get outside and get the grass cut!!  More fun later.
Have a lovely day.


SSCC4 and Winter Wonderland An Old Fashioned Christmas


I know!  You are not used to seeing me do two posts in one day ; )  I just love this new challenge site Stampin' Sisters in Christ

They have very inspirational verses and scripture over there, and it really puts a bright spot in your day.  They are really worth a visit, and their challenges are so much fun. 

So, today, I decided to use their sketch challenge to create this old fashioned Christmas card.  I am trying to get as many holiday cards in as I can, because as you know, it is going to be here before we turn around twice.  With that in mind, I have also just come across another great challenge site called Winter Wonderland which if you haven't guessed is a Christmas challenge site.  What a way to get the old mojo going.  If you need that little extra push on the holiday cards and projects, you might want to go over and check them out.  It's a great site.   Their challenge was to create something vintage Christmas...whatever that means to you.  I really like the elegant, vintage, so I decided to go with this style of card.  I may, however, decided to do some more vintage Christmas cards with a different style in the coming weeks.  Christmas really gives you the opportunity to try out so many different things, because you get to give your projects to people with such different tastes and preferences.  It's a great way to branch out and try something new.  A couple other challenges that this will be entered in is the Simon Says Challenge which had a recipe challenge this week and La la land challenges which is asking for 3 types of embellishments...for mine (ribbon, glitter, gold gems)  Go over and check them out and play along. 

I hope you enjoy my card, and I always appreciate your comments and thoughts. 

Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Snowman Family Christmas Shaker Card MMSC19

MMSC19 SHAKER CARD
Hi ~ Another Tuesday is here!  So, before you know it, winter will be here, and since I did a Halloween card for my last MMSC, I thought this time I would jump even farther ahead and throw in a Christmas card for you.  This is a shaker card... (one of my favorite kinds of cards).  I love doing shakers for the holidays, because there are just so many images that you can add snow and fun shaker materials to for this season. 
This card was a little harder than I thought it would be to do up as a shaker, because the image was larger than I expected it would be on the card, so I had to make a pretty large card, which is fine, but it is always better knowing that going into it instead of trying to figure out how it will all fit later.  I did flip the sketch this week to suit my needs for this card, besides, it's kind of fun to do that sometimes anyway ; )
This cute snowman image came from our MMSC monthly sponsor DRS who has an awesome assortment of stamps to suit anyone's taste.  If you are not familiar with them, you should take a look at their store.  Tons of images to choose from and great prices too.  It's been fun working with their images this month, and I am sure that I will use them over and over again.  Thank you, DRS
Make sure you pop over to the MMSC blog to catch up on the latest.  There are going to be some really fun and exciting things that we have planned in the weeks to come.  Stay tuned, so that you don't miss anything. 
This week we are proud to say the“MIDNIGHT MADNESS MASTERPIECE” Gold Star Award goes to.....


#5. Vicki (basement stamper)


The MM REMARKABLES WEEKLY AWARD!!

The Midnight Madness Team has created a very special award called The “Midnight Madness Remarkables” Award !! We would like to acknowledge those entries that are just exceptionally Remarkable!! During our voting each week, due to the caliber of the cards entered in our challenges, we end up with so many ties and close votes, so this Fairy logo is for those recipients to display proudly. If you would each like to take our fairy logo for your side bar, she would love to come stay with you.

Thank you all for playing and please join me in congratulating our “Midnight Madness Remarkables” award winners…..

36. ~ michelle~

45. Sandee

54. stephanne

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Continuing to their Sponsorship this month is....


This month we posted our Month end sponsors, so be sure to take a look at all that is up grabs this month HERE. Continuing to support our challenges this month is DRS Designs!! Every two weeks on a Monday, DRS Designs host a blog challenge and invite you to join them! Their online site features a gallery for each designer as well as a customer gallery. If you get a chance I hope you will participate in their challenges too and you can even email your cards so to them so they can include them in their growing galleries. In addition to their wonderful craft supplies, they also offer a wide assortment of images, sentiments (serious and humorous) as well as easy background images and technique stamps such as our stained glass and our plaid stamps.You can find them at http://www.drsdesigns.com/ and http://drsdesignblog.blogspot.com/ The Midnight Madness team is having a lot of fun crafting with their wonderful stamps. Just take a look at our sketch example cards this week. Thanks DRS Designs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



We are so lucky to have "62 Cards"

as our Weekly Bonus Sponsor

A very special thank you goes out to Sammye Jo Monroe Singer for sponsoring us this week. you are going to love her give away!!! 62Cards began as an intriguing hobby of a twenty-something wife and mom who desired to do something she loved. After a tragic car accident in 2005 took the life of her little brother, Matt, 18, she knew she had to do something that not only kept her busy, but honored him at the same time. The name of the company itself does just that. 62 was Matt's football number. The company offers something that is special, unique, and fun, just like her beloved brother. He loved to help others, and 62Cards is helping keep his giving spirit alive by donating part of its profits to benefit The Matt Monroe Memorial Scholarship Fund through Citizens First Bank. This fund awards three scholarships every year to high school seniors to help them with the expenses of their post-secondary education. 62Cards was founded on the idea that quality and trendy paper crafting and embellishments do not have to be mass produced or cost a fortune. From handmade cards, embellishments, and gifts to party favors and banners, 62Cards strives to offer something for everyone. When you purchase a product from 62Cards, you are not only getting something fun and exciting for yourself, but you are helping today's youth further their education and are keeping the spirit of one very special and loved young man alive. Visit the site at www.62cards.com and join in some great crafty chit chat and giveaways on the blog at http://www.62cards.blogspot.com/!

For more details and announcements, stop by the MMSC blog.


I have to apologize to everyone out there in blogland for my lack of commenting lately.  I am really trying hard to keep up, but have some things overwhelming me with my time over the last several weeks.  I am really hoping that things will slow down and fall into place soon, so that I can get back to what I love doing the most....visiting all of your lovely blogs and seeing those marvelous creations.  I have not forgotten about you, and thank you so much for my faithful visitors and commentors.  I am so grateful for you and appreciate you so very, very much!! 
I hope that you enjoy my DT card this week and that perhaps it might inspire someone out there to make a shaker card of your own.  They really are alot of fun : )
Take care everyone, and have a great week! 
Here is the MMSC19 sketch for the week...