Thursday, July 21, 2011

Card Holder Box Tutorial

Card Holder Box Tutorial 

I made 8 of these boxes for Convention this year, one for myself and 7 more for my roommates.  Since swapping cards is a big part of Convention, I thought it might be fun to have a box with dividers to sort swaps into categories.  Of course this box only holds a few, and many of us went home with hundreds of swaps, but I thought it was still a fun idea.  

If you make this box you might want to label it "emergency cards", and sort them into "birthday", "new baby", "thank you", and "get well".  Whatever you do with this box, it's fun to make with lots of room for decoration.  

Supplies: 
1 piece of colored card stock 6" x 12"
1 piece of colored card stock 4" x 6" 
2 pieces of colored card stock 3" x 4" 
3 pieces of white card stock 4" x 7"
ProMag magnetic tape
Sticky Strip
Supplies used for decoration:
2 pieces of Designer Series Paper 2-1/2" x 6"
1 piece of Designer Series Paper 2" x 6" 
Anywhere Glue Stick
2-Way Glue Pen
My Digital Studio (optional)
Lace Ribbon Border Punch
5 Petal Flower Punch
Boho Blossoms Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
Extra Large Oval Punch
Itty Bitty Punch Pack
Crop-A-Dile (used as a circle punch)
Basic Pearls

Step 1: Cut a piece of card stock to 6" x 12".  Score at 4-1/2", 6-1/2", and 11".  This will be the base and part of the cover.  Pacific Point card stock used here.





Step 2: Cut a second piece of card stock 4" x 6".  Score vertically at 2"





Step 3: Cut two more pieces of card stock to 4"x3".  Score vertically at 1/2" and 3-1/2".





Step 4: Decorate the box before it is assembled.  Here I added two sheets of Designer Series Paper to the front and back (the bare stripe down the middle is the bottom of the box).  The DSP measures 2-1/2" x 6".  Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper used here.





Step 5: Attach the box cover to the base.  Use Sticky Strip to tape the 1" section to the top of the cover (the seam will be covered with DSP in the next step).  You should now have a strip 15" long scored at 2", 4", 8-1/2", and 10-1/2".  Here we are looking at the inside of the box, the seam and DSP is on the outside.





Step 6: Continue decorating the box.  Add a 2"x6" strip of DSP to the top of the box to cover the seam.





Step 7: Fold up the box so you remember which is the front, back, and top.  Unfold again and add a decorative strip to the edge of the front flap, and a matching strip to the top of the DSP on the back.   The Lace Ribbon Border Punch in Wild Wasabi is used here, attached with the 2-Way Glue Pen.  Look for the most solid area of the punched ribbon to cover the DSP seam.





Step 8: Finish decorating the box.  Here I added a title printed out using My Digital Studio, and some flowers made with various punches and Basic Pearls.  Hint: To make the perfect forked end to a pennant, cut the paper with the corner of a square punch or a triangle pennant punch.     





Step 9: Cut a piece of ProMag magnetic tape to 5-1/2" long.  Attach to the inside of the box cover just below the front edge using Sticky Strip.  Cut another piece of magnetic tape the same lengh and magnetically attach it to the first piece.  Add more Sticky Strip, remove the protective backing, and fold the box up.  This will allow the second magnetic strip to place itself so it lines up.





Step 10: Now make the box sides and dividers.  Place sticky strip on the outside edges of the two 4"x3" pieces.  Cut three Whisper White pices of card stock to 7"x4".  Score them at 1/2" and 6-1/2".  Add sticky strip to those outside edges also.





Step 11: Fold along all the score lines.  Attach the dividers evenly, making the inside of the box.





Step 12: Working on only one corner at a time, remove the Sticky Strip backing and attach the box inside to the base.






Step 13: Use My Digital Studio to print out labels, then punch them out with the Extra Large Oval Punch.  Attach the oval labels to the box dividers with more Sticky Strip.  Then sort your cards into their appropriate slots!





Alternate color scheme: When I ran out of Pacific Point patterns in the Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper, I started using Tangerine Tango patterns.  The box base is Wild Wasabi here, with more Tangerine Tango and Whisper White.  





Thanks to Jane Matsumoto and SplitCoastStampers for the original tutorial.  

Download this tutorial here.  

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
(970) 206-9120






Monday, July 11, 2011

Swaps

The Stampin' Up! Convention is starting in just a couple days!  To prepare for that, I've been making cards to swap with other demonstrators.  Here's a rundown: 
 
Thinking of You
Brayer technique
Card stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Night of Navy
Stamp: Thoughts & Prayers
Folders: Flower Garden, Vintage Wallpaper
Punch: Butterfly
Tools: Brayer (for flowers), sponge (for butterfly)

Thank You
Butterfly card (Ink, Inc. swap)
Card stock: (varies) Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso
Paper: Paisley Petals
Ink: Basic Black
Stamp: Short & Sweet
Folder: Elegant Lines
Die: Beautiful Butterflies
Embellishments: Basic Pearls, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon
Adhesive: Sticky Strip

Happiness
Bookmark Card (WOW swap)
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Concord Crush
Stamps: Simply Soft, Fabulous Phrases
Punches: Lace Ribbon, Scallop Trim Corner
Other: ProMag Magnetic Tape
Note: The white piece with the main flower is an 11" strip folded over, punched on the ends, and held closed with a magnet.  It is designed to be used as a bookmark.  When the bookmark is removed it reveals an identical image/sentiment stamped underneath it, so the card can be displayed without the bookmark.

 
My Favorite Swaps
Roommate Gift
Card Stock: (varies) Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
Paper: Beyond the Garden
Text: My Digital Studio
Punches: Lace Ribbon, Extra Large Oval, 5 Petal Flower, 3/4" Circle, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Boho Blossoms, Crop-A-Dile
Embellishment: Basic Pearls
Other: ProMag Magnetic Tape
Note: tutorial coming soon!  

Want to get together and make any of these cards you see here?  Have any questions or would like more details on how to make these?  Please contact me!  


Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
(970) 206-9120




Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Congratulations and Condolences Class...


Congratulations and Condolences Class is this Saturday!  

Here's the last card I'm sharing from this month's upcoming class.  Be sure to sign up for this one!  With cards this cute, how can you skip it?  

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
(970) 206-9120



Thanks to Becky Jensen for the card design.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Embossing Folder Technique - May Class

In my newsletter I promised you a few fun techniques, and some new products from the Summer Mini catalog.  Here you go - with this card I'll deliver both!  

We'll use the new embossing folder Flower Garden and a brayer to get this fantastic effect.  The Beyond the Garden paper matches perfectly, as does the Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon.  If you'd like to buy these products so you can make this card yourself, let me know.  Or if you'd just like to make the card, come to my class on the 28th!  

I made this as a bright and cheerful "get well" card, but of course you can change the sentiment and use it for any occasion.  This is how I finished off the inside of the card.  
 
Here I am also including my first attempt, a get well card which ended up looking so sad and funereal that it clearly became another condolence card.  Since I already had a condolence card for this class, I had to change the colors and liven it up.  

It's the same embossing folder technique, and even the same Thoughts and Prayers stamp set, but the colors and the word choice make all the difference.  (The curved sentiment shape is another quick and fun technique I'll have to show you in another class.  Hint: it uses the Decorative Label Punch!)  

Come to my class on May 28th at my house to make the cheerful version of this flower card, plus 5 other cards!  Please RSVP by the 19th so I can prepare your supplies.  I'll see you then!  


Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
(970) 206-9120

P.S. Thanks to Michael Funke for the technique.  









Friday, May 6, 2011

Are you scared of scrapbooks? - Charly's Ink Link May 2011


The Answer to Scrapbook Intimidation: Mini Scrapbooks

Are you scared of scrapbooking?  I used to be.  I thought all scrapbookers made giant 12" x 12" albums and scrapped almost every photo they took.  I would hear scrappers talking about "getting caught up", and I would shudder at the thought of a hobby that came with deadlines.  

But all that is not true. Scrapbooking should be an enjoyable pastime, not a life sentence. You can work on a scrapbook album if that inspires you, or you can create a single page and hang it on the wall. You should work with recent photos that excite you, you don't have to start with the day your first child was born.  Don't let the ghosts of unscrapped photos intimidate you!

If you're thinking you'd like to try scrapbooking but you're not sure how to get started, try a mini scrapbook.  Any small book that takes 10 photos or fewer would be perfect.  The smaller the book, the less space there is to fill in with do-dads, designs, and artistic touches.  Just add a few photos, some journaling, and a title.  That's all you need!

This is the perfect time to give it a try, since May is National Scrapbooking Month. I have deals and discounts for both new scrapbookers and veterans.  I even have some great digital products on sale, call me and ask for more details!

Brag Book Private Class

Here is a great project for both experienced and inexperienced scrapbookers.  This album is cute and fun to make, plus it is small enough to carry in your purse, display on a mantel, or mail across the country.  

Set up a class on your schedule, invite your friends, serve some iced tea, and I will do the rest.  Call me to schedule your private class today!

          
Calendar

May 19 Congrats and Condolences sign-up
May 19 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
May 28 2:00: Congrats and Condolences class
June 16 Summertime and Picnics sign-up
June 16 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
June 25 2:00: Summertime and Picnics Class
June 26 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club
July 13 - 16 Stampin' Up! Convention!!
July 21 Christmas in July Class sign-up
July 21 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
July 30 2:00: Christmas in July Scrapbooking
July 31 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
Make a personalized, totally unique charm bracelet for yourself or for a gift.  Buy one charm each month, or buy the entire bracelet at once, it's up to you.  Order your charms ahead of time, then come to our club meetings to use my supplies and ideas.  What is more fun than friends, crafts, and jewelry?

Freestyle Stamping Club
Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Or bring your own materials, any brand.  There is no fee, and everyone is invited!  Please RSVP.   

May - Congratulations and Condolences
In this class we will make six cards, including wedding cards, new baby cards, and condolences cards.  Please sign up by May 19th so supplies can be prepared.  Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order.  

June - Summertime and Picnics Class
This month we will make four different 12"x12" scrapbook pages with a summertime theme.  Each layout will be easily reproducible with other stamps and papers, so make four pages in class and  more at home.  I will also talk about scrapbooking for non-scrappers.  Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order.  Please sign up by June 16th so I can order your supplies.  

July - Christmas in July Scrapbooking Class
This is the perfect time of year to put together some scrapbook pages of last winter's holidays.  We will make four 12" x 12" pages, making it easy to drop in your holiday photos and add journaling.  Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order.  Please sign up by July 21st so I can prepare your supplies.  


Congratulations and Condolences Class

Chances are, this year you will receive both happy and sad news. Why not be prepared with a few cards on hand so you can send a handmade, heartfelt card? In this class we will make six cards, including two wedding congratulations cards, two new baby cards, one condolences card, and one get better soon card.

When a tragic event occurs, like the death of a friend, it's so hard to know what to say.  Sometimes there is nothing that can be said, but a symbol of your caring is always appreciated. A beautiful handmade card can convey your sincere wishes better than words. 

In the same way, your handmade card for a wedding or a new baby will let your recipients know how happy you are for them.  

These six cards will be simple to make and easy to reproduce.  We'll use some products out of the new mini catalog, and I'll show you a few fun new techniques.  

Come make these cards in my class so you'll have them ready whenever you need them!  Class is May 28th at my house at 2:00.  Please sign up by May 19th so supplies can be prepared. Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order. 

Color Challange

For May I chose a color combination which suggests blue skies and blooming flowers. This month make a card, gift, or scrapbook page using Concord Crush, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, and Pretty in Pink.  

In this card I used the stamp set Proud Peacock, and I heat embossed using Iridescent Ice embossing powder to get a fantastic glitter effect.  Try it!

Technique Challenge

Here is the first version of the "hello baby" card I made for this month's class.  It turned out to be a little too complicated, and you can see the simplified version above.  However, the cloud effect on this one turned out too nice not to share.  

To get this layered cloud look, you'll first need to make a cloud template.  Cut a 3" x 11" piece out of scrap card stock.  Sketch the shape of a few bumpy clouds piled up next to each other, then cut out the 11" line of clouds with paper snips.  

Using Tempting Turquoise ink on white card stock (or Whisper White craft ink on Tempting Turquoise card stock, as shown here), sponge the ink along the edge of your template.  Move your template down and over and repeat.  If you need a demonstration, call me!


Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120






Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Congratulations and Condolences Class

Chances are, this year you will receive both happy and sad news. Why not be prepared with a few cards on hand so you can send a handmade, heartfelt card? In this class we will make six cards, including two wedding congratulations cards, two new baby cards, one condolences card, and one get better soon card.

When a tragic event occurs, like the death of a friend, it's so hard to know what to say.  Sometimes there is nothing that can be said, but a symbol of your caring and thoughts is always appreciated. A beautiful handmade card can convey your sincere wishes better than words.  

In the same way, your handmade card for a wedding or a new baby will let your recipients know how happy you are for them.  

Come make these cards in my class so you'll have them ready whenever you need them!  Class is May 28th at my house at 2:00 (email me for directions).  Please sign up by May 19th so supplies can be prepared. Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order. 



Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120


Sunday, May 1, 2011

May is National Scrapbooking Month!


Happy National Scrapbooking Month!  Here are some great deals on select stamp sets, and some AWESOME digital bundles for those of us who are enjoying digital scrapbooking!  Did you see the Tickets and Tokens II set with the digital textured cardstock?  Fantastic.  

Take a look at all the options online here.  Be sure to check everything out, then give me a call with your order!  


Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Two styles of Mother's Day

Here we have two Mother's Day cards, one very crisp and simple, the other frilly and pretty.  Pick the one that works best for your mom's style.... or if neither does, change up the greetings and make them both "thank you" cards!  That is the very best part of owning stamps and making your own greeting cards - you always have a card of the perfect style with the perfect greeting on hand.  

These cards were made with the sets "Teeny Tiny Wishes", and "All Holidays".  Both sets are must-haves.  All the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" fit inside the word window punch, and they're great for all occasions.  "All Holidays" are more focal point sentiments, just one stamp and some Designer Series Paper will get you through most holidays.  Best of all?  Order one or both sets at my class, and I'll waive the class fee!  

In addition to the greeting from "All Holidays", this second card also includes the flower from the "Thoughts and Prayers" stamp set, which is another must-have.  The sentiments in that set may be sad, but the flower and the tree are gorgeous.  Doesn't the flower go just beautifully with the Elegant Soiree paper?  

Another nice touch for this card was the lace-with-ribbon treatment.  Try layering the 1/2" Chantilly lace on 5/8" satin ribbon, or try layering the 1/2" seam binding on the 5/8" Victoria lace.  Both treatments look just beautiful.  

Come to my Easter and Mother's Day card class this Saturday to get your hands on some of these products and try them for yourself!  Email me today, I will be preparing supplies tomorrow!  

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com




Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Paper Piercing - the cheapest design tool ever!

As promised, here are two more cards from this coming Saturday's Easter and Mother's Day card class.  It will be at my house at 2:00pm on the 23rd, email me to sign up!  

I tried to make this a more complicated card, trust me.  I tried to work in some designer paper, some edge punching... but the design just called out for total simplicity.  This card should take you 5 minutes to make, not including the 2 minutes you will spend picking out which sentiment you want to use.  

It may be an "Easter and Mother's Day" class, but all the cards we will be making can be used for almost any occasion, so I will have a number of sentiment stamps on hand for you to choose from.  

As I mentioned in the title, both these cards include paper piercing.  For this technique all you need is a mat pack and a paper piercing tool - which together will cost you under $15.00.  The paper piercing look can be modern and minimalist, or link the holes with a hand-drawn line to give the homey look of stitching.  Either way it's easy, inexpensive, and a great way to add that extra touch to your card.  

Both of these cards were stamped with the Fast and Fabulous hostess stamp set.  The "thank you" card was stamped with the set's faux watercolor look, while the tall flower card really was watercolored with Aqua Painters and ink.  

Come try both methods this Saturday!  Email me to reserve your spot.  

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com


Monday, April 18, 2011

Butterflies and Flowers

This pretty butterfly card seems to be the most popular one from my upcoming class "Easter and Mother's Day cards", which I will be teaching at my house April 23rd at 2:00pm.  

You'll be surprised how simple it is to make this card.  We'll use the Big Shot to emboss the card base (to make all the pretty raised swirls in the background), and we'll use the Big Shot again to cut out the butterfly shapes.  If you haven't used the Big Shot before, you'll have to come give it a try.  It's the most fun papercrafting tool ever!   

The rest of the card is just as easy.  We'll layer the butterfly shapes together with a touch of ribbon for the butterfly antennae, and a few pearls for the body.  There is plenty of space to stamp any sentiment you wish - "Get Well", "Thinking of You", "Happy Birthday", or of course the advertised Easter or Mother's Day greetings.  You choose what you want your card to say!  

The second card I'm sharing with you is one of the many flower cards from my upcoming class.  The theme is clearly flowers, earth tones, and elegant designs!  This card features a couple of patterns from the 'Elegant Soiree' Designer Series Paper pack.  The main image is stamped with the Awash with Flowers set, and the card is finished off with a little paper piercing.  It's another quick and easy card, but due to the sophisticated designs, it looks a lot more complicated than it really is.  

Tomorrow I will share with you another two cards from my upcoming class.  I know you'll want to have these in your collection so you'll always have a card when you need one at the last minute!  Sign up today to reserve your spot.  

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

Monday, April 11, 2011

Do you have the creativity of a warthog? - Charly's Ink Link April 2011



Are You Creative?
 
Does it matter?  I don't care if you have the creativity of a warthog, you still have the ability to make a beautiful gift.  

Whether you want to give a thoughtful card, or share your photos and memories with your children, if you have two hands with opposable thumbs you can make these things.  

Stampin' Up! provides stamps so you never have to draw, Designer Series paper so you never have to try to put your own colors together, and the most fabulous and easy-to-use tools.  

Hundreds of blogs and websites exist to give you ideas, layouts, designs, and technique tutorials.  

But most of all, putting it all together is my job.  I am your personal coach when it comes to papercrafting, and I am awesome at what I do.  

So I dare you to be the least creative person on earth.  I can help you make projects you will be proud to give away - and your recipients will be touched to receive.  It's not about how creative you can be.  It's about making someone happy with your hand made, beautiful, greeting cards and scrapbook pages.  


Easter and Mother's Day Class

Join me on the 23rd at 2:00pm at my house to make six simple cards.  For April we will be using the paper Elegant Soiree, with its spring-like colors of earthy browns and cheerful blues.  Perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, birthdays, "get well", or just "thinking of you", these cards will be great to have on hand.  

While these cards look sophisticated, they are really very simple to put together.  Class fee is only $15 for 6 different cards, or place a catalog order of $25 or more and the class will be free.  Please contact me by 4/14 to reserve your spot.  


Calendar

Apr. 14: Easter & Mother's Day class sign-up
Apr. 14 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
Apr. 23 2:00: Easter & Mother's Day Class
Apr. 24 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club
May 19 Congrats and Condolences sign-up
May 19 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
May 28 2:00: Congrats and Condolences class
May 29 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club
June 16 Summertime and Picnics sign-up
June 16 6:30: Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
June 25 2:00: Summertime and Picnics class
June 26 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Simply Adorned Bracelet Club
Make a personalized, totally unique charm bracelet for yourself or for a gift.  Buy one charm each month, or buy the entire bracelet at once, it's up to you.  Order your charms ahead of time, then come to our club meetings to use my supplies and ideas.  What is more fun than friends, crafts, and jewelry?

Freestyle Stamping Club
Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Or bring your own materials, any brand.  There is no fee, and everyone is invited!  Please RSVP.   

April - Easter and Mother's Day Class
Come make six pretty and elegant cards which can be used for a variety of occasions - including Easter or Mother's Day.  Class fee will be $15.00, or place a $25 catalog order and the class will be free.  Please sign up by April 14th to reserve your spot.  

May - Congratulations and Condolences
We all need cards for both happy and sad events.  In this class we will make six cards, including wedding cards, new baby cards, and condolences cards.  Please sign up by May 19th so supplies can be prepared.  Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order.  

June - Summertime and Picnics class
This month we will make four different 12"x12" scrapbook pages with a summertime theme.  Each layout will be easily reproducible with other stamps and papers, so make four pages in class and  more at home.  I will also talk about scrapbooking for non-scrappers.  Class fee will be $15 or a $25 catalog order.  Please sign up by June 16th so I can order your supplies. 




May Baskets

Celebrate May Day this year by surprising others with these cute May baskets.  These little baskets are perfect for holding a handful of treats and leaving anonymously on co-workers' desks or neighbors' front porches.  

This month book me for a private class and I will show you and your friends how to make this adorable basket and a matching card.  These would also be perfect for a wedding or party favors.  

This is a great time to host a class, since hostesses can earn a beautiful set of products for free!  With the Spring is Blossoming promotion, earn both the stamps and the papers shown here for free if total orders equal $350 or more.  Call me to book your private class today!


Color Challenge

It's April - Happy Birthday to me and all my other April birthday friends! This month I chose a color combination which looks bright, happy, and energetic.   Try making a project using Concord Crush, So Saffron, and Pear Pizzazz.

Here's a tip- always keep some white ribbon on hand, like this 5/8" organza ribbon (item #114319). When you need ribbon of a specific color, just dye the ribbon by rubbing it on a Classic ink pad, or color it with Stampin' Up! markers (shown here). Concord Crush ribbon is available, but I don't have any so I made my own using this method. 

Technique Challenge

Birthdays, baby showers, and weddings are all good excuses to have cake.  Now you can have this cake and eat one too!  These mini cakes are fun as gifts, party favors, or table decor.  They are made with an LED tea light, scraps of paper, and a 1-3/4" scallop circle punch.  They can be ornate like this wedding cake, or quick and easy like the birthday cake.  

Tip: If you want to make a lot of cakes, I suggest using a Simply Scrappin' kit.  With patterned paper and matching decorative borders you can decorate an LED cake in a snap.  To make the center hole, use a hand held hole puncher and punch several holes as close to the center as you can, to make one larger, centered hole.  Ask me to demonstrate! 


Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com