Card of the Week.com | Cards, Scrapbooking, and Papercrafts

Crafting 101: Tutorial Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Welcome to Crafting 101 -- where the best artists in the Blogosphere share with you the basics of rubber stamping, paper crafting and scrapbooking. We'll even teach you how to use that Photoshop program you have sitting under your desk right now! All this for the bargain price of FREE! Read on...

This was an AWESOME week for tutorials and tips -- make sure you read through the All the Best list below --

Tutorial of the Week:  Rectangular Frame by Becca Feeken from Amazing Paper Grace

Man, that Becca Feeken has it going ON!  I loved, loved, loved the circle frames that she made using a corner rounder - but it didn't dawn on me to try it with a rectangle.  Beautiful end effect, great directions and I'll be using this technique!  Check it out by running over to Becca's blog.

Runner Up: Painted Pomegranates by Julie Koerber from Out to Impress

I saw this card and thought, "How beautiful!" and then wondered how Julie managed to get so much definition from her artwork when she obviously stamped on dark cardstock.  Well, she shows you how!  Really great step by step directions on how to color this (or any image) are on her blog -- click on over!

Runner Up:  Photo Snowman Treat Boxes by Mel McCarthy from Mel Stampz

I have to tell you that Mel has one of my favorite blogs.  It's always really fun to see what she's making and she is really great about sharing HOW she makes things.  I think these adorable boxes would be the absolute hit of a child's school holiday party.  They are seriously cute.  She even gives you the template! 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Crafting lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

All the Best Tutorials:

How To Videos:

Tips You Shouldn't Miss:

Templates To Help You Make Stuff:

Photoshop Tips and Tricks:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 15, 2008

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Background Basics by Heather Nichols from Pine is Here

This is a beautiful page - I love the soft pastels mixed the kraft paper and the black and white photo.  I can get a "mood" from looking at this page.  Doesn't hurt to have a beautiful girl like this (God only gave me smelly ol' boys...).  What I love about Heather's post is that she shows you how to recreate this page step by step.  I love it when artist's share detailed instructions -- I mean seriously -- we are all looking to learn more techniques.  Here, Heather stamped the background images on different soft pastel papers to create her own pattered paper.  She also shows you how to get the great glittery effect on that heart.  Check it out. 

Runner Up: Flying High by Melanie Douthit from Enjoy the Journey

WOW. What a shot!  Yes, when my boys do this, I'll be a nervous wreak!  However, I hope get rid of the shakes in time to CASE this awesome layout.  I usually scrap multiple photos on a page -- I'm an "events" scrapper -- but when you catch one great moment, you have to preserve the memory.  Melanie can exact her revenge for this teen's disregard for his mother's blood pressure by showing this scrapbook page to her son's children (in several years)!

Mini-Book of the Week:  4th Birthday by Maren from Zany Not Crazy

You'll have to click on over to see the other AMAZING pages in this mini book.  I love how Maren made the photos stretch over 2 pages of the book.  The end result is fun, unique, and special.  Click on over to see the other pages!

Runner Up: 25 Days of Christmas by Bobbi-Jo from It Works for Me

I love this concept -- it's from Ali Edwards. The idea is to have a daily mini book made BEFORE Christmas starts so that it's not another thing on the "pain list", but a way to preserve the memories of the joy and bustle of the holiday season.  I love Bobbi's book and how she designed it -- check out her blog to see the other inside pages.

On the same note - check out this post from Bobbi to show you a similar idea for Thanksgiving.  This is a digi download from Heidi Swap and really a great idea for getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Have it pre-made and everyone can fill it what they are thankful for on "Turkey Day". 

Runner Up:  Thanksgiving by Desiree De Monye from Desiree At Play

Another great Thanksgiving Album, but using all Stampin' Up! products and a clear acrylic binder.  I love how this turned out and it's a keepsake.

one more... I'm on a roll...

Runner Up:  Grateful by Stephanie Howell from Just Me

I'm making this one.  Another daily album for Thanksgiving -- but I love it.  This one is personalized by your guests.  Click over to Stephanie's blog to see the inner pages... you'll be glad that you did!

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Congratulations to Karyn Campbell!

Karyn Campbell was our random.org winner for the Sketch Challenge!  You can check out her card and her blog here.  Thanks for playing!  I know that we'll have more contest coming soon!

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: November 8 - 14, 2008

Card of the Week: Fabulous by DeeDee Campbell from Scrappin' With DeeDee

It' is FABULOUS!!!!!  I'm really late on my birthday thank you notes and I'm really drawn to this card.  What better way to tell your girlfriends that you think they are awesome than with a pink car card?!  LOL -- seriously, you'll never find anything this great at your local Hallmark store.  This card really is FABULOUS.  :D Dee is fab too - she made this card for sick kids as part of a charity effort.  You really should check out her posting to learn more about her great work and exactly how you can make this car too.

Runner Up:  Decorative Circle Medallion by Kittie Caracciolo from Kittie's Krafts

I just think this card is SO beautiful!  I have been a big fan of these new circle medallions -- but I especially love how Kittie tucked a little Christmas village behind the frame.  I feel like I'm looking through a window to a lovely winter scene.  So pretty!

Craft of the Week:  Teacher Clipboard by Michelle Wooderson from Mish Mash

Nichole Heady from Papertrey Ink is coming out with an awesome new set designed around teacher appreciation.  Ideas like Michelle's, make me wake up at midnight so I can buy the stamps the moment they go on sale!   I have two boys, both with GREAT teachers this year, and I'd love to be able to make something like this for Christmas.  Michelle is so incredibly creative and she came up with this awesome clipboard.  Run (don't walk) to her blog for a full tutorial on how to make this for yourself.  - It doesn't even look hard!

Runner Up:  Snowball Fight in a Can by Jen Tapler from Jen Tapler Designs

I think this is hilarious!!!!  We do neighbor gifts for Christmas (I'm in Georgia -- not a lot of snow here...) and everyone has kids.  I think this would go over so incredibly well!  So funny.  Jen, you're brilliant.

Runner Up:  Holiday House by Melissa from Mme. Designs

This gorgeous ornament is all made from paper -- the trees are a Martha Stewart punch.  I can only imagine how much time it takes to put something like this together!  WOW. Totally worth it - so beautiful!  Click on over to Melissa's blog for more details.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Crafting 101: Tutorial Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Welcome to Crafting 101 -- where the best artists in the Blogosphere share with you the basics of rubber stamping, paper crafting and scrapbooking. We'll even teach you how to use that Photoshop program you have sitting under your desk right now! All this for the bargain price of FREE! Read on...

Tutorial of the Week:  Cuttlebug Batik by Lydia from Understand Blue

Want to achieve this gorgeous fall background?  Lydia shows you how to drag out your iron, Cuttlebug, and wax paper to make this beautiful background effect.  Love it!

Runner Up: Tim Holtz Tag by Cindy from Starlit Studio

Isn't this so pretty?!  Love it!  Just wanted to share -- Tim Holtz liked it so much he featured Cindy's tutorial on HIS site!  How fun is that?!  Cindy seriously did a great job of walking you though making this and I know you'll want to make one too!

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Crafting lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

All the Best Tutorials:

How To Videos:

Tips You Shouldn't Miss:

Templates To Help You Make Stuff:

Photoshop Tips and Tricks:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 8th

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Worst Day Ever By Stephanie Howell from Me & My Two Little Chicks

This entire blog post had me chuckling -- I have had so many days like this!  However, when I have a bad day, I ususally end up floating in my bathtub nursing a scrapbook magazine and a glass of wine -- I don't turn out gorgeous layouts like this one!!!  I love this -- simple style, great butterflies, beautiful baby.  I especially like the doodle letters.  Nice touch.  Go check out Stephanie's blog and leave her some love :D

Runner Up: Quick Share by Kelly Goree from Behind the Pages

OK, I can totally explain why I love this -- it's HARMONY.  The wood paper, the colors, the leaves, all remind me of autumn.  There is a mood set here -- that's something most scrapbookers forget about.  Love it.  Go over to Kelly's blog for supplies and to see some of her other fantastic projects.

Mini-Book of the Week:  Family Gratitude Spinner Project by Ali Edwards

Ali's amazing and I love that she came up with the idea for this project.  This would be a delightful project to have on hand for Thanksgiving.  So clever.  Click on over to see how she puts it together and get the details. 

Runner Up: Nested Flower Mini Album by Ellen Hutson from The Classroom

Isn't this darling?  Ellen shows you how to make it using Nestablities!!!  How easy is that!?!  Love it. 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Lynn Mercurio is the GREATEST

Last night, I published a list of the Paper Craft Planet Super Novas and left Lynn off the list!  Perhaps it was because it was 2 am and I wasn't thinking straight -- but Lynn ROCKS! 

Lynn is writes the newsletter for Papertrey Ink  AND she is an indispensable part of PCP.  Check our her amazing blog at Stamperosity.

When you're online on Paper Craft Planet, send her a friend request and tell her she should forgive me. 

Sorry! 

WOW - Seriously Grateful - Challenge and Give-a-way

I can't begin to describe what a whirlwind this week has been.  Last week, our new playground, Paper Craft Planet, was at 500 members -- today we're closer to 2,500.  Awesome stamp companies like Gina K, Hanna Stamps, Kitchen Sink Stamps and The Cats Pajamas have started groups on the site full of give-aways and challenges.  It's so exciting and so much fun.  Whew, I have a lot to be thankful for this year.

So, let's celebrate!  Sakura has generously offered a prize for two lucky winners -- one here and one over on Paper Craft Planet.   

1 prize will be: Metallic 5-pak, Stickler gold & Silver, Quickie Glue Pen

1 prize will be: Stardust 6-pack, Stickler gold & Silver, Quickie Glue Pen

Want in?  OK, here's how to play along -

I'm hosting a sketch challenge this week -- go on over to PCP and check out the sketch.  Play along.  Use the keyword "SK110808" when you upload your picture so that we can all find you in the gallery.  Come back over here and leave me a comment with a link to your picture.  I'll draw one winner from the links here, and another winner from the sketch gallery.  Winners will be drawn next Friday, November 14th.

Here is my take on the sketch --

I pulled out the Wings on Things set from Molly Stamps again.  I'm having a lot of fun with this one.  I embossed the wings onto SU Urban Garden DSP and used my Sakura Stardust Pen to doodle around on the wings and give it some sparkle.  The flowers are from Molly's Let's Get Together stamp set.  (I should note that I totally CASED this card from the amazing Jenn Tapler :D)

Speaking of Jenn, check out the other Super Novas of Paper Craft Planet! 

Adela Rossol

Melanie Muechinger

Kim Burmeister

Lynn Mercurio

Wendy Price

Jen Tapler

Tammy Hershberger

Diana Gibbs

Erika Martin

Lori Tecler

Jessica Fick

Sankari Wegman

Susanna Boyd

Check out our feature gallery for this month, "Gratitude", which will get new design team creations each week. We're grateful for you!

Because we're all really grateful to you, we're having a month long gallery of Gratitude just for you.  We'll be adding new pictures all month long -- make sure you check it out for some extra inspiration this month.

Seriously, I am just so blessed.

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: November 1 - 7, 2008

Card of the Week: Merry and Bright by Becca Feeken from Amazing Paper Grace

I love Flourishes and I love Becca's style.  Isn't this card gorgeous?!!!!  Even the sneak a peek border makes me "ooh" and "ahhh". 

Runner Up:  Jingle All The Way by Becky Oehlers from Hemidemisemiquaver Design Blog

Sometimes simple is the way to go.  I just love this clean and simple card.  No layers, one focal point.  Lots of style.  Love it :D

Craft of the Week: Simply Soldered by Julia Stainton from Belle Papier

I love soldering, and it really is easy.  It looks so intimidating when you first get the kit and go to start up, but it's dead simple and the results are spectacular.  Julia does a great job with this photo charm -- and you could put it on a key ring, necklace, ornament, anywhere!  Click on over to Julia's site for more about this piece!

Runner Up:  Homemade Project #2 by Cathy St. Clair from Paper Garden

This great looking set is made with clear cardstock and just shaped into boxes.  I think I like this so much because of the way the colors came together.  The raffia with the caramel popcorn with the red and green bird tag... I just love how it all goes together.  It's such a simple little gift, but it's so special in how it's packaged. 

Runner Up:  Explosion Box by Michelle Giraud from Twisted Chick Creations

Do I need to explain why I picked this?!  WOW. Just WOW.  Check out Michelle's site.  Go NOW.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Crafting 101: Tutorial Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Welcome to Crafting 101 -- where the best artists in the Blogosphere share with you the basics of rubber stamping, paper crafting and scrapbooking. We'll even teach you how to use that Photoshop program you have sitting under your desk right now! All this for the bargain price of FREE! Read on...

Tutorial of the Week:  Versamark Watercoloring by Melanie Muenchinger from Hands, Head and Heart

This tutorial really grabbed me because you can't see the stamped lines -- this looks like you actually watercolored the image!  Faking that I'm that good really pushes all the right buttons :D  Click on over to Melanie's blog for step by step directions on how to pull this awesome technique off. 

Runner Up: Icosahedron Ornament by Amy from Tethered 2 Home

How fun is this!?!  Love it!  Amy shows you how to take make this out of just paper and tape!  (She uses a Big Shot, but you could certainly pull this off with a circle punch and a bone folder!)  Think how great this would be with photos....

Runner Up:  Decorative Circle by Faith Hofrichter from Stampin' With Markie's Mom

Isn't this card awesome?!  The circle really grabbed me and I thought it was some new punch or die, but it turns out to be a decorative corner rounder!  (One I already have too!)  Click on over and Faith will walk you through making this for yourself.  (This is another time I think you could easily make this a photo frame...)

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Crafting lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

All the Best Tutorials: 

How To Videos:

Tips You Shouldn't Miss:

Templates To Help You Make Stuff:

Photoshop Tips and Tricks:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!