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

My First Sketch Challenge

Working with the lovely ladies over at Page Plans, Card of the Week -- the Paper crafting Community is having our first ever sketch challenge. I'm hoping for this to be a weekly event. I'll be featuring some of our design team sketches and then on Friday, we'll feature the winner of the contest!

Here is the sketch:

 

To enter, just upload your picture to our photo gallery and enter the keyword "cotw1"! This should be fun!

Here is my sketch:

I'll be posting the designer versions of the sketch each day!

Susanna

Visit Card of the Week: All Things Paper Crafting at: http://cardoftheweek.ning.com

Scrapbook Page of the Week

Scrapbook Page of the Week:  Fetch by Jennifer at The Good Life

How could I NOT pick this page?!  I love the colors, the dog is hysterically funny, and I can just imagine Jennifer laying on her lawn to get these pictures.  Scrapbookers are CRAZY.  I should know -- I am one!

Runner Up:  Water Play by Sara Horton, featured on the Designer Digitals Blog

I get asked all the time what a "Hybrid" scrapbook page is -- this is a great example.  Hybrid is a combination of traditional and digital scrapbooking.  In Sara's page, she made the page itself using a photo editing program like Adobe Photoshop Elements.  She added the blue squares after she got the page back from the printer and then also popped up the fish.  I love this page -- I think it's adorable!

Shout Outs:

Girly by Erika at Stampin' Mama

I'm  a big fan of Erika's style and this page totally "spoke to me".  I especially like the quote, "she paints her nails and covers herself in mud"!  She's known by her nickname and not her real name... it may be the ultimate sign of a really loved child.  By the way, my youngest son, Jake, goes by Monkey -- he chatters and climbs and is into everything!

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Altered Box by Edleen at Javascrapper

 

This would normally show up as part of my Friday Card of the Week projects, but I had it tagged with Scrapbook pages, since Edleen is an amazing scrapper.  I thought this box was just simply adorable and didn't want to miss sharing it with you.

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Corinne’s Pull Out Scrapbook by

Tethered 2 Home

I just think this is seriously cute.  I've seen several versions of this book popping up lately, but this one is my favorite. 

 

All right.  I'm home from the beach and now it's time to go see what fun I can have playing in my own craft room! 

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: June 21 - 27, 2008

Sorry this post took so long -- I drove back from the beach today, unpacked the car, set up the computer and started right to work.  Here you go:

Card of the Week:  Fun Night Out by Jennifer at The Buck Stops Here

This card is hysterical!  It just had me completely cracking up :D I love the pull out invitation, the colors, everything.  It's funny -- from the front, you don't know what to expect... then you pull the tab and it all just comes together!  !  If I had seen this before the Sex and the City Movie came out, I may have CASED this idea for our Girls' Night!

Runner Up:  Swell News by Sarah at My Scrapbook Table

This may be the most precious pregnancy announcement ever!  Better yet, it's actually a mini-album!  I would say this would be a brilliant idea for announcing engagements too!

Shout Outs:

Frame Card by Adela's HUSBAND at Creations by AR. 

OK, I had to give him a Shout Out because I'm SERIOUSLY impressed by this!  Adela is one of MY FAVORITE PEOPLE and she emailed me and told me that her husband had decided to try his hand at card making.   He (of course :D) pulled supplies from his favorite craft store... Home Depot... and came up with this card, which is actually a 5x7 frame that holds a 3x5 picture.  Amazing.  I did show my husband, who said, "Cool".  Rob is a man of few words... that's actually high praise from him. 

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Flower Card by Amy at

Pickled Paper Designs

The vibrant colors and simple design of this card made it jump right off the page at me.  I especially love all the detail on the tag.  Great work, Amy! 

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Fresh Cuts Makeover from Donna at Serenity in Stamping

I have been watching all the clever ideas out there in the blogosphere featuring the SU Fresh Cuts set.  Well, this card just totally caught me my attention.  Donna is the first person I've seen who has colored the individual elements like this and I just love how this card turned out.  Not only does this card really "pop", it's a great workshop card to show people that it really is a versatile set. 

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Let Them Eat Cake by Jami at More is More

I feel like I'm looking in a cafe window at a yummy bakery when I look at this card. The design on this is just awesome!   

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Quick Card Set by Jennifer at The Good Life

OK, I LOVE THIS!  It's such a simple card idea, plus completely adorable and quick!  You could make this in a jiffy for any friend and they would just love it.  I seriously think that this has to go on my CASE list.  It would be nice to have an inventory of cool card sets like this.

Project of the Week: Baby Carriage Gift Set by Mary Jo at Beauty Lies Within

Mary Jo made the carriage out of a loaf pan!   The inside is filled with personalized onsies and matching cards!  If I have another baby, I'm inviting Mary Jo to my shower!

Runner Up:  Flower Fairy Party Plan by Lauren at My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence

I have boys.  Stinky, smelly, dirty, hilarious, wonderful boys.  I will never get to have a flower fairy party and (rats) I want to!  Check out the pictures -- from the invitations to the activities to the goodie bags! This is just simply too cute.  I'll be starting the Lauren Meader fan club.  I wonder if I{heart}LaurenMeader.com is available?

Shout Outs:

Carousel Note Board by Mary Jo at TechnoStamper

I think this is an incredibly clever idea. This would be great for the fridge, the office cubicle, anywhere.  Also, I think this would be a great teacher gift. 

Onto the BOB: 

1. remember to hit "read more" to see the BOB list as a web page. 
2. Comment here if you'd like me to read your blog. 
3. Pizza is here... got to go :D

Beach Scrapping

I've been needing a real vacation for awhile.  A time to stamp and play with my pictures and just... well... RELAX!  Unfortunately, my van isn't big enough (and I'm not organized enough) to bring all my stamping stuff to the beach, so I just packed the laptop and am working on my scrapbooking digitally.  I'll finish the embellishing at home.

Here is what I finished yesterday, scraplifted from the July Scrapbooks, Etc. - -a layout by Tracie Radthke about the 4th of July.  I used Tracie's sketch and color scheme, and changed the rest.  I'm thrilled with how it turned out. 

I also did this one -- about this trip (imagine, scrapping as events actually happen...... mind boggling).  This was scraplifted almost exactly from the new Scrapbooks, Etc., Page Planner -- a design by Pam Callaghan called "Boys of Summer".  Her layout was all traditionally done, but I couldn't pull that off at the beach, so I proudly say that I made that fish in Photoshop... I made ALL of this in Photoshop!  When I get home, I'll add some rhinestone stickers to the fish for eyes and bubbles. 

 

Tutorial Tuesday

From the beach no less!  I'm the most dedicated blogger in the WORLD!  Ha.  Just kidding, but I am in Gulf Shores, overlooking an amazing view of blue water, sandy beaches and (unfortunately) an oil rig.  I found a wireless signal and decided I'd post from here :D 

On a "back to business" note, the tutorials this week were AWESOME!  I've been stamping for 3 years and had started to think that I had seen all the tips and tricks, but this week I was completely and happily surprised to learn several new things....

Tutorial of the Week:  Mitered Borders by Debbie at Thinking Inking

I love that Debbie figured this out.  The solution to mitering is so simple (a Post it Note!) that I smacked myself right in the forehead for not thinking of it!!!  Bless you Debbie!  I'm going to go miter something the very minute that I get home.  I'm also going to whip this out at my next SU workshop and make my friends think I'm a genius. 

Runner Up:  Better Masking and Homemade Clouds by

Stampin' With Di

 

Di used a punched scallop to mask her clouds!  DUH! (forehead smack) Never would have thought of that.  Also, Di uses vellum for masking instead of a post it note to ensure that her image is completely lined up. 

Shout Outs:

Make Your Own Watermark by Beth at Freckled AND Fun

I'm part of several stamping Yahoo Groups and it's amazing how often this question comes up -- how to create a watermark and why you should bother.  Beth has a great tutorial on this -- one that doesn't require fancy and expensive software.

 

 CD Photo Cube by Paper Jewels

Adorable. 'Nuf said.

 

Glitter Dots by Andrea at Sunny Stampin'

 

Using mini-glue dots as a glittered embellishment!  Clever, clever, clever.

 

Shaker Card by Jody from Confessions of a Ribbon Addict

There is a new product line out that makes shaker cards so easy!  Jody has written a great tutorial showing you how to do this!

 

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Constant favorites:

Kristina Werner always does a great video every Monday.  http://kwernerdesign.com/blog/2008/06/macm-simple-ink-stamps.html

Michelle Zindorf includes a coloring tutorial for every card she makes.  Frequently, her amazing creations feature supplies that you already own.  (No expensive Copic markers here!)  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/06/21/botanical-dreams-mz-style-tutorial/

 

Going to build a sand castle now.  :D

Check this Out

I just found something new in my blog surfing today -- check out Scrapbook & Cards Today and you can download a free online magazine FILLED with awesome scrapbook and card ideas. 

Enjoy!

Scrapbook Saturday

Scrapbook Page of the Week:  Create Memories by Alli at Card Metaphors

I love this -- I tried to define what it was that made this page "special", and I think perhaps it's the photography coupled with the way the pictures are arranged.  I love how Alli's little girl is looking over her shoulder at her brother in the next picture.  I love how the colors from the pictures are picked up by the background paper and the embellishments.  You notice the beach theme, but really, the focus stays on the pictures. 

Runner Up:  You Make Me by Erika at Stampin' Mama

I have been infatuated with Erika's style for a while.  It cracks me up that she scrapped that her husband pisses her off and inspires her.  I think I could swap out the picture and easily have this reflect my own marriage!  I tend to scrap events and Erika tends to scrapbook feelings.  Scrapping such a personal side would be a stretch for me, but I think I may take up a self given challenge to create more "about us" pages -- it would be a nice addition to our family's album -- it's a journal about us after all.

Favorite Mini-Book:  Baby Coaster Album by Niki at My Paper Creations

I think this is precious and what a wonderful gift idea!  I love that she left spaces for the new mom and dad to add their own photos -- this is more than a present; this is a keepsake.

Shout Outs:

This is the Life by Elizabeth at My Inner Martha

I love the bright colors and the black and white pictures.  I also like the curves repeating across the layout. 

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From the Sketches blog, a couple of great layouts -- Dreamer by Gaby and So Cool by Monica.  This is a great design team.

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Kindergarten Mini-Book by Beth at Freckled AND Fun

A wonderful book for a teacher gift or as a memory for your child to have from their school year. 

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Paper Bag Book by Patty at Patty's Stamping Spot

This is a great new variation on the traditional paper bag book.  Patty was nice enough to include full directions on her site, so click the link if you would like to recreate this. 

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If you know of a great scrapbooker that I'm missing, please feel free to comment here or email me at barefootstamper@gmail.com and I'll make a point of checking out their blog!

Card of the Week & Best of the Blogosphere: June 14 - 20, 2008

OK, I got carried away this week -- there were so many AMAZING creations :D  Enjoy!

 

Card of the Week:  Butterfly for a Friend by My Blog by Cammie

I just loved that ONE of the butterflies was popped up -- it looked like it has chosen to land there with the rest of the butterflies!  I also really liked the lacy border on the bottom of the page... and i liked the colors... and I liked everything!

Runner Up:  Ice Cream Gift Card Holder by Jen del Muro at I {heart}2Stamp

OK, this is AWESOME!  I love all the different pockets and the bright summery theme!  My niece is having a birthday today (Happy Birthday shout out to Taylor!) and I was looking for a perfect way to send a gift card in STYLE that fit the Florida sun theme.  Love this. 

Shout Outs:

Tag Pocket Card by Adela at

Creations by AR

I have a blog crush on Adela.  I love everything she makes -- from the colors to the shapes and sizes.  The whole idea that she whipped this card out in a hurry cracks me up.  I'd spend two hours searching for inspiration before I'd cut the first bit of paper.  I just love this.  By the way, I bought all those felt flowers and never figured out what to do with them!  Ha.  CASE Adela -- problem solved!

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Baby Bib Card by Debbie at Thinking Inking

OK, this is another incredibly adorable creation by Debbie.  I love the bib -- it's elegant and fun and special and perfect. 

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Beach Beverage by Denise at

Handmade by Me!

I'm going to the beach on Monday and this card just puts me right in the mood.  I love the painted background and the 3D cup! 

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Happy Birthday in Stitches by Jen at JenTapler Designs

OK, I've seen this stamp in the SU catalog and just passed right over it.  Now, I want it.  I love how elegant this card looks, and it was probably a very quick card to pull together.  This is why I write the CoTW post -- because you may have missed this KILLER card and then you wouldn't know to do this with just one stamp!!!!! 

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High Hellos from Cambria at Stamp a Little Love

This card struck me because the theme was carried throughout the entire card -- front, center and even envelope!  It's fun, festive, and the perfect "hello" card for the upcoming 4th of July celebration. 

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Dropping You a Line by Julie at Out To Impress

She used a REAL fishhook on this card!  I just love it. 

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Project of the Week:  Welcome Home Box by Amy at Prairie Paper & Ink

How perfect is this?!  I have a friend who is a realtor -- I emailed her this and she fell in love with it.  what a nice gift to give someone on their new place! 

Runner Up:  Baby Blanket Gift Set by Niki at My Paper Creations

Isn't this adorable!?!  I had seen onsies and all sorts of other cute and simple baby designs, but this one takes the cake.  I love the peek-a-boo bag and the matching paper to design. 

Shout Outs:

Vervalicious Gift Card Purse by Nicole, The Stampin' Librarian

Do I need to explain why this rocks my world?  This ROCKS my world. 

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Jacob's Ladder by Beate at Fresh and Fun

I think this is a blast.  I'm going to have to make something like this of all the baseball pictures -- one kid on each side -- or of our trip to the beach.  Clever, clever, clever.

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Pizza Box Gift Set by Nicole, The Stampin' Librarian

Got to love the 2 sided decorative patterned paper! This is a great simple way to wrap something!  I actually had the pattern for this box rattling around in my archives, so here is the pattern for y'all to enjoy! 

Download Dec_SpecialDeliveryBox.pdf

Onto the BOB list -- remember if you'd like me to read your blog, leave a comment here.  Also, hit the "read more" button at the bottom of the BOB list to see the entire posting as a web page!

Tutorial Tuesday

Tutorial of the Week:  Watercoloring with Ink Pads by Kiyomi Krafts

You'll have to click on the link title to get to the Kiyomi Krafts AWESOME video showing you how to combine colors and shades to watercolor -- with the supplies that you probably already have on hand!  She does a really nice job on the video, so check it out.

Other Video Shout Outs: (Click the links to see the videos)

Thank You Card Make-a-Card Monday by Kristina Werner at KWerner Design Blog

I'm a very visual learner and Kristina's fun, upbeat, music videos are always great.  I've learned a lot about fast, simple cards that have tons, and tons of style. 

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Thank You Envelope Card by Dawn at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts

I thought this card was great.  Cards that open or fold or pop up in a different way are always more fun for the recipient.  This card is no exception -- it's just special.  Great work Dawn!

 

Traditional Tutorials

Shout Outs:

Make Your Own Patterned Paper by Nichole Heady at

Capture the Moment

Nichole is one of the most innovative artists out there in the stamping/creative space.  I don't say that lightly.  Everything she creates is incredibly well thought out and she includes an incredible amount of detail and versatility in all of her stamp sets.  One of the things that you'll notice about Nichole's style is that she's a "stampy" stamper -- you won't find a lot of patterned paper in her creations -- she makes everything -- including the background paper.  This month, she created a grid stamp and several versatile images that will help you make any design background paper that you can think of!  If you click on the link above, you'll find a simple, well written tutorial showing you all the different ways you can design your own patterned paper. 

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Slide/Pop-up Card Tutorial from Faith from

Stampin' With Markie's Mom

 

Faith had a very similar card was the Feature Cards on this week's Card of the Week.  Faith has an amazing style and this week, she did a follow up tutorial that shows you how to make a sliding pop up card like this one. 

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Emerging Color Tutorial by

Stampin' With Di

A little like the Joseph's coat technique, Di shows you step by step how to use embossing powder and patterned paper to make your design "emerge" from behind your stamped image. 

Tips & Tricks

Tying the Perfect Bow Using a FORK by Stampin' With Di

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you resist checking this one out?!  I gave up bows ages ago because my fingers are too big to tie small bows.  I guess I could add them back to my cards now that there is a more simple way to do it!  Thanks for sharing, Di! 

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Digital Tutorial:  Organizing Your Digital Photos by Bobbi-Jo at It Works for Me

Coloring Tutorials:  Any posting my Michelle Zindorf. She's amazing and has a coloring tutorial with almost every post. 

Finally, I Scrapped

If you follow my blog at all, you'll know I'm a HUGE Jessica Sprague fan.  Well, she introduced a new class (for only $9) for a Father's Day Mini-Book.  I ordered it for my Dad, and love, love, love how it turned out.

 

This is a hybrid project, but there is a lot of digital work here.  You'll have to have a digital editing program, like Adobe Photoshop Elements.  You'll also have to know how to use a clipping mask (instructions are included in the kit) and how to scale your photos.    You'll have to know how to save your projects for printing, if you're going to use an online service, like Costco. 

When you receive your digital pages, you just cut them out and adhere them to the Rusty Pickle Pocket Accordion Book (not included). The great news here is that you can alter this book to fit any occasion, and reuse the kit supplies over and over, because they are digital.  

 

 

Happy Father's Day, Dad!  I hope you love this ;D

A couple more shares -- I'm taking a class called "Got Sketch" right now.  It's a 30 day NING group, sharing scrapbook sketches, make & takes, and other small projects.  I'm WAY behind on my scrapping (it's becoming a problem) and I thought this would help me catch up.  The sketches are great.  Here are the two pages that I've made so far:

Enjoy!