Fancy Pants OTP with Sarah

Parties should be fun to put together - especially if you're short on time! The It's Your Day range by Fancy Pants is perfect - I whipped up a banner, gift box, place cards, treat bags and a few cards in no time at all.



I created the banner using this paper - as well as a large sticker and piece cut from this sheet. The scallops were created by layering 1" punched circles behind the banner.



This paper is also fantastic for making quick and easy place cards and cards - just cut a rectangle or two, fold and embellish - so simple!



I used the sticker sheet and a few different papers for some super quick cards - you could easily use the same supplies to make individual invites for each guest.



The cake time paper was so cute - I used the cakes to embellish all my party pieces - simply cut around them and pop up on foam tape. I've embellished all the flames quickly with some Paprika Stickles - I love this stuff, it's the fastest way to add a little sparkle.



I've used the cakes from the paper on the little treat bags, and also on the die-cut box. Just be sure to adhere them to only one side of the box closure so it doesn't have to be destroyed to get at the goodies inside!

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Tech Tuesday - Fast, fab and (almost) FREE

Some of my favourite go-to techniques for cardmaking, scrapping or any OTP work are the ones that don't cost a fortune. Sure, you can add $10 worth of product to create visual interest (and I can and will do this!) but sometimes, all you need are a few simply tools and 30 seconds to just add a bit of "zing" to your project.



Here's a simple card I made - simple layers, a bit of a bow, not too much going on.



Here's the same card with a few added embellishments, that cost me nothing (because I had the tools already). I love the clean look sometimes, and adding all the techniques to one card might be a bit much....but don't forget these fast and mostly free techniques when you need to add a little something to your creation:

Faux Stitching. All you need is a white gel pen. Draw your "stitches" or try dots for a different look. Use a black pen on lighter colours for a dramatic look.

Sponging. My most used technique! Sponging is simple, draws all the elements of your project together, can tone down bright colours and add a vintage look - try it on modern work too, you'll love the result. I highly recommend Distress Ink and a sponge dauber for this. Distress ink stays wet a little longer than most dye inks and gives a great result. Once you have the ink and dauber, sponging is a fantastic way to add interest to your project at no extra cost.

Piercing. Try piercing a circle within a square for a different look. Pierce holes before dashing with a white gel pen for an even more authentic looking faux stitch. Try piercing the patterns on any glimmer mist masks you might have, this can be really effective. Don't have a piercing tool? Use a push pin!

Distressing. The ultimate in free techniques! Rough up the edges of your cardstock with a distressing tool or the back of your scissors (carefully! - I do recommend a purpose built tool for safety!) I especially love distressing die-cut or punched flowers before layering them together for lots of impact.



We all love expensive embellishments and fun toys - but don't forget the basics, a distressing tool, sponge and ink and a gel pen can work wonders, and won't take up too much room in your bag at crops!

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OTP Inspiration with Sarah

I was lucky enough to play with this beautiful range this month....including some gorgeous stamps that make card making or embellishing your scrapbook easy!

I started off making a super simple tag book using these adorable Green at Heart die-cuts. This range called to mind summer for me, so I added a few photos of our summer exploits with my younger brother to flip through and act as memory prompts.













This is just a few of the pages, to see the rest, please visit the Basic Grey album.

Making this tag album was super simple:

1) Choose a selection of tags from the pack
2) Back the tags with papers from the Green at Heart Range
3) Lightly ink paper edges with distress ink
4) Add photos, flowers, brads to decorate. The photo edges were inked with Vintage Photo distress ink.

Some of the flowers in the album have been painted with Marigold Shimmerz - not only does it give a beautiful sparkle, it stiffens the flowers a little and makes them a little less vulnerable to wear and tear.

I love that the tags give me a place to journal (which I haven't done yet!) and the range of shapes make the tag album interesting while still being quick and easy to put together.

I also made a couple of cards with the Green at Heart Pocket Garden stamps - love these!


For this card I have stamped a few of the flora type images, before stamping and cutting out the bird which is adhered with foam dots. The green strip is the lovely die-cut doily paper that also made it's way into the album. A wee tip for these type of stamps: if you're having trouble getting a clear image, give the stamp a very light sand with a sanding block, then clean the stamp before use. This gets rid of any film leftover from the manufacturing process and gives you a much clearer image.

This second card couldn't be easier - I love the clean and simple style of card making and these stamps are perfect for it!


Sometimes, one layer cards can just be stunning. Using big images like this helps fill the space while keeping a clean look. To get the multicolour effect I have with the flowers, ink with a light dye ink first, then roll the edges of the stamp on a darker ink. Congrats - you just learned the "rock n roll" technique! Sometimes with smaller images I'll just dab the ink pad on the edge of the image to avoid covering the first colour completely.

I hope I've inspired you to give this gorgeous range a try! Even better - it's all currently on sale! yay!

Supplies:
Green at Heart Papers
Green At Heart - Die-cut Pieces
Green At Heart - Doilies - Ribbon
Green At Heart - Clear Stamp - Pocket Garden
Green At Heart - Glazed Brads
Paintz - Marigold
Assorted Prima Flowers
Distress Inks - Old Paper and Vintage Photo
Dye based ink for stamping images
Ribbon
White Card stock
Nestabilities dies and/or punches for cutting out photos

Have a great day!
Sarah

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Brand New Challenge - OTP

Yay - it's time for the first OTP challenge! I promise it's an easy one....



This month I'd like you to make a set of cards with a matching box! You can make any size cards you like, and any kind of box. We're celebrating a Winter Wonderland this month, so use some icy blue and glittering rhinestones or glitter on your gorgeous creation!



I love having little sets like this on hand for last minute hostess or teacher gifts. I made a pizza box (directions here) with little 3"x3" notecards and envelopes. The decoration on the box is all on a removable belly band.



You can use stamps, chipboard, images cut from paper, rub-ons - whatever your heart desires! Make full size cards or mini, make them all different or matchy matchy - it's up to you! I like to keep the cards simple and sentiment free so they can be used for many occasions - this size are perfect to accompany flowers or a gift. Most of my decoration goes on the box which can be re-used once the cards are gone.



I made all four of my cards the same, with variations in paper and the colour of Prima flower used. I hope you have fun with this month's challenge, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Supplies:
Madeline Papers - Prima
Essentials 10 Flowers - Prima (looks like these are sold out!)
Rhinestones
MS Glitter and Gel Adhesive
Assorted stamps, punches and dies

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