My Favorite Things

     This year at the One of a Kind trade show in Madison we found a great little item that is the perfect gift.   DEBIT REGISTERS!  You can buy them HERE at www.vikwing.com .  Vickie is really nice and she will take the time to answer any of your questions should you need to call about your order.

    First stamp the actual vinyl on the outside with Black Staz On.  The stamp used is Paper Inspirations ~ Soldier Calligraphy, set it aside to dry.  TIP you need to put something into the holder before you stamp it so that the other pocket does not leave a line through your image.  Next time I will just ink the word Soldier and leave the other words off because they are distracting from the picture. 

    The last step is to make an insert to put in your Debit Register.  This will be the cover that is displayed for people to see.  I stamped the image from Stampin Up ~ Courage in Memento ~ London Fog.  Then cut with Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle and mount on Black Cardstock.  There is a small piece of silver cardstock to give the look of a pedestal and even out the image so it is evenly spaced.

Cards, Cards, Cards

Happy December everyone!  This post has several cards that I have made to to showcase different techniques and coloring even a few photo taking tips. The first card has paper piecing, it was used for the Cinema Saturday Challenge "Clueless".  The second card is a Digital Owl from Ink Wink Stamps.  I colored it using Copic Markers.  The background is a cloud technique.  Here is the best step by step  tutorial I have found, it is also how I learned.  Next is a Door from Gina K's "Life's Journey" stamp set again colored with Copic Markers.  The bushes beside the door have been accented with Flower Soft.  The last card has cupcakes from Stampin' Up's "The More the Merrier".  They have been "frosted" with liquid applique. I used Movers and Shapers to make the scalloped opening then the scalloped oval punch for the sentiment.  The tablecloth was made using Stampin' Up's  Fancy Scalloped Border.  Now, for better photo's ALWAYS be aware of your background.  When possible try to use natural light not direct to the point of casting shadows but from an angel (this means not right under the sun).  Try taking pictures in the spot you like best at different times of day to see when your lighting is best.  Little easels can be found in most craft stores.  It is nice to have a few different one's to complement the card you have made.  Hope this has been helpful!

Thanks for stopping by,

 Melissa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I am thankful for my family and the time we have together.  Here is a quick card to say thanks for checking back.  This card uses 2 Great Impressions stamps, J105 a great border stamp and F418 for the bird.  This background stamp is the one I used to make that fabulous tree.  The background stamp is embossed, while the bird was colored with a black water based marker then huffed (breath moist air from the back of your mouth) to stamp.  Next I colored the bird, punched it out with SU's large oval punch.  Spellbinders used are Labels 4 and Fancy Tags 2 (my current LOVE).  The colors are Brocade Blue, Black and White. A simple black ribbon with white stitching finishes this card.
Until next time.
Melissa