Oh, the Ever So Cute Japanese Paper Dolls

I have been having a ball with these new dies from Frantic Stamper called, Kokeshi Japanese Paper Dolls die set. They are just so cute!!! And what's neat is that you can cut out 6 different hair styles with ONE pass of your die cutting machine! I do wish it had more "body" dies, but I did get around that.  Since the die is not detailed at all, I ran two pieces of card stock with the die and therefore got double the amount of base bodies as opposed to only using one piece of card stock.

Here is what I came up with:

And here are a bunch of dolls that I just put together. I had so much fun watching them "grow" and choosing the varies hair styles as well as the different color kimonos. With these dolls, I will be ready to put a card together in just about no time.

And let me show you what the background card stock looks like when I cut out all the pieces.  I used Cosmic Shimmer Pixie Powders to create the backgrounds.  It is very simple to use these powders; just sprinkle on the card stock and mist it with water.  The result is a beautiful shimmery watercolor background! The MICA is these powders is what gives it the shimmery shine which is perfect for this project making the kimonos look like real satin!

Hope you get inspired and start playing with these Pixie Powders.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend,

Anna

Supplies Used:

Dies:  Frantic Stamper Japanese Dolls, Spellbinders Nesting Scalloped and regular rectangles, Impression Obsession small tags, Marianne Creatables Butterflies set

Other: Cosmic Shimmer Pixie Powders

The Popular Scribbles Roses

Hello Everyone,

I want to thank the wonderful ladies for coming out to my class yesterday.  We had a very fun and productive afternoon!   The following is the third card that we made in class.

The scribbled roses are so popular and made by many companies now.  When I first saw them, I thought they were just ok. Then I started seeing samples all over Pinterest and they started to grow on me to the point where I ordered the set from the Frantic Stamper and had to try them out.

I've also noticed that the color combo of gold, black and white is very popular now and so I tried it out.  When I think of these colors, I think of an elegant evening dress and I think it came across in this design.

Here are some pictures of the ladies working diligently on their works of art.  You can almost see the smoke coming out of their brains! But believe me, we also had quite a few laughs during the afternoon!  I also want to take the time and thank Ginny for helping with the cutting for the class.  She cut all the black roses!  Thanks again Ginny! You saved me so much time!!!

And here is a picture of all three cards that were made in class!

You can read more about the rose border card HERE. And details about the poinsettia card is HERE


Hope you're having a fabulous day and I look forward to seeing you in my next class!
                 ~Anna


Supplies used for Scribbled Roses card:
Dies:    Frantic Stamper Scribbled Roses
Stamps:    Impression Obsession True Friend
Other:   Micro fine glitter in sahara, Gold stickles

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Beautiful Ukrainian Poppy!

Happy Wednesday All,

It's hump day and a short work week! Yay!!!

Today I would like to share with you a poppy flower card.  Now, being Ukrainian, I was thrilled when Sue Wilson came out with the Exquisite Poppy die set; because every Ukrainian needs EVERYTHING poppies!  I myself have a large embroidered framed poppies piece (38" X 18"), silk poppies in an Ukrainian vase and even a painting of poppies! I was so excited about being able to make poppy cards now!!!

I started cutting the flowers and was not pleased at all with the way they looked. They just did not look like poppies. I tried red card stock, then white card stock. Tried molding them on my mat, and still they didn't look like poppies. I just couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was so discouraged.

I couldn't sleep because of my dilema until I thought of doing a search on youtube! I was so hoping that Sue Wilson used them in a video. And sure enough she did!  She created a beautiful card showcasing 3 poppies.  You can see the card and video HERE.

Sue's tip on cutting the poppies did the trick!!! She used crepe paper!!! Of course! It made the flower realistic and lightweight!  I couldn't wait to get to the Dollar Store the next day to get some crepe paper streamers!!!  And here is my card; the crepe paper made ALL the difference.

I'm very pleased with the way it turned out! And it's perfect for ANY occasion! 

Supplies used:

Dies:   Sue Wilson Exquisite Poppy set, Sue Wilson Olive branches, Marianne Creatables Flower filler
           Impression Obsession Rectangle 6 in 1 frame
Embossing folder:  Sizzix


The lesson here --- the right paper goes a long way!!!

Thanks so much for "stamping" by,
           ~Anna

Christmas Joy

Happy Monday!
Hope you are enjoying the summer and it's not too humid where you are!  We've been having a heat wave and the humidity has been horrible!  I don't remember when it was this bad.  Yesterday was better and I think it will improve slowly.  (I can't complain too much though, since I do hate the winter cold and snow!)

So, thinking about winter, I'd like to share with you a Christmas card I made and used in a class this past weekend.  I got the inspiration from Sue Wilson, the designer of the Joy die!  I saw the card she made with this die and I just fell in love with this color scheme; cream and gold is such an elegant look!  You can see Sue's creation HERE.

Sue Wilson's cards are actually beautiful pieces of art because she makes the cards quite large; usually 5X5 or 6X6.  My card is a regular A2 size card.  I didn't have a large nativity star die and so I went with the bells.  I also added micro-fine glitter to the edges and lots of stickles to the "snow" on the card.  I am really pleased with the way it turned out.

Now, Kittie Caracciolo is another talented designer and if you go to HER BLOG, you can see this die set used in the traditional red and green color scheme; very simple, yet also elegant.

This die was released in the winter of 2014, (and I finally used it! Yay!) I am happy to inform you that it is still available!  Please let me know if you want to reserve it for yourself!

Supplies used:
Dies:    Sue Wilson, Joy, Impression Obsession small Christmas charms, and small pine branches
Other:  Sizzix/Hero Arts "Snow" embossing folder, Micro fine glitter in Sahara, stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by,
       ~Anna

New Sympathy Die from Impression Obsession

Happy Monday!

There comes a time when we need to make a sympathy card, and in those times we like to create something beautiful for the recipient.  This die helps you do just that.  Once I saw this new die in the new release, I imaged that if I add a few flowers, it would make the perfect card.

 So simple, yet very pretty.  

Next, I reversed the colors - cut the die in white and layered it on a colored background. 

And, lastly, a sample with just the "sympathy block" die and a border.  This of course is when you don't have the time to decorate the card, but it still comes out very nicely.

Supplies used:

Dies:  Impression Obsession "sympathy block", rectangle borders and stitched rectangle borders
          tiny  flowers
          small butterflies and medium butterflies
          Cheery Lynn cherry blossom die
Punches:  Nellie Snellen punch & emboss rose leaves


Thank you for stopping by,
      ~Anna

A Thank You Card and Coordinating Gift Box --- When a Card Just Isn't Enough

HELLO EVERYONE!!!
I'm back!  Yay!!!
So glad to get my "mo-jo" back and get back to blogging!
And I thank you so much for your continued support!!!

So, let's get down to business.
 
Recently I had to thank someone and knew that a card was simply not enough. So being the crafters that we are, I made a coordinating box and filled it with chocolates --- because, who doesn't like chocolate, especially Lindt truffles?

Here is what I created

I have been on a "teal" kick for awhile and had to use it here.  The card stock is from Hero Arts and by sanding the embossed medallion, the white core of the card stock comes through and you get both colors on one sheet!  I stamped and heat embossed the vellum and added the Cheery Lynn butterfly to complete the design.  The box is made from the same card stock with Cheery Lynn flowers and Marianne leaves. The "for you" die is from Impression Obsession.

Clean and simple, yet it makes a nice statement!

Thanks so much for stopping by,
Anna

Christmas Tags Galore!

Hi Everyone!  Just love the tags we made in the Christmas Tags Galore class ---

And we will be making them again, on Saturday, August 29th, at 1PM.  Join the fun and get a head start on your Christmas projects all at the same time!!!

And here are close up pictures of the tags.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 29th!
              ~Anna

Birthday Cupcakes!

Hi All,  Hope you are enjoying your summer.  We've past the half way point of July :(  Boy where does the time fly?

I'd like to share with you a birthday card I made for my daughter, Maria, who loves a good cupcake.

It's a simple layout, yet it focused on the happiness of cupcakes.  I also got to use one of the new border dies from Tattered Lace, which was included in their #17 magazine.

Supplies used:
Dies:  Marianne Creatables Cupcakes die, Tattered Lace lacey border die
Stamps:  Impression Obsession "It's a cupcake kind of day"
Other:  Tattered Lace Ditsy Dots embossing folder
Card size:  4" X 8"

Thanks for "stamping" by,
             ~Anna

An iPhone Birthday Card

It's the age of the iPhones and smart phones!  I have been wanting to create an iPhone card for the longest time and I finally made one for my son-in-law!  It was so much fun.  Gary has a black iPhone and I took it from there.  He doesn't use a case but I used my artistic license and "created" a teal one for him. 

On the inside, I even stamped #s to tag Gary's 30th birthday!

For your convenience, here are the dimensions of the card:
     Teal layer   3" X 5 1/2"
     Black     2 3/4" X 5 1/4"
     White    4" X 2 1/2"
Don't forget to round the corners except for the "screen".

Hope you'll try making a personalized iPhone card for your loved one soon!


Thanks so much for "stamping' by,
           ~Anna


Supplies used:
Stamps:     Impression Obsession, Hero Arts, Marianne, Just Rite alphabet
Other:     Star punch, Crop-a-dile

Spring is in the Air with Daffodils

Happy Thursday!  Spring is clearly in the air and I wanted to share with you this pretty yet simple daffodil card.

I used this very versatile die set from Leane Creatief.  This die set has 14 pieces and allows you to  make two flowers in two sizes and two views.  It also includes the leaves, all at a very reasonable price of $18. Please, let me know if you want a set; and remember we  can easily ship this in a padded envelope to you!

And here is a picture of the die set:

Every year I pick up a bunch of daffodils at the supermarket and this year I was lucky to be able to do it for 2 weeks!  I always pick a bunch where the bulbs are mostly closed; this way they bloom for me at home and I get to enjoy them for a whole week!  When I made this card, I knew I wanted to take a picture of my vase of daffodils with my handmade card.  Hope you enjoy the look:

Now if you like this look, stop by on Saturday, March 28 for the Daffodil Card Make and Take.  

OR, you may decide to stay and make several cards in our Easter and spring cards class.

Either way you'll be ready for Easter if you do!

Thanks, have a wonderful day and celebrate; tomorrow is spring!
                                   ~Anna


Supplies used:
Dies:  Leane Creatief Lea'bilities daffodils
Stamps:  Impression Obsession Happy Easter
Embossing folder:  Leane Creatief garden tools border
Ink:  Tsukineko Versacolor Mango

Love is in the Air

Join us for a cute Valentine Make and Take this Saturday, February 14th.

This owl stamp from Lawn Fawn is so cute and even though it comes in a Christmas stamp set, it can be used for any winter occasion.

Supplies used:
Stamp:  Lawn Fawn
Dies:  Impression Obsession Bare branch and heart border, Dee's Distinctively With        Love, Spellbinders Classic Circles nestabilities
Other:  Marvy tiny heart punch, Copic markers, stickles

Hope this card warms your heart and makes you feel warm on this cold and snowy day.
Thanks for stopping by,
             ~Anna

His and Her Get Well Cards!

As promised, more get well cards for you!

I really liked how this card came out.  It's clean, simple and puts a smile on my face! And hopefully, it will put a smile on the patient's face.

The only thing that started to bother me was that it does look a bit feminine.  Of course, that is only natural because I'm a woman who likes pretty colors, hearts and flowers and I am drawn to replicate that in my work!  The next day though, these thoughts were still swirling around in the back of my mind when the idea of stars came to me.  What about changing out the hearts for stars and changing the color combo.   And so, my mind began to race and I couldn't wait to get home and try it out.  (I just love it when an idea just pops into your head - and this all happened while I was driving on my lunch break!)  Here is the masculine version --- what do you think?

And here are the two cards, side by side ---

(Both cards are the same size - 3 1/2 X 5.  It's just an optical illusion that the white one looks bigger.)

Hope this gets your creative juices flowing!
                    ~Anna

Simple and Fun Get Well Cards

Hello Stamping Buddies!
It's the middle of January in the northeast and it seems like we are getting some kind of snow or ice once a week now and I just hate that.  But in turn it gives us time to be indoors and craft (yay)!  See, there's always a plus side!

Lawn Fawn has two great stamp sets with coordinating dies that can be used for some very cute get well cards.  If you know me, you know I don't take meds, unless it is totally necessary, but I just LOVE the little prescription bottle in the "Get Well Soon" stamp set!  It's just so cute - and here is the card that I came up with:

For my second card, I used Impression Obsession's "Under the weather" stamp, and umbrella & cloud dies.  The card is only 3 1/2 X 3 1/2 and perfect to be attached to a gift bag with some goodies for the patient!

There you have it!  These are two of the cards that you will be able to make in the Get Well Cards class.  Check us out tomorrow for more Get Well Cards!

Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to seeing you soon!
                       ~Anna

Sweet Christmas Wishes Topped with Love

Love this cute card - the Make and Take for this weekend's Christmas Open House.

Supplies used:
Dies:  Impression Obsession's take out coffee and Christmas charms sets
Stamp:  Impression Obsession
Other:  Stickles, smallest Marvy's heart punch, Sizzix/Hero Arts snow embossing folder, peel offs

Looking forward to seeing you!
                 ~Anna

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Hope you are enjoying this wonderful holiday with family, friends and good food!  I was home yesterday and made this Thanksgiving tag even though there was a snowstorm outdoors!

I had a lot of fun creating this fall scene with Impression Obsession dies. 

I also thought it would be fun to re-post some of my favorite Thanksgiving creations from the past.

2010

 Here is the link to the original post:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-thanksgiving-card.html

2011

And the link to this post:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-day-card-matching-candle.html

2011

And in 2011, here is the link for this card and the wine bottle tag:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving_24.html

2011

 

 

 

2012

And the 2012 link:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-is-almost-here.html

2013

 

The link for this fall wreath:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2013/09/welcome-fall-with-impression-obsessions.html

2013

 

 

And lastly the link for this pretty wheat tag:  http://annascreativecorner.blogspot.com/2013/10/wine-bottle-tag.html


Hope you enjoyed going down memory lane with me.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
                    ~Anna

A Clean and Simple Christmas Angel Card

I love angels and the Impression Obsession new angel die set makes two pretty angels perfect for Christmas cards.

The gold card stock makes this card very regal and yet the design is simple enough that you can mass produce it.

If you haven't started your Christmas cards, hope this gives you the inspiration to start!  Christmas will be here before we know it!!!

Supplies used:
Dies:  Impression Obsession angel set, Spellbinders floral ovals
Stamp:  Joy to the world
Embossing folder:  Joy crafts

Thanks so much for "stamping" by,
                    ~Anna

A Beautiful Christmas Cardinal

Happy Tuesday!
I finished this card for the Christmas card class this past Sunday and finally got around to take a picture of it! 

I just love this beautiful cardinal!  

You know, there are some cards that you finish and you truly love the way it turned out.  Well, this is one of those cards!  I have it sitting on top of the small TV in the kitchen so that I can enjoy it while I have my meals!

Everyone in class loved this card also - it is simple yet very elegant.  The cardinal is just gorgeous and the 3 wings layered onto the body gives it so much depth.   The bit of diamond stickles gives the whole card a pretty sparkle.

Here you can see the detail and depth of the card.  I think I will be making several of these this Christmas.  Even though this is a simple design, it does take a bit of time with all of the cutting and building of the layers, but it is soooo pretty!

Let me know if you would like this cardinal die, as I will be ordering more of them this week.  I want to make sure I get enough and that no one will be left out!

Supplies used:
Dies:  Dee's Distinctively Dies right facing cardinal, Impression Obsession pine branch, Spellbinders floral ovals and classic ovals
Other:  Sizzix snow embossing folder, Diamond stckles, Copic markers

Enjoy the warmer weather!  It'll be cold soon enough!
                          ~Anna

A Simple Christmas Card

Happy Saturday!   Today I wanted to post a simple card I made using the Tattered Lace Kensington Corner die; and by placing it not in a corner, you get a nice, different look.

The deer is an Impression Obsession die and then I used Nellie's punches for the pine and flower for the deer's neck.  The finishing touch were some pearl dots made with a Viva Decor pearl pen.  It's simple so you can mass produce this one for Christmas!

Supplies used:

Stamps:  Merry Christmas (unknown) and heat embossed in white

Dies:      Tattered Lace Kensington corner, Impression Obsession large deer set

Punches: Nellie Snellen mini flower & butterfly set, pine branch

Other:     Viva Decor pearl pen

Thanks for "stamping" by,

               ~Anna