Gate Fold Brithday Card

 

Today I'm sharing this pretty gate fold card and inspirational bookmark  I made for my sweet friend Lorna Lee's birthday.   These cards are so simple to make and your embellishments take center stage on this style card!  

Lorna loves purple, so I chose three lilac papers from Graphic 45's "Secret Garden" collection to work with.   This card is a 5" x 7" so I begin, by cutting a piece of white cardstock at 10" x 7" then along the 10" side, I scored and folded the card at 2.5" and 7.5" to create the gate fold base.  To create your surrounding frames, cut each layer 1/2" smaller than its base and you'll get a clean 1/4" frame around each layer.    For example: 

Before adhering your layers together, first center and wrap purple ribbon around the striped papers, securing the ribbon to the backside, then you can adhere your layers together.  To decorate, I popped up two pretty die cuts to create the gate fold center piece.  I finished decorating with a flower, a few leaves, a bit of pearl trims and a happy birthday sentiment.  The inside is simple, just framed up and layered the pattered papers and left the center blank to write my birthday wishes.  

Lorna loves inspirational sentiments and devotions, so I found this beautiful image called "Divine Mercy" and added the "Jesus I Trust in You" affirmation and a finishing tassel.   Lorna really loved the card and keeps the bookmark nearby as a gentle reminder that no matter what she's going through, God's love and mercy will always be with  her.  

Thank you for dropping by and having a peek.   Until next time, have a joyous day!  ~ Dawna

This Old Jalopy Graduation Card

Hi Friends,   I'm sharing a Graduation Card I made for my "adopted" grandson, Josh.  Josh is my son-in-laws nephew and he's been a part of our lives since he was a young boy.  Graduation is a huge accomplishment, and we're so very proud of  our special young man.  The inside of this card was also decorated and held a special poem about the adventurous travels of this Old Jalopy and the new ones in store as Josh sets out to follow his own dreams.  

That's it for me today.  Thank you for dropping by, your visits are always appreciated.  If you liked This Old Jalopy Card, please "join" or follow" this blog, there's a lot more to come!  Until next time, create something wonderful today!  ~ Dawna

Mica Pendent and Curiosity Tag

 

Hi Friends, Today I'm sharing a necklace I made for my swap pal, Tammi (aka Silver26ak) in a jewelry swap.  Tammi really loves fall colors and nature, so I decided to try my hand at using the Mica Flakes to create the pendent and present the necklace on a nature themed tag. I've never done jewelry before and I'm very new at making tags, so this was a really fun challenge for me. 

I used an Elizabeth Craft Designs die set called "Tag's and More" in "Leaves" to create the arched tag with inset leaves cut out.   The die also has several options for creating holes, corners and reinforcements.  I kept it simple with just the plain circles in orange and backed the leaf cut outs with green cardstock.  The pendent is a Prima bubble and Finnabair metal plate.  The metal leaf is from Tim Holtz Ideology metal collection called "Festive Foliage." The jute sheer ribbon necklace is available at any big box craft store. 

To create the pendent, I placed double sided tape onto the metal plate, sprinkled the flakes all over, then laid a piece of wax paper over the flakes to protect them.  I burnished (rubbed real well with a hard straight edge) the wax paper over flakes to safely secure them to the metal plate and dusted off any excess.  Last I sealed the flaked plate and bubble together using glossy accents.  I used a jewelry clasp to add the metal leaves and pendent to the sheer jute necklace, knotted each side so they would remain centered during wear, and viola'!  Your pendent is done!  Was that easy peasy or what? 

To decorate the tag, I chose the "Curiosity" sheet from Kaisercrafts "Curiosity" paper collection.  I used the Elisabeth Craft tag die mentioned above, then added a black script layer under that, then a third layer of orange to double frame the bird tag image.  I die cut a black doily then cut it in half and placed them between the cardstock layers, then taped the layers together.  I love the crowned bird image and wanted to feature that in the center and embellish the side and corner with Prima Filigree Flowers and Leaf dies.  The orange filigree flowers have a punched stamen with a  rhinestone center.  Notice I alternated the stamen and leaf colors for added interest. 

 

Lastly, I used the Spellbinders Stamp die for my sentiment label which reads "A Garden of Happy Wishes for You."  I added green tulle to the top of the tag, and was very happy how my first piece of jewelry and its presentation came out.  Here's one last look:

Well friends, that's it for me today.  If your interested, you can find a complete list of items I used here:

http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=galleries&u=641373&m=view&id=5326439&type=-1&size=0

Thank you for dropping by today.  Your visits are very much appreciated and, as always, I'd love to hear from you!    If you enjoyed this pretty Mica Pendent and Curiosity Tag, please take a moment to join or follow my blog.  I hope you feel inspired to create something beautiful today.  Until next time, have a joyous day! ~ Dawna 

Vintage Dress Form Tag

Hi Friends,  Today I'm sharing a Vintage Dress From Tag I created for Jo (aka Texlady) in our Brats Birthday Card Club.  I love vintage and sewing themes so this was really fun to create for Jo and she really loved getting it!  I used the Cricut "Artist" cartridge from Stampin Up to make the swirly topped tag and label.   Here's some information on how to create your own and a few close-ups I hope you enjoy:

I paired the dark navy blue and gold foil cardstock with the "Damask" sheet from Teresa Collins "Now & Then" paper collection.  I really liked the striking contrast of these papers together.  The Prima flower was sprayed with Gold Foil Bloom Spray, added a bit of Diamond colored Stickles to finish the center, then softened the look with a bit of gold tulle gathered behind the flower.   The sentiment label was simply a 1" version of the same tag cut and it made a perfect background for my "Have a Beautiful Day" sentiment. 

I used Tim Holtz's "Alterations" die to cut the dress form and thread spool.  Decorating the dress form was my favorite part.  I had some Websters Pages navy blue lace that I used as the dress base; added some vintage cream and gold crocheted trim around the neck, waist and bottom.  Then I highlighted the waist with a few little Stickled roses and some gold tulle.  I added another small rose at the neckline and finished the top and bottom of the dress from with some Gold Pearl colored Pearl Drops.  To highlight the dress form, I added a cream doily behind it along with a swirly gold foil die cut, and a pretty floral print I fussy cut from the damask paper.  They layered up nicely with foam tape which give the tag some extra dimension.  

Finely, I finished off the tag side with some vintage lace given to me by my dear friend Martica.  I repeated the dress lace across the bottom, added a vintage spool top and a thread wrapped spool; then finished it off with a handmade stickpin.  

You can find a list of supplies I used to make this tag here:  http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=galleries&u=641373&m=view&id=5321411

Well friends that's it for me today.  Thank you for dropping by, your visits are very much appreciated! I hope you enjoyed this pretty vintage tag and encourage you to create something beautiful today!  Until next time, have a joyous day! ~ Dawna

Butterfly Birthday Card

Hi Friends, Today I'm sharing a butterfly card I made for my friend Shana (aka Dryla) for her birthday.  I can't take credit for its design, as it was designed by Laree, the new owner of  "The Stampin Post " for our regular card class.  I enjoyed making this pretty card and it really brightened Shana's special day!

I love the sanded down embossed doily in the background and die cut tulle butterflies on top of the layered paper butterflies.  We also learned how to burnish mica flakes to make the sparkling gold strip and little butterfly. 

The card flips up and the inside features a pocket for a sweet note card.

Well friends, that's it for me today.  Thank you for dropping by, your visits are always appreciated.  Until next time, have a joyous day!  ~ Dawna

Sweet Birthday Card

Hi Friends, Today I'm sharing a pretty, yet quick and easy birthday card.  I created this for my dear friend Susie (aka Scrapsmart).  For papers I chose the "Sweet" page from Kaisercraft "Be-YOU-tiful" collection.  To begin, I cut the yellow background to 5x7 and the aqua card top to 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" to leave a 1/4" frame of each color around the card.   I distressed the edges of both layers then roughly sewed the edges using two different stitches. Then I fussy cut two flowers, shaped and inked them, and added a Kaisercraft "Sparklets" in sea breeze to finish the centers.  I dipped the leaves in a bit of  "Diamond Dust" for added sparkle and made a few Prima wire sprigs for a finishing touch.  

To assemble, I adhered the bottom yellow mat to a basic 5 x7 ivory card, layered on the aqua mat and  curled up the left corner to add a white "Soprano" flower from Prima.  I arranged the rest of the flowers to my liking, popping up the yellow ones for added dimension.  Tucked in the white flowers, leaves, and sprigs around the yellow flowers and there you have it, pretty yet easy and simple!   

Well friends, that's it for me today.  Thank you for dropping by, your visits are always appreciated!    Have a joyous day!  ~ Dawna

Easel Brithday Card

Today I'm sharing an easel birthday card I created for my fried Yvonne.  Easel cards are fun and easy to make and they display so pretty all by themselves!  Here's a few close ups and a bit of information on how to create your own:

An easel is created using two different lengths of cardstock.  Make your front any size you'd like, then make the bottom the same width, but make it at least 2" inches longer than your front.  Score the longer piece at the bottom at 1/2" and again at 2"  Fold your scored lines like an accordion.  Attach the 1/2" area about 1 1/2" up from the bottom of the backside of your card.  Fold the second score line towards the front of your card creating a base.  You'll need to add a stop on the bottom of the card so the front will stand up by itself.  

Thick lace works perfectly as a stop for the top of the card. You can also use buttons, brads, punched cardstock, just about anything that will create a 'lip' to hold the card upright.  

I covered the top, bottom and the unseen areas with green cardstock.  I fussy cut a few flowers, painted them with Glossy Accents and finished the centers with Butter colored Micro Beads from Prima.  I layered a die cut background over contrasting cardstock, and popped up the flowers for extra dimension.  Lastly, I inked the edges with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, added a few die cut Prima leaves, added sprigs of curled Prima wire and finished it with a punched butterfly.  

The decorating possibilities are endless with this style card so I hope you get creative and make one of your own!  Thank you so much for dropping by and I wish you a joyous day!  ~ Dawna

Listen to Your Heart

Hi Friends,  Today I'm sharing my first mixed media art journal piece.  Its been over two decades since I picked up my drawing pencils, so despite a few mishaps, I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.  This is the first lesson "Its Okay to Be You" in a series of art lessons being offered (at no cost)  by Tamara "Tami" Laporte in her "Art, Heart and Healing" series.  Tami is a an amazing mixed media artist who loves to teach, share and encourage artist to get in tune with their creative selves.  She is a beautiful soul, who's uplifting, down to earth, sweet and oh so funny.  If your interested you can find Tami's lessons at Willowing Arts located at:  http://www.willowing.org

I loved following Tamara's lessons and look forward to learning a lot more.  Thank you for dropping by and have a joyous day!  ~ Dawna

Steampunk Birthday Card

"Happy 18th Birthday Joshua"

Hi Friends,  Today I'm sharing a card I made for my 'adopted grandson' Josh for his 18th birthday. Whenever I create for my grandsons, I always seem to lean towards a "Time Fly's" theme.  Probably because they are all growing up so fast!  It may look a little complicated but actually with just a few simple techniques it was pretty easy and lots of fun to create.   

To start, I used Graphic 45's "Steampunk Spells" paper collection and its coordinating 6x6 cardstock pad.   I fussy cut a few flowers for the cover and inside with their vines or gears still attached.  Then I picked out a nice big hot air balloon for the cover and a small on for the inside.  I really wanted the big balloon to have a lot of dimension, so I adhered it to chipboard, distressed the edges (using TH Vintage Photo) and added a few coats of Glossy Accents to make it shine and really pop!  

Male Steampunk Gear Head Chippy from Gina's Design

Then I took this amazing Steampunk Male Gear Head chippy, a gift from my friend Donna from Gina's Designs and finished it with some Viva Inka Gold and Copper colored Metallic Rubs.  I used the same metallic rubs in green, azure and turquoise to finish the Leaky Shed Spring Butterfly.

Steampunk Male Gear Head Close Up

Putting it all together was pretty simple.  Before I adhered anything or double matted the background papers, I added the corner eyelets to the top piece of cardstock, roughed up the mat edges and distressed them with ink.  Then I roughly sewed the edge of each mat with different stitches.  I arranged the embellishments the way I wanted them, then used a clock face to stamp out a few peek-a-boo clocks and the inside sentiment.  Now I was ready to secure everything down.  I used some foam tape to lift the balloon up, tucked in a few flowers and the gear head, layered on some metal gears, butterfly sequins, and finely the birthday banner.  Here's the inside of the card and a final look at the cover:

"Live the Life You've Imagined"

Happy 18th Birthday Joshua"

Well friends that's it for me today.  I hope all you Steampunk fans out there enjoyed this fun, funky and cool masculine card.  Until next time, I hope you're inspired to create something from the heart!  ~ Dawna

PS:  If you're new to my site, please feel free to join or sign up for emails so you can enjoy what's next!  

In Loving Memory of Dad . . .

In Loving Memory Donnie Spencer 7/22/1936 - 3/10/2015

Its been nearly a year since I posted anything to my blog and with the arrival of spring, I finely feel ready to return to my creative work.  I needed to take some time off after my dad passed away last March.  He was 78 years old, had a loving wife, two daughters, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  Dad had been ill for many years and he put up a courageous and brave fight.  Even though I thought I was prepared, at least intellectually, when the time came, my heart and spirit were broken and the journey towards acceptance began. 

My dad was a self made man with little more than a 7th grade education.  Yet he was fascinated with anything and everything mechanical.  He had a beautifully inventive and creative mind, was a very accomplished master machinist and innovative mechanic.  My dad was adventurous and loved the outdoors, especially isolated places where no one else could be found.  He taught me how to camp in the wilderness, build a camp fire, fish in steams and in the ocean.  Since he was so mechanically inclined, he passed that along also..  I grew up being his 'monkey wrench' fetching every tool imaginable from his vast collections at the shop.  

As an accomplished race car driver in the 60's, he  taught me to work on cars and how to drag race.  I learned everything from how to do a simple tune up and change tires, to fixing or replacing transmissions, drive trains, engines and everything in between.  At age 5 years old, to the horror of my mom, I water skied on dads shoulders in the ocean.  At age 7 he taught me to ride my first motorcycle and let me drive the boat.  Dad always hoped for a boy, but was quite happy teaching his little tom boy instead.  I'm not sure how many little girls out there got fishing reels and rods, riding boots and leathers, or car spoilers for their birthdays, but these were contestants in my life.  When I was 10 years old, he helped host my Camp Fire Girl troop.  On our last night, following our bead ceremony, he had taught the girls so much about the wilderness, we gave him an honorary Native American Indian name "The Great White Father."  He was proud of that name and certainly lived up to it. 

Dad loved his family and many friends, and lit up when he was inventing, tinkering with projects, walking the pits at the drag races, attending the rodeo and watching John Wayne movies.  As his illness progressed he was content to remissness about the 'good ole days,' and enjoyed the races, rodeo and movies from the comfort of his favorite chair.   He held fast to traditional values and was proud to be a a Spencer.  Dad was always curious and resourceful, frequently stubborn and opinionated, but at his core he was a kind enough to give you the shirt off his back, loving enough to say so and help in any way he could, and he was a true dreamer.   

My father touched many, many lives in so many ways, I know I'm not alone in missing him.  Thank you for loving me and always being there for me.  I am blessed to have you as a dad and grateful that you will always be with me.  With all the love a daughter has to give, may your heart and soul always know how much you are loved.   May you forever abide in the kind of love, peace and joy that makes your cup overflow.

Spring is here, the flowers are blooming and song birds have arrived.  The beautiful blue jays have returned to nest once again in my yard.  Three is so much life and rebirth with spring, my spirit has been lifted and renewed.  Its time to follow my creative dreams once again.   Thank you for joining me in these sweet memories.  For all of us who have loved and lost, peace be with you. ~ Dawna