tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66071718242071778382024-03-05T03:43:56.640-05:00Out On a WhimCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-34857967721302601612010-09-28T23:01:00.001-04:002010-09-28T23:07:59.182-04:00Time marches on...More than 6 months since I've last posted...but I'll be back with cards again soon. It has been crazy and very busy time for our family all spring, all summer, and all fall...I am tired, but ready to dig in for the coming winter and just stay put for a while.<br /><br />C-Ya soon!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-88065716400732317602010-03-24T22:37:00.003-04:002010-03-24T22:51:07.408-04:00Having Long Distance Technical Difficulties...Hello - been seeing some busy times the last few months, with trying to get things at home organized while planning to spend some time in Grand Rapids, MI with my oldest daughter and her family helping out where I can as they await the arrival of their soon-coming twin girls. I am now "there" and I will openly admit that I am not being totally selfless in this endeavor, as I (& 5 year old Auntie Nattie) am/are truly enjoying this time getting to see all my grandchildren, the youngest one being just one year old last week, and this was my first visit with him...and he is adorable...as all are of them and I would LOVE to show them off...but it is with great anxiety that I am not able to use my 'puter until I work out some kinks in the system. I am hoping I can figure out how to get pictures up tomorrow... so please don't give up on me...I also will have a card set to share and a challenge... IF I cannot get pictures in, I will at least write out a good description of the card challenge...and see how many will try it!<br /><br />Until then!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-52425714089581424062010-02-03T23:27:00.004-05:002010-02-04T00:18:30.453-05:00Vintage Vogue Valentine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzsUIxmch2XtnrnHOzWd_fvOL1ZrTiQpopxiPi7NxgPkQSrcMLilIfi0kLhiTsfQeqpsDskDxsS7Y9Fn4KvMkdJhZjzlAjep2G06UARQqTUm0QcQT6vn1aq6C3pQnRwIcSdK3funQvtxu/s1600-h/102_2792a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434243147924441218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzsUIxmch2XtnrnHOzWd_fvOL1ZrTiQpopxiPi7NxgPkQSrcMLilIfi0kLhiTsfQeqpsDskDxsS7Y9Fn4KvMkdJhZjzlAjep2G06UARQqTUm0QcQT6vn1aq6C3pQnRwIcSdK3funQvtxu/s400/102_2792a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This card is to be my Mom's Valentine card - for she truly is a WONDERFUL mom to me! When I was working on it, I grabbed papers that struck my fancy and only realized after it was all together that I used "Vintage Violet" cardstock on the base, which was an In-Color back in 2007...so for the campers that made this card we used Brocade Blue, which looked equally vintage.<br />.<br />On the bottom Pale Plum panel of the card front, I used Versa Mark on the the new Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel called "Very Vintage" (page 27, Occaisions). I then dabbed my Stampin' Pastels over the VersaMark in various colors to bring out the pattern. I used texture plates (page 195 Idea Book) on the Always Artichoke and Rich Razzleberry smaller panels on the top half of the card. I punched a strip of cardstock that matched the card base with our new Scallop Trim Border (Get this free with a $50 purchase until March 31 during Sale-aBration! page 9) After layering a white panel on an Always Artichoke panel, I added some Mellow Moss leaves (Sizzlets Little Leaves on page 196 Idea Book) and Rich Razzleberry Flowers stamped on White with the Vintage Vogue Set and then cut out by hand (Paper Snips, page 191 Idea Book) Lastly, I selected the greeting from Well Scripted (page 19 Occaisions).<br />.<br />Have a great week!<br /><br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-18053454170994278752010-02-01T07:45:00.004-05:002010-02-01T08:06:24.483-05:00Bear Hugs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlwDCQ2DbPV3nZ0QgKBzqo3uSZm52adMTsBfqpDRXCWoBT_tg_Zf0rCo3rVPkiujn0bvtlfGvLzK5eIIUEnf3m6D992zcVxNMa9f3a6b25VgvzNR5u-dgcHjlg6W3FVbjza0NFpjZwRGt/s1600-h/102_2778a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433255578718946306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlwDCQ2DbPV3nZ0QgKBzqo3uSZm52adMTsBfqpDRXCWoBT_tg_Zf0rCo3rVPkiujn0bvtlfGvLzK5eIIUEnf3m6D992zcVxNMa9f3a6b25VgvzNR5u-dgcHjlg6W3FVbjza0NFpjZwRGt/s400/102_2778a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was a very quick card to make. Using the bear from "Under the Stars" with Chocolate Chip ink on a Creamy Carmel cardstock oval, I then re-matted it onto a larger Chocolate Chip oval. Using the "Woodgrain" background stamp, (first time used) I decided to stamp the image and move it over ever-so-slightly and re-stamp it without re-inking. to give it a more grain without overpowering. It has a blotchier (is that a word?) look, but I did get the campier<br /><div>(is that a word???) look I desired. I used an old image from my vast collection for the greetings as it seemed perfect for my 14 year-old grandson who is too big for hearts and birdies from Grandma! </div><div>.</div><div>Have a great Day and C-ya soon!</div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-71313305569959272082010-01-30T22:54:00.004-05:002010-01-30T23:51:56.352-05:00Back to Stay!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhe7quZDDmkYck7wVftDOv5ELDqp-ml7CLWmw47r1zk1vQZTwEn0lMUBtt7XowoDywQ555zKIzKjgHCm371v8w-uMCTPgvBEFCbFGv8u8x2e8F349vLgsKCNgjy4WrPURaxrSu4S9DH7T/s1600-h/102_2774a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432748280080166818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhe7quZDDmkYck7wVftDOv5ELDqp-ml7CLWmw47r1zk1vQZTwEn0lMUBtt7XowoDywQ555zKIzKjgHCm371v8w-uMCTPgvBEFCbFGv8u8x2e8F349vLgsKCNgjy4WrPURaxrSu4S9DH7T/s400/102_2774a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Life in our home has taken some interesting turns in the last 2 months, but we are adjusting and in spite of the fact that my DH is unemployed and at home all the time now (in the county with the highest unemployment rate in the state). We knew this was coming a while back and were well prepared when it came to pass. What I wasn't prepared for, was all this "togetherness time." It sure is different to be under the surveilance of my "beloved boss" 24 & 7. As I said, we are adjusting. We've worked on some long overdue projects around the house and of course homeschooling our little girl goes on and I have been working harder on weaving my rugs for a local gallery where my stuff will be at this summer. It sounds so busy, but I realized that I have apparently been finding quite a bit of time for stamping, when I started taking photographs of my recent cards. So here is the first of a bunch of cards I have to share...I am committing to posting more regularly in 2010.<br />.<br />My LoveBirds card has a Pretty in Pink base card and Mambo Melon Scalloped Heart, with both pieces being run through my Bigshot with Stampin' Up!'s Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder. The birds and the branches were all punched with SU's new Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch from page 10 of the Occaissions Mini Catalog. I sponged the birds' bellies and wings and the branches with Platinum Shimmers that was in the Holiday Mini Catalog (and still available as are all the Big Shot items in there as well). The label was punched from Modern Label and Word Window, and the words were from the set "Three Little Words" available for sale in the Big Catalog, or as one of the free choices for a Sale-a-Bration selection. To finish the card, I dotted the birds' eyes with tiny spots of black shiny paint, and added stick-on diamonds on the word window.<br /><br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-69334141139553616842009-11-09T06:25:00.014-05:002009-11-09T08:42:42.595-05:00Felted Sweater Tote Bag Gift<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnESGa_55_QLTYSHY3Zux0tKVMTw6CIEzOqTLGNryhDyMq0ous779H1pKVXFdrx0xt-1aXO8b6Y0sl95rQv4AkgbBNnXRYMITmF_cUgICSHeOMAvCZrNzyIaLLJ1VanIsjz5p8Rx31k5ZD/s1600-h/102_2754.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402093963733299922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnESGa_55_QLTYSHY3Zux0tKVMTw6CIEzOqTLGNryhDyMq0ous779H1pKVXFdrx0xt-1aXO8b6Y0sl95rQv4AkgbBNnXRYMITmF_cUgICSHeOMAvCZrNzyIaLLJ1VanIsjz5p8Rx31k5ZD/s400/102_2754.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here I am with another secret sister gift I have been working on, this time for a new secret sister. The gift theme this time around is to be “making something new from something old” or in other words to recycle something, but the catch is…something we haven’t done before! What a challenge that turned out to be to just find something I haven’t done before, since I have been crafting and recycling since I was old enough to read, beginning with a potholder loom and trying everything I could find.<br /><br />Felting is something I have wanted to really try for a while. Last year I attempted to make slippers, the wool didn’t felt properly, so I “felt” it would be all right to try again and pray for success this time. My research to find an easy pattern with good instructions was found <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/other_crafts/recycled_sweater_totes.php">here</a>, and I began with a sweater that was already partly shrunken.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqEOqNex70XR130EmGlXHF6FZGCgc8uc_5lIPzQrAT6cuafkadpsEz4DkbV35aBVoghY94tegb6JwpfAfLIPPFh9EKyGeJYhLEnw7wmwC5jErKLHbv5du0wG25YYfu7EcoTfWSlJaIY2o/s1600-h/102_2752.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402093269260837522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqEOqNex70XR130EmGlXHF6FZGCgc8uc_5lIPzQrAT6cuafkadpsEz4DkbV35aBVoghY94tegb6JwpfAfLIPPFh9EKyGeJYhLEnw7wmwC5jErKLHbv5du0wG25YYfu7EcoTfWSlJaIY2o/s400/102_2752.JPG" border="0" /></a> One thing I realized about felting wool, is that one needs the agitator in a washing machine (top-loader) to do this quickly. Having a front-loading washer, I ended up doing the agitating by hand (my 5 year old daughter was delighted to help) in a sink of hot water…and had better success when rubbing the sweater against itself, especially the inside, which I needed to make as meshed together as possible.<br /><div><br />Then it was a matter of drying it and cutting it out, which was easy. Stitching took a bit more time, I thought a “blanket stitch” would work well, but after having most of it stitched, my stitches looked too uneven, so I pulled all that out and used my sewing machine to turn the edges under.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i9A0Mrpjd5LHyuvWIYCJmp_j4zY8AIOplpznE45hL-bAYlvYj3-V01sf-5WwChDKtIhciEQ9F3QIjT62moxOhQK4bOOBaKgTrJ3WNC1M7tqlXJ1AUjSr8HbwjfwIZKtIPjugbq2w6xAb/s1600-h/102_2756.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402088054125763938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i9A0Mrpjd5LHyuvWIYCJmp_j4zY8AIOplpznE45hL-bAYlvYj3-V01sf-5WwChDKtIhciEQ9F3QIjT62moxOhQK4bOOBaKgTrJ3WNC1M7tqlXJ1AUjSr8HbwjfwIZKtIPjugbq2w6xAb/s400/102_2756.JPG" border="0" /></a> I added a deep narrow pocket on the front for her cell phone or checkbook, and used an old Sizzix flower die on my Big Shot to cut out the flower trims, adorned with old buttons and carpet thread to detail them a bit. I threw a few flowers on the backside of the bag for good mearsure too. I saved the sleeves to maybe use on another pair of slippers for my little girl. <div><div><div>.<br />Remember when I said I started crafting with potholders? The rug used for a background under the felted bag in the photos, is one that I wove with loopers very similar to what I used way back then!<br /></div><div> </div><div>Hope she likes it!</div><div>Cheryl<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLq66nBHy0Q_pzRF1kxpIE71wlRMYPdT70IhJiQ1sD0okL1NO0nwWN9ctiuGsG_ce-lF90ULmbZXamvDUjo1yGFFG40Sxr1Zj3TBlROKYD07BymOKKvULpyR7YDZt9RisRTMcltA-T8o9/s1600-h/102_2754.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-7032442306443043662009-10-12T11:54:00.004-04:002009-10-12T14:03:28.386-04:00Photo Collage Gift Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0Ga0ppjzvj-UTKEYFMaWZdhwYXZ6qy3NiRv9vHTX7vdJ8ekyHwvQzaoe72XeopItJN9__ZRrHG6x4tSs2vrgykpwT_1k12KQXAUwN3ApwWjQb-RZY00Z-icEPEDrs2dfHzVfbUwqyox-/s1600-h/102_2741a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391743221001784098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0Ga0ppjzvj-UTKEYFMaWZdhwYXZ6qy3NiRv9vHTX7vdJ8ekyHwvQzaoe72XeopItJN9__ZRrHG6x4tSs2vrgykpwT_1k12KQXAUwN3ApwWjQb-RZY00Z-icEPEDrs2dfHzVfbUwqyox-/s400/102_2741a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This framed photo collage is a gift I made to give my Secret Sister at our revealing dinner this evening. The theme for the gift exchange is "For their Heart." My secret sis is all about her family, and so this is a project that I hope will touch her heart each time she sees it, if for no other reason is that she will see her family members.<br /><br />Okay ---not one stamp image was used here, but it is mostly all made from odds and ends of various pattern papers I had around my stamp room.<br /><br />I recycled a picture frame I bought cheap from a hotel that was changing the decor, so this was a rather large piece (for me) to paperscape, so not only a work of my heart, but also a frugal gift.<br /><br />I went with colors that coordinated with the existing matting, and offset 12x12 pattern paper to fill in the backround. I finish the edges and gaps with paper strips, ribbon, and some metallic gold eyelash yarn. {I could not get a photo without the satin center ribbon showing alot of shine and color variation from my camera's flash, but I promise you, the entire thing blends and looks better in real life.} Then I hunted around for colors that would kind of bring up the not-so-noticeable colors from the background. After finding a few, I made my photo mats and frames using my Big Shot, some Sizzix frames and ovals and put together several photo mats and frames, and used the ones I liked best when I was done with that. (I saved the others for the next project...I have 3 more the same size frames to do, but because I am using scraps, they will all be different!)<br /><br />Lastly, I added butterflies and gold bows around to glam it up a bit, and am leaving it the way it is, until I help my Secret Sister (who will learn my secret identy tonight) put her photgraphs in it, so we may add a few stamped images or phrases at that time, depending on what she chooses.<br /><br />Hope she likes it!<br />C-ya Later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-9985903307176621562009-10-08T11:06:00.006-04:002009-10-08T11:53:23.781-04:00Merry Little Christmas Skaters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SpupQHd89x_3BIJX4-SwTutRJY-jOiUQobtO_SFpPsrjB7xhRA180emC9SFtL-BBo-mBiEV7OP8du4KZDIbYxQX1AiJ27SJsEO9-PTzKaEokwzexa0Nqgr5xjGALHKY_urEYYMyYovlZ/s1600-h/102_2724a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390246433039591954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SpupQHd89x_3BIJX4-SwTutRJY-jOiUQobtO_SFpPsrjB7xhRA180emC9SFtL-BBo-mBiEV7OP8du4KZDIbYxQX1AiJ27SJsEO9-PTzKaEokwzexa0Nqgr5xjGALHKY_urEYYMyYovlZ/s400/102_2724a.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am experimenting with various ideas for Christmas cards for this year's cards. I like to make many before I decide which is "the one" that will be our family card.<br /><br />This card combines the "Winter Post" skaters and reindeer with the "Scenic Season" pines, and the greeting comes from the Level 2 Hostess Set "Christmas Punch."<br /><br />Using Card Pattern's Sketch #35 as inspiration, I also used the Stampin' Addicts Color Challenge 32 with Soft Suede, Kraft, Old Olive, Real Red with Very Vanilla as my neutral color.<br /><br />Tools that I used on this card include the Top Note Die with my Big Shot, the Wide oval punch and the 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches and colored pencils. <br /><br />Have a great day!<br />C-ya later!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-42170143471422529132009-10-08T01:03:00.004-04:002009-10-08T01:38:37.623-04:00Hope I can remember how to post here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWOyd_fWjHdcv0otAG_huJVTqAL_vCj6jApgN9dPd0TaOo1Ldivyjgce6rTK6H4CBMu-oeKGOd6xWXryhzpOTxHCuzaWWUnVhmKooOi6cv2IHdreRA90j6xe3PK5EvBm89dtx5zPENHa-/s1600-h/102_2730a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390090983297363378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWOyd_fWjHdcv0otAG_huJVTqAL_vCj6jApgN9dPd0TaOo1Ldivyjgce6rTK6H4CBMu-oeKGOd6xWXryhzpOTxHCuzaWWUnVhmKooOi6cv2IHdreRA90j6xe3PK5EvBm89dtx5zPENHa-/s400/102_2730a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello! I believe I am finally back to stick around. What a summer it has been! I am truly looking forward to a long white winter that will enable me to sip coffee, keep the home-fires burning, and do some serious creating. Summers are brief and busy around our home, more-so with our 5 year old, who sees each day as a chance to do as much as she can to pack the day full. They definately can give anyone a new perspective on the world we live in.</div><div> </div><div>This is a WCMD challenge card I did last weekend, with the requirement to use "words" as the main focal image. It is a very simple design, but I fiddled with the frame to give it a textured look about it.</div><div> </div><div>Begining with a 5.5" x 11" Ivory Naturas lcard base, I attached a piece of 5.5" x 5.5" pattern paper, and added brown ogandy with a tiny strip of Old Olive card stock over the top. </div><div> </div><div>The sentiment stamp is from the retired Stampin' Up's "Sampler Sayings" and stamped it with Basic Brown onto Ivory Natural oval (coluzzled) that had the retired SU retired "Linen" background stamped with Creamy Caramel on it. This makes it look more stitched to me. i sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip and layered it onto an Old Olive oval (coluzzled again) and the Chocolate Chip frame was also Coluzzled on the inside and outside diameter as a frame. </div><div> </div><div>To get the ouside frame's edging, I used an old pair of Stampin' Up!'s retired scissors (Antique Elegance, I think --- they were fabulous edgers!). Still lacking the "ooomph" I wanted, I then ran the frame through my Big Shot with the Finial Press Folder and was happy when I saw how it looked. Really a very simple card, once I figured out how I wanter to do it!</div><div> </div><div>Enjoy your day! </div><div> </div><div> </div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-75905989637122783392009-07-07T16:20:00.002-04:002009-07-07T16:40:39.033-04:00Miss you a Latte!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPuXJnMf10JHJWvwsQrHtCH9k43pasxBtmRwruMtIMM-e3EDXTkxBX2CAd5yOAYFC06-yZvuXB0hfQp-Q_w3v71lKZiyo83Vs_vhyrkKc2vZE1vhENQ7t0OMPPK-pcC4LWPfjH1YHMYmo/s1600-h/102_2716a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355816179853718866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPuXJnMf10JHJWvwsQrHtCH9k43pasxBtmRwruMtIMM-e3EDXTkxBX2CAd5yOAYFC06-yZvuXB0hfQp-Q_w3v71lKZiyo83Vs_vhyrkKc2vZE1vhENQ7t0OMPPK-pcC4LWPfjH1YHMYmo/s400/102_2716a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As my first attempt to get back into regular daily stamping, I found a great "Clean & Simple" challenge <a href="http://cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com/2009/07/ftl-49-sketch.html">at this site</a>. After seeing the sketch challenge, I knew I needed to make a coffee card. For me, "coffee" is always the best place for me to start - for projects, road trips, mornings, even card making! This card went together quickly and I confess I do like how it turned out!</div><div> </div><div>My card base is made from a cardstock I picked up several years ago, and while I cannot tell you the maker, I do remember it was called acurately "Gingerbread" if that helps anyone trying to replicate it. Real Red and Chocolate Chip trim for the Very Vanilla panel. I used Real Red Classic ink for the cup (What's Brewing?) and clear embossed over that with Faith's Miracle Embossing Powder, and added a light bordering blue for the steam swirls and some gingham ribbon. I used VersaMark with White embossing powder for the "Miss you a latte!" (Like it a Latte). The coffee bean pattern paper was a real find for me, as my love of coffee keeps me on the lookout for theme papers and stamps. This was a scrap from a GFS advertisement, and with careful trimming, I can make about 6 cards with the beany borders around the one page.</div><div> </div><div>C-ya tomorrow!</div><div> </div><div> </div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-86462729826736160172009-07-07T00:40:00.008-04:002009-07-07T01:20:42.102-04:00A Drive by Posting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgkwseOLZC7jjg50YPcAwUZtWidLDJAAWbgbZEqbvBwuCNBsGGW18aFgLuIj9O4yQBJnhRrrhuukXxtZCKr16CBooRxIOYnhU2FbL-vRTyvi9y2HsMIy-qY-eWjarZu0lxqndUVEEYpdb/s1600-h/102_2677c.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355575321696823458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgkwseOLZC7jjg50YPcAwUZtWidLDJAAWbgbZEqbvBwuCNBsGGW18aFgLuIj9O4yQBJnhRrrhuukXxtZCKr16CBooRxIOYnhU2FbL-vRTyvi9y2HsMIy-qY-eWjarZu0lxqndUVEEYpdb/s400/102_2677c.JPG" border="0" /></a> Seems like forever since I've posted anything. I've been busy lately, but truthfully, I've just been in a stamping rut and thought taking a break would do me some good. These are a set of 4.25" square cards I did a while back, that I came across while organizing my stamp room for the new Stampin' Up! year that is now under way. I believe I made them for a challenge, (or cased them, so if you recognize them, please let me know so I can give credit where it is due) but can't recall which one it may have been. All the cards were done with SU markers, direct to rubber.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oaQeyLOn9OOqRJCg6TQWEQ31svsPUyaspfxO9bALuaLqRLiueT9vOA5rGdyHLvHiqmvHqEP9B6b5UoJrMElPYowXwlUW0CZl8dph_l8IL2Q4m3xAsFfbjLelDWtuZrTdWnAmiuyfqGLD/s1600-h/102_2675a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355574945098997874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oaQeyLOn9OOqRJCg6TQWEQ31svsPUyaspfxO9bALuaLqRLiueT9vOA5rGdyHLvHiqmvHqEP9B6b5UoJrMElPYowXwlUW0CZl8dph_l8IL2Q4m3xAsFfbjLelDWtuZrTdWnAmiuyfqGLD/s400/102_2675a.JPG" border="0" /></a>Stem Silhouettes and Oval All Sets. Mellow Moss base with Very Vanilla panels and Always Artichoke and Perfect Plum layering and scraps of retired SU pattern paper. Scallop Scissors, MS Scalloped Punch, and SU large oval and scalloped oval punches.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz6-xPWYGRnfx24Lkdg-VpFGDfqh8HWVIkaB8LlGPKp8gTmRz6C_D0nxWHO8A8WAmPXyR0pyQ6CEKnHJKNU0JtaFbpRkl1ekPQoch-fhMfrNxma12Z5_fVZ3K8SBTwTM3z81xLnNPFf13/s1600-h/102_2671a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355574664527124258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz6-xPWYGRnfx24Lkdg-VpFGDfqh8HWVIkaB8LlGPKp8gTmRz6C_D0nxWHO8A8WAmPXyR0pyQ6CEKnHJKNU0JtaFbpRkl1ekPQoch-fhMfrNxma12Z5_fVZ3K8SBTwTM3z81xLnNPFf13/s400/102_2671a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, and random SU word (?) Sage Shadow Card Base. Very Vanilla Panels and Perfect Plum layers. Scraps of Retired SU pattern paper. Scallop Scissors, SU Eyelet Lace Punch, small, large and scalloped SU Oval Punches.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjGtHY9gvWtWOGT67Gq3US7mbbgHzalB4a40tnmEcFtgE0rN_JKtjoPvZEvQfJZ5rkrHMh3VyEffuRU0DiBgDo9kH8IBWL_4ZbWme-DgrIjZ9EHo8lu_GSWFc87iJrkaCpuyTJM_Li1pv/s1600-h/102_2670a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355574433115270754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjGtHY9gvWtWOGT67Gq3US7mbbgHzalB4a40tnmEcFtgE0rN_JKtjoPvZEvQfJZ5rkrHMh3VyEffuRU0DiBgDo9kH8IBWL_4ZbWme-DgrIjZ9EHo8lu_GSWFc87iJrkaCpuyTJM_Li1pv/s400/102_2670a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, Very Versatile. Pale Plum card base, Perfect Plum layers and Very Vanilla panels, and scraps of retired SU pattern paper. Scalloped scissors, MS scallop punch, and small and large oval punches, and a satin ribbon scrap.</div><div> </div><div>C-ya soon!</div><div>Cheryl<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-19980586000206804362009-05-30T22:12:00.003-04:002009-05-30T22:33:20.228-04:00CPS117 Card Sketch Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfBDPtY5Tyim5uqLnxS56RVx5AuMP1Gl7IY-NJcwEXjiBuSyr6Gzu-rJ4VAexmFOBhPc3q8JM7ZEna3fEHUxmZt2zNn4VdsM-D4yMpdrGkZQ9yjAiNgilwVE1j4lxkGAdECiU_0TxrtkO/s1600-h/102_2714a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341806430588218930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfBDPtY5Tyim5uqLnxS56RVx5AuMP1Gl7IY-NJcwEXjiBuSyr6Gzu-rJ4VAexmFOBhPc3q8JM7ZEna3fEHUxmZt2zNn4VdsM-D4yMpdrGkZQ9yjAiNgilwVE1j4lxkGAdECiU_0TxrtkO/s400/102_2714a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi there! I found a neat sketch challenge site called "<a href="http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/">Card Positioning Systems</a>" that offers a place to start when card-making. I used Blush Blossom for the card base, textured with a Cuttlebug "Dotted" embossing folder template on my Big Shot. The flower image is from SU's retired set "Live your Dream" which I direct-to-marker colored with Really Rust, Bravo Burgundy, Chocolate Chip and Always Atrichoke (don't know why, but I want to always say Always Avocado instead). I layered the panel with the Artichoke, which I also used in the Scallop circle and stayed with the Rust for the dot, backed with a small rim of Mellow Moss, which was also the body for the butterfly which was stamped with rust. The butterfly is punched from a Martha Stewart punch, and the design was a detailed butterfly that I stamped on the Moss before I punched it out, to give it a few details. The birthday greet, stamped in white was from SU's currently available Crazy for Cupcakes. The colors are a bit odd for this time of year, but it's been pretty cool here and feels more like the chill of late fall right now, so that must be where my color scheme came from.</div><div> </div><div>C-Ya Later! </div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-10435533193735699492009-05-05T21:25:00.004-04:002009-05-05T21:52:24.453-04:00Back to the Blog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1VC3vXH1JsB_V9J_PBM91V3yf13ycpSFEqLI3MnvsL16hLIPMRe4Ff40gvP9tnjaYxarGkFYVTrUUabSLQvwoersrFY3kimA5kpWBgf5WfWy5cWjk9Etd9gxGMYE9YmSVziRpdBVDhg9/s1600-h/102_2668a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332516881529974114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1VC3vXH1JsB_V9J_PBM91V3yf13ycpSFEqLI3MnvsL16hLIPMRe4Ff40gvP9tnjaYxarGkFYVTrUUabSLQvwoersrFY3kimA5kpWBgf5WfWy5cWjk9Etd9gxGMYE9YmSVziRpdBVDhg9/s400/102_2668a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I can hardly believe it's been over a month since I last posted! Life has gotten very busy for my husband and I, as he is seriously working hard to accomplish the starting up of a business, and I will also be a part of that business as well. Add that footwork to his job (he is still working his full time job where 90% of the workers are laid off, so the remaining crew is jumping through hoops as they try to keep things going), our 4-yeal old (soon to be 5 years old) who thinks that Daddy hung the moon, and just normal daily living issues that happen every day, and "whoosh!" another month has flown by!<br />.<br />Anyway, I have done a few cards in this time, got some rugs finished, and will try to catch up somewhat in my posting of both this week.<br />.<br />Diva Coffee Break Designs had a sketch this week <a href="http://divacoffeebreakdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/04/divas-coffee-break-design-sketch_29.html">(#125)</a> that got me rolling this afternoon. It was so easy, it would have been hard NOT to have an idea pop into my mind. I went with a monochromatic theme of Kraft, Chocolate Chip and Ivory, but relented and added the ribbon with a bit of red to zazz it up a little. If you don't have that Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel from Stampin' Up!, feel free to order <a href="http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/cherylhirzel/">one from me!</a> It is so very nice of a background to use for easy cards. If you don't wish to order on-line, you may call me directly and I can order it for you! The birds used were from the retired SU! See with the Heart set.<br />.<br />More later!<br />C-ya soon!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-54099642042299417432009-04-03T13:33:00.002-04:002009-04-03T13:58:08.621-04:00New Goodies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHHYidFN4n8x5kSapRouY0kEzjD85rKugahjsj47aA4DPZyGnHkdfzLNpAbwkjLt5VroN9SXFs3705OQz2Sr41PqZSoxXYV9ujYZ3EV4T8aPof8O07d-RqVtXk8MYK1l1P_zKLQcyTTys/s1600-h/102_2623a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320519855690263234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHHYidFN4n8x5kSapRouY0kEzjD85rKugahjsj47aA4DPZyGnHkdfzLNpAbwkjLt5VroN9SXFs3705OQz2Sr41PqZSoxXYV9ujYZ3EV4T8aPof8O07d-RqVtXk8MYK1l1P_zKLQcyTTys/s400/102_2623a.JPG" border="0" /></a>Does this little deer melt your heart? Another set from the new Occaissions Mini Catalog! Perfect for all the "deer ones" in your life...cards or scrapbooks...accompanied by a rabbit and owl and a tree! Too too cute!<br />.<br />This card I did for yet another challenge you can find out about here- <a href="http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/2009/03/cps109.html">CPS109</a>. With an Old Olive card base, I added plaid pattern paper (sorry, it was a leftover scrap, I don't know who made it). The grosgrain ribbons were layered, because the orange had white stitches that clashed against the plaid. (ew!) Then, I hand-cut around the white circle with old SU scallopped scissors to make the Tempting Turquoise frame.<br />.<br />I know that a large portion of my cards are inspired by challenges. There are challenges for using certain colors, sketches or layouts, themes, techniques, limited supplies, folds, styles. Truth is, I have so much stuff to choose from that I could spend all day just looking for a starting point. So I check out the challenges and use the ones that can help me get started. I stamp with some friends that like to use stamping catalogs or magazines to case from, and we have found we get alot more done by having certain perameters set for us. I'd be interested in knowing, where do you get your "starting points" from?<br /><br />C-Ya Later!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-31370096391313213952009-04-03T09:13:00.002-04:002009-04-03T13:32:14.462-04:00New Goodies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNPe7nrETHDThACkzHnPPk5yPlqoVNDaC3e2Tn_OdXYBVI61zIEH5T582Ps18B3mSo8AzYVnL3byglRuqH_S5OVCJF5W3ANPz5a1UOLNta-mncgn91nBsZxROsayf-wmDLuqyeSqH6U16/s1600-h/102_2638a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320452808820568722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNPe7nrETHDThACkzHnPPk5yPlqoVNDaC3e2Tn_OdXYBVI61zIEH5T582Ps18B3mSo8AzYVnL3byglRuqH_S5OVCJF5W3ANPz5a1UOLNta-mncgn91nBsZxROsayf-wmDLuqyeSqH6U16/s400/102_2638a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I got in my Stampin' Up! pre-order for the new Occaissions Mini Catalog - and looky here what they came up with to go with out 2 beloved Small & Large Oval Punches!!! There is now a Scallop Oval that fits the Large Oval perfectly! To make matters even better yet, there is a set of 4 stamps, called "Oval All" to give you something extra to use with it, other than all the little words and phrases we've been using all along. I really like the new Mini Catalog offerings!<br />.<br />Using my markers directly on the rubber images, I played, colored and punched and made a whole bunch of labels ready to pop onto a card as needed. These are really quick and fun to do! Then I made the card above choosing to use a label I particularly liked. <br />.<br />The card is for a fairly new weekly "Clean and Simple" challenge on Splitcoast. (CAS08) An 8.5" x 4.25" piece of Sahara Sand folded into a square card, with a strip of Perfect Plum along the bottom, I added matching ribbon across the seam and popped the label on top. Easy & super quick!<br />.<br />C-Ya later!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-22554916849257199992009-04-03T09:03:00.002-04:002009-04-03T09:11:15.940-04:00Rodeo Clown Cowboy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCn7E6n1XZKevJdG_Vv0YKMj-VVlOi2qbreWPumuEdOP7Z-Y61Gj-cEwtuMQfv7r8fkRHiT6GQBrjgc8IrZ16hmuTLtieapUwdQDTLkBtznU4bUi5pYGBzHp0VwB6-DDqZhtTgawJAfQd/s1600-h/102_2630a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320450419568390722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCn7E6n1XZKevJdG_Vv0YKMj-VVlOi2qbreWPumuEdOP7Z-Y61Gj-cEwtuMQfv7r8fkRHiT6GQBrjgc8IrZ16hmuTLtieapUwdQDTLkBtznU4bUi5pYGBzHp0VwB6-DDqZhtTgawJAfQd/s400/102_2630a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a card I did for the mini vsn (virtual stamp night on Splitcoast) last weekend. I had it done in time, but didn't get it posted as an entry. The challenge was to use a circus theme - and not having clowns in my vast array of stamps (as I am not fond of clowns for the most part), I wondered if I could give the Cowboy Kid a new costume...so here he is, did you recognize him?<br /><br />C-Ya later!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-77627166378292050462009-04-02T12:50:00.006-04:002009-04-03T01:16:14.742-04:00Best Kind of People<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaS_bqZaT-kTeXtanxi5lJ1fF-f73NKs8-qT48CuaSRO25THBXXhiRSwqEl8AgVAkw5J1oUD6xssOliguK9RlYjtbdKZvHbcrmNCHZ9CYSQekONl9b0qFRK7-w6ACxbvvJvxDz4x1ETZW/s1600-h/102_2625a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320137834015704610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaS_bqZaT-kTeXtanxi5lJ1fF-f73NKs8-qT48CuaSRO25THBXXhiRSwqEl8AgVAkw5J1oUD6xssOliguK9RlYjtbdKZvHbcrmNCHZ9CYSQekONl9b0qFRK7-w6ACxbvvJvxDz4x1ETZW/s400/102_2625a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This card is one I made using a direct-to- rubber technique to color the image. Not having the in-color blue marker that I needed on the leaves (because SU doesn't offer them), I improvised by using a blender pen on the ink pad (oops! guess I didn't order the refill when I ordered the pad). As you can see, it worked pretty well. The upper pattern paper is the brand new "Walk in the Park" Collection by Stampin' Up! The lower pattern is the jumbo wheel "Friendly Words" inked with white and rolled on Basic Gray card stock. The sentiment is from the set "Soft Summer" offered in the current Mini Catalog, which has a great selection of new goodies. You can see the on-line copy at <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/">www.stampinup.com</a> <br />.<br />Then, you can order on-line (please list me as your demonstrator), book a workshop with me, or call me and I'll do it for you. Easy as that!<br />.<br />I've been away a while to catching up on things, moving some things and preparing for the coming spring and summer....stamping when I could, but sometimes, just needing to take a break and do something different! At least, that was my "forced-to-make-a plan" plan after having my computer screen post a message on my screen saying "<strong><em>hard drive failure is imminent, save files now!</em></strong>" Fortunately, ALL of my stuff was saved, but I had to wait until a new one was ordered, arrived and was re-installed. (I thank my dear husband, without whose computer knowlege I would have been doomed back to the dark ages for the rest of my life!) This only took about a week or so, but I then <strong><em>had</em></strong> to finish up at least some of what I had started.<br /><br />.<br />One of the major things I did, was clear out (read: made space to move around in) my 'Loom Room' and started making carpets again. #5 is on the loom now, so when I take them off the loom, (several rugs are woven before taken off the loom) I will share some photos of my rugs here. Generally, all my carpets are made from recycled garments or re-claimed materials. I wove quite alot up until the time I started stamping...while recouperating from knee surgery, and got away from it for the last several years.<br /><br />I'll be posting more as I can - I really did do quite a bit of stamping in this interim too.<br /><br />C-ya soon!<br />CherylCheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-26581360715572882512009-03-12T14:45:00.004-04:002009-03-12T19:42:59.408-04:00Cards are a gift of "Thyme!"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpR-C403ovZVooYcg8jnIYe19fb8EnwvJR_90P5n-REN1PoaTfALkNukM7k2vj4KxVn0dFDWij79p9IQu7YILnfvkRfzqlOC8AtulyzF-jUPOI7aWmEJzvrkfdjUJW44hQfhyphenhyphenglyWIZW0/s1600-h/102_2605a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312380357277685794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpR-C403ovZVooYcg8jnIYe19fb8EnwvJR_90P5n-REN1PoaTfALkNukM7k2vj4KxVn0dFDWij79p9IQu7YILnfvkRfzqlOC8AtulyzF-jUPOI7aWmEJzvrkfdjUJW44hQfhyphenhyphenglyWIZW0/s400/102_2605a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZUkFxEJGUFWZLpKgW8VbC9v5r5tZ1VaAw2IfnfqjbmpcvmUAAN5UvXUzyW3Vdji-swaz2w1BDKU3rft6MLMe1YbRNBvjCFO7kuzD4yVG9GMDv63CApohMjRe9AVgXUVKyp0iYdWfoK-f/s1600-h/102_2588a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312374637088139698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZUkFxEJGUFWZLpKgW8VbC9v5r5tZ1VaAw2IfnfqjbmpcvmUAAN5UvXUzyW3Vdji-swaz2w1BDKU3rft6MLMe1YbRNBvjCFO7kuzD4yVG9GMDv63CApohMjRe9AVgXUVKyp0iYdWfoK-f/s400/102_2588a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tomorrow evening, my husband, Mark, will be attending a Men's Retreat at the church he helped to build last fall. (Anyone remember the <a href="http://cheryl-outonawhim.blogspot.com/2008/09/350-lighthouse-cards.html">350 cards </a>I cranked out for the building help?) This time there wasn't as large a project, but I volunteered to make a set of cards for the baksets of 2 of the pastors that will be there. </div><div>.</div><div>Our church is famous for baskets, I think, because anytime something is going on, there are gift baskets to be put together. They are always very nice and thoughtful, but try as I might, I just don't have the knack for putting all that stuff together and making it look all foo-foo and nice and all...but I have found that I can make cardsto help fill them up and I am helping out the best way I know how to. But this is the first time I have made cards for the guys' retreat. </div><div>.</div><div>So I picked out some masculine paper and it matched the former in-color "True Thyme," of which I am in very short supply of. So I stamped and I sponged and used the smallest pieces up, trying to conserve all I could, because once the in-colors are gone, they are gone! I did not stamp the insides, as I wouldn't know what would need to be said at the time they wanted to use the cards. I will also stamp an all-occaission verse on the envelopes, so they won't have to (if they even noticed) a certain card to a certain envelope. </div><div>.</div><div>Here are the individual shots below, with a quick name of the set I used, so 3 are pretty vintage for Stampin' Up! sets, which I am thankful that I got them way back when.</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-73345076367649655772009-03-12T14:43:00.001-04:002009-03-12T19:32:02.970-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM3_w5BBr5HrTdCLrihVaEJ69qYKW0XymoeR36kL1aklBiMKqmN5UfhJnrb_LzIJ-OlkOCt9RhEtEH90nhgX9bGhJwD1p61WDx-Y-_rmDloyEz8kW7dXbvrAHkSFMCiqNsmLWZ8zjDNOT/s1600-h/102_2605a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312446696317634450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM3_w5BBr5HrTdCLrihVaEJ69qYKW0XymoeR36kL1aklBiMKqmN5UfhJnrb_LzIJ-OlkOCt9RhEtEH90nhgX9bGhJwD1p61WDx-Y-_rmDloyEz8kW7dXbvrAHkSFMCiqNsmLWZ8zjDNOT/s400/102_2605a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This card is from the current SU set called "Winds of Grace."<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZLldy5yqZCz7pWCKgIVhehZVFlzwjz2ntK2Q1uZX413EE2c0Hx-Vr8M45VKKC8pu2QuqQalLrwcsVZKx9e3OX8dc83B35VVWunuhWM-XKAIuZMSOnjjzM_mQofu_HwQEXBSiMsLCt5pt/s1600-h/102_2597a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312446077878140738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZLldy5yqZCz7pWCKgIVhehZVFlzwjz2ntK2Q1uZX413EE2c0Hx-Vr8M45VKKC8pu2QuqQalLrwcsVZKx9e3OX8dc83B35VVWunuhWM-XKAIuZMSOnjjzM_mQofu_HwQEXBSiMsLCt5pt/s400/102_2597a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This image came from SU's retired "Beauty of Life."</div><br /><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iHV9FAh1vRb0tVaT6fvbTBJrj7dEREdFlp7tAgmH6WLNfXSLNvcgiJFyOcb0m5F_DZOeWLyYmV6LFPAOj064H8JCCg5YafamO0n4trLBMFTojUqTod1oMXjGSKedxEcY1osYWH-hvRv8/s1600-h/102_2594a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312445499448248130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iHV9FAh1vRb0tVaT6fvbTBJrj7dEREdFlp7tAgmH6WLNfXSLNvcgiJFyOcb0m5F_DZOeWLyYmV6LFPAOj064H8JCCg5YafamO0n4trLBMFTojUqTod1oMXjGSKedxEcY1osYWH-hvRv8/s400/102_2594a.JPG" border="0" /></a>This eagle is from the Retired SU's "Birds."</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CTdjbcq3FuZBM6zJHu7NHfnD-IWSqN9seHyf7M4AO0LRL1FkoqLeaxzGcSrBAExtkxUIC-l2l6opn54BlfNFS-dzQyYZ8CUCreBwp4QR97ihkgApxlbILl2jBQa-rejO4gRHAgBcYiZS/s1600-h/102_2592a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312445064903689986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CTdjbcq3FuZBM6zJHu7NHfnD-IWSqN9seHyf7M4AO0LRL1FkoqLeaxzGcSrBAExtkxUIC-l2l6opn54BlfNFS-dzQyYZ8CUCreBwp4QR97ihkgApxlbILl2jBQa-rejO4gRHAgBcYiZS/s400/102_2592a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the card from SU's Retired set, "Set Sail."<br /><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-58254656471420020202009-03-09T09:45:00.003-04:002009-03-09T13:46:05.575-04:00Bitty Bunny Purse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvAQ4I-XkOQpbV_DDGgxMOo6WB4URpKcpT5OjarOg38O9FHEXfFScxblv4lWeNeTwsqR7Yx-_V43g0GVnNu4ILhLhPfziRPrtT39YsWSSz3ejREVgl5T7003_XwQK-F9ztpSRqLK1avNL/s1600-h/102_2584a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311184289888921634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvAQ4I-XkOQpbV_DDGgxMOo6WB4URpKcpT5OjarOg38O9FHEXfFScxblv4lWeNeTwsqR7Yx-_V43g0GVnNu4ILhLhPfziRPrtT39YsWSSz3ejREVgl5T7003_XwQK-F9ztpSRqLK1avNL/s400/102_2584a.JPG" border="0" /></a> This Bitty Bunny Purse is the Technique Lover's Challenge (TLC211) today ar SCS. It is so fast and easy to do that I plan to make several more for my daughter's girlfriends. The first time I saw these was on the 'Paper Pleasing Ideas' blog and I wanted to try them then, but didn't...so today when I went to check out the challenge for today, there it was again with a diect link to <a href="http://paperpleasing.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/valentine-treat-purse.html">Julie's tutorial</a> - so I did it up quick and just love how my little project turned out!<br />.<br />I used Certainly Celery card stock and the matching Designer paper that came in the 6 color stacks of 6"x6" paper. The stamp was from a vintage Stampin' Up! set called 'Spring Things' that came out in 1991. I punched the rabbit image out with a McGill scallop Punch, and colored the bunny details with my Prisma Pencils. I added the little curls around the outside edge of the square with the celery colored pencil, and if you click on the picture above, you will see that I went around the whole shape of the bunny with a very light gray,which almost seems to lift it up from the paper. Stampin' Up!'s new Eyelet Lace Punch trimmed the top and inside pocket of the purse. One last detail that I changed was using 3/8" white grosgrain instead of the handles as paper just wouldn't hold up against my 4 year old little girl!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5DsfTmqzeX8pBpWqzDMwq79Z4cIHoLIu8GPjH6v1kWZozSR3oBinpNIbZIgNI2j45jpfsVfyHQBVyTuutD4fdY8PDPDZGe61ZEzEWTTEh_S9_evD0lNseGdFu_497l3C_vsW6Xoj5y7V/s1600-h/102_2586a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311183987527561090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5DsfTmqzeX8pBpWqzDMwq79Z4cIHoLIu8GPjH6v1kWZozSR3oBinpNIbZIgNI2j45jpfsVfyHQBVyTuutD4fdY8PDPDZGe61ZEzEWTTEh_S9_evD0lNseGdFu_497l3C_vsW6Xoj5y7V/s400/102_2586a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Inside the purse, I stuck 3 small bottles of Bath & Body Works Hand Gel to show size only. I would <strong><em>strongly</em></strong> <strong><em>advise against</em> </strong> ever giving these to any small child as they are primarily alcohol based, and could (and have actually) caused alcohol poisoning resulting in injury or death in children that were tempted to taste those pretty smells. These hand-wash gels are great to use when you need clean hands, but you should always watch and make sure that children rub their hands until totally dry so they do not try this. {In case you didn't realize this, it is good information to know!}<br /><br />C-ya later!<br /><br /><div></div>Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-56844674179072349012009-03-07T20:58:00.004-05:002009-03-07T21:15:38.884-05:00Cupcakes Anyone???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAksz3BrjMrbDTEtLKT3T9z47ClbykOK-NzuswS8KX6NMQbxFpRl-k4w9dnciuGZUjb1lC-UA-hu7rSPWsg-t3ME-oacchpN9JkE2_JE16RoSrohbgKlYnTHlVGsCCI5DzeLZAwPt7INr/s1600-h/102_2578a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310631451643952242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAksz3BrjMrbDTEtLKT3T9z47ClbykOK-NzuswS8KX6NMQbxFpRl-k4w9dnciuGZUjb1lC-UA-hu7rSPWsg-t3ME-oacchpN9JkE2_JE16RoSrohbgKlYnTHlVGsCCI5DzeLZAwPt7INr/s400/102_2578a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this set! I've had it for months now and I hate to admit it, today is the first time I have ever used it! I decided to participate in a Sketch Challenge by CPS (Card Positionin System) and having chosen the colors I did, the cupcakes were just begging to be used.<br />.<br />Starting with a Pirhouette Pink card base, I then chose my new Pattern Paper, SU's Sweet Always. I picked the paper and then chose Pumpkin Pie to do my framing with. I used Fiskars "postage stamp" decorative scissors to trim around the tiles, and pink ric-rac over pumpkin paper for a ribbon effect. I used my Prisma colored pencils to color the popped-up image...no fancy techniques with the pencils, but I do love how even the coverage is when I am done. Someone gave me a cheat sheet that matches the SU colors to the Prismas, and that really helps me keep it close. Wanna Cupcake?<br /><br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-2575758105588494612009-03-06T23:55:00.002-05:002009-03-07T00:18:28.714-05:00Sweet Stem Flowers "Friends" Card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZuyCEZgBtLeg5mr4xNla7OQj6EbdU1RZmdAVj5SEYETq-4PskIUdjcXfDy2_3RULitKrR5PulS-GQpBzqMXt0n0GTX9F83IFfKokjvSuTlpAYrcdaksjyAEmyOv_zT7H9p5fpUIrf8_x/s1600-h/102_2570a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310305344109824610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZuyCEZgBtLeg5mr4xNla7OQj6EbdU1RZmdAVj5SEYETq-4PskIUdjcXfDy2_3RULitKrR5PulS-GQpBzqMXt0n0GTX9F83IFfKokjvSuTlpAYrcdaksjyAEmyOv_zT7H9p5fpUIrf8_x/s400/102_2570a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I tried this Weekend Sketch Challenge for the first time with this card. Upon seeing the challenge, I reached for a scrapbook set of papers I had bought at a book sale (actually I bought 2 sets). Finding this flowery warm-colored flower print, I wondered if I had any stamps to match? Honestly, I have so many flower stamps that I would have been astounded if I didn't, but "Could I find one to match?" was really the question of the hour! <br />.<br />My first thought was Doodle This or That...but then I saw my new Sweet Stems set, and by golly, they were the right sizes and pretty close of a match. I stamped in Stazon Black and colored them with my prisma pencils. Having used Office Max Cream for my stamped paper, because it so closely matched the pattern paper, it looked pretty pale against the print...so I found a "brownier" tan and scribbled the backgrounds behind the flowers until it got pretty close to what I wanted. I scalloped the Bravo Burgundy piece and the holes "disappeared" on the print, so I repunched with the cream and attached that piece behind the burgundy and oriented the holes directly above the burgundy holes so it would 'light up' the lace. After trying to fill up the space to the left of the image with a variety of ideas, I just added a little of some punched green last to the edge. Still, I needed something else...so I took the "friends" label off a card I had recieved from a friend, and it worked so that I can pass it on to another friend. I guess that's what "friends" are for! <br /><br />Have a good weekend!<br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-79604845576446263082009-03-05T23:27:00.003-05:002009-03-06T05:58:15.590-05:00Why, Thank You!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIZWewPAt49FGjZeWDSAW9hyphenhyphenPUeZKfsohICt4nUlZeyJOvNbHXZ78Ak_zm0rE-Hz69e4pMkJgk4GqV2ZDVardvUlaomBY-m0btVf0NAdnQnR8-1Zeq7jJ6n792ARo3jTmck80lj66ZoJf/s1600-h/102_2551a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309927010972771698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIZWewPAt49FGjZeWDSAW9hyphenhyphenPUeZKfsohICt4nUlZeyJOvNbHXZ78Ak_zm0rE-Hz69e4pMkJgk4GqV2ZDVardvUlaomBY-m0btVf0NAdnQnR8-1Zeq7jJ6n792ARo3jTmck80lj66ZoJf/s400/102_2551a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stampin' Up! has offered a selection of single stamps in our last catalog, and to be able to show it, one must buy it to demo it...so this is the one I chose. Yesterday while filling orders that had come in (yes, I pack the bags for the hostesses), and I usually try to remember to stamp a Thank You on the invoices...so I grabbed this one...the one featured in the framed diamond.<br />When it came time to stamp the hostess's order form, I wanted to stamp it 3 times, and it happened to turn out in a pattern...hmmm...wonder if I could do something with that idea?<br />.<br />So last night, I pulled out my Stamp-a-ma-jig and did the background in about 10 minutes. I thought I could use this idea for SCS Limited Supply challenge (LSC209) to make a background paper out of one set, and comeplete the card with only stamps from that set...so, having used a single stamp to do the background, I also needed to use it for the greeting. I used Pacific Point ink on Certainly Celery, but the better match for the quarter sheet behind the card was actually Not Quite Navy. Grosgrain ribbon and Nesabilities squares to highlight the single image.<br />.<br />If you haven't gone past the index in the Stampin' Up!'s Spring & Summer Idea Book & Catalog, you should! Not only is the Ronald McDonald House Charities set there, but you will find several single images as well as two very affordable starter Mini Note kits, perfect gifts for the new stampers who are curious, or maybe someone you would like to help become a stampin' buddy!<br /><br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-46744268463644368742009-03-05T23:05:00.003-05:002009-03-05T23:27:37.141-05:00Sheetloads of Birthday Cards<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYIMuauKniAHRU4IKYJmufOzx1uTkzAoEJadYCq3BfpNY6EdZTMtE6dFoikwHiWsmfXUBczDx7ycVYOdryrQ18IA1-kXBxoP5jrRSu13L8t_z36u_kHe4IGH97pVd-H-dA6Seu6EClJh/s1600-h/102_2555a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309921183078448002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYIMuauKniAHRU4IKYJmufOzx1uTkzAoEJadYCq3BfpNY6EdZTMtE6dFoikwHiWsmfXUBczDx7ycVYOdryrQ18IA1-kXBxoP5jrRSu13L8t_z36u_kHe4IGH97pVd-H-dA6Seu6EClJh/s400/102_2555a.JPG" border="0" /></a> For as forgetful as I am. birthday cards are always seem to be in short supply, especially when I need them in a hurry, so I thought I would get a little pile of them ready for last minute well wishes. This layout was from the February Sheetloads sketch found <a href="http://sheetload.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-2009-issue-sponsored-by-unity.html">here</a><br />.<br />"Sheetloads" is a great little site that actualy has a sketch layout each month. You can download a free little magazine that gives you the sketch and all the measurement for each card part...for just a single card, or a whole batch! They even chart it out so you know exactly how to cut each page up to get the most from your paper stash. The rest is up to you! You decide what colors, papers, occaission and adornments you want. It's a great way to stretch your creativity...and of course you can change the dimensions to suit your own images or purposes, the main idea is to get those cards made! You can also post your projects there too, and sometimes they even have prizes...<br /><br />As you can know, it is now March...but nevertheless, they are finished, 6 of them! (that is good for me) and now I can allow myself to go and look at March's issue. Go take a <a href="http://sheetload.blogspot.com/2009/03/march-2009-sheetload-of-cards.html">look!</a><br /><br />C-Ya!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607171824207177838.post-5410032408024310912009-02-27T15:12:00.001-05:002009-02-27T16:31:39.145-05:00Bluebird Blessings Card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPkJztUmZTemfET8EaccNRQLnCn2zftjrkplShqf7P3dLs29veHtFABkq4s25TtFM0Oz1GssL8O3DPNK25TUXIZ6X8n07ZuJs_4P3e9X1CWxwYjyS82sIckQZ9arf0ALbdbQbXscMlxsn/s1600-h/102_2535a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307572778272079906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPkJztUmZTemfET8EaccNRQLnCn2zftjrkplShqf7P3dLs29veHtFABkq4s25TtFM0Oz1GssL8O3DPNK25TUXIZ6X8n07ZuJs_4P3e9X1CWxwYjyS82sIckQZ9arf0ALbdbQbXscMlxsn/s400/102_2535a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have been re-organizing all my little S&Fs into a pocket hanger, and I found this little piece of glossy cardstock with Polished Stone technique, so I thought I would see how glossy cardstock goes through my BigShot with a sizzlit. (wonderfully) You like?<br />.<br />I used the Marvy Mega and Giga Scalloped Oval Punches, CB Fine Vine folder, the SU Scallop Border Punch and the Graceful Words retired set from SU. One more note: I had to put scotch tape under the folded wing as a reinforcement because the glossy cardstock tended to crack and I didn't want to to break off, and the tape actually will help the wing pop up when it comes out of the envelope again.<br />.<br />Not having looked at other bird die-cut cards until after this one was finished, I now see that most people turn the wings to flap to the back, and not up and down...so this<em> is</em> a rare bird!<br />.<br />C-ya later!Cheryl Hirzelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967176666506451787noreply@blogger.com5