How to Make a Spinner Card! {Easy/Stamp School}

Hi friends! Do you ever feel like you are making the same card over and over again? We all get stuck in a rut sometimes so today I want to share an idea that you can take for a spin!

It’s a spinner card and it is easier than it looks and you probably have supplies at home you can use to make it. I’ll list the specific supplies I used below and in the video I will share tip on what kinds of images work best for this card.

The punches and stamps are from Stampin up, if you don’t have a Stampin Up Demonstrator you can order from my friend Wendy Cranford she also has a blog with really lovely tutorials for free.  *If ordering less than $150 be sure to use the host code on her blog, orders over $50 get extra goodies!

Supplies:

• Fox builder punch
• Foxy Friends Stamp Set
• Icing on the cake stamp set
• Stamping ink
• Cardstock (white and Cajun Craze)
• Glue
• Camping Pattern paper (the paper I used was retired but this is just as cute and very similar)
• Strong double-sided tape
• Brown bakers twine
• Washi tape with foxes/animal prints
• Darice nesting dies (Bumpy Circles)
• Scissors (fine tip)
• Other handy supplies: Wax paper, clothespins/binder clips, rhinestone pick up for teeny punches

I just wanted to mention is you don’t have dies you can use any cutting system that lets you cut a window out of the inside of paper or trace a stencil and cut it out with an xacto knife. Get creative with the stamps and punches you have and try it today! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

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DIY Custom Word Search Card

Hi friends! My twin girls turned 13 today and these are the cards I made:

They LOVED them! I was really surprised at the reaction because they live in a world of handmade cards for every occasion but the fact that I made them a word search that highlighted their qualities really made them feel special. In today’s video I’ll show you how to make them.

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: FRUGALSEPTEMBER17 – 10% off everything in the store. Coupon expires September 30, 2017. Become a Peg Stamp VIP & get an instant coupon for 20% off RST stamps here plus the deepest weekly discounts available! Offer expires September 30, 2017.

Supplies:

• Birthday Pegs Stamps
• Also Stars from Dancing Dragonflies
• Memento inks
• Pattern Paper
• Ink blending brush
• White Cardstock
• Washi Tape
• Glue
• Double stick tape

I made my custom word search here. *I used the “print screen” button on my keyboard to capture the image and then cropped and resized it in my photo editing software but you can print it in full size from the website.

Watch the video for step by step stamping instructions. This is a fun card and can be made for ANY occasion just by changing the words you use:) Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Fabulous, Quick & Easy Lattice Braid Card!

Hi friends! Today I have a card technique that looks complicated but is really easy! Your friends will think you spent hours or used fancy tools to make the lattice braid on the edge (I won’t tell if you don’t!)

Watch this video to learn how to make the card PLUS I’ll share tips and tricks for combining stamping and marker coloring:)

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry use coupon code: FRUGALSEPTEMBER17 – 10% off everything in the store. Coupon expires September 30, 2017. Become a Peg Stamp VIP & get an instant coupon for 20% off RST stamps here plus the deepest weekly discounts available! Offer expires September 30, 2017.

Supplies from Rubber Stamp Tapestry:

• Celery Rose Peg Stamp SetCelery Rose Peg Stamp Set, Delicate Rose Peg Stamp Set, Brambly Rose Peg Stamp Set, Bittersweet Peg Stamp Set
• Country Lane Unmounted Rubber Stamp Set
• Memento Dye inks (Teal Zeal, Rich Cocoa, Bamboo Leaves, Angel Pink, Love Letter, Summer Sky and Tuxedo Black) *Note, I used a memento pen instead of the black pad but either will work.
• Foam Tape
• Ink blending brush
• Double sided adhesive
• Scissors

Other Supplies:

• White cardstock: Recollections (heavy card base weight), Neenah Classic Crest (for stamping/coloring)
• Markers (Studio 71, from the 48 set) N2,N5, C7, C9, BG3, BG13, BG14, YG7 and clear blender
• Scor-Pal scoring board
• 45 Triangle
• Pastel Pencils
• Seam binding (I dye it with ink to match my projects)

Directions for lattice fold (you can do this on any size card, you just need and even number of flaps to fold over)

1. Score and fold card in half.

2. Mark a guide line 1″ parallel to the fold on the card.

3. Make marks every 1/4″ along the fold with a pencil.

4. Use a 45 triangle to draw a line from the mark on the fold to the guide line you drew.

5. Cut along the slits to the line you drew. Cut away the triangle at the top and bottom.

6. Open the card and fold the next to the bottom flap down. Repeat with ever other flap. As long as you have an even number of flaps it should work out but if you cut an odd number you can trim off the top:)

7. Fold the card back and decorate as desired!

The lattice step will take less than 10 minutes. The total card will take around 30 minutes to stamp, color and assemble. Try the lattice fold technique on any card you want to add a decorative touch to. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Fun Colorblocked Batch of Cards (Make inky backgrounds or use up your scraps!)

Hi friends! Making a color blocked card is kinda like making a quilt. You can piece together different colors and patterns to make a really interesting composition. (I must say that this is probably one of my favorite scrapbooking technique too so try this on a larger scale if you scrap!)

I have templates to do this for 12″x12″ scrapbook layouts and I think you used to be able to buy card sized ones too but I never did. Luckily you can make up your own as I did. You could also sketch it out on grid paper and it would be easier and less wasteful. Hindsight is 20/20. Feel free to use my layout if you like it!

I love to make my own backgrounds (odd since I have so much store-bought pattern paper, huh?) So in today’s video I will show you some Distress Oxide background techniques. If you don’t have DO inks try regular distress ink for a similar result. Or use whatever ink you have then flick on some white ink (or white watered down watercolor, gouache or acrylic) you really can’t go wrong. I also use mica powder and if you don’t have that grab some pearly eyeshadow! Never fret if you don’t have what I am using, grab the closest thing in your stash and give it a try! You will learn something new about your supplies and if it goes wrong it’s only a piece of paper!

Video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry use coupon code: FRUGALSEPTEMBER17 – 10% off everything in the store. Coupon expires September 30, 2017. Become a Peg Stamp VIP & get an instant coupon for 20% off RST stamps here plus the deepest weekly discounts available! Offer expires September 30, 2017.

Supplies:

• Watercolor Garden Peg Stamp Set
• Petite Poppies Peg Stamp Set
• Summer on the Farm Unmounted Stamp Set
• Distress Oxide Inks
• Archival Black Ink
• Metallic ink (gold)
• White cardstock
• Mica Powder
• Gold brads
• Heat tool
• Double sided tape
• Waterbrush
• Pattern Paper (for envelopes)
• Spray bottles of water and ink (spray ink is optional)
• Envelope punch board for making envelopes if desired.

Directions (for batch of 4 cards):
1. Cut a sheet of cardstock into 4ths and ink each section with a different color scheme using distress inks.

2. Make 4 card based and envelopes and set aside.

3.Stamp mason jar bouquet onto panels of watercolor paper or cardstock measuring 1.5″x2.75″ Accent with ink using a waterbrush if desired.

4. Once the inked panels are dry you can cut them into these sizes (cut 4 of each size, 1 for each card-see template above.)
2.25″x2″, 1.25″x.25″ (I did these from blue/purple color)
3.5″x1.25″, 1.5″x.75″ (I did these from green/aqua color)
1″x1.5″ (orange)
1.125″x1.5″ (pinky/red)
*Use whatever colors you want using my measurements or make up your own design!

5. Adhere all the blocks to your card-bases!

I love that you get four cards for the effort of one using this method and you have little waste afterwards. Since I have a shop in town where I sell my cards the extras always come in handy. Let me know if you have any questions and til next time happy crafting!

PS I just wanted to thank everyone who left me kind words of encouragement yesterday. Your support means the word to me and I am feeling much less stressed out after taking a “catch-up” day. Have a great weekend!

Multi Window Shaker Card Tutorial!

Hi friends! Today there is a whole lotta shakin’ going on with this card! I’ll show you how to create a multi window shaker card. You can use any shape you like to make it fit your needs. I love versatile techniques.

There are quite a few steps here and lots of tips and tricks in today’s video. I hope you like it!

Video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: FRUGALAUGUST17 – 10% off everything in the store. Coupon expires August 31, 2017. Become a Peg Stamp VIP & get an instant coupon for 20% off RST stamps here plus the deepest weekly discounts available! Offer expires August 31, 2017.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Bee-tiful Day, Chamomile Bee, Field of Clover
• Stamping Ink (Memento)
• Honeycomb embossing folder
• Cream and kraft cardstock
• Fiskars Hexagon Punches
• Sequins
• Seed Beads
• Foam tape
• Double stick tape: (ATG)
• Acetate or recycled clear packaging

This project is a bit more complicated than others. Please allow 30 minutes to an hour to make it if you have never made a shaker card. Complete instructions and tips in the video! I hope you give this project a try and let me know what you think. Happy crafting!

Stamp Giveaway (Worldwide!) & Acrylic Block Stamping-Stamp School

Hi friends! Today I am sharing a really fun and colorful cardmaking technique! The stamps I am using are from ArtNeko and they will be giving away the stamps I used on today’s project to one lucky reader. To enter the contest simply leave a comment and I will pick one lucky commenter next Wednesday! Good luck!

These card were so fun to make and I think a batch of these colorful creations would make a lovely gift or craft fair item too. If you are new to stamping I suggest you invest in mini ink cubes instead of full size pads because the raised top pads can ink any size stamp and you can have a big variety of colors in a small space and on a tiny budget. I also recommend buying reinkers as they get dry. There are many good brands but I like the Memento pads because I can always find reinkers at stamp shows if I need them. Here I have my mini ink pads in an empty Project Life page protector box and I have them all out and ready to go. Convenient huh?

Simply watch the video to see how it’s done!

Sponsored by Art Neko! *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:

• Stamps from ArtNeko: Fish, Fishing Boat, Octopus
• White heavyweight cardstock or smooth watercolor paper like Canson XL
• Mini Ink Cubes
• Black versafine ink
• Acrylic blocks
• Spray bottle with water
• Black pen (micron .04)
• Sequins 
• Nautical wood shapes These are the Kasiercraft ones I used but they are sold out:(
• Pattern paper 
• Envelope punch board (optional)
  *OR check out my no-template envelope trick in this video!

Directions:
1. Cut and score card bases. I took 8.5″ x 4.25″ cardstock and folded it in half for my cards. Also make envelopes to match.

2. Select an acrylic block and cover with ink from mini ink pads. spray with water (generously) and press on card bases. Let dry. Repeat for all card bases.

3. Stamp a focal image on each card with black ink.

4. Glue on wooden charms, add sequins and penwork if desired.

I have to be honest, some projects just give me joy to make and this was one of them. Sitting down with ink and making a (small) mess with colors and ink was the perfect way to decompress after a tough day. Creating can give us that releif from stress and worry that we so often need. Just like excersize rejuvinates out body creativity calms the soul (and it is a heack of a lot more healthy they eating a bag of potato chips LOL!) Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win and til next time happy crafting!

Happy Bee-Day! Repeat a Pattern for cohesive Design!

Hi friends! How do you go about your card making process? Is it a scramble of sifting through everything you have hoping to find the perfect paper, embellishment or die cut only to make a chaotic card and have a complete mess of a craft table when you are done? If so I am going to share a tip that will streamline your process and help you create stylish cards (and you probably have everything you need already!)

I got the brand new Bee-Utiful Day stamp set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry this week. RST is a wonderful company who sponsors a weekly tutorial on my blog and YouTube channel and as a bonus they don’t mind one bit that I encourage you to use what you have:) Love those guys! When you get a new stamp set it should make all of your other supplies more useful (not redundant as so often happens) so keeping that in mind I thought of a design element I could repeat in the card. Hexagons! I could replicate the look of honeycomb by gathering the various hexagon stencils, embossing folders, punches, dies or pattern paper I already had and give them new live with the new stamp set! See where I’m going here? I could repeat the hexagon shape with different tools and add variety with different colors and materials but still have cohesion because of the consistent design element of the hexagon shape. Repetition and variety equal good (and easy!) design!

Need more ideas? Watch today’s video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: FRUGALAUGUST17 – 10% off everything in the store. Coupon expires August 31, 2017. Become a Peg Stamp VIP & get an instant coupon for 20% off RST stamps here plus the deepest weekly discounts available! Offer expires August
31, 2017

Supplies from Rubber Stamp Tapestry:

• Bee-Utiful Day Unmounted Stamp Set
• Chamomile Bee Peg Stamp Set
• Field of clover Peg Stamp Set
• Ink Blending Brush
• Sponge blenders (make up wedges)
• Distress Oxide Ink Pads
• Archival Black ink (to stamp the bees and sentiment so the ink won’t bleed)
• DIY Spray mist tutorial
• Spray bottles: small or mini (Good price!)
• Honeycomb embossing folder
• Glue
• Foam Tape

Other Supplies:

• Heavyweight cardstock (white or cream)
• Hexagon stencil
• Pattern paper (purple and yellow)
• Tombow Markers (water based markers)
• Brads
• Vellum (Black & teal)
• Nature Dies (honeycomb)  (butterflies)
• Honeycomb embossing folder (if sold out above)
• Liquid watercolor in pearl (big 8oz bottle for ALL the spray ink you will need to make LOL!)
• Paper towels or rag

I also employed the “make the envelopes first and die cut the scraps trick” that I have been using a lot mainly because I have lots of pattern paper I love to use and I am no longer buying the cheap blank card and envelope sets. I am really loving the look though because a patterned envelope is so much fun and special to receive. What tips do you have to improve your card design or mix old and new supplies? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share this tutorial with friends who might like it. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

PS here is a link to my DIY Shimmer Spray and Ink Dauber tutorial from a few years ago if you want it:) Have fun with your DIY supplies!