Friday, May 30, 2014

Embossed Pearl Butterfly Card

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014


Some dear friends’ anniversary crept up on me and I had to get a card in the mail right away, and once again Arnold Grummer’s handmade/cast papers come to my rescue! I am so happy that I had a great selection of papers already made. It is such a delight to be able to create papers ahead of time and then just grab a sheet or two when you need a quick but exceptional card! Save that junk mail, it is an endless supply of pulp! Take some time today to make papers and castings for your future projects.



Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Scraps of white and grey or black paper (think junk mail, etc.)
  • White or pearl grey text weight paper for message approx. 4 x 5”
  • Clear envelope to fit card
  • 8 ½ x 11” Butterfly rubbing/texture sheet or stencil (kids school supply)
  • A sunny window
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, scissors, craft knife and cutting surface
  • Score-Pal
  • Die: Spellbinders™ LF-006 Grand Shapabilities® Wonderful Wings
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur
  • Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • 24” of 1” sheer pearl grey ribbon
  • Small pale grey flat backed pearls
Directions:

  1. Follow the directions for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create medium grey slurry.
  2. Create a sheet of medium grey paper.
  3. Add more white scrap to the slurry and create one sheet of light grey plain paper.
  4. Use the rubbing/texture sheet or stencil to create one sheet of cast/textured paper. NOTE - you want a deckled edge on the textured sheet.
  5. Place the sheet in a sunny window to dry, and when the sheet of the cast/textured paper is dry, remove it from the texture sheet.
  6. Die cut and emboss two filigree butterflies from the plain sheet of the light grey paper. (Save the leftovers for another future project.)
  7. Die cut two solid butterflies from the medium grey paper.
Assemble the card:

  1. Measure, score and fold the sheet of textured handmade paper to form a 4 ¼ X 5 ½” portfolio card. (Portrait orientation: Approx. 1 ½” from each side, 4” from the bottom and 3” from the top.)
  2. Add a message on the text weight paper.
  3. Attach it with double sided tape to the inside of the card.
  4. Cut a slit in the middle at the top and bottom folds of the card wide enough to insert the ribbon.
  5. Use the Beacon ZipDry™ adhesive to attach the light grey filigree butterflies to the medium grey solid butterflies.
  6. Use the foam tape or foam dot to attach one butterfly to the message paper and one butterfly to the outside of the portfolio card.
  7. Add the small pale grey flat backed pearls to the body of the outside butterfly.
  8. Tie the ribbon into a bow.
  9. Place the card into the clear envelope for mailing.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Happy Fathers Day Card

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014

I am so lucky to still have my step dad living. We will celebrate another Father’s Day with him this year if the good Lord is willing. He always wanted to go hunting….. “with a camera”. Perhaps this card will bring a smile to his face since he was never able to make the time to go and now health issues keep him from going.


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Microwave, heat gun or a sunny window
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, scissors, bone folder
  • Beacon QuickGrab™ and ZipDry adhesives, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • Scraps of white paper (think colored junk mail, etc.)
  • Mold: CP Ducks in flight
  • One 6 x12” Burgundy 90# card stock folded in half (I used World Win)
  • Envelope for a 6 x 6” card
  • ColorBox™ Chalk Ink pads in Lavender Blue and light brown
  • Stylist handle with white foam tips
  • Approx. 1 yard of variegated golden brown floss
  • Approx. 1 yard of variegated golden brown mesh ribbon
  • Large eyed embroidery needle
  • 6 small oak leaf beads

Directions:

  1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create the casting with while slurry.

  2. Dry the casting in the microwave, with the heat tool or in a sunny window.

  3. When the casting is dry, coat the back with  ZipDry™ adhesive - allow to dry.

  4. When it is dry use the Stylist tool and foam tips to add a tiny amount of lavender ink to the clouds and brown ink to the ducks to bring out the texture of the casting.

  5. Stitch some French knots with the variegated floss to add dimension to the cat tails.

  6. Use the thin mesh ribbon and long stitches to add tall reeds to the right.

  7. Attach the oak leaves with French knots and floss.

  8. Assemble the card

  9. Attach the casting to the front of the card (fold at the top) with Beacon QuickGrab™ adhesive.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Nature’s Butterfly Card

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014

When I need a quick (I am talking 5 minutes) but special card, I grab one of the numerous paper castings that I created ahead of time with using the many AG casting molds. I collect junk mail and scraps of white paper to use in paper making and casting. The colors are grouped together and stored in clear plastic bins. I like to make sheets of paper and/or castings several times a month and will have numerous colors or castings to choose from.


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Scraps of off-white paper (think junk mail, etc.)
  • Mold: Butterfly from CP Nature Miniatures
  • Microwave, heat gun or a sunny window
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, paper cutter, scissors, bone folder, craft knife and cutting surface
  • Lemon scented liquid potpourri
  • Scrap of off-white card stock
  • Golden Yellow card stock 5 ½ x 8 ½” (folded) and envelope
  • Dies:  CheeryLynn tiny leaf flourish
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
  • Embroidery needle, medium golden yellow  floss
  • Beacon QuickGrab™ and ZipDry™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • 18” of 1” sheer golden yellow ribbon
  • 2 8mm clear seed beads
Directions:

  1. Follow the directions for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create slurry.
  2. Add a few drops of the Lemon liquid potpourri to the slurry.
  3. Cast the butterfly from the CP Nature mold.
    (Note: while you have the white slurry, you may want to cast the other three shapes from the mold or any of the other wonderful molds that you may purchase from Arnold Grummer.)
  4. Dry the casting in the microwave, a sunny window or with a heat gun.
  5. When the casting is dry, coat the back of the casting with ZipDry™ adhesive.
  6. After the adhesive is dry, use the needle to poke holes down the body of the butterfly casting.
    (Note: do not place the holes too close together)
  7. Stitch the butterfly body with French Knots, and outline-stitch the wings.
  8. Attach the two 8mm seed beads for antennas.
  9. Die cut two of the tiny leaf flourishes from the scrap of off whit card stock.
Assemble the card:

  1. Cut a 1” slit at the top left of the folded card.
  2. Insert the ribbon and tie a bow.
  3. Attach the tiny leaf flourishes with QuickGrab™ adhesive to the bow.
  4. Use the foam tape or dots to attach the butterfly casting to the right side of the card.
  5. Add a message to the inside of the card.
Note: If you are not hand delivering the card, you may want to mail the card in a box to prevent flattening.







Peaches and Cream Leaf Box

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014

I love the presentation of a gift as much as I love giving the gift! I had purchased a beautiful leaf broach for a dear friend who collects leaf jewelry and wanted to give her a great box to house the gift. Follow along to create a gift box of your own, changing the embellishment to reflect the gift inside.


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, scissors, bone folder, ruler
  • Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive
  • Scraps of peach and white paper (think colored junk mail, etc.)
  • Leaf punch (or whatever shape you desire)
  • 12” of 1/4'” peach sheer ribbon
  • Peach liquid potpourri or body splash
Directions:

  • Follow the direction for paper making found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create one sheet each of light and medium colored peach paper. Add a few drops of scent to the slurry before pouring each sheet.
  • When the paper is dry create a simple fold over pouch box with a pointed flap from the medium colored peach paper.
  • Cut a triangular shaped flap liner from the light peach paper.
  • Attach the light peach liner to the box flap with ZipDry™ adhesive.
  • Punch (2 each) leaves from both colors of handmade peach paper.
  • Tie a tiny bow at the box flap. Attach the leaves to the ends of the box.
  • Place the gift into the box and watch for the smiles when it is presented.
And note - always save the scraps and extra pieces to use in creating future projects.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Lavender Roses Keepsake Box

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014


I love the look of monochromatic color schemes and will often make 5-10 sheets in a color range at a time, adding more white scrap with each additional batch of slurry. I usually do not know what project I will be using the papers for, but trust that they will speak to me at a future time and tell me what they want to become. This time I knew exactly what I would be doing with them. The little box is an empty face powder container that my “baby” sister (who knows not to toss anything until I see it) saved for me. Imagine how pleased she will be when she receives this keepsake box for her birthday.


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, scissors, paper cutter
  • Beacon Quick Grab™ and ZipDry™Adhesive, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • Scraps* of lavender, pale green and white paper (think colored junk mail, etc.)
  • One old lavender report folder (*the lavender scraps I used in making the paper were from this folder)
  • Dies: Spellbinders™ Bitty Blossoms and Circles (to correspond with the size of the box), CherryLynn™ Tiny Leaf Strip & Rose leaves
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
  • ColorBox™ Chalk Ink pads in Lavender Blue and Warm Green
  • ColorBox™ Stylist handle with white foam tips
  • 12” Metallic Gold cord
  • Posey Bender™ bow maker
  • Spray bottle and water
  • Small round box

Directions:

  1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create one sheet each of light, medium and dark lavender paper and one sheet of pale green paper.
  2. When the paper is dry use the Bitty Blossom die and the Grand Calibur machine to cut one small rose from each the lightest and the darkest colored lavender handmade paper and one of the smallest roses from the medium lavender colored paper.
  3. Use the Stylist handle and foam tip to add touches of the Lavender Blue Chalk ink to the edges of the flowers.
  4. Follow the direction on the die package to assemble the three roses. Roll one tiny rose bud from a scrap of dark lavender paper.
  5. Use the leaf dies to cut numerous leaves from the pale green handmade paper.
  6. Use the Stylist handle and foam tip to add tiny touches of the Warm Green Chalk ink to the edges of the leaves. Mist the leaves with water, manipulate to shape, set aside to dry.
(Note: always save even the tiny scraps and put them back into your paper making bens. Save the larger scraps for use in later projects.)

Assembling the box:

  1. From the Lavender folder; cut circles the needed size for the top and bottom of the box.
  2. Cut a strip the length needed to cover the side of the box. Attach with ZipDry™ Adhesive.
  3. Attach the strips of tiny leaves, rose leaves and roses to top of the box, allow some of the leaves to cascade onto side of box.
  4. Tie the metallic gold cord into a tiny bow and tuck it in around the roses.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Blessings on Mother’s Day Card

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2014


I am so lucky to still have my mom around. She has been ill for several years but continues to rally each time we think she will be leaving us. She has always loved roses and use to grow many different varieties. This card is created in her honor with the wish and prayer that she will still be with us when Mother’s Day arrives.




Supplies:
  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Scraps of white and pale green paper (think junk mail, etc.)
  • Molds: CP Nature Miniatures
  • Microwave, heat gun or a sunny window
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, paper cutter, scissors, bone folder
  • Rose scented liquid potpourri
  • White card stock 5 ½ x 8 ½”, and a scrap big enough for verbiage
  • Light pink text weight paper (for layers)
  • Stamp: Blessings (or your choice)
  • ColorBox™ Med. Pink Chalk ink pad
  • Dies: Stamp Doctor Center Step Card, Spellbinders Fancy Tags, CheeryLynn tiny leaf sprigs
  • Rose embossing folder
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
  • Embroidery needle, light pink variegated floss, light green variegated floss
  • Beacon QuickGrab™ and ZipDry™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • Envelope for a 4 ¼ x 5 ½” card

Directions:

  1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create a sheet of pale green paper.


  2. When the paper is dry, die cut numerous tiny leaf strips. (Remember to always save the scraps and the left over pieces to use for other projects in the future).
  3. Create white slurry, add a few drops of the Rose liquid potpourri.
  4. Cast the rose from the CP Nature Miniatures mold. (While you have the white slurry…..you may want to cast the other three shapes from the mold. I often do 10 to 30 casting at a time.)
  5. Dry the casting in the microwave, a sunny window or with a heat gun.
  6. When the casting is dry, coat the back of the casting with ZipDry™ adhesive.
  7. After the adhesive is dry, use the needle to poke holes around the petals of the rose, the stem, and the top and bottom of the leaves on the casting. (Do not place the holes too close together).
  8. Outline stitch around the rose petals with the pink variegated floss. Rethread the needle with the light green variegated floss and outline stitch the stem and leaves on the casting.
  9. Stamp the verbiage on the white card stock scrap with the medium pink chalk ink.
  10. Die cut the verbiage with the fancy tag die.
  11. Cut the center step card, and use the bone folder to get crisp creases.
  12. Cut the light pink text paper layer pieces 1/8” smaller than the areas of the card. Emboss the light pink layer pieces with the rose folder.


Assemble the card:

  1. Use ZipDry™ adhesive to attach the layer pieces to the front of the step card.
  2. Use the foam tape or dots to attach the rose casting to the center area of the card and to attach the verbiage to the bottom center of the card.
  3. Attach the leaves to the side areas of the card and around the stamped tag shape.
  4. Add a message to the inside of the card and send it to your “mom”.