Using Stamping Foam

DATE:  Sunday, January 7th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $25 (please note new fee)

Happy New Year one and all!  As always, these holidays are hectic but, oh so worth it, in the long run.  I sincerely hope you all had good holidays.

We'll be kicking in the new year with a fun new/old technique/tool - stamping foam.  Stamping foam has been around for about 10 years and like anything else, what's old is new again.  This is a really fun tool to use for card making as there are many other tools you can use in conjunction with it to create some really fun backgrounds.  In our next class we'll be using stencils, dies, embossing folders and maybe a household item or two.  Come see what I mean on 1/7!

Here's a photo of stamping foam in case you are unaware of this tool.

And here are some photos of some cards we'll be creating using different texture mediums. 

Using pinpoint dies...

Using embossing folders...

Using stencils...

We are definitely going to have some fun in this class.  I have suggested in the newsletter that you bring along any inks that make you happy.  It doesn't matter what colors - that's your choice.  With stamping foam you can use die inks, oxides or pigments.

Please make note of the "SNOW WARNING" in the newsletter.  This will stand through the winter season.  I want all of you to be safe during snow season.  All classes will be held, just pushed ahead in case of snow.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2024!

Donna

 

More Christmas Cards

DATE:  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2nd (please note the Date and Time!)

TIME:  11:00 am - 1pm

COST:  $20

Saying goodbye to 2023!  Yup, this is our last class of the year.  And what better way than to create the last of our Christmas cards.  I'd like to mention that our November 19th class with the easel Christmas trees was a stand out day.  You ladies did a super job!

So let's do some more fun holiday cards.  I've got that new snowman from Hero Arts peeking around the corner and another card with none other than SNOWY!  Snowy has been around for about 15 years - in stamp form.  Now he's in die form and as cute as ever.  We'll be creating a step card with Snowy that's simple yet a little unusual (you be the judge).  Then to round out the creativity, we'll be making two different gift card enclosure cards.  Gift cards seem to be the way of the world now, so we might as well roll with it, get creative and "build" some cards around them.

The following are the snowmen cards:

Next up are the gift enclosure cards:

and inside (gift card on left)...

And our next card is a pop up gift card...

On another note, I have made a difficult executive decision about class cost.  As with everything else around us (food, clothing, taxes - you get the idea), the cost of goods for card making has increased as well.  I have never raised my prices in 20 years (yes, you read that correctly!), so as of the first of 2024, price per class will be $25.  There may be the occasional class where I don't feel it warrants that price and, believe it or not, the price of that class will decrease.  I love teaching and I love teaching this wonderful group of ladies.  We've formed our very own Paper Making Circle and have become so comfortable with one another that we are almost finishing each other's sentences!!😛

One more thing:  We had to change the date of this class to 12/2 as many of the girls had other commitments.  Everyone agrees that changing the date to 12/2 (originally set for 12/3) was in everyone's interest.  The start time will be 11am - so get out of bed, lazy head, and get to class!

Lastly, please confirm or deny that you will be attending on 12/2 as many had already signed up for the 3rd.  I just need to know in order to prep for the right number of attendees.  Email, text or send a love letter letting me know.  I appreciate it!

See you on the 2nd!

Donna

POP UP CHRISTMAS TREE CARDS

 DATE:  Sunday, NOVEMER 19TH

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Thanksgiving isn't even here, but I feel that we are heading at warp speed toward Christmas.  Why is it that some years are fairly leisurely and others...  For me, this is moving too fast!  So let's help you catch up with Father Time and create some more Christmas cards.

We'll be using a rather interesting but super easy technique to create these cards.  I'm offering two different sizes - traditional A2 size and the ever growing popular A7 (5x7) cards.  

First up, is the A2 using traditional holiday colors using lots of shine and glitter:

And our second card is an A7 size.  I'm growing a fondness for this size -- it gives you more "real estate" to play with.  This card shows lots of glitter and glitz but uses non-traditional colors.

It looks like this class just filled up!  If this is something you'd really love to create, just message me in any of the traditional ways and I'll set up a private class for you.

As always, I look forward to seeing you all.

Donna

HOLIDAY CARDS #1

 DATE:  Sunday, November 5th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Well here we are at the cusp of November (where on earth did October go?).  We had some fun creating Fall cards last week, but it's time to turn our attention to holiday cards.  Our next classes will all be devoted to holiday cards.

And I have a really fun one coming up next!  This is sort of a pop-out bridge card.  You'll see by one of the photos below.  We'll create one card using traditional holiday colors and the other color combo will stray just a bit into copper and green (love that combo!).  So here's our first card:

You can sort of see how this creates a bridge across the card.  The next photo will show it in side view as well.

It looks like this class is full already!  If you didn't make the list and want to do these cards, let men know and I'll put you on a wait list.  If there are more that two people who'd like to be on the list, I will try and create a separate class.  Time is getting tough now, so I need to manage it carefully.

See you all soon!

Donna

FALL CARDS

DATE:  Sunday, October 22nd

TIME:  12:30 TO 2:30

COST:  $20

Well the weather is finally cooperating and starting to give us some nice Fall sunny days.  I think we've all had it with the rain.  We had no summer, so let's give a cheer for a nice Fall!

To usher in this lovely season, we will be creating three Fall cards.  Surprisingly, I have not included any fancy techniques, etc.  These cards are straightforward - no gimmicks, moving parts, fancy folds, etc.

We'll be using some lovely skeleton leaves (I've had these in my stash since Hector was a pup). Combine them with some lovely copper mirror card and you have a very simple elegant card.

Next up is pumpkins.  It wouldn't be Fall without pumpkins now, would it?

And our last card features mushrooms.  I've had a lot of fun with these dies -- I even did them one time in neon colors -- so much fun!  We'll tame it down with our luscious fall colors.

And there you have it.  I look forward to seeing you all on the 22nd.  There are a few spots open so give me shout out via text, email or phone call to reserve your spot.

 

Sympathy Cards

DATE:  Sunday, September 24th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30 (PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR THIS CLASS)

COST:  $20 

Ah, yes, sympathy cards.  I find it's always good to have them on hand.  Generally, when someone dies, we get emotionally wrapped up in it and making a sympathy card is difficult to create with warring emotions.  In this class you'll be making six cards which will give you a good base (I hope and pray you don't have to use them all!).  I'll show you some simple techniques and you'll see that all these cards are very simple even though they may look a bit complicated.

Here are just a few of the cards we'll be making...

Using Kraft card stock and subtle embossing powder, this card is calming in its simplicity.

This next card uses color - but soft and unobtrusive...

And this next card will be a new/old technique for you.  I love how the color seems to glow on top yet it is very tasteful...

There are just two openings left.  If this is a MUST DO class for you, please let me know by Monday, September 18th by NOON.  I will be away most of the week and need time to prep, therefore the deadline sign-up date.

Don't forget to check the newsletter for supplies to bring.

See you on the 24th!

Donna

Clean and Simple Ramped Up!

 DATE:  Sunday, September 10 --PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM 9/3

TIME:  12:30 to 2:30

COST:  $20

I don't know about you, but creating clean and simple (CAS) cards, can be harder than it looks.  Why?  Because we are so used to dressing up our cards with bling, dimension, etc., that making something streamlined makes us cock our heads and say "hmmm, does it need something else?"

STOP!  With just a few subtle changes such as embossing folders, piercing dies, stenciling, etc. we can still create a very simple, clean set of cards that still make a statement.  Come see what the fun is about in this next class.  Here are your sample cards:

Just by using the same image, we can create four different clean and simple cards.  Check your newsletter for supplies to bring to this class.

NOTE:  Most of you have signed up for the 9/10 class (changed from 9/3).  If you had signed up for this class before I changed the date, please notify me if you will be able to make the new class date.  Most of you have notified me.

AND!!  There will be an added bonus to this class.  Come find out and have some fun.

Donna

Fun with scrap strips

 DATE:  Sunday, August 19th

TIME:  12:30 to 2:30 (or later)

COST:  $20

Well here we are mid August -- where has the summer gone and what summer?  It's been a strange one to be sure.  As mentioned in the newsletter, throwing scraps away gives me acid reflux.  I'm always trimming something and am left with all lengths of strips.  A new sensation in card making has everyone using their strips for card covers or die cutting and, hey, while we're at it, embossing!  There are so many different ways to use these strips.

Our next class will focus on some simple but varied ways of using them.  In order to keep the class moving at a decent pace, I've created three cards for which I will control the colors of the strips.  Your last card with be a free-for-all.  I'll put a jug of strips in the middle of the table and you can choose whatever you'd like for your color combos.  There's no right or wrong way with this technique -- I guess that's why I love it so much.  So here are the samples of cards we'll be doing.  Color combos will vary from the samples.

In the next sample, the card on the left will be a controlled one as well.  The card on the left will be free form.  I can't wait to see what you do!

So are you ready for some fun?  You'll need your usual tool kit (no scoreboard necessary) with particular attention to your double sided tape and glue.  That's it!  Compared to last week's class (let's not go there!), this is a breeze for supplies.

As always, I look forward to seeing you on the 19th.

Donna

FAN WHEEL CARDS

DATE:  Sunday, August 6th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

 And here we are with yet another fun card!  I call this the Fan Wheel card -- you'll see by the photos below.  Contrary to your "negative" looks, this is a very simple card to create.  Once you learn the technique, you'll be putting it together and socializing at the same time.  Now THAT is easy!

We'll create two cards; one is the standard A2 (4-1/4 x 5-1/2) and the other is an A7 (5 x 7).  I have to admit, it was fun for me to reconfigure for the two sizes.  I hope to include an "instruction" sheet for all.  It will mostly show sizes for all components.  I am limited by my word processing program, but I will do my best.

Our first card is full of color -- rainbow colors to be exact.  And may I point out that I forgot the ROYGBV mantra that goes with rainbow colors -- check out the sequence of my colors -- oops!  But we will correct that in class.

Here's your A7 card with a follow up photo of it opened (side version)...

And our next card is a replica of this but in an A2 size.  Second photo shows an overhead view of the opened card...

These cards are fun and easy to make -- trust me, they are!  

I have one opening left in this class, so grab it if you can.  Send me an email, text or phone message and I'll reserve your spot.

Have a good week and see you on Sunday!

Donna

SIDE CLOSING CARDS

DATE:  Sunday, July 23rd

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Hello everyone!

As stated in the newsletter, we'll be creating some cards with a side opening using our dies as closures for the cards.  If you remember, we had a class showing you how to do partial die cutting -- well this class just takes that to a different plane.  Same process, just different placement.  

So, here are the cards we will be doing on the 23rd...

That butterfly on the right will act as the closure for this fun card.  The butterflies are actually glittery which does not translate well in the photo.

And our next card will use the flowers as the closure...

Fun to do, easy to do.  This may have you looking at your dies in a totally different way now.  Come join us for this fun class.  There are two openings available.  Just send me an email, text or phone call to reserve a spot.

I look forward to seeing you all again!

Donna

 

FRACTURED CARD TECHNIQUE

DATE:  SUNDAY, July 9th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Well happy 4th to all!  And if I may borrow a quote:  

• “Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

I have another fun technique lined up for you.  There have been lots of inquiries as to "how'd you do that?".  Come to class and find out!  You will be amazed at how super simple this technique is.  All cards are done the same -- the only thing that changes the look is the shape in the center of the card.  And you'll learn about that as well.  So come on, join us for this fun class!  Here are the samples:

You'll notice the backgrounds are different in all four cards.  Variety is the name of the game in card making, don't you think?  But in actuality, I like to show you how you can create the "same" card using different tools to enhance them.  The above cards show  plain, designer paper, embossed and impression plate backgrounds using the same technique always.

This class is full but I'll be happy to arrange private sessions for anyone who'd like to try this technique.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 9th!  

Donna

COLOR BLOCKS AND SUCH

DATE:  Sunday, June 25th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Egad!  we're halfway thru June already.  Once we hit July 4th, we start saying summer is over.  When did it begin???  All kidding aside,  let's dive into our next class which is a technique class.  I resurrected an oldie but goodie -- sometimes it's just fun to go back to some of the old stuff -- it worked then so it should work now, right?

We'll be using a combination of acrylic blocks, stamps, painter's tape and inks for this class.  Be sure and check out the supply list in the newsletter that you'll need for this class.  Here's what's on tap...

The above two cards using painter's tape and acrylic blocks.

The above uses acrylic blocks again and stamps.  Come join us as we have fun playing with inks and tools!

See you on the 25th!

Donna

Spring Has Sprung!

DATE:  Sunday, 5/21

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Well, the most refreshing time of the year has appeared.  I just love spring with all the budding flowers and the green, green lawns.  It's rejuvenating!

So let's rejuvenate together as we create three spring type cards.  These are very simple, uncomplicated cards using some frames, background dies and stencils.  You will create a daffodil card, a tulip and a cosmos.  These are all layering dies - if you don't own any, I think this may change your mind.  They are simple to use and most don't require any specific coloring.  Our tulip card will depict a little more "complicated" die plus coloring so that you can compare simplicity versus more intricate.

Here are our three cards:

There are two spots left in this class so don't hesitate to contact me via text, email or phone.  I'll be happy to add you!

See you soon!

Donna

 

Tri-Fold Sentiment Tuck Cards

DATE:  Sunday, April 30th

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

And it's on to another fun technique!  I often forget about the wonderful results when using partial die cutting.  It all has to do with your cutting plate placement -- as simple as that!  In this class I'll show you how and you will actually do the die cutting yourself.  The cards themselves are quick to do, but things will slow down as there is only one die and one die cutting machine -- and, as stated, each of you will die cut your own.  What better way to learn than hands-on!

The three cards we will be making are as follows.  I've tried to vary it up a bit with different sentiments.  Using sentiment dies is sort of off the radar and you wouldn't ordinarily think to use them this way.  Using some coordinating designer papers and a few embellishments, you are ready to go!

There are two openings left in this class, so don't wait -- send me an email, text or phone call to reserve your spot.

See you soon!

Donna

WORKING WITH ACETATE

DATE:  Sunday, April 16th

TIME:  12:30 TO 2:30 (refer to note in newsletter)

COST:  $20

 Ahhh, acetate!  You hold it in your hand and wonder "what can I do with this?"  Well in this next class I hope to take some of the mystery out of that question.  As you know, card makers love to diddle with many different mediums and this is at the top I think.  

There are many types of acetate:  embossable, printable, pre-printed, blister pack (what items come wrapped in that you need a bomb to open?), etc.  My advice is to play with what you have on hand, but I will list some companies that offer these types of acetate.

We will hopefully be creating 4 different cards in this class ranging from plain acetate, to pre-printed acetate, embossed acetate and colored pre-printed acetate.  The photos below will show you.

I'm looking forward to showing you how to use this fun medium.  There are two openings left in this class, so send me a shout out via text, email, phone, etc...

See you soon and don't forget to check to newsletter for supplies to bring!

DOUBLE FLOATING POP UP CARDS

DATE:  Sunday, April 2nd

TIME:  12:30 - 2:30

COST:  $20

Well here we are in April already!  We've been soooo lucky with the weather, so you'll note that I took down my "in case of snow" warning in the newsletter.  Let's hope I wasn't premature!

I've got another fun interactive card class for you.  We'll be doing one rather playful birthday card and an elegant one.  You'll get the benefit of seeing how impression plates can bring your cards to another level -- I personally love them and have a little stash (no surprise there!).

So here's our first card...

And here's the fun surprise part with the pop ups....

And our second card takes on a totally different feel...

As warned in the newsletter, the background (mirror card) has taken on some really wild colors -- photography lighting will do that. The color of the background is really a lovely, soft green.

There are currently two openings left in this class.  You'll have to sign up early as there's a lot of prep work on my end for all the components in these cards and I can't accept any sign-ups after Wednesday, 3/29.

So are you ready for another fun class?  See you soon!

Donna