Embellish: Cards, Misc Holidays

Posts categorized "Cards, Misc Holidays"

03/01/2023

Love you a BUNCH cards and carrots

I almost forgot to blog these cuties! I laughed out loud when I saw this carrot stamp set from Stampin' Up. Who would ever want or need carrot stamps? Ok, maybe around Easter, or for a gardening friend.

But since I got it for free I played with it--and you guessed it, LOVED the carrots!! I think it's something about using the bright orange and mango colors. It just makes you happy!

This layout is a great way to use up scrap strips. Just cut them to two different widths and two different lengths, then adhere them down slanted at an angle, with the focal point piece in the middle. What an EASY card!

Did you miss getting your hands on this limited-edition set? I have two extras, first come first serve! [email protected]

So there you go--don't discount the possibilities in even the most unlikeliest stamp image! And now you have a reason to get out your Mango Melody and Pumpkin Pie colors (from the Brights family) and give them a go. They're gorgeous together!

Ready to go see what jumps out at YOU from this season's catalog? Click here!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, Paper Scraps Projects | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/29/2022

Fabulously inspiring fall colors for cards

The colors delighting my gaze these days are so gorgeous! The giant tree outside our house made me literally gasp the other day as I rounded the corner towards home. It was so brilliantly yellow against an absolutely cloudless turquoise sky.

We have another tree in our neighborhood that has this one branch that turns bright red right away every autumn, while the rest of the tree stays dark green for weeks. The comical contrast makes me laugh every time I pull up to the stop sign.

Natalie and I have developed a super fun but growingly expensive habit of stopping by the pop-up pumpkin patch that our neighbors across the river put out on their lawn every year. Driving past that sea of orange is an instant mood-lifter every morning.

This year they've added pumpkins in not only white but shades of yellow, pale blue and even gray! And the baby ones that fit in your palm are only 50 cents!!! You see our problem. When I have change in the cup holder and they put a new batch of babies out, and that primo parking spot is open on the way home from school, we're gonna stop and take a minute to drop some coins in the old mailbox wired to the oak tree and pick out a couple to add to the tableaux on the front porch.

With all this inspiration around, it's no wonder a bunch of what I've been making lately is fall cards! I'm behind in posting all these pretties, but hopefully you'll forgive me? once you get distracted by all the leafy fun!

Ready to get some of this gorgeousness? Here's a list of my absolutely favorite fall-related Stampin' Up goodies and why I love them!

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I hope you take some time to pull some pretty fall color combos and play this weekend! All that color is so good for the soul.

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Paper Scraps Projects | Permalink | Comments (0)

04/26/2022

2022 Honor Flight Stamp Camp card designs

We had 58--yes you read that right!--designs come in for our 2022 Honor Flight fundraiser at Song of My Heart Studios this weekend. Some of them were one of a kind, while others were mass-produced by three teams of stampers during our day-long stamp camp.

I know you'll want to see them. I hope this post provides inspiration for years of patriotic cardmaking to come.

We made 1,952 cards total at our latest event. There is power in numbers! Click here to read about how we chose Honor Flight for our team's permanent service project and how you can get involved, too!

Some really great layout ideas here--all of which could be adapted to everyday color schemes. There's just something about red, white and blue, though, isn't there?!

Thanks a bazillion to all our designers this year and everyone who prepped all the pieces for the fronts of the card bases, which were generously donated by Stampin' Up.

It's amazing what can be accomplished when stampers get together! I hope these designs have inspired you in your search for patriotic card ideas. To read more about Honor Flights near you, click here.

Posted in Cards, Misc Holidays, Honor Flight Cardmaking | Permalink | Comments (2)

03/25/2022

Photo Tutorial: Stained Glass Cross technique

I had a stenciling class here in the Studio recently and shared a quick way to prep card bases with a gorgeous stained glass cross for your Easter or sympathy cards this year!

Apparently I never took a photo of the finished project, though... so you'll have to fill in the details using your imagination! Sorry about that!

Cut a card base of 4 x 5.25 inches (one step down from your card base size.) Use four Post-it Notes to mask off a cross shape. Here's an easy way to line them up!

These are standard sized notes that are 3 x 3 inches square. Think of each note as being a grid of four identical squares. The top two notes cover the two cardstock upper corners with just one square of that "grid." The bottom two notes cover the cardstock's lower corners with two squares of that grid. Make sense?

When you have your cross masked off, take a pen or pencil and mark it as shown. You might also want to label which corners are which. You can stack the reusable post it notes and keep them with your stencils as an easy reminder of how to do it next time!

Position your stencil (from the Plenty of Patterns pack) over the cross shape until arranged as desired. I wanted the maximum number of "joins" where the lines intersected, so that's why mine is slanted at an angle. Tape down at top and bottom so you don't have to try to hold it in place while we sponge.

Start with your lightest of three coordinating colors for the stained glass. I used So Saffron, Calypso Coral and Gorgeous Grape, warm springy Easter tones, but you can use any three shades you prefer.

I used Blending Brushes for this technique, but you can also use sponges or daubers if you prefer them.

Lay down a basic coat of the lightest color ink first, then the medium, concentrating on leaving space for the yellow to show through.

With your final and darkest color, add it in just a couple of strategic locations, so the two previous shades shine through.

TIP: if you have a little trouble with some blotchy color that won't blend, add a drop of glycerin to your sponge and pat it on. In a moment it will re-moisturize and allow the ink to spread more easily. Be aware that ink blended with glycerin will take longer to dry than ink alone.

Then comes the fun part! Peel off the stencil and post it notes and you have a clean, sharp cross design on your background. If you'd like a softer look, buff around the cross with the same pale color as your first ink.

Finish the card with a banner or drape across the horizontal bar, or a sentiment stamped in the lower right corner.

Thanks for coming to Song of My Heart to find inspiration today! I appreciate your visit. Feel free to reach out if you do not have a Stampin' Up demonstrator meeting your creative needs, and I'd be happy to welcome you in. Happy Stampin'!

Posted in 100% Free Tutorial Library, Cards, Misc Holidays, Cards, Sympathy, Tips, Techniques & Tricks | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/05/2022

The best chapter of your life is about to begin

Wouldn't this be an awesome card for your book nerd friends? Or a graduation or retirement card? We made these in my Cards Thru the Calendar Club recently and they were so fun! Here's what you'll need to make your own.

Click any link to go Shop with Lyssa! Thanks for your support of Song of My Heart.

Can't wait to make a more girly version of this for my graduating senior baby girl!! It takes my breath away just to type that. Where has the time gone? Lots of life milestones happening at our house lately.

Who would you send this card to? Leave a comment and let me know!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Die-Cutting | Permalink | Comments (0)

01/17/2022

What I made with my January 2022 Suite Sampler Box!

I made 6 scrapbook pages and 12 cards from my Suite Sampler this month! This month's box is based on the cute and playful Sweet Talk collection in the brand new Spring 2022 mini catalog from Stampin' Up.

I love this paper pack because it works for far more than just Valentines. The pastel colors worked into some of the prints, and the patterns on many of the papers will work year-round. Purple fans are going to love this pack for all the Highland Heather in it!

For access to the full Suite Sampler gallery plus samples uploaded by subscribers each month, click here (it's a free private Facebook group!) Click on Albums, and you'll see two new albums each month. One for scrapbooking fans, and one for cardmakers!

What is a Suite Sampler subscription box? Well, basically, I do a little shopping for you! I put together a generous, color-coordinated sampling of products including papers, cardstock, trims and embellishments based around one of Stampin' Up's suites, and mail it to you Priority Mail by the 15th of each month. I work hard on these boxes-- I want you to say WOW--every month!

Each month I use the box contents to create about 15 projects, both cards and pages, to show what you can do with yours! There are no stamps or ink included, so you can either work with what you already own, or decide if you want to purchase the coordinating stamp set and/or dies to go with it all. The flexibility stays in YOUR hands!

The Suite Sampler is NOT A KIT-- your box will be FULL of fun parts and pieces that match with the style and colors of the patterned papers, plus FULL sheets of 12x12 and 8.5 x 11 to coordinate. You can use my inspiration samples as a guide, or set out on your own and see where the mojo takes you!

My Suite Samplers save you TONS of money--because you won't have to purchase full packs of anything in order to try it all! You'll get to enjoy trying out all sorts of suites without a massive investment--and you'll LOVE the shot of mojo every month that a brand new box of irresistibly pretty papers and colors will give you.

Here's a sneak peek of SOME of what was in the January 2022 box!

***Please note this is the Sweet Talk January 2022 Box. If you are viewing this post after January 12th, your subscription will begin with February's box, which is themed around Stampin' Up's gorgeous new Heart & Home collection from the Spring 2022 Mini Catalog!***

1/2 Sweet Talk 12x12 patterned paper pack
12x12 Basic White, Petal Pink and Highland Heather
8.5 x 11 Real Red and Pool Party
Basic White cards & envelopes in 3 sizes
Mother of Pearl specialty paper sample
Petal Pink/Gold satin ribbon
Real Red sheer linen ribbon
Ruffled Real Red ribbon
Blushing Bride baker's twine
Petal Pink adhesive sequins
Iridescent Dots embellishments
Resin Hearts embellishments
Basic White Sweet Conversations die cuts
one month of free access to My Layout Library, and more!

Each Suite Sampler contains a totally different selection of pieces in addition to coordinating cardstock and trims. The box may include: die cuts, headlines, printables, punched elements, chipboard shapes, custom backgrounds and more!

I hope you'll give my Suite Samplers a try soon. You won't be disappointed! I pack each 12x12 box with a plethora of delightful, coordinating goodies to take all the guesswork out of creating. See why so many stampers and scrappers have decided their $29 a month was WELL SPENT!

Email me to start your invoices with the next box! Pay ONLY when you want to play that month, based on the theme, announced in advance. You've got nothing to lose! Chat soon! [email protected]

Posted in Cards, Misc Holidays, Scrapbooking 12x12 Spreads, Suite Sampler Monthly Boxes | Permalink | Comments (1)

10/21/2021

Get double the good from your stamps with the silhouette technique!

I love making pretty backgrounds with my new Blending Brushes, or sponges with a dab of glycerin, or alcohol markers or spritzing. It's so easy to make custom looks because each one turns out totally different! That's what makes it art.

Recently I shared in a Facebook Live how to turn any line-art image (the kind you normally would color in) into a silhouette image instead, for a totally different look and a new lease on life! Stamps are soooo versatile. You will love having this trick up your sleeve. I was searching the shelves for old favorites to try this new technique on!

There's three fun silhouette card ideas in this video that you can do with stamps and a Sharpie, or with die-cuts cut out in Basic Black cardstock. I even was able to come up with a Halloween card even though I don't have any actual Halloween stamps in my stash!

Need stuff? Here's what I used in the video:

Click on any link to shop with Lyssa! ***Thanks for verifying you are shopping with me before checkout.***

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Are you itchin' to sit down and play now? Give the technique a try and let me know in the comments or on the video what you think! Thanks for watching.

Posted in 100% Free Tutorial Library, Cards, Everday, Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Cards, Sympathy, Die-Cutting , Tips, Techniques & Tricks, YouTube: Embellish with Lyssa | Permalink | Comments (0)

04/20/2021

Beautiful World masculine travel and graduation cards and pages

Saying goodbye to some favorite stamps off the Stampin' Up Retirement List, and Beautiful World had to be among those! Love this set for making masculine, travel and graduation cards. Here's a few of my top designs with this suite, which retires permanently on May 3rd, 2021.

Click any link to go Shop with Lyssa or open full item descriptions!

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Stick around for more Retirement List posts this week showcasing my favorites out of the sets that are leaving us to make room for the new catalog! If you do not have a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I'd love to be yours. Email me to get a free catalog today! [email protected]

Posted in Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Scrapbook w/pocket cards, Scrapbooking 12x12 Spreads | Permalink | Comments (1)

04/06/2021

What I made with my April 2021 Suite Sampler Box!

I can't wait to share what I made with my Suite Sampler box this month! You guys are going to love it--or rather, your GUYS are going to love what you make with it! Everything you need for awesome masculine cards and pages is in this month's jam-packed box of goodies. Here's just a sneak peek of some of what I made with mine!

The suite this month was called Well Suited and it coordinates with the Handsomely Suited stamps and Shirt & Tie dies. You can get them as a bundle for 10% off, or you can use them individually--this is one set that works great either way!

These are just a FEW of my favorite creations from April's Suite Sampler box! I made seven scrapbook pages and 12 cards total. For the full Suite Sampler gallery plus samples uploaded by subscribers each month, click here (it's free!)

I hear you asking....

What on earth is a Suite Sampler subscription box? Well, basically, I do a little shopping for you! I put together a generous, color-coordinated sampling of products including papers, cardstock, trims and embellishments based around one of Stampin' Up's suites, and mail it to you Priority Mail by the 15th of each month. I work hard on these boxes-- I want you to say WOW--every month!

Here's a sneak peek of SOME of what is in the April box!

***Please note this is the Well Suited April 2021 Box. If you are viewing this post after April 10th, your subscription will begin with May's box which currently is themed to the Sand & Sea suite (subject to change due to availability)***

1/2 pack of Well Suited 12x12 patterned papers
12x12 cardstock in 3 coordinating colors
8.5 x 11 cardstock in 3 coordinating colors
Basic White envelopes
Clear Acetate gift box
Blue Denim ribbon
Real Red braided linen trim
Night of Navy baker's twine
Two types of baker's twine
Basic Black Matte Dots
Die cut pieces for pages and focal points
Quarter sheets embossed in Argyle & Pinewood
Silver foil cardstock sample
handmade card from Lyssa
month of free access to My Layout Library ($7 value) and more!

Can't wait to see what YOU make with your Suite Sampler this month! Email me now to set up your PayPal invoice today. [email protected]

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Scrapbooking 12x12 Spreads, Suite Sampler Monthly Boxes | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/24/2021

Ready to Make It? Trio of Ties card

Instructions for "Trio of Ties" card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards can be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today! #simplestamping

Stamps: Handsomely Suited

Inks: Misty Moonlight, Merry Merlot, Soft Suede

Markers: Seaside Spray light blue and Crumb Cake light tan Stampin' Blends markers

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Merry Merlot

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Linen Thread, Tasteful Labels dies or a large punch

Instructions:

Cut Merry Merlot card base to 5.5 x 8.5 inches, score at 4.25 inches, and fold in half.
Cut 2 pieces of Very Vanilla measuring 4 x 5.25 inches (one is for the inside.)
Stamp three ties, one in each color, and cut out.
Adhere the ties in a row using dimensionals, starting with the middle one.
Wrap the tie piece three times with Linen Thread (about 26 inches or so) and tie into a bow on the left hand side.
Adhere the tie piece to the card base.
Stamp desired sentiment and die-cut with desired label die.
Layer the sentiment over the ties as shown, using dimensionals.

I made this card live last night on Facebook! And I shared all kinds of other ideas for this stamp set. Grab yourself a coffee and take a little inspiration break while you get ideas for fun masculine cards you can make for the guys in your life!

Love practical but pretty layouts? If you have 15 minutes, you can make a handmade card. Be sure to check out the rest of the EASY & FAST cards in the Ready to Make It category here!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Masculine, Cards, Misc Holidays, Ready to Make It? (c) | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/21/2021

More sweet Gift of Hope Easter card designs

Words can't express how much I love this sweet Easter set! I love everything about it! Here's a couple more inspiration designs for you as you play with this little gem from the 2021 Spring mini catalog.

I made this diagonal torn-edge card live on Facebook on the Song of My Heart fan page, if you like watching people stamp! There's a little trick to getting the floral background for this one, so it's worth a quick watch. Using that beautiful wreath image for a background makes this adorable set even more versatile, too!

If you'd like to recreate these cards at home, here's what you'll need to gather!

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Thanks so much for supporting Song of My Heart when you shop for Stampin' Up! I appreciate you! It just makes my day when we get to stamp "together." If you need a catalog, please email me at [email protected] and I'll hook you up for free! No one should be without stampy inspiration and a great Stampin' Up demo in their corner!

Posted in 100% Free Tutorial Library, Cards, Misc Holidays, YouTube: Embellish with Lyssa | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/09/2021

Gift of Hope Easter card

Ever have a card turn out exactly the way you planned it? That hardly ever happens to me! Sometimes it comes out better than I planned, but more often it doesn't go exactly as planned!

Well, this Easter card is just as cute as I'd imagined it would be when I saw the set. I LOVE the springy purple and pastels plus the sweet floral design and the adorable tiny church. Add in meaningful sayings in a great font, and we have a winner!

I made this card live for my Song of My Heart Facebook fans (are you one? I hope so!) so if you like videos, here you go!

Such a sweet little card, and it didn't take very long to make, either. That's good, because this spring is turning out to be SO busy for our family! I don't know whether I'm coming or going most days.

Ready to recreate this look at home? Here's what you'll need:

Click any link to shop with Lyssa! Thanks for your support of Song of My Heart Stampers.

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Are you making Easter cards or treats this year? I've got a great little Double-Decker Basket coming up for you! Stay tuned and make sure you're a Facebook follower so you can watch it live.

Posted in Blends Alcohol Markers, Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, YouTube: Embellish with Lyssa | Permalink | Comments (0)

01/27/2021

10 cards in 10 minutes? No way!

I know you don't believe me! So grab your favorite ink color, 10 pieces of Basic White 4 x 5.25 inches, and a little heart stamp, and let's make 10 different backgrounds for easy cards in just 10 minutes!

I originally shared this idea in a Facebook Live. Later I finished them off with embellishments to make them a little fancier. Here's some closeups of some of my favorites out of the many this background session made.

The supplies I used were Bermuda Bay cardstock and ink pad, Basic White cardstock, and the heart is from the Valentine Keepsakes stamp set on page 16 of the 2021 Spring mini catalog. The bigger heart I used on some of the cards comes from the Always in My Heart set (page 12). Email me to get a free copy of the mini catalog if you don't already have one! [email protected]

It really is amazing what variety can come from just one ink pad and one little stamp, isn't it? This was such a fun exercise for me. I have a stamp room full of toys, thanks to my demonstratorship with Stampin Up (wanna be one, too? join now!) but it really is just so cool what can be done with your basic ombre-inspired stampin' off technique.

I hope you're inspired to grab some background cardstock and start stamping! What color will you use? I'd love to hear how many cards you got done in one session using these fast ideas. Chat soon!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, Cards, Wedding/Anniver, Tips, Techniques & Tricks | Permalink | Comments (0)

01/25/2021

Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures Part Three!

Welcome back to our third post in this year's crafty BFF blog series, Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures! Today we're sharing cute ideas for the Sweet Little Valentines notecards & envelopes pack, a new item in the 2021 Spring mini catalog (page 16.)

Seriously cute, hey? I love the soft color scheme and artwork of this DIY Valentine pack. The kit comes with 10 card bases, 10 envelopes and 10 preprinted cardstock layers, which you can stamp or not, depending on the level of effort you feel like putting in this year. There is a coordinating stamp set called Valentine Keepsakes, or you can use your own stamps to hand.

Note: these cards are not acceptable Post Office minimum size, unless you put them in a regular envelope to mail. Just FYI you'll need to hand deliver to kids and hubby, or tuck these into your coworkers', students' or neighbors' mailboxes!

After I was finished with the notecards I needed to make I still had a few leftover, so I turned two of them into a scrapbook page on 12x12 Basic White! It's not Valentine-specific, so I can use it any time of the year. Can't wait to tuck a photo into the envelope and journal on it.

With the last two cards, I made a cute little treat holder from the two remaining envelopes. Tuck their flaps into each other, adhere, and you have a tiny two-pocket "booklet" that you can tuck goodies into!

Isn't that fun? You can actually do that envelope trick with any size envelope, and even tuck in multiple envelopes to make a multi-page "booklet." I like to tuck tea bags or flat chocolates in one side, and write on one of the leftover cards and tuck it in the other side. Then tie with a ribbon bow and decorate the front as desired. I used the gorgeous new copper and Blushing Bride double-sided ribbon.

When the kit was used up, I turned my attention to the stamp set, and made a bunch of different easy Valentines using the same bright color scheme and my own cardstock stash. I got to play with my newest die, Stitched with Whimsy, too! What a productive stamping session!

What did you use for your valentines this year? I hope you've gained some "sweet" and simple ideas from our blog series! See you next time for Part Four and our final project ideas for all your February crafts.

Posted in Boxes, Baskets & Bags, Cards, Misc Holidays, Kits for Busy Crafters, Scrapbooking 12x12 Spreads | Permalink | Comments (0)

01/24/2021

Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures Part Two!

Welcome back to part two of Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures, 2021 Edition! We're bringing you another crafty BFF blog series from super COLD Wisconsin to brighten your week and give you some quick and easy holiday ideas.Be sure to look back at yesterday's part one post, and click here to see other "Misc Holidays" projects & past blog series!

Today's theme is CHOCOLATE!

Hot chocolate, anyone? What better way to send off your loved ones or meet them at the door after school than to hand them a cute decorated cup of cocoa. Use punched hearts on glue dots, or even draw fun messages with a red Sharpie! These little cups make great co-worker Valentine's, too. Add a lip balm, gift card, tea bags or funny magnet if you want--just don't forget to put a piece of chocolate in there!

Now that we're onto my favorite topic, here's some fun chocolate-themed cards that would work any time of the year--but especially for a "gal-entine" for your girlfriends who aren't in a relationship during this holiday! I'm a firm believer that Valentines are for everyone, not just couples, but make it about chocolate and you're on safe soil no matter what's going on in your friends' lives.

I had a lot of fun coloring my chocolates with a variety of Stampin' Blends alcohol markers in Cinnamon Cider, Soft Suede, Bronze and Espresso.

"When you care enough to send the very best... CHOCOLATE!" Use the Nothing's Better Than stamp set and dies to proclaim you love them more than even chocolate... or coffee, or cookies. Show them exactly how much with a Mini Pizza Box full of chocolates, or a gift certificate for a chocolate-making class hosted by a local chocolatier.

And we can't forget about the kids! In need of quick classroom treats? Penni shared this "sweet" idea for a heart pocket make with two large scalloped ovals.

Clever, cute, and just about the right amount of work for a kid's valentine, since we know they're just going to rip into it anyway!

Join Penni and me for part three of our 2021 Valentine Adventures in a couple days!! It will be worth the wait.

Posted in Blends Alcohol Markers, Boxes, Baskets & Bags, Cards, Misc Holidays, Party Decor, Favors & More | Permalink | Comments (2)

01/23/2021

Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures!

We're back! My crafty BFF and I are back with another blog series for your enjoyment! This time we're focusing on Valentine's Day (which is coming up fast!) and what you can make just with things you probably already have on hand. Let's get started!

Our first project today doesn't use a Valentine set at all! The Silhouette Scenes set and dies combined with the Brick Wall embossing folder and an oval window give us a vignette that gets the message across even without a holiday-specific stamp set.

If you have some heart-patterned paper, you can do a lot with just an alphabet stamp set or dies. I cut up a saying into individual words to layer onto X's and O's cut from scrap Basic White and glued to a strip of Real Red to match.

I got these simple frames at the Dollar Tree and it was easy to cover the back with 7.5 x 5.5 inch cardstock or paper. This whole project maybe took 15 minutes including die-cutting all those X's and O's! This would make a fantastic kids' craft for the classroom, too. No stamps at all needed for this one!

While I was cutting out the letters, I kept looking at the scrap strips left over. They were really cute, and I didn't want to throw them away, so I turned them into a 12 x 12 Valentine scrapbook page!

This layout is perfect for using up scraps. The large Blushing Bride rectangle is half a sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock, and the large Real red mat is a quarter sheet. I haven't used up the circles from the middle of the O's, but I did think they could be used for fun large polka dots, too.

Love using up scraps--I feel so thrifty!

That's it for Day One! Thanks for stopping by our blog series. Join us tomorrow for Day Two, which is alllll about the chocolate!

Posted in Cards, Misc Holidays, Die-Cutting , Embossing Folders, Home Decor & Wreaths, Paper Scraps Projects, Scrapbooking 12x12 Spreads | Permalink | Comments (2)

01/19/2021

Detailed Hearts dies with watercolor wash technique

I finally broke down and bought a die I've had my eye on for over a year now. Detailed Hearts finally jumped into my basket as a hostess half-price item and I couldn't NOT justify getting it! Plus, I had the cute new Punch Party Sale-A-Bration hostess free set with its great sentiments and heart shape just perfect to coordinate. It was meant to be!

I walked through these cards and showed how to make the glitter window at the end of this Facebook Live. If you're not following Song of My Heart on Facebook, you should! I pop on randomly and share what's making me happy throughout the week.

I love the samples in the catalogs using this die, so my first play session had to be watercoloring. First, I watercolored the background, and layered the die in Basic White over the top. So pretty! Then, I watercolored the die cut itself (drying it with the Heat Tool so it would dry flat and fast) and layered it on white. I could have keep playing with this for a long time!

One thing you'll notice if you add this die to your collection is that it makes a TON of heart confetti for free : )

I couldn't just throw that out, so I used the glitter window technique from waaaaay back when, to use them up! Have you ever done the glitter window? It's super cute and fast.

All you do is take a long piece of clear packing tape, press it onto your hearts or confetti to pick them up, then press onto glitter to fill in all the blank areas on the tape. "Seal" the strip of glittery tape with a second layer so the glitter is all covered. Then trim the tape strip into any shape you want.

For this card, I used white glitter for in between my heart confetti, and Magenta Madness cardstock behind it so the pink color came through. It's a super fun technique--you've gotta try it! I love that it doesn't shed glitter everywhere.

Can you see why I thought this fun die would be a good addition to my shelf? Thanks for visiting Song of My Heart today. Please leave a comment, click like, or pin a photo or two--thank you!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, Die-Cutting , Watercoloring & Washes | Permalink | Comments (1)

12/31/2020

Happy New Year card wishing you peace, joy and love

One last time playing with my Christmas stamps in 2020... this time to make a New Year's greeting from the Dove of Hope stamp set. I was so late getting my holiday cards out this year I thought they might ALL have to be New Year's cards! And thanks to the mail, I hear they are still arriving for some of you. But that just spreads out the fun, right?

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you all for your support and friendship in 2020. I think that if nothing else, this year made us realize how much we need fellowship and community. I have found that with all of you through your comments, emails, likes and Facebook emojiis. From way back in January and February when lots of you reached out with support during my hysterectomy, through the silent spring and a subdued summer. You helped me through getting my freshman off to college, and then sent so many good wishes during our bout with corona in the fall. I really can't imagine my life without this community, more than ever now.

I've said it before and I'll say it again--stampers are the BEST people. Thank you for being MY people. Prayers for a beautiful new year filled with increased awareness of all our many blessings and the certain knowledge that friends care.

Posted in Cards, Misc Holidays, Die-Cutting , Embossing Folders | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/24/2020

Mini macrame Dream Catcher card

Catching up on a backlog of photos I wanted to share with you guys. I must have made this pre-COVID, back when I had energy!

This card is gorgeous but it was a lot of work, and this will most likely be the only one I make. I did enjoy dusting off my macrame skills, however hard it is to do them in baker's twine instead of good thick yarn!

The idea for this card came about as it so often does, by accident. I had the swirly star die-cut in gold on my table, and a Gold Hoop got laid over it, and I realized it would make a really pretty dreamcatcher background.

I had tried to tie a card-sized dream catcher before and given up, but if I could make the intricate circle part without tying, I was pretty sure I could manage the tails on my own.

There will NOT be a tutorial on this one : ) BUT here's a supply list and some tips if you try it!

Mount your die-cut swirly stars on a punched circle the same size as the hoop and the same color cardstock as your background.
Trim off everything that hangs over the edge of the circle. Once the hoop goes over it no one will ever know it's separate pieces.
Tie your twine tails before you adhere the circle to the card. Make them longer than you think you'll need. I used four double-strand tails which gave me eight strands of twine to work with.
I used a clothes pin to hold my circle still while I tied the twine on and knotted the strands. Once you're done, trim them all roughly the same length.
The pearls look like beads on the hoop, but are just stuck on afterwards with a dot of glue.

Click any link to shop with Lyssa! Thanks for supporting Song of My Heart.

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]	Stitched Stars Dies [150653]	Well Written Dies [151816]	NEW! 10-pack Gold Hoops Embellishments [152474]	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131198]
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100730]	12x12 2-pk Gold Foil Sheets [132622]	Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]	6x12 Adhesive Sheets [152334]	Half Pearl adhesive Basic Jewels [144219]
Silver & Pink Baker's Twine RETIRED

Thanks for popping in to see what I've been up to lately! Feeling better and spending lots of time in the craft room catching up on the piles and working ahead towards Christmas. Still bothered with daily headaches and fatigue, but grateful for a light case for all four of us. I appreciate everyone's prayers and well wishes during our coronavirus convalescence!

Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, Die-Cutting , Tips, Techniques & Tricks | Permalink | Comments (1)

11/09/2020

Honoring Honor Flight volunteers with patriotic quilt cards

While my team's Make A Difference project is making Honor Flight cards for every Wisconsin veteran, we didn't want to forget a very special group of people who make their special trip to Washington, D.C., possible in the first place. Each flight takes massive organization and an entire fleet of volunteers, along with lots of donated time and money from local groups and individuals. The work of fundraising and organizing goes on even though the flights are not going out in 2020 and possibly 2021.

I'm saying a BIG THANK YOU to all of the workers who make these flights happen! What you do makes a difference, and I am proud to have been involved in getting the word out to Stampin' Up and their demonstrators all over the United States about Honor Flight's efforts.

On election night 2020 I popped on Facebook Live for a little patriotic stamping to get our minds off the voting day craziness. I made all the backgrounds for these cards using one-inch scrap strips of red and blue patterned papers (blue from the Boho Indigo pack, red from the Heartwarming Hugs pack).

You can watch the Live on replay here!

Ready to make some thank-you cards of your own for the heroes in your family or community? Here's what I used. Click any link to order the supplies from my online store (thank you so much!)

Product List

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Posted in Cards, Everday, Cards, Misc Holidays, Make a Difference with Stampin' Up!, Paper Scraps Projects, Team Charity Projects | Permalink | Comments (1)