Criss-Cross Card Box

While stalking perusing the awesome Vicki W's blog, I came across her Criss-Cross Card Box tutorial.  Of course, I had to try it out! It's just too stinkin' cute!

Here's my box:

And here's the cute matchy card (I made four total for a nice set):

The flowers are fabric that I die-cut...something new I'm trying (but not new to the card-making world, I'm just a late bloomer...pun intended...hee/hee).  The fabric adds a fun touch of texture! I can't wait to use some of the other fabrics I've collected!  That's one of the many reasons I love papercrafting, there's always something new to get addicted to try! :o)

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Black, Kraft cardstock; For the Record patterned paper (Echo Park)
Ink: Black
Stamps: Treasure Life (D1306)
Other: Scallop border punch (Fiskars); Blossom Nestabilities (Spellbinders); juniper canvas, black satin (Joann's); button from stash

Inspired Again...Spectrum Stamping

I have a newfound love affair with Paper Crafts magazine (shhh, don't tell my hubby).  I just can't get enough of it!  Every issue is packed with beautiful artwork...and their special additions? Be still my beating heart!!  Several of my cards lately have been inspired by cards I've seen in the magazines.  This fun little card set was inspired (ok, almost CASEd) by Jennie Harper's card in the Stamp It! Techniques special issue.

The technique used is called "spectrum stamping."  I used three shades of blue ink for my spectrum, but this technique is also beautiful when different colors are used (think rainbow on your stamp).  To create my spectrum, I first inked my stamp in the lightest blue.  Then, without stamping, I inked the bottom half in the next darker shade.  Finally, again without stamping, I inked just the very bottom in the darkest shade and then I stamped on my cardstock.  Super easy and fun!

I hope I'm able to inspire you just as Jennie inspired me.  If you give this technique a try be sure to let me know!  I'd love to see your project! :o)

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Black, Colonial White, Sky cardstock
Ink: Black, Dutch Blue, Moonstruck, Sky
Stamps: Aspiration (C1340), Friendship (Feb. 2011 SOTM), Say it in Style (retired)
Other: Crystal Blue buttons (retired, but a better option would be the Sky buttons in Z1371); black satin ribbon and thread from stash