Dannie's Designs

Sketch Challenge

Yesterday I had so much fun stamping.  I started with this sketch challenge from 2 sketches 4 you.



My card started off pretty simple and then you know how it goes...a little ribbon here, some glitter there, a few flowers here, some paper piercing around the edges.  I was having so much fun I couldn't stop!



Here's a closer look at the front.



Both of the orange layers and the printed flowers paper are Bali Breeze designer series paper.  I'm going to miss this paper when it retires.  The word "joy" is from the Eastern Elegance rub-ons.  I rubbed it right onto the orange DSP and placed a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware on top to frame it. 

The scalloped glitter piece was made using a piece from the Confetti Simply Scrappin' Kit. 



I used this 1/2" wide strip from the die-cut adhesives.   In order for this to work right with the Scalloped Edge punch, don't use a strip that is less than 1/2" wide.  I cut the strip out with the backing still on it so it wouldn't stick to my punch. 



Next I ran it through the Scalloped Edge punch.  See how skinny it is now?  That's why you don't want to use a piece less than 1/2" wide.



Next I cut the scalloped piece to the correct size.  I placed it next to the Old Olive layer (because that's how wide I wanted it) and cut it.  I like making the scalloped piece larger than I need because then I have options of where I want to cut it.  I don't like it when the left side starts with a full scallop and then the right side ends with just a sliver of a scallop.  I centered my scalloped piece so I had a 1/2 of a scallop on both ends.  I hope that makes sense.

After my scalloped piece was cut to size, I pulled off the backing and poured my glitter all over the side with the adhesive.  I added adhesive to the back (the green side with numbers) and attached it to my card. 

I finished my card with all the usuals--paper piercing, ribbon, and dimensionals.  As always, thanks for stopping by!  ~Dannie

Paper: Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Bali Breeze DSP
Accessories: Confetti Simply Scrappin' Kit, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons, Flower Fusion, Silver Brads, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Fine Cosmo Glitter, Old Olive Wide Grosgrain, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain, Crafters' Tool Kit, Dimensionals
Punches: Scalloped Edge

Birthday Book

Today I thought I would tease you with a project I made.  Why is it a tease?  Because I haven't finished the tutorial for it and it won't be done until after convention.  I'm running short on time and unfortunately won't be able to finish it before I leave. 



I made 16 of these for a swap that I'm in at convention.  It's an "over the top" swap and these books truly were "over the top" to put together.  I used over 200 sheets of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock, 19 sheets of 12" x 12" designer series paper, 24 sheets of 12" x 12" cardstock, and more rolls of adhesive than I care to count!  I have everything done except for the paper roses on the cover.  That's my goal for today--finish those roses.

I want to thank all of you who have said that you're sending my brother a card.  It means so much to me.  Thank you!  ~Dannie

Card Call and Free Goodies

Would you like the chance to win some *free* stamp products just for sending me a hand-stamped card or letter?  Read this post to find out how.  This post will stay at the top of my blog until August 8th, so scroll down to see the most recent post.  Thanks!  ~Dannie

Holiday Happenings Hostess Bundle

Have you already checked the retiring accessories list?  I've already updated the list twice with items that have sold out since they originally posted the list yesterday.  So if you see something you want, be sure to order it before it's gone.  I'll continue to update this list so that it stays current.

Last week I had a chance to play with the Holiday Happenings Bundle.  It's a level 3 hostess set that's coming out in the next catalog.  It comes with a four piece stamp set, a set of rub-ons, and nine sheets of designer series paper (three sheets each of three double-sided prints).  I used the snowflake stamp and the coordinating designer series paper and made this card.



This card also uses two of the new In Colors--Baja Breeze and Pacific Point.  All of the white cardstock is actually Shimmery White cardstock.  Here's a closer look at the shimmer.



I used the new Scalloped Edge punch which I absolutely love.  You know me, I couldn't just leave the scallops alone.  I had to paper pierce them.  I also added a little bling to the center snowflake by removing the rhinestone from one of the smallest rhinestone brads.  I attached it to the card with a mini glue dot.  Here's how you remove the rhinestone. 



Take your brad and spread the prongs as far apart as you can.  If you think of the brad as a clock, the two large prongs are at 3:00 and 9:00.  Once you bend them out of the way, you'll notice that there are two smaller prongs at 6:00 and 12:00.  Bend the two smaller prongs out of the way and the rhinestone will come right out.  It takes a little bit of work to get the small prongs bent.  You can use a small pair of tweezer or pliers. 

Be cautious: the silver circle that you see on the underside of the brad is the back of the rhinestone.  If you scratch that up with your pliers, you'll be able to see it on your rhinestone.  Yes, I found out the hard way.  Just be careful.

I leave for convention in a week and can barely contain my excitement.  I'm finding it difficult to concentrate on things I need to get done here.  That's not good.  I just can't wait to visit with friends, see the new catalog, and have fun swapping.  Oh yeah, I'll get new stamps too!  I hope I get to meet many of you in Salt Lake.  You'll see me on one of the motorized scooters so be sure to say 'hi' if you see me. 

Thanks for stopping by! ~Dannie

Stamps: Seasonal Icons (hostess set), Many Merry Messages
Paper: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Shimmery White, Holiday Happenings DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point
Accessories: Rhinestone Brad, White Taffeta Ribbon, Crafters' Tool Kit, Dimensionals
Punches: Scalloped Edge

A Call for Cards & Free Goodies!

Would you like the chance to win some *free* stamp products just for sending me a hand-stamped card or letter?  Here's what you need to do...

As you may know, my brother Daniel (yes, we practically have the same name) is currently serving his third deployment in Afghanistan.  He has been to Iraq twice and this is his first time in Afghanistan.  He loves being a Marine and knows he's where he's supposed to be. 

This deployment, however, has been a lot harder on him emotionally.  Next month (at the end of August) is his birthday and I would love to help cheer him up.

Here's where I need your help.  I would love to mail him a box full of cards and letters--birthday cards, patriotic cards, thinking of you cards, etc.  I'm not talking about blank cards that my brother can fill out and mail back home.  I'm talking about uplifting cards and letters written to my brother wishing him a happy birthday, thanking him for serving our country, etc. 

Please mail your card or letter to:
Dannie Graves
720 University Avenue, Ste 200
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Deadline: Saturday, August 9th so I can mail the package in time for his birthday

A chance to win: I will randomly select three cards or letters and the winners will receive some stamp products from me.

Please spread the word to your friends and have them join in too.  I know this will really lift his spirits.  Thank you!  ~Dannie

Retiring Accessories List

The list of retiring accessories is here.  You can view the list by clicking here.  All items on this list are available only while supplies last.  I will update this list daily to make sure it's accurate. 

Also, Stampin' Up! has done something they've never done before.  They're offering a select list of retiring accessories at 25% off!  You can see that list here. 

If you see anything on these lists that you would like to purchase, place your order with me as soon as possible (DannieGrvs@hotmail.com).  For your convenience, I have also added links to these lists in the left column of my blog.

For You Tin

Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend was wonderful.  Kirsten received my package on Saturday so now I can show you the last couple of projects I put in her box of goodies.  Kirsten mentioned that she liked dark chocolate, so I bought some dark chocolate raspberry Ghirardelli squares.  Now I'm not a fan of dark chocolate, but those raspberry squares are exquisite!

I wanted to put the chocolates in a tin so I started by wrapping four of the chocolates in a strip of Berry Bliss DSP. 



Next I altered the tin (I bought these tins here). 



I used Sticky Strip to adhere the ribbon around the edge of the lid.  When I tied the knot in the ribbon, it gathered the ribbon and you could see the silver edge of the tin around the knot.  I untied the knot and adhered a 1" piece of the same ribbon to the front of the tin behind where the knot is.  If you look closely at the photo above, you'll see both pieces of ribbon.  Normally the tin showing around the knotted ribbon wouldn't bother me, but this little trick comes in handy when you're altering a tin with a pattern or color on it that you completely want to cover.

With the lid on my tin, I added two more rows of sticky strip to the bottom for my designer series paper (DSP).  It's important to keep the lid on the tin while you're doing this so you know how far the lid comes down the side of the tin.  The top row of sticky strip is right below the bottom of the lid.  I took the lid off and measured from the bottom of the tin to the top of my second piece of sticky strip and that's how wide I cut my DSP.  The DSP does not go to the top of the side of the tin.  There will be about 1/4" gap not covered in DSP.  That's because it won't fit under the lid. 



I finished the tin by adding some Rub-ons to the window in the lid.  This is a very quick project to make (it took me less than 15 minutes) and it's a fun way to give chocolate.  Thanks for stopping by!  ~Dannie

Stamps: One of a Kind
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss DSP
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Purely Pomegranate Double-stitched Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons
Punches: Small and Large Oval

More Thank You Cards

Is it ever possible to get caught up on your "to do" list?  I have been getting so much done this week, but it feels like the more I get done the more I have to do.  Do you ever have a week like that?  I hope I'm able to get past this soon because I don't like feeling behind all the time. 

One of the things I was behind on was sending out thank you cards.  I didn't have much time to stamp this morning, so the cards needed to be quick and simple.  I usually like to put a lot of detail into my cards, but Sharon's "stamp simply" challenge this week was to make simple thank you cards.  It was just the challenge I needed.

I used the same layout inspiration from Stephanie for these cards (you can see my other card using this layout here). 



Here's a closer look at each card individually.

I changed the sentiment and used my scalloped circle punch instead.  I love using my punches whenever I get the chance.   

I used Berry Bliss designer series paper for all the cards.

I pierced a hole in each of the scallops and used dimensionals behind the scalloped circle.

I made four different designs, but I made more than one card of some of the  designs.  Yes, I was that behind in my cards.  I'm happy to say that I just finished mailing all of these cards.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I have lots of fun things to show you next week.  I need to wait until my package is received next week (hi Kirsten!) before I show you some of the things I made.  I don't want to ruin the surprise for her.  I'll see you on Monday!  ~Dannie

Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss DSP
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Purely Pomegranate Double-stitched Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Crafters' Tool Kit
Punches: Scalloped Circle, Circle (1 1/4" and 1 3/8"), Three For You Flower

Courtney's Closet

The other day I was looking through my favorite blogs.  You know how it goes...you look at one of your favorite blogs and they have a link to another blog, who in turn has a link to a pattern on yet another blog, who was inspired by yet another blogger.  Before you know it you've discovered several great new blogs that you just *have* to add to your blog reader. 

One of my recent finds is Libby's blog.  She has a weekly inspiration challenge using clothes from her daughter's closet.  Her little girl is so cute that you just want to pinch those chubby cheeks.  What a little doll.  I've never done an inspiration challenge before, but I had to give this one a try.

The layout just popped into my mind when I saw the dress.  Trust me, that doesn't happen often.  I usually need to look at many different layouts before I can put a card together. 

I immediately noticed the little blue and white stripes at the bottom of her dress.  To mimic that I used a piece of Bashful Blue Prints designer series paper that has thin white stripes in it for the largest panel on my card.  I added a row of ducks and flowers across the bottom to match the outfit too.  All of the ducks and flowers are popped up on dimensionals.

I made the white brads for the four yellow flowers by embossing the top with White embossing powder.  You can do this by holding the prongs of your brad with some tweezers.  Tap the head of the brad on your Versamark pad, dip it into White embossing powder, and then emboss it with your heat tool.  If the head of the brad isn't covered enough, you can dip it straight back into the embossing powder (it's hot so the embossing powder will stick to it) and heat it again.  Repeat the process until you're satisfied with the coverage.  Please remember that the brads are metal and they get very hot when you emboss them.  Set them aside to cool before you touch them with your fingers.

So, how did I do with my first inspiration challenge?  I'd love to hear your feedback.  I hope you have a wonderful Thursday.  I'll see you tomorrow!  ~Dannie

Stamps: ABC Images
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue Prints DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Versamark
Accessories: Brads, White Embossing Powder, Dimensionals
Punches: Three For You Flower

Fabulous Flowers

Today I decided to make a card using my Fabulous Flowers stamp set.  I have seen so many beautiful cards made with that set, so I succumbed to the peer pressure and bought it.  It has been waiting patiently for me to ink it up for the first time.  Of course I always like some good inspiration to help me along, so I combined two challenges.  The Verve color challenge plus



today's sketch challenge 



equals this card...



I stamped the flower four times.  Twice in Pumpkin Pie Craft ink, once in Old Olive Craft Ink, and once in So Saffron Craft ink.  Then I embossed them with Clear Embossing Powder.  I cut them out and adhered them on top of each other with dimensionals.  The most difficult part was deciding which petals to leave on which layers.  I took the Old Olive flower and cut it into several pieces and let it poke out around the edges of the Pumpkin Pie flower.

As you can see, I added lots of paper piercing.  Especially on the main panel. 



I also added some texture by stamping the Rough Texture wheel in So Saffron ink.  I used my Horizontal Slot Punch to punch the holes for the ribbon.  The hole wasn't wide enough, so I punched it two times right next to each other (slightly overlapping the hole) so the ribbon would fit through.   

I need to run.  Only 13 days until I leave for convention and I have so much to do.  Have a wonderful Wednesday and I'll see you tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by!  ~Dannie

Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Rough Texture Wheel
Paper: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
Ink: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals, Crafters' Tool Kit
Punches: Horizontal Slot