Mother's Day Inspiration

Cards designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

Hello, my sincere apologies for being absent for so long -- unfortunately I have been dealing with some parent health issues which sadly are still ongoing. I did manage though to take a creative break the other day. Its amazing how when one is not creating regularly how it becomes a difficult process when you get back to it. I am so glad though that I did get back to it and hope to find my muse once again. For those of you who find themselves in the same position I encourage you to just pull out some supplies and tools and get cracking. Its kind of like falling off the horse and getting back on again. Don't forget through the process to be kind to yourself as well and not to be overly critical. I also recommend just taking some classes just for fun, seek out some of your local talents and see what they have to offer. Allowing yourself some time to be creative is great food for the soul!

Anyways, I wanted to share with you a couple of cards that I did manage to finish. A shout out to Island Paperie in Maui! I had the pleasure of visiting this shop a few years ago, I did of course buy some papers but the owner also provided product support of some for an article that was published. Many thanks again! The printed papers used on both of these cards are from Island Paperie. I encourage you to visit their site www.islandpaperie.com.

These cards are 4 1/2 inches square with the card base being a cream pearl cardstock with a turquoise cardstock layer followed by the printed paper from Island Paperie called Hibiscus Blues Scatter G15. Both cards make use of the Flourish Thinlets dies #141478 from Stampin' Up. The scallop element shown on the floral trio is the Stitched Scalloped Borders die template from Lawn Fawn #LF612 which has three lovely scallop border designs in the set. The centers of the floral trio are created with a floral hand punch by Fiskars -- those old school tools still come in handy! Don't forget to pull out your hand punches and your fancy edge scissors! For the word MOM simply use stickers or die-cut alphabet letters or even alphabet beads or stamped letters. Don't be afraid to experiment with what you have, it does not have to be exactly the same as the sample you are recreating.
I hope you have been inspired to create!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Flower Decor

If you are looking for some quick flower décor for Mother's Day Brunch or perhaps a wedding or baby shower I have a great idea! This one even involves recycling. These beautiful flowers began as cardboard rolls - the type from paper towels and bathroom tissue rolls! These particular ones have been created by using the bathroom tissue cardboard rolls. Simply press down the cardboard roll to flatten and use a bone folder to burnish both folded edges. Next place in a paper trimmer, I used my Fiskars paper trimmer and cut into 1/2-inch increments. Apply score tape to one side approximately an inch of tape starting at the folded edge. Then just start assembling by removing the tape liner and adhering one piece to the other. For these flowers I dressed them up a little bit further by die-cutting another flower  (Elizabeth Craft Designs) from pink cardstock and then added a gold circle to the center. They are perfect on their own or they can be adhered together to create a beautiful cascading effect! Hope you will give it a try!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Pearls for Mom!

Designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

With Mothers Day quickly approaching I thought I would share this "Pearls for Mom" card, which has been created using a tea-bag folding technique! My Mom loved her pearl necklace and she was my biggest supporter and fan when it came to my creative pursuits! Even when she became more house bound she truly enjoyed our card making moments, I would put simple kits together and take them over and walk her through the steps. She loved that she had made something that she could use to brighten someone else's day and it also afforded her some distraction from her sickness. Although she is not with us on this earth any longer it was she that inspired this card! XO Miss you Mom! I encourage each of you to share your talents with someone and help to brighten their day! The gift of time is something that you cannot put a price tag on -- it truly is priceless!

Tea-bag folding requires the use of a lightweight paper - text weight or photo copy weight. This fold begins with 8 circle shapes that are folded into quarters. Unfold all, and re-crease the fold lines so that they are all mountain folds. Next holding the circle shape with the mountain folds in an X orientation, press on the sides and collapse into a pie shape. The last fold for this one is to fold back the top curved layer. With the folded shape on your work surface and the pointed end at the top, place double-sided adhesive such as Scor-tape along the right folded edge of each folded shape.

To assemble, remove the tape liner and sandwich the layers of one folded piece in between the layers of another. Continue until complete. Remember to remove the tape from the last folded shape and join the medallion together.
This is one of my most favorite folds! For more information and inspiration  about tea-bag folding please check out my books or my online class/DVD Fabulous Paper Folds! I do have a small inventory so if you are wanting to purchase an item please contact me through this blog.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Making Flowers with Die Templates!

As seen in CardMaker Magazine online newsletter
Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

Just wanted to let you know that my most recent CardMaker newsletter is available now and it is all about making flowers using die templates! With Mother's Day approaching there is also some inspiration for your cards in order to celebrate Mom! Head on over to CardMaker Magazine newsletter for the complete article and full pictures!

Mother's Day Card!

Project design by Sharon M. Reinhart

I am sure you can tell that I love this Primrose paper line from Bo Bunny! With Mom's Day just around the corner I wanted to share this card created with Bo Bunny Papers, Spellbinder's Cut, Fold and Tuck dies as well as Shapeabilities, a leaf die from Sizzix and one of my favorite tea-bag folding techniques.
I truly hope you like it! Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms out there. Make sure to share some special time with yours!

Mothers hold their children's hands for awhile

 ... their hearts forever!

Forever in our hearts!

♥Sharon

 

 

 

Card for Mom!

project design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2013

With Mother's Day approaching, I thought I would share this simple but delightful creation with you. This card is created using printed papers from Michael's and a pearl text weight paper by I believe Stardream or Curious Metallics. The flower is created with two separate tea-bag folded medallions that were created using the basic circle fold and one progression (one of my favorite folds) then layered together with a brad accented with an adhesive rhinestone. The next layer is created using a beautiful Memory Box die called Tilth Floral - one layer was cut from the purple print paper and another from the pearlized text weight paper. The leaves are created using a die from Elizabeth Craft Designs and card stock. Stamp the letters for MOM on the pearl paper, punch out and adhere in the top right corner and you are done. If you want to learn all about tea-bag folding, iris folding and some fun folds be sure to check out my online class Fabulous Paper Folds or possibly one of my books. Hope you like this card! I think this one will be going to my own Mom.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Mother's Day Gift Inspiration!

Project Design based on project seen in Exquisite Embellishments for Paper Crafting published by Annies'Attic

Okay, I promise this is the last post for a bit about this new publication (Exquisite Embellishments for Paper Crafting), I so much wanted to share a project that did not get into the book, however the other three pieces of this ensemble did. You have seen the wood tote box (which is included in the book) however this journal is not included in the book. That takes me to the topic of using one design to inspire you to create other things. Somewhat like one card five ways, taking the same set of supplies and creating other things. Sometimes our creative well needs replenshing and this is one way to accomplish it. This little journal would make a perfect Mother's Day gift and card at the same time. Open it up and write your thoughts and wishes to your mom on the first page. Or, take inspiration from the design to make a square card. Most of the techniques needed to complete this journal are in the book. (sorry I am unable to share that info) For further info on this publication and to see more inspiring photos click on this link to Annie's Attic.
Wishing all the moms and moms-to-be a wonderful Mother's Day! May it be filled with happiness and sunshine! I know this wish is early, but I too plan on having a wonderful weekend and spending some quality time with my family, I hope you are blessed with the same!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Tag Art for Mom!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2012

I thought I would share this tag that is beautiful on its own or would make a wonderful card. With Mother's Day quickly approaching this would be a great way to show Mom just how much you care. I created this tag as kits that I will be offering for sale at a fundraising crop that I am participating in. I donated my time and supplies to create a make and take with the ladies. This is not the make and take - still working on that one, guess I better hurry up and get it done. This project is created with a shipping style tag. The Sizzix postage stamp die paired with coaster board was used for the frame and book print paper for the flower which has been die cut with a Spellbinders die.  The music score background from Stampendous was stamped onto kraft color tissue paper and then layered onto the tag. Some brown and copper craft acrylic paint distressing and wire tendrils were added along with a stamped mini domino.  Three different styles of fibers are the finishing touch. Hope you like it!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon