Stamped card with Background Technique

Card Design © Sharon M. Reinhart

Hi All! Well I am working with my stamps and inks again and I love this background technique it is super simple. All you need is an acrylic block, the type used with cling and/or clear stamps, distress inks, mister with water and white cardstock. Apply the distress inks direct to the clear block from the ink pad. Dab and swoosh the inks (technical terms of course). Apply inks from lightest to darkest in order to minimize color contamination of your ink pads. The colors used on this card are peeled paint, faded jeans and vintage photo. Spritz the ink with water, then press it onto white cardstock. This technique works wonderfully on watercolor paper as well! A quick and easy water-color or direct to paper background! The stamp image is from Crafty Individuals (Magenta). For the flowers, I learned this trick from a friend, thanks Nancy for sharing! Purchase the flowers from the wedding section from Michaels and then to custom color simply use your Bic Mark It pens, Tombows or Copics, or even inks and sprays, it's as easy as that. The Bic Mark It pens were used in this card. Hope you enjoy this creation!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Happy Birthday Card



Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Happy Birthday to all of you born on 8/8 and those born on 8/8/88 like my youngest daughter for whom this card was created. Yes, back to handmade flowers, (cannot get enough of them) however using a different die. This time I used the pinked circles die from Spellbinder's, it worked beautifully, creating a carnation style flower. The leaves are from ProvoCraft - love them, I think this one had three different dies in the set. The border was created with a Fiskars border punch.
Quick post today - some simple inspiration!
Enjoy!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Elegant Wedding Congrats Card!



It is that time of year where many of us find ourselves in need of wedding or shower cards. I have chosen to share this one as it is quick and easy and utilizes an inexpensive object found at a dollar store. Which object do you think that is? You may have guessed it, the wire heart. But do you know what its intended purpose is? It along with its partner used to be earrings. Yes, I could have wire wrapped my own piece and usually do make alot of my embellishments by hand, but this time it really was more feasible to use this embellishment. Just remove the earring wire and insert a crystal brad. Of course the beautiful papers in this card also add to the elegance. The base card is charcoal shimmer card stock. The congrats was die cut and adhered to the card then the card front was embossed using an embossing folder. Beautiful printed chiyogami papers from the Japanese Paper Place were used on a square of coaster board for added dimension, then the embellishment was layered on top. To finish the design the panel was then layered onto a die cut label from Spellbinder's. I love the color pallette in this card and the Chiyogami paper - so much so that I used this color combination and papers to create a tea bag folded design in my most recent book Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons, just click on the photo at the top right for access to view some of the designs in this book. If you are in the Calgary area, Paper Pastimes carries a wide variety of beautiful Chiyogami papers that I am sure you will love!  Hope you like this card!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Stamping Inspiration!

I was sorting through some things and came across this card from my past. I remember making this card for a class and I just loved how it turned out. When I first started making cards I started as a rubber stamping enthusiast, I still have a love for rubber stamping but for many other techniques and mediums as well. This particular card utilized vellum, chiyogami paper, pearl paper, threads and of course a rubber stamp. The image was stamped on vellum with permanent ink (Memories Artprint Brown) and then stamped again on pearl card stock and heat embossed with gold. The color of the cardstock on the embossed image was removed in specific areas by painting bleach onto the surface. The image was trimmed around and adhered onto the scroll using foam mounting tape. Paper beads made with the same Chiyogami paper that is layered on the card, adorn the edges of a wooden skewer  at top left and right and another bead with threads at the center bottom. The reason I am sharing this card with you is that it was one of my favorites but also because some techniques and cards are timeless. It can also be a useful tool to revisit some of the techniques you have used in the past especially if you are in need of some inspiration. Hope this card inspires you to create!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Tea Bag Folded Recycled Treasure!



Card Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well, I am at it again - recycling that is!  I used one of my favorite papers to create this tea bag folded medallion - the inside of security envelopes!  They have a variety of patterns and colors.  This tea bag folded medallion also has another twist.  I have used a squash fold and then to give a bit more dimension I gently curled the points on the top layer - just like you would curl a ribbon.  The layers are created using Spellbinder's Labels Twenty One die set and also the Stampin' Up Square Lattice embossing folder.  This folder creates a wonderful textured card stock out of regular card stock - it looks quite substantial.  A glitter brad and a few rhinestones as well as the Inspirational Words Border stamp from Crafty Individuals (Magenta) and my card is complete.  If you would like to learn more about Tea Bag folding check out my most recent book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons by clicking on the cover shot at the top right.  Also if you would like to add recycling techniques to your card making please visit the Cardmaker online newsletter From Trash to Treasured Cards July 11, 2011 issue - it's free, sign up today.
That's all for this post - Enjoy!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Congrats! Iris Fold Card

Card Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Congratulations is one of those multi purpose greetings that can be used for a variety of special occasions. I created this card for a couple who were recently married in Mexico - hope they like it!  However, this card would also be perfect for a shower, birth of a child, new job, and graduation to name a few. The card was created using an Iris Folding Technique however instead of folding the strips in the traditional way I simply cut them into half inch strips, the solid color strip is a quilling strip. If you are looking for further info on Iris Folding please check out my second book Iris Folding For Christmas by clicking on the photo to the right.  Keep in mind although the designs in this book are Christmas designs it is easy to create cards for other occasions by simply using different papers.
I created the flourish on the corners by die-cutting a fancy tag and then cut it in half and attached it over the corners on the frame. So if you are into using what you have - most people are, use printed papers that coordinate and for the texture on the white frame I cut two pieces of plastic canvas and placed my frame in between then ran it through my Big Shot Machine to emboss.
The materials used in creating this card are a Frame die by Sizzix (I use this one often), Fancy Tags Die Three & Petite Oval Small Die by Spellbinder's, printed papers by Black Market Paper Society (sorry I am not sure that this paper is current I was using leftovers today), brown cardstock, white pearl cardstock, rubber stamp by My Sentiment's Exactly, Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk ink by Clearsnap and the final touch are a few rhinestones. If you have not tried Iris Folding I encourage you to give it a go.  It truly is not as complicated as it looks. If you are looking for classes or interested in purchasing further design instructions please leave me a comment.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Life - Home Decor Project

I find myself drawn to sayings and quotes and often I like to create home decor projects with some of my favorites.  This little home decor project is quick to put together.  The frame is a wood block frame from Michaels which has ben painted and then printed cardstock adhered to the front. There are a couple of ways to adhere the paper.  One is to cut the paper in a square the same size as the frame, adhere it to the frame with a strong adhesive, craft glue or red liner tape. Then cut out the middle section using a craft knife or scissors. The other method is to place the frame right side down onto the wrong side of the paper, trace the outside and inside, cut out and then adhere. I always like to sand all the edges lightly then apply ink to the edges. In this project I have used Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink by Ranger.
The quote is a pre printed quote on vellum (not sure if this exact one is still available) that has been layered onto solid color card stock. Embellish as desired. I have used metal letters, glass mosaic tiles, ribbon, a silk flower and a brad. This is a quick project that would be a perfect gift as well.  Enjoy!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Recycled and Repurposed Cards!

 Design by Sharon M. Reinhart

Here is a peek at one of the cards you can find in my most recent newsletter for Cardmaker Magazine. If you are looking for inspiration and ideas for ways to recycle and repurpose within your own cardcrafting adventures head on over to CardMaker magazine's July 11th online newsletter. Bet you can't guess what the flowers are made from - its a wonderful resource and a definite way to recycle, check out the newsletter for the answer.
Another new item that I have used in this card is a scallop chipboard frame from a company called Globecraft Memories. I love the quality of the chipboard, it is sturdy and takes inks and paints beautifully. 
Until next time,
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Evermore Thanks Card

Card Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Thanks for sticking with me, I know it has been awhile. I hope you enjoy this creation made with Pink Paislee's Butterfly Garden - Nature Sancturary Paper. It is a beautiful print and perfect for the addition of handmade flowers. The flowers have been created with the Pink Paislee printed cardstock along with fancy ivory paper from The Paper Company. I love making my own handcrafted flowers - can you tell, they keep appearing on my creations. Simply die cut scallop shapes, I used the Spellbinder's Big Scalloped Circles SM die #2 (#1 being the smallest). Lightly mist the scallop circles and then gently crumple and unfold.  From there stack the layers together (anywhere from 5 - 7 layers if creating with papers and cardstocks and not tissue). Pierce the center, insert brad and fold back prongs. One layer at a time crumple up and inwards to create a tight bud. Lightly mist with water or you might like to try the new Fireworks! craft ink sprays from Tsukineko. I completed a designer challenge project for the Be Inspired event (which is now sold out) for the CHA summer show in Chicago in which these sprays were used - loved them. They have beautiful color as well as shimmer. Once the tight bud has dried, gently manipulate the petals open until you have achieved your desired effect then sponge edge of petals with ink. The greeting on this card is a Penny Black stamp.

If you are looking for inspiration on how to recycle and repurpose within your card crafting check out the CardMaker Magazine online newsletter going live on July 11th. It is a free newsletter, so sign up and it will be delivered to your inbox. Hope you gather some new ideas from it. Also look for the Card Making Around The House feature in the magazine available at newstands or by download.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Challenge Yourself to Create!

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Today I challenged myself to create just because - without a specific job or individual in mind. The other challenge I gave myself was to create and use some of the many papers I now have in a pile with the sign "for personal use only, may not be current". These are still beautiful papers but they are not the latest and greatest and editors really want us to use whats available to the readers and rightly so. It's too bad that product lines have to change because some of the papers I have fallen in love with over the years are no longer available.  Alas, we must be open to change.  So here we go.  I created this journal using a lined journal from the bins at Michaels, the flourish was cut using a Sizzix Tim Holtz die using cardboard from an oatmeal box and then colored with ink.  The sentiment is a preprinted one on vellum however you could print your own using the computer.  Or perhaps use one of the lovely sentiment stamps from Quietfire Design - Suzanne is a very talented calligrapher, I encourage you to take a look at her product line.  I used the lacey oval and sunflower set from Spellbinder's to create the sentiment frame and sunflower.  The handmade flower in the center of the brown sunflower was created using the jumbo scallop small circle dies.  Add a little bling and Voila!  I think this would make a great token of appreciation for someone special, or perhaps I have just created my first Christmas or hostess gift!  It's always nice to be ahead of the game.  Now if you don't wish to make a journal, use this design as inspiration or a sketch so to speak for a square card.  Hope you like it!  I challenge you to challenge yourself today!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Paper Napkins for Cards

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Hi All!  I am posting part of this card again here as I neglected to tell you how it was made. The images look like they were stamped and then colored beautifully with markers. Well I cannot take credit for the coloring, the images are from a beautiful printed paper napkin. Begin by removing the extra ply from the napkin, sometimes there are two extra layers so be sure to remove them. To get it started you might want to try using a straight pin - be patient, it will work. From there I apply my chosen section to a sticker or label sheet. Then I adhered the panel to a piece of coaster board and trim into tile shapes. Voila!  It's that simple. The branch style embossing was creating using an embossing folder on Coredinations cardstock and then sanded. If you haven't tried this technique I encourage you to.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Thanks So Much!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!  Enjoy your day! 

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the staff at Scrapbooker's Paradise, we had a wonderful event yesterday!  It is also days like yesterday that remind me of how truly blessd I am.  I was so pleased to see so many of you who have participated in many of my classes over the years come out yesterday to participate in our make and take and book signing.  Heartfelt thanks!  Your support and enthusiasm is truly appreciated!  Also, to the ladies who I had the opportunity of meeting for the first time yesterday - it was a pleasure!  For those of you who purchased my book I hope you get many hours of enjoyment from creating the projects and for those of you who were unable to purchase a copy because we sold out please check back with Scrapbooker's on the status of their order. Until next time ...
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Multiply your Card Designs!



©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Sometimes we find ourselves in need of a design for a card and the ideas just don't seem to be flowing. Keep in mind that you do not have to re-invent the wheel each time.Often, all it takes is to choose a previous design and change it slightly by switching the papers, using a different color combination or altering the greeting. This can be seen in the design which I will be teaching at a complimentary make and take session at the Calgary Scrapbooker's Paradise south store on June 18th from 11 am to 3 pm in promotion of my newest book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons. 

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

The red and green card is the one that will be offered on Saturday, however, the green and yellow design is the same design just different papers and a different greeting. So the next time you are in need of a creative nudge, look to some of your past creations and allow them to inspire you. Hope to see you at my book signing and make and take on Saturday.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Dad's Day!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart & Globecraft Memories

Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 19th actually. With that in mind I thought I would share a project that I have been working on. I have been working with products from Globecraft Memories, their products consist of layered globe frames perfect for displaying treasures, artwork and photos. The quality of the product is superb and I have been having fun working on a variety of themes. This one shown here is in honor of all the Dad's out there, past, present & future! We love you and thank-you for all that you are and do! 
Two of the chipboard frames have been covered with beautiful papers from My Minds Eye and the middle frame has been painted with antique gold acrylic paint. I added a photo from years gone by along with a pocket watch treasure and metallic stickers to accent the corners. This is a perfect system to use when creating items to honor our loved ones or the different milestones in our lives. However, I am also going to use it to showcase some tea bag folding designs - no more dusting layers of papers and tiny fingers won't be able to change my design - perfect. I will be sure to post a photo when it is done.  Until next time ...
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Book Signing and Make & Take!

I am so excited! Please join me at Scrapbooker's Paradise south store, 9025 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta for a book signing and make and take creating a tea bag folded card. Actual samples from the books Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons and Iris Folding for Christmas will be on display. Hope to see you June 18th between 11 - 3 pm at Scrapbooker's Paradise (south store).

Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Be Inspired at CHA!

Be Inspired is a Canadian Designer Look & Learn event for Retailers being held July 18, 2011 from 3 - 5 pm (event #E506) during the CHA Conference in Chicago in July. There will be a presentation from the designers with regards to how they designed their projects. (Unfortunately, I have had to cancel my plans to attend but Tsukineko will present on my behalf - thankyou Tsukineko!) I was challenged along with 7 other designers to come up with a unique Mixed Media project using select products from Canvas Corp, DecoArt, Harmonie and Tsukineko. What a great group of products and companies to work with, there were so many choices! Here is my finished result, this home decor piece is created on a 10" stretched chunky canvas. For you card makers out there, this design could easily be recreated on a square card. Hope you like it!  



Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart, Canvas Corp, DecoArt,
Harmonie, Tsukineko & CHA

This event is perfect for those of you who have stores, not only will you learn how to create 8 different mixed media projects but you will also receive an inspiration kit with products valued at over $150 in order to recreate some of the projects in your store and a CD of all the project instructions to use when you teach classes with your customers. Let us inspire you ... to inspire sales! You must register to attend the CHA Summer Conference and Trade Show before you can register to attend this event. To register for the show and for further details go to http://www.chashow.org/. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Creatively yours,
Sharon


Dimensional ideas for cards!



Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart June 2011

Sorry for my absence, life was just going in many directions all at one time. All is good though. I would much rather be busy than the alternative. In celebration of my newest book release Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons I am sharing a design which utilizes some beautiful papers from Yuemei® Eastern Arts Connection, Inc. I had the pleasure of visiting their booth at the winter CHA show in L.A., they have some very beautiful papers. The gold accents in this design are peel off stickers with a gold brad in the center of the medallion. Tea Bag Folding may look difficult but it really isn't, once you have the first fold completed you just repeat that 7 more times (in the case of this design) and then assemble. Keep posted as I am in the process of setting up a book signing and make and take at a local store. 

Did you get the latest release of the CardMaker Magazine newsletter? My newest edition went live on May 30th and it has inspiration on creating wedding and shower cards. This is a free newsletter that once you register it comes directly to your inbox. Kimber McGray and myself are the editors, I would encourage you take a look!  Until next time wishing you many creative adventures!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Recycled Card Crafting!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart May 2011

In honor of my most recent book release Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons, I thought it would be fitting to show several tea bag folded designs throughout the month of May. To also show how recycling can be incorporated into your card crafting I have used recycled security envelopes to create this card. The inside of these types of envelopes have a variety of different designs and colors. The recycled envelope is the blue paper in this design. The other wonderful thing about using the envelopes is that they are the perfect weight for creating crisp folds. This fold makes a wonderful medallion. The floral ribbon was one I found in one of those discount bins but I think the blues work perfectly with the recycled envelopes. The stamp is a Studio G stamp, the ink is Ranger distress ink stormy and the Lacey Oval die is from Spellbinder's. Hope you like this design and for further inspiration I encourage you to take a peek at my book.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Let's Hear it for Mom!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart May 2011

With Mother's day right around the corner I thought I would share one more card for those of you who are looking for inspiration. This card also has a bonus, it is fairly quick to create but at the same time shows that you put a little of your love into it. The focal image is an inchie stamp from Inkadinkado which has been stamped with chestnut roan chalk ink -- one of my favorite colors. For more info on inchies check out my most recent newsletter at CardMaker Magazine. Then add a little accent with stickles glitter glue. The frame was created with Spellbinder's labels one die set. I believe the ribbon is May Arts. The word mom is generated from a Magnetic Poetry stamp set. Stampers often bypass this set as on first look it resembles a kids set however I have used this word set over and over, I love that the words are framed. I rarely use the magnetic block but truly love all of the possibilities with the words. Now for the little found treasure, the little blossom, check out the hair tie section in your dollar stores, there are some wonderful little embellishments to be found. This one was on a hair elastic. Hope you all enjoy Mother's Day tomorrow, I know I will be spending time with our Moms and then I get to spend time with our two daughters - the gift of time is precious!
Onto a different subject, just a few minutes after my post yesterday. Guess what! My book arrived at my front door. Yipee! I love it and I hope you will as well. The team at DRG/CardMaker are the best team to work with. Big thanks to Tanya Fox and the many people that worked on this publication!  Also a big thanks to Spellbinder's for their generous product support - it is truly appreciated! Well, that's it for this post, must get back to work so that I can truly enjoy Mother's Day tomorrow.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Tea Bag Folding and Mom!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

In honor of my newest book release Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons and Mom's Day, I thought this creation would serve dual purpose. This card was created using a simple tea bag folding technique along with beautiful Chiyogami papers, Spellbinder's Standard Circles, Ovals, Lacey Ovals and Squares and alphabet stamps from Creative Imaginations. The official book release is scheduled for May 6th, 2011 but I did see it up on the Annie's Attic site along with the digital download version. If you are in Calgary, Red Deer or Lethbridge (Canada), Scrapbooker's Paradise will be stocking it as well. They presently carry one of my other books Iris Folding for Christmas. If you are in the Calgary area and interested in Tea Bag Folding classes or kits please leave me a message through the comment area. I hope you enjoy this card!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

A gift for Mom!

Sorry for the lack of the posts recently, life just got a little busy for awhile there -- all is good though.

As Mother's Day is just a week away I thought it would be a great time to share this Mom's stationary box.  It could also be used for little treasures or keepsakes.  The assembly is basically a collage of different papers and embellishments.  To create a bit more dimension some of the papers have been adhered to coaster board firstly and then onto the box.  The tag was created using a chipboard tag and then texture paste was added.  The miniature gold photo frames are little plastic frames purchased at a dollar store.  The gold face plate was simply removed from the plastic frame.  Now if you do not want to create a box possibly you could draw inspiration from this for a card.  On a different topic it is now May 1st and I am in countdown mode for the release of my newest book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons on May 6th - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Assembly Line Cards for Easter!

Card designs © Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

If you find yourself running behind on your card making, the assembly line approach may make it a little easier to get the job done. That being said, assembly line does not have to all look the same.  Create your first card (which was displayed in my April 15 post) and then from there use the first card and the same supplies as inspiration for more cards. Vary the colors, placement and orientation in order to provide a subtle change. This grouping of four cards is a great example of this approach. It is also a great way to do your own personal card challenge, see how many different designs you can come up with using the same basic supplies. Hope this helps you to get hopping along!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Easter Inspiration!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

For those of you in the process of creating cards for Easter and looking for inspiration I thought I would share this Easter card that I created for one of my family members.
Simply layer printed paper onto your card base.  Stamp desired greeting and layer onto cardstock. The greeting stamp is from Penny Black and the ink used is the Vivid Taupe ink -- I love this color. I cut only a portion of the white paper doilie and applied the taupe ink lightly to the decorative edge. The butterflies were created using a Martha Stewart punch and then adhesive pearls from Kaisercraft. Add a little white flower trim at the top and the bottom. I used the Xyron sticker maker or X box as some refer to it, to apply the floral trim. Great method for applying adhesive when you are using ribbon or flat trim.  And the final piece, my favorite, is the flower. Create this flower by die cutting three scallop shapes of two different sizes. I used Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles small, dies number 2 and 3 (1 being the smallest). Stack on top of one another, pierce a hole in the center and insert mini brad, folding back the prongs on the back. Lightly mist with water or even shimmer style mists. From there, simply scrunch up and inwards one layer at a time. Let the scrunched flower dry then gently open with fingers until you achieve your desired effect. Adhere onto card front. Voila! Hope you like it.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

A Spot of Tea!

A spot of Tea Bag folding that is. The only thing it has in common with tea is, when it was first created, tea bag envelopes were used to fold in order to create the medallions. In Europe the tea bag envelopes had printed designs on them. Well, you know what crafter's do when they do not have a certain supply, we improvise and start using other supplies that work well.

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

Today's creation is a tea bag folded card which makes use of beautiful Chiyogami papers. As many of you have requested classes on tea bag folding, if you are in the Calgary area please check back regularly as I am in the process of setting up some classes as well as a book launch event for my most recent book. Or just leave me a comment if you would like further information on classes and/or class kits. Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons is published by Annie's Attic and the official release date is May 6th however the digital version is available now.
Hope you enjoy this creation!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Beautiful Materials!



Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Have you ever noticed that card making becomes much easier when you have supplies that look beautiful and tools that also work beautifully. I am often inspired by the supplies themselves. This card was a cinch to make due to the supplies used. The printed paper is from Fab Scraps a company from Africa who were new exhibitor's at CHA in Los Angeles. I had the opportunity of visiting their booth, what a great group of people paired with a great product line. The leaves were generated using a Sizzix die from the flowers, branches & leaves set. The doilies - well doilies seem to be all the rage right now and I have in the past used the ones that you can purchase that are normally found in white, gold or red. The doily on this card is created from a die called a French Pastry Doily, so now we can easily create doilies in any color. This die can be found at Cheery Lynn Designs and they have many styles to choose from.  The flower is petals from a stem found at Michaels and the button is a found one from a bag of buttons.  Hope you enjoy this creation!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Bit of the Green!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Although I don't typically make cards specifically for this day, I do celebrate and honor this day with a bit of the green. This card would be perfect for a friend or loved one.  I had my daughter's in mind when I created this one. The base card is created using green linen card stock with an ivory pearl paper layered on top. The pearl paper was embossed using the square lattice textured impressions folder created for Stampin' Up by Sizzix. The next layer is a beautiful printed paper found in a 6 inch paper pad by Kaisercraft called the English Rose collection. The heart was die cut using a Spellbinder's Nestabilitie scallop die and then wrapped with beautiful thread from Wonderfil. The stamped words were generated using olive pastel Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink by Clearsnap and a Crafty Individuals stamp by Magenta. To finish it off, a sheer satin edge ribbon by Offray was used. I think it turned out quite nicely, hope you enjoy it!
Have a great day!
Sharon

Tea Bag Folding through the Seasons!

I am so excited! I can finally share this with you.  My new book Tea Bag Folding through the Seasons is set to be released.  The scheduled release date is May 6th.  I will be sure to keep you posted on the release dates and any launch celebrations such as signings, classes and demonstrations. If you would like to see some of the projects in this book head on over to Annies Attic (click on link).  It does state that it is back ordered, this is simply because it has not been released yet. 
I am very pleased with the cover and the quality of the photos that I have seen so far.  Looking forward to getting my copy so I can check out the inside!  What a great way to celebrate National Craft Month!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Iris Folding Inspiration

Many of you have asked where you can purchase my book Iris Folding for Christmas.  It is available for order online at Annie's Attic, Amazon, and a variety of other companies.  If you prefer, it is also available as an electronic download at Annie's Attic.  For those of you in Calgary, Lethbridge or Red Deer I am pleased to say that it is back in stock at Scrapbooker's Paradise.  If you are a retailer, check DRG Network for distributors or order through their wholesale division.  Scrapbook Eh! Wholesale is another company which may be able to assist you.


Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

 As you can see with this card (created for a friend who recently had a baby girl), Iris Folding is certainly not just for Christmas. The designs in this book are easily adaptable to any season or theme by simply switching up the papers. Hope you enjoy the card and the book!
Creatively yours - Sharon

Shades of Blue

Project design
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well I am not blue -- the card is. The temperature is almost tropical here today. Not really, but it is a great deal warmer. So I thought I would celebrate this warmth, National Craft Month and Fave Crafts by sharing a card created with the Spellbinders Sunflower Set #2, Nestabilities Ovals and one of my most favorite, Labels One.The printed paper is beautiful chiyogami papers from The Japanese Paper Place. The script is a Cuttlebug embossing folder lightly accented with blue ink. To get the dimension on the flower centers, simply use a couple of 3D Glue Dots underneath. It is a quick card to put together, hope you like it!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

National Craft Month!

Did you know that we actually have an entire month devoted to crafting - that's right, it is this month, March!
So what can we do to celebrate this special month?  There are many things, here are just a few:

1. Share your enthusiasm for crafting by volunteering to teach a class.  Possibly at schools, hospitals, senior centers, or boys & girls clubs.
2. Gather a group of friends together and celebrate with a Creative Night In, maybe one or more would like to design a project for everyone to create or choose a project together from one of your favorite magazines.
3. Create for charity - maybe knitted hats and mittens for the homeless, cards for the troops, cards for charitable organizations.  I know Cardmaker Magazine has a Readers Reach Out program that is perfect for cardmaker's wishing to donate cards.
4. Go on a road trip with friends and check out all the creative areas in your area from retailers to art galleries.
5. Send a card to a loved one or friend just because.

Lets all do something to celebrate the creativity in each of us!

For today's inspiration,check out my most recent issue of CardMaker Magazines free online newsletter, it went live today and its about finishing the insides of cards.  Hope you enjoy it!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Ten Minute Card!

Thought I would share this quick card that uses a die cut frame (Sizzix).  It can be put together in 10 minutes or less.  Firstly die cut the frame, then stamp an image onto the frame multiple times.  In order to get the color variation, ink the stamp and press image onto frame and then stamp a second time without re inking.  Sometimes referrd to as a second generation image.  Continue until frame is covered.  Adhere frame to card front.  Stamp an additional image and fussy cut around.  Adhere this image to bottom right with 3D foam tape, dimensionals (many products with a variety of names)  I personally like using the Scotch Foam Mounting tape by 3M, I find it isn't as thick as some of the others and often makes it easier to mail.  Stamp a greeting on a panel of card stock and apply ink to the edges.  Adhere this piece with 3D foam as well.  If you want to take this card to the next level (not a ten minute card)  pierce holes around the center of the flower and stitch beads on.  Alternatively, skip the piercing and glue the beads on if desired.  Hope you enjoy this simple yet attractive card.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Chocolate Inspiration

Well, hope each of you had a little chocolate, maybe flowers and a card, and of course lots of love on Valentine's Day!  I thought I would share this photo taken in Las Vegas several months ago.  At first glance I simply thought, what beautiful flowers.  Then dear hubby relayed to me that they were made of chocolate. Even more beautiful!  Possibly this could be inspiration for a card?  Quick post today, meeting some deadlines.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Happy Valentine's Day!



©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Wishing you all a day filled with love and of course creativity. As some of you may be putting the finishing touches on your cards I thought I would share one more creation.  This card uses a hero arts stamp to create the horizontal message at the bottom and believe it or not the greeting within the punched deckle square (McGill Inc.) is a sticker, I think it was from EK Success, not sure if they are still available but I thought this would be a good idea to share.  A simple sticker adhered to some coaster board, now the design is on the inside and the front of the card.  I am sure there are thousands of stickers that would work for this or even a few rubber stamp images.  Treat this one like a sketch, this is your starting point and see what you can create using the same design but other products. Have an absolutely wonderful day!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Feeling just Lovely!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share a card that was originally shared with viewers on Breakfast TV. It's an easy one to create and uses thread wrapping techniques on a Spellbinder's Nestabilities scallop heart die. Simply wrap the thread from the back to the front, alternating sides and coming through the center of the heart each time. Add some beautiful printed paper, a few mini heart brads for accents, a torn edge on Coredinations card stock and you have a lovely card for that special person in your life.
If you are looking for more thread wrapping techniques check out the archived newsletters at CardMaker Magazine. The newsletters are free and get delivered right to your inbox, all you have to do is sign up.  Wishing you the best with your Valentine's creations.  Enjoy the process.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Back from CHA!

As many of you know CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) was held in L.A. this year, January 28th through February 1st.  Education began on the 28th with the trade show opening on the 29th.  As usual the creative inspiration and talent at this show was huge!!!  The booths were all decked out in their finest, and the talented designers were sharing their latest and greatest products and techniques.  When I say all decked out - I truly mean it.  Take a look at this dress which was part of a beautiful display of dresses all made of paper. This is only one of the beautiful dresses in the display at Die Cuts With a View.  Absolutely gorgeous, I cannot imagine how long it took to put this display together. CHA truly is a feast for the eyes, I wish I could just blink my eyes and bring it all back to share with you.  One definitely saw a trend with banners, mini and jumbo, flowers of every sort, and birds.  Creative home decor items were also very popular amongst the displays.  Bottle caps seem to be making a comeback and also mini bottle caps.  Bling is still popular in many forms, the Mark Richards booth had some beautiful flourishes with just the right delicate touch of bling and then there were the Nestablings - bling already in the shape of the many beautiful Nestabilitie shapes from Spellbinder's.  Over the next couple of posts I hope to share a little bit more of my CHA experience with you.  Until then ...

Creatively yours,

Sharon

CardMaker Newsletter



As seen in the Jan. 24, 2011 CardMaker Newsletter

Just a reminder that if you have not signed up for the free newsletter, head on over to CardMaker and check out my most recent newsletter which just came out today.  This issue is about the Serendipity technique and it includes a couple of cards made using this technique.  While you are there, sign up, and next time it will be delivered right to your inbox. Kimber and I are co-editors and alternate the writing of the newsletters.  Hope you enjoy!

Just a little peek for you, head on over to CardMaker to see more.  Hope you enjoy!
Creatively yours,

Sharon

The Creative Well

Frosty Iris Fold Decor
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Thought I would share this iris folding project with you.  I am donating the framed decor piece along with a signed copy of Iris Folding for Christmas - my most recent book, to a CHA charity auction.  Although this book is filled with Christmas theme projects all you have to do is change up the papers and images and voila! an entirely new feel to the project.

Trio of Iris Folded Cards
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Here are some of the same designs using different papers, ribbons and embellishments.  Sometimes we get into a mode where the creative well seems to be dry, a quick way to fill the well is to look at previously created projects.  Keep the basic design and use different papers and embellishments that way half of the job - the design part is already done.  Take a look back at some of your holiday cards and see if you can create possibly some Valentine's using the same basic design and valentine theme papers and supplies.  It also relieves some of the pressure we put upon ourselves and before you know it the creative well is once again filled to the top.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Love is in the Air

Well, actually its snow in the cold, cold air.  I think that's why I gravitated to a Valentine theme card complete with pretty blooms.  This is a quick and easy card, trying to get my momentum going again, so my challenge was simply to create.  This card utilizes a simple thread wrapping technique using Wonderfil metallic threads on a Spellbinder's die-cut Nestabilities scallop heart.  The flourish is the Tim Holtz die by Sizzix, not only was the positve used but the negative piece was used as a stencil on the printed paper to apply Victorian Velvet Distress ink.  The pretty blooms were die cut with the Cricut from a card stock that has a nice sheen and accented with an adhesive pearl.  The pink blooms and the one adhesive pearl were colored pink with a Bic Mark It pen.  Quite an array of products!  It is simple but at the same time I think quite pretty.  Hope you enjoy!

A New Year and A New Feature



CardMaker Magazine January 2011



Wow!  We are almost at mid January and I am just now extending my wishes to each of you for a year filled with good health, happiness and opportunity. 

Speaking of January ... there is a new feature taking place at CardMaker Magazine, its called Card Making Around the House and the intro article as well as creative inspiration in the form of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) is in the January 2011 issue. The basic idea is to use the different rooms found in our homes to provide supplies to work with or provide inspiration or both.  Be sure to check it out and watch for the first stop on the tour in the March issue.  Hope you enjoy it!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Let It Snow

Well it seems that snow is the theme in many parts of the country this week.  In honor of the snow, I thought this photo of paper snowflakes would be perfect.  This was the store window at Kate's Paperie in New York when I visited in December 2009.  Tons of beautiful paper snowflakes!

I hope each of you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas or other celebration.  Mine was great - I was able to share the time with family and friends and reflect on how truly blessed we are.  Starting to get back into creativity mode and hope to share some inspiration in the next couple of days.  Until then stay warm!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Quick Christmas Card

Thought some of you may be in need of a quick card design.  This one simply uses some printed paper, card stock, Spellbinder's Lacey Square die (one of my absolute favorites) Stamp It rubber stamp, ink and a rhinestone.  Cut your printed paper to desired size, fold over about a 1/2 inch at the top and adhere over top edge of card.  This also is a quick way to get some of the decor on the inside of the card.  Stamp the greeting on a square of card stock.  Die cut decorative panel, adhere to card front, wrap ribbon around card, tie a knot at left.  Finish by layering greeting panel onto card sandwiching ribbon between. Voila!

If you are looking for gift-card holder inspiration, head over to CardMaker Magazines newsletter - my gift-card holder article just went out on December 13th.  It has some tips and technique and a few design ideas. Hope you enjoy it!

Well, I guess I better get back to my Christmas preparations - best of luck with all of yours!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon