Tea Bag Folded - Thankyou Card

I would like to invite you to take a look at my most recent CardMaker newsletter - it's about Tea-Bag Folding! These three cards were created using tea-bag folding techniques.  The top left card makes use of punched or die cut circles, the top right card is created by using a rubber stamp to create the papers and the bottom left card makes use of printed squares of paper folded and then layered onto a border punched square.  If you are interested in further designs please check out my book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons.

Here is a little design tip for varying sentiment images.  Simply pierce through the word to give a stitching effect.  I use a foam mouse pad for my piercing pad and I really like the Tonic retractable piercing tool.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Happy Birthday Card

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2012

With the official first day of Spring right around the corner (March 20th) I thought this birthday card full of flowers would be great to share with you today. Unfortunately, I do not remember what company the paper is from - it is absolutely beautiful and actually inspired the card itself. A notched piece of turquoise paper is placed vertically and then a tag shape was cut from the printed paper and layered horizontally followed by all of the beautiful flowers layered on top. Some of the flowers were cut directly from the printed paper and the white flowers were stamped and thermal embossed with white on vellum/parchment (parchment is heavier than vellum) and then cut and layered.  I love to work with parchment paper due to the fact that it is heavier. It is great for pressure or thermal embossing techniques. White thermal embossing on the white parchment is quite striking, it almost gives a Pergamano® effect, a craft technique that is quite beautiful. The beautiful white flower is a stamp from Outlines. Flowers and a card all in one - these flowers do not require watering and will not wilt. The delicate greeting is from Stampin Up. I hope this inspires you to create something today, especially since the month of March is national crafting month.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Delicate Layers & Tea Bag Fold Card

I think the amount of snow we received the past couple days was the inspiration for this card. The snow glistens as if it has been dusted by glitter thus the glitter on this piece. The layers are like the layers of snow we now have and the finished piece could resemble a snowflake as well. This card is created by using the Fleur De Lis  Pendant die by SpellbindersTM, however any pendant die would work. Then the final part is a tea-bag fold creation in the center followed by a pretty pink brad. A couple of sparkling rhinestones can also be found here and there. To build the layers just use a dimensional tape in between, I do like to use the foam mounting tape or squares by 3M. The tea-bag folded rosette was created using a basic fold with circle shapes and then progressing on with a final fold back of the top layer. The basic fold is to fold the circle in half and then again into quarters. Unfold all, re-crease on both lines so very pliable. Holding the circle with the folds in an x shape, push center pieces under and into center to collapse into a pie shape. Fold back top layer aligning with edges (refer to photo).  You need 8 pieces to create one rosette. Then assemble by placing a small piece of tape on the back on one side (stay consistent to the same side), sandwiching one piece between the other. My favorite tape to use for this is the 1/8" wide Scor-tape. For more tea-bag folding projects and instructions please check out my book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Paper Flower Favor



Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2012

A quick post today to share one of my most favorite dies. It's the Spellbinders TM  Shapeabilities® Anemone die set! This project was originally for Valentine's  Day but it would also make a wonderful wedding or shower favor. It started with a silver tin that was dry brushed with white acrylic paint. Then two layers of the same size Anemone die followed by the petal style die (in the same set) and then the final layer a stamped letter. Be sure to curl the flower petals gently using a bone folder or wooden skewer. Hope you like it!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Butterfly Wishes All Occasion Card

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2012

My sincere apologies for being absent for so long! The road of life all of a sudden merged without notice from four lanes into one. I am sure many of you can relate.
To get back in to action here I have chosen to share a card that was inspired by the paper itself. This beautiful paper from Pink Paislee inspired the use of the Beautiful Wings Embosslits from Stampin Up and the Tim Holtz dress form die from Sizzix. The Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder by Provocraft added a beautiful texture to the dress form as well as mimicked the pattern in the paper layered beneath. The beautiful rhinestone flourishes that are so popular were the perfect compliment to the neckline on the dress form as well as for use on the butterflies. White crepe paper slightly gathered became the skirt along with a paper waistband complete with a butterfly embellishment. I purposely did not include a sentiment on the front of this card as I felt that it could be used for a variety of occasions and I wanted the design on the front to be the focus. Once chosen for a specific occasion I will include the sentiment on the inside.
Hope you like this project!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Same Supplies three Valentines Cards!

I wanted to invite you to come on over to CardMakers online newsletter where I am sharing info on creating these three valentines from the same set of supplies. This is a great way to kick start the creative process. Choose a set of supplies and by changing the orientation, color layers, and placement of images, see how many different designs you can come up with. I know with life on fast forward at times we all need a method to create our greetings quickly and in an orderly fashion. I often have a difficult time with assembly line cards because I like to change it up, this method allows me to do that but also keeps my creative wanderings under control so that I may complete more cards in less time. So give it a try and head over to CardMaker magazine online newsletter February 6th issue for the how to on the cards shown in this post.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Back from CHA!

For those of you who are not familiar with CHA it stands for the Craft and Hobby Association. Twice yearly, Winter and Summer a huge trade show and conference is held. This winter the show returned to Anaheim, my favorite location. There is always a buzz around these shows, partly due to all of the new product launches but also the wonderful demonstrations, classes and displays that can be found. It truly is a creative feast. so my apologies for being MIA, I was madly preparing my designer showcase for CHA and then attending the show.

Dyan Reavely - Ranger CHA

Dyan Reaveley journal page in progress

One of my favorite demonstrations was by Dyan Reaveley a signature designer with Ranger. Her line with ranger is called Dylusions and it includes, spray inks, stamps and stencils. Art journaling has become very popular and Dyan makes it look so easy. Within minutes she created beautiful layers and textures in her moleskin art journal, however she says she uses any type of paper. Her demo was interesting, inspiring, educational and fun! Thanks Dyan, I have been inspired to create! Until next time I hope your adventures are creative as well! Creatively yours, Sharon.

More Valentine's!



©Sharon M. Reinhart 2012

Sharing this cute little card which was an early Valentine treat for the ladies at my Make and Take/Book Signing at Scrapbooker's Paradise north store yesterday. What a wonderful group of ladies both the participants and the staff! Although we did not create this card, the instructions were made available to the Toonie Thursday participants through the cooperative effort of Scrapbookers Paradise north store manager, Angela, and myself. All of the supplies are available at Scrapbooker's Paradise so go visit Angela and let her know that Sharon sent you.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Valentine's Inspiration!

Well we are just a bit over a month from Valentine's day, before you know it the day will have come and gone. So, now is the time to create your Valentine's. This particular card would be perfect for the guys or the gals, because of the colors and the different patterns it retains a strong look. I am sure the guys will not mind the little bit of beautiful metallic thread that adorns the smallest heart. I think the thread gives this card a bit of a pop. Try stamping a pattern onto the die cut letters (Tim Holtz Vintage Market die) it helps to make the x and the o pop as well. I love all of the different patterns in this card.  The die cut hearts and frame are from Spellbinder's. I wanted a larger polka dot on the frame so I embossed it in an embossing folder. Hope this card inspires you to start creating!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Valentine Make & Take!

©Sharon M. Reinhart

Here is a sneak peek of a portion of the card that we are making on January 19th, 2012 at Scrapbooker's Paradise North store (Crowfoot). I hope you will join me between the hours of 11 am to 4 pm. This card is perfect for a guy or a gal, sometimes we find it difficult to create Valentine's for the guys in our life so take this opportunity to be inspired. The cute flap fold on the front is a great technique for many occasions and on the inside we of course make use of a tea bag fold in honor of my book Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons!
Hope to see you!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Friends Greeting Card

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011



I thought I would share one more card from my most recent CardMaker online newsletter -- it's all about using border punches. If you haven't used your punches in awhile, take them out and dust them off. They are perfect for creating greeting cards and if you go to my newsletter at CardMaker Magazine you will be able to get a few different ideas to try. While you are there, sign up, it's free! For those of you wondering, yes, I stitched each bead onto the front of this card. At least I know they will be there for years to come. Speaking of years, as we say farewell to 2011 and welcome 2012, I wish each and everyone of you all the best! May the coming year be filled with warm and wonderful moments full of joy and may the paths that you choose to follow treat you kindly.
Until next year take care!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Celebrations!

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well Christmas has come and gone and a new year approaches. I hope each of you were blessed with the joy of the Christmas season! I was blessed to be able to spend some warm and wonderful moments with family and also to reflect on and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
As a new year approaches I would like to thank each of you who has touched my life in various ways throughout this past year! I truly appreciate the support given to me through attending my classes, book signings and the purchase of my books. I also appreciate the stores who have stocked and promoted my publications, two of the local ones are Paper Pastimes and Scrapbooker's Paradise - heartfelt thanks! I encourage you to visit these local stores (Calgary, Alberta), I am sure you will be pleased with what they have to offer! I enjoy reading the feedback from readers of the CardMaker Magazine online newsletter -- keep your thoughts coming! I look forward to helping to inspire you to create in the coming year.
If you are looking for some inspiration on border punches please check out my most recent edition of the CardMaker online newsletter. In case you are not familiar with this newsletter I am co-editor along with Kimber McGray. It is a free newsletter that you can sign up for and then it comes directly to your inbox. My most recent issue went out on December 26th and it is about using border punches. So please check it out -- CardMaker Newsletter. The card shown in this post is one that is shared in the newsletter. Hope you enjoy it!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Merry Christmas!

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Merry Christmas! I thought this would be the perfect time to share this canvas wall or tabletop decor with you. It makes use of some beautiful printed paper along with snowflake die cuts using Spellbinder's dies, Technique Tuesday Believe stamp, Christmas foliage, Magnetic Poetry stamps, EK Success snowflake punch, Martha Stewart glitter, Starform glitter dots and Tea Bag Folding techniques. For more info on tea bag folding techniques check out my book Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons by clicking on the cover at the right.
May each of you experience the joy of this season and be wrapped in warm moments spent with family and friends!
Sharon

Gift Card Holder

As promised, here is the inside view of the greeting card posted yesterday. To create the base card simply cut cardstock 5 1/2" x 11", score at 4 1/4", 5 1/2" and 6 3/4".  Fold on the 5 1/2" score line and use a label die or die/punch of choice to cut an opening on the fold for the gift card. To finish, fold on the remaining score lines creating the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card. Adhere, sandwiching middle panel on inside of card. Narrow double-sided tape such as the 1/8" Sookwang tape works perfectly, allowing enough space for the gift card itself. I have often used these style of cards for movie passes as well, the type that you can get at Costco - I just fold them and insert.  They would work equally as well for a monetary gift.  Hope this helps with your gift giving!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Ivory Snowflake Christmas Card

Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well two weeks and counting!  If you are looking for a quick Christmas card in non traditional colors here you go. This one uses brown and a beautiful ivory with a pearlescent golden glow (which is probably lost on screen). Simply cut a layer panel from snowflake print, wrap with ivory ribbon and add an additional touch of sheer brown ribbon. Die cut and layer snowflake (this one is Spellbinder's Create a Flake One), slightly fold the one snowflake upwards to create some dimension add a pretty brad (love these ones from Michaels wedding section) and you are done. This card is a gift card holder on the inside, so I will share the info on that in my next post.
I wanted to send my sincere thanks to all of the staff at Scrapbooker's Paradise north store for their assistance with yesterday's make and take and booksigning! It was a great event and I met some wonderful ladies who I believe have now caught the tea-bag folding bug!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Christmas Card Make & Take!

Hope those of you that are in the Calgary area will join me at Scrapbooker's Paradise North store (Crowfoot Crossing - 45 Crowfoot Terrace NW) for a greeting card make and take and booksigning on Saturday December 10th from 11 am to 3 pm. The cost for the make and take is $2.00 and it is a Christmas themed greeting card using tea bag folding techniques, beautiful die-cuts from Spellbinder's and great texture created with a pretty Sizzix embossing folder.
In case you have not heard about tea bag folding it began in Holland with a lady named Tiny Van Der Plaas who used a pretty tea bag envelope to fold into shapes to create a card. In North America we do not have the pretty printed envelopes but we certainly do have lots of other pretty papers! I will have some of the original card samples from my books Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons and Iris Folding For Christmas on display as well. I hope to see you!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Christmas Card & Gift Set

This ensemble (the card was posted previously) is a perfect way to extend your appreciation to those people who make a difference in your life. Possibly you have a snow angel - a wonderful person who shovels your walk just because, or a teacher/coach who goes above and beyond and as a result has made a difference in you or your child's life. Or for a hostess who has opened her home to you and made you feel welcome. We all or I hope we do, I know I am blessed to have many people that make a difference in my life. So put your papercrafting supplies and skills to good use.  This ensemble makes use of a purchased journal and door hanger. For more ideas head to CardMaker Magazine's online newsletter, the November issue is all about tokens of appreciation. I hope you enjoy!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Quickie Christmas Card

Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well with less than a month until Christmas I thought another quickie Christmas card would be in order. Can't believe where the time has gone -- sorry I have been absent for a bit.
This card utilizes a rub on transfer for the sentiment a die cut frame, tag and ornament shape, a splash of ribbon and of course a little sparkle with Stickles. Hope it helps for those of you who may be like me, way behind. Oh well, it always comes together, so don't forget to take time and enjoy your preparations.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Sparkling Flake Christmas Card

Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well in honor of the snow we received today I thought I would share this sparkling greeting, created with pretty paper and die cut snowflakes. If you find yourself behind on your Christmas card creations, this one is fairly quick. Add a greeting on the front if desired or place the greeting inside. This creation could also double for a winter birthday card.
I would like to invite anybody in the Calgary area to a craft fair that I am participating in on Saturday November 19th from 10 am to 3 pm. The location is the Edgemont Community Center 33 Edgevalley Circle N.W. Calgary, Alberta. I will have some handmade creations for sale along with my books Iris Folding for Christmas and Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons. I will happily sign any books purchased. Hope to see you, I hear there are some wonderful vendors at this event! Purchases will be on a cash only basis.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Snowflake Tea-Bag Fold Card

Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart November 2011

I had a great time participating in the Calgary Critter Crop organized by Sandra L. in support of the Calgary Humane Society yesterday. What a great group of ladies! I donated a make and take to the event and taught a tea-bag folding technique. They all did a great job and I could see that many had caught the tea-bag folding bug, as there were quite a few busy fingers folding circle shapes. This is one of the kits that was available for purchase. This card makes use of a Magenta rubber stamp to create the tea-bag folding papers, Memories midnight blue ink, Spellbinder's Create a Flake one for the snowflake, clear sugar beads to accent the snowflake, Sizzix embossing folder for the card base along with metallic rub-on creme to accent the raised embossing. This fold begins with the basic triangle fold and then continues on by folding the top layer up and under to the center fold at left and right sides. For further ideas and inspiration please check out my most recent book Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons by clicking the cover at right. I will share the actual make and take project with you in an upcoming post. Enjoy!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon