Card Making Using Pastes!

as seen in the CardMaker Magazine newsletter

My apologies for being gone for so long.
A quick post today to invite you to my most recent CardMaker newsletter which is all about using pastes in card making. Pastes such as spackle, modelling paste, embossing paste etc. Head on over using this link http://www.cardmakermagazine.com/newsletters.php and while you are there be sure to sign up for this free resource which once you are signed up it will be delivered directly to your inbox.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Making Cards with Party Napkins!

Project designs by Sharon M. Reinhart as seen in CardMaker's Newsletter

I would like to invite you to head over to CardMaker Magazine to enjoy this free newsletter about using paper party napkins to create cards with. I am co-editor of the newsletter along with Kimber McGray. We switch off writing the different issues and this is my latest edition. While you are there be sure to sign up for this free resource and the next issue by Kimber, coming out on July 15th will be  delivered right to your inbox. I hope you will head over and check out my latest edition using this link to CardMaker's online newsletter. Hope you like it and are inspired to create!

Thinking of You!

My post today firstly goes out to the people of Calgary and Southern Alberta who have been impacted by the recent unprecedented floods. I have been one of the fortunate ones, yes everyone has been impacted in some way whether it be business, jobs, personal, friends or family that have sustained loss. I say I am fortunate as my home is in an area that if you did not watch the news you wouldn't have known the devastation that was occurring in other areas. I am also fortunate with respect to my family who were also spared. So we do count our blessings today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands who were less fortunate and those families who have also lost loved ones. You have been through a great deal and I know the days to come in the restoration process will be stressful and laborious. On a positive note I would like to extend my appreciation to everyone who has been and will continue to work endlessly for the benefit of the citizens of Calgary and Southern Alberta. Bravo!!

I chose to share this Thinking of You card today as a way of letting the people of Calgary know that "yes, we are thinking of you now and in the days to come as your lives and this city is restored!"

This card has been created using a new line of rubber stamps designed by my friend and fellow designer Ann Butler and manufactured by Unity Stamps. These wonderful gems are collections of one inch and two inch stamps. They are referenced as faux quilting stamps, but as you can see they are great for a variety of techniques, especially tea bag folding. I used a one inch square stamp from the Doily Picnic set along with Chestnut Roan fluid chalk ink for the tea bag fold medallion shown on the left side. Then I used the triangle (half square) for the horizontal decorative strip. Can't wait to get my hands on the two inch stamps as well! Congratulations Ann!
Creatively Yours, Sharon.

Dad's Day Card!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

With Father's Day only a week a way I thought I would share this fun and simple Dad's Day Card! When creating cards and often when creating masculine cards, I love to make use of drywall tape to create a textured background. It is one of my favorite products for crafting. Not only is it great to create a mesh look but it is also wonderful used as a stencil in mixed media cards and canvases. The drywall tape is the first layer on this card. Another favorite is smashed bottle caps. I usually purchase the caps at my local grocery store and then I flatten them in my old (lever push style) Sizzix machine, it works perfectly! I have used a Big Shot machine with the Stampin Up bottle caps and it worked great with those. I have not tried the real bottle caps in my Big Shot machine though.
Next, add some layers inside the bottle caps with a punched cardstock circle and stamped letters. Then layer onto a notched strip of cardstock on the card front. To create the notch or tail effect use a die template, square punch or simply a pair of scissors. If I am using scissors I have the most success by cutting a center line about one inch long and then cut from each corner to the center cut, works great. The printed paper is not current but I am sure there are many papers that would work wonderfully with this design. Hope you like it!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Happy Birthday Card!



Project Design Sharon M. Reinhart

Do you ever find yourself in need of a card but your inspiration is on a bit of a break? What do you do? My suggestion is to look at past creations and switch them up a bit. Even if it is a different theme than what you are in need of, it is possible to be inspired by the design. Another option is to use a card that may have been designed initially for a different occasion but will also work wonderfully with just a simple addition. This card is a perfect example, it was originally created with Valentine's in mind however with the addition of the Happy Birthday sentiment it conveys not only my love for the individual but also my wishes for a Happy Birthday. I might just use this one for my wonderful hubby's birthday! The theme on this card was originally based around circles and love, with the circles on the printed paper, the pressure embossed circles and even the circles on the XO stamped image - it was kind of fun to choose a theme like that and then run with it. See, themes can even be simple shapes. Next time you are stuck for an idea or inspiration I hope you give it a try!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon


Paper Folding Class!

 

I have some exciting news to share with you today! My Fabulous Paper Folds class is now available on DVD. So if you have been waiting to take this class but you were possibly looking for a different delivery method -- here it is! We take you through the different folding techniques and then you also have instructions for 16 projects that can be created using many of the folds learned. Just click on the photo below for more information and a free preview about this exciting class DVD.



I hope you create something wonderful today!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Quick & Easy Card!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

I thought I would share this quick and easy card with you today. It was actually created for some friends who have just become Grandparents. How exciting! Keep in mind that just because something is quick and easy does not mean it is not effective or themed to the recipient. This card is a congratulatory card for the safe arrival of our friends first grandchild - yes, a grandson, you guessed it. The materials used here were; a checkerboard embossing folder (believe Cuttlebug) a quilted heart Jesse James button, sheer brown ribbon, printed and solid cardstocks, Memories midnight blue ink and Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink by Clearsnap in Chestnut Roan color, stamp (Michael's bins) and some adhesive metal embellishments.
The inspiration began with the button which has a quilted effect on it. The button was not quite the right color so I applied some midnight blue ink to it and tied on a bit of sheer brown ribbon. The quilt or checkerboard effect was continued with the pressure embossed checkerboard on the vertical solid panel and that same shape was also repeated with the three square metallic embellishments.
Now if you are not in the market for a congratulatory card for a Grandson, switch up the colors for a Granddaughter or possibly a wedding or even a graduation card -- a heart embellishment works well for any of these special moments.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope all of you are enjoying this special day!
Just wanted to relay that I spent the day yesterday teaching some wonderful ladies. We were on a mixed media adventure creating a canvas and in the afternoon it was a card class working with iris folding, spirelli thread wraps and handmade flowers using the yellow pages!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

I had a great time sharing and I hope at the end of the day each was inspired to create!
If you are looking for further card inspiration please check out CardMaker magazines online newsletter. It is a free resource that once you sign up the newsletter will go directly to your inbox. Kimber McGray and myself are the editors of this newsletter. Presently Kimber's Card Challenge Corner issue is up and my next issue goes live on Monday May 13th, so head on over and sign up. Here is a sneak peek -- It's Graduation Time!


Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart



If you are not in the market for graduation cards at this time I encourage you to use the designs in this newsletter somewhat like you would a card sketch. Take the basic design and switch up the theme and papers to coordinate with a different occasion. Congratulatory cards can be used for many occasions! Hope you are inspired to create!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Mixed Media Canvas Class

Project design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

Many of you have asked when I was going to teach this canvas class again as you were not able to get in on the it the first time -- well Saturday May 11, 2013 is the date. I will be teaching this class at a paper crafting and scrapbooking crop hosted by Joanne Liddy-McTavish at the Woodcliff United Church 5010 Spruce Drive S.W. Calgary.
This whimsical canvas would make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone special in your life. I would like to give a shout out to Quietfire Design - the wonderful checkerboard image seen in this canvas is a rubber stamp from this great company! Please join me and embark on a mixed media adventure! Many of the techniques being used, also work wonderfully for card making and scrapbooking. A variety of items and mediums will be used to create this 8 x 10 canvas. Some of the items used in the creation of this project are; stamps, acrylic paints, bottle caps, wire, drywall tape, die-cut flowers and shapes, permanent marker, and a variety of found objects.
Class participants need to bring a brush suitable for use with mod podge or gel medium (not your best paint brush, even a foam brush will work), foam mounting tape or dimensionals, piercing tool & foam mat, fine point permanent black marker like a Sharpie, and double-sided liner tape such as Scor-Tape.
We have blocked two hours for this class from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The canvas class fee is $30.00 per participant. Please register in advance directly through Sharon by email sharonmreinhart@yahoo.ca no later than May 9th, 2013. On site class registration will depend on availability. Keep watching, samples of the mini card class with Sharon still to come!  Register for the class OR the crop OR both! Register for the crop directly with Joanne by email jliddymct@shaw.ca. Looking forward to sharing this creative adventure with you!
Creatively Yours,
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

Cousin Slide Bracelet Reveal!

In my last post, I spoke of waiting for a special package to arrive, well it did! I was one of a group of designers who were asked to review this new product - the Slide Bracelet. I have dabbled in jewelry making a little bit, but I am far from a professional jewelry maker. Thus this task of reviewing this new product line from Cousin had me curious, it was referred to us that "one did not have to be a jewelry maker in order to create a slide bracelet". Well, I must say it is totally true! I truly enjoyed putting my bracelet together and I will wear it with pride!
I chose to combine elements from two different sets. I do like having the ability to customize the bracelet.



As there is a rhinestone in the center of the flower, I chose to add a small rhinestone to the center of the outside metal slides, just to add a bit more bling. I think it turned out quite nicely! 

 

I encourage you to view this video for a great tutorial on how to put these bracelets together. Thanks to Liz and the Cousin company - I enjoyed working with this product and feel that I achieved success without any frustration at all!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Cousin Slide Bracelets

Besides paper crafting I am an avid crafter/mixed media designer who enjoys working with a variety of materials. I shall be receiving a special package from the Cousin company shortly, in order to create one of these beautiful slide bracelets. In the meantime I thought I would give you a peek at this product. I have seen some great designs created by other designers, such as my dear friends Eileen Hull and Lorine Mason, using these materials. I am so looking forward to creating one myself. The company has many wonderful products and I encourage you to visit their site here. The step by step photos below show how simple of a process it is to put one of these beautiful bracelets together.

Be sure to watch for a future post where I will share my creation!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Creating Cards With Fabric

Project design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2013

I wanted to invite you to visit my most recent newsletter at CardMaker Magazine, it is a free resource that once you sign up will be delivered directly to your inbox.This issue is all about using fabric to create cards with, even if you don't sew! As you can see from the photo above, a variety of techniques are discussed. Kimber McGray is also an editor of the newsletter and we alternate the writing of the issues. Head on over by using this link -- CardMaker newsletter. I truly hope this issue inspires you to create!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Happy Easter!

Easter Decor

Thought I would share this little basket that could be used for a little treat! This basket brings recycling into play as the base is a yogurt container and some of the flowers have been created using the yellow pages. Clean and dry the container then wrap it with some pretty cardstock. The embellishment on this creation was made with punched leaves using a Martha Stewart punch, handmade flowers -- two of which were created with phone book pages and a Spellbinder's scalloped circle die. The third flower is creating by starting with a punched circle, then cut a spiral into the circle and coil into a pretty little flower. All of the flowers have light accents of gold metallic paint. The handle on the basket is two chenille stems twisted together along with some wire trim. Add some crinkled paper or basket filler and your treats!  I can't take credit for the yummy treats inside, you will have to visit the candy store for those, or put a real colored egg in.
I thought this little basket would be a pretty little addition to the dinner table or just for a sweet little favor for guests. This idea could be used for many occasions such as Mother's Day brunch, baby and/or wedding showers too! Great little project for kids as well, depending on the age, some assistance may be needed for the flowers or switch it up a bit and use punched or die-cut flowers, even silk flowers would be pretty.
Hope you like it!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Spring Greetings!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2013

As this is officially the first day of Spring I thought it only fitting to share a spring theme card. Can you tell this is one of my favorite tea-bag folds? This one begins with the basic circle fold and then one progression, quite simple. If you would like a class on tea-bag folding, iris folding and some fun folds I encourage you to check the free preview of my Fabulous Paper Folds online class at Annies! Not only do you learn all the folds and tons of progressions in the video, but there are also 16 card projects with complete step-by-step instructions that may be downloaded.
Back to this card. I purposely left off any sentiment as I felt this particular card would be perfect for a variety of occasions such as Easter, Mother's Day, Baby, Just Because and Happy Birthday! It is a quick one to put together. The embossed polka dot panel was created using a Darice embossing folder. The printed paper is from Doodlebug design (I don't believe it is current though), look in your stash of papers, as I did, and use a bright print that you already have. The pink card base is Bazzill Bling and the dies -- Floral Doily Accent and Pennants are from Spellbinder's TM. The large pearl brad in the center of the tea-bag fold medallion is from the Bridal section at Michael's and the three small pearls are from Kaisercraft. Hope this card helps to put a little "Spring" in your step even if the weather in your area may not look very spring like!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Card Class!

Just wanted to invite you to a book launch and mini card class on Saturday March 16th, the class is from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, create two any occasion cards using iris folding and tea bag folding techniques. The card class fee is $10.00 per person, payable by cash or cheque to myself. Participants please bring scissors, paper trimmer, bone folder, double-sided tape & dimensionals/3D foam tape. To ensure you have a spot in the card class, please register directly with me by Friday March 15th,at sharonmreinhart@yahoo.ca , registration at the crop will be subject to availability. Copies of my new book Iris Folding for Life’s Special Moments will be available for purchase between 10:30 am to noon. The price for the book is $12.00 payable by cash or cheque.
Participants may register for either the crop, card class OR both events. Contact Joanne to register for the crop and Sharon for the card class.
Location:
WOODCLIFF UNITED CHURCH
5010 Spruce Drive SW
Crop Fee $40.00
Contact Joanne to register for the crop at
jliddymct@shaw.ca
Hope to see you there!
Sharon 

New Arrival!

No its not a baby! It's my new book Iris Folding for Life's Special Moments! I finally have the hard copy in my hands. I am quite thrilled and must say that everyone that worked on this book from editing to photography and everything else it takes to put a book together, did a marvelous job! Heartfelt thanks to all! 


Project Design
 ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2013

In honor of this newest release, I have created an iris fold card especially for you, my blog readers! This card is created using cut strips of card stock to completed the iris fold. This one is a  monochromatic look and I think it turned out quite nicely! If you are interested in learning more about iris folding I encourage you to check into this new publication Iris Folding for Life's Special Moments.
I am scheduled to do a book signing and mini class in southwest Calgary on March 16, 2013 at a Scrapbooking Crop being organised by Joanne Liddy-McTavish. Save the date! More info to come.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Challenge Yourself!

Project design ©Sharon M. Reinhart
printed papers from Susan K. Weckesser

Hi All!  Thought I would share this creation with you. My challenge was to work with colors that are not my norm. I was inspired by Susan Weckesser's printed papers. I have always enjoyed creating backgrounds and recently have been using more acrylic paints in my card backgrounds. However, as time goes or the lack of time, sometimes I want to create the look of a mixed media background but either don't have one ready or that block of time to create it is not available. That's how these papers inspired me, they resembled some of the paint or ink layering techniques that I enjoy doing.  I encourage you to visit Susan's website using this link. Besides wonderful papers, she also has rubber stamps and stencils. While you are there check out her blog!
Back to this card, it is quite simple and involves creating a teabag folded medallion using the circle fold and pearl text weight paper. The other papers are all from  Susan K. Weckesser and four of her lines; Live in Color Tags, Color Burst, Live in Color and Live, Love, Create, even the sentiment, which is printed on the edge of the paper and the name of one of the lines. It worked perfectly, trim the words out, edge with some Distress frayed burlap ink, cut or punch a notch and add a rhinestone accent. I used one of her stamps to create the look of a flower stem coming from the teabag folded medallion. The leaves are punched using a Martha Stewart punch. A little pencil smudging around the birdie and some Tombow and Spica markers on the butterfly and voila! I was pleased with the results.  Hope you are too!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Great resource for cards!

As seen in the CardMaker online Feb. 18 newsletter
by Sharon M. Reinhart

Just wanted to invite you to visit CardMaker magazine online newsletter. The Feb.18, 2012 issue is all about using peel-off stickers for card making. To have this newsletter delivered directly to your inbox, just sign up while you are there - it's free!  Kimber McGray and myself are the Cardmaker newsletter editors and this issue is my most recent one. Every 3 weeks its a different topic. Hope you enjoy it!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon