Baby Shower Inspiration!

Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart
as shown in CardMaker Magazine May 22, 2017 Update

My most recent CardMaker Update went live today! If you are looking for inspiration on shower invitations, announcements, thank-you notes and even décor head on over to CardMaker Magazine and check out the May 22, 2017 Update! Maybe its wedding inspiration that you are looking for? If, so keep in mind most designs can be translated into different occasions with just a few modifications!While you are at the CardMaker Magazine web site, if you haven't done so already, sign up for this free resource that comes to your inbox every three weeks. You will receive inspiration and information from the two CardMaker Update Editors, yours truly and the talented Kimber McGray. I hope you will take a look and be inspired to create something wonderful!

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

Easter Cards With Doilies!

Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart from the
April 10, 2017 CardMaker Magazine online Update

Just in time for Easter card crafting! My most recent CardMaker Magazine online update April10, 2017 has gone live today. It is about creating Easter cards with doilies and doily shapes! I encourage you to head on over to www.cardmakermagazine.com and view the Update for the full article and full photos of each card! If you are not familiar with this resource it is free and all you have to do is sign up on their website. Every three weeks an article with photos and inspiration will be delivered to your inbox from either myself or our other CardMaker Update Editor the ever-so-talented Kimber McGray!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Embossing Folder Fun

Designed by Sharon M. Reinhart as seen in the CardMaker Update

Just sending out an invitation for you to check out my most recent online CardMaker Update. It's all about creating cards using embossing folders! One of my most favorite tools to create with. To view the full article along with individual card pictures head on over to CardMaker using this link or go to www.cardmakermagazine.com, it is the current issue, Feb. 27, 2017. While you are there check out the archives and also sign up for this free resource to be delivered straight to your inbox every three weeks! Hope you enjoy it and that you are inspired to create!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Wrapped in Love!

Designed by Sharon M. Reinhart 2017

I have another simple but pretty Valentine's Day greeting card to share with you today. This creation makes use of a Spirelli thread wrapping technique and beautiful red metallic thread from Wonderfil. The base card is an A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2-inch) side fold card. Layered onto the front is a die-cut banner, scalloped circle, lacey circle, standard circle and lastly the thread wrapped scalloped circle. The scalloped, lacey, and standard circle die templates are from Spellbinders.

To create the Spirelli wrap, it is best to work from the spool of thread. Secure the end of the thread to the back with tape. Wrap the thread around to the front through one valley, next count 9 valley's to the right and continue the wrap in the ninth valley. Wrap around the back returning to the right of the first wrap and continue wrapping until there are two thread wraps in each valley. Secure at the back with tape. The larger number of spaces skipped will create a smaller center circle and a smaller number of spaces skipped will create a larger center circle. Place an adhesive rhinestone in the center circle created by wrapping the threads.

To finish this card a die-cut sentiment (Sizzix) has been adhered to a tag shape and then adorned with an adhesive rhinestone. Adhere the sentiment panel to the card front using foam mounting tape to create a bit of dimension.

This is the design in its most basic form, however remember depending on your supplies and level of experience it is easy to take it to the next level. Some options would be to complete some pressure embossing on the banner strip or card front or possibly some background stamping and/or heat embossing.

I hope you have been inspired to create!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Valentine Inspiration!

Project design by Sharon M. Reinhart

It's getting close to that day where love is in the air and all around us! I love (no pun intended) making valentines cards and little treats! Thought I would share this quick and easy card. I began with a Kraft colored cardstock base and then embossed it using a Taylored Expressions embossing folder. Next layer corrugated paper to the card front followed by red cardstock then a layer of red glitter tape and a corrugated notched banner strip. Notched banners are easy to create by using a square or octagon punch, or with the use of a die template, or manually by cutting up the center and then from the corners to the center cut line.

Adorn the card front with a mini collage created with a die-cut heart, die-cut flourishes and die-cut words. These dies are all Sizzix die templates. Then to create the studded effect on the card without the dimension just add glitter dots (Elizabeth Craft Designs) to the words and scatter on some of the embossed areas. It may be hard to see in this photo but a Wink of Stella gold pen has been used around the die-cut heart, edge of the large corrugated layer and on the words. These pens have a beautiful shimmer to them - love them! I hope you are inspired to create something LOVE-ly!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Back to Basics!

Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart as seen in the CardMaker
January 16, 2017 Update

I would like to invite you to take a look at my most recent CardMaker Update, in this issue we go back to the basics for all of our new card makers, but there is also creative inspiration for our seasoned card makers. Head on over by clicking this link CardMaker. If you have not yet signed up for this free resource, I encourage you to do so while you are there. We have two editors, myself, and the fabulous Kimber McGray. Kimber and I alternate the writing of the update so that you get some great information and inspiration directly to your inbox every three weeks! I hope you will take a look and be inspired to create.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Simple Yet Elegant Christmas Card!

Designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

If you are like me and getting short on time I thought I would share this simple yet elegant Christmas Card. Just choose a pretty snowflake background, die-cut or punch some snowflakes and scatter them on the front. Add a die-cut sentiment and finish with some sparkly glitter dots. Done - I actually like it, it is very peaceful and serene. If you would like to take it a step further add some glitter or glitter glue to the snowflake and sentiment or add small rosettes or tea bag folded medallions to the center of each or one of the snowflakes.
I hope you are inspired to create something wonderful!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

O Christmas Tree Cards!

As shown in CardMaker Update December 5 issue,
projects and article by Sharon M. Reinhart

If you are in need of some Christmas Card inspiration my most recent CardMaker update has just been released! It's all about creating beautiful Christmas cards with trees as the focus. I hope you will take a look at the complete article with individual card photos online at CardMaker Magazine 
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Christmas Card Accents

Designed by ©Sharon M. Reinhart November 2016

So I am back with a little update on the previous card shared. The previous one was absolutely fine, however this next one shows you how just a few little accents of glitter ribbon and glitter dots really sets the festive tone. I love the inexpensive glitter ribbon found at Dollarama and the Glitter dots (Elizabeth Crafts) are some of my favorite accents as they do not add bulk. Hope you like the little accents used to take this card up to the next level.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Christmas Card Inspiration!

Project design by ©Sharon M. Reinhart November 2016

For the next few weeks I am going to be providing some Christmas card inspiration. Some cards will be quick and simple and others may require a few more steps but I know the crunch that we can get into when trying to create our cards therefore none of these card designs will be extreme. I like to have a variety of cards to send, so I don't do just one design and then mass produce, instead I complete a few designs and make multiples of each. The other thing that I have tried to do this year is use what I have. Especially papers, so don't worry if the papers are discontinued you can still make some awesome cards with your beautiful papers from years gone by! Look at using up those bits and pieces from previous projects as well!

This inspiration card is a standard A2 size (5 1/2 x 4 1/4), in a top fold landscape orientation. The papers are red and ivory cardstock along with a pearl ivory cardstock. Fiskars mini scallop edge scissors have been used to create the decorative edge on the ivory strip. Layer the ivory strip followed by a red strip to the card front. Next stamp three ornaments using red ink and then fussy cut around each. The stamp is by Hero Arts. There are a multitude of beautiful ornament stamps and die templates on the market today, if you don't have this exact one, no worries, just grab what you have and stamp and cut it out three times. 

The ornament hanger has been created using office paper clips. Just take wire cutters and cut the paper clip in half and then trim to the desired size. Adhere the trimmed clip to the back of each ornament. Tie butcher's twine into a bow and adhere to the front of each ornament. Next layer the ornaments onto the card front using foam mounting tape.

To finish, stamp a sentiment (this one is from Stampin' Up) onto pearl ivory cardstock punch or cut out (this punch is a Fiskars tag punch) and attach to the card front using foam mounting tape.

Voila! Finished! This is a design in a basic form which is very festive. Stay tuned for my next post on what to do if you wish to take it just a step further without a lot of effort! I hope you are inspired to create today!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Halloween Inspiration!

Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

There is still time to create for Halloween and if you are looking for some inspiration for cards, tags or treat holders I encourage you to head on over to CardMaker Magazine to see my most recent CardMaker Update, and if you have not signed up for this free resource I also encourage you to do this while you are there. Once you are signed up for this free resource, the update gets delivered to your inbox every three weeks! There are two editors who alternate the writing, myself and Kimber McGray, so you are sure to get a variety of inspiration. Enjoy and I hope you are inspired to create!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Pocket Page Fun

Just sharing my most recent CardMaker online Update, its all about Pocket Page Fun! What do these things all have in common - Artist Trading Cards, Pocket Samplers and Pocket Page pen pal letters? They all make use of the plastic nine pocket trading card sleeve. I encourage you to head on over to CardMaker Magazine's Online Update (September 12 issue) for complete information and further photos!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Creating Texture with Stamps!

Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart
As seen in the August 1st CardMaker Update

Are you interested in creating backgrounds and texture with stamps, but your collection of background stamps is limited? Well, head on over to CardMaker Magazine, my most recent update the August 1, 2016 issue, is all about creating background and texture stamps with mold-able foam and found objects! I hope you will take a look at the full article!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Wedding Thank-you Cards!

Designed by Sharon M. Reinhart
As seen in CardMaker Update June 20th issue

For those of you getting married this summer or those of you helping people with their weddings, you might like to check out the CardMaker Update and my June 20th issue about personalizing wedding thank-you notes. These thank you note backgrounds have been created with an acrylic block technique and a marker watercolor technique. Hope you will head on over to CardMaker Magazine to get a full look and description!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Wedding Cards!

Card projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart as shown in the May 9, 2016 CardMaker Update

I would like to invite you to take a look at my most recent CardMaker Update, Wedding Cards with Flowers and Flourishes! I love creating paper flowers and it just can't get any easier when you create the flowers with the help of a die-cutting template. All of the flowers in this update have been created with the use of a die template. The flourishes used have been created with the use of die templates, embossing folders, and rubber stamps. I hope you will head on over to CardMaker Magazine for a closer and more in depth look at each card, it is the May 9, 2016 issue. It is a free resource and if you haven't already, sign up while you are there and new inspiration from Kimber McGray or myself (Sharon M. Reinhart) will show up in your inbox every three weeks!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Paper Crafting Inspiration



Projects designed by Sharon M. Reinhart

Had a great time sharing some inspiration at the Happy Critter Crop yesterday (fundraising event for animal rescue) an event organized by Sandra Lavoie. Great job Sandra! I shared this little make and take with attendees at the crop. Here is a little tip, when you are looking for inspiration you don't always have to start on a big scale. Start small as shown with the 3-1/2-inch mini card on the right in the photo above and then you can always build on it as shown in the photo below with the 5-inch square card. I also find its a great way to create ensembles, adding the favor bag shown above on the left.

 

The supplies used to create the cards are Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink yellow ochre, Stampin' Up Flower Shop rubber stamp set and coordinating punch, Martha Stewart butterfly and leaf punches, Fiskars mini scallop edgers, Hero Arts sentiment stamp set LP253, Wonderfil thread, green cardstock, shimmer yellow gold cardstock, and white cardstock.

I hope you are inspired to create something wonderful today!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Project designs ©Sharon M. Reinhart

Spring has Sprung Card Class!
at the Crop for Critters on Saturday April 23, 2016 at the Highwood Community Centre 10 Harlow Avenue NW, class consists of the three cards shown, fee is $20.00 per person with twenty percent from each class fee going back to the crop fundraising efforts. The class will start at 1 pm and we should finish up around 2:30 or 3 pm. Techniques include peel-off sticker techniques, coloring on vellum, die-cutting, and a quilt thread wrap.
This class is open to all, even if you are not registered for the crop you can still sign up and take the class.

Participants must bring, scissors, paper trimmer, adhesive for card assembly and liner tape such as the 1/8 inch scor-tape is also recommended along with dimensional adhesive such as foam mounting tape and adhesive dots. A piercing tool and mat will be used however if you do not have one I will have a couple tools that may be shared as a group.
Class size is limited and participants must be pre-registered by midnight April 21, 2016 by contacting myself Sharon Reinhart directly through this page or at sharonmreinhart@yahoo.ca
Hope you will join us!!

Using word templates!

Projects by Sharon M. Reinhart
 as seen in the March 28, 2016 CardMaker Update

Happy Spring! I hope the colors in these cards puts some spring in your step! My most recent CardMaker Magazine Update is all about using word die-templates to create cards. I had fun combining my templates with other elements such as stamps to create these cards. I encourage you, if you have not yet signed up for this free resource, to head over to CardMaker Magazine and take a look at the complete article!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon