Paper Trufflez

A Muse U: Non-traditional Shaped and Sized Cards

 

We Muses are excited to be part of this new avenue to share creative ideas with all of you and hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it all together!  Heather gives us a topic, and we get to run with it!  WOO HOOOOOOO!!!

The fun part, is that we haven't yet seen what the other Muses did, so it's a GREAT surprise for us, too!  Yippeeeee!!!

As you now know by the title above, we're casting off the "standard", breakin' outta' the box, and pushin' beyond the traditional!  Ready? *grin*

Shaped cards are especially fun to make, send AND receive--everybody loves something just a wee bit different from the norm!

To help me narrow it down (cuz seriously, you could run with this and go waaaay crazy!) the first thing I did was pile a bunch of tools and supplies, in colors that went well together.  A theme always helps me collect things that visually go together and maintain a sense of focus.  I may not use everything I pull together, and usually figure out what won't "fit" as I start building the card.

Because I'm extremely visual I like to draw sketches and mind maps of my projects, and that was the next step.  These are extremely rough and sloppy, I must admit, but they enable me to jot down my thoughts so I don't forget layout, colors, and construction particulars regarding how I think things are gonna work (at least, in my head).  Sometimes the end result doesn't look anything like the sketch, but it drives me nuts to stop mid-stream in a project and not remember what direction I planned on taking it when I'm able to return to it.

 

Like I said, pretty rough/crude.  LOL!

 

I wanted to make a 3x3" card to go in our new mini envelopes and decided to use one of these charming hand-crocheted flowers a friend had sent me as the focal, and this made it easy to build from there. I kept the base white, and the remaining colors pink and green, pierced the flower stem and used punches to add subtle design extras that wouldn't overwhelm the small canvas.

After making the first 3x3" card, I thought it would be fun to make one in the shape of a flower, since I had dies that would accommodate the idea.  I also wanted to use some wool felt flowers I'd recently die cut to repeat the flower motif.  The scale of  the Leaf Trio was a good match to the felt flower and easy to stamp and trim out quickly.  The card base is actually made from two separately die cut pink flowers; the back panel was scored where I wanted a fold line, and that area glued to the card front.  I like this because you don't see the fold line in the front or have to compromise the shape by die cutting beyond a fold line.  The back panel functions pretty much like an easel with this method.

You'll notice the button was threaded with ribbon, a fun alternative to thread.

Using scratch card stock, I sketched out the shape of a strawberry to 4.25 x 5.5 dimensions (standard A-2 size card) and deliberately made the stem large so that the card would fold at the top.  It doesn't get much easier than this and you can re-use the template over and over again. 

The mix of patterns and colors convey strawberry in practically every sense of the word, don't they?!  Wrapping the front of the card at the stem with ribbon and garnishing with some paper and felt flowers and a button gave it simple but effective "pop", and stamping the sentiment onto a white tag finished it off.  Looks so juicy, I'm smackin' m' lips already! *chuckle*

I hope these ideas spark you to try making some non-traditional card shapes and sizes soon!

  

Stamps- To A Sweet Friend, Leaf Trio, Thanks a Bunch, Hello (Monogram Frame Clear Set) by A Muse Artstamps
Paper - Kitchen Red, Grass Gingham, Blush, Buttercup, Palm Green, all by A Muse Artstamps
Ribbon:  Stitched Lime Grosgrain, Stitched Popsicle Pink Grosgrain, Sheer Black Polka Dot by A Muse Artstamps
Embellishments:  Buttons, crochet, paper & felt flowers from various sources
Punches:  Leaf by Martha Stewart, Scallop Border by Fiskars
Dies:  Flower & Circle by Spellbinders

*amuse-bouche* Everything's Rosy, "Flowers whisper..."

These blossoms look like they're bursting with loveliness, UKWIM? They just make me so happy!!!

And, these colors!  They make me happy, too!  The buds were "Stickled" in Fruit Punch--love that color!  So juicy and compliments our Watermelon paper so well.

This label die was the perfect size for the sentiment and is such a great shape.  For soft contrast I sponged it gently, before removing the paper from the die, and punched some holes to make it a ribbon slider. 

Bursting Blooms is such a fantastic floral image--I love that it conveys "happy", in and of itself!

In all the years I've been with the company, I think the Everything's Rosy Release is my most favorite--I'm so excited about it I can hardly contain myself!

 

Yup!  That's me!  Positively *giddy*!

The images are beautiful and their style makes them suitable for a variety of wonderful stamping techniques--I do declare, I have more ideas scurrying around in my head than time to make real!  Which ain't necessarily a bad problem to have, eh?!  *wink*wink*

Be sure to hop the Muses' blogs--links are in the right side bar.  They will be sharing more awesome samples to inspire you!

I was just thinking about how Linda and I "met"...gave me warm fuzzies, realizing I've been part of A Muse for 7 of these 9 years!  It's been amazing!  And, my, how we have grown!  Good times!

Stamps:  Bursting Blooms, "Flowers Whisper" by A Muse Artstamps; Sage Green, Watermelon papers by A Muse; Popsicle Pink, Orange Polka Dot Sheer Ribbons by A Muse; Label die by Spellbinders; Ink:  Memento Bamboo Leaves, Tangelo, Ladybug Red, Versamagic Sea Breeze, Versafine Onyx all by Tsukineko; Fruit Punch Stickles by Ranger

Happy 9th Birthday, A Muse!

  

I was rather heart-broken when Tire Swing was retired--it has always been one of my all-time favorites.  We actually had a tire swing like it in one of the fruit trees in front of our house...until one of the kids busted it, anyway.  *chuckle*

I was SO happy this image was selected for the A Muse Vintage Set for the company's 9th birthday!  Yippeeee!!!  Every leaf was "Stickled" in lime, and I have some 3/16" eyelets that are POIFECT for the tire itself--one of my favorite effects.

This little gem is one of those 3x3"--I've been having a ton of fun making these little cuties, now that we offer matching envies! YAY!!!

There's lots more fun comin' as we celebrate--keep your eye on the AMN blog this week to see the "latest muse"! ;)

Stamps:  Vintage A Muse Clear Set by A Muse Artstamps; Buttercup, Robin's Egg Blue Card Stocks by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; Lime Stickles available at A Muse; Corner Chomper (Rounder) by WR Memory Keepers; 3/16" Black Eyelet (source unknown)

Scrapbook Spectacular 2010 Projects

These were the projects I showcased in my classes at the Precious Memories Scrapbook Spectacular this past weekend.

 

Thanks to everyone who joined me in class--I had a total BLAST with ya'all! 

Julie Ebersole: July 9-10, A Muse-a-palooza 2010 in Sacramento, CA!

Julie Ebersole: July 9-10, A Muse-a-palooza 2010 in Sacramento, CA!

I'm lookin' forward to teaching once again for A Muse-a-Palooza at Stephanie's fabulous store in sunny Sacramento, CA! Hope you can join me! Good times! :)

Julie Ebersole: Stamp Out Breast Cancer Event, sponsored by I'm Impressed

Julie Ebersole: Stamp Out Breast Cancer Event, sponsored by I'm Impressed

C'mon and join us! Last year's was so much fun, and it's such a great cause to support! :)

Thanks (a bunch)

*click the pic for an enlarged view*

Isn't this a great way to add a punch of color to a plain white card?!  It also satisfies my hording tendencies--only small strips were used but they make awesome impact used this way. *gleeful grin*

The apple is covered with a clear dome sticker, too, for added dimension, but by golly you can't really tell that in the pic.  I should have taken another shot of this at an angle, but I wanted to make sure it made the post by the submission deadline. 

Say what?

Another rejection?  Yup!  And, I stand corrected; all 8 of my submissions didn't make the cut.  Now, before you think I'm havin' a week-long pity party, lemme 'splain WHY I'm sharing some of my rejects.

For the most part, the submissions acceptance game is about editorial "fit".  Only so many projects will fit in an issue.  And, among the hundreds that cross an editorial staff's desk on a daily basis, which ones stand out as best fitting the issue's editorial focus?

You can increase your chances by studying a magazine's style very carefully, and submitting in kind (sometimes at compromise to your own personal style.  I'm not gonna lie; sometimes some of my least favorite submissions made the cut, while ones I loved and felt were better designed did not), following submission guidelines and call details closely.

You can submit en masse, in hopes that by volume, one of the batch makes the cut.  Submitting in and of itself is kind of a time-consuming process, however, so that "strategy" might better suit those who do have a lot of time on their hands to devote to designing and doing the write-ups.

Sometimes a project will get selected solely on the basis of personal taste--they simply LIKED it so much, they had to publish it.  And, if you were psychic, well, you'd have that one in the bag, wouldn't ya'?! *chuckle*

The reality is:  the rejection rate is extremely high, and if you have a hard time with rejection, it can be a somewhat "brutal" game. I have a pretty thick skin, so I'm not bothered by it.

In the early days, I kept track of every call, and deadline, and tried to submit as many pieces as I could, and rolled my rejects over from one pub to the next.  But, after doing that for a while, I wasn't having any fun any more . . . And, being one of those, "Well, if it's not fun, what's the point?" kinda peeps, I switched to submitting when I have some spare time or happen to have a project that I haven't shared online that meets a given call.  This keeps it fun and stress free for me.

It'd been well over a year, golly prolly going on 2, methinks, since I last submitted anything; family, work, LIFE keep things plenty busy around the palace, LOL!  I had a little pocket of time, realized it'd been a long time since I'd submitted, and had great fun designing projects for some recent calls.  I loved them all.  But, not a one of 'em made it.

And, that's OK.  'Cuz I'm the Editor in Chief right here  Heh, heh, heh! *wink*

Stamps:  Solid Apple, "Thanks" by A Muse Artstamps: White 4 bar note card by A Muse; Black Twinkle Stickers by A Muse; Clear Dome Sticker by A Muse; Warm Grey No. 2 Copic Marker (shadowing the letters) available at A Muse; Patterned Paper from "Farm Fresh" Collection by October Afternoon; 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" Circle Punches by EK Success; Corner Chomper (Rounder) by WR Memory Keepers; Mulberry Paper Flowers all by Prima; Memento Black Ink; Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks in Warm Red, Lime Pastel; Colored Pencils

Birthdays are the best!

A birthday card with a lot of punchy color!  I dove into my stash of clear dome stickers for this one--I was looking to create a quick and easy tiled effect.

A little piercing and faux stitching with a white gel pen, tied the sentiment tag to the button with chocolate hemp.  It's a nice contemporary look with the color blocking, hip color combo, and rounded corner.  I likey!

 

But, it was another of those rejects I mentioned. 

High ho, high ho, it's back to the paper cutter I go . . . (sing song voice) 

Stamps:  Tiny Gift, Tiny Cake, Balloon, Tiny Hat, "Birthdays are the best" by A Muse Artstamps; French Roast 4 bar note card by A Muse; Ciao (Copic) Markers available at A Muse; Uniball Signo White Gel Pen; 3/4" Square Punch by EK Success; Clear Square Dome Stickers by EK Success; Corner Chomper (Rounder) by WR Memory Keepers; Button by Basic Grey; Chocolate Hemp; Memento Rich Cocoa Ink

In my thoughts...

One of 7 recent submission rejections, I loved how this turned out--I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Inchies until a sweet friend, none other than the awesome Lisa Strahl, who is a master at these tiny gems, came to visit and rekindled my enjoyment of them! Thanks, girlfriend!

I love that this design can use up scraps and bits of paper that we hang onto, and result in something that looks like it was totally meant to be. *grin*

My weekend was filled with wedding and baseball stuffs.  With more of it to come this week!

And, this weekend, I'll be on my way up to beautiful British Columbia for a fun time at the Precious Memories Scrapbook Spectacular!  I've got some beautiful A Muse projects up my sleeve! *wink*

Stamps: Cherry Blossoms, Long Grass, Tiny Silhouette Bird, Astro Flower, Flowers & Vines Background, "You are in my thoughts" all by A Muse Artstamps; Latté 4 bar Note Card by A Muse; Chocolate Twine (craft store supply); 1" square punch and Wavy Dotted Border punch by EK Success; Inchie by Inchie Arts

Dad, you're the best!

He really is, and for so many reasons!  My dad has great appreciation for very simple things, so I think this would suit him.  He loves the outdoors, so I thought my Leaves Trio would work nicely.  And, I love the sentiments in the Mainly Men Clear set--I use those SO much!!! Not just for guy cards, but any time I need a clean, straightforward look.

Got a new EK border punch a short time ago, and decided it needed a test run.  But, I wanted to do sumpin' a wee bit different than just cutting the bottom edge of the card.  So, I used it to create a "slit" to slip my focal layer through.  Ohhhhhhhh, I LIKEY!!!

 

Another little detail, just to add a bit more kick and contrast to the design:  a double layered reinforcer with an antique copper mini brad.  I love copper--it always has a warmth to it that draws me in.

Hope your week was a good one, and that your weekend is even gooder. *wink*

Stamps:  Leaf Trio, Mainly Men Clear Set by A Muse Artstamps; Fern 4 bar Note Card by A Muse; Patterned Paper from the Kioshi Collection by Basic Grey; Inks:  Versamagic Jumbo Java, Tea Leaves, Wheat and Memento Rich Cocoa; Slim Profile Zig Zag Border Punch and 1/2" and 5/8" circle punches by EK Success; Copper Mini Brad by Making Memories

Friendly Seashells, 5MQ

Still lovin' on my oatmeal (light kraft) card stock.  Decided to try stamping with white pigment ink (heat set, did not emboss) and then coloring with Copics.  It's a nice effect.

Just did some simple masking with the pecten shell and sand dollar.

 

"Hugging" the image lines with color helps increase the contrast, even tho the palette is soft and subdued.

Couldn't resist adding some Pretty Pearls!

What, no flowaaahs???!!!  *sheepish grin*  I know; I'm a sucker for florals, and tend to reach for those more than anything else.  Mebbe it's 'cuz I do not have my Gram's green thumb and a tendency to kill every houseplant I've ever had... LOL!

I'm also a sucker for nautical images, tho, and prolly 'cuz most of my life I have lived near the sea.

This was one of Teri Anderson's (ADORE her work and have followed it in the pubs for a long time! She just mixes things up so nicely and has such a flair for the uncontrived) layouts featured in the recent Go To Sketches publication by Paper Crafts. This is a very nice resource issue, if you enjoy working from sketches! 

Anyhoo, I forced myself to use something besides the flowers that were suggested in the sketch, 'cuz of m'dang floral habit, and I LOVE how this layout shows off m'shells! *chortle*

Happy Monday to ya'!  I had a great visit with my parents last week, during Spring Break, and we dined at a McGraths--first time ever for me.  I had the coconut encrusted ahi with a pineapple/mango pureé...talk about dyin' and goin' to food heaven!  OH MYLAAAANTA!!! *grin*

 

Supplies - Pecten Shell, Sand Dollar large (illustrated by moi for A Muse Artstamps); Sky Blue 4 bar note card by A Muse; Pretty Pearls in Sky Blue by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; Uniball Signo White Gel Pen; Colorbox Frost White Pigment Ink; Oatmeal card stock by Astro Converters

I like to color...

*click the pic to enlarge*

...to a degree.  I love minimalism with that little extra sumpin'-sumpin'.  Tempting tho it is, to color everything in, I didn't.  I just chose one blossom and left the rest nekked.  This is a softer, more subtle take on "color pop".  Instead of black, I used slate.  I'm having quite a love affair with various shades of grey these days.  Not sure why.  But, I likey.  Muchly.

Hooked it up with some dreamy, peachy hues of pink--salmon red, blush, chiffon pink. 

Such a metropolitan and contemporary look! Love it. L O V E it!!!

Hope you're having a splendiferous Thursday! ;)

Supplies -   "Happy birthday" by A Muse Artstamps; Chiffon Pink Paper, scraps of Slate note card by A Muse; Black Twinkle Stickers by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; Flower Clear Set by Amy Smyth for Inkadinkado.