Modge Podge and Coffee....

So, I broke down and bought the "Perfect Blend" stamp set.  I have been looking at it since it first came into the 2013-2014 catalog.  As a coffee lover, I probably should have bought the set sooner, but I didn't.

 

Once I added the set to my wish list, I googled ideas for it.  Imagine my surprise when I found Brandy Cox's idea to use actual coffee on the card (see here) !!  I placed my order and WAITED for the stamp set to come.   Here is my version of the card.

You may be wondering, how the devil do you put coffee on a card?  Has anyone ever heard of "Modge Podge"? It sounds like something from my past as an arts and crafts camp counselor, but I can't recall with certainty.  But modge podge is the answer to how do you get the coffee to stick to the paper.  Modge podge really makes the paper curl, so it was a bit of a challenge.  Right now, I have coffee grounds all over my craft space, but it smells so good.  I can't wait to send a few of these cards to my friends and fellow "caufee" lovers.

You may also notice the hexagon "texture" on the white overlay.  How did I do that? Well, I bought this:

This is Stampin Up's "Texture Boutique", which allows you to dry emboss patterns on card stock.  I only have one pattern, so I plan to use it a lot. 

Valentine's Cards

I was finally able to find some time to play with my ink and stamps!!  I focused on Valentine's Day and all of the new items I ordered and a special birthday card for my cousin, whose birthday is on Valentine's Day.  First the 2 Valentine's Cards.

This card uses the Banner Blast greetings set from Sale-A-Bration.  It is free with a $50 purchase and also comes with a punch for the banners (also free with a $50 purchase).  Let me say, this set and punch were both a little smaller than I envisioned.  Also, the idea of hanging a string banner to put the tags on was easier in my mind than in actuality.  Since it's a pretty simple card, I wanted to punch up the white background. Using my Diagonal Score Board (for the first time), I did a 'stripe' pattern on the white background.  

 I wish I could say that this card was my original idea, but it isn't. I saw a version of this on Dawn Griffith's web site and she got the idea from someone in her down line.  I'm not sure why I love this card so much.  Maybe its the simplicity of the Crumb Cake and Red card stock.  Or the actual inking the blocks and using them as stamps themselves.  Or maybe it's the Eiffel Tower stamp and Key from the "Follow My Heart" stamp set.  Or the little heart from the Owl Builder Punch.  Not sure, but this card is for my hubby.  I love it and will be using this same design for birthday cards for 2 of my friends who love all things about Paris.

 

I posted this card before, but used some of the new items in my last order to take it up a notch and make it into a birthday card.  I added a strip of Red Glimmer paper and the greeting is from the "Really Good Greetings " set and says, "finally a day that really is all about you".  I punched a little heart from the Owl Builder Punch and added it.  And I have to admit (again) I only bought the Owl Builder punch for this little heart, so I'm happy I use it so frequently.

Okay, so there are my Valentine's card shares.  I have ONE more to share with you.  Part of is is drying and I am waiting for one last thing to finish my card (and I'll share that "last thing" with you as well).  Once it's all assembled and properly completed, I will be sharing.