Woven Heirlooms Fancy Fold Card

While practicing social distancing today my mom and I had a craft day. I enjoy sharing my love of crafting with my mom. She enjoys making projects as long as I have everything ready for her and she can follow my instructions. We enjoyed a day filled with laughs and reminiscing about her oldest sister, Sherry. Today would have been her 79th birthday. My Aunt died two years ago of oral cancer. We miss you so much Aunt Sherry! This card is dedicated to her. My mom and I decided to send the two cards we made together today to her sister, Billie and our Aunt Bev. Sending words of love and encouragement in this difficult time. We are hopeful this will bring them some joy and comfort as they are practicing social distancing. My hope is to send cards and drop off handmade treats to my family and friends during this difficult time.

I love the presentation of this card. Just stunning!

This is the front view of the card with the hand crafted matching envelope.

The front of the card opens up to reveal this section.

Close up picture of the middle of the front portion of the card.

These words couldn't be more fitting for the times we are living in now. This area allows you to add shar a personal note of encouragement and to sign your card.

When you finally open the inside of the card, this beautiful tunnel portion is revealed.

I love this Bible verse and how it reminds us of the strength of our Lord and Savior, if we trust in Him.

Tropical Oasis Card

One of my favorite suites in the Mini Catalog is Tropical Oasis. This card was so fun to make. I love to give my flowers dimension and texture. 

The Costal Weave embossing folder was used to give dimension to the layering piece of Terracotta Tile cardstock. I used whisper white card stock to die cut the flowers with the Tropical Oasis dies. I sponged the flowers with Terracotta Tile and Daffodil Delight inks. I used the ball stylist end of the Take Your Pick tool to shape the flowers. The leaves were die cut from Old Olive and vellum. The aloha word was die cut from Daffodil Delight cardstock. Finishing touches added: braided burlap trim and the Tropical Oasis trinkets.

I always like to finish off the inside of the card with a whisper whit layering piece of cardstock. This gives you a nice area to stamp your sentiment.

Tropical Oasis Secret Box

I had so much fun making this Secret Box today while I am social distancing. Finding time to craft is hard when you work, volunteer and have a teenage daughter with activities every day of the week. I have to say I really miss our hectic schedule. But, I have to admit the extra time I now have to craft is filling my life with much joy. I turn on the Message on Sirius XM and escape to my craft area. 

I have been a hobby Stampin Up demonstrator since August 2016. Since the COVID 19 stay at home social distancing has come into effect, I have decided to pursue my dream of starting a Stampin Up business and sharing what I love with others. I will be posting a new tutorial every Friday. If you don't have a Stampin Up demonstrator I would love to have you join the Gems of Life Stamping VIP group. Hop over to Facebook and join the group. Can't wait to get to share my passion of stamping with you and to get to know you personally. 

I hope you enjoy my very first blog post and tutorial. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at gemsoflifestamping@comcast.net. 

Now for my first tutorial:

A picture of the finished Tropical Oasis Secret Box. I used Terracotta Tile card stock and Tropical Oasis DSP.

Top view of the box where I used In The Tropics dies to die cut flowers, leaves and bees.

Inside View of box. You can see how I used the Tropical Oasis DSP to line the outside of the tree trays of the inside box.

Side one of the Box:

First you will need a piece of  9" x 6" piece of Terracotta Tile card stock. 

Score the 9" side at 3"and 6".

Score the 6" side at 3".

Make diagonal score lines as shown.

Cut away extra pieces as shown on above template.

Side Two of the box"

You will need a second piece of Terracotta Tile card stock cut at 11" x  6".

Score 11" side at 3", 6" and 9".

Make diagonal score lines as shown.

Cut away extra pieces as shown on above template.

Next step glue flaps as shown in above picture.

My adhesive of choice is Tombo glue. You can also use tear and tape. 

I find that the glue gives you some wiggle room.

The above picture is box two with flap showing.

Assemble both boxes as shown above.

Use flap on box two to adhere both of the boxes together.

See above picture.

Inside Trays- (you will need three trays)

Cut three pieces of Terracotta Tile to 4 5/8 x 4 5/8.

Score all sides at 7/8".

Assemble all three trays.

Glue trays to inside of box as shown. Be careful to make sure you line of boxes correctly so box will close.

Decorate box as show in above picture. You can also refer back to pictures in the beginning of the post. The die for the bee can be found in the Detailed Bee dies set.