Janet's Gems

Holly Berry House Layed Kilkenny Crosses

2012-01-27T10:59:00.002-06:00

Look at the fun I've been having. I love the different looks of this card depending on the colors of paper and embossing powder and number of layers. Okay, I didn't really have to make this many, but I get a little bit obsessive when designing a class. I want to be able to demonstrate the best cards, but sometimes the colors just don't do what I am hoping. Individually each card is beautiful, but when you look at all of them together, you can see the differences. With all of the embossing and detail cutting, I've been able to make the simple card in 30 - 45 minutes. The more detailed card with 5 or 6 layers and no glitter will take me 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. If you want to further enhance the beauty of the cross you can add time for coloring with Sakura Stardust Pens or by adding glitter.

On Saturday, February 25th, I will be teaching a class at Stamp Salado using the Holly Berry small Kilkenny Cross. This beautiful cross is so very versatile. You can make it with a few layers or many layers. You can mat and frame it or create a beautiful card. It will make a fabulous Easter card or a heartfelt sympathy card. Contact Stamp Salado to sign up today at 254-947-8848. Below are the two actual cards we will make in the class. Be sure to bring pop dots and detail scissors in your basic class supply kit.

Another Double Heart Card

2012-01-26T14:59:00.003-06:00

Here is another card I created using Wright Papers and Texana Designs Stamps. You can see the actual card at Stamp Salado sometime next week and pick up a pack of Kraft Glassine. Here's a YouTube with Tim Holtz demonstrating the Kraft Glassine at CHA Winter 2011.

Catered Crop Recipe Swap - Newsprint

2012-01-23T13:10:00.004-06:00

Texana Designs is sponsoring the Catered Crop challenge and I wanna play! You can play too - click for more detail. This week's theme is "newsprint".

Here is my first challenge submittion:

Stamps:
Texana Designs - TX023 Barbed Wire Heart,
TX031 Texas Cities, and TX044 Love ya with all my Texas heart
Cardstock:
White & Red
Patterned Paper:
Doodlebug Designs - Beetle Black It's About Time
and Reminisce - Set the Table
Versamark Ink
Black & White Embossing Powders
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Cherished

pssstttt.... Linda I just HAD to borrow your idea of paper piecing this heart. I would have never thought of that!!! You go girl!

A Texas Heartfelt Thank You

2012-01-20T10:41:00.000-06:00

I'm having so much fun designing for Texana Designs that a big ol' thank you card seemed perfect. I'm looking forward to crafting with a great team of ladies.

Stay tuned...

Kraft Glassine Hearts & Wright Design Papers

2012-01-18T22:31:00.006-06:00

Finally I pulled out the pad of Kraft Glassine that I bought at Stamp Salado some time ago. I noticed Stamp Salado is offering a class using this product. I also viewed the Tim Holtz video again and started creating leather looking hearts using the Texana Designs & Jam'n Stamps. I love using these stamps on the great Texas themed paper from Wright Designs.

Texana Design Team Post

2012-01-10T12:19:00.003-06:00

Wow... it's been a long time since I posted. There is no time like the present (or new years resolution time) to correct that.

I am honored to have been asked to participate in the first design team for Texana Design Stamps. I've been working with Texana for years and love the designs. Here is the first card I have submitted.

What happens if you change the papers and colors?

Jacob's Ladder Albums

2011-06-15T13:25:00.009-05:00

UPDATE: The classes were great! A great big thanks to everyone that attended one or both! If you missed the classes in New Braunfels, our next Techniques and Jacob's Ladder classes will be July 9th at Scrapology in Lakeway.

Pam Sivage and I taught several Jacob's Ladder classes many years ago at Scrapbook Fever in Round Rock. This is one that Pam created from 1960s Christmas photos. I love her work!

Here is one of two that I created for the boys in my family a few years back. It is a 4" x 6" and was a big hit as a Christmas gift.

When my daughter went to the lake I decided to make a 3" x 4" Jacob's Ladder with wallet size photos.

This week Jimmye Sue of Texana Designs and I have been preparing for Scrapbook n' More classes in New Braunfels this Saturday. I am teaching the Jacob's Ladder and Jimmye Sue will be teaching techniques to go with it. We almost have a full house 12 and 14. There might be a few more spots available. It is so much fun to play with these albums and impress your family and friends or just show off your pictures. I posted a video of the book in action here.

Original inspiration:
Scrapbook Lounge, Jacob’s Ladder Flip n Fold
with Tricia Morris, May 4, 2007
Great video instructions now archived here

I have made many different variations of this album and taught it several years ago when I worked for lss in Round Rock (still miss the Fever Team). As I find photos of my old work I will try to update this entry with more pics. Below is the class sample for Scrapbook 'n' More in New Braunfels, Saturday 6/18/11.

Bunnies and more bunnies

2011-06-01T07:04:00.000-05:00

Bunnies aren't just for Easter. They look great in any color! Coming or going they are cute. Goggle eyes and a noes or a cotton tail, the choice is yours. We did one a few months ago at Stamp Salado with pink and brown ribbons. Great chocolate bunny imitation.

It's Never to Early to Start on Christmas Cards

2011-05-31T00:41:00.002-05:00

Joyce A. Meyer of Jam'n Stamps has done it again! I just love the new stamps for Texana Designs. Since iris folding has become my latest obsession I thought I would try something a little different. What do you think?

Cupcakes Galore

2011-05-29T15:50:00.000-05:00

I've been playing and designing again. How about an iris folded cupcake with fluffy icing with sprinkles on top? Join us in Salado on June 11th for some great fun. There will be roses and cherries.

Cats and Dogs are Folding Fun

2011-05-25T11:43:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite websites for iris folding is Circle of Crafters. They have some great free iris fold patterns. I used cuttlebug folders to give the mats a bit of texture without taking away from the design.

May 2011 Class @ Scrapology

2011-05-23T19:39:00.002-05:00

Here are the last three cards I taught at Scrapology earlier this month. We had fun creating dragonflies, oven mitts and coffee pot. I even did the oven mitt out of fabric. I cut the strips 1" x 6" and ironed back about 1/4" on just one side. It was a little more tricky to tape down, but worth the time and effort.

Next we will be getting a jump start on Christmas in July.

Iris Folding Cards at Scrapology, March 12, 2011

2011-03-03T22:49:00.003-06:00

February 12th, 2:00 - 4:00

We will be making three new card designs using a technique called iris folding. We will create a party hat with ribbon, a butterfly using a Quickut's die and a four leaf clover. We will be using stamps by Texana Designs and Deadbeat Designs. Be sure to bring your scissors and a full roll of scotch tape (we'll use lots). Also bring a strong double sided tape like RedLine, Scor-Tape or Pioneer Mounting Tape and a bone folder is helpful but not necessary. We hope to be able to repeat the iris folding class each month featuring new designs and ideas each time. Janet will be offering a frequent class bonus for anyone taking three classes you'll relieve a free iris fold kit.

Call Scrapology today to sign up.

Iris Folded Rooster

2011-02-23T09:31:00.006-06:00

What a fun little card!!! I took a die cut from the Cricut Animal Kingdom cartridge and designed my own iris folding pattern. I think it's too cute. I might have to do the hen next.

Enjoy!

Upcoming Tea Bag Folding Classes featuring Gemlets

2011-01-06T11:15:00.004-06:00

I will be teaching three tea bag folding classes this month. They will be on Jan 15th at Scrapology in Lakeway, on Jan 16th at Stamp Salado in Salado and on Jan 29th at Scrapbook Haus in New Braunfels. The papers and designs may change a little, but it will be the same technique. Hope to see you at one of the classes.

I will feature mini stamps by Texana Designs and acrylic guides called Gemlets. The Gemlet will allow you to line up eight identical tea bag tiles that you've stamped. We will use two mirror image stamps to create a medallion with a kaleidoscope effect. You must try it just to see how easy it is to create unique medallions. Bring your scissors, liquid glue and bone folder if you have one.

Iris Folding Card Class at Scrapology, Jan 15, 2011

2010-12-29T18:50:00.001-06:00

I will be back at Scrapology in Lakeway on January 15th at 2:00 with more iris folding cards. We will make three cards using a technique called iris folding (like the iris of a camera or eye). We will create a heart with ribbon, a camera with Accucut die cut and a musical note. We will be using stamps by Texana Designs. Be sure to bring your scissors and a full roll of scotch tape (we'll use lots). Also bring a strong double sided tape like RedLine, Scor-Tape or Pioneer Mounting Tape and a bone folder is helpful but not necessary. We hope to be able to repeat the iris folding class each month featuring new designs and ideas each time. Janet will be offering a frequent class bonus for anyone taking three classes you'll receive a free iris fold kit.

Wonderful Retreat

2010-12-06T11:43:00.004-06:00

A special thanks to everyone for a wonderful retreat. It was great to get away with old friend and make some new friends too. Pam, Linda, Janet (the other Janet) and I drove up to Milford for a long weekend retreat at Our House. Angie and Ann took great care of us and fed us good.

I shared my fork bow-tying technique with lots of folks.
Here's the printable copy of the instructions.

I'm already trying to figure out when I can go back ;).

P.S. Thanks for the retreat picture & video Pam!

Tea Bag Folding Class at Scrapbook Haus on Sat, 10/23/10

2010-10-19T22:39:00.002-05:00

Join me on Saturday, October 23rd, and go home with two wonderful tea bag folded. We will feature the kite fold. Everyone will make the the wonderful snowflake card complete with glimmer and starburst. Next I will show you how to use a Gemlet (an acrylic tea bag tile guide) and mini stamps to complete a unique medallion. You will have your choice of three different designs (Halloween, Christmas or Ladybug). The fold is so easy and versatile that you won't want to miss this class.

Jimmye Sue Mitchell will be teaching a great 2011 calendar, but her class is already full!!!! Way to go Jimmye Sue!!!

There is also a crop from 4 to 11. Call Scrapbook Haus at 830-627-CROP to reserve a space.

Iris Folding Class on Sept 11th at Scrapology

2010-08-16T10:27:00.001-05:00

2:00 - 4:30

More holiday cards created with paper folding. This time we will make three cards using a technique called iris folding (like the iris of a camera or eye). We will make a bat for halloween, a pumpkin for fall and a tree for Christmas. We will be using Graphic 45 and Creative Imaginations papers and stamps from Texana Designs or Deadbeat Designs. Be sure to bring a full roll of scotch tape. We'll use lots. Most should complete the class within 2 hours, but we've allowed 2 1/2 hours if needed.

Tea Bag Folding Holiday Cards at Scrapology in Lakeway

2010-08-16T08:58:00.005-05:00

10:30 - 1:00

The holidays are fast approaching. Get a jump start on some unique cards for Halloween, Fall & Christmas featuring a triangle folded tea bag tiles. We will be using some great papers from Creative Imaginations and Graphic 45. Stamps used in the class are by Texana Designs and Jimmye Sue will be on hand for a trunk show. A silk bow? Don't worry about not being able to tie a perfect bow. This one is simply made with a fork for perfection every time. Check out my prior post here. We should complete the class within 2 hours, but we've allowed 2 1/2 hours if needed.

Tea Bag Folding Card Class at Lone Star Retreats

2010-07-27T15:16:00.005-05:00

featuring Texana Designs Stamps

I will be teaching a class on tea bag folding Saturday afternoon at 2:30 on August 28th at Lone Star Retreats. This will not be your ordinary tea bag folding. You will be stamping and using a tea bag guide to create unique tea bag folding tiles. Then you will create a medallion using the square fold variation of tea bag folding. You will have your choice of a sentiment by Texana Designs for your cards. You may choose to make the star card for $10 (approx 1 hr) or both cards for $18 (approx 2 hrs). The class is open to anyone interested, but space will be limited. You will want to sign up as soon as possible. Email: janetsgems@flash.net for registration or questions.

Oh my...

2010-07-24T18:08:00.003-05:00

where does the time go? Here it is already July and I haven't posted since May!!! Sorry about that folks. I've been busy creating new card classes. Last week I was at Stamp Salado, the week before I was at Wendaful's. Prior to that Jimmye Sue and I made a trip south to Scrapbook Haus. My next adventure will be in Georgetown at Lone Star Retreat on August 28th, then Lakeway at Scrapology on September 11th and back to New Braunfels on September 18th. Hope to see some of you along the way! Check back soon to see samples.

Tea Bag Corner Tile Guide - Step by Step

2010-05-04T21:02:00.014-05:00

I've taken my tea bag folding to the next level. I've designed acrylic tiles so that I can use any small stamp to create unique tea bag folded medallions. The pictures below show how to use the tiles. Click on the image if you would like to view a bigger image.

Great Day at Scrapbook Haus

2010-05-02T00:40:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to say "Saturday was a great day!!!" A full day of scrapbook classes at Scrapbook Haus, New Braunfels. I had a super day and met lots of neat ladies.

Tea Bag Folded Kite

2010-04-20T21:58:00.003-05:00

This card design was used for a class in February at Scrappin' Good Time. I took it a step further here and colored the posts and grass of the cool fence stamp available at Texana Designs. The kite was in two colors and I used stickles to give it a little sparkle. It was a get well card for Joyce, who created the stamp. It's a pleasure to be surrounded by such wonderful talent!

Stars of Texas

2010-04-18T21:39:00.001-05:00

This is one of the cards that I taught at Stamp Salado last month. It was hard to choose which design I liked best. I enjoyed using the Texas Stamps from Deadbeat Designs. They were the perfect finishing touch.

Spring Spectacular ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW, April 17th, 2010

2010-04-14T22:06:00.002-05:00

Spring Spectacular
ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

SPONSORED BY
McNeil’s Project Graduation
The alcohol and drug free
All-nighter sponsor
for our senior class.

April 17, 2010
McNeil High School
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission is Free

Great place to shop for gifts;
get jewelry, kitchen items, stationery,
and other beautiful items.

Come eat lunch from one of
our food vendors.

I will have lots of cards for sale and great card kits for those of you who want to learn how to make tea bag folding cards or iris folding cards. Marie from MyTown Papers and Jimmye Sue from Texana Designs will be there with me. Be sure to come see us!

Next Class at Scrapbook Haus

2010-04-10T20:35:00.001-05:00

I will be back in New Braunfels on May 1st to teach another tea bag folding class. This time you will learn the basic square fold and the square fold variation one. You will make three cards using the same basic fold, but for three completely different looks. One card is an easel card that will show each of the four stamps on the tea bag folding cube and the basic square fold medallion. The next card will be on acetate where both sides of the stamped medallion can be enjoyed. The last card you will learn how to use any small stamp to make a symmetrical stamped medallion. We will use an acrylic Gemlet to position the stamps. Hope to see you there!

Another Easel Card

2010-04-07T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here is another easel card I made. This one is to welcome home a new baby, Sadie. I made a fan-fold medallion and a layered butterfly cut with a Quickutz die in my Cuttlebug.

Iris Folded Easter Egg

2010-04-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

This is an iris folded card that I designed for a class in Temple at Wendaful Scrapbooks. I used a pack of Doodlebug papers that coordinated beautifully. The egg and the grass were Accu-Cut diecuts available at Wendaful's. I hope everyone finds all the Easter Eggs the bunnies left for ya.

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-03T20:29:00.001-05:00

Here's the Easter card that I sent my nephew this year. I love the new stamps at Texana Designs!

Tea Bag Folding Stamps

2010-03-08T22:55:00.002-06:00

I love the tea bag stamps from Impression Obsession. One of the cubes comes with four different butterflies. This easel card displays all four stamps and a medallion from one of them. I'm teaching a class similar to this card Sunday at Stamp Salado. I'd love to see you there.

The Promise of Bluebonnets

2010-02-18T13:15:00.002-06:00

A little cold weather and sunny afternoons brings thoughts of Texas bluebonnets soon to follow. Texana Designs has a wonderful bluebonnet stamp in miniature. I took the stamp and created 8 square tiles for tea bag folding. I love how it turned out!!

I also love the easel cards featured on Splitcoast Stampers a few weeks ago. What a wonderful way to display cards.

Enjoy!

Three Hearts @ Salado

2010-02-06T17:13:00.002-06:00

Here are the cards I made last week at Stamp Salado. The instructor was Sally and she started the class with the ABCs of card making.

A - always measure twice and cut once
B - back, always sign the back of your card/artwork
C - copy - photograph or scan your creations, print and put them in an album for reference

I've been collecting the stuff for this embossing templates for a long time. We did the dry embossing on vellum. We did the embossing paste. The third card was double embossed with part of the embossing heat embossed.

Thanks for a great class!!!

Scrappin' Good Time class

2010-01-17T22:38:00.002-06:00

I'm going to be one of three instructors at Corsicana's Scrappin Good Time on February 27th. I can't wait. I will be showing how to create three totally different designs using only one tea bag fold. I'm really looking forward to it.

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-01T00:06:00.017-06:00

May you always make the right moves.
May your cup runneth over with love.
May you always find shelter from any storm.
May you remain good looking and looking good!
May you find the perfect diet for your soul.

May you find perfect balance in the company you keep.

May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop.

May the worst thing that happens to you come in slobberry pink and furry tan.

May you manage to MAKE time for siesta.

May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.

May your accessories always harmonize with your natural beauty!

Should your mouth ever be bigger than your stomach, may you have a chewing good time!

May you always know when to walk away and know when to run.

And may your friends always bring you joy!

Holly Berry House Class

2009-12-21T22:07:00.003-06:00

These are the two medallions I made at a class last weekend at my lls. My partner "in crafting" was sick, so I had to go alone. It was lots of fun and the projects turned out super!

Holly Berry House Nutcracker

2009-12-21T22:04:00.004-06:00

Wow... I've been having fun playing with scissors, glue & glitter!!! I made this card for my boss this year. Plenty of room for the staff to sign. Too much fun!

Circle of Crafters

2009-11-14T20:11:00.002-06:00

I've been worried the past week or so because I have not been able to access one of my favorite websites at Circle of Crafters. Finally, tonight I was able to view their main page at http://www.circleofcrafters.com/. I hope to see the Iris Folding and Tea Bag Folding sites back up soon.

Clearly a great class at Stamp Salado

2009-11-14T19:37:00.004-06:00

I had a great day at Salado today. Bagpipe contests at the 48th Annual Salado Scottish Clan Gathering & Highland Games filled the store as we decorated acrylic birds and made clear acetate Christmas cards. The ladies were super. I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.

A special thanks to Pam from Heart of Texas Studios for assisting with the birds and the cards.

Sandy has asked me to come up with another class after the new year. Hope to see some of you again.

Wonderful class at Wendaful's

2009-11-07T20:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks ladies for making the class great! Happy folding!

Wendaful Scrapbook Class this Saturday, Nov 7th

2009-11-04T15:23:00.003-06:00

I'm preparing for a great class in Temple at Wendaful's Scrapbook. We will be creating medallions with the kite fold technique. I'll show you three different medallions using the same fold. We will be using various tools and products to enhance each card. Stamps from Texana Designs, Twilight Embossing Glitter from P K Glitz, Smooch Paints, Silver Leafing Pens, Glimmer Mists, acetate embossed with Cuttlebug snowflakes, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 3, Chatterbox Easy Brad Maker, Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper, Karen Foster Starburst Brads. You won't want to miss this class.

Scrapbook Haus Classes

2009-10-10T20:28:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we had blast at the teabag folding and iris folding classes.

I was very disappointed that Jimmye Sue was sick and couldn't come. Instead the participants had to suffer through my instructions of Jimmye Sue's iris folding cards. I really missed her those two hours. A special thanks to Jeanie who filled in as my helper.

I hope every one was able to go away with a couple of new techniques and lots of new ideas.

Stamp Salado Success!!!

2009-09-13T17:10:00.003-05:00

I taught a great bunch of ladies tea bag folding yesterday at Stamp Salado. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and the participants. A special thanks to Sandy for the opportunity to teach in her store. If anyone in the class has questions, please post a comment or send me an e-mail.

I'll have samples of new class as soon as I can. We haven't set a date yet, but it will probably be late October or the first of November. In the meantime.... enjoy your folding!

Halloween Stampin' and Foldin'

2009-08-27T17:10:00.003-05:00

Now isn't this card cute. I used the mini halloween cactus from Texana Designs and stamped the images about 3" apart on some really cool Karen Foster variegated paper. Then I used my square punch and placed the image in the upper left corner of all eight. From these tiles I used the kite fold and created the background medallion. The top medallion is stamped with Tea Bag Cube #12 from Impression Obsession. The fold was the triangle fold, variation two. I stamped a sentiment and then decorated the card with orange stickles. I never knew all the ways stamps could be used with tea bag folding.

Christmas Glitter Tree

2009-08-18T20:50:00.002-05:00

Tea Bag Folding Card
Featuring Square Fold Variation 2
By Janet Bradshaw

2 sheets Reminisce Christmas Glitter papers
Christmas Swirl Green (Glitter)
Snowflakes (Glitter)
New Reminisce paper coming soon
Gold Cardstock
EZ Corner Punch – Basket Weave
Stampendous Diamond Dots
Star Brad

Reminisce has a new Christmas paper line called christmastime. It's got some fabulous heavy paper with elegant glitter swirls and snowflakes. The picture just cannot capture the beauty. This paper is fairly difficult to fold for tea bag tiles, but it can be done. If you want to see the original sample visit Scrapbook Haus in New Braunfels.

Cinderella Tea Bag Folded Card

2009-08-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

This card was created from one patterned paper. It is the right 12x12 sheet of the Cinderella papers by Sandylion. I was able to use the corner print as the background for the card. The top portion of the paper is beautifully stamped with a tea bag folding stamp by Impression Impression (Cube 1). A little stickles added a bit of sparkle to the card and even the brad. It's done!

Tea Bag Folding Card
Featuring Square Fold Variation 2
By Janet Bradshaw

1 sheet patterned paper by Sandylion
Bazzill Bling – Tootsie
Tea Bag Folding Stamp – Cube 1
by Impression Obsession
Versa Color Ink – Imperial Blue
Marvy Uchida Mega Square Lever punch*
Stickles – Orange Peel & Crystal
Orange brad covered with Stickles
*Punch helps make uniform squares

*** Coming Soon ***
Tea Bag Folding Class
October 3, 2009
We will make 3 cards using triangle folds.

GCD Studios Tea Bag & Iris Folded Cards

2009-08-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

G C D Studios paper was great working with. It's not too thin, it's not too thick. It is double sided and makes dimensional tea bag folds.

I carefully cut the squares from the striped paper making sure that all eight were identical. This created the symetrical medallion. The smaller medallion I made smaller squares and alternated papers. The brads were white and colored with a permanent marker to match the papers. I also colored clear crystals with the permanent marker to make them match.

The iris fold opening was cut using a the cuttlebug and the nestabilities Label One die. I cut a frame using two of the die cuts. After I cut the frame and embossed it, I left the dies in place to ink the the embossed section. Jimmye Sue created the iris fold design and completed the card. Complete supplies listed below.

Tea Bag Folding Card
Featuring Triangle Fold
Variation 2
By Janet Bradshaw

2 sheets G C D Studios double sided papers
White Cardstock
Dark Green Cardstock
Green Ribbon for the Fork Bow*
MM White Brads – colored with permanent marker
Clear Crystals – colored with permanent marker
Medallions misted with Pearl Glimmer Mist
Cuttlebug 'Friends Forever' Combo Die
* http://janetsgems.blogspot.com/2008/11/favorite-new-trick.html

Iris Folding Card
By Jimmye Sue Mitchell
and Janet Bradshaw

2 sheets G C D double sided coordinating papers
White Cardstock
Purple Cardstock
Lavender Cardstock
Just A Note Stamp by Texana Designs
Nestabilities – Labels One for cutouts and frame
ColorBox Cats Eye Ink - Lavender
Lavender Ribbon for the Fork Bow*
* http://janetsgems.blogspot.com/2008/11/favorite-new-trick.html

Alota Fall Card

2009-08-13T20:52:00.001-05:00

I wanted to try something new and had a chance to make a sample card for Scrapbook Haus. Alota Rumber Stamps has tea bag folding stamps and I foiund them at Scrapbook Haus. It's the season for fall, y'all so I wanted to create a card with the leaves. I stamped and embossed the image with Copper Embossing powder. Then I painted the leaves with Twinkling H20s. After the paint dried, I cut out eight images and followed the Tea Bag Folding Lesson on the Alota website. This is a great card!

2 sheets Reminisce Christmas Fall papers
Anybody got a nut?
Forest Deer
Orange Bazzill Glazed Cardstock
alota Rubber Stamps – Fall Tea Bag Stamp
Copper Embossing Powder for leaves
Queens Gold Embossing Powder for sentiment
Pearlescent Watercolors or Twinkling H2Os
Gold Brad
Texana Designs Stamp – Sm Happy Birthday

Moxxie Kite Fold & Iris Fold Cards

2009-08-12T20:55:00.009-05:00

Jimmye Sue and I have created a couple of sample cards for Scrapbook Haus in New Braunfels. We both took Tea Bag & Iris folding classes at Scrapbook Fever from Debbie V years ago. Jimmye Sue loves to do the iris folding and I love the tea bag folding. We can each do both, but each migrated to different styles of paper folding as favorites.

Here we used the same patterned papers and look at the difference in the cards!!! I love the sentiment stamp from Texana Designs.

Tea Bag Folding Card
Featuring Kite Fold
By Janet Bradshaw

3 sheets coordinating Moxxie papers
Dark Green Bazzill Glazed paper
Marvy Uchida Mega Square Lever punch*
Marvy Uncida Jumbo Lever punch*
MyMomenta Relaxed Bubbles & Bling
*Punches help make identical squares for a more uniform medallion

*** Coming Soon ***
Tea Bag Folding Class
at Scrapbook Haus, New Braunfels
October 3, 2009
We will make 3 cards using triangle folds.

Iris Folding Card
By Jimmye Sue Mitchell
and Janet Bradshaw

3 sheets coordinating Moxxie papers
White Cardstock
Gold Cardstock
Red Bazzill Glazed Cardstock
Bling

*** Coming Soon ***
Iris Folding Class
at Scrapbook Haus, New Braunfels
October 3, 2009

We will make 3 cards using same technique, different designs and papers.
Samples will be in the store soon.

Brithday Cards

2009-08-04T09:22:00.004-05:00

Who does not have enough birthday cards on hand? I used the very same elements on each of these cards and just changed the paper and placement. They all look so different!

The "Happy Birthday" stamp and the dragonfly are the work of Texana Designs. I just love their stamps!

I think my favorite tea bag folding scrapbook paper is striped paper. I love the way the medallions come together with all the geometrical designs. Just remember when folding with stripes, you must make all of the valley folds the same or your medallions won't be symmetrical.

Have fun folding!

Class Time!

2009-08-01T08:12:00.004-05:00

I'm off to teach a full class of 12 at Wendaful's in Temple. I am really exited and sure hope everyone has a great time.

Halloween's Not Far Around the Corner

2009-07-31T20:36:00.002-05:00

I've been having some fun making tea bag folded bats and witches. The hardest part is deciding which I like best. Just call me "batty" if you must. I found the inspiration online at Paperfacets site. She does some wonderful work. Goggle her, you won't be disappointed!

More Baby Cards

2009-06-27T20:06:00.001-05:00

More of my creations from folding tiles at the hospital. I figured who doesn't need a baby card every now and then. I brought home the completed medallions and used my Design Studio and Cricut for matting.

What cha think?

Chatterbox & Metallic

2009-06-26T23:59:00.004-05:00

Early Chatterbox paper is a great weight for teabag folding. I've been going through my stash and creating. I combined the old Chatterbox with the new midnight metallic paper and absolutely love it. I even had a few Chatterbox quotes for the inside of my cards.

Big Bang!

2009-06-24T23:23:00.004-05:00

I had some paper left over from one of my Father's Day Cards. I ended up making 8 more cards out of three sheets of patterned paper and six or eight coordinating cardstock sheets. I just love fireworks and this great Reminisce paper in the Disney line thrilled me. Maybe not for the 4th of July but I think they might make great Happy New Year cards.

I used cardstock stickers and bling for accents. I used my Cricut and Design Studio to make custom mats for my medallions and wreaths.

Enjoy!

More Stripes

2009-06-22T07:11:00.000-05:00

Here are a few cards I pulled together. One you may recognize as as a Father's Day card. The other two were made from the left over materials. I love the way stripes work together!

Have a Great Day Guys!

2009-06-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

This week I spent making special Father's Day Cards. I had lots of fun creating. I hope they guys enjoy them!

Upcoming Class at Wendaful Scrapbooks, Aug 1st

2009-06-20T09:56:00.003-05:00

I've got another great tea bag folding class scheduled at Wendaful Scrapbooks in Temple on August 1st. That is a day filled with eight different Christmas card classes. You may choose four of the eight classes.

In the tea bag folding class we will make two cards that begin with the basic triangle fold. One will be a Christmas tree and the other will be a wreath. We will be using Cosmo Cricket paper and Bazzil's Dotted Swiss. I will also show you how to make a perfect bow.

The cards below will not be made in the class, but show samples of what you can make using the same folds just different sizes and placement. I hope to see you there.

Tea Bag Folding with Stripes

2009-06-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

Note to self:

I can never remember which way to make the valley fold so that my medallion is symmetrical. When folding tea bag tiles with a stripe, make all eight valley folds with the strips going horizontally. This will allow the variation two to come together and match making a great visual impact. If you are cutting scrapbook paper you would want to try to get all of the stripes in the same cut. One way to do this is cut a strip 1 1/2" wide running with the stripe. Then cut your eight 1 1/2" squares from that strip. All will be identical. If you want bigger tiles, try to get the strip lined up on the same cutting edge, then cut eight tiles. Many times if they do not match up, I will alternate the folded tiles to keep some sort of symmetry in my medallion.

Kaleidoscope Creations

2009-06-18T07:19:00.002-05:00

This idea came to me when I was thinking about the photo kaleidoscope scrapbook pages I made with photos years ago. I had to have the negatives printed in reverse for half of the pictures. Now that I've learned photoshop I thought "wow, what if..."

This is your basic kite fold medallion. The tiles were created with photoshop. I found images that I liked and resized them to tea bag tiles. I then flipped the image to get a reverse view. I chose a color with the color picker and created another tile with a gradient in the matching color. I found a link online at http://www.masikatiwebdesign.com/teabags/oteabags2.asp that allowed me to easily print the tea bag tiles in two different sizes. Then I printed them on a color laser printer. I had to make a trip to Kinkos to print the tiles, but I think it was worth it.

After folding the kite shapes I outlined the points with the Gelly Roll Stardust pens to give it just a little glimmer. Next I added bling and matted the medallion on the square cards. I'm not sure who will get these are for what occasion, but I will be ready!

Brights on Black

2009-06-17T07:13:00.001-05:00

Here is another set that I started at the hospital. This is absolutely one of my favorites. I love the colors. I love everything about these. This one needs the inside mat with the white blank for the sentiment. I would be great for a recycling card. Now, just if I knew what paper I used. I got it at a LLS, but they don't have it any more. I'd make more if I could!

Set of Four

2009-06-16T08:49:00.003-05:00

Over the past few months I spent lots of hours bedside at the hospital. I folded tea bag squares day and night. The pieces were easy to carry and the folded tiles I stashed in a box or drawer until I could assemble medallions and create cards. This is one set that I made four different variations from the basic triangle fold (some call it a waterbomb fold). I had purchased a paper pad with coordinating pattern paper that was light weight and easy to fold. I cut the tiles into two different sizes and developed four different medallions for four different cards. I just love the way they all turned out.

Five Sizes, Three Fold Variations

2009-06-15T07:30:00.001-05:00

So many times I forget what size tile makes each medallion. Finally I decided to make a note to self and I thought I would share it with you here.

1” square tile = 1 ½” medallion
1 ¼” square tile = 2” medallion
1 ½” square tile = 2 ¼” medallion
1 ¾” square tile = 2 ½” medallion
2” square tile = 3” medallion

I have found so many great sites in the internet for tea bag folding and free tiles. For this example, I printed the same black & white tile on five different colored papers and in all five sizes available. This tile is available on Rosemarie's Tea-Bag Folding Website.

Below are my photo notes as to size tile and medallion. I used three different variations of the same fold. I love the different looks with how the medallions are assembled. Thanks for looking.

Share the Joy

2009-06-14T09:36:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been so proud of a card that you've made or one that your've received that you want to share the joy? Why not make your next card to be recycled?

On the inside of this card, I added a mat that was cut just smaller than the actual card. I used my Corner Adorner punch from EK Success and then added a white mat. (Here you see my insert as the message, but in the actual card I sent this would be loose inside the card.) I would stamp and sign the white mat and slide it int the corners. I would include the "recycle instructions" in the card and give it to the first receipent. I envision the first reciever to enjoy the card a while, then take out the greeting, cut a new insert the same size, add a new greeting and then forward the card to the second receipent. This could go on as long as the card could withstand the joy of giving.

I think it makes for a great idea, but I have not tried it in reality yet. I will do so soon and we'll see how well it works. I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts. Please post a comment AND if you will e-mail your mailing address to me by July 12th, I will put your name in for a drawing on July 13th and you will receive one of my recycle cards.

Medallion Class

2009-06-13T08:00:00.007-05:00

Wendaful Scrapbooks
417th N. 9th St.
Temple, TX 76501
(254)899-CROP(2767)

Tea Bag Folding Card Sample
Featuring Triangle Folds
June 13th

I have had a blast preparing for this class. I've made so many different medallions that it is simply shameful. If you are in the area and didn't get to take the class, please check and see if there are still class kits available for purchase.
_________________________________________________________

Wow!!! The class was great. I had a great bunch of ladies in the class and the cards looked wonderful. Thank you all for attending and happy "folding".

Happy St Patricks Day

2009-03-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Go ahead, ask me what I did Sunday night in front of the TV? Yup, I folded tea bag tiles. I'm afraid I'll be doing these in my sleep soon. I really do like the way they turned out. Every different paper results in such a completely different look. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the luck of the Irish!

Wild Cards

2009-03-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago JoJo brought her Expressions to a scrap and I got to play with the new cartridge and full 12x12 paper. I made the house and door envelope. The inside of the envelope matchs too.

I just had to play with the owl. I made him on my baby bug but needed the big bug for the cool envelope. I had to settle for a standard 5 1/2" square envelope. I love this cool card. The inside says "greetings wise one".

I modified the Thanks card by simply changing the sentiment to "HI" and was able to finish this one on the baby bug. I'll have to use a premade envelope unless I don't mail it until I see JoJo next.

I simply love this cartridge. It's got so much potential. Each card has a matching envelope with a liner. There are phrases, icons and frames in addition to the blackout and an alphabet.

February? Where did it go?

2009-03-15T18:16:00.005-05:00

On February 13th I found the Cricut Cartridge, WILD CARD, on sale and just had to have it. I spent all night and most of the next day making Valentine Day cards for loved ones. They did get the card before Valentine's Day was over, but had to let me take them the next day for show and tell when I scrapped with some good friends.

I am limited with the cartridge in that I don't have the expressions. There are a lot of cards that I can make and I do have a friend that has the expressions who's been kind enough to share with me. I'll post more cards later.

I woke up one night and dreamed up this tea bag folded heart. I mulled it over in my mind a number of days, then finally had to try it. I think it turned out pretty cute.

First Night Austin 2009

2009-01-13T20:32:00.004-06:00

We spent New Year's Eve with family and friends at First Night Austin. A little after 8:00 the resolution clock was ignited and burned to the ground. As always, my sweetie got some great shots.

The grand finale was the fireworks show at midnight. It was 20+ straight minutes of fantastic fireworks. We watched from the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, so the pics were not as spectacular as the show. We really like to be at the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue for the best fireworks.

If you've never experienced First Night Austin, you don't know what you are missing. It's a great family event. Hope to see you there next year!

Anyway, I looked up and it's already the middle of the month. Where does the time go? I wish all of you a super fine '09.

Tea Bag Folding Baby Cards

2008-12-10T09:00:00.006-06:00

Yes, I know I'm a little card crazy but these are so dang fun! Every sheet of paper I look at I wonder what kind of card I could make from it. It also frustrates me that there is such a limited supply of non-gender papers out there for babies. That makes it really hard for me to have a stash on hand for the unknowns. I hope you like these.

This set of cards is designed from the same fold, but with completely different looks as to how you put the pieces together. I alternated yellow ducks and yellow gingham squares then mounted them on yellow dotted paper. I used the Texana Designs "Congratulations" stamp for the sentiment.
This design is teabag folding using a kite fold. Again I tried to stay with the peach and greens so that it could be used for a baby boy or baby girl. I found printed scrapbook paper that had teddy bears in quilted squares. I used those as my top layer of the medallion and a coordinating scrapbook paper for the back layer. A matching brad and mounted on a coordinating mat was perfect. I can't decide if I like the monochromatic peach card or the contrasting green and yellow card. One has the Texana Stamp embossed in white on it, the other uses the Class A Peel sticker sentiment. Both are lovely.

This medallion uses still a different tea bag fold. I love this fold because it is so versatile. This sample has both arms folded down, but you can fold only one arm down or don't fold either down. They are put together the same way, but each look different. I ran out of time so I didn't make samples of each of those. The patterned paper has baby umbrellas on a pastel yellow. And again used the Congratulations stamp from Texana designs to finish the card. This kit is available in pink, blue or green.

I made instructions and kits for each of the designs above for a craft show this past weekend. I have some left. If you are interested in purchasing a kit for the card, please let me know.

Texas Shaped Iris Folded Cards

2008-12-08T20:05:00.007-06:00

With a little help from Jimmye Sue at Texana Designs, we developed a card kit with a Iris Folded Texas shape. We used the wonderful stamps from Texana Designs, "Stamps with a Texas Flair". We made some that are blank for you to personalize. We made some that wish you a "Merry Texmas". I hope you like them. I just love the way that the paper changes the looks completely. I created card kits so that anyone can do it!

I was even more thrilled that my mom sat down and helped me make her Christmas cards. She's always been crafty, but left the paper crafts to me until this year. Way to go mom! See all nine below. She suspects she will have difficulty deciding who gets what.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T21:07:00.004-06:00

We have just returned from a long weekend at the ranch visiting my folks. It was sure nice to go home for a bit and even nicer yet to be of assistance. This year Jillian and I helped Mom (aka Nana) decorate the big tree for our first Christmas at the ranch in their home.

This year instead of giving my mom handmade Christmas cards, I showed her how to make make iris folded cards. We made enough for her hand delivered cards on Friday. I have pics but not ready for posting yet. That will be the next entry.

Have a great week!

Blue Christmas Trees

2008-11-16T21:38:00.002-06:00

How many blue Christmas trees have you seen? I love the elegent look of these cards. I tried various bling and accents. Gonna have a hard time choosing which I like best!

More Christmas Tree Cards

2008-11-15T14:05:00.004-06:00

Just look what happens when you keep the same style, but change the paper. Everything seems to change. I used the same technique as described earlier in my Green Christmas Tree Post. This time I used my corner punch for the mat and used coordinating paper for the large mat. The light colored tree is made from Heidi Grace papers that are shimmery and have some sparkle. I added red rhinestones to finish off the project. Then I came across my favorite Christmas paper from last year by Daisy D's and had to try my hand at it again. The bold paisleys really change the look of it. I used my Gelly Roll Stardust pens to add some glitter to the paper. I did not have rhinestones, so I bought red pearls to put on the tree. They look sharp too!

Iris Folded Cards

2008-11-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

Oh man, I forgot how fun and easy iris folding is. I used my Cricut to cut out a Christmas ornament and then used a generic iris fold pattern from Circle of Crafters website (get pattern here). I used my corner adorner punch for snazzy matting. And one large bling for some sparkle. I love the way they turned out. I may have to make a few more. I made up about 6 kits for the local craft show this weekend. We'll see if anyone else likes them as much as I do.

See the Perfect Bow?

2008-11-13T13:44:00.002-06:00

Here's two samples from one of my tea bag folding kits. I used my fork to tie a perfect little bow. I'm just so proud of myself! Thanks for looking.

Ribbon + Fork = Perfect Bow

2008-11-11T17:44:00.008-06:00

Pam shared this trick with me some time back. I didn't believe it could be so easy to tie a bow until I finally tried it. She found it online somewhere one time, but neither of us could find it again. I like to give credit to scraplifting when I can, but if not, let me just say "this is not my original idea". The fork, ribbon and pictures are mine.

I've tied lots of bows, but not many as uniformly as I can with this technique. The fork makes a small bow, but I've modified the technique using a wide tooth comb or anything with equal space tongs. Folks may laugh when they see a fork and a comb in my scrapping tool kit, but once they try this... they stop laughing.

Have fun!

Thanks Pam for posting this YouTube demo

Green Christmas Tree Cards

2008-11-09T03:35:00.009-06:00

Yep, I'm at it again. Christmas is just around the corner and I've been making cards. I just love these tea bag folded Christmas trees.

Wedding Layouts

2008-10-27T15:28:00.007-05:00

I love to create wedding layouts. I have some more that I need to work on. I thought if I posted one it would motivate me to finish the others. Check back and I'll add a few more pictures in the near future.

Craft Show

2008-10-26T22:35:00.007-05:00

We are back home from the craft show. The day was beautiful and the sales were pretty good too. It was good to visit with the shoppers, some familiar faces and some new ones. I had super help at my booth with my mom and my dd. Thanks to both for all the support. Thanks also to the support behind the scenes (you know who you are). And get this, our booth took 3rd place in the creativity/decorating prize.

More Squish Book Kits

2008-10-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

I am pulling together the last of my kits for the craft show this weekend. I thought I would post two other squish books I've got. I had to borrow football pictures from a co-worker for one sample, and I love how it turned out.

If you are in Eldorado, come by and check out the booth.

Here Comes a Squishy Halloween

2008-10-20T00:49:00.009-05:00

I have been at the squish book creation table again. This time I am using the Imaginisce Hallowhimsy collection of papers and stickers. Now I just need some fun spooks and goblins pictures to finish the book. Less than 2 weeks to wait! But who wants to wait that long... maybe I'll print up some photos of my dd through the years. Halloween has always been one of her very favorite holidays. Check back and see if I update the blog with the finished project.

Photo Cards

2008-10-18T11:08:00.005-05:00

I am getting ready for a craft show next weekend. My sweetheart has taken some of the best butterfly pictures I've ever seen, so I thought I'd make up some note cards. Hope everyone else likes them as much as I do ;) If not, I'll have to be sending lots of hand written notes. Back to the job at hand...

Great Weekend

2008-10-13T18:53:00.002-05:00

It was a long weekend for my school kid. She stayed up way too late Thursday night making me a birthday card. She even composed a poem for me as she looked to Robert Service's poetry for inspiration. She's a keeper.

Friday was my day. My dd even helped organize my scrapbook room. We got all of the cardstock paper sorted and stacked neatly. And lots of the patterned paper sorted by categories. There's still lots to do about organizing, but that one thing was the top of my list. Now if I can just keep at it!

My mom came in from "far left Texas" as my sweetie calls it. She was here Saturday and Sunday. There never seems to be enough time, but we did enjoy our time. DD has a birthday next week, so we did a double celebration on Saturday.

Now the long weekend is over and it's back to the grind. Maybe I'll be able to crank out more scrapbooking now that I can find the paper.

See ya soon!

Stamped Calendar

2008-10-12T00:21:00.005-05:00

I finally finished one of the desk calenders tonight. I stamped, embossed and painted unique Texas images, sometimes added bling or brads, matted the image, added a printed monthly calender and used the bind-it-all to create a flip desk calendar. I purchased an acrylic clear easel for display purposes.

My plan was to give it to my mother for a Christmas gift, but I loved it it so much I didn't want to wait. So, I added three more pages for 2008 and gave it to her early. I know she will enjoy it every day.

Idea, inspiration and instruction from
Jimmye Sue Mitchell of Texana Designs

Stamps from Texana Designs
texana.designs@yahoo.com
www.texanadesigns.com

Painted with Twinkling H20s
www.luminarteinc.com

Kite Fold Cards

2008-10-09T22:47:00.009-05:00

I love making tea bag folding cards. I found a bunch of cool sites online by doing a google search for "free tea bag tiles".

The thanks card tiles are were printed from www.masikatiwebdesign.com. I added a little bling and a glittered brad, centered it on a circle then a square and added a sentiment all on a white card.

The boo card tiles were found on Heather's Tea Bag Tiles -> Larger Tiles -> Halloween. I printed different jack-o-lanterns and alternated them between plain tiles. I added orange and purple bling and a brad. I used the Cricut to cut the shadowed sentiment.

If you don't know how to fold the tiles, do a google search for tea bag folding instructions. There are great sites available. Thanks for sharing.

Like Father, Like Son

2008-10-08T23:21:00.001-05:00

I wanted to use that great school papers from My Town Papers. I found a picture of my dad's football team from 1960 when he was a senior and one of my brother's sophomore year. I thought they would go great on the layout. I used my SCAL to cut an eagle and used the Cricut Colors to outline the eagle. I stamped a fighting eagle from my collection of stamps from Texana Designs. I love the simple clean lines of the layout.

I will be showing off some of my layouts and creations in Eldorado in a couple of weeks at a craft fair there. If you are in the neighborhood stop by the 3rd Annual Schleicher County Nurshing Home 2008 Bean Cook-off, Saturday, Oct 25th, 8 am - 5 pm at the Schleicher County Nursing Home Court Yard.

Mothers and Daughters

2008-10-07T22:37:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I finished an 8x8 layout for a circle journal that I'm participating in. The theme of the book was "On Being A Girl". I didn't only want to honor my daughter but also our maternal line. I was able to compile five generations of mothers and daughters into one photo. I played with photoshop and added all sorts of fun elements to the photo. It took lots of time, but turned out much better than the composite photo I did of my dad and five generations of men. That one was my first attempt and I didn't add any photoshop embellishments to it. I may have to go back and redo that photo when I have time. The color choices for this layout were a stretch for me. The album owner wanted greens, pinks and purples so I went the extra mile and tinted the photo when I had it printed at Costco. I hope she likes it when the circle journal finally gets home again.

Eldorado Eagles Word Book

2008-10-06T17:42:00.004-05:00

Here is a sample of a class kit that I have put together for the Eldorado Eagles. It is using a custom word book from Heart of Texas Studio, customs papers & stickers from My Town Papers and custom stamps from Texana Designs. Not shown is the green and white Eldorado Eagles ribbon I ordered from Ribbon Warehouse. I love the creativity of the people around me. Thanks for the inspiration and products Pam, Marie & Jimmye Sue! Keep up the good work!