Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Paper Quilting Tutorial

 Today I have a fun technique to share with you that I learned while participating in the Splitcoaststampers' Dare to Get Dirty challenge.  It is a paper quilting technique.
Basically what you do is to punch out squares from different patterned papers.  I decided to use punches from one sheet of K and Co designer paper and then quilt by  .

1. First punch out your squares.
2. Cut each square exactly in half with a paper cutter.
3. Cover a sheet of cardstock with adhesive.  I ran mine through a Xyron sticker machine.
4. Apply the pieces to the sticky panel.  I chose to place mine by color, but if you chose to do it random it would resemble a crazy quilt.
5. Now you are ready to use this panel to die cut.  I chose to cut two PPRS D001 Butterfly dies.
You end up with some paper quilted butterflies for your project.
6. If you know me a bit, you will know I rarely throw things away...so I didn't really want to toss that paper quilted panel that I just created, so I decided to use it as a layer on my card!

I doodled around the panel that covers up my butterfly die cuts and added a sentiment (CLR012 Flowers Clear Set) for a fun and different card!

Michelle - Inspiration Blooms

Monday, August 25, 2014

August Inspiration Post

Welcome to Monday with Prickley Pear!  We are gearing up for the new release September 1, 2 and 3!  Be sure to join us to see the fabulous new images and for your chance to win some of them for your very own! 

In the meantime we have a wide variety of sample
s this week.  It's not too early to start thinking of holiday cards!  Enjoy!


Designer Angela Bode using: JJ0081 Nativity









Sunday, August 24, 2014

Maureen's Fabulous Flower Tutorial

Hi Bloggers. It's time for my second tutorial as a Design Team Member for Prickley Pear. I have chosen to do flowers again, because they are a passion of mine. Making paper flowers is one of my favorite things to do and I thought I would share an economical way to make these lovely little faux roses. I love the tiny roses Prima sells but it's so had to find them, or when I do, they aren't the color I want. So this is a great way to customize your flowers to your paper. This die cost about as much as a package of store bought roses and you can make an unlimited supply for yourself.  Now lets get started.
I am using the PrickleyPear D015 Blobby Flowers Die to cut the petals for each rose. I use only the smallest in the die set.

1.    Cut strips of cardstock 1 ¼ inch wide so as to position the die to cut only the smallest of the three, as pictured here. You will need three cuts for each rose you want to make.

2.    The next step is to cut one calyx for each rose. I use an old Stampin’ Up punch, but you can use any petal punch you have, or a star shape will work as well. 
3. The next step is to start shaping your petals. I loosen up the paper fibers by bending them upward with a stylus. This makes the paper easier to squeeze and roll to form the rose petals. Make sure to do your calyx's also.

4. You start with one petal and lightly push it over a paintbrush handle. You can use a slender ink pen instead if you don’t have a paintbrush.

5. I then squash and roll this center as tightly as possible between my thumb and first finger.

6. Use another petal to form the next layer by just gently pushing it toward the center, but not as tight as the first petal.  You will then add a drop of glue in the center of this petal and insert the tight center piece that you formed prior to this step. You may have to use tweezers to place them together as they are quite small. Wait a few minutes for it to dry before going any further.



7. The last petal should be shaped enough from the stylus so you can add a drop of glue to the center of this petal and place your pre-assembled pieces into this last petal. Basically, the same  above.

8. Add a drop of glue to your calyx and set your rose in the center of this. Let it dry. After drying you can squish your petals or use a tweezers to roll the petals a little tighter or until you’re happy with the way they look.  
Here are the five roses I created to use on my card. I left mine plain but you can use ink across the tops for a distressed look, or touch the petals with white paint for the ever popular Shabby Chic. Oh and lets not forget GLITTER!!!
Here's my card I created, and as you can see, I used the color in my paper to determine what color to make my roses. I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial & try some roses on your own.
I used Graphic 45 paper from the Steampunk Spells collection, the D015 Blobby Flowers Die, the CLR027C Scalloped Oval 4 Floral stamp set,  the D045 Flourish die, and the D035 Mini Gears Die set. The leaves are from old MS punches that I have had forever seems like but still come back to when I need a fill in. LOL Thanks for stopping by today to view my tutorial, Hugs, Maureen

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Stephanie's Guest Designer Project

Howdy, I am back with another card using stamps from Prickley Pear Stamps.  This stamp is called Gone Fishing, I loved this paper from My Minds Eye so I went for the Monochromatic look.  The sentiment is from the clear stamp set called Butterflies.
~Stephanie

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Guest Designer Stephanie Serrano Week 2!

Happy Thursday friends, I am back with another card for Prickley Pear Stamps.  This week I am using the clear stamp set called Butterflies I also used the matching butterfly die.  This yummy paper is from My Minds Eye.   

You can see more of my work at Stephanie's Stampin Spot!
~Stephanie

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Welcoming August's Guest Desginer: Stephanie Serrano!

My Photo
Hi from South Carolina, my name is Stephanie. I have been married to my best friend for 31 years and I have 2 beautiful daughters and the cutest grand daughter and grand son you ever did see! I love to Stamp, Scrapbook,Read, Sew, Bake etc.  You can check out my blog:
Stephanie's Stampin Spot!
 
 
Good morning friends, I have exciting news to share today!  I have been asked to be Guest Designer for August at Prickley Pear Stamps.  When I saw this stamp called Bicycle For Two I fell in love and just had to have it!   This stamp took me back to my childhood when I had and electric organ and Bicycle Built for Two was one of the first songs I learned how to play.

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer true
I’m half crazy over the love of you
It won’t be a stylish marriage
I can’t afford a carriage
But you’ll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two


I wanted to make a romantic shabby chic' kind of a card.  I stamped the image with memento brown ink and the design paper is from My Minds Eye.  For some great inspiration check out the Prickley Pear Blog
~Stephanie

Monday, August 4, 2014

Happy August Inspiration!

Welcome to Monday with Prickley Pear!  Can you believe it is August already?  We  have a beautiful mix of card inspiration for you today.  Behind the scenes we are gearing up for our new fall release...and we will soon be putting our our fall design team call!  Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of fun coming soon!  As always, leave us comments and let us know what you think!



Designer Angela Bode using: Sleepy Time Baby








Designer Tracy Thompson using: D041 Scallop circle nesting set, D045 Flourish die, D023 Mini Butterflies die set, CLR013c Scalloped circles and ovals 4 clear set, CLR023 Mini Butterflies clear set