Woohoo...! I love classes....

....and today is the first day back in "Class" over that the awesome  "Online Card Classroom", where I am taking their newest workshop - Clean & Simple 3,  focusing on One Layer Cards!   I have been looking forward to this for days and already I can already tell, that this will be another class that I'll totally LOVE!!   Yippee!!

    As always, I can't share all the wonderful tips and techniques we learn in each of the classes, but I can share the cards I make, based on what I have been inspired by and today, I loved everything that was shared.  I should also note that it certainly is bonus that we have three amazing designers creating and sharing their wonderful videos with us on Day One!    The first card I have to share was inspired by a card that Kristina created and although I created my "One Layer Card" using a different methods, colors and such, it's very much like her card except for my "Oops" moment, which happened when I realized that I had scored my card incorrectly, so when I folder it, the front was shorter than the back.  But, I found a really easy and fun solution and what I did was take a piece of matching "Washi Tape" and adhered it to the inside of my card so that it showed through from the front and actually had it tie into the design.  Hope you like it!!

   I used a variety of little circle stamps and one little Heart Stamp, along with 2 different Shadow Ink colors, plus some Hero Arts Ink Spray which I flicked onto my card to create the tiny random dots of teal color. My Sentiment is from a set called, "Handwritten Messages" and is brand new from the Spring Exclusive collection at SSS!   It's also one I particularly love because it was created by Kristina and is her beautiful handwriting.   All of the black dots and the heart were created using more stamps along with Versamark Ink and Black Sparkle Embossing Powder from Ranger.   Oh and I should note that whenever you are created true "One Layer Cards", you'll want to be certain to use a very nice quality cardstock.  For this card I created my card base with some Neenah Solar White 110# Cardstock, which is fabulous heavyweight cardstock.  

   My next card was totally inspired by Shari Carroll who also created a very cute "balloon" themed Birthday Card using the same SSS Die Set I used for my card.  The idea of die-cutting my balloon from strips of matching papers, also came from Shari, but it is something I've done in the past!!  All of the papers I used today were pulled from my Scrap bin, and this is one great use for them.   I am so pleased that I bought it set of dies and want to thank my friend "Terri" who enabled me a bit, after she fell in love with them, after seeing this card that Jennifer shared on her blog.   Awesome, don't you agree!!   NOTE:   This card is one that some would say is NOT truly a ONE layer, because I added my card panel (design) to a pre-colored note-card, but in my world, this is pretty darn close!!   I also had another OOPS moment and had to add on the little black heart at the very end to cover a spot where ink splashed on my card, just as I was finishing up.  That too, is technically another layer, but I was so happy with the card, and bummed that I ruined it, so this was the only way to fix it and since it took quite a bit to time for created I did not want to start all over!

  And last, but by no means least, I have this card which was my own take off of the card that the fabulous Debby Hughes created and shared with us in her fantastic video today.  You might be noticing by now that I'm using a lot of the same colors and that's something I often do when I'm working on multiple cards.  I used what's "on my desk" and that not only saves me time, but is a great way to use up scraps and not waste any of the my "Precious Cardstock/Paper", as if I don't have enough to last a lifetime!  LOL!!  Both this card, as well as the Balloon card were created to be one layer, by actually in-laying the die pieces into the card base and each of the designers has shared their own awesome tips and hints as to how they do this!   I always LOVE that I learn something new or a great time saving tip and that's another reason, I am also so happy to be part of these classes!!  I really can't say enough about how much I LOVE them and I always HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who loves to create cards!!  

   The first heart on the left, was actually die cut from the same piece I used for my large balloon.   And the others were cute from assorted scraps using this fabulous Heart's a Plenty Die & Stamp Set, again from SSS.   The "Love" die is another Exclusive, and again, created in Kristina's handwriting...Love IT!!   Yes, it's true I LOVE their exclusive items and every since Kristina and Shari joined the team, they expanded into their own line so much more.  I also love the Monthly card kits and enjoy taking part in Simon's challenges too!!  They are one of my favorite stores and the service for me, is always excellent. I am also very grateful for the discount they provide to each student, not to mention all the prizes they donate too!   Thank YOU!!

  My next stop will be over at the Class Gallery where I can share today's cards.  I'll also stop by the forums and read up on the new comments or questions, which are always very interesting.   There are already quite a few amazing cards in The Gallery and I love seeing what everyone creates and shares!   

   Before I go, and as promised I am also sharing the cute little cards/project that I created yesterday at the Amuse Open House I attended.   They are all very cute and are also very easy and fun to make.   Amuse favors making smaller "note-cards" and what's fun is that you can actually create three of these cuties all from one piece of cardstock.   They measure 3 1/2" X 5" and they sell the matching sized envelopes!   They are perfect to use in many ways and also a great for gift cards too!   

              

   All of the papers, die cute, ribbons, stamps and inks were used on each of these projects are from Amuse and all can be ordered from your Amuse Representative.   This link will take you to my Rep,  (Tobey's) online store, and you can buy directly from her, if you do not have your own rep.   Of course, I immediately came home and placed an order and you'll can look forward to seeing more of the adorable mini checked cardstock, which is back in their catalog.  They also have adorable polka dotted paper and some of the prettiest sequins I have seen.  Love the size and the colors and added more of those too!   Not to mention their fabulous stamps and gorgeous ribbons!!   A new edition is the cute crepe paper we used on the first two projects.  I also loved making these fun and easy little goodie bags and Amuse sells these food safe bags in a variety of sizes!!  They pretty much have all you need to create all types of fun papercraft projects! 

   Well that's it for me....I'm currently up in my craft room with all three of the dogs, which are NOT happy because there is a "stranger" downstairs (a Dell Technician) here to fix "Daddy's" Laptop.   My two puppies, are very very protective and also get very timid around strange/new men, so we are very careful to keep them apart, to make it easier for all!    Believe it or not, they also like "Dog TV' and yes it's TV for dogs and was free for awhile on DirecTV, so I taped several episodes for them.  I never knew a thing about it, but from what I've seen, they really seem to enjoy it.  If you have pups you have to leave alone or want to keep content at times, it may work for you, you can read more about it and find out if it's available in your area -- Go here for more info!!   I'm been pretty impressed, but no sure I would ever "Buy" it....free is fine!!   But, even with all my "distractions" they all want OUT and I sure hope he is almost done, as it'sh ard to keep them in only two rooms, when they want to run around and play!  Plus, I know they'll need to go outside very soon.