1/13/2012

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: Cool Tools Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the Cool Tools Blog Hop! It has been Cool Tools Week on Paper Crafts Connection and Moxie Fab World and today is the final day with a big blog hop for you! And there are HUGE prizes involved. But first, a look at the yummy new special issue:






Those projects on the cover look amazing, don't they? I just can't wait to get my copy of this issue! If you want to get a copy, it's available here.


So, today's mission is to inspire you with the creative use of punches. I have decided to use the technique of creating a sponged background using a border punch like I did on a card that is published in the Cool Tools magazine again. And because it is so much fun to play, I created a second card using a scalloped circle punch to make a pretty flower. Ha, two cards. AND a video. Yes, I thought it would be nice to show you how I created the background in a video. A lot to show, so I'll better get started! First, the card using a scalloped circle punch:





To create this flower, I punched about 9 scalloped circles from patterned paper, assembled them with a brad and started spritzing the center with water. Then I crumpled the center circle to the middle, spritzed again with water and crumpled the second layer to the middle and so on. Then I used a heat embossing tool to dry the flower and carefully un-crumpled it.


Here comes the second card:







Valentine's Day is coming closer :) Here I used this background sponging technique. Now, the video to show you how I did it:






Sorry, sometimes it is a bit wonky. And sometimes I don't find the right words. But I hope you'll like it nevertheless.


Now to the fun part of the blog hop! The prizes! First, leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win a copy of this amazing new special issue. All comments must be posted by midnight (MDT) on Sunday, January 15th. Then, hop on to the other designers' blogs to see their wonderful creations:




And finally, be sure to stop by the Paper Crafts Connection blog and leave a comment there! The prize package is HUGE! Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!

Thanks so much for visiting and have a beautiful day!

Vanessa

Note: Comment moderation is on. This is a scheduled post and I will control the comments when returning from work, so don't worry that your comment is not showing up :)

221 comments:

1 – 200 of 221   Newer›   Newest»
~amy~ said...

LOVE them BOTH...amazing work with the 2nd card...such a fab technique!

ByMcKenzie said...

Such such beautiful cards and both are so unique!

Tara Cardwell said...

The sponged background is simply stunning! What a genius idea!

Manasa said...

Love the big flower , what an impact it leaves one with...brilliant !

Hussena said...

both your cards look so beautiful i love the scallop flower on the first one and the fab sponging technique in the second thanks for the inspiration and the video

Irene said...

Please...no apologies on the video! I greatly appreciate seeing how you created the beautiful cards!! Love the scalloped flower idea as well. Thanks for sharing your talent and creativity!

Karen Dunbrook said...

well done...love the kraft with the red and white...

Cindy S. said...

Gorgeous projects!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the fabulous inspiration! Both your cards are awesome!

Helene said...

Great video technique, thanks for sharing.

Patti Jo said...

The scalloped circles make a great flower and really like how you've done the background on the second card! Thanks for the video!!!

Deirdre said...

Wow Vanessa, amazing cards. Love how you offset the scallops to create the background. Great video too.

Natka said...

Wunderschöne Karten! Mir gefält der Kontrast zwischen rot und beige...

Jeanette M. said...

Amazing cards, Vanessa! I love that flower. I've tried making them before, but they never turn out that nice. I'll have to try your way of making them (spritz with water after putting them together with the brad).
Thanks for sharing your background technique!

Luanne said...

Beautiful cards! and thanks for showing a video on the technique used on your 2nd card.

Unknown said...

Beautiful card! And thanks for the fantastic video tutorial!

Tiffani said...

Wow! Beautiful cards!

Julie Ann said...

I love the flower on your card it is such a beautiful focal point.

Jen W. said...

That crumpled flower is brilliant and the sponged background is stunning! Wow!

Bethany Stellpflug said...

Beautiful, beautiful card! I'm gonna have to try to make a flower that way!

Lee said...

Your scalloped flower is adorable! thanks!

Nancy said...

A very clever way to sponge onto a card to create a beautiful background. I've done sponging before but never thought to use a punch as a stencil. Thanks for sharing your ideas and your video was good.

Nicole Doiron said...

What a cool flower! And easy to do too! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

Mary-Anne V said...

Love when simple punches can be used to make beautiful things like your flower....thanks for the chance to win!

Helen F. said...

Gorgeous, Vanessa! Thanks for the informative how-to video!

Brenda C said...

What a clever idea! I love using punches on my cards and this is a great new technique for me to try. Thanks for the inspiration and for the video too!

Houses Built of Cards said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS work! LOVE the sponging technique!!!

housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

Sandi said...

thanks for the great ideas~

Scrappin4kim(Jennifer) said...

Awesome technique, thanks for sharing!!! I'll have to try this today.

Amrita said...

Lovely cards! Great sponging technique! Thanks for sharing!

tape said...

Beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing the instructions.

Annette Allen said...

beautiful cards...thanks for sharing..

Michelle said...

I like all the dimension you got on your sponged background. The scalloped flower turned out perfectly.

Dwita said...

Hi Vanessa. Meet again.. Love your cards, especially the last one.. Beautiful color combo.

Miriam Prantner said...

These are just beautiful! LOVE that big old flower on the first one and all the chipboard accents and stitching, and the background on the second looks A-Mazing! So much depth. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Oh I love your card! how the flower pops up! great work!

Anonymous said...

Amazing cards, Vanessa! That flower is such a great idea and the second Valentine's card is gorgeous! Two techniques I will definitely have to try. Fun blog-hopping with you! ~Stephanie Halinski (P.S. If you pick my comment, be sure to pick someone else to win the issue! :)

Marlena M. said...

Beautiful! I love the techniques of both. ;)

Beth said...

Love the 3D flower! That would also be great instead of bows on presents!

Unknown said...

Wow! I can't believe how cool this effect is! I have never seen a flower like this before! Gorgeous!

DonnaSue said...

Thanks for the video and wonderful projects! Always looking for more ideas to use my tools!

Helen said...

Wow!! They are beautiful!

Jessica Wekenman said...

I love your cards and techniques, Vanessa! Your cards are always so fresh and fabulous! I especially love your flower made from scallop circles! I will definitely have to give that one a try! :)

SandeeNC said...

Very nice technique, love the flower you made!

veronica b. said...

never thought of using a punch as a template to sponge with! great idea!!

Julie Shearer said...

Love your cards. I have made so many of the flowers you used. I have never put them on a card , untill now. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

Ellen said...

Clever technique. Glad I watched the video!

calamity jane said...

I think this flower is the prettiest I've seen in a long time! Thanks for the tutorial on how you did it!! I love the video..wonky parts & all!

hellen5 said...

I love this idea of using border punches for backgrounds!!!

Cassidy said...

Great job! And I love that you use a makeup sponge! I've been waiting forever to order my CTMH sponges and am glad to know that these will work as well when I'm in a pinch :)

Kimberley said...

Thank you for the great tutorial! I never thought of using my border punches this way. And I love your cards...so pretty!

Summer Braxton said...

that flower is amazing!! i think I can make one too :) Thanks for putting in the extra time for a video tut. too.

Barbara said...

The scalloped circles make a great flower and your card is lovely. I liked the sponged background as well. That offers lots of possibilities too!

JaniceA said...

Beautiful cards, your video was very informative, great technique. Thank you
janiceaeschliman.blogspot.com

Sue McRae said...

Beautiful cards Vanessa! Love all the layers on your flower!

Tina Johnson said...

Great techniques, and thanks for the ideas!

Jessica Strider said...

What awesome ideas. I've never thought of using a punch to create patterned paper. Thanks. :)

michib said...

Love both cards! can't wait to try using a punched border as a mask for inking.

Michelle said...

The flower you made is awesome.

Judy1223 said...

Wow, Vanessa, these are amazing cards! Thanks for taking the time to do the video, too...great ideas!

mea5798 said...

wowwww vanessa what beautiful cards! and it means so much that you would take the time and explain how you did! thank you! marie

Marla said...

What a great idea. I love that I can use all my border punches for other things. I need to "think outside the box" more often!!

Unknown said...

What a fun sponge technique! Good to know!

Robin Gibson said...

Love both cards, how pretty they are! And I thought you're video was great!

Auntie Em said...

Your cards are both so pretty. I can't wait to try that gorgeous flower from the first and the pretty design from the second. Great tutorial.
Thank you for sharing! :)

diana said...

Great cards! Thanks for the ideas & inspiration! ;-)

Pop said...

Love both your cards....

CLB said...

Love the cards so pretty. I love the flowers.
keaunalynn@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Great cards and thanks so much for the video showing us how to do the technique. It is always appreciated!!

Ashlee
ashlee@musemyworld.com

Anonymous said...

Love both of them, Vanessa! Thanks so much for the fab video and for the chance to win a copy of this great issue!

SusanHellinger said...

Just beautiful, thanks for the stamping tutorial.

Maggie said...

Brilliant idea - I love it!

Unknown said...

Vanessa, both cards are gorgeous! Love the flower tutorial and the video. TFS!

Linda Harris said...

Awesome tutorial!!! Love them both projects!!!

Cryss said...

Great cards! The second one is especially beautiful!

Rachel B. said...

Love the big flower ans the sponge background!

Marie said...

Such fabulous cards! TFS =)

Cheryl said...

Thanks so much for your video tutorial and for sharing this beautiful technique. Can't wait to try it.

Dorothy C. said...

Beautiful cards and a great video. Thanks for sharing.

Isabel Z said...

Wow, such amazing works of art. I love what you created.

Jessica K said...

Love your cards!

debb said...

Amore! your cards!

TenSGal said...

Love how you did the backgrounds...such beautiful cards!
Thanks for the chance to win!

Susan

Hattie said...

Great card ideas! I love how you used the ink and mask. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Cool Tools!

hattieshaven.blogspot.com

Carolynn said...

Both cards are lovely-- I'll be trying out these fun techniques-- and thanks for the video tutorial.

Tanya said...

These are beautiful! I love that sponged background, how clever!

Scrapycandy said...

Very nice. I love the shading. Thank you!

Colleen said...

very very cool...love the flower.

marie said...

Love the color combination on the second card and the way the flower turned out on the first!

Lillian Child said...

Spritzing with water!! That is the step that always eludes me when I go to make my own paper flowers. Yours is SO lovely! Thanks for sharing the video!

Ullen said...

Thank you for such a good tip! I'm learning so much from this blog hop :)

Toni K said...

That background is phenomenal!!! Beautiful cards!

Peggy said...

Great flower and love the background on the second card.
Blessings,
Peggy Allen

Sue D said...

Beautiful flower on the first card and thanks for the video showing how to make the backgrounds.

Katie said...

I may have to try making that flower! Such great ideas.

reddbudd said...

This is a great new idea for me. Can't wait to play with it

Ravengirl said...

What a cool effect you achieved by sponging the border punches!

Dee Tollaksen said...

Great vintage style cards. Love 'em!

Valarie (vampme3) said...

Wow! Both projects are gorgeous!

Melissa said...

LOVE the flower!!!! It is wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Katie said...

I love your crumbled flower, this is definitely an idea I want to try, your card is beautiful, I love all of the detail! And the background on the second card is pretty cool as well, I would like to try this also. Great cards!! Thanks for sharing.

Katie B.

Sheri said...

I have to try both these ideas. I love the flower and the background sponging is beautiful. It looks like there is depth there. Wow!

hodgins said...

These are so soft and pretty - very elegant!

Chunyuan said...

what a great idea!

Dawn T said...

Beautiful cards and lovely video Vanessa. Thanks for sharing

Chris Dring said...

Wow! These cards are amazing! Also, thank you so much for the tutorial! I'm going to try this technique out for sure!
cdring at comcast dot net

Swedie said...

I like the lacy look.

Noreen
http://www.craftlinky.com/

Jessie G. said...

Great project!

goodjessie at hotmail.com

Emily Keaton said...

WOW! Both of these are SO beautiful!

Leanne said...

Amazing flower! I'll have to try your technique! Thanks!

Mariana Grigsby said...

I love the second card! Awesome background!

Kristen said...

Loved both cards.....your colors are simply gorgeous and soft.

Shelly said...

Beautiful cards, so detailed!

Renee V said...

This is an amazing technique and your video is wonderful, thank you for sharing it with us!

Melinda said...

WOW to both! Thanks for sharing the video and both cards are amazing!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

OHHHH! Great cards--that flower is super LUSH! And I LOVE your video!!!! You are amazing:)

Mrs. Gibson's Class said...

Love your ideas! Thanks for sharing!

kiwimeskreations said...

Awesome projects, and thanks so much for the video.
Blessings
Maxine

Sandi said...

I will definitely have to try this....It looks absolutely lovely. Thank you for a wonderfully done video.

Marionment said...

Love the cards!!

JaxandAsyMom said...

I really like the textures on both of the cards. Thanks for sharing.

Kimberly S. said...

Ooooo...I always love a good flower on a card, so of course, I love your first card. But your 2nd card blows me away!! I LOOOVE the masking with the punched paper!! SUCH a great idea!! Thank you for the video as well!!

Susan said...

That flower is awesome! Thanks for the chance to win!

Moosisk said...

WOW! I love these cards! The flower is so incredible and the border punched background is amazing! Thanks for the inspiration. :D

pcm said...

great video!

The Wolverina /// said...

Oh those cards are beautiful!! What a neat idea on how to make that gorgeous flower!! :)

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

Wow, I love the flower made with circles!!! That is stunning and thank you so much for the great video, I love when I can learn new techniques!
Lisa
lisascreativeniche at gmail.com

Angie said...

These are both amazing!

Marla said...

Wow, that flower is something else!

mimi said...

Gorgeous cards! Thanks for the tutorial, can't wait to try this!

Lindsey said...

Thanks for the video showing exactly how you do your background -- very helpful! Beautiful cards today.

Kitty said...

What an interesting technique. Love how the first card is so 3D. Thanks also for the chance to win!

Emily H said...

You are very talented! Thank you for sharing!

wilcoxdesigns said...

I love learning another use for the fabulous border punches.

Miss Kathy said...

Love the flower, so full and pretty. Great video too. Will have to try that masking technique. Thanks for a chance to win.

Kathyb said...

Thank you for a new technique that I will HAVE to try - using punches to make a mask for card backgrounds! So PRETTY!

Kathyb said...

Love the punch masking technique!
Thanks!

crazyoldsyd said...

love them so much

Pam said...

Love your cards! The scallop punch flower is so pretty and the sponged background is genius. Thanks for the video sharing haow to create the backgrounds.

Kris in Alaska said...

Fabulous! I love them both!

Kris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com

Betty Meyskens said...

Unbelievable - the flower is absolutely gorgeous. Both cards are works of art! Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

judy said...

I love this technique, Vanessa!
Thanks for the inspiration and
video.

carriep said...

love your scrunched flower. wouldn't have thought of making it that way.

Sharon said...

Wow great projects, I especially like the big flower! Really appreciate the video on making designer paper

mandalj said...

That flower is amazing! Love it!

Emma J. said...

Fantastic! I love the awesome texture in your cards!

Unknown said...

Fantastic idea of a great way to use a punch!

FrancineB said...

Fabulous cards! Love the dimensional rose and the besutiful lacey background of the second card.

Carol said...

This blog is awesome. I am learning so much about punches and the different things to use them for. Thanks for the chance.

Angela said...

Great cards. Love the sponged background!

Larissa Heskett said...

THANKS for sharing your FABULOUS CREATIONS!! I also LOVED the video!! THANKS for the INSPIRATION and have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!!

kisha said...

great video. I would love to win this issue!!!
Kisha

Helen L said...

I love what you did with both cards! the flower tutorial is great, and I love the sponged border look!

Sue VanDeVusse said...

That background is so beautiful and elegant! Loved your video and can't wait to try this.

N@ Ali said...

great background! thank you for the video!

krcmasterpiece said...

Your flower is BIG & BOLD! Love it! The 2nd card is really nice too. I like that bakers twine, the flower punch & stamp.

Grá O'Neill said...

Beautiful cards, using the border to sponge the background created a great effect :)

Conniecrafter said...

VERY COOL technique, tfs the video!

Barbara Greenberg said...

That scalloped punch flower is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing

rush said...

beautiful projects. thank you for sharing.

Message Keeper said...

Thanks for sharing this background sponging technique using border punch! I bookmarked your page for future references!

ann said...

Great background video. I may give it a try. Thanks for a chance to win. Ann O.

NatQuebec said...

wonderful cards ! and thanks for the video :-)

Cara G said...

Love both of your cards! The flower is beautiful...I'll definitely be trying that for a special V Day card. I also love the background you created on the other card...so creative! Thanks for the GREAT ideas!

Samantha Mann said...

Both cards are just stunning! Wow! And you're right! Perfect for valentines day!

Sadie said...

This a very good background technique. Loved your video. I am definitely going to give it a try.

Jeni said...

Great card! I love the large flower you created.

jess457682001 said...

Absolutely LOVE the scalloped circle turned into a flower. Now I feel that is something that I could actually do:) Thanks for sharing!

sharon g said...

Great flower making technique!

B. Poteraj said...

WOW, I love the background. I didn't notice it at first...

B. Poteraj said...

I really like the flowers and the background. You did a great job.

Linda said...

Love both cards and especially to first one with the flower. Flowers are my favorite embellishment and always enjoy seeing how others use them. Thanks for sharing.

Linda D.

Pam said...

Absolutely beautiful

cgargus said...

Absolutely wonderful!! Thanks for the tutorial! LOVE that background! Thanks for the chance to win!

Nancy said...

WOW! These cards are just stunning, Vanessa! You are so creative and talented. Thank you for the wonderful, inspiring video too! Such a cool technique! You have such a lovely sweet voice too!

BettyBee said...

WOW! I really love the background sponging technique! The flower is really pretty, too.... but the sponging is really cool! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Nicki S said...

This is beyond creative! Really nice work :)

Lynne in NI said...

Oh wow, these are stunning! Thanks for the video too!

Isha Gupta said...

Gorgeous cards and thanks for the wonderful video.

Bree Salyer said...

I absolutely LOVE the All About Me mini album. So cute!

veronica said...

love your ruffly flower. the colors are great too.

Scrapping Galaxy said...

Love that flowers!

lynda said...

Very creative cards! I'd like to win a copy of Cool Tools.

Janet's Joy said...

Thanks for sharing your technique!

Kelly Massman said...

Gorgeous! TFS! thanks for a chance to win! And, have a GREAT day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Denise Bryant said...

Great cards! I love the ideas for using punches on this hop!
DeniseB

stampingbowd said...

Wow!! Amazing projects! TFS the video. I can't wait to try it!!!!

Michelle said...

gorgeous! love both of your cards!!

Indy's Designs said...

Really like your work!

SouthernMrs said...

I just love your masking idea! I really want to try this one. TFS!!!

Tanja said...

Lovely cards, I make similar scalloped flowers on my cards, they are so much fun. I like how your flower has a white underside to the layers.

Vicki said...

Amazing cards. Thanks for the instructions and inspiration.

Vicki
vwilson577 at yahoo.com

sciolek3 said...

What a great idea to use a border punch for a stencil

Sharon J said...

The flower is beautiful, and tks for the time to take the video, it's GREAT!!

DanielleMW said...

Wow! That flower is just gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful cards Vanessa! Absolutely love that flower - stunning!

redstampinsam said...

You have been busy...WOW. Thanks for encouraging me to put my own thinking cap on!

Yelowflower said...

wow...what a neat technique. good job

Tammy Nyenhuis said...

Very cute!

Maya Isaksson said...

That's an awesome flower! I love it! How many fun techniques you have used, so much fun!

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 221   Newer› Newest»