Star Spangled Mojo Birthday

Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (2)

It’s Monday, and you know what that means – creative day!  Yes, here’s my Mojo Monday card for the week.  I just LOVE these sketches, they always put out a great sketch and this week is no different.  Since it’s Independence day in the States this week, I thought I’d stick with the red,white and blue and offer up a star spangled flag look to my card.  I love the way it turned out – hope you do too!

Here’s this week’s sketch, if you haven’t tried this challenge out, I encourage you to do so to get your creative juices flowing:

Mojo352SketchClean and Simple Birthday Cards (1)

I love this card so much I decided to also enter it into the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge as well. Check it out here 

Creative Tips –

  • Instead of the long strip, I turned it into a banner to go along with the flag theme I was incorporating.  To give a nod to the constitution, I thought some script background would look great. Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (5)
  • If you are struggling with color sometimes it’s best to go the Vellum route.  Here you see the Chevron pattern embossed in white on Vellum Cardstock.  This worked great, and the first one I tried in white was just too much.  A more subtle approach was needed.
  • When thinking of the flag, you think stitching, right?  So some simple paper piercing can serve as the best accent.  I don’t know why I just can’t ever get my circles to stay in the right spot, but even a bit off centered, it works! Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (6)
  • If you want a more folksy looking star, and like me, you don’t have a punch or framelit to cut one, try sketching one and cutting it out.  I googled folk star images and just free-handed one off the screen.  Easy Peasy – much better then my true free hand cut ones…lol!
  • For a little drama, pop up your circle and card front.

Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (8)Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (7)

  • The greeting banner is perfect, could be for July 4th or a birthday.  Simple and to the point.  Just the right accent.

Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (3)

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and project.  Be sure to stop by later today, I have another project going live and more tomorrow.  Or better yet, join our Creative Tips list and get exclusive projects and a great video series delivered right to your inbox!  Thanks for joining me today – have a great start to your week!

Signature-Blog

Clean and Simple Birthday Cards (6)

Click here to join the Creative Tips List, and get your free exclusive projects, don’t miss out!

By The Seashore 4th of July

By the Seashore 001 001

Happy 4th of July!  I thought I’d make it a beach one this year since I’m usually on a beach every year!  Every year except this one – go figure!  So I’m bringing the beach to my 4th of July.  Usually we’re traveling this week, but today we’re hanging poolside Florida style.  I hope you have fabulous plans yourself – here’s a little good ‘ol Red, White and Blue for you from us here at The Creative Grove!By the Seashore 001 005

Creative Tips –

  • I needed a quick and simple card for today, so I created my own flag using Painters Tape and my Real Red Inkpad.By the Seashore 001 007
  • For my star field I used a piece of Midnight Muse that I distressed on the edges using the Distressing Tool – love that thing!
  • I popped up my stars for a little depth to the card.
  • I also matted my flag on a 1/16” border of Midnight Muse before going with a 1/8” border of Real Red.By the Seashore 001 003
  • I stamped the inside as well with the starfish to carry on the theme, in addition to my envelope.
  • I wanted a beach feel, so I grabbed my By the Seashore stamp set and used the starfish!  I can see this card in Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake for a Cape Cod feel too!
  • By the Seashore 001 002

It’s a quick and easy one – and I hope you love the result.  Off to get my ribs started and make the slaw!  Happy 4th!

Free DSP_edited-1

We’re celebrating this summer!!  This month – buy any three Designer Series Papers and get one free!  Here’s the scoop on this awesome special!

Signature Snowflake 001

To Shop 24/7 in the Creative Store – Click here!

By the Seashore 001 004

Stamp Sets – By the Seashore (126532c, 132582w) Ink – Real Red (126949), Midnight Muse (126860)  Paper – Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482), Midnight Muse (126843) Cool Tools – Distress Tool (127562) Finishing Touch –Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)