Originally published on March 22, 2014 While on Pinterest, I kept running across these "One Sheet Wonders." I was very lost... And so I went hunting and found a ton of tutorials of how to make the most cards out of a sheet of DSP (12x12, 8 1.2x11, 6x6). I found this particular template from Crafty Steals:

I love that the template uses 12x12 paper and makes at least 11 cards. This got me to thinking about what I wanted to do with the OSW. I didn't want to make 11 cards using the same DSP just for me. But this would be a great way to make card sets for gifts. And so a master plan was born. My plan is to use the OSW method (using various various templates) to make sets of a dozen cards. Each OSW would be for a different occasion or holiday (e.g. Christmas, birthday, thank you, etc). Once I finish all 12 sheets, I will have 12 sets of cards to give as gifts for next Christmas. So simple!

I started my first sheet and ended up making four sheets worth of cards this first week. My first set is an Easter card. I ended up using Stampin' Up's Birds of a Feather DSP, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, and Raspberry Ripple cardstock, random Easter stamp, polka dot embossing folder, and patterned scissors. I love the variety of designs. I didn't follow the example cards exactly, but used them as guidelines for my own designs. My favorite of the bunch is actually the very first card (first picture, top left). I love the focus on the cute DSP.

My second set is a Birthday set. I used another sheet from the Birds of a Feather DSP pack. The colors and paper are the same as the Easter cards. I just threw in a birthday stamp I just bought from Michaels. I really love the squares card (first picture, top right).

The third set is for Father's Day cards. I love the masculine color and prints of the SU Parker's Patterns DSP. Perfect for Father's Day cards. I used a chevron embossing folder, random Father's Day stamp, Marina Mist cardstock and ink, Not Quite Navy cardstock and ink, and some kraft paper. My favorite card is the simple two pieces of DSP with a sentiment in between (third picture, bottom right).

The fourth set is for Anniversary cards. I wasn't going to make another set, but I had so many left over pieces from cutting two Parker's Patterns sheets that I could make another. The opposite side from the very masculine print was a cute little floralesque print in Marina Mist and Cherry Cobbler. I thought the print was perfect for Anniversary cards. Not too masculine, not too feminine, just right. I added in some Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler ink as well as brown and kraft cardstock and a baroque embossing folder to complete the cards. My favorite is the simply embossed card with the strip of DSP (first picture, bottom left).

Four sheets of DSP, some cardstock for bases, and a few scrap pieces for sentiments and I have 48 cards done! I plan on using a different OSW template for my next set of cards.

Originally published on June 3rd, 2013

I figured I should finally dedicate posts to my card crafting and scrapbooking. Over the past two weeks, I've done a lot of crafting. My first task was to finish the boys' scrapbooks for last summer. I am determined to be completely caught up before the baby comes in October. I've ordered our pictures from last September to now; should get those in a few days. Then I can get started on that section of pages to catch up. I'm planning on switched to Project Life for the family album in October. I want to start with a clean slate. The baby will also start with a Project Life album. The boys will stay the same, but I still want them all caught up.

Now on to the card making...

Last month I snapped up the Round Array Bundle (Stampin' Up) with the stamp set and punch. I couldn't wait to try it out. I used a pretty dark pink paper as a card base with a light pink paper to stamp onto. For the white paper, I used my swiss dot embossing folder and the Big Shot to give some dimensions. I like the randomness to this card.

A card class card. The original design was different. I messed up my designer paper piece, so I changed the design to work with what I had. I like the simpleness of this card. All supplies are from Stampin' Up.

A new technique I was trying. We made an awesome card at class using Versa mark and a brayer. I bought some glossy paper and tried it out. Unfortunately the color did not adhere evenly. I want to try it again and see if I get different results. I do kind of like the tie dye effect I attained by mistake. (Looks better in person)

Another class card. I like the simplicity of this card. The colors work well together to create a masculine multipurpose card.

Class card. We were focusing on retiring stamps. I love the play of pattern with the designer paper and the embossed piece.

I love the designer paper on this card. The colors are bright and very cheery! Class card.

This card came from me grabbing some random supplies and working with what I got. I'm not in love with this card, but something about the mix of patterns intrigues me. After finishing the card, I went back to add the metallic jewels. Without them, the card just looks plain.

Another random supply card. I would have loved to see a thicker font for better contrast. But I do love the flower I constructed. I layered different sizes and shades to create a better embellishment.

Class card. I never bought them, but the button stamps really grew on me in the last month or so. Plus, I love the designer paper.

Class card. Love the mix of patterns on this one.

Class card. I love the rock n roll technique to create two color stamps. But overall I'm not a fan of the colors and stamps on this card.

Class card. Love, love, love this card. I love the combo of purple, pink, and orange. I love the simple sentiment.

The following two cards were part of my homework assignment for stamp club. We had a general sketch. I decided to play with the alignment of the card to make two different cards. Both cards used Stampin' Up paper, stamps, and punches. I just love the Print Poetry designer paper pack from the spring catalog. I'm rationing the paper to make it last.