More Interactive Cards

So, I've been on this interactive card kick this summer.  My customers have really enjoyed learning new cards that slide open, pop up, or do something fun.  The first workshop I did back in May was a little more difficult. . .the second round will actually be easier.  Here's what I've come up with for my second round workshop (June 25th & 28th):

Okay--so this was my favorite card of the bunch.  I learned how to make this card years ago at a team meeting, and what I like about it is that, when it's folded flat, it fits in a regular envelope.  I started with a piece of cardstock 10 1/2 x 5 inches.  I scored the cardstock at 2 1/4, 4 1/2, 6 1/4, 8 and 9 1/4 inches.  Starting with the 2 1/4 line, make it a mountain fold, the next one a valley, the next one a mountain, etc., to get the zig-zag structure of the card.  After that, it's just a matter of embellishing each layer like you want it.  Note that, on the second and third panels, I added another piece of cardstock to get the height I wanted for that layer (just make sure each layer is a little taller than the one in front of it).

I used the stamp set "Look Who's. . ." (D1502) for this card, and it was perfect for it!  I love the "party" banner running across the second layer (you can cut the banner pennants on your Art Philosophy cartridge and stamp them with the matching stamps).  You also get a set of numbers in this stamp set, so you can personalize the card with the recipient's age.   To order this stamp set, visit my website, http://christina.myctmh.com    Don't forget that stamp sets are BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE in the month of June!!  Also, FYI, I used paper from the Superhero paper packet.

This card is a "spinner card."  When you tilt it to the side, the girl will turn somersaults.  She doesn't always end up on her feet, but it's still cute!!  The stamp set I used is "Child's Play" (D1515).  There's also a little boy kicking a football in this stamp set, and he works on this spinner, too.  Essentially, to make a spinner card, you decide where you want the slot for your focal point to spin.  In this case, I think I drew a line 1 1/4 inch from the bottom across the back of the card front.  Then, I punched a circle with my 1/2" circle punch centered on that line (I just punched it in as far as the punch would go).  Then, I used my paper trimmer to cut a track from one circle to the other (the track will be somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide).  To make the spinner mechanism, I took two pennies and stuck them together with a piece of foam mounting tape.  If you have circular 3D foam dots, they work great.  If you're using a square piece, I recommend rounding the corners a bit.  Then, you put your stuck-together pennies into the slot with one in front of the slot and one in the back.  It should roll back and forth down the slot.  Then, add your image to the front of the penny.  Mount your card front onto the card with foam tape.

 I'm not sure what you call this next card--maybe an Accordian Card of sorts.  One of my customers received a card like this from a friend, so I had to borrow it and figured out how to make it.  It starts with a 4 x 12 strip of cardstock.  I scored it at 2, 4, 8 and 10 inches.  I also made a little mark at the top and bottom at 6 inches, so I'd know where the middle point is.  Then, I use a ruler and a scoring tool to make the diagonal lines.  I've added a diagram. . .my apologies that it's sideways.  Each time I try to put it on my blog, it turns it sideways!!!  By the way, I used paper from the Florentine paper packet and the stamp is B1400, Beautiful Friendship.

So, the last card idea I got from Rhonda Leeper, one of my team members.  This card is made up of three concentric circles, attached by brads.  So, when you pull on the ribbon tab (which is only attached to the smallest top circle), the card comes open to reveal the three stacked circles.  Hey, wouldn't this be cute in winter with snowmen?!  I used the Dotty for You paper pack and the Hooray Bouquet stamp set (one of my FAVORITES).  The colors I used were Buttercup, Lagoon, Sunset, Smoothie and Sweet Leaf.

Give Me Something Deep Fried and Covered in Chocolate!

Okay, maybe not deep fried AND covered in chocolate, but deep fried.   We have a bumper crop of zucchini this year, and one of our favorite (though naughty) ways of eating it is breaded and fried.  I got a recipe from Southern Living last year that I've used again and again for breading.  We've tried it on okra, zucchini and onion rings, and it works great for all of them.  This is not something you want to eat often, but it's a fun occasional treat!

BUTTERMILK FRIED OKRA/ZUCCHINI/ONION RINGS

1 1/2 c. self-rising white cornmeal MIX (I think I'm currently using Aunt Jemima)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (you can adjust this to taste)
Oil for frying
Buttermilk

Soak sliced okra, zucchini slices or onion rings in buttermilk.  Stir together cornmeal mix, salt, sugar and red pepper.  Dredge the buttermilk-soaked veggies in the coating and fry in oil heated to about 375 degrees (sometimes I use my Fry Daddy and sometimes I put an inch or two in a really big skillet).   Fry until golden brown.  Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. 

We serve our zucchini with ranch dressing for dipping.

I often have to double this recipe if I'm making a big batch.

A Really Good Deal on Really Great Stamps!!



During the month of June, purchase two stamp sets and get a third stamp set (of equal or lesser value) ABSOLUTELY FREE!  And, the more you order, the more stamp sets you get free!!  Order six sets, get two of them free--order nine sets, and get THREE of them free (note that it will always be the lowest priced sets that are free).  To take advantage of this great offer, shop online at http://christina.ctmh.com or give me a call!

June Stamp of the Month--How "Tweet It Is!"