New Cards Using Hero Arts "Baby Animals" Stamp Set

I am starting a new way to create and post my cards.  Each week I will feature a specific stamp and make three or more cards using that stamp set.  My first stamp set is from Hero Arts called "Baby Animals."  It is so adorable I couldn't stop creating cards!

These have all been listed in my Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/FourEyesDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Hero Arts Baby Animals Stamp Set:  https://heroarts.com/collections/baby/products/dc148-baby-animals-stamp-amp-cut

Next week's featured stamp:  Reverse Confetti "Cute As a Button"

HOW TO: Decorative Flower Balls

Skill Level:  Easy

Time to Complete:  4+ Hours

Supplies Needed:  

• Patterned Papers
• Scallop or Circle Punch
• Scissors
• Hot Glue & Glue Gun
• Foam Ball
• Fishing Line
• Glitter, Mists or Ink (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)

I have made several of these balls to put in my shop, but wanted to get this how to up before listing all of them.  It has been a long labor of love as each ball has taken me at least four hours to complete and many stops and starts with each of them.  One of the great things about this project is that some of the steps are easy enough to do in front of the TV or when you have just a few minutes here and there.

Step 1:  Grab an assortment of patterned papers and punch at least 175 scalloped circles.  This will cover approximately 4" diameter foam ball.  Whether the paper is single or double sided does not make a huge difference.  My color scheme here was teal and lime green for my base colors.

Step 2:  Use a nice sharp pair of scissors and cut a spiral in each scalloped circle.  Try to keep your spiral even if you can, but having some parts thicker than others will be fine in the end.  You can stack a few of these at a time for faster cutting.

Step 3:  Roll up each spiral starting from the inside out.  Make sure your roll is very tight.  Once you've completed the roll, squeeze it between your fingers to make sure you have a tight round cone shape.  This will make the spiral keep its shape as we move on to Step 4.

Step 4:  Once you have all of your spirals rolled up tightly, go back and loosen each one up just a bit until you have a nice flower shape. 

Step 5:  Take your foam ball and tie fishing line around it.  Create a loop for hanging and keep it visible.  I have used a few methods here, including tape to help secure the fishing line, and hanging my ball while moving on to the next step.

Step 6:  Using a hot glue gun (mine is low temp), simply add a dime sized spot of glue to your foam ball and firmly press a spiral flower into it.  Repeat this step until your ball is full, trying to vary the color so that you get a nice mixture in the completed project.  

Step 7:  Check to make sure all of the flowers are secure.  If there are any loose areas, carefully insert the glue gun in that area and add a small amount of glue to secure them.

Step 8 (Optional):  Spray your ball with glimmer mist, roll in ink or add glitter to the edges of your flowers.  

Step 9 (Optional):  Tie ribbon at the top of your ball.  Enjoy!

The ball shown above is 5" diameter. 

To see the selection of balls I have available for purchase, click here.  Thanks for looking!

FOUR EYES DESIGNS: Shop Update

I added a couple new cards to my shop this week:

Hexagon and Scallops Card - $2.75

Love Card with Ivory Satin Bow - $3.00

FOUR EYES DESIGNS: Shop Update

I added two brand new cards to the shop today.  1+1=2 Wedding Card and My Sister is My Friend Card.  They are listed at $3.00 each.  Click here for more pictures and description or to purchase.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Our evenings

It has been an absolutely gorgeous fall week with temperatures starting in the 40's and 50's overnight and reaching into the 70's the past few days.  The leaves are turning brilliant colors--red, yellow and orange--which really stand out against the blue sky.  I need to get some photos before the snow starts flying.  Ha ha...kidding, though maybe not.

Almost every evening you can find me outside in our backyard soaking up the last of the day's sunshine and letting the chickens roam around our yard.  Sometimes I read and sometimes I just relax.  If the kids aren't busy they will come outside too.

Last night was just like that though short-lived.  It is pitch black by 7:00 PM.  Pretty soon I'll be coming home in the dark.  This is what our evening looked like:

 

Adelita (four months old)

Espresso (about 7 weeks old)

Smores

Marley (front) and Smores

My daughter swinging.  She's such a cool little thing.

My son - after I prompted him to give me a real smile he acted like he was tickling himself and this is the result.

When I'm not outside you can find me in my scrap room creating some custom popcorn boxes and treat bags for Four Eyes Designs.  I've had several orders recently and they've kept me busy.

I made 24 of these for a little girl's birthday party.

And I'm making 15 of these for a Saved by the Bell themed bachelorette party.  I recreated a design similar to the show's logo and am using three different phrases on them.  I need to finish these up in the next couple of days.

Not sure if I'll have a post next Thursday as I will be in Denver for a conference.  Looking forward to visiting a new city!

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I've been creating polymer clay pendants for awhile and finally got my first one listed in my shop this week.  Enjoy!

Click here for more details or to purchase.

THEY'RE HEEEEEERE!

It has been many months since I've been a regular blogger...bad me!...and no one has said a word.  I guess that means I'm talking to myself here, but it is a great way to record memories.  I have been wanting to pick up the blog again to do daily Monday - Friday posts so we'll see how this goes.

Ready?

Here are my latest shop offerings:

Stamped Polaroid Style Frame - Vintage Blue and Green on Kraft Cardstock (Set of 3)

Stamped Polaroid Style Frame - Vintage Pink on Kraft Cardstock (Set of 3)

and a layout:

FOUR EYES DESIGNS: Sneak Peek!

I purchased a few yummies at the store last weekend and I'm ready to create!  Look for items with hearts, stars and hydrangeas on them soon! 

You can also see a few clay pieces in progress...sunset pendants on the left and buttons on the right.

FOUR EYES DESIGNS: Sneak Peek!

I just picked up a new "Polaroid" frame stamp and had fun playing with it.  I will be offering these soon in my shop in various colors.  The ones shown here have a text background on kraft cardstock and are inked with blue and green. 

I have some more that are red/pink on kraft and I'm working on others that have a yellow smiley face on a white frame.  Look for them soon in the shop!

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I had a request for some custom Loopy Lavender buttons similar to these that are listed in my shop but in 3/4" size.   I had so much fun creating them!

I am so pleased because finally I've found a sealant that I am comfortable will hold up with gentle washing.  I am also expanding my supplies and techniques.  Slowly you will see the results being listed in the shop.  I have lots to share but have had a hard time getting a good quality photograph in these dreary Wisconsin winter days.  I need to invest in a good light box. 

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I listed a couple new fall themed items recently.  Click on the links for more details, photos or to purchase.

Thinking of You card - $2.75

Popcorn Box Set - $3.00

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I've listed a few new button sets this week.  Click on the links for more pictures, details or to purchase.


Blue Green Sparkle Mix

Blue and White Mix

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I have added some new double layer butterflies into my shop.  They are being sold for $1.75 for a set of 12.  Custom orders are welcome.  Here are two of my favorites:

Pink and Orange Polka Dot

Yellow Stripe

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

This week I've introduced another new item in my shop...layered butterflies with bling!  Each butterfly contains two layers and either a rhinestone or pearl accent.  The wings can be lifted for great dimension!  Sets of 12 are listed for $1.75.  I'll gladly take color combo requests or create a custom order just for you! 

This is one of my all-time favorites....polka dotted patterned paper in orange, pink, cream and kraft.  There are four different configurations for these so click on this link to see the full set.

And this set is yellow base topped with a striped butterfly in white/green/blue color combo and topped with a large yellow rhinestone.  This set contains 12 identical butterflies. 

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Buttons

I have added several new button sets into the shop and many more are to come!  These are two of my favorite sets:
Large Purple Square Geometric (Set of 3) listed at $1.50

and the Blue Green Heart Mix (Set of 6) for $2.00

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

Check out the brand new kit Robot Love featuring new My Mind's Eye 'Lil Robots line.  Perfect for boys!

See the rest of the kit contents here.  Only $14.95!

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

New buttons!!

The Citrus Mix set.  I love the bright sunny colors of this one.

And the lavender skies criss-cross set seems to be very popular with lots of views.

I have about 10 more button sets to list soon...keep a look out!

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

A couple of newly listed cards this week -

Life is Beautiful

Baby Girl

Click on the links for more info., photos or to purchase. 

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I listed a bunch of new buttons in the shop last week.  The previous batch sold quickly so let's see how these go.  I am getting happier and happier with each batch that I create and am getting pretty proud of my creations.  I finally have the sealing down to a preferred method and have discovered a better way to do the button holes without distorting the clay.  Yay!!

So...here are two of the newest sets:

Sunset Mix (click for more info. or to purchase)

Lavender With Blue Loops (click for more info. or to purchase)

FOUR EYES DESIGNS - Shop Update

I recently listed a new product in my shop...delicate vintage looking die cut butterflies.  They were hand stamped and punched and come tucked inside of a handmade envelope.  Aren't they cute?

Here's my favorite - a yellow/gray argyle pattern.

You can see more photos including a sample card I made with them here

Or how about this set in aqua blue?

Pictures of this one are at this link.