family layout | pebbles inc.

I shared a layout featuring my family and a little introduction of myself over on the Pebbles blog last week.  I thought I'd share here as well!

Hi Pebbles friends! I've been around for a while, but many of you haven't...so first of all - WELCOME! I'm Wendy Sue and I am a tried and true Pebbles fan! I love creating cards, layouts, and all things paper with the fun and beautiful designs created by the talented team at Pebbles! I thought I'd share a few tidbits about myself, along with a layout I created recently.

The most important part of my life...my whole life...are the people in this photo! My family. My husband. Three sons. One daughter. And one son-in-law.

We live in a high mountain valley in Utah. It's the beginning of June and there's still snow - just a hop, skip, and a jump away!! We love it here. We enjoy all things outdoors - hiking, biking, walking, swimming, boating - all the things!!

When I'm not outside, you can usually find me creating something fun with paper. Or reading a good book. Or baking my favorite cookies.

My degree (and my day job) is in accounting...so I'm pretty much working with paper in one way or another all the time. I also enjoy teaching people how to make beautiful projects, document their memories, and create cards to share with special people! Here's a quick little tutorial for the subtle little shaker box at the bottom of my layout (did you see it?).

Start by stitching two vellum "pockets" onto patterned paper. I trimmed this fun polkadot paper to 11" x 11" and added two pieces of vellum - one to the top and one to the bottom - the middle will be covered by the photo and coordinating paper later.

Make sure to leave the top part of the bottom piece open (stitch the left, bottom, and right edges only)

You can find some confetti, or use one of the puffy stickers from the collection (if you don't think you'll use it otherwise).

Cut open the sticker.

Pour in the confetti.

Now stitch along the top to close the shaker! And finish building the layout on top of it.

Thanks so much for stopping by today - I hope you're inspired to try something new. Come back soon!!

And here are some quick links to the products I used for this page:

picnic basket gift | pebbles inc.

You guys - I'm so sad that I didn't share these projects a long time ago. Even though the same products aren't available, the ideas are still fun, so I thought I'd share anyway!  This is a quick picnic basket gift project I shared on the Pebbles Inc. blog a long time ago - enjoy!  Summertime is the best time for picnics, but that doesn't mean you have to take a full day or even pack a full picnic basket.  Instead, make a mini picnic basket with paper, fill it with a quick treat, and deliver it to someone special!  I created a basket to fill with muffins for a quick morning drop-off to a sweet friend!  It was quick and easy and I love how it turned out - I hope she does too!

   

 Here's a quick photo tutorial for making this project.  Start by downloading a digital cut file for the picnic basket.  Cut it out twice - once out of woodgrain paper, for the outside; and once out of this traditional red and white gingham print to line the inside.  The purpose of this is two-fold; to replicate an actual picnic basket AND to make it heavy-duty!

   

 Be sure to cut the mirror image for the inside (liner) of the basket.  Next, glue the two layers together.

   

 Now begin assembling the basket. Be sure to use extra strong adhesive to hold everything together!  

 Next, add the lid and handle with small brads.  Aren't those flaps perfect for the lid?!?

   

 Finally, just to add a little finishing touch, layer a few die-cuts and tie them onto the handle of the basket.

   

 Here's a look at the completed basket.

   

 To complete the project, add a treat (or two! These bakery muffins fit inside perfectly!).  

 Now deliver a sweet treat to a special friend or neighbor!

   

 A picnic for breakfast!  What could be more fun than that?  Not much!  

Supplies I used to create this project: Simple Life "Music" Patterned Paper Simple Life "Bougainvillea" Patterned Paper Simple Life "Simple Greetings" Patterned Paper Simple Life Ephemera Die Cuts Simple Life

let your cards do the talking | pebbles inc.

I can't believe I didn't share these cards when I originally created them - I think these are two of my favorite cards ever! I used the "Girl Squad" collection from Pebbles, Inc., which, sadly is not widely available.  But if you happen to have some in your stash - here are some fun ideas! And if not...just choose another fun collection to create a similar look!! 

 

 I used two different patterned papers with "journaling" or text...in addition to the little square sentiment cards.  Of course I'll write on the inside, but honestly, the outside says it all!  Here's how easy it is to whip up these cards: Start with a text paper base (4" x 5 1/4"):

   

  Next, cut a 4" x 3" piece of a coordinating text paper and place it on the base:  

  Now add the sentiment square:

   

  Cut a paper doily in half and place it under the middle block:  

  The next step is to cover the rough edge with a strip of coordinating paper and tie a black string around the entire piece:

   

  Add a strip of coordinating washi tape across the top of the block:  

  Add a few stickers (I added leaves and a flower):

In addition, I used foam adhesive squares to pop up the flower:

Finally, place the entire piece on a white cardstock base:  

 See how easy that was?  So easy, you can whip up another one in no time at all!  

 Next time you have to make a card, choose papers with text, or journaling in the design and let your card do the talking!! 

  Supplies: Girl Squad Stickers Girl Squad Washi Tape Girl Squad "Hello Friends " Patterned Paper Girl Squad "Besties" Patterned Paper Girl Squad "Happy Day" Patterned Paper Girl Squad "Girl Squad " Patterned Paper 

quick and easy card set | pebbles inc.

I found another set of cute little cards that I neglected to share here...so I'm sharing them today, even though I can't find the products any longer.  No need to fear though - you can always find a pretty floral paper collection and use the same concepts to create your own version!   

 Would you like to see just how quick and easy these cards really are?  Alright!  Begin by gathering some beautiful floral-y supplies - like these from the new Patio Party collection! For each card, cut a card base from white cardstock - the front should measure 5 1/2" x 4 1/4." Cut one patterned paper to 5 1/4" x 4" and three smaller coordinating pieces for each card 2" x 3 1/2 each.  Cut the cute banners from one of the patterned papers. Gather stickers, layered 3d stickers, ephemera pieces, twine, and enamel dots!

   

 The first step is the easiest - simply place the largest patterned paper piece on the center of the card base. Then, easy as 1,2,3, add the three small rectangle pieces, tilting each one slightly:  

 Now take just a moment to tie some yellow twine around the banner piece.

Now is the time we start building the bouquet!  1. Place the ephemera bouquet on the left patterned piece. 2. Go ahead and add the banner piece to the card front. 3. Place the 3d layered flower sticker on top of the banner, over part of the twine. 4. Tuck the printed leaves under the bottom portion of the 3d flowers. 5. Add two enamel dots to the banner. and 6. Add the final enamel dot to the center of the biggest flower on the 3d piece.

 

Is it true?  Are we done already?  Yep, we sure are! Here's a closer look at the completed card:  

 How fun is the dimension and detail?? So simple, but so full of interest!  

 See?  I told you it was easy!