Friday Two-Fer! Warning -- long post!

TGIF! Today I have a fun challenge and I'm "in focus" today! :-) Friday means -- Stamp Simply time! And, Friday also means Flourishes Focus!

First things first, Sharon Johnson has "tabbed" the Stamp Simply team! Today's challenge is all about little bits of ribbon -- ribbon tabs -- rather than dressing your card up with wraps or bows! Have fun using your scraps!

Today on the Flourishes Newsletter, Leslie Miller decided to help us get over our inhibitions when it comes to using different kinds of decorative paper --- on one card! She gives us all some pointers in picking the right combinations to come out with beautiful results! You'll love her cards-- trust me! She successfully used three and challenged the rest of the DT to do the same.

So, here goes! Decorative paper with ribbon tabs! A Friday Two-fer! A couple weeks ago, I started this project in a class at my LSS. It was the coolest class -- you know why? First of all I took it with my BFF Lovely!

And second... this lady taught it!!!! Becky Fleck is the founder of Page Maps, she's the author of the book Scrapbook Page Maps, she works with Memory Makers magazine AND, she is the Creative Director at Basic Grey--- she designs some of my favorite paper!!! In fact, the cards I made with her are using the Basic Marrakech line - a line she designed! How cool is that?

Here's a look at all the cards in my set.... I decked out the envies with the new set from Flourishes - Ornamental Elements.

The fun thing is, this design will work with any pack of coordinating paper -- pick your poison basically! ;-)

Here's a look at the card "purse" that your cards will fit inside. The front was decked out not only with different decorative papers but some scalloped edge scissors, rub-ons and a button!
And, here's card one that showcases not only my not 3 but 4 different decorative papers but my ribbon tab too!

Card #1

This card is super duper easy - Make a strip of paper down the center using one dp, mat it up and edge it with a decorative edge punch. I used one of the new slim profile edge punches from EK success. I picked it up at Michaels. For my brad, I used a third decorative paper, punched a 1/2" circle, and with a glue dot, put it on a 1/2" brad, cover it with one of those pebble stickers. It's basically the same concept behind Stampin' Ups build-a-brad! On the tag I used Flourishes Fantasy Floral Garden words and my SU tag corner punch to create my tag. Add some 1/2" black satin ribbon scraps and... there's my tabs!

Card #2

My second card really doesn't need any explanation! I used 3 decorative papers and a base with the same edge punch. I also used two sizes of oval punches for my word (Fantasy Floral Garden). Add a green ribbon.... and VOILA!

Card #3
My third card is a little more complex. My left side is actually a 2" strip that is matted up with dp. I made a 1" strip for my band across the card and secured it under my decorative paper that is the base on the inside of my card. How do I keep my flap down? One of those nifty Basic Grey mini magnets! Add a tab from a SU punch and a fun button and almost done! The word DREAM was added, again, from Flourishes Fantasy Floral Garden.

And, when you are done.... this is what your cards fit inside!

Basically, you start with a 12" piece of paper and cut it so that the length will support the two pockets and a flap. Each pocket width and height will be about 1/2" bigger than the width of your cards. Score so that it is also a 1/2" bigger than your cards. Use some decorative paper to create your pockets as well! You can tack these down using some red line tape to make sure it is ultra tacky. Then, go crazy decking it out however you like! I used matching buttons and some of the Basic Grey rub-ons that match the Marrakech paper. Too fun! You can make sure your card purse stays closed, again, with those fun Basic Grey magnets/snaps. Love those things!

Ok, now I am going to send you on a fun blog hop! Want to see what the rest of the Stamp Simply team did with some fun ribbon scraps? Here you go!! Sharon - challenge master!, Barb, Dee, Tammy, Janine, AJ, Jennifer, and Becky.

Next, you have to head on over and check out Leslie's fabulous tutorial! She has such a knack for combining patters and paper in a way that is so inspiring! You can find her tutorial HERE. Then, travel over to the rest of the DT and see what they cooked up! Christine Okken, Cindy Lawrence,
Faith Hofrichter, Latisha Yoast, Laura Fredrickson, and Stacy Morgan.

Wow... what inspiration to kick off your weekend! Hope you are inspired from all these gals and their work so that you can cook up some of your own creativity!

See you back here soon!

p.s. Don't forget to check back here Monday for some fun blog candy giveaways! I'm teaming up with my buddy Laura Fredrickson for a celebration! We are both soon hitting 300K on our blog counters!!! Boy, do we have some fun planned!