October Control Freaks Blog Tour: Gratitude

It's been a bit of hectic October for me. How about you? I was happy to have a little (just a little) downtime earlier this week so I could create projects to share with you today. I was so grateful to have that creative time. Stamping is truly my therapy!

This month's blog tour theme is gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, good health, and a successful business. Thank YOU for taking the time out of your day to visit and allow me to share a little creative inspiration with you! I dedicate these projects to you!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Magnificent Maple stamp, Lots of Thanks stamp set, Off the Grid stamp, Cajun Craze ink & cardstock, Sahara Sand ink, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Linen Thread, Naturals Designer Buttons, Mini Glue Dots 

 

Isn't this the cutest? My kids were working on a project kit to make a paper pumpkin and it inspired me to make one too! On their pumpkins, they wrote 10 things they were thankful for on each strip of paper. Whether or not you make a "gratitude pumpkin" like my kids or just use strips of Designer paper, these paper pumpkins would make the perfect decoration for your fall or Thanksgiving table decorations!

Here's a quick "how to":

1. Cut 10 strips of 1" x 6" Designer Series Paper. 
2. Use the Paper Piercing Tool to poke through the stack of paper strips, one hole on each end.
3. Die cut leaves using the Autumn Accents die. Poke holes through the round end of both leaves.
4. Secure a brad through the leaves and one end of the paper stack.
5. Spread open the paper strips to create a circle.
6. Gather the ends of the paper strips on a second brad and secure them together.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Old Olive cardstock, Sweater Weather Designer Paper, Autumn Accents Big Shot die, Brights Glimmer Brads, Linen Thread, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Pad

 

 

The last project is my favorite! I just love the way this one turned out! The "Tri-Shutter" card design has been around for awhile, but I didn't try it until I received a card with this unique fold at Founder's Circle. You could certainly fill every little square and space on this card, but I kind of like the "clean and simple" look.

Be sure to come back and visit me tomorrow to see another Tri-Shutter card and a video tutorial that breaks down this card design into easy steps!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Seasonal Sayings stamp set, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Sweater Weather Designer Paper, Autumn Accents Die (Big Shot), Thinlit Expressions (Big Shot), Stampin' Trimmer, Simply Scored Tool