Center Step Card Blog Hop

Welcome to the Center Step Card Blog Hop.  Ashley, our blog hostess, set up this event and wanted each craft site to show off a project using the center step card technique.  I must confess that this is my first time doing this type of card crafting so I was both engaged and apprehensive (at the same time).  I googled the technique and found several very informative videos and tutorials that outlined the center step.  It was nice to move out of my comfort zone to try this and I'm pleased with the results.  

One of the online sites I found most helpful was http://juliedavison.com/Tutorials/1109_HorizontalCenterStepCard.pdf plus a diagram below.

First, I determined this type of card to have an advantage of being able to stand alone without being propped up on a card easel for display.  Second, I realized the center step technique afforded me the option of making a card with different dimensions than my normal pocket cards.  Third, I learned something new by signing up for the hop and, hopefully, you as OUR guest will experience lots of inspiration at the various blog spots to "give it a go too"!

The blog line up is as follows:

1.  Ashley - http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com/  HOSTESS

2. Tonya - http://ittybittyladybugs.blogspot.com/

3. Michele - http://michelescraftroom.blogspot.com/

4. Jamie - http://jamiek711designs.blogspot.com/

5.Jenny - http://www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

6. Claire S. -http://www.scrapmyway.blogspot.com/

7.Jamie - http://www.jamielindstromdesigns.com/

8.Marianne S. - http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/

9. Lucy ~ http://love2createitall.com/

10. Jennifer ~ http://creativecricutdesigns.blogspot.com/

11. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/  HERE

My first project uses a paper piecing pattern from Paper Piecings by Nikki, which is called Peanut Butter and Jelly Cutting File. 

The strawberry and peanut butter idea is TOOOOO SWEEEET! http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.com/

I used some very sturdy Kraft paper for the center step and jazzed it up with some strawberry paper I had in my paper stash. I don't own a cutting machine for SVG's so after fussy cutting the strawberry and peanut butter jar I added gel pen highlights, some "strawberry ribbon" (two different types), a sentiment stamped on Kraft paper and gel pen highlighted.

Since Halloween is approaching next month, I decided to create another center step card for that.

For the card base I used some grey-black and white swirled paper I had in my paper stash from a long time ago.  The card sentiment BOO is a stamp I purchased last year from Wal-Mart.  The strips of paper for the side and bottom panels are again from scraps I saved.  The image is a flying witch, a GFS digi, that I colored with pencils and gel pens (her dress and hat are a grey to go with the background paper, but the camera didn't pick up the color as it is in real life).  The two-toned gold and orange ribbon and the gems added a bit of glamor for our little witch.  I also mounted her on my new favorite thing - an Action Wobble.  

Here is a photo of the side shot of the center step card.

I also found this very helpful diagram online for a horizontal center step card.

Please leave me a comment/become a fan if you'd like and if you found my posting helpful.............Blog Candy rules are on Ashley's posting!!  

BLOG CANDY - $20 gift card to either Michaels or Joanns. To win the candy YOU must comment on all stops.

As I said, perhaps you'll be motivated to try this card technique and step out of your "same old, same old" style, but remember, no matter how you piece your paper, have fun with it..........cyberhugs.........Mama LoveBug!

This is the last stop on the hop - thank you for your participation today!!