Beary Best by Jean Okimoto

Here's a card that was inspired by window teddy bear sightings in our neighborhood. They were actually bears, elephants, monkeys, cats, bunnies and some we couldn't recognize - all out there and enjoyed by families on daily walks. Hi, Jean Okimoto here with a card that's very different from the Easter project I was planning to post - hope you like it.

We all need something to smile about right now - why not make a card for that? Share it with neighbors from your window, or send it to someone for their window.

The Snow Bunny Deep Edge Set becomes a bear again with just a change of ears. Cut it from textured metallic kraft paper. Cut the ear circles with the Circle Basics dies. Diecut cardboard scrap layers to add dimension to the nose and feet. The eyes and nose triangle are on one die - cut it from brown cardstock, then color the eye circles with a black marker.

Cut the ear and paw accents from the dark orange Cottage Stripes and Dots 6x6 print. Cut the dark floral Cottage Meadow 6x6 print with the 3.5" x 4.75" Wrapped Stitch Rectangles die. Cut the floral tummy piece from the reverse side of the background print.

Cut the 2" x 3.25" Wrapped Stitch Rectangle from the blue striped Cottage Stripes and Dots 6x6 print. Stamp the greeting - from the Birch Press Design You Are Awesome Clear Stamps Set - with Pinecone VersaFine Clair on the pumpkin-colored print from the same set. Heat-emboss it quickly with detail clear powder.

Here's an embossing technique we use in classes...pre-heat the embossing powder from the reverse side of the stamped cardstock, then finish it from the front. This preheats the powder and (seems to) prevent overheating and scorching the stamped image or words.

Score, fold and cut a blue A-6 (4.5" x 6.25") card. Attach the diecuts. Attach the greeting with thin foam tape.

Accent some of the flowers with Goldfinch and Strawberry Ice Open Studio Glitter Glue. Set the card aside to dry the glue.

Memory Box Deep Edge Dies are great for fabric arts too - you can cut several layers at once. Cut the larger bear shapes from fabric, then add cardstock details.

This little guy takes a few minutes to diecut and assemble, but he'll make you smile...promise! Make some extras and send them to others for their windows too! Bear cards eliminate problems caused by narrow windowsills, wide bears - or both.

Thanks for stopping by, take care...