Welcome to my blog!

Thanks for visiting my blog. As the title suggests, I love to scrapbook, stamp, and sing! I will share cards and scrapbook pages I create, as well as information about my music - Barbershop harmony.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

A String Art Christmas!

Hey there - The Divas have an end of the month post today and I used a string art die by our fabulous sponsor Birch Press Designs. Here's the card I'm sharing:


Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; Tim Holtz kraft metallics
Dies - Birch Press Design String Art Circle
Other - PinkFresh Studio Holiday Foiled Sentiments;
gems; foam tape


Here's another time my card went in a different direction from where it started. At first I pulled out a yellow card thinking to make a birthday card. I planned all along to have three string art circles. My third was an orange one but I pivoted to a gold one with a dark green card. I still need Christmas cards and had spotted a PFS Christmas circle sentiment on my table. Love how this turned out, even though the photo doesn't capture all the gorgeous metallic shine. I'm adding my card to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since the string art is getting first play here.

And here's a bonus card featuring a BPD sentiment diecut along with that orange string art circle! It's hard to see but there's a thin blue shadow and a vellum outline layer to the sentiment.

Supplies: Paper - A Cut Above A2 card; My Mind's Eye patterned; 
TH kraft metallic; scrap of blue; Paper Studio Vellum
Dies - Birch Press Design String Art Circle &

Our November Diva Challenge - Anything Goes runs through 9pm Pacific Time so be sure to get your entries linked up before today's deadline. And please remember to include a die cut or embossing folder in your design! The lucky random winner, selected from eligible November entries, will receive a $20 code to the BPD online store (to be announced December 3rd). 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you in the Diva Gallery!

 

Monday, November 28, 2022

Twinkle ornament in Marisol Frame

Hi everyone - I'm doing an extra post at Die Cut Divas today! It's the least I could do since I'm taking off the month of December. My card uses a gatefold frame with layers - I hope it inspires you to enter our November Challenge - Anything Goes


Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio Brights & glitter cardstock;
Dies - Birch Press Design Marisol Frames Layer Set
Poppystamps Oval Burst
Other - May Arts ribbon

This month we're sponsored by the amazing Birch Press Design
Note: They have 25% off in their online store through today!

The lucky random winner, selected from eligible November entries, 
will receive a $20 code to the BPD online store (to be announced December 3rd). 

When I posted last Monday, I mentioned I was expecting a package from BPD any day. Well, it arrived later that same day - what amazing service!! Busy week so I had to wait to get busy with new goodies but managed something for today. I ordered the Marisol frame set, over the others styles available, because it seemed to fit more of the ornaments I already own. Of course I couldn't resist adding another one to the collection and chose the Twinkle set. 

Simple card - I just die cut and assembled. I decided to use only one layer of the ornament for a different look but I filled the center with cut from a new Poppystamps die. I ordered it when they sponsored the Divas back in August. The oval burst is bigger than my ornament's opening but I simply glued along the center's back edge and trimmed the excess. I'm adding this card to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since the frame set got first play here.

Now for a bonus card using a new BDP holiday die: Piped Icing Star. Love, love, love it!!

I simply die cut the two "cookie" pieces and layered them, stacking more diecuts of the star piece behind for dimension. Added the star to a piece of old (2012!!) My Mind's Eye "All is Bright" paper & layered to an A2 card - done!

Remember - our November Diva Challenge - Anything Goes runs through 9pm Pacific Time on November 30th and you must use a die cut &/or embossing folder in your design. We hope to see you in the gallery!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 




Thursday, November 24, 2022

Thanksgiving Wishes

It's Thanksgiving Day in the USA - hope you enjoy it if you're celebrating today! I'm so grateful for all my family and friends; special thanks to my blogging buddies whose kind comments make my day!

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio brown and ivory; 
scrap of patterned by unk
Stamps - Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit 0922 (background print);
Whimsy Stamps Autumn Blessings (retired - sentiment on left)
Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set 
Rub ons - Hero Arts Autumn Arrangement
Other - Creative Expressions sentiment strip (bday);
Versamark, Taylored Expressions and Hero Arts inks 

I previously shared cards using the bouquet stamp set (see them here & here if desired). Today's cards use rub-ons and oh, how I love them! A sheet of them came with the Sept 22 My Monthly Hero kit but they were so popular that HA offers them for separate purchase. Of course my last 3 orders I have forgotten to add them to the cart - oops. They make such gorgeous fall cards that I'd like to have some on hand. 

I sent the bday card to my friend Dixie - her bday sometimes falls on Thanksgiving but not this year. She'll celebrate on Sunday. I'm taking the card on the left to Thanksgiving dinner with friends Connie & Doug. Here's the thanks card I have ready to mail to them after the event:

Supplies: Paper - A Cut Above A2 card; BoBunny Farmer's Market 6x6
Paper Studio Brights, Brown & Glitter
Dies - Birch Press Design Big Thanks Sugar Script;
Embossing Folder - Darice Fall Leaves Swirl

I'm adding the thanks card to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since my embossing folder is newly used. LOL - It's a 2013 copyright and, if I remember correctly, I bought it in 2016. Just opened the package to make the card on Tuesday - so yay for getting it off Mount NBUS!!

Maybe you'll have crafty time once all the football games and food/clean up have ended. If so, check out our November Die Cut Divas Challenge where Birch Press Design is our sponsor. I have my favorite BPD thanks die out in their honor today. No need to use their products to play along - any die or embossing folder will do!

Thanks for stopping by!



Monday, November 21, 2022

Ornament on branch

Hey there - It's my turn to post at Die Cut Divas today - yay! Our November Challenge - Anything Goes runs through 9pm Pacific Time on November 30th and we're sponsored by the amazing Birch Press Design. The lucky random winner, selected from eligible November entries, will receive a $20 code to the BPD online store (to be announced December 3rd). Here's the card I'm sharing:

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; glitter cardstock;
green and brown scraps
Dies - Birch Press Design Christmas Ornament Pop Up Easel;
Other - Taylored Expressions Simple Strips in Reverse Christmas;
May Arts ribbon


I just used some of the ornament pieces from the pop-up set, for a different look. Teamie Arlene (A Bit of This and That) sent me some cuts to try; she enabled me to order this set & I expect it to arrive soon. I also pulled out the MB branch I've had for quite a while & finally used! I'll add this to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since the branch is getting first play here.

And here's a bonus card featuring a BPD sentiment die:

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; 
Paper Studio Vellum; Hero Arts Glitter Paper Basics
Dies - Birch Press Design Birthday Wishes Sugar Script
Other - SSS sentiment strip (happy)

The beautiful embossed panel came from my friend Betty (created by bjk) - not sure of the brand. I've been hoarding the batch she sent. I added some watercolors to the raised bits & a bit of glitter lacquer to the flower centers. I die cut the BPD sentiment from glitter cardstock and the outline from vellum. I actually have the old die set which just has the birthday word & shadow but linked to the newer set that also has the wishes word & shadow. I absolutely love their sugar script dies! I added a happy sentiment strip to finish it off. This card went to my cousin Debi who had a birthday last week.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll pop over & link up at Die Cut Divas - just remember to include an embossing folder or die cut in your design!


 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Holiday Candles

Happy weekend! Yesterday I was reminded by Hilary (fiddling about) about the November We Love Stamping Challenge. I've not played there before but that challenge clearly revolves around stamping and I love to stamp! This month they're doing Christmas cards so I dove in with a new Hero Arts stamp set. Here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - DoCrafts; Neenah white;
Paper Studio A2 card
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Candle Arrangement
Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set
Other - Copic Markers; Hero Arts Sparkle Lacquer; 
PinkFresh Studio Holiday Foiled Sentiments; white gel pen;
Antique Linen Distress Ink

I broke out the candle stamp set the moment it arrived home. Stamped on Neenah paper and colored with Copics, then die cut with a stitched rectangle. Sponged some Antique Linen DI around the top edges. Some spots went a bit yellowish since I think I had some residual ink on the brush - ok, fine! Next I went on the hunt for some patterned paper to put behind my candle panel. I found the perfect plaid in a pack of DoCraft papers I bought - get this - in Ireland! When I went for the second time in 2019, my Irish friend Heather and I went shopping at this darling little gift store that carried some crafty stuff. I've basically hoarded that paper ever since - I'm glad some escaped the package!

Since my candle stamp is new and used for the first time, I'm also sharing at Darnell's November NBUS Challenge.

That's it - no time for bonus card today. I'm helping my aunt move from one apt to another. Luckily young moving guys did the heavy stuff already - LOL. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!




Friday, November 18, 2022

Watercolored Tree and some foiling!

TGIF, my friends - woo hoo! Today I'm getting in my third and final entry for the November Let's Squash It! Challenge. You just make any Christmas card using an embossing folder. I've been having fun dusting off some old stuff from the stash!

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; TH Jewel Kraft; 
Poptone Black Licorice; Hero Arts Handmade Watercolor Paper
Embossing folder - TH Alterations by Sizzix name unk
Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Wishing You Tree Bundle
Other - Ranger Princess Gold ep; various inks;
PinkFresh Studio Holiday Foiled Sentiments

This time I dusted off an old Tim Holtz Alterations ef (no packaging so I don't know its specific name) and embossed a piece of his Jewel Kraft Metallic paper. I sanded the embossing and inked with some Black Soot Distress Ink before matting it in black. The tree was stamped and gold embossed onto watercolor paper. I watercolored it with various water reactive inks - some Distress and some Hero Arts. Added the matted embossed background to an A2 card and popped my die cut tree on with foam tape. Since I had the PinkFresh Studio foiled sentiments out, I used one here - done!

Next, a pair of bonus card, again with nothing to do with Let's Squash It. I've been doing more foiling since the Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along. I tried a new plate from Hero Arts as well as using the ornament one from the event. I adhered the foiled panels to prefab A2 cards and added a PFS sentiment with foam tape - very quick & easy! The cute little bow on the right came from my friend Arlene (A Bit of This and That) - it's from Birch Press Design's Christmas Ornament Pop Up Easel set. BPD is our Die Cut Diva sponsor this month - check it out! You will see me using something more from that set in my Monday Diva post. I'll add my snowflake wreath card to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since it's getting its first play today.


Supplies: Foiling plates - Hero Arts Snowflake Wreath and Ornament Border
Foil - Spellbinders silver & gold

That's it for today - our snow has remained and temperatures dipped to 19F. So glad I'm not my friend Diane out in Buffalo New York, though - they're expecting 4 feet!! 

Thanks for stopping by!!

 


  

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Christmas Words and more!

Welcome back friends - I'm playing again at the November Let's Squash It! Challenge. Just make any Christmas card using an embossing folder and I definitely need more Christmas cards! So here's my second entry (out of a max of 3):

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; Paper Studio Holiday;
My Favorite Things Christmas Text 6x6; Poptone Black Licorice
Embossing Folder - Sizzix/Hero Arts Christmas Words & Dots (retired)
Other - Hero Arts felt embellishments & pearls;
PinkFresh Studio Holiday Foiled Sentiments;
Hero Arts Key Lime and Green Apple Inks

Can you believe it? I dusted off another 2012 Sizzix/Hero Arts collaboration set. Embossed the Christmas Words and rubbed some key lime and green apple ink atop. Matted the panel and added to an A2 card covered with a holiday text paper from MFT. I had my Glimmer machine out and was foiling but not happy with the result so I grabbed a pre-foiled sentiment from PinkFresh Studio. Then I added a sprig of felt holly leaves and some pearl berries - done!

The ef comes in a set with a snowy dot folder - probably should use that one next - LOL! The set is long retired and I couldn't even find it at Frantic Stamper who often has older products. Here's a photo of it:



Here's a bonus card, again with nothing to do with Let's Squash It. I've been working on this one for a while. When I made Daniel West's card in class one of the Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along (see mine HERE, if desired), I colored all the poinsettias in the background stamp we used. Many were along the borders and didn't get used for Daniel's card which featured three flowers. I had the idea to use them along the border of a white card. We didn't use any leaves for Daniel's card but the background had many. I colored and fussy cut them to add to the flowers. 

Daniel's tip was to use a G03 Copic in the flower centers before laying down any red! I'd never heard that one & it really gives some nice depth. My sentiment has a silver and a cranberry shadow; the topper is cherry and covered with Hero Arts glitter lacquer - love this stuff!! 

Supplies: Paper - Spellbinders A2 card; TH Kraft Metallic;
Paper Studio Holiday; Neenah white
Other - Copic Markers; Hero Arts Glitter Lacquer

That's it for today - still lightly snowing here and only 25F so a good day to be indoors crafting! Thanks for stopping by!!

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Embossed JOY!

Hey friends - I finally got a chance to make a card for the November Let's Squash It! Challenge. All we need to do is make a Christmas card using any embossing folder - easy peasy! My friends Gail (Crafty Nomad) and Jo (Jo's Blogs) run the challenge and friend Cat (Cat Luvs Paper) is guest designing this month so how could I not play along?? Here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - Tim Holtz Jewel Kraft Metallic;
Hero Arts Kraft & Glitter Paper Basics
Embossing Folders - Taylored Expressions Weathered;
Sizzix Holiday Joy Set (discontinued at Sizzix but found here
at Frantic Stamper - note: only one left as of this writing)
Dies - Sunny Studio Snowflake Circle Frame
Other - Hero Arts gem; foam tape

I dusted off a 2012 Sizzix Joy folder I last used for Merry Monday (retired challenge blog) in 2018 (see that card here if desired). This time I embossed a piece of teal kraft metallic but part of the panel got wrinkled. No worries - I just fussy cut everything. The border is adhered to a weathered embossed card with rounded edges. I popped the JOY up with foam tape and added a layered snowflake to the center of the O.

I sanded the raised bits before I fussy cut. Not sure if I'm loving the kraft card but the sanded part reveals kraft so that's why I chose it. Yay - another card for the Christmas stash. Nearing time to start addressing and I'm woefully behind in the production department. Not in the ordering of more crafty supplies, though! I should probably invest the time spent online shopping into crafting....

Here's a bonus card, nothing to do with Let's Squash It! - LOL. I'm just playing around with extra bits I made during the Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along earlier this month. 

Supplies: Paper -  Park Lane A2 Card; Neenah white;
Hero Arts watercolor & a lilac from some MMH kit;
Paper Studio Glitter cardstock
Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Holiday Sparkles Bundle
Stencil - Hero Arts Sprinkled Dots
Dies - Hero Arts Holly Berries Stamp & Cut (bow) &
Hot foil plate - Hero Arts Ornament Border (used to impress)
Other - SSS sentiment strips; Hero Arts glitter lacquer & 
reactive inks

The lilac background was the card back when I foiled my class 2 card from the HAHSA. I used a full A2 card, rather than a panel per the class notes and figured my mistake when my foiling was a teensy bit crooked. No problem, I trimmed that panel and used it on a pre-formed A2 card. Well, the back got impressed from the foiling plate pressure so I trimmed it & used it here. As we did for the class card, I die cut several of the large infinity ornaments which fit perfectly in the opening of the foil plate impression. I also cut just the ornament top from gold glitter and trimmed to fit. 

For the topmost full ornament die cut, I swiped a reactive ink pad that has 5 colors & sprayed with water for some mixing. Once dry I stenciled with Hero Glitter Paste (love, love, love) & let dry. Assembled, added a bow and sentiment - done.  Another card for the Christmas stash - yay!

Thanks for stopping and have a crafty day!

Friday, November 11, 2022

Striped Tree

TGIF and Happy Veterans Day to all those veterans who serve(d) our country, including my Dad and brother! I'm back with a third and final entry to the current Christmas Kickstart Challenge Trees, Trees, Trees!. And it also fits at the November Stay Crafty with A Blog Named Hero where they're doing The Great Outdoors. My tree is outside on its little glittery snowbank!


Supplies: Paper - Spellbinders A2 card; Paper Studio Brights,
A Country Christmas, and Holiday; Hero Arts Glitter Paper Basics
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Sentiment Strips
Taylored Expressions Easy Strips 1/4"
Other - various gems; Jolee's star

I created my tree using quarter inch die cut strips. You can see a card I made during the Holiday Stamp Along (Laura Bassen class 9) HERE if you missed it. In anticipation of that class, I'd die cut a bunch of the stripes and made an extra panel. The TE die cuts 8 strips at a time and I cut it from 5 different colors so I had plenty ot them! Here's a shot of the panel & of the die cut trees I got from it:

 

I made the jumbo tree into a tag; you can see it HERE if you missed it.

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!!





Tuesday, November 8, 2022

More Winter Critters among Birch Trees

Happy Tuesday! Did you miss me yesterday after I've been posting so faithfully?? Well, I spent the morning finishing up my cards for the HeroFest Holiday Cheer Card Drive. I'd done oodles of card fronts but I was way behind on the insides! Plus, one needed to write a little personal message inside and, for prize purposes, put a sticky note on with your contact info (which won't stay with the card). 

Hero Arts needs to receive all card donations by 11/18. With the Veteran's Day holiday coming up, I figured I'd better mail early!! I boxed up and mailed 41 cards to Hero Arts, including all but one of the Stamp Along cards. Since I'd done several other versions of Jennifer McGuire's gorgeous card, I saved hers for more inspiration; the rest went in the box. LOL, there were more cards created for the drive than I have created the rest of the year for my own holiday card sending. Looks like I'll be getting busy in the next few weeks, trying to recreate my recent productivity!!

During the past weekend's Holiday Stamp Along, I did another birch tree panel so I could add another card to my own stash. This one fits the current Christmas Kickstart Challenge Trees, Trees, Trees!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Solar White; TH Jewel Kraft Metallics;
Paper Studio vellum; Hero Arts Glitter Paper Basics
Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Winter Critters Bundle
Stamp & Cut set - Hero Arts Christmas Holidays
Stencil - Hero Arts Birch Trees
Other - Hero Arts Hero Paste Glitter;
Copic Markers; various HA blue inks for "sky"

I created today's card using the Jessica Frost-Ballas Holiday Stamp Along class 3 card as a template (see mine from the weekend HERE if you missed it). Today I used the hedgehog with the bunny (both from Hero Arts Winter Critters bundle) and added a present (from the HA North Pole Express Bundle). Also changed up the sentiment - used a Happy Holidays die from HA Christmas Holidays Stamp & Cut XL (love this set). Hard to see but the sentiment has a shadow layer of HA white glitter cardstock and a vellum mat layer. 

In class Jessica put Hero Paste on the "sky" too after coloring the white paste with liquid watercolor. I skipped that step both during class and here - simply ink blended my sky. I did use the Hero Paste (the fabulous glitter stuff) on the snow - so fun and sparkly!! Such a sweet design by Jessica; I'm sure I'll make other versions!

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!!



Sunday, November 6, 2022

Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along - Day 2

Hi all - back with another quick share of today's card from Day 2 of the Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along, plus a few extras. I enjoyed the weekend soooo much! *Warning - photo heavy post ahead!

Last night during the bonus session with Jenn Shurkus (using a digi download), I made a couple of cards using extra stuff from Jennifer McGuire's class and a stamped ornament. My printer is down so I couldn't do Jenn's cards but I watched the LIVE while I was doing my own thing. I can rewatch her amazing Copic coloring once I'm able to print the digis. 

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white; Paper Studio Holiday;
Hero Arts glitter paper (white & gold)
Foil Plate - Hero Arts Ornament Border (used for embossing)
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Borders and Icons (sentiment on right),
Snowflake Messages (sentiment on left),
& Winter Sparkle (retired)

Here are today's 5 cards in a group shot:


Here's a closer look at each, starting with Class 6 with Libby Hickson - poinsettias on cranberry cardstock painted with Hero Wax - love!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white; Paper Studio Holiday 
Dies - Hero Arts Holiday Words
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Borders and Icons &
Other - Hero Arts Berry Hero Wax & Earth glitter; 
white & gold embossing powders; Ranger Plum Archival ink

Class 7 with Lydia Fiedler - watercolored scene with stencil - so sweet!

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio grey A2 card; Neenah white;
Hero Arts Watercolor paper
Stencil - Hero Arts Birch Trees
Stamps & Dies - Hero Arts Winter Critters Bundle
Other - Distress Inks & Hero Arts Fog Reactive Ink;
Hero Arts clear sparkle lacquer; W Copics on owl

Class 8 with Robin Marshall Clark - fabulous stars!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white; Paper Studio glitter & vellum
Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Holiday Sparkles Bundle and 
Other - various water reactive inks; silver ep; embossing ink; 
Salty Water Taffy Distress Spray; silver pen

Class 9 with Laura Bassen - fun stripes! She made a pine card; I used a primary blue.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah White; Paper Studio Holiday, Brights & vellum
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Borders and Icons 
Dies - Hero Arts Holly Berries Stamp & Cut XL
Taylored Expressions Easy Strips 1/4" (in class they used a paper trimmer) 
Other - white embossing power & embossing ink

Class 10 with Channin Peltier - amazing rainbow stars!

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts black; Neenah white
Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Holiday Sparkles Bundle 
Stamps - Hero Arts Holiday Borders and Icons 
Other - various water reactive inks; clear ep (over embossing & black ink)

I'm adding one card to Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero's October Challenge Merry Everything since they only allow one card per post. These cards, or a similar version, will go to the HeroFest Holiday Cheer Card Drive.

Thanks again for stopping by and enjoying my Holiday Stamp Along cards! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!




  

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along - Day One

Hi all - thought I'd do a quick share of today's card from the Hero Arts Holiday Stamp Along. So much fun!!! We're having a dinner break then there's a bonus session tonight with Jenn Shurkus using a digi download to benefit Hurrican Ian relief. I bought the digi but don't have a working printer right now. Will have to find something else to create :)

Meanwhile, here are today's 5 cards plus an extra I did while foiling the ornament plate (the blue card bottom center). *Warning - photo heavy post ahead!


Getting late here so sorry for bad lighting on the group photo! Here's a closer look at each, except the twofer. I will update at some point with supplies...

Class one with Daniel West - poinsettias on black - love!


Class two with Mindy Eggen - foiling - fabulous!


Class three with Jessica Frost-Ballas - darling bunny & fox!


Class four with Jennifer McGuire (yes, she was live & did amazing!!) - gorgeous ornament!


The vellum ornament swings & here's what's under (sorry - photo while still sitting in my MISTI):


Class 5 with Nichol Spor - gorgeous pair of ornaments (forgot to put my bow on the big one...).


Oh, and last night Libby Hickson from Hero Arts had an informal tag session as a kick-off. I made this tag:

 

I'm adding my foiled ornament card to Darnell's November NBUS Challenge since my foil plate is new, and also to Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero's October Challenge Merry Everything. They only allow one card per post so I'll just do the one (could upload them all to my Flickr account and share from there but no...). These cards, or a similar version, will go to the HeroFest Holiday Cheer Card Drive.

I'll be back doing the Stamp Along tomorrow and will try to post those cards afterwards.

Thanks for hanging in there for this long post! Happy crafting!!