Sympathy Cards for Die Cut Divas

Hi all - I missed my regular Diva post on the 21st due to a family emergency. But I'm here for the end of the month post with last minute inspiration for our September Die Cut Diva Challenge. We're sponsored by the amazing Poppystamps & doing sympathy cards which could stretch to care and concern. I went ahead and made a sympathy card, plus I have a bonus:

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Antique Ivory;

Paper Studio A2 card; many scraps

Stamps - Divinity Designs Mini Tag Sentiments

Dies - Poppystamps Nordic Fanfare Butterfly,

Cortina Pinpoint Plate, Oval Fold Frame,

& Teardrop Butterflies

(retired at Poppystamps but HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Spellbinders Back to Basics Tags (retired)

Other - Hero Arts gems

Prize for our random winner = $20 to their store!

I die cut a Cortina coverplate and an oval, then added to an A2 card. Die cut butterfly pieces and assembled. Added to the card. Stamped and die cut the sentiment; trimming off the hole portion of a tag to make a small label. Added some gems to the smaller butterflies - done!

I even managed a bonus:

Supplies: Paper - Poptone Blue Raspbery;

Neenah White; many scraps

Dies - Poppystamps Floral Vase Pop Up Easel Set

(retired at Poppy but HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Spellbinders Back to Basics Tags (retired)

Stamps - Divinity Designs Mini Tag Sentiments

3D Embossing Folder - Altenew Organic Linen

Other - Memento Tuxedo Black & Hero Arts Cup O' Joe inks;

Hero Arts Sunshine pearls (retired); May Arts string twine

This card took more die cutting and then a quick stamped sentiment tag, plus a stopper sentiment. The tag I used was just a tad longer than I needed so I repositioned the die to trim the excess. The stopper was made with a bookplate die from the same set - I just used the inside layer and then trimmed and stacked it. Added some pearls but mostly used the flower centers from the set. I dry embossed the vase and rubbed with some dark brown ink to enhance the pattern. Here are a couple more views - closed and side:

 

That's it for today, friends. Hope to see you in our September Diva gallery by 9pm Pacific time today! Have a crafty week!!

Mouse with a Flower

Hey everyone - TGIF! Once again I watched Craft Roulette live (see the replay of Episode #234 HERE) from the satellite studio & made my card during the show. This was my 25th submission which is a milestone in the CR world.

Supplies: Paper - Core'dinations & My Mind's Eye;

Neenah white; silver glitter (colored indigo)

Stamps - Hero Arts CL125 a thank you gift to subscribers

Dies - Poppystamps Floral Vase Pop Up Easel Set (flower)

(retired at Poppy but HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape;

Hero Arts gems; Celebrate It ribbon;

Distress Oxides Wilted Violet & Villianous Potion;

Memento Tuxedo Black and Paris Dusk

Mary Gunn FUNN had Tiffany Solorio (@Tiffany.Solorio) as her guest. Tiffany mainly does mixed media on her cards & loves to get inky! Here's what the wheel spun for us:

• Project - 6x6 Card: I used 1/2 a sheet of 12x12 paper to form a card.
• Colors - Rainbow: Every color in the rainbow is here somewhere.
• Element - Single Flower: Mouse image is holding a flower; I used a die cut blossom.
• Random - Cloth: I used velvet ribbon.

Formed a 6x6 card. Stamped, colored and fussy cut the mouse, trimming off the dandelion from the image. Added a colorful panel to the card onto which I stamped the sentiment. Added the ribbon across the card with double sided tape, then popped the mouse on with foam tape. Added a few gems & the die cut flower to finish it off. I inked silver glitter cardstock with purple and dark blue to get the indigo color of the rainbow.

That's it for tonight! Hope you're enjoying the weekend and thanks for stopping!!

Congrats card for Craft Roulette #233

Hi everyone - I'm still working from the satellite studio but I was able to watch Craft Roulette Episode #233 live tonight. Managed to make my card during the show too - I was so impressed with myself!

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Ivory;

Authentique Nature; Gina K Grateful Heart

Stamps w/dies - Hero Arts Dress Up Stamp & Cut &

Congrats Happy Stamp & Cut

Dies - Hero Arts Diamond Infinity Dies

Other - Copic and Artist's Loft Markers; Memento Rich Cocoa ink

Host Mary Gunn Funn had the amazing Kristina Werner (K Werner Design) as her guest. I recommend watching the episode just to see her create a gorgeous scene. Mary joked that Kristina has as many YouTube followers as there are people in Miami. Kristina mentioned new products she has created in collaboration with Concord & 9th and also there's a new Online Card Class coming soon. 

Here's what the wheel spun for us:

• Project - Congratulations Card: I used the word Congrats.
• Colors - Hummingbirds: I used bronze, grey, green, blue & rose red.
• Element - Best Friend(s): I put two girlfriend images on the card.
• Random - Add Leaves: I went the easy route with some leafy paper.

I still had the stamp set out from the birthday card I made for a Craft Roulette card drive. This time I used both of the girl heads and different facial stamps. Colored and die cut with diamonds, then added shadow diamonds. Die cut the congrats and gave it an outline. Stamped a sentiment & die cut with a diamond, then added a shadow. Assembled on an A2 card & done. Quick and easy!

That's it for today. Hope you're having a crafty weekend!!

Thinking of You & Birthday Cards

Hi everyone - still working with limited supplies but I needed a get well card for my sister & a birthday card for a card drive. First, the card for Kari:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white; Paper Studio A2 card

Stamps - Hero Arts Wish You Were Here (c2011) &

Sending Happy Thoughts (retired)

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape

I was at JoAnn Crafts the other day to pick up a few Copics; discovered they were on deep discount ($2.97!!). So I went back today and picked up a few more for the satellite studio. Stamped the chair, table & lamp, then colored as necessary. Stamped the sentiment and adhered the panel to an A2 card. Decided there was too much open space towards the top so I added the dotted panel. A heart gem covered up an ink blob. Hopefully the bunny will remind her of a childhood stuffed animal & bring some comfort.

I'm sending this card to the September We Love Stamping Challenge to hand color an image; in this case - chair, bunny & lamp.

Over at Craft Roulette Mary Gunn FUNN is hosting a birthday card drive for a little girl Addi turning four. Addi lost her 2 yr old brother to a drunk driver recently so we want to shower her with cards for her 4th bday. She loves Barbies and mermaids so I tried to replicate a Barbie doll. I picked up a sticker sheet at JoAnn's for the sentiment and cupcakes.

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Dove;

American Crafts & Core'dinations patterns

Stamps w/dies - Hero Arts Dress Up Stamp & Cut

Other - Copic and Artist's Loft Markers;

K & Company Sweetie Birthday stickers

I stamped the girl's head, then the face detail and legs. Colored then fussy cut and added a die cut skirt. Adhered a panel of flowered paper to an A2 card, then the dotted strip. Glue malfunction due to thin paper so I covered as much up as I could with the sentiment & cupcake stickers. Also gave Miss Barbie a cupcake sticker to hold. Had to laugh - went to mail it and the postal clerk shook her head - needs extra postage says she, even though it was under 1 ounce. Whatever....

This card has a hand colored image but not much coloring needed so I opted to add card one to WLS.

That's all for today. Hope all is well with you & thanks for stopping by!

A French Bulletin Board Card for Craft Roulette #232

Happy Sunday - hope you're having a great weekend! If you're like me, there's a conflict this time of year between viewing baseball or football. Baseball always wins - LOL. Had a family emergency so I was unexpectedly at the satellite studio with limited supplies. But I managed to make a card this afternoon for Craft Roulette #232 which I watched on replay.

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Dove A2 card

Stamps - Hero Arts Happy Today (c2013) &

Perfect Day (c2012) both retired

Dies - Spellbinders Sentiments One (retired)

Other - Offray ribbon, Bead Landing 4mm pearl beads;

Artist's Loft markers; foam tape

Host Mary Gunn FUNN had the delightful Catherine Pooler (her online store; her YouTube) as her guest, along with Erica, Catherine's Director of Product Development. I don't have any CP products but my local store has some; will definitely check them out more closely now that I "met" Catherine! She mentioned a collaboration with Sizzix - products designed by her but under their brand (also available on her site).

Here's what the wheel spun:

• Project - French Bulletin Board: Wasn't sure what that was. Googled & found a YouTube tutorial on making wall decor. Oh, yeah - I've seen those - a board with crossed ribbons to hold photos, etc. Decided I could recreate that with craft ribbon and cardstock.
• Colors - Winter Dessert(s): I usually just make cookies for the holidays but found some gorgeous Christmas desserts at Country Living. #38 Retro Christmas Cake inspired my colors. White from the cake with green, red, blue and yellow from the light bulbs.
• Element - Balloons: I stamped, colored and fussy cut three balloons from a couple old Hero Arts sets. I had taken all my markers, pencils etc back home so I popped over to Michael's craft store and bought a few markers on discount (buy 3/get 2 free!!). Not as smooth as Copics but I made them work...
• Random - Beads: I had some beads on hand but thought they were too small & not quite the right colors. Picked up some white pearl beads at Michael's.

In the bulletin board tutorial, the instructor was working with canvas covered by batting and material, then the ribbons. She was able to pin into fabric when arranging the ribbons. I laid my paper on a quilted placemat and was able to pin into it. Here's a process photo of that step.

Then I used scotch tape to hold the ribbon, flipped the panel over & taped the ribbon down thoughly, then trimmed the excess. Next I found a sharp needle and sewed the beads to the ribbon centers. I eyeballed rather than measuring but I think it turned out, not perfect, but pretty good! Adhered to an A2 card.

Tucked my fussy cut balloons among the ribbon openings with foam tape under the balloon part. Die cut & gave an outline to a Spellbinders sentiment; added to the card with foam tape. Done!

My card also works at Creative Crafters #80 where Anything Goes. My Diva teamie Arlene (A Bit of This and That) is on the DT so I thought it was about time I played. And I also play at the September Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge - Anything Goes There too!

Thanks for stopping and I hope you have a crafty week!!

Fun Fold for Autumn

Hi all - welcome! Many challenges have autumn themes right now - thought I'd play along with a few! I was trying to decide on a design when I spotted my friend Dawn's beautiful flying finch fun fold card. It looked like fun so I googled the fold and found Susan Campfield's video tutorial. Here's my take:

Supplies: Paper - Poptone Berrylicious;

Paper Studio woodgrain; many scraps

Stamps - Hero Arts Hello Autumn (retired but found HERE)

Dies - Lawn Fawn Stitched Leaves & Small Stitched Leaves;

Hero Arts Nesting Oval Infinity Dies

3D Embossing Folder - Spellbinders Mushroom Harvest 

Susan's instructions were clear & simple so I was able to assemble the card base quickly. Next I found a lace pattern among my scraps for the narrowest panels of the "wings". I thought the mushroom embossing folder would give a nice base texture on the other panels. Perfect for a leafy arrangement. Die cut an oval base & stamped the sentiment on it. Added it to the card front with foam tape. Next I die cut leaves from five different colors in the scrap bin. Arranged the leaves on & under the oval - done! Here's a flat view; it folds to fit an A2 envelope:

Here's a view from the top so you can see the "wings":

I'm sending my autumn card to these Challenges:

• Day of the Month Card Club #67 - Autumn Stroll Day
• Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers #253 - A is for Autumn
• Sunday Stamps Challenge #343 - Autumn Hues
• Allsorts Challenge #797 - Autumn Colours

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping & have a crafty day!

Stitched Christmas Lights

Hey there - I'm back with my third and final entry at Christmas Kickstart #90 where the theme is embossing. I'm also participating in Darnell's IDEAS program where D is for Dies this week.

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Bermuda;

Paper Studio A2 card; many scraps;

Betterpress Porcelain

Embossing Folder - Sizzix 3D Leaf Pattern

Press plate w/die - Spellbinders Merry & Bright Sentiment Strips

Dies - Spellbinders Stitched String Lights

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Other - DMC floss 519/602/608/817/973; foam tape;

Spellbinders Betterpress Hydrangea ink

Did I need another stitching die set since I have so many NBUS ones from the Spellbinders Club? No, but oh well - I couldn't resist this light string released in August & getting first play here! I die cut all the elements and stitched the bulbs. When stitching, I always die cut the base layer without the stitching die to glue on the back - helps protect the stitching and gives a nice flat surface for any foam tape.

Next I die cut a stitched rectangle and embossed it. Was unable to find my pines background folder but I thought this Sizzix one did the trick nicely. Adhered the panel to an A2 card & arranged the light string, popping the bulbs with foam tape. A letterpressed sentiment finished the card.

Since my light string is getting first play here, I'll add my card to Darnell's September NBUS Challenge #66 and also to Merry Little Christmas #58 where Anything Christmas Goes.

Now for a bonus! I've been inspired by my friend & sister Diva Cindy (Escape to Stamping) who has been killing it with the Spellbinders 12 Days of Stitchmas. I got the Advent Calendar instead (again, too many stitching sets on Mt NBUS) but won't use it until December. Anyway, Cindy has been sharing one card with stitching and one without so I'll do the same (see her day 11 post from today HERE):

Additional supplies: Hero Arts Dove A2 card;

MFT Sour Apple cardstock

Sentiment from Spellbinders Poinsettia Corner press plate;

white gel pen

While I was die cutting my stitching elements, I cut many lightbulbs without the stitching insert - more than I needed for the stitched backs. Now I can make several of these quick cards to increase the stash.

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by & have a crafty day!!

A Stamped Floral Wreath

Hi all - busy Sunday but I managed to finish a card for some challenges:

Supplies: Paper - Poptone Blue Raspberry;

Paper Studio orange A2 card; Neenah white;

Spellbinders Betterpress porcelain; dotted by unk

Stamps with Dies - Pinkfresh Studio English Garden (retired)

Dies - Folk Edge Rectangles (retired)

Press Plate w/dies - Spellbinders A Little Message Sentiments

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape;

Park Lane gems

I die cut 2 layers of the PFS Folk Edge Rectangles set (love!) & adhered to an A2 card. I stamped and die cut the PFS English Garden image which results in many pieces. I colored them with Copics (G00,02,05,09/Y08,18/YR09,16) and arranged the wreath along with one flower cluster, the leafy stem, & butterfly atop. Added a pressed sentiment and some gems - done! The orange paper with white dots came wrapped around as packaging when I ordered some Birch Press woodgrain paper - I always save it; comes in handy!!

Above I tried my hand at a more artful photo with some supplies, as many people do. What do you think? Here's a view from closer up:

It's been a while, so I decided to make this card for The Flower Challenge #95 where we're to include a stamped flower. It also works for the September Pinkfresh Studio Challenge where they're doing Leaves & Wreaths. Also for the We Love Stamping September Challenge to hand color an image & Inkspirational #324 where they're using markers. Thanks for the fun challenges!!

That's it for today - thanks for stopping by!

A Couple of Cards

Happy Saturday! I'm popping in with a couple of cards - first up, card two for the September Christmas Kickstart Challenge #90 to use an embossing folder:

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio navy A2 card; many scraps;

Spellbinders Betterpress Pebble

Embossing Folder - Spellbinders Hexi Snowflake (EOM-Jul24)

Dies - Spellbinders Christmas Wreath Add-Ons;

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set; 

Marianne Designs Aline's Alpaca (retired);

Elizabeth Craft Designs Jack Frost (retired)

Press Plate w/Die - Spellbinders Seasons Greetings Evergreens

Other - Spellbinders Betterpress Thunder ink; white gel pen

Yesterday while I was "processing" the wreath bundle I bought from Spellbinder last year, I decided to get a Christmas card done using the Christmas Wreath Add-On set. It's getting first play on today's card! I decided not to use the wreath set from yesterday. Instead, I die cut all the snowman pieces from scraps, then assembled. The snowman is just a head but there's an ornament die in the set that I thought would be perfect for the body. I see great minds think alike because there's a card on the product page where they did the same thing! I used the pom-pons from the alpaca die set as coal buttons for Mr. Snowman, and added some stick arms from a retired ECD set. Again, great minds - on the product page, the designer had added some arms too. Looks like they used the twigs from the wreath set I used on yesterday's card! A letterpressed sentiment finished the card. I'll add this card to Darnell's September NBUS Challenge #66 since the snowman add-on is new. And I'm joining at Merry Little Christmas #58 where anything Christmas goes!

Next up, the card I made with last night's Craft Roulette Episode #231 parameters. Hard to believe it's my 22nd week already - I guess I'm enjoying the show & challenges! This was definitely one I had to finish after the show - so many details!!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah White;

Paper Studio cardstock; scraps

Stamps with dies - Scrappy Tails Flower Shop (dies HERE)

Dies - Poppystamps Corner Shoppe Pop Up Easel Set

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape

Host Mary Gunn FUNN had Nicki Baxley (‪@NickiHeartsCards‬) as her guest. I wasn't familiar with her but what a sweet person! She does videos for several companies, plus on her YouTube (linked above). Here's what the wheel spun for us:

• Project - Outside/Inside: I made a shoppe pop-up card with someone coming out from inside.
• Colors - Tulips: I used green from stems & white/purple/pink/yellow/orange from the blossoms. Go HERE to see tulip color meanings.
• Element - Festival: We have a lot of Fall Festivals around here. I put a sign in front of the shop to show one was located there. Had to shorten the word to Fair to fit but I think I'll be ok. :)
• Random - Check(s): I used plaid patterned paper which could mean checks but in case that didn't work, I put checks (meaning checkerboard) on my flower pot on right.

Lots of die cutting to this one! Cut all the pieces and assembled. I had some extra stamp-offs from Arlene (A Bit of This and That) from when the Divas has Scrappy Tails as our sponsor. Perfect for a flower shop. Colored them with Copics and added to the card. Here's a popped up view. I used the window blind for the stopper, stacked four high. 

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

Blue, Rust, and Gold for a Fall Wreath

TGIF everyone! I was inspired by my friend Jean's beautiful fall wreath card and the colors for Just Us Girls Challenge 743 (Blue/Rust/Gold) to try a wreath of my own:

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane gold A2 card; 

Authentique pp; many scraps;

Spellbinders Betterpress Porcelain

Dies - Spellbinders Build-a-Wreath;

Poppystamps Flower and Leaf Sprinkles;

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Press Plate w/Die - Spellbinders You Are Everything Sentiments

Other - Spellbinders Cosmic Sky Betterpress ink

When I saw Jean's card & the JUGS colors yesterday, I knew I had to pull out a never-before-used Spellbinders wreath bundle I bought when it was released. At least it had made it to the "process" pile where I put the dies on magnetic sheets! Finished that process, then cut the wreath pieces from scraps using just the Build-a-Wreath set. Also die cut some bitty flowers from a Poppystamps set with light blue and white scraps. Next I die cut a rectangle from a lacy blue patterned paper from Authentique that I love. Adhered to a gold A2 card. Assembled the wreath & added a letterpressed sentiment with foam tape. Fairly quick & easy!

I'll also add my card to Darnell's September NBUS Challenge #66 since my wreath dies are newly used.

That's it, friends - thanks for visiting! Have a crafty day!!

Embossing Folder Fun

Hi everyone - Wednesday already! I'm all confused due to the holiday; we had chorus last night when it's normally on Monday & garbage pickup was a day late too! But I managed to make a card yesterday before chorus - this one's for Christmas Kickstart #90 where Jo and elf Jenny are having fun with embossing folders.

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio A2 card;

You Stamp on It vellum; Hero Arts glitter;

Spellbinders Betterpress Porcelain;

many scraps

Embossing Folder - Sizzix Christmas Tree Pattern

Dies - Spellbinders Dancin' Moose Klondike

Hot Foil Plate w/die - Pinkfresh Studio FaLaLaLa

Other - Creatology Wiggle Eyes; foam tape

I thought I'd emboss another piece of translucent vellum for the Group of Seven Cardmakers embossing technique. I've used this Sizzix tree folder before (see HERE for a couple) but not in a while. After embossing, I rubbed a key lime ink pad over it then adhered to a green A2 card. Added a piece of torn glitter paper for the ground and a moose. I just got the moose die set in the mail yesterday and got busy right away. Thanks to Lin who enabled me with this darling card. 

I die cut the moose pieces all from scraps, then assembled & added googly eyes. You can make him so the legs swing but I left mine stationary. Here's a photo of my snippets:

I couldn't find the snippet used for the gold star; I'd cut an outline for a sentiment and another sentiment partially cut. Saved it and managed to fit a star - I'm so frugal... I'm adding my card to Snippets Playground #488 with all these snippets. I'll also share at Darnell's September NBUS Challenge #66 since Mr. Moose is new. So is the hot foil plate which PFS sent me recently as a gift with purchase. I letterpressed it with Leaf ink & die cut with the coordinating die.

Thanks for stopping by & have a crafty day!!