Oh Baby!

Hey there - hope you're enjoying the day! I still haven't finish any cards from the Spellbinders Weekender event from last weekend but one is nearly there! Meantime, I needed two baby cards & made them with a set newly ordered from Unity. First the little girl card:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Recollections A2 card; Lawn Fawn Blissful Blossoms;

dotted paper by unk

Stamps - Unity Oh Baby;

Hero Arts Adorable Baby Girl (retired)

Dies - Poppystamps Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape; white gel pen;

Memento Tuxedo Black ink

A chorus friend had her first baby on April 29th, a little girl named Zoey. I couldn't go to the shower since I was helping my dad but spotted a darling Unity stamp set which I promptly ordered for my card. I stamped the baby girl image on Neenah and colored with Copics, then trimmed to a small rectangle and matted in peach. Die cut a patterned paper with the Poppy die and the frame portion from peach. Added an A2 patterned layer to an A2 card and assembled. I had stamped, colored and fussy cut a bunch of icons from an old Hero Arts baby girl clear set. Added some around the focal image & done!

I'll add this card to Darnell's June NBUS Challenge #87 since the baby set is new.

The host of Craft Roulette got another grandson, little Johnny, in May so I did a boy version:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Lawn Fawn Blissful Blossoms

Stamps - Unity Oh Baby;

Hero Arts Precious Baby Boy (c2009 retired)

Dies - Poppystamps Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape; white gel pen;

Memento Tuxedo Black ink; enamel stars (brand unk)

This time I left off the scalloped frame and kept it a bit simpler, though I did add some holographic enamel stars. The boy icons, also stamped/colored/fussy cut, came from another old Hero Arts set.

That's it for today, friends. Thanks for visiting and have a crafty day!!

Anniversary and New Baby

Hi all - I'm back to share an anniversary card and a card welcoming my newest cousin. First, the card I sent to friends Heather (stamping and stitching) and Philip, celebrating 29 yrs of wedded bliss. They have received it and were pleased with it - yay!

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts layering paper (retired);

Neenah Classic Crest Solar white: 

Scraps of yellow and black

Dies - Hero Arts Sept 2023 MMH kit (sold out);

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Creative Expressions Happy Anniversary

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Sept 2023 MMH kit

Stencils - Hero Arts Sept 2023 MMH kit

Other - white gel pen; foam tape

Here's a graphic of the sold out premium kit's contents:

I die cut a stitched rectangle & then die cut the set's fall window into it. Next I used the inks in the kit to stencil the window & sponged the edges too. Adhered to an A2 card. Then I stamped, die cut and colored the critter couple to resemble foxes. Popped them onto the card and added a layered sentiment. I chose the guitar playing critter since Philip plays guitar and the Heather critter is enjoying it!

I'll add this card to Darnell's October NBUS Challenge since my MMH kit got first play here.

Earlier this month my cousin (not sure how many times "removed" in that geneology stuff) brought his wife & sweet little newborn to visit my dad and me. We took turns holding baby Parker - he's so tiny at two months old; he was light as a feather!  We have photos but are keeping them private...

I made this card (sorry for the poor photo) for the happy family. They didn't open the envelope while here and I haven't heard if they liked it... 

Supplies: Paper - Authentique patterned;

various scraps; A2 card

Dies - Elizabeth Craft Designs Small Doilies;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Stamps - Hero Arts CL662 New Baby (c2013-retired)

Other - B Copics for shading; foam tape

I love the little bear image! No dies for these old stamps so I fussy cut the bear and baby carriage. Stamped the sentiment and rounded the corners with a punch. Die cut a background & a doily and assembled - done!

That's it for today, friends. Please check back on Saturday if you'd like some inspiration to join in our Die Cut Diva October Challenge. Happy crafting!

Poinsettia Window and Welcome Baby Boy!

Hi everyone - Happy Hump Day as we used to say when I still worked! Today I'm sharing another Christmas card made with new Hero Arts products that I picked up locally last Friday. I just love the poinsettia window die with the coordinating stencils!

Supplies: Paper - Lawn Fawn Petite Watercolor Wishes;

Paper Studio ivory

Dies - Hero Arts Poinsettia Window;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop

Stencils - Hero Arts Color Layering Poinsettia Window

Stamps - Hero Arts Fireplace Stamp & Cut XL (sentiment)

Inks - various minis from Hero Arts MMH kits

Other - Copics for minor shading; 

Hero Arts iridescent spray & gold Hero Pearls

If you'd like to see a beauty using this die/stencil combo with a lot of gold, go HERE for Jennifer McGuire's take. She shared a great video there too. In the video she recommends die cutting first, then stenciling - I followed her advice. 

After I die cut and stenciled the window, I added some shading with Copics & spritzed with shimmer spray. Once dry, I die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle, backed it with some LF paper, & inked the edges. Stamped the sentiment, adhered to an A2 card and added some Hero Pearls - done! I'll send this card to the current Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge where Anything Goes.

I made a second one while I was at it (didn't photograph), changing only the colors (flowers more pink  & a pink backing paper). I also used my new Waffle Flower sticky mat - worked great the first time, less great the second in terms of stickiness. I'm thinking one needs to cover it, rather than leaving it exposed to the air overnight?

Next, I have a baby boy card for my new cousin Kieran, the first grandson for my cousin Debi who's more like a sister to me. Kieran's parents settled a few suburbs over from me with their little girl & now Kieran - such a sweet family!

Supplies: Paper - Spellbinders A2 card; Neenah White;

MFT Petite Gingham; Paper Studio Holiday;

Authentique dotted

Stamps - Hero Arts Little One & 

Precious Baby Boy (both retired)

Dies - Hero Arts Nesting Circle Infinity Dies;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop

Other - Copic Markers, foam tape

I die cut a gingham rectangle and added it to an A2 card. Next I cut a red stitched rectangle, then used the next smaller rectangle die to make a frame. It really helped contain my elements. I stamped and colored the icons, then fussy cut along with the sentiment, adding a bit of B00 Copic to the welcome as water for my sailboat. Die cut some mats for the other two icons, assembled & done.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll check back tomorrow for my "last day of the month" post for our August Die Cut Divas Challenge.

It's a Girl

Hey crafty friends - hope you're having a great week!! Ours began with the fabulous news of a baby chorus member!! A chorus friend had a sweet baby girl on Sunday - yay!! I was hoping Grace would be a Valentine baby like me but she was too eager to come into the world. 😍😍

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Blush Layering paper (retired);

Authentique (8x8" pad with a mix of designs); 

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Dies - Sunny Studio Slimline Scalloped Frame

Frantic Stamper Slimline Frames

Stamps - Hero Arts Adorable Baby Girl (retired)

Other - Hero Arts Lacquer; Crystal Stickles;

Pink & Main enamel hearts

I did a couple slimline cards for the February Christmas Kickstart Challenge and can't seem to stop! I did some slimline Valentines I'll share later and then did this card to congratulate Grace's parents. I double shadowed the sentiment and used some lacquer and stickles on the girl mobile. Rest of the work was die cutting layers  - so quick and easy!

I don't usually do much on the inside of cards but thought I'd show this one. I echoed a bit of the baby shower card I sent to Kristin & her hubby when chorus had a virtual shower for them back in October. For stamps I used Hero Arts Little One and Events & Every Day Planner (both retired); Dies were Tim Holtz ATC and a retired My Favorite Things Blueprints set.

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy your day!!

Girl? or Boy?

Hey friends - I'm sharing a card made for a sister chorus member, Kristin, who's expecting a baby. We're holding a virtual shower for her and her hubby next Monday on our chorus Zoom rehearsal. Each voice section (tenor, lead, baritone & bass in barbershop harmony) sent the couple a box of gifts to open during the shower. While I contributed to my section gift, I wanted to send them a special card.

Supplies: Paper - Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes Petite and

Hello Sunshine Remix Petite; Neenah White

Stamps - Hero Arts - Umbrella, Little One, and Events & Every Day Planner Icons (retired)

and Kelly's Outline Letters

Dies - My Favorite Things Blueprints 20 (retired);

Hero Arts Nesting Circle Infinity Dies

Other - Foam tape, Copic Markers, Memento inks

Kristin and Dex have chosen not to find out the child's sex so I thought it would be fun to do two umbrellas - one in girly pink, one in boy blue (stamped and fussy cut). Then I spotted the little baby faces in a planner set and my two circles developed from there. "Little girl" and "little boy" came from the Little One set and the question marks came from the Kelly's Outline Letters alphabet set. After stamping, I die cut into circles and colored with Copics. The sentiment came in the Umbrella set which was developed by Hero Arts for the former Archivers store in 2013 to introduce Stamp & Cut sets (I have oodles).

I'm adding this to Virginia's October Show and Share where anything goes - thanks Virginia! That's it for today - thanks for visiting!!

Dance in the Rain!

Well, April showers turned into snow showers for us yesterday - unpleasant weather for Easter but the bright side was being locked away in our homes. No need to go out in it!! I had a chance over the weekend to make a pair of cards for the current Twofer Challenge (rain/umbrella). I had a Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit on the table from a previous card and spotted the little umbrella stamp in the set - perfect. Here's my Twofer (please excuse the odd tint; the colors are better on the individual photos):

My cousin and his wife are expecting a baby girl (due in August) so I immediately thought of a pink umbrella for a baby girl card. The MMH kit has a window die and I had the idea to use the windowpanes to carry a quartet of items. Here's a closer look (colors are true here) with supply list.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; Authentique Jubilee
Doodlebug Rainbow Petite Prints (Swiss Dot and Dot-Grid-Daisy-Strip)
Stamps - Hero Arts CL662 New Baby (retired)
Feb 2017 My Monthly Hero kit (umbrella)
Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background (sentiment)
Raisin Boat Handle with Prayer (retired but digi download here)
Dies - My Favorite Thing Blueprints (stitched rectangle - retired);
Hero Arts Nesting Oval Infinity Dies & 
Feb 2017 My Monthly Hero kit (umbrella & small rectangles);
Taylored Expressions Simple Strips
Other - Copic Markers for shading, foam tape

Next, a card for the current Hero Arts Stay Crafty with Hero challenge to make a self care card. The little rainbow colored umbrella among the storm clouds really gave me a lift. For a fave technique, I did ink blending on a piece of white card. We can all take a moment to find ways to dance in the rain (or I should say storm!) of this dang pandemic!!

Supplies: Paper - Anchor Paper greys; Neenah white
Stamps - Hero Arts Feb 2017 My Monthly Hero kit
Dies - MMH kit and MFT Blueprints
Other - Weathered Wood & Stormy Sky Distress Oxide inks;
Wink of Stella & foam tape

That's it for today - thanks for stopping and have a crafty day!

Twofer Sweets

Hi all - popping in with a quick post for the latest Twofer Challenge to include sweets on two cards. Two different designs and two different occasions, using a stamp, die or stencil in common. Here's my twofer:

I chose a gingerbread person stamp from a favorite Pink and Main set as my common item. For some reason I thought it would make a cute topper for a cake on one card and a sweet Christmas couple on the second. Here's a closer look at each:

Supplies: Paper - DCWV pink A2 card; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; 

Momenta watercolor; BoBunny Believe Collection 6x6

Stamps - Pink and Main Cocoa Kisses (retired); Hero Arts for Archiver's wedding cake (retired);

Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background

Dies - My Favorite Things Blueprints (retired); Taylored Expressions Simple Strips

Other - colored pencils; foam tape

I stamped the gingerbread girl, masked her off, then stamped the cake leaving off the wedding topper portion. I colored with pencils as I had left my Copics elsewhere. Wouldn't you know it - while using a blender pen, I got a blob on my girl - noooo! So I stamped another one on the pink watercolor paper and added pink pencil & stamped the face. Nice and quick. Trimmed it out and layered atop the blobbed one, then fussy cut the entire piece leaving a white border. Cut a white stitched rectangle and a rainbow one; layered all onto card and popped the cake with topper with foam tape. Added a Taylored Expressions sentiment strip from my pile.

Supplies: Paper - DCWV brown A2 card; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; 

My Mind's Eye kraft; Lawn Fawn Let's Bokeh in the Snow 6x6;

Studio Calico Magical Collection 6x6

Stamps - Pink and Main Cocoa Kisses (retired)

Dies - My Favorite Things Blueprints (retired); Pink and Main Cocoa Kisses dies (retired)

Other - colored pencils; foam tape; Hero Arts lacquer pen

For the Christmas card I used a different gingerbread face on my girl - nice to have that option! I stamped the couple on kraft paper which wasn't as friendly to colored pencils - oh well, used them anyway! Very quick card and on the inside the sentiment reads "Sugar & Spice make Holidays Nice" which is perfect for this sweet challenge!

Thanks for stopping and thanks to Darnell & crew for a fun challenge!!

Twofer Nautical

Hi all - the August Twofer Challenge was announced yesterday and I had time this morning to make a couple cards for it. Here's my Twofer:

I received an Ocean Journeys set as a gift from the lovely folks at Whimsy Stamps. Thanks again!! I hadn't had the chance to use it yet so decided to use the sailboat and waves from this set as my common nautical stamps. I stamped the sailboat image twice and colored & fussy cut both. I had an idea in my mind for a little ocean scene for card one and decided on a baby boy card for #2. Not that I need one right now, but my cousin hopes to start a family soon. May as well be ready! Here's a closer look at each:

Supplies: Paper - DCWV shimmer blue A2 card; Momenta watercolor (two shades); 

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; scrap of unk blue patterned

Stamps - sailboat and waves from Ocean Journeys (retired) by Whimsy Stamps;

whale from Oceans of Joy (retired) by Hero Arts; bird from Let's Chill by Hero Arts; 

sentiment from Fancy Basics (retired) by Hero Arts

Dies - My Favorite Things stitched rectangle (retired Blueprints)

Inks - Hero Arts Navy; Salty Ocean Distress Oxide; Memento Tuxedo Black

Other - Distress & Copic Markers; googly eye; foam tape

I stamped the whale on a scrap of blue patterned paper - sorry can't remember whose. Fussy cut him, colored the flowers and added a large googly eye. Stamped, colored and cut the birdie; added him to one of my sailboats. Cut the blue watercolor paper into a stitched rectangle and part of a second rectangle in turquoise. Stamped the waves onto the turquoise piece and fussy cut, then added to the blue. Layered it all onto a blue card. Stamped the sentiment in the corner, popped the whale and boat into the waves. Done! Hope the tiny extra stitch line on the turquoise isn't too obvious. The paper comes scored at the top and I didn't realize I had cut into that part - oops! :(

Supplies: Paper - DCWV shimmer blue A2 card; Momenta blue watercolor

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; Lawn Fawn Rainbow Plaid

Stamps - sailboat and waves and heart from Ocean Journeys (retired) by Whimsy Stamps; 

sentiment from CL854 Little One (retired) by Hero Arts

Dies - Hero Arts Wood Frame Infinity Dies; My Favorite Things Cloud 9 (retired)

Inks - Hero Arts Navy & Red Royal; Salty Ocean Distress Oxide; Memento Tuxedo Black

Other - Distress Markers; foam tape

I added a stamped heart to the second sailboat and decided to float it on an ocean piece within a frame. Added die cut clouds, one of which I stamped with part of the sentiment. I stamped welcome on another strip of watercolor paper and fussy cut it. Adhered it to the frame and layered the whole thing onto the plaid and card.

I really enjoyed the Twofer nautical theme. Thanks to Darnell and crew for a fun challenge and thanks to you for stopping by!!

Welcome Baby Lila Grace!

I can't believe I'm posting two days in a row - yay for me! 

One of the fabulous Hero Arts designers, Jennifer McGuire, had a new baby girl on Mother's Day - congrats Jennifer and family!!  A friend of hers, Jana Millen, organized an online card gallery to welcome Lila Grace and I finally had a chance to contribute something.  I've met Jennifer at several ScrapFests (hosted annually by Archiver's) where she's done some delightful classes along with the amazing Shari Carroll.  I've also taken quite a few of Jennifer's Online Card Classes.  What a talented woman - I could go on forever...

Here's my card:

I used Hero Arts layering paper for the card base, stamped with the Chevron Background, a Hero Arts/Studio Calico collaboration, with HA's bubblegum mid-tone ink.  This is a new stamp for me and I just loooove it!  Lila's name is stamped with Hero Art's Fancy Letters and the sentiment is from Find Joy.   The butterfly is Soft Wings from Penny Black; I stamped it with the custom stamp pad I made during Tim Holtz' Creative Chemistry 101 class. 

So, welcome Lila Grace!  May you have a long and wonderful life!!

Hope you're having a fun and crafty weekend - thanks for stopping by!

It's a Girl - Helena Joelle!

I mentioned yesterday that my mom asked for a baby card for a friend who's bringing baby Helena over later this week.  I had no baby type stuff with me so we headed over to Crop Girls and found the 2010 Hero Arts set I saw there on Thursday.  The owner said I looked like I was on a mission as I raced to the back of the store!  Here's the card I created:

Luckily I brought some Hero Arts Blush Designer papers with me (the grid with flowers - so pretty!) and some Blush Layering papers.  I stamped the carnation piece lightly with HA's Newpaper Background and then overstamped with a bunch of sentiments and words from HA's Baby clear set (inked with HA's new Bubble Gum mid-tone ink - love it!).  The ribbon is a soft wrinkled ribbon by May Arts topped with a Bazzill flower.  I put a satin rolled rose in the center and added bakers twine.  The buttons came from Mom's sewing box - they look a bit ivory compared to the bright white cs I used as a card base - oh well....  Mom loves the card and I'm sure her friend will too.

Thanks for stopping!