Turkey Among the Pumpkins

Hey everyone - the November Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge - Bits and Pieces suits me to a tee! The Challenge? Use your scraps and stuff from the UFO (UnFinished Objects) box (or in my case, many boxes & even large bins!!). Here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Recollections A2 card; patterned scraps

Stamps with dies - Hero Arts September Card Kit (pumpkins),

Autumn Bounty Stamp & Cut, 

& Color Layering Grateful Leaves (both retired)

Dies - Kat Scrappiness A2 Stitched Strips

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape; 

turkey upcycled from a previous card;

Hero Arts enamel dots (from card kit); 

enamel heart from Pink & Main

I often stamp multiples when working with a new stamp set. I sometimes store them in a cellophane bag with the set but more often they end up in the UFO box. Or, they're still on the craft counter for weeks on end, as is the case with the pumpkins. I stamped oodles of pumpkins when I received the Hero Arts September Card Kit. I'd sit coloring them during Craft Roulette member Zoom calls (we craft and chat). I figured I'd be able to work them in to Thanksgiving cards so that's where I started today. Here's a photo of part of my craft counter:

I liked Michelle Lupton's inspiration card with the scrap strips so I made some of my own! I have paper scraps in a 3-drawed plastic cart with neutrals in the top drawer, solid colors in the middle drawer & patterns in the bottom. There were some fall-ish ones towards the top so I pulled those. I die cut them with a set of stitched strip dies. Here's a photo of the bin:

Pulling 5 patterned snippets barely made a dent! Since I used snippets, I'll share at Snippets Playground #519. And since my pumpkins are newly used, I'll add my card to Darnell's NBUS Challenge #80. The turkey was pried off the Thanksgiving card I sent to my aunt last year. She saves my cards and then gives them back when she gets a bunch. I upcycle what I can...

Bonus: Thought I might as well share another card using the September kit since I hadn't blogged it yet. A chorus member & her husband celebrated 60 years of marriage in October so I made a squirrel card! I used two squirrels, some leaves, and a fall tree from the kit, along with a big diamond (the symbol for a 60th anniversary) & a Betterpressed banner (using a hot foil plate). 

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

freebie leaf print from Lawn Fawn; 

Paper Studio brown & black cardstock;

scrap of Graphic 45 green print;

Recollections A2 card

Stamps with dies - Hero Arts September Card Kit;

Art-C Stamp & Die set (diamond)

Dies - Hero Arts September Card Kit (tree & carvings);

MFT numbers (NIB)

Hot Foil Plate with die - Spellbinders set name unk (retired)

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

Simple stamping and die cutting here - very fun to put together. I love how this turned out & the couple loved it too!! 

Thanks for stopping and have a crafty day!!

A Couple Christmas Cards

Hi everyone - I'm popping in with a card for the May Christmas Kickstart Challenge #98 featuring Winter Warmers. I went with a polar bear wearing a winter scarf, hat & mittens.

Supplies: Paper - Recollections A2 card;

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio O Holy Night; scraps

Stamps w/dies - Hero Arts Holiday Cheer Nov2024 kit

Dies - Hero Arts Peeking Winter Bear

(sold out at HA but one left HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Other - Copic Markers; foam tape; clear gems

First I die cut the bear and his accessories, then assembled. Added shading and details with Copics. Covered an A2 card with snowflake paper then added a plaid on the left. Added the bear to the edge of the plaid using foam only on the head. Added some snowflakes (unknown whose) from the bits box, then some gems to their centers. Pulled a stamped/die cut sentiment from a Hero Studio kit & adhered to the card with foam tape - done!

I will also link this card to Merry Little Christmas #62 where Anything Goes & to the May Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge (Eyes).

Next, I have a Christmas card I made during last night's Craft Roulette Live (Episode #266) featuring Gina K. (‪@GinaKDesigns-StampTV‬) & Rina K. (@RinaKDesigns) as guests.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio Heavyweight Pink

Stamps w/Dies - Hero Arts Holiday Sparkles Bundle

North Pole Express Bundle (retired at HA; HERE at FS)

Other - Copic Markers; TH Twisted Citron Distress Ink;

Paper Studio star gems

Here's what the wheel spun:

• Project - A7 card: I formed one from cardstock.
• Colors - Floral Wreath: I used pink/yellow/green from my Easter wreath.
• Element - Lyrics: I used a sentiment with lyrics from a Christmas song.
• Random - Cinco: I stamped 5 stars.

I started by stamping 5 stars and the sentiment on a piece of Neenah white cardstock. Trimmed the panel to layer onto an A7 card formed from pink cardstock. Colored the stars with Copics and inked the panel edges before gluing to the card. Added some star gems - done! I managed to get a photo and upload the card before the episode ended - I love when I can do that!

That's it for today, friends! Thanks for visiting & have a crafty weekend!!

Last Day to Shake it Up with Die Cut Divas

Hi everyone - my goodness, February is passing so quickly!! At Die Cut Divas today the end of month team is providing inspiration on the last day of our February Shaker Challenge. Card one below is my part of that inspiration post; details & a bonus card follow only here.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Solar White;

Park Lane A2 card; Recollections yellow;

Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes Petite

Stamps - Hero Arts Togetherness Flower Bouquet

Dies - Hero Arts Secret Garden Fancy Die

Other - Recollections Gemstone shaker mix;

Kat Scrappiness A2 Full Front Shaker Card Pockets

Our fabulous sponsor is Hero Arts, an inspiration to the crafting community! They've donated a $25 credit to their online store for our randomly drawn challenge winner - thanks Hero Arts!!

I die cut the cover plate, including the free standing flowers in the center. Took an A2 purple panel from LF's Watercolor Wishes and formed the shaker pouch with a mix from Michael's. Adhered the cover plate and the other flowers over top, then glued to an A2 card. Stamped and fussy cut a sentiment then added to the card with foam tape. Glued some of the shaker mix gemstones to the flower centers for some extra interest - done!

Ready for a bonus? This time I've watercolored a gorgeous cover plate & made a shaker!

Supplies: Paper - TH Distress Watercolor; Neenah Solar White; 

Park Lane A2 card; Poptone Blue Raspberry; 

Lawn Fawn Rainbow Ever After Petite

Stamps w/Dies - Hero Arts Message Strips Stamp & Cut XL

Dies - Hero Arts Birds and Flowers Cover Plate &

Wood Frames Infinity Dies

Other - Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors & reinkers;

Distress reinkers; Recollections shaker mix;

Kat Scrappiness A2 Full Front Shaker Card Pockets;

Hero Arts White Iridescent Shimmer Mist

The process was same as for card one, except on the bonus I used watercolor paper & painted the scene with various liquids. Once dry I gave it a liberal overall spritz with shimmer mist - so pretty in real life!!

I'll add card one to Darnell's February NBUS Challenge #71 since the flower cover plate is getting first play here. I'll add the bonus card to the February Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge where they're doing floral projects.

Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you in the February Diva gallery by 9pm Pacific time today!!

Shaking it Up with Hero Arts!

Hey friends - I'm posting at Die Cut Divas today with card one below. A bonus card follows only here.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Solar White;

Park Lane A2 card; scrap of purple; acetate

Stamps w/Dies - Hero Arts Message Strips Stamp & Cut XL

Dies - Hero Arts Bee Florals Window

Stencils - Hero Arts Color Layering Bee Florals 

Inks - Hero Arts Grape Slush, Amethyst, Key Lime, Moss,

Cup O'Joe & Pitch Black;

Memento Dandelion & Tangelo;

Tumbled Glass & Spiced Marmalade Distress

Other - Shaker mix from a retired Hero Arts MMH kit;

Hero Arts Sparkle Clear Lacquer; iCraft foam

We're doing shaker cards for our February Die Cut Divas Challenge. Our wonderful sponsor is Hero Arts, an inspiration to the crafting community! They're donating a $25 credit to their online store for our randomly drawn challenge winner - thanks Hero Arts!!

I die cut the bee window into an A2 panel of Neenah white, then stenciled the image with the coordinating 5 piece stencil set. I inked the corners with Tumbled Glass DI. Next, I backed the panel with acetate then applied 3mm foam around the edges. Filled it with a shaker mix from an old HA kit. Adhered an A2 card. Added sparkle lacquer to the bee wings. Stamped and die cut a sentiment strip & adhered it to the card.

For a bonus, I used a fave coverplate die:

Supplies: Paper - My Favorite Things red; scrap of white;

Paper Studio Pink; Hero Arts black 

Dies - Hero Arts Window on Love Confetti

Stamps w/Dies - Hero Arts Message Strips Stamp & Cut XL 

Other - Hobby Lobby Valentine Crafts clay chips;

Kat Scrappiness A2 Full Front Shaker Card Pockets

I've tried full front A2 shaker panels before - they work really well when you use a coverplate with a lot of open area. I found a fun shaker mix in the Valentine section at Hobby Lobby - little clay hearts, envelopes and sprinkles. Wrapped the filled shaker panel around a pink A2 panel to form a pouch. Then  I die cut the heart confetti panel and adhered atop the shaker pouch, then glued to an A2 card. Next I stamped/die cut another sentiment from the Message Strip stamp & cut set. I added a couple of the clay hearts to finish the card.

I'm sending my bee florals window card to the February Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero where they're doing floral projects.

** Based on Trina's (Phamtastic Design) reminder, I will add my bonus card to the current Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge where they want red or pink. Also to the February Colorful Options Challenge where they have a lovely mood board with loads of red, pink & hearts!

We look forward to seeing your shaker card (including a die cut &/or embossing folder) in our February Diva gallery! Thanks for visiting!!

Thanks for visiting & have a crafty day!

Two Christmas Cards - Joyfold and Stenciled!

Hi all - TGIF! Sorry if I haven't visited you lately - seems like everyone is busy preparing for Christmas and not blogging as much. Anyway, I've been busy writing out my Christmas cards & realized I have to make a few more (I had 72 finished). So I got busy yesterday and whipped up a card using a new Waffle Flower stencil - will share that later in the post.

First I'll cover Craft Roulette Episode #244 which aired earlier tonight. I watched through the parameter reveal, then went off to make my card. Didn't finish until after the episode ended since I had nearly forgotten a parameter! No worries, plenty of time for submitting to the gallery.

Supplies: Paper - Doodlebug; Neenah white;

Hero Arts Glitter Basics

Stamps with dies - Hero Arts Northern Lights Polar Bears Bundle 

Dies - AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Borders

Other - Copic Markers; Distress & Hero Arts inks;

ribbon by unk

Host Mary Gunn FUNN had Christine Bertram (Cards by Christine) as her guest. Christine is a successful Stampin' Up demonstrator who does a lot of online classes. Here's what the wheel spun for us:

• Project - Joyfold Card: I trimmed one side of an A2 card then adhered a reverse 4x8.25" panel (scored at 4.25") to the inside to form the joyfold. Added a 3x5.5" striped paper to the left side, 4.25x5.5" snowflake pattern to the inside and my 4x4 scene to the right side to fold over. I watched this YouTube tutorial on how to make a joyfold.
• Colors - Bold/Quiet: Used both bold and soft versions of purple/blue/green.
• Element - Family: I stamped, colored & die cut a polar bear family for my fold-over panel.
• Random - Ribbon: I tied a bitty bow and added to a bear cub.

Here's a view of the joyfold open:

I'll add my joyfold card to the December 2024 Hero Arts Stay Crafty Challenge where a card for this festive season works. And here's the card I made yesterday:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white;

Hero Arts Glitter Basics; scraps

Stencil - Waffle Flower Poinsettia Background

Dies - AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Poppystamps Lavish Merry Christmas

Other - Hero Arts inks; fineliners;

label sticker from Taylored Expressions

That's it for now - two more Christmas card ready to write out and mail, then back to the craft table!! How are you doing with yours??

I'll add the stenciled card to Darnell's December NBUS Challenge #69 since the poinsettia stencil got first play here. And I can't forget Christmas Kickstart #93 where you can link anything Christmassy.

Thanks for stopping & happy crafting!!

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!!

Non-traditional Valentines

Hey there - I'm posting card one below at Die Cut Divas today, hoping to inspire you to play in our February Challenge. We're doing non-traditional Valentines & even though Valentine's Day was last week, you have until 9pm PST on the 29th to share your project. Our sponsor is the amazing Hero Arts who generously donated a $25 prize to our random winner - thanks so much!!

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill blue A2 cards;

BoBunny Boulevard 6x6"; Momenta Watercolor;

Tim Holtz Kraft Metallic; scrap of grey

Dies - Hero Arts Vintage Birdcase &

January 2024 My Monthly Hero Kit

Spellbinders 

Stamps - Avocado Arts Valentine (retired)

Other - various enamel dots & gems

For me, non-traditional means no hearts and no red/pink colors. So I went with blues since this is one of my friend Heather's (Stamping and Stitching) favorite colors. I sent this card to her & her family in Ireland. They loved it!

I used a new Hero Arts birdcage die set I picked up in the January release. The birdcage cuts with a heart at the top but I trimmed it off in keeping with my idea of non-traditional. I used silver metallic and a soft grey shadow to die cut the birdcage. Die cut the birds from part of an A2 card I'd cut in half. Used that same card to cut the side panels (from Spellbinders). The floral spray & banner were cut using dies from the January MMH kit. Die cut a print background & adhered to an A2 card. Added the side panels and the elongated oval (same set) cut from a watercolor blue print. Added the birdcage & floral spray. Stamped the sentiment onto the banner & popped it over the birdcage top with foam tape. Added some gems & enamel dots to the flower centers - done!

I'm adding this card to Darnell's February NBUS Challenge and to the current Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge. 

Now for a bonus using a gorgeous Hero Arts peony set I got a while back but hadn't tried yet. I purchased the coordinating stencil to make for some quick and easy coloring. I continued with the blue theme:

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill A2 card; 

Neenah white; Authentique plaid

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Peonies Bunch

Stencil - Hero Arts Color Layering Peonies Bunch

Other - Hero Arts enamel dots & various inks;

gold sparkle pen

Found a Authentique plaid that didn't read Valentine colors to me, even if one of the stripes is an orangy red. Stamped the peonies and colored with the stencils; added gold sparkle to the centers, then die cut. Added to the card using foam tape. Stamped the sentiment (same set) onto a narrow strip & added to the card along with some enamel dots.

Still with me? We're celebrating birthdays today with two of the Divas - Arlene (A Bit of This and That) & Cindy (Escape to Stamping). I used the peony set to make a card for each of them & stenciled a bit in opposite corners - Memory Box Texture Diamonds (retired) on one and Hero Arts Script on the other. A sentiment using Spellbinders You are Everything Sentiments Betterpress plate completed each card.

Thanks for stopping by and we hope to see your project in the February Diva gallery! Happy crafting!

Heart Frame Love You

Hi all - hope you're enjoying the weekend! I was having a lovely day with some shopping & card making until I logged onto the computer to post my card. I just read news of some tragic shooting deaths in a suburb southwest of me in the Twin Cities - horrible! My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims. I'm sure they'll share more details during the evening news but it weighs on my heart!

Seems appropriate to be posting a LOVE card - wish there was more love in the world! I was reminded today by Hilary (Fiddling About) that she's hosting the February challenge at We Love Stamping. They're doing a Romantic or Anything Goes theme - your choice. I've been meaning to play & went the romantic route using a fave Hero Arts cling background stamp from 2009:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio Glitter; Hero Arts Pitch Black; Michael's A2 card

Stamps - Hero Arts CG129 Heart Frame

Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Hero Arts January 2024 My Monthly Hero Premium Kit  

(Love You dies in the Classic kit too but not the flowers)

Other - Copic Markers; Altenew Tea Rose Enamel Dots'

TH Distress Oxide inks - Spun Sugar & Kitsch Flamingo

I stamped the background on Copic friendly Neenah, then die cut it with a stitched rectangle. Sponged Distress Oxide inks on the edges, then colored the pattern with various red and green Copics. Gave it a black mat & adhered to a top fold A2 card. Next I die cut the sentiment multiple times, stacked & shadowed behind the glitter with black. Adhered to the card. I had a leftover white flower and some leaves from a previous card; colored them with Copics to match my background. Added a heart enamel dot to the center & added to the card - done!

I bought a kid's plastic craft tray in the Target Hot Spot last year - $5 or less. It has a nice surface with bins on either side & fits across your lap. I've been using it while watching tv - either to eat a snack or to work on crafts - very handy!! Some cable tv channel is having a Harry Potter marathon this weekend so I was watching one of the movies this afternoon whilst coloring my frame & assembling my card.

I'm also joining the current The Flower Challenge where you need hearts and flowers, plus the February Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge - "Do You Believe in Love?" I do, I do!

That's it, friends - thanks for stopping by & stay safe out there!!

Stenciled Floral Background

Welcome - I'm back with a final card (limit of three) for Just Us Girls Challenge #711 (Stencils). I was doing some crafty clean-up last night & ended up making this card:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Park Lane gold A2 card; Paper Studio Holiday; scrap of pink & vellum

Stencils - Hero Arts January 2024 My Monthly Hero Classic Kit

Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Hero Arts January 2024 My Monthly Hero Premium Kit  

(Love You dies in the Classic kit too but not the flowers) &

Nesting Hearts Infinity Dies

Inks - Hero Arts Soft Blossom, Azalea, Crimson, Red Royal, & Moss

I received my January MMH kit last week and used one of the sentiments and some of the camel watercolor paper included in the Classic Kit (I subscribe to the Premium Kits). While I was putting away the sentiment set, I spotted the stencils & decided to get one last JUGS card in.

Stenciled a piece of Neenah white using the 5 layering stencils and various inks (listed in supplies). I die cut the panel with an old stitched rectangle die and adhered it to a gold A2 card. Next I die cut the classic kit's large heart from vellum & the LOVE YOU 3 times - twice from red and once from gold. Layered the LOVE YOU and added to the heart, then glued the heart to the card with glue just behind the letters. 

When I received my kit, I had done a test run of all the flowers in the premium part of the kit - die cutting them using Neenah white. Decided a flower would be fun on each O but ended up offsetting them, rather than putting them in the O's centers. Next I used the smallest heart in the nested heart die set (a long-time fave) & cut from a scrap of pink. Added these to the flower centers. Easy peasy! The inside will have a Valentine sentiment so there's one more Valentine for the stash!

I'll add my card to Darnell's January NBUS Challenge since the MMH stencils were newly used. I'm also entering my card at the January Stay Crafty with a Blog Named Hero Challenge to combine old (stitched rectangle and infinity heart dies) and new (January 2024 MMH kit items).

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting!!