Red and Pink with Hero Arts!

Hey everyone - it's time for my regular monthly post at Die Cut Divas. The card details and a bonus are only shared here though. We have the wonderful Hero Arts as our sponsor who has donated a $25 gift card for our random winner.

First up a tulip card:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Recollections A2 card;

My Mind's Eye patterned

Stamps with dies - Hero Arts Tulip Bouquet

(dies retired)

Dies - Poppystamps Cute Bow;

Hero Arts Oval Infinity Dies;

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Stencils - Hero Arts Color Layering Tulip Bouquet

Embossing Folder - Stampin' Up Subtle (retired)

Other - SSS Starshine dots; foam tape;

Hero Arts & Memento inks; white gel pen;

Copic Markers C00 & C3 for shading

I'd had the tulip stamp and die set for a few years, then picked up the coordinating stencils more recently. They make a card go very quickly. I tend to add more color with Copics and some gel pen details but the stencils are handy to start! I went with grey for the stems and leaves so as not to detract from the red/pink theme.

I added a patterned stitched rectangle to a ruby A2 card then used part of a second card to die cut an oval. Embossed the oval and adhered to the patterned layer, then added my bouquet. Stamped a sentiment from the tulip set and die cut with a smaller oval. Added both to the card. Die cut a bow & adhered to the bouquet, then added some Starshine dots.

For my bonus I used my fave Hero Arts heart coverplate die. 

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio A2 card & red card stock

Dies - Hero Arts Window on Love Confetti Fancy Die

Other - SSS printed sentiment; glossy accents;

Hero Arts Ultra Pink ink & Irridescent Shimmer Spray;

Paper Studio enamel hearts; Glossy Accents

I shared a card with this coverplate on Valentine's Day but you couldn't see the fabulous heart detail. I cut this one from Neenah, then swiped Ultra Pink ink over it direct to paper. Then I spritzed it liberally with shimmer spray. Once dry, I adhered it to an ombré pink card. I also die cut the coverplate from red cardstock and inlaid 3 of the hearts, saving the rest for future projects. Covered them in Glossy Accents for nice dimension and shine. A couple enamel hearts and a printed sentiment finished the card.

That's it for today friends. We hope you'll pop over to Die Cut Divas and enter a project using primarily red &/or pink into our February Gallery by 9p Pacific Time on Feb 28.

Thanks for visiting and happy crafting!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hi everyone - hope you're enjoying your Valentine's Day! I'm popping in with a few cards and a photo from one of my many birthday celebrations this past week. 

First up, a card I made a couple weeks ago during Card Chaos Episode #31 with Irene Smith and her guest Brian Dickey. The theme was HEARTS so I thought it was the perfect time to get some Valentines made! I decided to save sharing them until Vday.

Supplies: Paper - Astro Designs black cardstock;

American Crafts patterned; scraps

Dies - Poppystamps Nordic Heart

& Vintage Scalloped Heart

(retired at PS but still HERE at Frantic Stamper);

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Other - Taylored Expressions printed sentiment strip

I used one of my "go-to" sketches: A2 card with a background, coordinating strip and a focal point. For the focal point I combined two Poppystamps sets to make a layered heart. I was delighted to find that the scalloped outline for the PS Vintage Heart fit the Nordic Heart perfectly!! A printed sentiment strip from the bits box finished the card which I sent to friend Cat (Cat Luvs Paper).

I mentioned in an earlier post that when I do Card Chaos (15 minute cards), I make a prototype to see if I can make the card in 15 minutes. Here's the one I made for the above card prior to the show; I sent it to my sister Kari. Which version do you like better?

My second Chaos card was even easier. I took a printed card, die cut the front panel with an edger die then backed it with Lawn Fawn paper. Some of the hearts that cut out of the panel were adhered to the right. I finished it with some Starshine dots and a printed sentiment.

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio watercolor print A2 card;

Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes

Dies - Poppystamps Wild at Heart Border

(retired at PS but one left HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Other - printed sentiment strip

Next I'll share the card that went to my birthday twin, Lynn. 

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio A2 watercolor print cards & 

purple cardstock

Dies - Hero Arts Window on Love Confetti;

Poppystamps Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

Pink & Main Truck Pop Up (license plate)

Stamps - Pink & Main License Sayings;

Hero Arts Everyday Sentiment Strips (retired)

Other - Hero Art shimmer spray

I made a shaker card for an earlier episode of Card Chaos which I haven't shared. When I die cut the hearts panel for the shaker, I didn't realize I had stacked two pieces of purple cardstock. The bottom piece didn't cut through (except for the big center heart) so I thought I'd use it that way! I spritzed it liberally with shimmer spray. Once dry I adhered it to a pink watercolor print A2 card. The pink shows through where the center heart cut out. You can't see the hearts that didn't cut very well in the photo but it gives a nice texture in real life. 

I added a couple pierced scalloped frames and some hearts left from a second cut I had made of the heart edger above. Stamped a Happy Valentine's Day sentiment, cut it into strips and added to one heart. Added a bday sentiment license plate left over from a previous card. Thanks to Lisa (My Paper Tales) who enabled me on those frame dies - love them!!

So far the February bday girls haven't had our usual lunch but I'm sure we'll get one in soon. Meanwhile, I had lunch out with two different sets of friends this past week & got free desserts at both! Here I am with a large slab of delicious carrot cake that was shared with the group:

Today I'm just getting my free birthday coffee from various shops and enjoying a Zoom Valentine party. My brother and sister-in-law are treating me to dinner tomorrow & more friends want to get together next week. Then I'll need a break from partying!! 

Thanks for bearing with the long post! Hope you have a wonderful weekend & happy crafting!

Textures and Techniques

Hey everyone - yesterday I enjoyed the lastest (and totally free) online Simon Says Stamp Create Together Class - Master Textures & Techniques with Jennifer McGuire. Fabulous, and quite long, class!! I had purchased the class kit (great value) which is sold out but many of the products are available individually. Plus SSS has them on sale right now! 

I'll share a class card next but first, a card I made for Just Us Girls Challenge #809 where it's die week with the theme of hearts.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio A2 card; scraps

Dies - Simon Says Stamp Falling Hearts &

CZ Design With Love;

Hero Arts Nesting Hearts Infinity Dies

Embossing Folder - Simon Says Stamp Tiny Flora

Other - foam tape

During class Jennifer had us cut the heart coverplate twice - once from vellum (I haven't done mine yet) and once from white cardstock. She only used the heart confetti from the white cut. I decided to use this coverplate for my JUGS entry. I decided to give it some texture and used one of the class kit embossing folders - love it! I adhered it to an ombré A2 card from Hobby Lobby. Next I die cut a sentiment (also used in the class) from scraps of pink, black & silver metallic. I assembled it and popped it onto a die cut heart, then onto the card with foam tape. To finish it, I added one of the hearts cut from the coverplate to the O of LOVE.

I will also add this card to Darnell's February NBUS Challenge #83 since the coverplate got first use here. Next, I share the second card we completed in class. I took a quick break and missed making card one which included cutting the coverplate in vellum! Oops!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

SSS heavyweight vellum, metallic silver & glossy white cardstock

Dies - Simon Says Stamp CZ Design With Love

Embossing Folder - Simon Says Stamp Tiny Flora

Other - foam tape; SSS pigment inks

For this one we embossed an A2 panel of vellum, lightly inked it with SSS Tide Pool and folded in half. Mine cracked - oh well. As Jennifer often says of class cards - this was our "practice pancake" - lol. 

Next we embossed an A2 panel of the glossy cardstock and inked with three colors of choice (the kit included 6 SSS pigment inks); I used Heather, Cadette and Pearfection. The glossy cardstock makes it easy to move the ink - I got some spotches, oh well... We cut this panel on a diagonal along with 3 panels of white. Sandwiched the vellum between these panels to form a card with a vellum top - crazy, right? Then added some scrap strips and a sentiment die cut. Hard to see in the photo but I added a black shadow layer to my words.

I'll have to go back and watch the replay to finish the rest of the class cards. We made a bunch of panels with inking and embossing folders - so I have a ways to go to finish!

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with the card I made for last night's Craft Roulette. Hope you're having a crafty weekend!

Lots of pink!

Hi everyone! Since I had Valentine supplies from yesterday's post still out, I decided to make a card for Inkspirational Challenge #360 where the theme is XOXO (Hugs and Kisses).

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; scraps

Stencil - TCW Texture Love (retired)

Dies - Poppystamps Vintage Scalloped Heart

(retired at PS but still HERE at Frantic Stamper);

My Favorite Things In Stitches Alphabet (retired but one left

HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Other - foam tape; Hero Arts Ultra Pink ink

For this one I masked off all but the hearts on the stencil background I used on yesterday's card. Stenciled them in the upper left and lower right corners of a white A2 card panel using Ultra Pink ink. Trimmed it and added to an A2 card. Next I die cut the vintage heart from a scrap of pink and the scalloped mat layer from metallic silver. Layered them and popped onto the card with foam tape. Then I die cut stitched letters X and O from silver glitter scraps and also from white. Layered and adhered to the heart. Done!

I'm also sharing another card I made during last week's Card Making Stash Summit. Justine Hovey made a challenge to use colored cardstock/a diagonal/textured on a card. Here's my take:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio cardstock

Embossing Folder - Altenew Lace 3D

Die - AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Other - foam tape, SSS printed sentiment and Starshine dots

I die cut a stitched rectangle of pink cardstock and embossed it with the 3D lace (texture) which is on a diagonal. Matted in black and added to an A2 card. A printed sentiment strip and silver dots finished the card. Very quick and easy but results in quite the impact. I think my aunt will love this for her birthday next month!

That's it for today, friends - thanks for stopping! Hope you're having a great week & happy crafting!!

Some Ombré Cards

Hey there - hope you're having a great week! Last night I watched Card Chaos Episode #32 where Irene Smith and a guest took turns making a card in 15 minutes. The theme was ombré & I had to play along! Here's my first card - made it in just under 15:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio pastel A2 card

Stamps w/dies - Inky Stamper Dragonfly & Butterfly;

Stamps - Spellbinders 2024 Advent Calendar Day 2

Dies - Hero Arts Tag Frames Infinity Dies

Other - foam tape; Copic Markers;

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink;

Broken China & Faded Jeans Distress Inks

I started with a pale blue A2 card and applied a medium and a darker blue ink to form an ombré background. I already had the dragonfly and butterfly stamped in the stash. Same with the sentiment label which, by the way, is from the 2024 Spellbinders Advent calendar. I'm making each daily item from 12/2024 during February & had stamped it earlier in the day yesterday. I'm really trying to use that NBUS!! The bugs are also used for the first time here.

I colored the previously stamped images very quickly since I was under the time crunch. After deciding where the bugs would go, I stamped the dashed trails & popped the bugs onto the card with foam tape, then added the sentiment.

Card two went a lot quicker:

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio A2 card; scraps

Stamps - Hero Arts CL402 Valentine Sayings (retired)

Stencil - TCW Texture Love (retired)

Dies - Hero Arts Nesting Hearts Infinity Dies;

Poppystamps Vintage Scalloped Heart

(retired at PS but still HERE at Frantic Stamper)

Other - foam tape; Worn Lipstick, Barn Door 

& Fired Brick Distress Inks; EKSuccess puffy hearts

For this one, I started with a pink ombré card base, then stenciled over it with ombré reds. Next I die cut an ombré pink heart and a dark pink scalloped heart and layered them. Stamped the sentiment in red and added some red puffy hearts. Popped the heart onto the card with foam tape and trimmed the overhang. Only took 10 minutes to create!

Card one will go Darnell's February NBUS Challenge #83 & also followed her IDEAS project (I for inks this week) since I made the inky background. Card two was made with Color Hues Challenge #126 in mind - Red and Pink.

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

A Great Pair and a Spaceship

Yikes - Day 6 of Spellbinders Advent Calendar posts! Today I'm sharing a card that features the die set from Day 10 (see Crafty Al's short video HERE).

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

Paper Studio cardstock; Lawn Fawn patterned;

Betterpress Porcelain; Recollections A2 card

Stamps - Spellbinders 2025 Advent Calendar Day 11

Dies - Spellbinders 2025 Advent Calendar Day 10;

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Press Plates w/dies - Spellbinders You Are Everything Sentiments

Other - foam tape

Die cut and assembled two bread slices and made one covered with jelly & the other with peanut butter. Added them to a heart patterned paper die cut with a stitched rectangle. Adhered to a purple mat, then to an A2 card. Took another of the Day 11 sentiments I had stamped and cut it into 3 pieces. Added to the card along with a Betterpressed anniversary sentiment from the stash.

I'll add this card to Darnell's January NBUS Challenge #82 since the bread dies were newly used. She will get a kick out of that since she & her hubby got this card for their anniversary (she says he's the jelly).

Next, I have a card using the space ship from Day 20 (Crafty Al's video HERE) & a sentiment from Day 19 (Crafty Al's video HERE).

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White;

scraps

Stamps - Spellbinders 2025 Advent Calendar Day 19

Dies - Spellbinders 2025 Advent Calendar Day 20;

Trinity Stamps Tiny Alien

Stencil - Hero Arts Star Cluster

Other - foam tape; inks as in photo;

Hero Arts shimmer spray

First I die cut the spaceship from scraps and assembled. I had stamped all the sentiments from Day 19 - chose the one to match the spaceship. Next I die cut an alien; isn't he cute?! 

Ink blended a background and then spritzed with shimmer spray. Then I stenciled the galaxy in a couple colors. Assembled onto an A2 card. I'll be stamping a Valentine sentiment inside and sending this to my brother who loves science fiction.

That's it for today. I still have the rest of the elements created from the calendar - just haven't turned them into cards yet. I'll try to remember to share when I do. I'm still participating today at Justine Hovey's card summit - very inspiring! Then I'll be posting tomorrow for the last day of the Die Cut Divas January Challenge. Hope to see you there! 

Thanks for visiting & have a crafty weekend!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

💖 Happy Valentine's Day if you're celebrating!! Or maybe it's Single Awareness Day where you are - LOL. Whatever it is, enjoy!!

I'm celebrating today along with my birthday twin, Lynn so I'll share the card I made her:

Supplies: Paper - Neenah white; Park Lane mint;

Paper Studio watercolor print

Stamps - Hero Arts retired Valentine set;

Sunny Studio Inside Greetings

Stencil - Hero Arts Floral Patterns

Dies - Hero Arts Hero Studio Jan'25 kit &

Love & Hearts Fancy Dies

Other - clay heart mix from Michaels

Lynn, our friend Linda & I all have February birthdays & we'll celebrate together next week. I made Lynn a shaker card since we're doing that format for our February Die Cut Diva Challenge sponsored by Hero Arts. I made the shaker window using one of the Hero Studio kit dies, plus cut an extra heart (stenciled) for the die cut sentiment (a January Hero Studio add-on). The red hearts were also from the add-on. I added a fussy cut combined Valentine's Day and birthday stamped sentiment. Since the dies are getting first play here, I'll add my card to Darnell's February NBUS #71 Challenge. I'll also share at Seize the Birthday #299 where we're to add a heart - yay!! Finally, I'll share at Tic Tac Toe #264 with the diagonal lower left to top right Heart - Die Cut - Love Sentiment.

My long-time cardmaking friend/almost birthday twin Greta (GG Creations) had her birthday on Wednesday; here's the card I sent her:

Supplies: Paper - Recollections A2 card; 

Spellbinders Betterpress Porcelain & Pebble

Hot Foil plate w/Stencils - Pinkfresh Studio Peony Print

stencils HERE

Press plates with dies - Spellbinders A Little Message Sentiments

Dies - AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Hero Arts Tag Frame Infinity Dies (retired)

Other - Hero Arts enamel dots, inks & shimmer spray

As usual, I letterpressed the hot foil plate; I love doing that! After some simple stenciling, I die cut with a stitched rectangle and spritz the whole panel with shimmer spray - so pretty in real life! 

Still with me? Here's the final Valentine I made for this year - a quick & easy one that I sent to my auntie we call Tia.

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio A2 cards; scrap of aqua;

BoBunny Love Letters 6x6

Dies - AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

Hero Arts Nesting Hearts Infinity Dies

Other - Recollections gems;

Taylored Expressions sentiment strip

Here are the birthday cards I've received to date; thanks to everyone who sent a card!!

And here's a photo of yesterday's lunch with my former quartet (with me in my favorite pink sweater) & our coach, plus a friend who went to New Zealand with us (both at left):

Totally forgot to take a photo of today's lunch with friend/almost sister Connie & her hubby. They treated me to lunch at our favorite spot called Doolittle's about 1/2 way between us. We ate early to try & beat the incoming snow; I did fine. They went home to the southwest & were already getting white out conditions! It's just started to snow here!! 

Looking forward to Craft Roulette tonight since I'll be staying off the snowy roads!

Thanks for stopping by & have a crafty weekend!!

Abstract Triangles with a Cute Monster!

Hey there - I'm here today doing a companion post with my friend Lin (Sending Hugs), both of us using a Pinkfresh Studio hot foil plate called Abstract Triangles. I made a Valentine with a letterpressed triangle background; you can see her gorgeous foiled card HERE.

Supplies: Paper - Recollections A2 card;

Spellbinders Betterpress Porcelain; scraps

Stamps - Hero Arts Flower Girls (retired)

Dies - Spellbinders Monster Love Pop (DOML-Dec24);

Hero Arts Nested Hearts (retired);

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Press Plates w/dies - Spellbinders A Little Message Sentiments

Other - foam tape

Earlier in the week I mentioned just opening a Pinkfresh Studio package from October. I'd taken advantage of some of their clearance items, including the Abstract Triangles plate. Sadly, they are sold out now but I had ended up putting two in my cart - oops! I thought of Lin who likes to hot foil & sent the extra plate to her. 

I tend to letterpress my foil plates more than I foil them! Same here - pressed it with Strawberry ink on porcelain paper. Trimmed it down with a stitched rectangle die and gave it a red mat. Added to an A2 card. Decided to make a Valentine card with added items from Spellbinders Monster Love Pop. A Valentine sentiment from a retired Hero Arts stamp set & some bitty die cut hearts finished the card.

Thanks to Lin for sharing a post day with me! I've known her for over 15 years through the old Hero Arts online group & blogging. Such a talented cardmaker & lovely person!! She generously sent me an embossed butterfly panel & some cuts of the Greetery Nordic Bird which I'll be using soon! Thanks Lin!

I'll add my card to Darnell's January NBUS Challenge #70 since both my background and monster are newly used.

Thanks for stopping by & I hope you'll check back tomorrow for my post celebrating the last day of the January Die Cut Diva Challenge.

Slimline Valentine in Lumberjack Colors!

TGIF friends! Just finished my card for Craft Roulette #251 just after the show ended tonight so thought I'd share it quickly.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Solar White;

Hero Arts black glitter; Paper Studio Holiday

Stamps w/dies - Taylored Expressions Filled with Love

& Like Gnome Other (both retired)

Dies - AJVD Slimline Heart Window Word Cover Plate Set

Other - Recollection doilies and enamel hearts;

Copic Markers

Host Mary Gunn FUNN had Lori Craig (Make a Difference) as her guest. Lori works for OLO Markers and is on the design team at Taylored Expressions. Funny - I didn't know this about her and she mentioned it after I'd already pulled out my TE gnomes to play with. It's another case of a stamp set being retired already but I'm using it for the first time!! 

Here's what the wheel spun for us:

• Project - Slimline Card: I formed a tall slimline from cardstock.
• Colors - Lumberjack: I went with red/black like a typical lumberjack shirt.
• Element - Hat(s) or Cap(s): My gnomes have pointed hats.
• Random - Lace or Doily: I used premade doilies from Michaels (their Valentine stuff is on sale this week).

I had pulled out the slimline die set this week, planning to make another Valentine. So that worked perfectly for the CR project! Die cut it from a dark red & adhered to the card, then die cut doilies for two of the heart opening. I saved the three hearts that cut with the frame for a future card. The third doily I just left as it came out of the package, overlapping the card. It'll fit into an A9 envelope. 

Next I die cut one of the word dies in the set from black glitter paper. Stamped and die cut the gnomes, then colored with Copics. Stamped and fussy cut the sentiment (the dies with that stamp set cut conversation hearts). Added the gnomes and sentiment to the card with foam tape. Three enamel hearts finished the card.

I'll share my card at Darnell's January NBUS Challenge 70 since my gnomes are getting first play here.

Thanks for stopping and have a crafty weekend!!

More baubles & a Valentine!

Hey there - it's affecting you, I hope you're surviving the deep freeze!! It's warmed up to above 0F here so that's a relief! Still, perfect weather for staying in and crafting! I have a couple of cards to share that I made yesterday. First up another bauble card for Christmas Kickstart #94 (second of 3 max):

Supplies: Paper - Recollections grey A2 card;

Scrap of red; Betterpress Pebble

Embossing folder w/dies - SSS Fancy Ornaments

Dies - My Favorite Things Blueprints 26; 

AJVD Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Press Plate with dies - Spellbinders Merry & Bright Sentiment Strips 

Other - Recollections gem; Hero Arts ink; Betterpress Thunder ink

Back in December I placed an order with Simon Says Stamp & they generously sent this beautiful ornament embossing folder as a gift. I love the 3D detail & the set includes 3 dies to cut ornaments. Embossed a pale grey A2 panel (same as the card base) that had been die cut with a stitched rectangle. Went to add some silver metallic ink to the details & the foam pad fell off the inkpad! Big blob on the panel so I grabbed the loose pad and spread ink all over the panel, then threw away the inkpad. Had to dry the panel thoroughly since the inkpad was very juicy!!

Next I die cut one of the ornaments and ran it through the embossing folder. Adhered it over the silver one. Added some red ink to the details (no problems this time!) & then a die cut bow with gem. Added the panel to a red mat & then to the card. A Betterpressed sentiment finished things off.

Since my ornament folder is new, I'm also adding my card to Darnell's January NBUS Challenge #70 & also to Merry Little Christmas #60 (my 4th of 8 max).

I started my Valentine cards with a new-to-me diagonal striped coverplate from Lawn Fawn.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Solar White;

BoBunny Love Letters 6x6 pad; scraps of red

Dies - Hero Arts Love You Stamp Cut XL &

Nesting Hearts (both retired but HERE & HERE at Frantic Stamper);

SSS Easy Strips Rectangles (from THIS SET);

Lawn Fawn Simple Stripes Diagonal 

Other - SSS Everyday EZ Strips; foam tape

My local stamping store has 20% off Lawn Fawn this month so I picked up a couple items, including the diagonal stripes plate. Cut it from 3 different patterned panels in the same BoBunny pad. Arranged the stripes switching up the patterns onto an A2 card. Will have three panels done once I get to the other two... Tip for next time - arrange them on an A2 sized panel of typing paper, then adhere to card base! I had to fudge a bit going directly to the card base.

Next I die cut a heart from another BoBunny pattern (same pad) and layered onto a larger red heart for the focal point. Die cut & stacked a couple white LOVEs and shadowed with a red one. Added to the layered heart with foam tape and adhered to the card. Die cut a few extra BoBunny patterned hearts to add to the LOVE, plus a small heart to carry a sentiment strip. I bought the SSS EZ strip Joy package in December too, plus the everyday strips. So fun for a quick sub-sentiment.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting!

Last Day for Non-traditional Valentines at Die Cut Divas!

Hey there - leap year so an extra day to play in our February Die Cut Divas Challenge! I'm part of the end of month post providing some inspiration & we hope you'll enter by 9pm PST today. Our wonderful sponsor this month is Hero Arts who generously donated a $25 giftcard for our random winner. Here's the non-traditional Valentine card I'm sharing:

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill A2 card; Neenah white;

My Favorite Things Colorful Canvas & Floor to Ceiling

Stamps - Hero Arts So Sweet (retired)

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Berry Basket Bundle

Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Other - Copic Markers; Hero Arts Sparkle Lacquer

I had to include some red for realistic strawberries and cherries, otherwise I stayed away from red/pink. And no hearts anywhere. The "Happy Valentine's Day" sentiment was stamped inside. This one went to our Queen Mum, Mother Mary who met me on my Valentine birthday along with daughter Heidi (my former quartet lead) and dear friend/sister by choice, Connie. We had a delicious lunch at Patrick's Bakery, located right inside a Bachman's Garden Center - so fun to be among the birds and flowers.

Ready for a bonus? Here's a sweet bear with cub for another non-traditional Valentine:

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill A2 card; Neenah white;

Basic Grey Juniper Berry; Michael's green; scraps by unk

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Bear Hugs Stamp and Cut 

Dies - Hero Arts Bear Family;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Other - Copic Markers

There were bits of red in the patterned paper but I think it's pretty non-traditional to use Christmas paper on a Valentine! I'll add the bear pair to Darnell's February NBUS Challenge since the bears and trees were newly used on this card.

Thanks for stopping and hope to see you in the February Diva gallery!

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!