April 2023 Card Chain Challenge Reveal

Hi all - Can't believe it's May 2nd already - April flew and we're finally well into spring! I'm popping in today to share my card for the April Card Chain Challenge. Twenty-eight people participated & you can see the entire reveal HERE.

My card went to the amazing Jo (Jo Blogs) in the UK. Jo brightens our lives every month with several challenge blogs in addition to the Card Chain, including one of my favorites - Christmas Kickstart.

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card;

Lawn Fawn & BoBunny patterned papers; scraps of black

Stamp - Hero Arts Friendship Messages (retired)

Dies - Spellbinders Thanks Enclosed Sentiments

My Favorite Things Sunflower Wreath

Other - Studio G gems

We had the following options for our April designs:

Color Palette Option

Sketch Option

Theme Options: Spring / Umbrellas / Friendship

Product / Technique Options:  Brads / Paper Piecing

Once again I've used the colors and sketch with the theme of friendship. I also did a bit of paper piecing. My initial thought was just to draw black lines on my card base to mimic the sketch. Then I spotted the paper piecing technique and decided to use some patterned papers. I took a piece of floral paper and drew black lines as on the sketch, then carefully trimmed out the two diamond-y shapes. I used the floral top corner piece to cut a similar shape from the dotted paper. I trimmed a couple thin black strips to cover the joining spots. The cute little flowers came from an MFT set I bought last fall but hadn't had the chance to use until now. Finally - a design that came out exactly as I envisioned.

**Update 05/14/23** I received the card dear Marianne (Marianne's cards 'n stuff) sent from Greece. Such a beauty with the stenciled flower spray and background - love it!! Marianne also sent some extra flowers for me to use - can't wait! Thanks Marianne!!

And a bonus - here's the card I made using the balance of the 4.25 x 5.5" paper I had used to trim out my CCC card shapes. The sentiment is another one from the same Spellbinders set - love this set! Had to laugh - I glued the happy down, only to realize I had to put the birthday at an angle for it to fit. Oh well...

That's it, friends! If you care to join the May chain, the sign-up is available until 5/6 - check it out HERE. You only need to make & send one card, then receive a lovely handmade card - so fun!!

Thanks for stopping & happy crafting!!

Last Day for Watercoloring at Die Cut Divas

Hi everyone - hope all is well with you! Today I'm providing inspiration with the end of month team over at Die Cut Divas. It's the last day for our Water Color Challenge with the amazing Altenew as our sponsor. You have until 9pm Pacific Time to enter. 

We will select a random winner from eligible April entries & Altenew will give that winner an Artists' Watercolor 24 Pan Set!! Here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - Paper Studio A2 card; Tim Holtz kraft metallic

and Distress Watercolor paper; BoBunny patterned;Neenah white

Dies - Altenew Charming Foliage, Bitty Bloom,

Lacy Doily & Mix and Match Frames

Stamps - Hero Arts Wisteria (sentiment)

Other - Altenew Artists' Watercolor 24 Pan Set

 

Process: Apply watercolors to watercolor paper, let dry.

Die cut flowers and leaves, then assemble.

Die cut doily & a panel of patterned paper.

Stamp a sentiment on a thin strip.

Assemble elements on card.

Here's a photo of the panels I watercolored & used to cut flowers and leaves:

Now for a bonus card using a panel from Altenew's fabulous Florals Coloring Book and Watercolor Bundle. The sentiment is from Creative Expressions:

Thanks for stopping and happy crafting!

Watercoloring with Altenew

Hey everyone - welcome! I'm providing inspiration over at Die Cut Divas today for our Water Color Challenge with the amazing Altenew as our sponsor. I took their collaboration class with Spellbinders back in February, adding new techniques and products from both brands. One of my new purchases was Altenew's beautiful Golden Days Stamp Die Stencil Hot Foil Bundle.

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill A2 card; Tim Holtz Jewel kraft metallic;

Strathmore watercolor paper

Hot Foil Plate - Altenew Golden Days

Stencil - Altenew Golden Days Simple Coloring Stencil Set (4 in 1)

Dies - Altenew Mix and Match Frames

Stamps - Altenew Floral Sprig

Other - Spellbinders Hot Foil Roll - Pewter; 

various Hero Arts Reactive and Tim Holtz Distress Inks; 

water spritzer & Hero Arts Iridescent shimmer spray

 

Process: Hot foil the Golden Days flower onto the smoother side of a 6x8" piece of watercolor paper using pewter foil and a hot foiling system (I used Spellbinders Glimmer).

Stencil the flower using the coordinating stencil set & water reactive inks. Move the ink with water & brushes. Spritz lightly with shimmer spray through the base flower stencil. Let dry thoroughly.

Die cut into two pieces using the Mix and Match Frames deckle die (save one piece for bonus project). Layer onto metallic panel die cut with the dotted frame die. Add to A2 card.

Stamp the thank you sentiment from the Floral Sprig set. Add a few dots from the die cut frame.

Now for a bonus using the other half of the flower panel. Hard to see but I added a clear enamel water droplet in the lower right of the flower. The sentiment is from the same Floral Sprig set. I sent this card to dear Lin (Sending Hugs) for her birthday.

Ready for a threefer?

My first attempt at foiling the Golden Days flower (used gold foil) ended up with loads of over-foiling because I used an unnecessary shim. I set the panel aside and tried a new panel which I used on cards one and two. Then I went back to my first panel - could I save it? I simply trimmed the flower smaller so I didn't have much over-foil to erase. Next I watercolored it freely & let dry, then I used the fourth stencil to add more dark red (in this case Lumberjack Plaid DI) & moved it a bit with water. Finally, spritzed heavily with Iridescent spray. Oh, and I took a damp cloth and went over the center foil that had kinda muted with the watercoloring. Die cut gold metallic cardstock using the 3rd die in the Mixed Frame set, leaving all the bits in (they were anchored well into this heavy cardstock). Added to an A2 card along with the flower popped up with foam tape. Had a tiny white flaw on the card base so covered it up with a gold gel pen & continued dotting! Finally adhered some stamped/embossed/die cut leaves (also from the Golden Days bundle) that I'd watercolored. Could've used more, I think, but I was lazy.... Done!

I'll add card three to Darnell's April NBUS Challenge since the Golden Days plate technically got first play there.

Thanks for stopping and I hope you check out the April Diva Challenge! Happy crafting!

Hero Arts Spring Stamp Along 2023 - Day Two

Hey everyone - It's Day 2 of the online Hero Arts Spring Stamp Along 2023! We did 5 classes yesterday & 5 more today. Here are my versions of the class cards:

Class six - Dreamy Floral with Bees with Channin Pelletier (Crafts by Channin)! Stenciled on an A2 panel, then trimmed a bit off right & glued to A2 card. I added sparkle to the wings and a vellum shadow to the sentiment (stacked for dimension with extra white layers).

Supplies: Paper - Neenah White; vellum 

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Friendly Messages Bundle

Stencils - Hero Arts Color Layering Bee Florals 

Other - various HA and Distress inks; Hero Arts Sparkle Lacquer;

Copic Marker 100; white gel pen

Class seven - Wisteria Thank You with Jessica Frost-Ballas (All the Sparkle). Jessica's card had a few more wisteria layers on top of the vellum but I put most of mine behind - oops. Really liked how it turned out, though! I added a butterfly to draw the eye down to the wisteria behind. I used the sympathy sentiment because I suddenly needed a card for a friend whose sister passed away yesterday.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; MFT vellum

Stamps (with dies) - Hero Arts Wisteria Heroscape Bundle &

Friendly Messages Bundle

Other - various HA and Distress inks; Copics on butterfly

Class eight - Neon Bee Florals with Kelly Taylor (You and Your Big Dreams). Time ran a bit short so I didn't add as much shading and dimension with my watercolors. Will probably go back in and do some later.

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Arctic; Tim Holtz DI Watercolor;

Neenah Black

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Friendly Messages Bundle

Dies - Hero Arts Bee Florals Window;

Other - Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors Neon Brights Chartreuse, 

Yellow & Pink 

Hero Arts White Hero Pearls & Sparkle Lacquer;

Versamark ink;  white ep; Copic BG11 & 100

Class nine - Hello Bee and Florals with Maria Willis (Card Bomb). Mixed media w/a watercolor background stamped randomly with "taco" stamping using a folded cling stamp. Did much better with it than I did yesterday! Rest of the elements are transfers (aka rub-ons) including the sentiment - so fun! My vellum is so thick I couldn't tear it by hand so used a torn paper die. :)

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Arctic; MFT vellum

Tim Holtz DI Watercolor

Stamps - Hero Arts Burlap Bold Prints

Dies - My Favorite Things Torn Paper Edges

Other - Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors Neon Brights Chartreuse, 

Yellow & Pink & Bees and Florals Hero Transfers

Versamark ink with gold ep

Class ten - Delicate Butterflies with Jennifer McGuire (Jennifer McGuire Ink). One of my favorite card making gurus who I was fortunate to meet years ago at a ScrapFest at Mall of America - Jennifer offered a 2hr session despite being under the weather. Card at right is a fun fold so I included a top view photo.

 

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Stamps - Hero Arts Wisteria Heroscape (sentiments) & Burlap Bold Prints

Dies - Delicate Butterflies

Other - Hero Arts Ultra Pink, Paradise & Dusty Blue inks; 

Memento Daffodil & Tuxedo Black

Such a fun event - I enjoyed it thoroughly! Hilary asked on yesterday's post if I watch and do the cards later - NO! I faithfully do the homework (getting card bases and supplies ready, some minimal diecutting and the like). The rest I do right along with the instructors! Sometimes I have to rush which makes for an imperfect product but - hey - it's handmade! Then there's a :30 minute break til the next session (hour for lunchtime). I take a photo of my class card, edit it and upload to the event's Facebook group and also to a post in progress. I try to publish the post shortly after the event ends. I also try to clean up between classes. I know it's a lot but if one does fall behind, the replay can always be watched later. These events have a low cost and one can go ahead and use supplies on hand; you don't have to purchase the product package. I usually have most of stuff being used or I pick up anything I'm missing.

Thanks for visiting & happy crafting!! 

P.S. I'll be back with a post for Die Cut Divas on the 21st. Please check out our April Watercoloring Challenge - just be sure to include a diecut or embossing folder in your design. Card 8 from the Stamp Along would work perfectly!!

Hero Arts Spring Stamp Along 2023 - it's here!!

Hey everyone - I'm attending the online Hero Arts Spring Stamp Along 2023! Last night Libby Hickson (Libby's Little Addiction) from Hero Arts hosted a welcome event with Q&A's for four of the instructors. Today we enjoyed 5 classes - here are the cards I made:

Class one - Double Eclipse Butterfly with Lydia Fiedler (Understand Blue) along with a bonus card using leftover parts!

Supplies: Paper - Neenah White & black; TH Distress Watercolor

Dies - Hero Arts Delicate Butterfly & Nesting Circle Infinity Dies

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Friendly Messages Bundle

Stencil - Hero Arts Petal Burst

Other - Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors Neon Brights Chartreuse, 

Yellow & Pink and Birthday Enamel Dots;

Hero Arts White Pearl Hero Paste

Class two - Wisteria Trellis with Mindy Eggen (Mindy Eggen Design) - love the layers of flowers on the trellis!! Mindy was inspired by Bibi Cameron's trellis video. Of course, being a purple lover, I put my purple layer at the front - Mindy's was further back.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Stamps (with dies) - Hero Arts Wisteria Heroscape Bundle

Other - various HA and Distress inks

Class three - Bee Floral Window with Nichol Spohr. Gotta love the coordinating stencils! I've used this set before - go HERE if interested.

Supplies: Paper - Hero Arts Canary & Clear Card; Neenah White

Stamps - Hero Arts Friendly Messages & Burlap Bold Prints

Dies - Hero Arts Bee Florals Window;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set

Stencils - Hero Arts Color Layering Bee Florals 

Other - Hero Arts Gold Hero Pearls & Sparkle Lacquer;

various HA and Distress inks; Versamark ink;

Taylored Expressions foam strips; white ep

Hero Arts Icicle Sequins Mix

Class four - White Daffodils with Daniel West (Del & Artie) - love the crisp white flowers! I used my daffodil die set before - go HERE if interested.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah White; Hero Arts Kiwi and Papaya

Dies - Hero Arts Daffodil

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Friendly Messages Bundle

Stencil - Hero Arts Petal Burst

Other - Hero Arts Icicle Sequins Mix & White Pearl Hero Paste;

Copic Markers to add color

Class five - Birthday Daffodils with Michelle Lupton (Handmade by Michelle) - gorgeous with blue background. The torn bits are popped up with foam tape for a shadow box effect.

Supplies: Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Stamps - Hero Arts Friendly Messages & Burlap Bold Prints

Other - Copic Markers R11, R21, R22, Y19;

Hero Arts Moss & Deep Ocean inks; Memento Danube Blue

The blue texture was described as "taco" stamping - fold the cling stamp and randomly stamp. So I did it that way (working ahead - oops) and got a lot of straight lines of burlap. When Michelle actually demo'd, she used "won-ton" stamping, kinda folding it into a bundle. I'll try that next time.

Fun set of classes and 5 more tomorrow! Thanks for visiting & happy crafting!!

Easter & Birthday Wishes!

Warm Easter Wishes to those celebrating! It seems we'll finally have a lovely spring day today - yay!

I send very few Easter cards but thought I'd share a few of the designs I made this year:

I really enjoyed playing with the stamps from the Spellbinders February Club (don't see them on the Spellbinders site for separate purchase), Aren't those bunnies just the cutest?! The embossed white background on cards one and two were trimmed off some Michael's brand handmade paper. The pierced pattern on card three was from a Memory Box freebie in a UK magazine (love those freebies!). Colored the images with Copics and either die cut or fussy cut. 

Next I paired some Penny Black chicks with a darling duck that my friend Gundi (papierelle) sent me (along with some other fun diecuts and this cute card). Thanks Gundi!!

Supplies: Stamps - Penny Black Garden Friends

Frantic Stamper Spring Bold Sentiments (with matching die)

Non-Easter Bonus - a birthday card for my brother. His birthday's today so we're celebrating twice! My sister-in-law made a delicious chocolate birthday cake for the family to enjoy after Easter dinner - yum! My brother enjoys Monster Truck events and drives a jumbo white pickup truck. I think he'll like this card.

Supplies: Paper - Park Lane A2 card; 

Authentique & Basic Grey patterns

Stamps - Unity Many More Birthdays (with matching die)

Hero Arts CL478 Going (retired)

Dies - A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop

Sorry I haven't been posting much - I've been helping my dad & getting ready for two chorus events. Busy, busy! Hope to get back to posting & commenting more soon!!

Since the Spellbinders set got first play here, I'll add to Darnell's April NBUS Challenge.

Have a wonderful day & happy crafting!

March 2023 Card Chain Challenge Reveal

Hey there friends - it's that time again! We're revealing cards that traveled far & wide for the March 2023 Card Chain Challenge. Thirty-four people participated & you can see the entire chain HERE. My card went to Imke (My Crafty Place) in Germany.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique (shamrock from a 6x6 mixed pad);

Lawn Fawn Beachside (orange grid - retired); 

Neenah white; Paper Studio greens; Spice by unk

Dies - Impression Obsession Fancy Shamrock;

Hero Arts Nesting Circle Infinity Dies;

A Jillian Vance Design Stitched Dot Rectangle Backdrop Set;

My Favorite Things Blueprints 2 (retired)

Stamps with Dies - Hero Arts Wisteria HeroScape Bundle (sentiment)

Ink - Hero Arts Root Beer Reactive (to shade circles) & 

Tim Holtz Lucky Clover Distress Ink (to stamp sentiment)

This month we could use:

Color Palette Option

Sketch Option

Theme Options: Irish / Birds / Friendship

Product / Technique Options:  Stamps / Rocker Card

Once again I used the sketch & color option, plus the theme of friendship with a bit of Irish. I stamped the sentiment but everything else was die cut. I was excited to find patterned shamrock paper that had both the colors shamrock and spice (plus a bit of neutral cream). Thought it went well with my shamrock die cut.

I received this gorgeous card from Ella (Moje craftowe przygody) in Germany. I just love the patterned papers she combined with the sweet birds & butterflies!! Thanks Ella and thanks too for the pretty papers you sent - can't wait to use them!!

That's it for today! Thanks for visiting and if you haven't signed up for the April 2023 chain, check it out HERE by April 6th. Happy crafting!!