Friday, March 20, 2026

Simon Says Stamp In My Heart Release Blog Hop Day 1

Hello, crafty friends!  I'm so happy to be joining in Simon Says Stamp's In My Heart Day One Blog Hop!  As is true for all of Simon's releases, this one is filled with so many beautiful stamps, dies, stencils, and embossing folders just right for our spring time projects!

Check this out!

You will receive this exclusive and not-yet-released Beautiful Day 3" x 4" stamp set for free with your purchase of any item in the exclusive In My Heart Collection!  How awesome is that?!  Note:  This gift with purchase will expire on March 22 at 11:59 pm EDT or while supplies last.

Also, I want to let you know that Simon Says Stamp will be awarding a $25 coupon to every stop of the blog hop!  All you need to do is to leave your comment here and at each stop along the way, which will increase your chances of winning!  Check out the complete hop list below.

Now, on to my first card I am sharing with you!  This features the new and so beautiful Jaunty Stem die set and the Big Basketweave Stencil.

One of my most favorite techniques to use in my card making is tinting texture paste to use with stencils!  I tinted this texture paste with one drop of Lost Shadow Distress Ink Re-inker.  I spread the tinted paste through the Big Basketweave Stencil without smoothing it off for this rustic look.

Mounting the dry stenciled panel onto light gray cardstock adds another touch of the light gray I used in the texture paste.

I love this background for the Jaunty Stem die set!  After die cutting white cardstock, I did some quick Copic marker coloring on the pieces.  Foam tape squares behind the flowers and glue on the stems creates more dimension on the card.

I used a sentiment from the previously released Basket of Blooms stamp set.  I love making birthday cards for my stash!

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This next card is so sweet with a whimsical background I made with the Folk Flowers Background stamp.

I stamped this fun Folk Flowers Background stamp with clear embossing ink onto white cardstock.  I added white embossing powder and then heat set it.  I used ink blending brushes to add on soft shades of Distress Oxide inks.

I love how the white embossing just pops when color is added to the panel!  Be sure to use a clean towel to wipe off any excess ink from the embossing.

The sentiments are from the new Thanks, Mom stamp set.  I used my scissors to trim out the large sentiment, but there are coordinating dies available.  Check out the link in my product list below.

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In case you missed it, yesterday I shared this fun and vibrant card over on my Instagram, @c.ann.h.  This features the beautiful Friendly Blossoms Stencils and Coordinating Dies.

I used some of my favorite Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink pads to color through the Friendly Blossoms Stencils.  I have all of the colors I used in my product list below.

When I die cut the stenciled images with the Friendly Blossoms dies, I die cut two more layers of each die from white cardstock.  Note that I did not die cut the leaves.

I really love the perspective in dimension is achieved with the stacked florals and leaving the stenciled leafs on the panel!

These sentiments are also in the Thanks, Mom stamp set.  I used my trimmer to cut them into rectangles and foam strips to adhere them to the card.

Thank you for taking a look at my cards in this awesome hop!  I hope I've inspired you and that you will leave a comment for me before you continue hopping!  The winners will be chosen by Simon Says Stamp and posted on their blog on Wednesday, March 25 with instructions on how to redeem your prize.

Hop along here for lots of amazing inspiration!

  • Simon Says Stamp Blog 
  • Barbara Tarayao
  • Suzy Plantamura
  • Cathy Zielske
  • Nicky Meek
  • Heather Ruwe
  • Tina Smith
  • Lisa Addesa
  • Mindy Eggen
  • Miriam Prantner
  • Emma Williams
  • Kim Hamilton
  • Dana Joy
  • Rosemary Dennis
  • Carol Hintermeier
  • Amy Tsuruta
  • Here are the supplies I used for my cards shown.  Thank you so much for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Wednesday, March 18, 2026

    Light-Up Lighthouse Retirement Card

    Hello, crafty friends!  Did you hear about Honey Bee Stamps' first EVER Love & Strength Card Kit announcement Monday evening?  If you did, and have seen that it is "sold out", well I have good news for you!!  I have confirmed that the kit will be re-stocked just once!

    You can click this link and then click "notify me when available".  You will received an email notifying you when it is back in stock!

    For your inspiration today, I am sharing this special light-up card I made using the light that is included in the kit.  Book mark this blog post so you can refer back to this to complete your order with other products I've linked!

    I created the background for the Lighthouse with the Steady Waters stencil set from the Foundry & Field release.  I love this gorgeous stencil set!  I used Distress Oxide inks in the following colors with the stencils:  Salty Ocean, Mermaid Lagoon, Tumbled Glass, Mowed Lawn, Lost Shadow, and Gathered Twigs.

    Next I used the dies in the Lovely Layers: Lighthouse set to cut various colors of cardstock.  The Layering Guide is also included in the kit and I referred to the guide as I used liquid glue to adhere it all together.

    I added Honey Bee's NEW ½" Honeycomb Foam to the back of the Lighthouse.  These are the steps to create the light-up feature for the card.

    • Using your die release tool, poke a small hole in the Lighthouse where the light is.
    • Place the lighthouse onto the card (don't adhere) and use a pencil to place a mark through the hole of the lighthouse onto the stenciled layer.
    • Next use your die release tool to poke another hole at the pencil mark on the stenciled piece.
    • Now we will place the stenciled panel over an A2 top-folding card base.  Use your pencil to place a pencil mark through the hole on the card base.
    • Add double-sided adhesive to the back of the included Pear Blossom Press One Light.  (Be sure to put the battery into the light base.)
    • Position the One Light so that the light is over the pencil mark on the card base.
    • Add extra-thick foam tape around the card base edges and in the center around the One Light.
    • Tip:  Use a double layer of the new Honey Bee White Foam Tape as you need your tape to be higher than the light.
    • Remove the foam tape backing and adhere the stenciled panel to the card base.

    Here is a photo of what my card looks like before I adhered the stenciled panel.

    With the stenciled panel adhered, now we just need to adhere the Lighthouse, ensuring that the holes line up so the light will shine through.

    Choose a sentiment in the kit's Love & Strength stamp set and stamp it with black pigment ink.  Cut the sentiment out with the coordinating die.  Use foam strips to adhere it to the card.

    So your recipient knows where to press to light up the lighthouse, use a stamp or hand write "press here" onto a piece of paper inked up to match the sky.  Use a small die or hold punch to cut it out.  Then glue it into place over the light's button.

    Here is what the light up feature looks like when I pressed the spot!  Isn't it pretty?  And what a surprising feature for anyone that receives the card!  Honey Bee sells these Pear Blossom lights in their shop.  Be sure to check it out!

    Here is the other card I made with the kit.  Check out the details on this blog post.

    I hope you've enjoyed my card today and are inspired to make your own!  Be sure to go click that "NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE" button so you will know when the awesome Love & Strength Card Kit is back in stock!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope it is a wonderful one!

    Thank you very much for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Monday, March 16, 2026

    Love and Strength Class/Card Kit -- NEW by Honey Bee Stamps

    Hello, friends!!  Honey Bee Stamps has released their first ever card kit!!  This kit, the Love and Strength Class Kit, not only includes the supplies in the list below, but you will also have access to a YouTube video for the FREE class!!  You will be able to access the Kit Class via a QR code that will be on the insert (below) with your kit.  How fun!

    "This lighthouse card making kit is filled with beautiful products to create heartfelt designs that shine bright.  From layered details to charming coastal accents, each element is thoughtfully designed to help you build dimension, texture, and that perfect oceanside glow.

    Whether you're sending encouragement, gratitude, or just a note to say hello...your handmade lighthouse card will be a beacon of love in someone's day."

    (Note:  You will be creating different cards in the class than the samples shown in this image.)

    This kit also includes the Lovely Layers: Lighthouse dies.  I will be featuring this set with my card that will be posted on Wednesday!

    Here is a an example I made for you of a quick and easy card using one piece of the beautiful patterned paper pieces included in the Love and Strength Kit.

    I stamped the red rubber Love and Strength Cling Stamp onto 80# Neenah with marker safe ink. Then I did some quick and easy Copic marker coloring to bring out the beautiful image.  I love the papers that are included!  These are actually heavier than paper, printed on one side, and just gorgeous!

    I used the coordinating Love and Strength die to cut out the lighthouse.  Then I used Bee Creative glue to adhere it to my A2 card.

    I stamped the sentiment directly onto the card with black pigment ink.  This sentiment is one of eight included in the Love and Strength stamp set that gives you options for lots of different occasions.  Each sentiment has a coordinating die in the Love and Strength die set!

    Please head on over to the Honey Bee Stamps shop to check this awesome Love and Strength Class Kit.  I hope you are inspired and I thank you for stopping by!

    Thanks so very much for for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Wednesday, March 11, 2026

    Fishing Vest Shaped Card For The Ladies

    Hello crafty friends!  Today I am sharing this card that features Honey Bee Stamps new Fishing Vest A2 Card Base die set that I made in pink!  Yes, pink, because gals go fishing too!  It's been a long time, but when I was very young I loved to go fishing!

    First I cut the Fishing Vest A2 Card Base back piece two times.  Once from pink cardstock and another from pink gingham paper from the Gingham Happy Hearts paper pad.  I cut the other dies in the set from the same papers and also matte silver cardstock.

    Following the Fishing Vest Layering Guide, I used glue to assemble the Fishing Vest.  First I glued the two front vest pieces to the gingham layer.  Then I glued the extra base to the back of the to hide the tabs of the front pieces for a cleaner and more finished look.

    I used a white gel pen to add the stitches to the pockets and pocket flaps.

    I cut the pieces for a few lures in the Display Box Tackle Add-On set from pink, yellow, teal and  matte silver cardstocks.  After I glued the layers together, I used more glue to adhere them to the card.

    Next I stamped two sentiments in black pigment ink.  The sentiment on the card front is from the Game Time stamp setand cut out with the coordinating Game Time die.

    The sentiment on the inside of the card is from the Well Played Sir stamp set and again, cut out with the coordinating die.  This Fishing Vest A2 Card Base is plenty large enough to hold a gift card.  I used repositionable glue tape to adhere a sporting goods store gift card on the inside.

    I almost forgot!  I die cut one more Fishing Vest zipper from matte silver cardstock to adhere to the back of the front zipper.  This is another way to get a clean and neat look for your card!

    I really like how this turned out!  This Fishing Vest card is perfect to give to any female, young or older, that loves fishing!  This card fits perfectly inside an A2 envelope!

    Thanks so very much for stopping by today!  I hope you have a great day!

    Thanks so much for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Friday, March 6, 2026

    You Are Unstoppable

    Happy Friday, crafty friends!  The Spellbinders March club kits are open to new subscribers today!  For your inspiration this month, I am sharing this card I made that features three of the new Spellbinders Club Kits!  I've used the Small Die of the Month called Unstoppable, the 3D Embossing Folder called Urban Grid, and the Clear Stamp+Die called Good Times.

    The base layer is the Urban Grid 3D embossing folder for the March Club Kit.  I embossed white cardstock with the folder and glued it to an A2 card base.  I added a strip of gold glitter cardstock to the left edge.

    Next I die cut white and colored cardstock (available colors in list below) with the dies in the Unstoppable March Small Die.  I added a bit of shading to some of the pieces with Copic markers.  Then I glued the layers together.  Note:  The die cut for the legs creates a hold that you could use to make the legs movable, if desired.  How fun!

    I added shading to the clouds using a blending brush and Lost Shadow Distress Ink.  I added foam tape to the clouds to adhere them to the card.

    The bottom sentiment is included with the Unstoppable die set with a shadow layer.  I offset the gold glitter shadow layer a bit to have the gold sparkle peaking out.

    The upper sentiment is from the Good Times stamp set.  There is a long rectangle die included for the single line sentiments and I did some partial die cutting on the stamped sentiment.  Then I added foam tape to the back to pop it up on the card.

    There are 22 sentiments and several coordinating dies in the Good Times stamp and die set to coordinate with the various themes of the other March Club Kits.  Check them all out HERE!

    Thank you so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of crafting!

    Thank you, always, for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Wednesday, March 4, 2026

    How To Make a Masculine Birthday Card with Stencils and Die Cuts

    Hello crafty friends!  Today I am sharing this masculine birthday card that features a few of Honey Bee Stamps new products from the Foundry & Field release.  I have also used another older set that coordinates perfectly with the new Lovely Layers: Fishing Boat.  Read on for the details!

    First I created the background layer with the new Steady Waters stencil set.  I sprayed the back of the stencils with Pixie Spray as there are some smaller parts of the stencils.  I used blending brushes to add several Distress Oxide Inks through both stencil layers.  For the water I used Salvaged Patina and Peacock Feathers.  I blended on Antique Linen Oxide ink for the sand, and then I added splatters with diluted Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

    The sky and hill are Chipped Sapphire, Black Soot, Spiced Marmalade, Antique Linen, and Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide inks.  To add some sparkle to the waves, I spread a clear glitter texture paste through the Steady Waters stencil.  I used removable tape to protect the sky and sand from the paste.  I set it aside to dry and immediately cleaned up the stencil and palette tool.

    I die cut the dies in the Lovely Layers: Fishing Boat from white, dark and medium blue, black and gray cardstocks.  Then I used Bee Creative glue to adhere the layers together.  I used a white gel pen to add the detail on the life preserver.

    I added foam tape strips to the back of the Fishing Boat to adhere it to the card layer.

    Next I die cut the fishing pole that's in the Lovely Layers: Rod & Reel die set.  I used a few Copic markers to quickly color it.  I used a craft knife to cut a small slit into the stenciled layer to insert the Rod & Reel into the sand.

    The sentiment is from the new Well Played Sir stamp set.  After I stamped it with black pigment ink, I cut it out with the coordinating Well Played Sir die.  I adhered it to the card with foam adhesive.

    There are many sentiments to use in the Well Played Sir stamp set, or you can make it into a Father's Day card by using a sentiment from the new Great Man stamp set and coordinating dies.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I hope you have a great one!

    Thanks, always, for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

    Saturday, February 28, 2026

    Make It, Bake It Sweet Card

    Hello, friends!  After 14 hours of travel on Wednesday, I'm home and back to my card making!  I made this card today that features a few of the new products from Spellbinders Make It, Bake It collection.  Be sure to click the links in the supply list to see all of the products in this collection along with supplies I used.

    First I used the dies from the new Magic Mixer die set.  I cut various colored cardstock and white cardstock with the dies.  I used a Copic marker to color the "dough" a light color for my chocolate chip cookie dough.

    These are super easy to assemble with glue.  I added foam tape to the back of the bowl and mixer.

    The embossed background layer is made by embossing white cardstock with the new Confection Companions 3D embossing folder.  I love the look of a crisp white embossed background!  I used more of the light teal cardstock (linked below) for the layer on the A2 card base.

    The two-layer sentiment die is also in the Magic Mixer die set.  I die cut it from teal and gray card stock.  The letters are easy to glue to the base since it is only two pieces!

    If you want to make a super sweet card that's also quick to make, give this one a try!   The single sentiment on the front makes it so versatile.

    Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Thank you for using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!