Masculine Easter Basket Card

Hello crafty friends!  Have you noticed that I sometimes enjoy finding unexpected ways to use crafty products?  Haha!  Well today, that's what I've done!  How about using some of the tools from the Honey Bee Stamps new Mechanic Tool Box Add-On to make an Easter Basket for the guys?  This was fun to make combining new products with some older favorites!

Here is a list of the featured products I've used:

• Mechanic Tool Box Add-On dies
• Gears 3D Embossing Folder
• Bunny Basket dies
• Lovely Layers: Rabbit
• Grass Border die
• Eggstra Special stamps/dies
• Itty Bitty Eggs dies -- in retiring category
• Hoppy Easter stamps/dies -- retiring

To begin, I inked blue ink onto 80# Neenah with a blending brush.  Then I put it into the Gears 3D embossing folder to add some fun and manly texture.  I glued this to an A2 card base.

Next I die cut the basket from the Bunny Basket set from blue cardstock.  I added a bit of dimension with a shade darker coordinating ink.

The next step was to cut two pieces of white cardstock with the Grass Border die.  I used a few green Copic markers to color the grass.  Then I hand trimmed one piece into two pieces of grass to layer into the basket.  When I glued these to the basket layers, I made sure to just add glue at the sides so I can tuck the basket goodies into the grass.  The second grass piece is glued to the bottom front of the card.

I die cut white cardstock with the egg dies in the Itty Bitty Eggs (retiring).  I did some quick coloring of each egg with my Copic markers.  Then I used a white gel pen to add details to a few of the eggs.

I die cut the tools in the Mechanic Tool Box Add-On from white and matte silver cardstocks.  I colored the tool handles with two red shades and then glued the layers together.

One more element I wanted to go with the basket is a rabbit!  I die cut white cardstock with the dies from the Lovely Layers: Rabbit set.  I used a couple shades of brown inks and blending brushes to color the layers.  I used a pink Copic marker for the ears and cheeks.  I used my favorite Bee Creative glue to adhere the layers.

I used two different sets for the sentiments and stamped both with black pigment ink.  The top sentiment is from the retiring Hoppy Easter stamp set and coordinating dies.  The other is from the Eggstra Special stamp set and cut out with the coordinating die.

After I assembled the Bunny Basket, I used the NEW ½" White Hexagon Ultra Thin Foam Dots to assemble it and the Rabbit. 

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my version of a masculine Easter basket card!  Before I go, I just want to remind you that the retiring sets are gone once they're gone.  I was really surprised to see SO MANY new items (and some of my favorites) in the retiring category!  Be sure to check it out HERE!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I hope your day is awesome!

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

Born To Shine Year After Year

Happy Monday, crafty friends!  Today I'm sharing a card I made featuring Spellbinders beautiful Windmills and Tulips Press + Foil Plate and Stencil Bundle by Yana Smakula.  I love how Spellbinders is now making plates that can be pressed and/or foiled!  You get to choose!

I am a huge fan of layering stencils and so enjoy the process of adding ink layer by layer!  Every time I pull off a stencil seeing the new layer of ink just makes me smile!

This time, I chose to foil the Windmills and Tulips press plate.  I used 80# Neenah and Black Glimmer Foil with my Glimmer Hot Foil Machine to achieve the super crisp and slightly shiny outline of the images.

Next I used blending brushes to add various inks through each layer of the six layers of the Layered Windmills and Tulips stencil set.  All of the ink colors I used are in the list below.  I used sets of coordinating inks to achieve shading with the darker inks.

I used a brown Copic marker to make the doors and windows on the windmills a bit darker.  I think adding these small details make cards that more special!

I added a sentiment that is from the La Dolce Vita Sentiments that is a sweet birthday sentiment.  This is a Press Plate that will press/foil nine sentiments in one pass.  There is a die included that cuts out each sentiment in one pass!  I love having multiple sentiments already created and ready to use!

A trip to see a field of tulips with windmills in real life is certainly a bucket-list item!  I hope I have time to use this Windmills and Tulips set again--I'm thinking maybe pink tulips!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

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

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)!

Light-Up Lighthouse Retirement Card

Hello, crafty friends!  Did you hear about Honey Bee Stamps' first EVER Love & Strength Card Kit announcement Monday evening?

Update:  As of Friday, March 20, PRE-ORDER is available!!  It is expected to ship April 5!  Don't wait, it will not be restocked another time!!

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)!

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)!

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)!

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)!