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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Die Cutting Flowers With Felt | Honey Bee Stamps

Happy Wednesday (and day before Thanksgiving) crafty friends!  Today I'm sharing my card that features Honey Bee Stamps' Lovely Layers: Anemone that I die cut using felt!  These dies cut through the felt like butter!  Also, Honey Bee Stamps will be having FOUR days of special Black Friday deals beginning Friday, November 26, 2021.  If you love Honey Bee products like I do, you will not want to miss out on these awesome specials.  I have all of the specific details at the end of my post!

As you may know, felt is very soft and flexible. I found that if I adhered a piece of printer paper to the back of the felt before die cutting, it provided just the right amount of stability to make it much easier when handling the die cut pieces. I put a piece of double-sided adhesive on my printer paper, peeled off the other backer sheet and adhered the felt to the paper. Once that was done I die cut my flower layers and three of the leaves. The black flower center is black glitter sticky back foam, which goes right along with the dimension of the felt! I used a white gel pen to add dots to the black foam. I adhered the flower layers with Bee Creative glue and set it aside to dry. Check out the beautiful layers:

I have also thought about how beautiful fabric would look with these layers. I want to dig through my remnants and give that a try too. I would definitely add some interfacing to the back of the material before die cutting. (Yes, sewing is another talent of mine--hence the fabric remnants--LOL!)

The card base is an A2 top-folding card with a white glitter card stock layer adhered to it. Next I used the gorgeous Fancy Flakes A2 Cover Plate and die cut some white textured card stock. I've had this in my stash FORever, but the Honey Bee shop has this one that I think would look wonderful! Then I placed the Pierced Fancy Flakes cover plate over the die cut and ran it through my machine. I love the piercing look! I adhered the piece to the card with Bee Creative glue. Then I adhered the flower and leaves to the card.

Next I created the sentiment using the Bitty Buzzwords: Holidays stamp set and coordinating Honey Cuts. I ink blended Barn Door Distress Oxide onto some scrap card stock with a Detail Blender brush. I die cut "believe" from the inked paper and then twice more from white card stock. I adhered the layers with glue. Then I die cut the shadow from more white glitter card stock. I adhered the sentiment pieces together. 

Next I stamped the rest of the sentiment (from Bitty Buzzwords: Holidays stamp set) onto black card stock with Versamark ink. I added some white embossing powder and heat set it. After I trimmed it into a strip, I added black foam to the back and white foam to the other sentiment and adhered them to the card. The final touch was to add some Glossy Accents to the die cut sentiment--I really like how it makes it pop!!

I hope you've enjoyed my card using felt and that I've given you more inspiration for the Lovely Layers: Anemone!  I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day tomorrow filled with fun and happy times.  If you are outside the US, have a wonderful, crafty day!  Thank you so much for stopping by--I'm very thankful for you!

Links to products I've used for this card (some may be affiliate links at NO additional cost to you--thank you for using my links💗)

Please note:  The times for all deals are midnight, PST; 3 am EST

  • Friday, 11-26-2021:  TWO deals Friday only: 1) 20% off your entire purchase; 2) Receive a free Precision Tip Glue Tube with orders of $75 or more.
  • Saturday, 11-27-2021: BOGO: Buy one, get one 50% of ALL dies!
  • Sunday, 11-28-2021:  BOGO:  All HBS brand paper pads and envelopes!
  • Monday, 11-29-2021:  Take an addition 25% of ALL retiring and clearance items! 


Saturday, November 20, 2021

Winter Reindeer Holiday Card

 Happy weekend crafty friends!  I'm back today with another holiday card created with Graciellie Designs beautiful new digital set called Winter Reindeer.  This includes two reindeer and some absolutely gorgeous digital papers to print!

This deer was an absolute delight to color and practice some serious marker techniques!  I'll list my Copic colors at the end of this post.  Take a look at these awesome images that are included in the bundle! Click the image if you'd like to check it out.

Since my previous post using Gracie's digital set, I've learned a much easier way to resize the images!  It's so simple I can't believe I didn't think of this before!  I used Microsoft's Word and just inserted the .jpg image.  Then you just click on the dimensions and type in the size you want!  I kept the sizing locked to maintain the perspective.  If you are unsure, just print it on regular printer paper to check the size.  As I did before, I printed the background digital paper on matte photo paper.

Another thing I tried this time is using my Cricut to cut the image out.  (I have an Explore Air 2.)  My poor Cricut was still packed up in the box from our recent move, but she survived!  LOL!  I did have to rearrange my limited table tops to set her up.  Then I uploaded the .jpg image into Design Space and saved it as a "print and cut" file.  If you aren't familiar with this procedure, there are lots of videos on YouTube by Cricut, and many others.

I had no idea if my Cricut would cut out the intricate details around the deers antlers.  But I was pleasantly surprised to see that it did!  There were maybe three or four tiny spots that I had to use my craft knife to finish up the cut.  A side note:  I have a new printer and did have to go through the calibration process in Design Space to get the cuts more precise.  My printer is an Epson XP-7100 ink jet printer with a rear feed which is perfect for the 80# Neenah card stock.  Be sure to leave on the "bleed" feature when sending it to print.

After cutting the background paper to 4" x 5-¼' I wrapped some twine around it and secured the twine with tape.  I added some foam tape to the back and popped it up on a top-folding A2 card base.  I trimmed the sentiment and added some thin foam strips to the back of it and the deer.

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try to help!  Be sure to use the "contact me" form on the left side of my blog so I will see your question.  Thank you so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful weekend!!

Here are the Copic colors I used:  (I did use a Prismacolor pencil-1082-chocolate brown, to add just a touch more detail)

  • deer fur: E59, E57, E23, E21, E50
  • antlers:  E49, E47, E77, E44
  • leaves: G28, YG17, YG25
  • berries:  R39, R37, R35

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

A Merry Little Christmas | Honey Bee Stamps

Hello crafty friends!! Today I'm sharing a holiday card using my favorite Big Pickup Tailgate set and the new coordinating Loads Of Holiday Cheer set! I truly do have fun decorating the Big Pickup for each season and love that Honey Bee makes it so easy for us to do that! I've even used some of the extras from the Loads of Holiday Cheer set to decorate the inside of my card. Keep reading for all the details!

First I created the layer for the card base:

  • I inked the edges of a piece of 6-¾" x 4-¾" blue card stock with Prize Ribbon, Blueprint Sketch and Black Soot Distress Oxide inks (in that order) using Background Blender brushes. I then used a heat tool to dry the ink.
  • Next I placed the snowfall stencil in the Winter Wonder Scene Builder Stencils set over the blue card stock and spread on some white texture paste. The stencil isn't quite large enough for this size card, so I let that dry and then stenciled the remaining area.
  • When the stenciling was drying, I adhered the panel to a top-folding A7 card base I made from 80# Neenah Solar White card stock. Bee Creative glue is perfect for this and is what I used!
  • Then I die cut two hill from white glitter card stock with the hills from the Horizon Slimline Borders Honey Cuts. I trimmed it to 4-¾" long and adhered them to the card with Bee Creative glue.

Now it's time to stamp, color and die cut the images:

  • First I stamped the pickup from the Big Pickup Tailgate stamp set with Intense Black ink. This truly is my most favorite ink ever!! Then I colored the truck with my Copic markers. I used C5, C3, C1, and C00 for the body and the bumper of the truck. The tires are C9, C7, and C5. The lights are R39 and R37. Then I die cut the truck with the coordinating Honey Cut.
  • I stamped the "hohoho" (from the Loads of Holiday Cheer stamp set) onto the license plate with Versamark ink (after applying my anti-static pouch) and sprinkled on some white embossing powder. Then I heat set it with my heat tool.
  • Next I stamped the other images with Intense Black ink, choosing several from the adorable Loads of Holiday Cheer stamp set. I used these Copic markers: reds are: R89, R39, R37, and R35; greens: G28, YG17, and YG25. The toy bag and the elf's hair are E59, E57, and E23. When I was finished coloring I used the coordinating Loads of Holiday Cheer Honey cuts to cut them out.
  • Using Bee Creative glue, I adhered the elf and toy bag to the truck. I added foam tape to the poinsettia garland and attached it to the truck.
  • Next I die cut the "Christmas" from the Bitty Buzzwords: Holidays Honey Cuts. I colored the shadow layer with a few of the same red Copic markers I used previously. I adhered the top layer to the shadow with glue.
  • Before attaching any of the images to the card front, I folded the card inside out and placed it in my MISTI. I planned out my placement of the extra images by just setting them in place without gluing. (see photo below) Then I stamped the sentiment from the Bitty Buzzwords: Holidays stamp set with Intense Black ink.

With my sentiment stamped, I can now adhere the die cut pieces to the inside of the card.

I finished up the card by adhering the pickup to the card front. I added some foam tape to the tree and added it to the card. I added details to some of the images with a white gel pen and also some more dots for snow to the background. A clear glitter pen adds some fun sparkle to the white parts of the elf's hat and candy canes, and the mirrors.


I hope you've enjoyed this version of the Big Pickup for the holidays!  Thank you very much for stopping by.  I hope you have a wonder, and crafty, day!

Thank you if you use my product links:

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Most Wonderful Time | Rubbernecker Stamps

Hello friends!  Today I'm sharing a quick and easy holiday card using Rubbernecker Stamps Blossoms in Spring stamps and coordinating dies.  I've taken this non-holiday stamp set and created a shiny, heat embossed card that was really fun to make! 

Here are the steps for my card base:

  • Adhere some patterned paper to an A2 top-folding card base.  I used a piece from Honey Bee Stamps Holiday Cheer paper pad.
  • Die cut the Diamond w/Stitch Cover die three times from 80# Neenah Solar White card stock.  Adhere the layers together with glue and then to the card base.

  • Next I stamped the outline of the flower from the Blossoms in Spring stamp set with Versamark ink.  Then I sprinkled on some silver embossing powder and heat set it.  Then I stamped and heat embossed the flower center and leaf outline with silver embossing powder.
  • I stamped the detailed layer of the flower with Silver ink from the Color Fuse set #12.
  • I used both Silver and Chill inks to stamp the leaves.
  • Next I used the coordinating dies to cut out the flower and leaves.  I added foam squares to the flower and adhered it to the card front.
  • I arranged the leaves, then added some glue to the ends to adhere them to the card.
  • Next I stamped sentiment that's in the Snowmen with Presents stamp set with black ink.  I used a Nested Square Stitch die to cut it out.  I added some foam squares to the back to pop it up.
  • For a bit more shiny bling, I added some silver metallic pearls from Pretty Pink Posh to the card.

I hope you've enjoyed my quick holiday card today.  Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Product links for the details:

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Merry Christmouse | Honey Bee Stamps

Happy Wednesday crafty friends! Today I'm sharing a cute mini slimline card I made using the totally adorable Merry Little Mice stamps and coordinating Honey Cuts by Honey Bee Stamps. I made an inky snowy background with lots of sparkles and spatters to set the scene for the mice--keep reading for the details.


 First I die cut some watercolor paper with the largest die from Sweet Stacks: Mini Slimline Honey Cuts. Then I spritzed on some Villainous Potion Distress Oxide Spray near the top of the card. I used a paper towel to dab up some of the color and then dried it with my heat tool. I don't have the Oxide Sprays of my next two colors, Salvaged Patina and Spun Sugar, but I do have the Oxide ink pad re-inkers. I just squeezed out a bit of the colors and used a brayer to swipe on the colors, overlapping them just a bit.

Then I used my heat tool to dry the panel, and spattered on some white gouache. I also used a white gel pen to add white dots.

Next I die cut more watercolor card with the hills in the Horizon Slimline Border Honey Cuts. I trimmed them to 3" and glue one directly to the inky panel and popped up the second one. I then put a line of Bee Creative glue along the edges, sprinkled on some chunky glitter and set it aside to dry.

I stamped the images from the Merry Little Mice set with Intense Black ink onto 80# Neenah Solar White. I used some Copic markers to color them and then cut them out with the coordinating Honey Cuts. I added some white dots with a white gel pen to the mice's cheeks and also to the Christmas tree.  Next I stamped the sentiment from Merry Christmouse with Versamark, added black embossing powder and heat set it.  I used the coordinating Honey Cut to cut it out.

To assemble the card, I adhered the inked panel to a side-folding card base with Bee Creative Glue. You can create by scoring a piece of 6-½" x 6-¼" card stock longways at 3-¼". I popped up all of the card images with foam tape and foam squares. I used my nonstick scissors to cut a few small foam strips for the music notes.

I decided to make a coordinating envelope to go with my mini slimline card.  I die cut some 32# printer paper I have in my stash with the Mini Slimline Envelope dies.  I adhered the pieces together with Bee Creative glue.  Then I used the Snowfall Background stencil to add some pink snowflakes to the front of the envelope.  This was really easy with a Background Blender Brush and some Spun Sugar Distress Oxide ink.

I added a bit more sparkle and shine by adding some Glossy Accents to the tree's ornaments.  Then I used a clear glitter pen to add sparkle to the star and splatters to the background.

I hope you've enjoyed my inky, mouse-filled card today!  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Links for products I've used today:  (thank you, if you use my link to purchase anything!)

Friday, November 5, 2021

Graciellie Design Cup Of Cheer and Guest Design!

I'm thrilled to have been invited to Guest Design for Graciellie Design for the months of November and December!  Today I'm sharing two cards using her latest digital release called Cup of Cheer.  Also, if you are interested, Gracie has allowed me to give away a $15 gift certificate to her shop for my first post!  The giveaway is being held over on my Instagram--all you need to do is leave me a 💗and a comment!

For the first card, I printed out the cup with cookies from the Cup of Cheer digital stamp set onto 80# Neenah Solar White card stock.  I also layered the pine branch, from the Winter Blessings digital stamp set, under the cup.  It's been a little while since I had worked with digital stamps.  The best "how to" source, at least for me, is found HERE.  Click "resizing digital stamps" and then the version you want to use.  I changed the color of the pine branch to green before I printed it out.

I recently had to buy a new printer as our very old one did not survive our move last month!  I bought an Epson XP-7100 that has a rear paper feed slot.  My 80# Neenah went through it perfectly!

Next I used Copic markers to color the images and then used a Honey Bee Stamps Sweet Stacks: Rectangle die to cut it out.  Then I used a metallic gold Gelly Roll pen to add stitching around the edges.  I also added gold lines to the cup and saucer.

I die cut some red card stock with a rectangle stitched die and adhered it to a top-folding card base.  I added foam tape to the back of my colored panel and adhered it to the card.

For a bit more bling I added White Blizzard Nuvo Glitter Drops to the candy bits on the cookie and Glossy Accents to the coffee.  To coordinate with the other gold touches, I also added some dots of Golden Rod Stickles.

On my next card, I printed out the cup and sentiment along with some beautiful digital paper for my background.  This gorgeous paper is part of Gracie's digital paper pack called Rustic Winter Wishes.

I did learn something about printing the digital paper.  This is sized as a 12" x 12" paper.  Well, I don't have a wide format printer, (and I wanted it a size suitable for card making) so I poked around and figured out that all I needed to do was resize the digital paper.  I use a Mac, and after I downloaded the paper, I double clicked the image to open it up in Preview.  Next I clicked Tools, then Adjust Size.  I changed the measurement from pixels to inches, and sized it to 6" x 6".  That's all!  By keeping it square, it retains the perspectives and none of the images are distorted.

Now that it's resized, it's time to print it.  When I first printed it, I used 80# Neenah, just like I did for my first card.  (I also added the cup image and the sentiment to the page to print at the same time.)  What I noticed is that the colors of the digital paper were a bit muted and the images weren't quite as crisp as I'd expected.  Then it dawned on me that since this is a .jpg image, maybe I should use photo paper.  I happened to have 8-½" x 11" matte photo paper for ink jet printers and used that.  What a difference! 

 

I die cut the digital paper, some gingham paper and coordinating brown card stock with the Sweet Stacks: Rectangles dies and adhered the layers to an A2 card base.  Then I colored the cup with my Copics, fussy cut it, and adhered it with some foam tape.

I cut the sentiment out with a die from the Tag Builder die set.  Then I tied a bit of twine onto it and popped it up on the card with foam tape.


I was amazed at how quick these beautiful cards were to make!  Now that I've fine tuned the details of working with digitals, the next ones should be even faster to make.  Thank you so much for stopping by!  Don't forget, if you would like a chance to win a $15 gift certificate to Graciellie Design, click HERE to go to my Instagram and leave me a comment.  Have a wonderful, and crafty, weekend!

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Happy Howl-idays! | Honey Bee Stamps

 Happy Wednesday crafty friends!  Today I'm sharing a card that features Honey Bee Stamps' new, and so adorable, Riding By...Holiday Style stamp set and coordinating dies!  This is a fun holiday add-on set for the Bicycle Builder die set that has lots of options for your holiday cards.

First I worked on my background layer. I used a piece of patterned paper from the current "free BEE", a beautiful vintage holiday paper pack that's free with your qualifying purchase. I die cut it with the second largest Sweet Stacks: Rectangles. Then I die cut some white glitter paper with the hill die from the Horizon Slimline Borders Honey Cuts. I trimmed it into two 4" hills and adhered them to the patterned paper with Bee Creative glue. 

I made the evergreen tree by stenciling the tree using the Farmhouse Tree Details stencil. I first stenciled the base layer lightly with Rustic Wilderness Distress Oxide ink and my Background Blender brush. I positioned the second layer of the tree over the first and applied a heavier layer of Rustic Wilderness ink. Then I used the tree die from the Farmhouse Tree Builder Honey Cuts to die cut it. I added white dots to the tree with my white gel pen and adhered the tree to the card. I trimmed off the overhanging part of the tree and then I adhered the piece to a top-folding A2 card base.

I die cut the Bicycle Builder pieces from some red glitter paper, silver matte, and black card stock. I adhered the pieces together with Bee Creative glue.

Next I stamped the images and sentiment from the Riding By... Holiday Style stamp set with Intense Black ink. I colored all the images with my Copic markers and used the coordinating Honey Cuts to cut them out. After I adhered the images to the bicycle I added very narrow strips of thin foam tape to the back. Then I decided to stamp the tiny snowflakes that are also in the Riding By...Holiday Style set. I put the card in my MISTI, positioned the bicycle (without adhering) and then placed the snowflake stamps where I wanted them. I removed the bicycle, patted on my anti-static pouch, inked up the stamps with Versamark and stamped them. I added some white embossing powder and heat set it. and then added it to my card. Here's a super close-up photo for you to see the details:

I added some fun details to the dog's scarf, the little tree, and the bow with a white gel pen. Then I added some sparkle to the lights by dotting on Nuvo White Blizzard glitter drops. The sparkle on the large tree are some red gem from the Vintage Holiday Gem Stickers set.

Before I finish my blog post I wanted to share with you this awesome new Bee Creative Tool Caddy from Honey Bee! I am really enjoying using it to keep my most-used tools right in from of me. Honey Bee has a lot of new products from this tool caddy to foam tape. If you type "bee creative" in the search bar, you will find lots of awesome new products for your everyday card making.


Well, I think our pup is enjoying his bicycle ride!  Be sure to check out the set to see all of the other holiday options for your bicycle!  Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Click the image for more details: