Moments In Time

Hello friends!  Simon Says Stamp’s new release is available now!  This release, called Moments In Time, is filled with beautiful new products that will inspire your crafting in awesome ways!

My card features the new stamp set called EZ Strips Congratulations!  I created a beautiful background for the sentiments by using the Darcy Embossing Folder and Cutting Dies.

First I embossed 80# white cardstock with the Darcy Bouquet Embossing folder.  Then I used ink blending brushes to add color to the embossed areas.  I used several of SSS inks and a few others too.  You can check out the colors in the list below.

Next I used the dies in the Darcy Bouquet Embossing Folder & Dies set to cut out the flowers from white cardstock.  Then I placed the flowers in the Darcy embossing folder and ran it through my die cutting machine.  I used blending brushes to color each flower and adhered them with foam tape.

The new EZ Strips Congratulations stamp set stamps all of the sentiments at once, which I love!  I don’t have the die but I just used my paper trimmer to cut them apart.  I used foam strips to adhere each sentiment to my card.

Be sure to check out the entire release over at the Simon Says Stamp website.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Wishing You Joy and Beauty

Happy Wednesday friends! Today I'm sharing how I made this card that features the new and so beautiful Lovely Layers: Cottage Honey Cuts by Honey Bee Stamps! While deciding on a background I came across a perfect set to use! Read on for the details.

I started out by die cutting white and various colored cardstocks with the dies in the Lovely Layers: Cottage Honey Cuts. I die cut the base layer of the cottage and the brown trim pieces from white cardstock and used a couple brown Copic markers to color the pieces. I did use a purple, yellow, and green Copic to add just a bit of detailing to the flowers and shrubs.

Since this is my first time to create with the Cottage set, I referred to the fabulous layering guide while I glued the various pieces together.

As happens with me frequently, now that I had my main image complete, I really had no idea what I wanted to do for a background! Does that happen with you?

While looking through my Honey Bee dies, I came across the Cottage Countryside die set and thought that it was perfect to use with the Cottage. Much to my delight, I found that I had tucked a die cut and colored piece that I saved from a previous project in the back of the storage pocket! I was very happy! Haha!

All I needed to do was use a Sweet Stacks: Rectangle die to cut it to an A2 size!

Before I glued the Cottage Countryside piece to my A2 card, I used a blender brush to add blue ink for the sky. Then I glued the die cut to my card.

I used foam tape to adhere the Cottage to the card. I did die cut one more shrub with flowers to add along the pathway.

I stamped a sentiment that is in the All Things New stamp set with black pigment ink. I cut it out with the coordinating die and popped it up on the card with foam strips.

This was super fun to make and I love having cards with sentiments that can fit various occasions too! Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you are having a fabulous week!

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You Inspire Me!

I'm back with more cards featuring two of the Spellbinders Club Kits for May!  Both cards are beautiful, but totally different!!  I'm packing for a short trip to leave for tomorrow so you get a short post!  Haha!  Please let me know if you have any questions by using my "contact me" form to the left of this post.

This first card features the beautiful 3D Embossing Folder for May called Stacked Stories.  I kept this one pretty simple in order to show off the gorgeous embossed details. 

I added two die cut florals from the Field Notes Wildflowers die set.  I tucked the floral stems under the Sealed Twine die cut.

The sentiment is from Spellbinders All-Occasion 1 Wax Seal Stamp Set.  I love how this is the only sentiment needed!  I colored over the raised portions of the wax seal with a gold pen so the sentiment stood out more.

My second card is a bright and cheerful rainbow-colored card!

I used an ink blending brush to add a rainbow of inks to an A2 white cardstock piece.  Then I put it into the Stacked Stories embossing folder to emboss it and then glued it to an A2 card base.

I used May's Betterpress of the Month called From A To Z.  I tapped various ink colors in a rainbow order onto 110# cardstock before I ran it through my BetterPress System.

Then I die cut the piece out with a die from the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals die set.  I added a scallop layer and black cardstock layer to the From A To Z piece before I popped it up with foam tape.

TIP:  I wanted a very narrow black mat oval layer.  There is an oval layering die in the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals die set and I used that die to trace around onto black cardstock.  Then I used my scissors to cut just inside my pencil line for the layer

The sentiment is one of two included in the May Betterpress set.  There are dies included to cut them out with, but I needed to trim the sentiment to fit my card.  After I added a black layer I popped it up with foam strips.  The bow is from the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals die set.

I had some greenery in my "extras" pocket.  It is from Spellbinders, but I'm sorry that I don't know for sure which set.

I love both of these cards and it was fun using these Club Kits in two dramatically different styles.

Thanks so very much for stopping by today!

I am so very appreciative that you choose to use my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

Smiles, Gentle Hugs & Tons Of Love

Hey friends!  Today is the last day in the sign up window for Spellbinders' May Club Kits!  In this post, I am sharing my card that features the May Embossing Folder of the Month called Abstract Study.

I wanted a subtle pattern on the paper that I will emboss.  So I used the Floral Garden Stamp (on sale as of this post) to stamp a tone-on-tone pattern onto a medium blue shade of cardstock.

Then I placed the piece into the Abstract Study embossing folder and ran it through my Platinum 6.

Those that subscribe to multiple kits or the Deluxe Caboodle will see that each month the Club Kits kind of all coordinate together.  Since I just get this Embossing Folder I get to find ways to show you that each item can totally stand on its own with other sets.

This time I added flowers from the Layered Wildflowers die set that was recently released.  I used various colored cardstocks from my stash and have linked the available products below.

The sentiments are from the Sending Smiles Stamp & Die set.  This set has one stamp to stamp all the sentiments  at once with a die to cut them all out at once!  I love that!

This card is so sweet for sending to someone to let them know you are here for them!  It was nice and easy to make too!  Be sure to check out the details for the Club Kits to see what you might like!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I so appreciate you using my affiliate links to shop (never any additional cost to you)!

Hello, Beautiful!! A Dramatic Heat Embossed Card

Hello, crafty friends!  Today I decided to go with a rich dark colored cardstock for a dramatic look to use as a background for Honey Bee Stamps beautiful Lovely Layers: Topiary.  I used their Always and Forever red rubber stamp to add a subtle heat embossed background!  Read on for the details!

First I chose a dark teal blue cardstock and placed an A2 size piece into my stamp positioner. I used an anti-static powder over the cardstock. Then I inked up the Always and Forever background stamp with clear embossing ink and stamped it onto the teal cardstock.

For this card I used some white satin pearl embossing powder. If you don't have that, a clear embossing powder would also be beautiful. After I poured the powder over the stamped image, I used my heat tool to set the powder.

After the panel had cooled off, I cut it out with the coordinating Always and Forever die. I found an ink that was about the same color and used a blender brush to darken the edges of the die cut piece. I glued this to an A2 sized panel of teal cardstock, and then to an A2 card base.

I die cut all of the pieces of the Lovely Layers: Topiary from white cardstock except for the top layer of the planter. I die cut that from a scrap of the same teal cardstock I used before. It was easy to use blender brushes and various ink colors to quickly color the layers of the topiary. I love how the bright yellow of the lemons and bow contrast with the green and teal!

The sentiment is one that is in the So Special stamp set. There are so many wonderful sentiments in the set, I had a hard time deciding which one I wanted to use. LOL. I cut the stamped sentiment out with the coordinating So Special die.

The topiary and the sentiment are all popped up with foam tape. I wanted that lift so the teal planter would not blend into the background so much.

There are several other dies in the Lovely Layers: Topiary for more options other than the lemons.  You can choose two more planters, a different style leafy topper along with pears, flowers, and oranges!  Be sure to check it out!  I hope you are having a wonderful week and I so appreciate you stopping by my blog!

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

You Are So Special To Me -- Framed English Cottage Scene

Hello crafty friends! Today I'm sharing my card that features the beautiful English Cottage stamp and the Lovely Layers: Bird Bath Honey Cuts from the new Honey Bee Stamps Cottage Countryside release.

The idea I had in my mind was to create a scene with the English Cottage as a background for the Bird Bath. My original thought was to just stamp the cottage in one subtle color as a background. But I decided to go with light colors and use my markers color the stamped image.

Once I decided to color the English Cottage I stamped it with Lost Shadow Distress Ink. This was much easier to use than one of the no-line coloring inks since it is darker than those. I think I still achieved a no-line coloring fairly well, do you? I used lots of lighter colors and a kind of "loose" coloring technique. This made my coloring session fun and relaxing without any stress!

Here's the Copic marker colors I used for the main areas:

• Cottage: W4, W3, W1, W0, W00
• Stones: T5, T3, T2, T0
• Path: E44, E43, E42, E41
• Vines/bushes on and around cottage: G94, YG61, G24, G20
• Background trees, grass: YG67, G07, YG17, YG25, YG03
• Door, windows: BG23, BG11, BG10
• Purple flowers: BV11, BV000, BV00
• Bird bath: C3, C1, C00
• Birds: E59, E57, E55, E53, E51

Next I die cut the Wood Frame Builder dies three times from white cardstock. I glued the layers together and then glue them to my colored English Cottage scene, and glued the panel to an A2 card base.

I die cut the Lovely Layers: Bird Bath dies from white cardstock. After I colored the bath and the birds with my markers, I used glue to adhere the layers together.

Then I added a bit of foam to the back of the Bird Bath to adhere it to the card. I used glue to attach the birds at the top of the bird bath.

The sentiment is from the new So Special stamp set. I adore all of these sentiments! After I chose one and stamped it with black ink, I cut it out with the coordinating die. I added a few pieces of foam strips to adhere the sentiment at the bottom of the card.

I really hope this inspired you to try this idea for a background with the English Cottage. The coloring is really fun--just don't stress and be loose with your coloring and it will be fantastic!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you are having a wonderful week with lots of crafty time!

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

May The Wind Always Be At Your Back...

 Happy Saturday!!  Today I'm sharing my card that features several of the products from Spellbinders beautiful Field Notes Collection.

The Field Notes 3D embossing folder makes such a gorgeous background in white.  I used my old corner rounder to round all four corners for a bit of a different look!  This embossing folder will be used many times for my cards, I predict!

Next I die cut the Field Notes Twine from light brown cardstock.  I folded the tabs around to the back of the embossed panel and used glue to secure.  Then I glue the piece to a rounded-corner A2 card base.

Then I used some pretty teal, yellow, green, and purple cardstocks (available colors in the list below) to die cut all of the pieces from the Field Notes Tools and the Field Notes Wildflowers die set.

There is a die that resembles washi tape in the Field Notes Wildflowers set.  I put some black and white polka dot washi tape from my stash onto a piece of white cardstock.  Then I die cut two washi tapes from this.  So fun!

I die cut a piece of vellum for the magnifying glass center and silver cardstock for its handle.  I die cut more silver cardstock with the scissors die.

After I glued the various layers of all of the die cuts together, I tucked them umber the twine die cut and adhered with glue.

The sentiment is from the Hummingbird Sentiments stamp set.  After I stamped it with black ink, I trimmed the piece and adhered it with foam tape.  Then I adhered the washi tape die cuts with small pieces of foam tape.

I finished the card up by adding the cutest Butterfly Mini 3D wax seal to the center of the twine die cut bow.  Two wax beads from the Teal Mix was just the right amount for this mini seal.

I love how this turned out and hope you do too!  I think there are so many ways to use these Field Notes Collection sets for many different occasions.  Have a wonderful weekend!!

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Two Sweet Uplifting Cards Feat. Simon Hurley Sky's The Limit

 Hello!  Today I'm sharing two sweet cards that features Spellbinders Simon Hurley Sky's The Limit collection.  This collection has coordinating dies, embossing folders, stencils, and press plates that give you endless combinations!

For this first card I used the Fly A Kite dies and the Flying Kites 3D embossing folder to this encouragement card.

I added the Flying Kites 3D embossing folder white cardstock layer to an A2 card base with glue.

I die cut the Fly A Kite dies from 80# white cardstock.  Then I used ink blending brushes and some pretty shades of orange, pink and yellow inks to color the layers.

I glued the kites together and then I added Star Dust Stickles to the kites' tails and a dot on each kite.  I haven't used any of my Stickles in FOREVER!  LOL.

I popped up the kites with foam tape to adhere each one to the card.  The sentiment is from the Soaring Sentiments Press Plate & Die Set.  I so appreciate that all of the sentiments are on one press plate and the included die cuts them all out at once!

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The second card I made uses the Flying Kites 3D embossing folder again along with the Up And Away die set.

After I embossed white cardstock with the Flying Kites 3D embossing folder, I used a sky blue Copic marker to color in the sky.  I just took my time to color carefully and not get any on the kites.  I really didn't take too long!

I trimmed the embossed piece to 3-¾" x 5" and adhered it to my A2 card base with foam tape.

Next I die cut the Up And Away dies from white cardstock.  There are specific dies to use to make a variety of children that are included in the set.  I colored the pieces with Copic markers and used glue to adhere the layers.

I muted the background a bit by adding vellum I die cut with an Essential Arches die.  Then I adhered the girl and her kite.

I chose one of the previously pressed sentiments from the Soaring Sentiments to add to the card with foam strips.

I added a bit of sparkle with some gem stickers I have in my stash.

The Sky's The Limit collection is so adorable and perfect to make all kinds of encouragement cards suitable for all ages!

Thanks so very much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful and crafty weekend!!

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

Altenew May 2025 Release Blog Hop + $300 In Total Prizes!

Hello friends!  Have you seen the May 2025 Release by Altenew?  If not, you are in the right place for lots of inspiration for this release!

You can check out the entire release over at the Altenew Website!  I think you will love it as much as I do!  I have all of the stops for this hop below, but if you'd like to start at the beginning, please head over to the Altenew Card Blog.

I have two cards to share with you today that feature gorgeous new Altenew products!

I really have no words for how much I LOVE this Build-A-Garden Tranquil Trail collection of stamps, stencils, and dies!  And the large arched floral arrangement is perfect to use with scrapbook pages too!  One of the several things I do other than card making, and love, is riding my bicycle!  In our neighborhood we have many trails with a connection to a trail that follows along a river.  This set reminds me of my peaceful, mindful bike rides!

The Tranquil Trail arched floral and bicycle are stamped with Obsidian pigment ink.  I used inks from the Enchanted Gardens Fresh Dye Ink and Green Valley Fresh Dye Ink and my MOST favorite Mini Ink Blending Brushes to color through each of the seven stencils included with the Tranquil Trails layering stencil set.

I just had to color the bicycle a bright yellow (that's the color of my bike!) and the Citrus Burst Fresh Dye ink was perfect.  (It's from the Pocketful of Sunshine Fresh Dye Ink collection.)

As much as I love the Build-A-Garden: Tranquil Trail, I love this amazing Stencil Art: Ditsy Flowers Wallpaper stencil set even more!  There are SEVEN stencils in this set for you to use to create endless combinations and styles for your cards.

While this card may appear to be a challenge to make, it was so easy!  The Stencil Art: Ditsy Wallpaper  stencils are so fun and easy to use for cards.

I used these Fresh Dye Ink sets and my favorite brushes (Mini Blending Brushes) to color through the stencils:  Green Valley, Sea Shore, and Warm and Cozy.  I also used some of my Crisp Dye inks: Coral Bliss, Heart Beat, and Vineyard Berry.

I thought I'd carry on the color theme by using some of the same inks with the One-Go Solid Sentiment Strips 2 Press plate set.  The Fresh Dye Inks work great with the press plates!  (I used Orange Cream, Emerald, and Coral Bliss.) I love how the sentiments pop without distracting from or hiding the beautiful background!

I hope you've found some inspiration for this awesome May 2025 Release from my cards.  Be sure to leave a comment and visit all of the other stops for your chance at a wonderful prize!

Check out the details below for the awesome prizes and hop list!

Giveaway info: 

• • $300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $100 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $50 gift certificate to 4 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by May 15th for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 5 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew's Blog Hop Post on May 16th, 2025.

  • The winner of the $100 gift certificate will be chosen from comments left on the Altenew blog.

Check out all of the awesome inspiration by these designers!

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

Beautiful and Easy-To-Make Sympathy Card Set

Hello my crafty friends! I'm sure by now you have had time to check out the amazing Cottage Countryside release by Honey Bee Stamps, right?  Today I am sharing the details of my sympathy card set I made with the new Ginger Jar Details stencils and the Chinoiserie 3D embossing folder.

I wanted to see if I could find another way to use the Ginger Jar Details stencils other than with the Ginger Jars. I also wanted to make sympathy cards for my stash using the beautiful sentiments in the Heartfelt Condolences stamp set. I love the font of these stamps!

These were all made exactly the same way! The only difference being the colors of the inks and cardstocks.  (I've linked all available products in the list below.)  I chose muted colors to use as I wanted the sentiments to be the focal point of the cards. After all, the words are what matter most when expressing sympathy.

I will list out the directions below, while showing you the individual photos.

• First I cut three strips of white cardstock to 1-¾" x 5-½".  I cut three more strips measuring 2" x 5-½".
• I used two of the stencils in the Ginger Jar Details stencil set.
• I noticed that the floral stencil is especially delicate so I sprayed the back of the stencils with Pixie Spray to hold the tiny pieces to the paper.

• I used Detail Blender brushes to add my blue, gray, and mauve inks in an ombre pattern on each of the 1-¾" strips.
• Next I blended the inks around the edges of the 2" strips to create coordinating mat layers.
• I glued each of the stenciled and mat layers together.  I embossed blue, gray, and mauve cardstocks with the gorgeous Chinoiserie 3D embossing folder.

• After I ink blended coordinating inks lightly around the edges of the embossed cardstocks, I glued each one to an A2 card base.
• Next I glued the stenciled strips to the cards and set them aside.

• The sentiments in the Heartfelt Condolences set are worded so wonderfully! I chose six sentiments to stamp.
• I stamped the sentiments with black pigment ink and cut them out with the coordinating Heartfelt Condolences Honey Cuts.

• I added foam strips to the back of each strip to adhere them to the cards.
• I felt that the cards needed something extra and decided to add pearl stickers.
• I was so pleased to find various sets of pearl stickers that had the perfect colors!
• The sets of pearl stickers I used are: Winter, Ocean Waves, and Fall Is In The Air.

I'm so happy to have these sympathy cards for my stash. While I never like the reason for the need, I am so glad to have a card to use at those moments.

I hope I've given you inspiration for your card stash! Thank you so very much for stopping by!

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