Tic Tac Toe Challenge: Love Wreath

I don't have all of my Valentines cards made. I don't make many so I don't have a large collection of stamps or dies for this holiday.  Plus I generally manage to hold back from buying more because I just don't have a need.

I did get inspiration from the current Tic Tac Toe challenge and was able to use products already in my stash.  I saw the "wreath" in their grid and knew immediately what to do. I love Stampin' Up's Wreath Builder dies.  I used it for Thanksgiving and Christmas and then tucked it away. But just seeing the word "wreath" reminded me that it has other holidays too.  So here's what I did with it.

From wreath I went up and down to "pink" and "sparkle". (The deep color is Flirty Flamingo which photographed more coral than pink - but I call it pink in real life.)

Thank you to the Tic Tac Toe Challenge for getting me motivated to start Valentines!

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Stampin' Up Wreath Builder dies

Paper: Stampin' Up Brights 6x6 dsp and Glimmer Paper Assortment (an older pack with Mint, Bermuda and Sweet Sugarplum), cardstock in Flirty Flamingo, Mint Macaron with the lighter pink being Taylored Expressions Cupcake

Other: Stampin' Up Painted Texture Embossing Folder, Jewels are Little Things by Lucy in Copper Rose Mix

Freshly Made Sketches: For You

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Brum and here’s what I did with it! 

This whole card came about because of that patterned paper. Not that it's anything fancy but I wanted the stripes to show. It's Paper Rose's Dip Dye Basics.  I don't tend to do my own inked backgrounds, but if I can buy paper with the same look - I'm happy!  I wanted an open frame so more showed through. Then after I settled on the Concord & 9th flowers - I realized I had a Concord & 9th sentiment that was also open.

I kind of blew it with the sentiment because the center of the "O" had options for a heart or three little hearts that would have made it more interesting. It was already adhered so too late - but it did give me the idea to use little hearts for the flower centers.

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches!

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Concord & 9th Fresh Cut Floral 3 and All About You ("for you"), Avery Elle Postage Stamp Frame

Paper: Paper Rose Dip Dye Basics 6x6 pad, Stampin' Up Flirty Flamingo and Mango Melody, Taylored Expressions Peapod and Cupcake

Other: Trinity Stamps Tic Tac Mix Heart Jelly Drops

The Card Concept: Daring to Dream

 It's time for another challenge from The Card Concept. It's Daring to Dream and includes this graphic. 

I love this graphic.  It manages to be detailed and vintage - yet very fresh.  Obviously I liked the globes.  I was also inspired by the stacks of suitcases and books to create my stacked shiplap background.  (I originally cut them in various browns like the suitcases, but I just couldn't get the Clean and Simple look I was going for with the browns.)  

The shiplap panels do have woodgrain on them.  I also used an embossing folder to add some woodgrain to the globe stand. The golden yellow heart was inspired by the photo too.  I had red cardstock out, but noticed that one little golden yellow book in the stack on the floor. It stood out to me so I thought my heart would also stand out.

My original intent was to go with the theme of Daring to Dream.  The stamp set that coordinates with those globe has stamps like "adventure awaits". That would be good for graduation but then I realized that for the first time in a VERY long time, I don't know anyone graduating this year.  (I used to feel like I made as many graduation cards as Christmas between church youth, the lacrosse team that my husband coached and family friends).  I do need Valentines Cards for my 20+ year old sons - and this seemed just right!

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at The Card Concept - I look forward to see what inspired everybody!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Reverse Confetti My World

Dies: Reverse Confetti Globe, The Greetery Shiplap Builder

Freshly Made Sketches: Sending Love & Hugs

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by me!!  

 

I have a love/hate relationship with creating the sketch.  I hate it because it makes me nervous.  I want to create something that will be fun for all of you, but it also has to be unique - and it has to be usable.  WAY too much pressure!  I LOVE it because I do what I want to do.  In this case, when I designed the sketch, I knew I had patterned paper and a new flower die set coming.  I don't use a lot of patterned paper, so I put together a sketch that would allow me to use small strips of it.  (And I still cringed at a third pattern - I just did some brick!) Then the flower would be the "any shape" component.

I actually got this die set along with the stamp set because I love the soft look of the watercolor stamp with the die cut accents on top. After I stamped the flower with Poppy Parade (permanently staining my stamp - am I the only one who cringes when using red ink?!) - I decided I wanted the flower to be bolder so I went with cardstock but gave it a little embossed texture.

I hope to see you playing along with us this week.  I love the inspiration I get in the gallery each week!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Framed for You (sentiment)

Dies: Stampin' Up Perennial Petals

Paper: Stampin' Up Flower & Field dsp (sale-a-bration), cardstock in Granny Apple Green, Poppy Parade, Bumblebee

Other: Stampin' Up Gold Glitter Enamel Dots, Brick & Mortar Embossing Folder, Tasteful Textile Embossing Folder

CAS(E) this Sketch: God Bless Your Day

I'm playing along with this week's sketch at CAS(E) this Sketch. I had recently purchased the Flight of Fancy Sizzix set which includes a variety of "scribbled" butterflies and birds.  The sketch gave me the same feeling as the butterfly.

The glittery butterfly is actually from a peacock feather printed glitter paper. I didn't need the pattern but I wanted the rich color variations.  It was a gloomy day yesterday so the photo game me some headache. This card is so much nicer IRL. My butterfly is actually a richer color and the sentiment is a softer color. I'm trying very hard to not to obsess over my card photos.  Sometimes it feels like it takes longer than making the card and I'm not a fast cardmaker.  So I let this one go and I moved on.

Thank you to CAS(E) this Sketch for the inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Faith

Dies: Sizzix Flight of Fancy Thinlits, Simon Says Stamps A2 Thin Frames

Paper: Glitter paper purchased at Michaels, cardstock is Taylored Expressions Poblano Pepper and Eggplant

Other: Taylored Expressions Garden Party Embossing Folder, Pretty Pink Posh Sugar Plum Jewels

Poppystamps: Greetings from a Whittle Sloth

 I'm on the Poppystamps blog today showing off the brand new Whittle Sloth.

Since the pandemic, my mother-in-law has been staying home.  She has always been a very busy, very extroverted lady. Even in her mid-80s, she volunteers for multiple organizations.  But besides her age, she has other conditions that are keeping her home.  She won't even let us visit. It's a small thing but I get a card sent out to her at least once a week.  I know she appreciates them because she has sent me pictures of her very full fireplace mantle. A card in the mailbox is a change of pace to the long hours.  But it occurred to me recently that most of my cards for her have been florals or leaves.  It was time to change it up.  And I picked the sloth just for her!

All details on this card are on the Poppystamps blog - check it out!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Poppystamps Whittle Love Sentiments

Dies: Poppystamps Swaying Birch, Whittle Sloth, Orchard Leaves, Small Blooming Poinsettia and Colwell Label Set, Memory Box Double Stitch Rectangle Cut Out

Paper: Memory Box Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad (for flower centers)94

CAS(E) this Sketch: Fresh Bouquet

The CAS(E) this Sketch post this week announced that it was coming to an end. I love this challenge. I was actually on the first design team...before life got in the way of my own cardmaking. I'll miss you all at CAS(E) this Sketch but I completely relate to why it has to end. Crafting is supposed to be an escape - not a source of stress as you are trying to squeeze it in between life's obligations.

They will be around this month - so I'm playing!!  Here's my card for this week's sketch:

The flowers are an older set from Papertrey Ink.  I've always liked them but didn't buy them until they were on their Blow-Out Sale so they are new to me.  They are fun to use with each layer and shadow being a separate stamp.  

The stripes are a Doodlebug washi tape.  Washi tape has been popular forever - but I'm not sure that I've used it much, if at all.  I do have a decent-sized collection, but I was actually using them for props when I was taking my photos with my cards standing up.  A few colorful rolls of washi tape was a nice accent.  I was recently looking at the drawer of tape, thought about throwing it away since I've decided taking photos of cards laying flat is easier - then decided I should try using it.  I can't say I love it for exactly the same reason that I prefer liquid glue adhesive vs. tape adhesive for general use - I need to be able to move the things I adhere around a bit until it's perfectly lined up.  Can't do that with washi tape or tape adhesives.

I'm hoping this has made it to the recipient before this post goes live. Today is her birthday.  Happy birthday friend!!!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Fresh Bouquet, In and Out Birthday

Dies: Papertrey Ink Fresh Bouquet

Other: Doodlebug Licorice Stripe Washi, Buttons Galore and More Caribbean Sea Doo Dadz

Freshly Made Sketches: Just Saying Hello

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Linda and here’s what I did with it

I used a background and a leaf die by Memory Box. I cut the leaf out a new paper pad called Ink Drops because I love the look but don't want to try it on my own! A rich green background and a pretty sentiment - and it was done!

My college kids are all back at their schools.  I wonder how long it will last? My oldest loves to learn and it's OK with him if it's online. He has an apartment so he sticks close to his school. My youngest is all about the college experience and sports so he is crushed when it closes. He's on campus so gets sent home. He came home middle of November and just went back.  He's in Illinois which seems a bit stricter than Colorado. I am crossing all my fingers and toes that he gets his college experience and spring sports season this year because he did not as a freshman.  OK - I have to admit - I also enjoy coming home after work to peace and quiet as opposed to the demands of a child who is typically energetic and social but felt cooped up and alone all day. 

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: The Ton Easy Expressions

Dies: The Ton Easy Expressions dies, Memory Box Verdant Leaf and Pinpoint Leaf Plate, Avery Elle Double Pierced Rectangles

Paper: Craft Consortium Ink Drops - Vivid 6x6 pad

Other: Taylored Expressions Bead Board Embossing Folder

The Card Concept: Winter Warmth

I am so excited to have been invited to be part of the The Card Concept design team!!!   It is an inspiration challenge that always gives us creative and unique images from which to find inspiration.  The challenge that starts today is no exception!!

Although inspiration can come in many ways - the actual image, the colors, the style, etc. - the red cup immediately popped for me.  I used a die from Erin Lee Creative - I picked it from among my many coffee cup dies because it had the fun shaped steam or splash which struck me as appropriate due to the decorative foam and sprinkles in the image.

From there, the inspiration that I took from the image because a bit more subtle.  I was pondering how to back the coffee cup and I ended up with some stenciled squares based on the decorations on the mug.  I was actually going to fill those squares with trees, deer and snowflakes but I felt like they distracted from my steam.  And then it took the sprinkles on the inspiration image for me to add the brown splatter.  I'm not a big splatter person because there's a lack of control when splattering that's very hard for me to deal with!! 

I would call this as a Clean and Layered card. There's not too much going on and it's a clean-lined look.  There's still lots of open space - but kraft instead of white space. It really wasn't "simple" - at least for me.  As soon as I pulled out a stencil and also did some splattering, it wasn't simple!!

Instead of my usual white background for this card, I went with rich coffee/tea colors. I intend to use this for my youngest son for Valentine's Day along with a package of his favorite tea. It's a tea we used to drink at a little tea shop in a Colorado mountain town but they quit carrying it and I just found it online!  He goes to school in Rock Island, Illinois which is on the border of Illinois and Iowa, right on the Mississippi River.  I tell you this because you'd think a Colorado native would understand being cold - but not so much.  Colorado's sun means that even days that look cold on the thermometer feel very warm.  With the humidity and gray skies and winds off the river in Rock Island - now he knows cold!!  So the tea will be very welcome.

I hope to see you playing along with us and the Winter Warmth challenge!!

SUPPLY LIST

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade

Dies: Erin Lee Creative Cup Heart die, Papertrey Ink Wet Paint Cuts ("love"), Simon Says Stamp A2 Thin Frames, Paper Smooches Stitched (the little X's on the cup)

Other: Taylored Expressions Square Windows Masking Stencil, Fun Stampers Journey Dark Roast Silk (this product is great for splatters, it comes bottled like fingernail polish so easy to flick off the brush), Hero Arts White Iridescent Shimmer spray (on the steam), Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces - Snowflakes

Freshly Made Sketches: A Scenic Birthday

Welcome to 2021! It's time for our first sketch of the new year at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Mitchell and here’s what I did with it!

 

The first slimline die set I got was the Mama Elephant Slim Card Basics. The set has quite a few components and I thought that might be the only set I needed. (That didn't last long.)  But I still haven't used the clouds and ground, nor the scalloped background - so I used those as the base for my card.

All the other little pieces came from a variety of companies and die sets. I originally envisioned just the little scene to the right because that lines up with the sketch (the tree being the bigger circle, the sun and the animals being the little circles). I got that put together and then I struggled with finding a sentiment that filled the space. The sentiment that I settled on had the interesting look that I needed - but it left me too much open space on the left - so I added another scene.  I like how it turned out - and that is the creative fun of a slimline card!

I hope to see you playing along with us in our first challenge of 2021!

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Mama Elephant Slim Card Basics, Hello Bluebird Happy Birthday Words, Neat & Tangled Scandinavian Print Christmas (the tree), Sizzix Winter Wonderland (the deer), Sizzix Christmas Shadow Box (the bunny and the bird), Sizzix Ornamental Birds (the sun)

Paper: Doodlebug Design 12x12 Special Delivery Petite Prints, Stampin' Up Misty Moonlight and Daffodil Delight, Taylored Expressions Toffee and Cilantro

Other: Studio Katia Misty Rose and Pineapple Petals

Poppystamps: Meadow Flowers on Lattice

It's my day to post over on the Poppystamps blog!!  And I am thrilled to announce that there is a new release for Valentines 2021.  It's mostly new Whittles (be still my heart!) but I have posted so many Whittles cards lately, I decided to go in a different direction. 

The Lattice Plate is part of the new release.  I love dies like this. I'm typically a clean and simple cardmaker so you don't see a lot of patterned paper on my cards. Dies like this that just let the background peek through give me a clean look while allowing me to use beautiful patterned papers!

I paired the new Lattice Plate die with the older Meadow Flower and a sparkly butterfly. I put the sentiment on a right red label so it would pop. There are many more details on the Poppystamps blog - be sure to check it out. Then pop over to the store and check out the new Whittles!

Happy 2021!!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Poppystamps Greeting Basics

Dies: Poppystamps Lattice Plate, Meadow Flower, Colwell Label Set, Intricate Cut Butterflies

Paper: Memory Box Garland 6x6 pad and Delicate Pastel Glitter pad