52 Christmas Card Throwdown: Rejoice

I am thrilled to be the guest designer at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown for their teal and silver color challenge!

Teal and silver said sky and snowflakes or stars to me and how perfect are those for a Christmas card! The next decision was whether to go cute like a snowman or elegant with a Christian message. I started with the background plate and built it with glittery teal and silver. I actually built it to be used vertically and I was going to place a tall snowman along the bottom. Then I was looking for sentiments and stumbled on this "rejoice" that was still in my not-yet-used stash and it just clicked that that's what I wanted to use with the elegant colors and joyful sparkle. So I rotated the background and tucked in the sentiment. When inspiration strikes, you just have to go with it!

If you are running behind on Christmas cards and you haven't played along with this challenge, be sure to check it out. There are sketches, colors, themes and techniques so you have a wide variety of inspiration to pick from.

Thank you to the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown team for letting me join in!

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: PhotoPlay Rejoice Word
Dies: PhotoPlay Rejoice Word die, Altenew Layered Snowflake A
Paper: Stampin' Up Pretty Peacock CS, Soft Shimmer in Pretty Peacock, Silver Glimmer
Ink: Stampin' Up Pretty Peacock

Freshly Made Sketches: His Love

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

 

You can see that I didn't quite get it right but hopefully you can see that I was inspired by it! I shrunk it down a little with a smaller rectangle cut into the card front because I had settled on those butterflies and they just didn't fill the entire card front. Then those same butterflies became a problem with the sentiment. I had picked a very small sentiment and had every intention to place it across the butterfly as the sketch would indicate but the butterfly was too small and I lost too much of it with the sentiment.

I've been sending regular cards to my 20-year old niece who is working at a church camp this summer and can't even have her phone - but can get mail. I've used up my stash of appropriate cards already, although in fairness most of my stash is for my adult sons and for all my friends who are generally of the same vintage as I am - so it didn't take long to clean out the more youthful, female cards. For a new card, the sketch quickly drew me to butterflies and then this butterfly from Birch Press jumped out at me because it wasn't frilly and detailed, just fun. I went for cheerful colors and then found a scrap for the background that grounded them with the browns and more muted colors. 

I found a perfect pair of stamps in Simon Says Tiny Words Faith. They aren't in the stamp set as separate sentiments, not a pair, but I love how it worked out for my niece working at summer camp. With the outside sentiment being "His love guides us", the inside says "You are exactly where you're meant to be". I have so much respect for her decision to work at a camp and I rather doubt she's struggling at all - but just in case she's homesick or overwhelmed, I wanted the butterflies there to remind her she's in the right place!

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

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps; Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Faith

Dies: Birch Press Simple Butterfly Contour Layers, Taylored Epxressions Diagonal Stitch Rectangle Stacklets

Paper: Studio Calico Printshop! Paper Pad, Stampin' Up Bubble Bath, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Marigold Morning, Coastal Cabana, Summer Splash, Pecan Pie

Happy Birthday Creative Worship Stamps!

Creative Worship Stamps (formerly Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps) is celebrating their 17th birthday!!  They are having a big Instagram hop starting @creativeworshipstamps with big prizes at the end of the hop so check it all out over there!  Also big sales that you can't miss! I'm in the hop but I wanted to show off their products here too.

I had the honor of serving on their design team in their early days so I was asked to be part of the big birthday celebration.  Absolutely!  It didn't take me long to figure out what I wanted to make.  I have two stamp sets from those early days (but both are still available) that are the most used stamps in my entire collection and it's not even close.  They are sentiment sets named Be Encouraged and Be Encouraged 2. Here's one example.

This card is the perfect example of why I love these sets.  The sentiments are so meaningful and truly perfect for those quick cards we so often need to support and encourage the people around us. I love the mixed font on them because they are eye-catching in and of themselves so lend themselves perfectly to clean and simple cards. 

For this card, I paired it with a newer set Happiness Blooms. I simply white embossed the flowers and applied glittery dots for their centers.  It really doesn't get much easier than this.

What about masculine cards? The sentiments work for those too. This card uses the Foliage Die set.

They can even go seasonal! This card uses the Sparkle Snowflake Die set.

The point is they work at any time and any season.  Of course, everything I've shown you is clean and simple, but these stamps work perfectly on any style of card.  Check out the samples on their site; here for Be Encouraged and here for Be Encouraged 2; they are all truly works of art!

If you're on Instagram be sure to head over there for the full hop (linked above) and a chance to win big prizes. Then don't miss the sale starting today!

CREATIVE WORSHIP STAMPS SUPPLY LIST

Floral card: Be Encouraged 2 and Happiness Blooms stamps

Masculine card: Be Encouraged stamps, Foliage Die set

Snowflake card: Be Encouraged 2 stamps, Sparkle Snowflake die set

The Card Concept: Trust in the Lord

It's time for a new challenge at The Card Concept!  My Clean and Simple card was inspired by the beach theme and the soft and gentle colors of our Long Summer Days challenge.

I wouldn't say I'm a beach person - mostly because I am not a hot weather person.  But that's really based on a classic beach - hot weather, big umbrellas, sunscreen, etc.  I actually do adore calm and quiet beaches.  We had a couple of amazing family vacations on the beaches along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We were there slightly before the summer season and the beaches were so incredibly peaceful. And it was just warm enough that we could wear swimsuits but not hot enough to be sweaty and sticky.  They were amazing vacations!!  And that peace is what I tried to capture in my card. 

I was planning to brush on ink for my background - and then I remembered I had a paper pad with the soft colors that I wanted and it even gave me some clouds! The peaceful look of the card pointed me in the direction of the sentiment.  Then the card needed just a bit more so I found some small shells and anchor in my die collection and grouped them in the corner. 

The Card Concept is taking a summer break so this is the last challenge until September 8th!!  That also means you have a LOT of time to create cards for our Long Summer Days challenge! I look forward to viewing the challenge gallery for all of your cards.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Reverse Confetti Walk by Faith

Dies: Taylored Expressions Sitting Pretty Nautical, My Favorite Things Peek-a-boo Window (rectangle)

Paper: Honey Bee Stamps Beach Vibes 6x6 pad

Other: Pretty Pink Posh Sea Glass gems

The Card Concept: Anchors Aweigh

There’s a new inspiration challenge at The Card Concept and the theme is Anchors Aweigh.

My Clean and Simple card was inspired by the colors, the stripes (especially the top pillow) and the general nautical theme.

I LOVE the sentiment.  Besides the meaning of it, it was perfect for the theme and it fit on the stripes to replicate the pillow.  I used a fabulous waves embossing folder and then the card just needed an anchor to finish it off.

This was so simple and totally inspired by the photo! I hope to see you playing along with us at The Card Concept.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Be Encouraged 2

Dies: Paper Smooches Anchor

Cardstock: Taylored Expressions Blue Corn, Red Pepper

Other: Memory Box Waves 3D Embossing Folder, Trinity Stamps Silver Stones

Christ is Risen!!

 Easter Blessings of Love and Hope

Colors from Hand Stamped Sentiments

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Faith

Dies: Simon Says Stamp Outline Floral Cross, Studio Katia Easter Script die, Waffle Flower Lacy Stitch Layers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Highland Heather, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Gorgeous Grape

Other: Pretty Pink Posh Buttercream Gems

CAS Colours & Sketches: He is Risen

 The colors at CAS Colours & Sketches inspired me to give another new-to-stencil set a try - the Simon Says Stamp Layered Tulips.  I don't know why it took me so long to jump on the stencil trend, but as soon as they started coming up with fabulous layered stencils, I'm totally on board! It is such an easy way to add color - and to add it with shadows and dimension.

The first stencil is Saffron with a bit of Mango sponged at the base of each flower, then I stenciled the detail layer in Mango.  All of the bottom layers are Pear Pizzazz but I did a light layer of ink, a medium layer and the darkest layer on the stems.

I hadn't thought ahead past the flowers so I checked my stash and found some new sentiments from Taylored Expressions.  The big sentiment is Handlettered Easter which isn't new - but the dies are!!  I adore the look of cut out sentiments.  The strips are a new addition to the fabulous Simple Strips line - it's Easter Blessings.  The picture shows just a handful of the various sentiments that you can cut out all at once!

Thank you to CAS Colours and Sketches for the inspiration!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Handlettered Easter and Simple Strips Easter Blessings

Dies: Taylored Expressions Handlettered Easter dies, Simple Strips die

Ink: Stampin' Up So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Mango Melody

Paper: Stampin' Up Pear Pizzazz CS and the old So Saffron dsp

Stencils: Simon Says Stamp Layered Tulips

Other: Fun Stamps Journey Black Licorice Silk (for the splatters)

Tic Tac Toe Challenge: He is Risen

 I'm a bit behind on Easter cards.  I hadn't look at the date and I just realized it's only a few weeks away.  When I saw the current challenge at Tic Tac Toe challenge and realized that "Easter" was in the grid, I knew I would be playing along. I had a new slimline sunshine die from scrapbook.com that I wanted to use on an Easter card so going down the grid for gold and yellow was just what I needed

I kept this very simple.  I did play with a variety of yellows and had some very bright combinations on my desk.  I settled on Pineapple from Taylored Expressions. It's a soft yellow without being pale.  I wanted to highlight the sun at the bottom so I cute a second one out of the gold foil and offset it slightly then popped them both.

It's a simple card, but I like that the focus is all on the meaning.

Thanks to the Tic Tac Toe Challenge for the inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Scrapbook.com Slim Sunshine, Memory Box Happy Easter Posh Script

Paper: Taylored Expressions Pineapple, scrap of patterned yellow, Concord & 9th Neutrals Foils pack

Other: Studio Katia Gold Foil Pearls, Simon Says Stamp Reverse Easter

Christmas Kickstart: Slimline Cards

 The challenge at Christmas Kickstart is to create a slimline card. When I started adding to my slimline stash I was planning to keep it to general dies and stencils but I couldn't resist this Christmas stamp.  Then I never got around to using it at Christmas! So here it is!

The image panel is cut with Trinity Stamps Modern Embossed Frame Panels.  These types of dies are some of the most boring dies to buy but, for me, they are the most used.  They are just rectangles, but I love finished edges especially when I am doing nothing but putting it on background paper. 

I added glitter to the star and it's on the top edge of the "ground" also which I added just as a balance to the star.  A few sparkly sequins as starlight - and this card is done.  I actually played around with it for quite awhile trying different colors of different embellishments but I love the stamp and thought it worked well on its own.

Thanks to Christmas Kickstart for giving me the inspiration to use this stamp!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Woodware Peaceful Night

Dies: Trinity Stamps Modern Embossed Frame Panels, Simon Says Stamp Holy Star

Slimine: Sending Prayers

In my new passion for slimline cards, I recently purchased some basics from Pinkfresh - the stitched rectangles and the slim edgers.  And what do you know - while I was shopping, the beautiful flower just jumped right into my cart!

There are so many gorgeous flowers out there and I have too many already, but this one just had to be in my stash.  It's so easy to use with so much detail - yet still so fresh and clean!  It's actually a collaboration between Pinkfresh and Altenew. Then when the flowers and the slimline dies were in my cart, I threw caution (and my bank balance) to the wind and splurged on the Pinkfresh Phrase Builder which has been on my wishlist forever.  Must...stop...shopping!  Having said that, every item on this card will be heavily used.  Good sentiments never go to waste.  An easy flower looks great on a quick card. And as long as I'm enjoying slimlines, the stitched rectangle and edgers are must-haves!

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Altenew/Pinkfresh collaboration: Celebrate Us
Dies: Pinkfresh Phrase Builder: Sending, Slim Stitched Rectangles, Slim Edgers
Cardstock: My Favorite Things Pineapple, Stampin' Up Old Olive
Ink: My Favorite Things Pineapple, Stampin' Up So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, Cinnamon Cider, and the old Subtles dsp
Other: Pretty Pink Posh Buttercream Gems

Freshly Made Sketches: Sending Prayers

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

I had a very specific purpose for this one.  A dear friend's husband has some chronic conditions that appear to be worsening.  He had testing done a few weeks ago and they get the results this Friday.  This card is all about her. She, of course, would want prayers for her husband and I do keep him in my prayers - but I wanted to send something that is clearly just for her. 

I love this detailed envelope - it's fairly new from Mama Elephant. The edges are separate dies which gives it so much detail.  It is already has the slit where the opening appears to be so you can slip in the greenery which is also part of the set. Once again, it's my favorite kind of die and card - the die adds lots of detail but it all comes together quickly and easily!

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

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Avery Elle Simple Sentiments
Dies: Mama Elephant Botanic Envelope, Simple Sentiments die
Paper: Stampin' Up In Color dsp, Old Olive and Pear Pizzazz CS; Taylored Expressions Cookie Monster, blue floral is a scrap
Other: Ellen Hutson Butterfly Mix Sequins, Honey Bee Stamps Marine Dream sequins

Freshly Made Sketches: Never Alone

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

My card was entirely based on a what I got in the mail last week.  I love this die by Hero Arts.  There's so much sweet detail.  With the sketch, I put a sentiment in strips across it, but I actually got it because it would be perfect to frame a stamped sentiment.


The stamps are from an order just before Easter.  (I tell you about my orders because somehow it justifies in my mind that I'm actually using those orders!)  It has some great sentiments for Easter and other Christian holidays - but also encouraging words for those difficult situations. It's in the Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words line - this one is Faith.
I sponged on some Distress Oxides with some soft green around the edges and a couple of blues for the sky.  The leaf was so perfectly shaped for the circle I just couldn't make it point the other way to match the sketch.
I hope to see you playing along!

Supply List

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Faith
Dies: Hero Arts Garden Fancy Die, Taylored Expressions Bloomers Greenery, Memory Box Butterfly Delights
Cardstock: Taylored Expressions Key Lime, Cookie Monster
Ink: Distress Oxides in Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean, Salty Ocean

Freshly Made Sketches: Pray Hope Trust

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

A few weeks back we had circles on a sketch and I used bouquets of flowers.  Last week we had circles and I totally stuck with circles.  This week...more circles...I did one true circle and one circular doily!!  (Close enough!!)


This card was a struggle.  The sketch wasn't a problem and I adore the butterflies - but it had to be meaningful, yet for someone I really don't know.  That's hard.  It's a lady my husband works with and he thinks the world of her.  I've met her once while I was visiting my husband.  She and her husband have asked my husband and I to join them at their favorite brewery but we just haven't made it work. They seem very down-to-earth and I know they are outdoorsy.  I also know they are Christians. I played with a variety of options but settled on butterflies as the mood I wanted.  
Her husband just had a biopsy which did not show good results.  They haven't even dealt with that yet because the biopsy caused a major infection.  There are so many unknowns.  The sentiment on this card has become my go-to in these situations.  I have thousands of sentiments, but these three words usually say exactly what needs to be said - "pray hope trust".
I hopw to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches!!
SUPPLY LIST Stamps: Stampin' Up Butterfly Gala, Taylored Expressions Faith in Bloom (the sentiment) Dies/Punches: Stampin' Up Butterfly Duet Punch, Lil' Inker Designs Cover Up Die: Stitched Woodgrain, MFT Fishtail dies, Taylored Expressions Stitched Cricle Stacklet Cardstock: Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Neenah Desert Storm Accessories: Stampin' Up Colored Doilies, Iridescent Sequin Assortment, Versamark Ink, Wow Super Fine Opaque Bright White Embossing Powder, Copic Markers

The Paper Players: Spring Fever

There was no way that I could miss The Paper Players this week.  Check out the graphic - then see the wonderful Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Club for February - Spring Flutter.

I didn't use quite the same colors although I loved them.  I squeezed this card in before work so went with whatever struck me in the small amount of time I had.  But isn't it wonderful that the die is so detailed that I can create a quick and easy card but still have lots of detail!!

Not many words today - I have 5 minutes to dress, pack lunch and hop in the car or I'll be late for  a meeting.  You know what the die is.  The stamp is from Simon Says Stamp You Got This.  The paper is ancient but it's Chalkboard from We R Memory Keepers!
Thanks to Paper Players for the lovely graphic!!

Freshly Made Sketches: Praying for You

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

I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to force an idea with this sketch that just didn't work.  Then I ditched the idea and started cleaning up the piles of failed stamps, cardstock, dies, etc.  As I was cleaning up, I saw another stamp set and ta-da! This new idea came together in about 10 minutes.  I really need to learn to give up on bad ideas sooner and move on to better ideas!!


I love this bouquet.  It's a new-to-me set from Pink & Main and actually is meant to go the other way.  It's a frame of flowers with one bouquet at the top and one at the bottom.  Such fun flowers!
I don't have many long sentiments but was thrilled to find this one in my stash (also never used!) from Simon Says Stamp that's just right. I think this all just perfect for brightening somebody's day!
I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches!
SUPPLY LIST Stamps: Pink & Main Thinking of You Always Dies: Simon Says Stamp Praying for You Paper: the pinkish cardstock is Stampin' Up Flirty Flamingo with the pink in the flower the coordinating Copics that I selected (chart on the side bar).  The patterned is long-retired Stampin' Up.

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 3: Chicks and Prayers

It's the third day of sneak peeks for the August release from Taylored Expressions. Today I'm stepping away from fall for a bit (although I still made one of my non-autumn themed products into a very autumn-themed cards, can you tell I love the season?!)  Everything you see today will be available tomorrow - Thursday, August 2nd. Be sure to check out each of the creative team members' blogs for all of the sneak peeks starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

I often give Taylored Expressions a big shout-out for their focus on Christian-theme products (see yesterday or the second card today) but I don't always give them enough credit for their sarcasm!!  After all, it's a worthy goal to make a card recipient smile or even laugh out loud.  The Grumplings line of products is one of my all-time favorites for sarcasm.  Now we have the Sarcasti-chicks!!


Not only is this little chick wildly sarcastic, but she also has mix and match facial expressions and a closet-full of clothes and hairstyles.  I've dressed her in the basic Sarcasti-chick's Closet but if you browse the rest of the design team you'll see she also has a Halloween closet!!


Behind her I used the new Shattered Stencil because it had that slightly crazy look that matches her attitude!  (There are five new stencils this release!)

I like this little chick.  Maybe because I can relate to the humidity problem or maybe it's because she also comes with a wine bottle and appropriate sentiments!!  Here's the supply list for this card, but keep scrolling down for a totally different style card.

SUPPLY LIST
Taylored Expressions is celebrating Release Week with a giveaway during each day of sneak peeks! Visit the TE blog to answer Taylor's Question of the Day for a chance to win one of the latest products before you can buy it!

On a totally different note, this release brings us the Prayers Script Backer - Mixed Media die to go with the previously released Prayers Script (which also goes with the stamp set You're in my Prayers).  The mixed media dies are thicker and can cut other materials such as the Cut & Color Me - White Chipboard.  I love this ability because I can pop sentiments without cutting tons of layers and gluing them all together.


There's no reason for the fall theme on this card because clearly prayers are part of every day of the year - but I was loving the rich colors and leaves.  The leaves are an extra included with the Falling Leaves Cutting Plate. It's a lovely cutting plate but I didn't use the whole thing here - just those extra leaves.  I really like the look of them with the open centers.


As I mentioned the backer was cut with chipboard.  I didn't want it to stay bright white, so I brushed the edges with Dijon ink. Then I used Gold Foil Cardstock for the "prayers" and Gold Fine Detail Embossing Powder for the stamped sentiment.  Definitely an autumn-themed card, but as I move back toward summer crafting, I want to do exactly this card, but maybe in pinks with flowers instead of leaves and the scalloped frame from Frame in Frame 2 - a totally different look!

Tomorrow is release day and I have a few more Halloween and Thanksgiving themed products.  Be sure to check out the TE blog and the rest of the creative team members' blogs for more inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST

Taylored Expressions: Big Butterfly in Watercolor

Taylored Expressions has recently released a line of liquid watercolors.  I am late to the watercoloring trend although I love what I see from everybody else.  I'm fairly certain it's because watercoloring involves letting go of control and that is way outside my comfort zone.  I had a wonderfully free weekend and a craft room just calling my name so I decided I needed to get comfortable with watercolors.  I want to be able to create soft backgrounds or vibrant backgrounds; I want to be able to create the stunning dimension that you can get with layers; and I want the realistic look of coloring images with it.  Now I'm not going to say one weekend made me proficient - far from it - but I'm more comfortable.

I did it with the help of the Liquid Watercolor posts on the Taylored Expressions blog - starting here.  Day 1 starts with Color Mixing and Painting.  Then if you click to Day 2, it's Color Wash and Shimmer Liquid. Day 3 is Detail Painting. Day 4 is Smooshing and Day 5 is Painted Plaid.

I worked through all of those days and have a lot of cards for my personal stash, but not quite good enough to share here.  However, you have to check out Day 4 Smooshing.  First of all, it's the most beautiful card that I've ever seen.  Secondly, Gayatri has done a fabulous video that walks you through each step and at the level that I need.  For instance, you can see exactly how much liquid watercolor to put down to smoosh with, how different water misters acts, how to build up dimension (both in smooshing and then she adds detailed color later), how to splatter it and more.

I went through the video step by step, pausing it and replaying it repeatedly while I worked on my own card.  Not in a million years do I have the skills set to replicate exactly what she did - but I'm happy with my card.  And more importantly, I'd actually do it again!

 
I do need to continue practicing.  I didn't get the layers of watercolor - mine almost looks more like a wash than a smoosh. (And that's an odd sentence to type!)  I did go back and add depth to portions of it by painting directly as Gayatri did on hers.  I also splattered like she did but for my white I used white acrylic paint, slightly watered down. (The Oreo Liquid Watercolor is fabulous for black speckles.)
 
What I learned this weekend is that while I cannot claim to be a skilled artist, there are tools and lessons and products available to help.  By the time I was done with this butterfly, I truly felt like I would do it again.  I don't think there's any simpler way to get that vibrant color than literally some drops of watercolor, misted with water and smooshing paper on it.  It's quite amazing how it works.
SUPPLY LIST

Taylored Expressions: Sparrows and Gardens

It's the second day of sneak peeks for the April release from Taylored Expressions!  Today I'm showing you some wonderful dimensional flower dies and a Christian sparrow set. Everything you see during our sneak peeks will be available on Thursday, April 5th. Be sure to check out each of the creative team members' blogs for all of the sneak peeks - starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I am all about the cards.  It's quite rare that you see anything 3D from me.  To be honest - mainly because I'm intimidated by it all.  I know cards - I know how to fill a 4 1/4"x5 1/2" space.  Dimension is a problem - how do I make it work?  But it turns out it works with the right dies to help me!!


I am head over heels in love with this project. The new Roll With it Flower dies are cut extra thick (and they are black to differentiate them).  Combine that with Taylored Expressions 100% Wool Felt that cuts like a dream - and this project came together quickly and easily!  (The butterflies are new too - Little Bits-Butterflies!)

The sentiment is embossed with yet another brand new product from Taylored Expressions - embossing powder!!  I used the Fine Detail White Powder - it melts beautifully.  The sentiment is from the brand new Autism-focused set, Look with your Heart although this particular sentiment is not specifically "autism".  TE will be donating 25% of the profits from the sale of every Look with Your Heart Stamp set to the National Autism Society throughout the month of April in honor of National Autism Awareness day (which was yesterday!)


I also couldn't let a project go by without using another one of our brand new stencils. Today I used the Majestic Stencil with white embossing paste to add a bit of pattern behind my flowers.     (The frame and stand were on sale at Hobby Lobby!)

Here's the supply list for this project but keep scrolling down for two different looks on two Christian cards with sparrows!!

SUPPLY LIST

Taylored Expressions is celebrating Release Week with a giveaway during each day of sneak peeks! Visit the TE blog to answer Taylor's Question of the Day for a chance to win one of the latest products before you can buy it!

One of the many things I adore about Taylored Expressions is their commitment to Christian products. This month, we have a new addition to the Iconic Wishes line, Iconic Wishes - Sparrow. Check the beautiful Christian sentiment that fits in the sparrow.


This is the bold sparrow in the set (more on the other sparrow later).  The background is another brand new color - Guava - sponged using another brand new stencil - Chevron Arrow - to keep the bold and graphic look.


The set also comes with the same sparrow that is just the words.  I thought it had a much lighter look so I change the color scheme and, most importantly, used another new embossing powder, Rose Gold. It's a beautiful color.


I used the previously-release background stamp, Notable Blooms to add some interest to the strip and to show off more of the lovely Rose Gold Embossing Powder.  I also tried embossing some enamel shapes and it actually worked!  I kept the enamel shape on the background sheet - just cut them out one at a time leaving a square of the background sheet on each one  I held the background piece with a tweezer, pressed the shaped into Versamark and covered it with embossing powder.  I heated it quickly because I didn't want to risk the enamel melting - and it worked perfectly. As it melted, the powder on the shape and the powder that stuck to the background sheet separated leaving a perfectly embossed shape.  I did one extra shape because I wanted to see if it held up - and it does.  If you make an effort with a fingernail, you can scrape it off, but not easily.


The supply list follows, but I didn't want you to miss the special deal on stencils this month. For a limited time, earn DOUBLE CRAFTY POINTS when you purchase our Stencil Bundle which includes all 6 of our new stencil designs! If you're not a Crafty Points member, it's free and easy to join. Just create an account at the TE webstore and you're automatically enrolled to begin earning crafty points with every purchase. You'll earn 84 Crafty Points on the purchase of our Stencil bundle! Offer valid on qualifying purchases made between 9am CDT on Thursday, April 5, 2018 and 11:59 pm CDT on Sunday, April 8, 2018 and only while supplies last. Crafty Points are only available on purchases made via our retail site: www.tayloredexpressions.com.

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team starting on the TE blog.  Then come back tomorrow to see another new and creative product line!!

SUPPLY LIST