Poppystamps: Wonderful Friend

 I'm on the Poppystamps blog today with this Whittle Happy Fox in his garden!

This guy just makes me happy.  I LOVE his expression!!  I made him first then smiled as I made the card, then again the next day when I took pictures and edited them, then today as I'm writing this post.  Isn't this just a wonderful hobby?!

I put him in a garden made from the tiniest flower in the Petite Blooms Flowers set. Then to make sure he was the focus, I put him in a frame  from Scalloped stitch Frames with a few stripes behind it. 

There are many more pictures and details on the Poppystamps blog. Be sure to check it out!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Poppystamps Diamond Sentiments

Dies: Poppystamps Whittle Happy Fox, Petite Blooms Flowers, Colwell Label and Scalloped Stitch Frames

Paper: Memory Box/Poppystamps Berry Red, Sunny Orange and Fresh Aqua

Freshly Made Sketches: I'm Here for You

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

 

This was one of the very rare cards for which I had an idea right away and I stuck with it all the way through.  The Concord & 9th Friendship Garden dies have been calling my name and I hadn't had a chance to use them.  (BTW - I also used them on the other card I posted today).  There are multiple options in the set but I immediately decided the boot was just right.  My idea was the green grass paper for the ground, then the blue paper I thought looked like raindrops.  Unfortunately, then I couldn't find a sentiment that fit in the sketch about rain going away or sun coming out or anything like that - so I went with a general sentiment and probably lost the rain idea, but I still like it.

I pulled out my favorite bright colors for the boot and flowers and added a few sparkly gems.  I love the cheerful look but it's really entirely due to that wonderful rainboot!!

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

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Avery Elle Speech Bubbles

Dies: Concord & 9th Friendship Garden dies

Paper: Honey Bee Stamps Over the Rainbow, Stampin' Up Cardstock in Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, and Flirty Flamingo

Other: Little Things by Lucy Caribbean Blue Jewels

Freshly Made Sketches: Fabulous Friend

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!

 

I made this sketch harder than it should be.  I toyed with the center being a big image, then I tried an embossed panel. Then I toyed with using buttons for the circles - I can't remember the last time that I used a button and I thought it would be fun. Finally as I was looking through my stash, I saw this Garden Trellis die. It's a full cover plate, but I turned it sideways and trimmed it to fit the sketch.  It's not quite right, because it didn't leave me room for the full border around it that the sketch shows - but I liked where the card was headed so I stuck with it.

I knew I needed flowers and I even made that hard. I had some colored and cut but they were a little small. I often stick within the same company as much as possible within a card - for no reason other than it narrows down the array of choices that are cluttering my craft room - when I decided to go with flower dies, I checked my Altenew stash and there they were! This card should have come together quickly given all of these products were in one place.  I even found an Altenew sentiment that fit!

In retrospect, I don't know why I didn't look for an Easter sentiment.  I do a lot of Easter cards and this one definitely has an Easter look.  Hmmm....I may have to see how much damage I do peeling up that sentiment and trying again.

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

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Altenew Sentiment Strips 2

Dies: Altenew Floral Doodles, Garden Trellis and Featured Sentiments

Paper: Honey Bee Stamps Playful Pastels (the green gradient)

Freshly Made Sketches: Floral Squares

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

I absolutely adore the Stampin' Up Floral Squares.  It's a set that will stay in my collection whether or not it stays in the catalog! (If you are a Stampin' Up collector, do you ever look back at the previous catalog and it already seems over-used or out-of-date?  Even the main catalog that is just a few months old, but there have been multiple mini catalogs and a sale-a-bration or two in the meantime.  No offense at all to Stampin' Up - but shiny new toys are always exciting and tend to eclipse the older toys. Clearly I have "squirrel syndrome"! When I was putting together my order for sale-a-bration, there were still things on my wishlist from the main catalog, but I couldn't get excited about them.  On the other hand - I already own the Floral Squares - and this is a set that I am still excited about!)

So for my sketch, I had to add a square so I could use the wonderful Floral Squares that were still on my mind after shopping for new stuff.  I paired it with brand new paper from the Sale-a-bration catalog!  There are two really old things on this card. The sentiment is form Honeycomb Hello. I couldn't even tell you how old that is but it has a variety of small and simple sentiments that sometimes are the only thing that will work on a card.  The sequins are Iridescent Sequin Assortment that includes colors that I don't even remember (they are probably not all that old - this may be more of a statement on my memory!) But even with old colors, it's surprising how often they work for me!

To this day, I have a number of people to whom I still routinely send cheerful cards as they are still isolating as much as possible.  I think this one definitely qualifies as cheerful and will be in the mail soon.

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you create!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Stampin' Up Honeycomb Hello (retired)

Dies: Stampin' Up Floral Squares, Layering Squares Framelits, Stitched Labels Framelits

Paper: Stampin' Up Sunshine & Rainbows (from sale-a-bration), cardstock in So Saffron, Mango Melody, Flirty Flamingo

Other: Stampin' Up Iridescent Sequin Assortment (retired)

Freshly Made Sketches: Sending Smiles

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 was a little stumped by this sketch to begin with and I played with a variety of options including a tall candle, a street lamp and more. Then I tried patterned papers and a big sentiment.  (I "play" a lot with every single card I make.)  That last attempt had some potential and the pieces are still sitting on my desk to finish up for one of my sons.  However, in the midst of my crafting session a friend called and we talked for hours because a listening ear and "smiles" were greatly needed by both of us. Then I wanted to follow up with a card! This card started coming together while we were chatting!

The flower is one of the Fresh Cut Florals from Concord & 9th. I did it in a classic yellow - then added more cheerful colors in the stripes behind that perfect sentiment from Simon Says. The background die is also from Concord & 9th - it felt like sun rays but subtle.  

The card came together so quickly with the sketch as inspiration and was in the mail the same day that I chatted with my friend!  I LOVE this hobby!

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

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Concord & 9th Fresh Cut Florals Edition 2 and Stitched Stripe Card Front, Simon Says Stamp Sending Smiles Words, Trinity Stamps Modern Embossed Rectangle Stack

Paper: Stampin' Up Flirty Flamingo, Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight and Granny Apple Green, Taylored Expressions Cupcake

Other: Pretty Pink Posh Valentine Mix Jewels

Freshly Made Sketches: Serene Bird

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

 

I always have a basket on the corner of my desk that's filled with products appropriate for any upcoming holiday or just new stash that I want to be sure to use. Over the weekend, I finally changed out the Christmas products for Valentines. This bird die was part of the holiday release at Memory Box but I didn't get a chance to use it for this Christmas.  I think it's lovely so before it left my desk I decided to give it a try on a non-Christmas card.

I cut him out from a golden-yellow and added two of the branches. I added a small white frame behind him then decided that rays of sunshine were perfect for him. The sentiment is also from Memory Box (Open Studio).  I spend a lot of time picking the sentiment because it had to be in that shape to fit with the branches but I also loved how this card was all coming together so the sentiment needed to be something I'd be sure to use (vs. going into my stash of cards to maybe be used in the future.)  (Yes...I definitely obsess over my sentiments!!!)

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

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Memory Box/Open Studio Joyful Moments

Dies: Memory Box Serene Bird and Branch, Ellen Huston Essential Squares, Reverse Confetti Stitched Rays Cover Panel

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Crumb Cake, Bumblebee, Mint Macaron

Other: Pretty Pink Posh Marigold Gems

Poppystamps: The Coolest Cone

 I'm on the Poppystamps blog today with Whittle Ice Cream Cones in a rainbow of colors with one sparkly little cone telling the recipient they are the coolest!

I love the detail on those cones.  There's so much interest with waffling on the cones and the stitched detail on the ice cream.  

There's much more detail and more pictures on the Poppystamps blog. Be sure to check it out!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Poppystamps Whittle Everyday

Dies: Poppystamps Whittle Ice Cream Cone

Paper: Memory Box Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

Freshly Made Sketches: Just a Note

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!

 

I struggled with this challenge and I don't know why.  I got my mind set around a particular direction (snowdrifts and snowmen) and I tried and tried but it just was never right.  I do most of my crafting on the weekend but by Monday morning with a week of work looming in front of me, I had nothing for FMS. That's how long I struggled. Then I saw the sentiment in my not-yet-used stash - it's by The Stamp Market - as I explored what I had from them, the die popped out as a fun way to fill a corner (although it's actually a cover die).  I found paper with lots of colors in a more muted, autumn tone - and it all came together in no time!  I need to listen to that little crafting voice more often - the voice that says "this isn't right" or "go for it"!

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

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: The Stamp Market

Dies: The Stamp Market Ready to Bloom Card Cover

Paper: Honey Bee stamps Harvest Festival, Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce and Just Jade, My Favorite Things Pineapple

Ink: Stampin' Up Just Jade

Other: Pretty Pink Posh Marigold Gems

Taylored Expressions Release Day: Sweet Bears and Spooktacular Sentiments

It's release day the August release from Taylored Expressions!  I'm not going to chat much today because it's time to shop but I do have a few more peeks to show you.  Be sure to check out each of the create team members' blogs for all of the sneak peeks - starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

The new Simply Smitten set has the most charming bear ever along with with a variety of products to set the scene for him.  I've used the stamps with an autumn focus but there are other sentiments and stamps that can work for all seasons!


I used Blender Brushes to create his background.  I use Post-It tape where I want the split and brush on blue above it.  Then I move the tape up and brush the green below.  It's so subtle for clean and simple cards but it gives him a place to stand.


Here's a supply list for this card.  Keep reading because I have one more set of sentiment strips to show you!!

SUPPLY LIST'
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.


As much as we have all loved the sentiment strips - there are even more.  Earlier this week, I showed you Simple Strips - Friendship and Mini Strips - Harvest.  We also have Mini Strips - Halloween!!


Look at all the extra sentiments I have for more cards!!  I love that I only have to stamp, heat emboss and cut a few times and I have all the sentiments I need!

I paired my sentiments with the previously released ghosts from Be Somebody Stamp & Die Combo for this chat between the two little ghosts.  I made the background just a bit "spookier" by brushing the edges and adding some splatters of Oreo Liquid Watercolor.

Have fun shopping!  It's all available at the TE store.

SUPPLY LIST
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek 2: More Strips!

It's day 2 of sneak peeks for the August release from Taylored Expressions.  Today we are showcasing Thanksgiving and we are focusing on friendship. Everything you see today will be available on Thursday, August 8th. Be sure to check out each of the create team members' blogs for all of the sneak peeks - starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

I'm very excited to tell you that we are adding to the Simple Strips series with the introduction of Mini Strips - Harvest along with a new Mini Strips die!!


I adore these sentiments!  I went very classic with this card using the previously released Simply Stamped - Leaves and creating a trio of richly colored leaves.  I carried the leaves into the background using an embossing folder.  Some watercolor sprinkles for texture and a few metallic sequins complete the look.


Guess what? The same mini strips set has funny sentiments too.  After I had embossed and cut the full set - I wasn't going to let them go to waste!  Gobble til you Wobble and Got Stretchy Pants led me directly to the chubby little squirrel from the previously released Fluffy Friends.


I surrounded this little guy with a variety of dies to create a big Thanksgiving meal.  I love creating detailed little scenes - and these all came together perfectly for this funny scene.  Just for fun - I used the Bead Board Embossing Folder at an angle


Here's a supply list for this card.  Keep reading because I have another sneak peek and a chance to win prizes!

SUPPLY LIST'
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.

Gather Together


Gobble 'til You Wobble


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!

Now for even more Simple Strips!  There's a Friendship set!


When I saw the "smiles" sentiment, I just had to bring out the previously released Build an Emoji.  I had so much fun building these three cute little faces!


There are so many different sentiments in this set - funny, serious, encouraging, thankful and more.  It's a must-have because it can add the finishing touch to so many different cards.

Tomorrow is Halloween!!  At least at Taylored Expressions! So be sure to check back!

SUPPLY LIST
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek 1: Gatefolds and Better Half

It's day 1 of sneak peeks for the June release from Taylored Expressions.  You'll see such an amazing variety including crafty friends, lots of water and splashing, and patriotism! Everything you see this week will be available on Thursday, June 6th. 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 adore products that make it easy to make complicated-looking cards.  The new Gatefold Reveal die is not at the top of my favorites list!

Here's the outside.  All you have to do is cut a 5 1/2" by 8 1/2" piece of paper.  Then score both sides at 2 1/8" so that the two sides fold in.


Now check out the inside!!  This is where the dies come into play.  As you open it - the center opens up to reveal the sentiment on the inside!


The inside piece with the perfectly-sized window and the two little reveal pieces are the die set!

Now let's talk about those fun sentiments.  We all have crafty friends and this stamp set is called Hey, Crafty Friend.  The big sentiment is for the outside and then there's a wide variety of inside sentiments that work for multiple occasions for that special friend. I picked "you're the glitter to my glue" mostly so I could use glitter!  I particularly relate to another the sentiment - you enable me - but there's also birthday and encouragement sentiments too.  It's perfect for any occasion.


For the glittery circles, I used the Polka Party Stencil and coated it with Tonic Nuvo Moonstone Glitter Paste to get those wonderfully sparkly circles.  I plopped my all-time favorite bow on it for a bit more decoration.

Here's the supply list for this card.  Keep reading because I have another sneak peek and a chance to win prizes!!

SUPPLY LIST
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.



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!

Keeping the first card in mind, there's another new product to coordinate with it.  It's the Better Half Cutting Plate which are half-size card front dies (5 1/2" x 2 1/8") so they fit perfectly on both sides of the gatefold card.  However - personally, I don't buy anything if it's a single use product.  So I played around with the two halves and came up with this card.


I love how the two of them look on top of each other.  Almost an optical illusion - so fun!!  I'm not sure where the bee idea came from.  I actually started with blues and was thinking sky or water - but you'll see as the week goes along, we have a lot of new water products coming up.  I wanted a different summery look and remembered this previously released Little Bits - Bumble Bee which I've always thought is the most darling bee out there!  I found the sentiment in the One in a Buzzillion stamp set and added it to the Sentiment Stacker 1.


Today I showed you a gatefold card with a fun reveal inside and two cutting plates that you can decorate it with or use on their own.  Be sure to check out the rest of the design team for lots of other ideas for these products - starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

SUPPLY LIST
Remember that the new links won't work until Thursday.

Taylored Expressions: Fresh Florals Three Ways

Sometimes with my card-making purchases, I seem to have squirrel-syndrome moving from shiny object to shiny object.  I have to have this set and before it even arrives in my mailbox - I've seen the next set I have to have.  It's all led to a fairly massive stash - many of which I haven't used and may never use.  It was starting to become overwhelming so I've gotten much better over the last few years at requiring a "waiting-period" for all of my purchases.  If I still love it a week or a month later, it'll end up in my stash.  I've also seriously de-stashed although take that with a grain of salt.  We moved a year ago and instead of a craft corner, I actually have a craft room - and it's still full - vaulted ceilings with built-ins - and there's no decorations, it's all filled with stash!!  Not to mention the 5 Elfa drawer stacks, a few IKEA Raskog carts and the two large work spaces, one of which has shelves underneath.

Given all of that, I am also making a huge effort at trying to use every set in multiple ways.  In the past, if a set was ever used - it was probably used once and stashed away.  That's just silly.  There are such wonderful products available.  Today - I'm going to focus on one of those - Fresh Florals by Taylored Expressions.

Fresh Florals is full of fun, bold flowers but it can take on so many looks, styles and techniques.  It's one of those sets that makes sense to have in your stash.  As proof, I have three cards today - but it's not the first time the set has been out on my desk - check out here and here.

My first card is clean and simple, bright and modern.  

The bold flowers work well with the graphic sentiment.  Some subway tile in the background and it's a quick and easy encouragement card.

My second card is also clean and simple, but uses an easy technique.

I laid out most of the images on my Misti - I had to fill in a couple later because they didn't all fit at the same time - but it was easy to tuck them in at that point.  Stamp the images tone on tone.  Then very slightly move your cardstock and stamp again in Sugar Cube.  This gives it a carved look that works nicely with these bold images.

I didn't want to hide any of it - so I layered a vellum panel with a simple Hello.

My last card is sweet and soft and also very clean (but perhaps not so simple).  

I stamped and cut a variety of the Freshly Floral images and created an entire bouquet.  I laid it out and then pressed down on it with Press 'n Seal so I could pick it all up and adhere it all at once.  The sentiment on this one is cuter and lighter than the first card, but still works beautifully with the solid flowers.

I added a simple frame for the flowers to cluster around then a few floral sequins to soften the entire look.

I am very happy with this trio of cards.  The stamps are interesting enough for just a few of them to work on a simple card - but you can create full bouquets.  And I love the technique - it's not new, but I hadn't done it in awhile and was thrilled at how well it works with this set.

SUPPLY LISTS

I Know It's Tough...

Hello

Bouquet for a Friend