The Card Concept: How Does Your Garden Grow

There’s a new inspiration challenge at The Card Concept: How Does Your Garden Grow! I picked the flowers in the beautiful garden in the photo and created a Clean and Layered bouquet! I was inspired by the delicate flowers and the beautiful colors.

I love these sweet little bouquet - it's a fabulous set of dies.  There's such wonderful detail in the wrap and in the little flowers. I'm generally quite "literal" in my interpretation of inspiration photos, but as I was pondering the inspiration photo, instead of a full garden I was inspired by the delicate flowers. Then my mind connected to this little bouquet (and I guess that's why these are "inspiration" challenges!!)  

I changed the sentiment I was going to use at the last minute. This is dedicated to one of our own.

It is a beautiful photo. I'd love to live behind that bright pink door - although I can only imagine what my suburban HOA would say to a bright pink door!! But how cheerful would you be every day going into the door or walking out into your garden!

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at The Card Concept.

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Spellbinders Bouquet of Flowers, Hemstitch Rectangles

Paper: Sunny Studio Subtle Grey Tones, Stampin' Up Smoky Slate, Polished Pink, Balmy Blue and Granny Apple Green, Taylored Expressions Peapod

Other: Simon Says Stamp Reverse Sentiment strips

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

Taylored Expressions: Berries and Prayers

I recently had one of those hard cards to make.  An elderly family friend is in the hospital. I definitely wanted to send a card of support and encouragement.  It needed to be masculine.  "Get well" was not really the right message.  My go-to style of clean and simple was not necessarily right for this family. Do you see what I mean? All of this made it a challenge for me.

I decided to stick with "prayers" as the focus, so I pulled out You're in my Prayers with the coordinating Prayers Script.


I put the sentiment on a banner to make it stand out.  My original plan was to use "Prayers for Peace & Comfort" which really was perfect - but when I got the background done my designer side took over and I could see that that larger sentiment would cover too much of it.  I ended up lining up pieces of two sentiments.  One sentiment was in "You're in my" but it needed to come from all of us so I changed my to our.  Luckily both words were in the stamp set!  FYI - I lengthened the stitched banner just slightly by cutting the banner end, then sliding the die and cutting the square end.

I settled quite quickly on the Berries Cutting Plate as the right look for this family.  I wanted to give the berries a little oomph so on the round ones, I added Oyster Grey Nuvo Crystal Drops.  Then to add color, I sponged a blue background starting with Salt Water Taffy, then Sprinkles, then just a bit of Cookie Monster so it didn't get too bright.


I think it's just right for this family.  Although after all of my fussing, I know it's always the thought that counts.  
SUPPLY LIST

TE Release Day: Faith and Hugs

It's the big day! All the Taylored Expressions products you've seen through sneak peek week are now available - and I have a few more to show you. Be sure to head over to the Taylored Expressions blog for a few more peeks - and to see if you've won a prize.

Squishy Hugs is a fabulous new Easter set because it can go cute, it can go joyful, or it can go slightly sarcastic.

Here's cute.


The bunnies themselves are from the new die Block Party - Bunnies. I added the bunny tails from Squishy Hugs. (If you want them to be front-facing, there are also faces and bows in the stamp set.)  I "sugared" my bunnies with glitter to make them Peeps!  And what you don't see on this picture is the inside which uses another sentiment from the set - "You're one of my favorite Peeps.".


Here's the slightly sarcastic version.


I used one more new product on this card, Little Bits - Marshmallow Bunny.  He's a cute little stand alone bunny with a dies for the base, another die if you want to top it with eyes and a bitty bunny nose and dies for a bow and for the bunny tail.  Since I was focusing on bunny butts(!) I used the tail and added some texture with Marshmallow felt.  (The envelope is


I used a Toffee envelope with a simple sentiment from the new Happy Mail to dress it up.

I didn't do a joyful version - but check out the sentiments in Squishy Hugs to see the possibilities.

Here's the supply list but keep scrolling down because there's another peek.

CUTE SUPPLY LIST

SARCASTIC SUPPLY LIST

As a final peek before you go shopping, I just had to use Words of Faith!!


I wanted a very soft look, so I used another new product, Floral Frame Cutting Plate, cut it out of scrap paper, then used it to sponge on the background with some various intensities of pink. Then I wanted a small accent and realized the previously released Scribble Flowers had the same look!  That with a sprinkling of Pretty Pastels sequins, and just a hint of color on the stamp with some light pink and green - and I have an easy but lovely card!


I dressed up the pink envelope with a floral stamp from the new Happy Mail stamped in Sugar Cube.

I hope you enjoyed this week of sneak peeks.  The store is now open!!

SUPPLY LIST

TE Sneak Peek Day 3: Our Savior

It's the third day of sneak peeks for the February release from Taylored Expressions!  Today I am focusing on the true meaning of Easter - our Savior, the King of Kings!  Everything you see today will be available tomorrow - Thursday, February 8th.  Be sure to check out each of the creative team members' blogs for all of the sneak peeks - starting with the Taylored Expressions blog.

Over the last few months, you have seen the release of the Iconic Wishes Stamp & Die combos with a fall set and a Christmas set.  The newest addition is a cross that can be used for Easter or anytime - Iconic Wishes - Savior Stamp & Die Combo. Even more fun, there are two crosses, one is filled and one is unfilled.  Here's what I did with the filled cross.


The other sneak peek on this card is the Floral Frenzy stamps and the dies.  It's a fun set that's just a bit off-kilter - it deliberately does not line up to give you that loose look.

The filled cross is bold so I paired it with a graphic cutting plate for the background and bright reds and greens.  There's also an unfilled cross that has a more delicate look.  I used the same general layout as the first card, but I used softer colors, added a background color so the lighter cross didn't get lost, and used a more delicate cutting plate for the background.  Here's the unfilled version.


This cross set is a fabulous addition to the Christian products at Taylored Expressions!

Here are the supply lists for these two cards. Be sure to keep scrolling down for a chance at a prize and for another sneak peek.

SUPPLY LIST

FILLED CROSS IN RED

UNFILLED CROSS IN PINK

The flowers that I used above are the bonus for this release!! For a limited time, earn DOUBLE CRAFTY POINTS on our Floral Frenzy Bundle! 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 100 Crafty Points on the purchase of our Floral Frenzy stamp and coordinating die set bundle! Offer valid on qualifying purchases made between 9am CST on Thursday, February 8, 2018 and 11:59 pm CST on Sunday, February 11, 2018 and only while supplies last. Crafty Points are only available on purchases made via our retail site: www.tayloredexpressions.com.

Next I am using a brand new background - Petite Petals Background.  Staying with the Easter theme, I paired it with the previously released He is Risen and a little cross from Little Bits - Crosses.  (As you are checking out the other designers, notice that there is also a new Christian sentiment set called Words of Faith that is shaped perfectly to fit into this background!)


The background is so detailed, I kept the rest of this card very simple.  I sponged a bit of soft pink on the edges, then stamped the background in gray.  I used Stitched Oval Stacklets and Inside Scallop Oval Stacklets to create a frame.  A simple pink cross with a gem is the only accent.  Here's a closer look at the detail in the background stamp.


Be sure to head over to the TE Blog for a chance at prizes and for more sneak peeks! Then come back tomorrow when I have some squishy hugs and the Words of Faith set that I mentioned fits perfectly in the Petite Petals Background.

Keep scrolling down for the 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!

SUPPLY LIST