Kindness in Bloom Birthday

 Hello, friends! I'm back with my last card for this week. Our weather has been super hot and in my craft room I'm keeping cool, busy, and contented. 

I decided to play along with Freshly Made Sketches, and pulled out the new-to-me Kindness in Bloom stamps and dies from Pinkfresh Studio. I love the wonky look of these flowers and appreciate the stripes on the leaves. Coloring with Zig markers, I followed the example on the stamps packaging and used bold strokes with white spaces on the flowers. 

I loved discovering (or being reminded?) that PFS dies cut out all the images at once, making this so easy! I used a border die to cut the accents for the line across the sketch. 

I appreciate you taking the time to come and visit with me. Hope you have a great weekend. 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

I'm entering this to these challenges: 
NBUS - new stamps and dies
Freshly Made Sketches 
A Cut Above 

Other Supplies: Hexagon Die is from WPlus9; Border Dies are from Penny Black; The Happy Birthday stamp and die are from Simon Says Stamp.

Best Birthday Wishes

 Another rainy day has come and is almost gone. Looking at the weather app, we are expected to have rain all next week, except maybe Tuesday. Thank goodness I have a stamp corner and lots of creative supplies to explore and play with! 

Today's card is for another dear granddaughter. Four of our grands have spring birthdays! Our only grandson has a winter birthday. And happy news! A new baby will arrive towards the end of October. Pause here for a BIG smile. 

Well, about the card.

You know I love a sketch, so here I am playing with another inspiring layout from The Paper Players. This sketch really called for patterned papers, and the Simple Stories Fun Times Paper Pad was just what I wanted.  

The ribbon image, "The Best" was cut from the DSP and placed on a die cut circle (PTI). Embossing the white panel with Birthday Sentiments EF (SSS) continues the theme. The sentiment is also from SSS, the Birthday Blitz stamps and dies. 

Happily, I had some tiny gold stars to add for a bit of bling. 

I'm adding this to the challenges at Just Us Girls (mood Board - inspired by the colors and geometric shapes)
and Love Those Pretty Papers.  

Wishing you a great night! I can't tell you how much it means that you stop by to say hello. 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Through the Window Day 3

 Hi friends, 

Here are the last two cards using the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit and Through the Window Dies. Thanks for patiently viewing these mostly Case'd cards this week. These are made for me to give away for special occasions. 

This first one is for our granddaughter who turns 11 this month. She loved the one of the previous cards I'd made (find them HERE) so I made this one for her by adding DSP from my stash and a few die cut branches (Altenew.) 

Next up is one for our wedding anniversary in June. I love the springy vibe and the sentiment is perfect for our many happy years together. 

A snippet of the designer paper is cut to place inside the window, which was constructed to be a shaker. Flat sequins in gold and a simple heart are the embellishments. 

Using up almost all of the pretty paper pack included with the kit gives me a really satisfied feeling. I'll enjoy it while it lasts! Not sure when I'll get on to the next thing. Not even sure what it will be!

Hope you have a most wonderful day!

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Big Hugs

 I had a happy bit of crafting time and was inspired by two challenges for today's card. 

I love it when a challenge sends me looking through my supplies to pull out something and use it/combine it in a way that's unique and refreshing!

The Paper Players challenge asks for the colors of the rainbow. I found rainbow striped paper for the border, and rainbow colored circles for a small frame. With masking, I created soft clouds. 
Simon Says Stamps - Make It Cute  (oops, missed this one!)

What's funny about me and rainbow cards? I don't usually make them. I do love the rainbow colors, and had to smile as I typed just now when I looked at the blog header I designed with a border of rainbow colors. 

I will list the supplies below, send you a big hug of thanks, and be on my way. Have a great day!

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies:
DSP from Waffle Flower and Penny Black 

Stamps and Dies - SSS Tweet Friend 
Copic Markers, Scalloped Rectangle Frame dies 

Beautiful Birthday

Another bit of crafty play happened over the weekend. I wanted to try making a card with small die cuts and here's what I came up with!

 I chose colors of card stock in three shades of pink. Also using some white I cut several flowers of each color. I needed some help lining them up into a grid pattern so I reached for the Birthday Blitz stamp set (SSS) that has the curving parallel lines. I stamped them in pale gray onto the card front and the square which has foam for added dimension. The bit of movement adds interest to the CAS design. Tiny clear sequins were added to each flower center. 

This card design is not my  usual go-to but I think I should try new styles more often. It's what makes this craft so satisfying! The sentiment is also from the SSS set, I really like that one.

I hope you're having a wonderful week. 

I was inspired to play with the sketch at Just Add Ink 

and Seize the Birthday - CAS with Dies
I'll be back again soon! In the meantime ...

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Takes the Cake Birthday

 Sweetness overload from an oldie but goodie! Must be the sweet goodies I have on my mind posting cupcakes and now a cake, Ha! Better to make them with ink instead of eating them, right? 

This card features the Take the Cake dies, stamps and stencils from The Greetery. I'm not sure if it's still available but I'm glad I've delved in to ink it up with lots of color on the florals and texture for the icing. Icing is always my favorite part of cake! 

I hope you're doing well today. Come back again soon! 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Making it's way to The Flower Challenge. Hoping that lavender is an OK purple. 

Flowers for the Soul

 Hi there, friends! You can never have too many flower stamps, right? I'm back with another recent purchase from Pinkfresh made into a sweet birthday card. Truly dainty and feminine, the Flowers for the Soul set is beautifully designed by Dawn Woleslagle. 

What I love about PF dies is that they cut several groups of images with one run through the machine.  Once I die cut there were many images in various sizes to play with. I used just a few for today's card. 

I stamped the flowers and heat embossed them with gold powder. Using a rainbow of DOX ink colors and the stencils, I added color. 

For my background panel, I sponged using the same colors lightly. Then embossed with a folder for added texture. Using gold designer paper and gems for the accents ties the focal point together. I used a narrow panel of white card stock. Having the sentiment hanging over the edge doesn't bother me! I wanted more of that background to show. I can't wait to make another one!

Thanks so much for your visit today! Hope this summery card brings a smile to your face. 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies used:
Dies - Crimped Frame (The Greetery); Leaves - Altenew; Birthday - Buzzwords (Honeybee)
The EF is from Spellbinders
Inks: Rnager Distress Oxide - Salvaged Patina, Worn Lipstick, Cracked Pistachio, Carved Pumpkin, Fossilized Amber

I'm adding this to the Monthly Challenge at Pinkfresh 

Capture Joy and Butterfly Kisses

Welcome back! Hello, on this sunny warm beautiful day, I'm so glad you've joined me. Today I'm sharing a quick post featuring the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit for the month, called Capture Joy. 

Although his kit has sold out, many elements are still available singly for sale.  I hope that you'll enjoy a glimpse of four cards that I've made with these fun papers and stamps.

Some of you know that when I moved recently I did a major downsize and gave away most of my craft supplies. I did have a room full! It seems I've missed all the reams of patterned papers that I had the most! And to be honest, I'm being careful with bringing in the new stuff, lol! The card kit gives me a kick and I am loving this one. 

Butterflies and polka dots, what's NOT to love? Wishing you a fabulous day! 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Challenges I am entering today: 
NBUS #75 - the stamps and DSP are new
Simon Says Stamp
Inkspirational Challenge #43  Their mood board is a fabulous array of colors and textures that inspired me. 

Bunny Birthday

I for one don't think bunnies just come out for Easter, so I hope you don't mind me popping in with a bright one for today's card.  It seems that I've had bunnies on my back porch along with the birds that are busy at the feeders. My talented blog friend Leslie has been inspiring with her bunny posts this month and I ordered a fun new die she used so that I could make my own. 

It has some fiddly pieces to get the folksy inlays, but I think it turned out cute! Someone special had a birthday wish for a bunny, so this card is for her! I think the real animal will arrive soon, I can't wait to see it! 

I hope that you've enjoyed this quick post. I've listed some supplies for you below, and entered the Wednesday Challenge Bright & Cheerful at Simon Says Stamp. Have a great day! 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies: 
Die:  Cottage Cutz - Folk Art Rabbit
Sentiment die: Whimsy Stamps
DSP - Stampin' Up!, Scrapbook.com - SHERBET smooth card stock
White Nuvo drops for the bunny tail 

More with Butterfly Blossoms

Hello friends, I hope your day is going well and your week too. 

Here are two more of the cards I made with Butterfly Blossoms. The pretty papers and vintage vibe of this kit from Simon Says Stamp make card designing a delight.  Today's cards are clean and simple. One is elegant, while the other is a bit playful. 

Using two sheets of DSP and an ornate frame works for the birthday card.  I stamped the sentiment slightly to the side. I didn't want to cover up the butterfly in the center.  Like the cards I shared yesterday (HERE in case you missed them) I cut flowers from some of the paper to use as embellishments, with pearls. 

The next card uses two frames and a sheet of DSP adorned with twine and a couple enamel accents. They were a freebie for first time subscribers to the monthly card kit. I love the bit of whimsy from the "just soar" element. 

I'm still working on cards with this set! It amazes me how much gorgeous inspiration there is for this kit online. I looked at all of it! While there is some pressure when designing with a kit to make a card that is totally unique or different from the others - the possibilities with this kit seem endless! Apart from these that I've posted, I will make four more cards that completely CASE some of the wonderful ones designed by others with what's left of my supplies.

Thanks so much for joining me today and for your kind comments. Happy crafting to you! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Birthday Wishes

 Another card today ready for my birthday card stash.  I pulled out die sets for this bird and spring blooms from W+9 that I've had for over 2 years but had never used yet! 

I really like the details on the bird die. It will be fun to change the colors of the layers.

The scallops and stitching on the oval die (from Penny Black) and a few pearls are the only embellishments. 

Thanks so much for your visit today! 

 Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

I'm adding this to the following: 

NBUS #72 never-been-used-schtuff is my frequent fav challenge!
Seize the Birthday - anything that flies

Addicted to Stamps & More - Birthday
Krafty Chicks Challenge - Clean and Simple

Have a Nice One!

I felt like making a simple card to add to my birthday stash, I'm happy to share it with you.

This happy guy hauling a load of presents is from Penny Black stamps, called Nice One! I was pleased to find this panel with the image stamped and colored just waiting to be made into a card. The challenge at The Paper Players asks for a clean and simple card using only ONE stamped image. This one fits the parameters and I'm glad to be motivated to addd a bit of DSP and a couple of sentiments to finish it. Sending the same greeting to you - hoping today is a nice one for you! Thanks for your visit. 

 Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

I'm entering this at the Penny Black Saturday Challenge also. 

Floral Delight

 If the jonquils and birds I see out my window are telling it, spring is here in my backyard! A perfect time to bring out the pretty Floral Delight papers from Stampin' Up! I love yellow and these papers are so bright and happy. My card is simple today, featuring the pretty gingham and blooms. 

I fussy cut the blossom from the paper, added foam tape for dimension and tied it with a twine bow.  I've been inspired by these challenges today and it feels good to play!

Little Red Wagon - something tiny. (See those adorable tiny gold bees? They are part of the Floral Delight collection.) 
Seize the Birthday - No stamping (optional)
Love Those Pretty Papers
Inspired By - use gingham

Hope your day is sunny and bright. Sending you off with smiles...

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Wildflower Birthday Card #2

 I hope you're doing well today. How's your crafting going? 

With our recent move, I'm totally having to re-think my crafting process as my supplies are limited and in one small closet. It goes something like this - I bring out the cutter and cut card stock. Put that away after use, and haul the Empress machine to the dining room table. Then come the dies or embossing folders. After those are put away,  some color medium and general supplies for assembling take over the table.

Can you imagine I'm getting a few steps in as I go back and forth from room to room? When the card is complete, it all goes back in the closet until next time. Of course, there are similar steps needed for the photography too!

I know, I know, it's not so bad. Not everybody has a craft room/space! One way I can streamline is to make several cards with the same supplies. So, here is card #2 using the Wildflower Birthday collection from Stampin' Up! 

Oh, how I love these pretty papers! This birthday greeting is for the dear grand who loves pink! All images are from the papers and ephemera. I stamped and embossed the sentiment from the set with gold powder. The clear gems adhered to the cake don't sparkle for the camera, but IRL they shine.

Wherever your steps take you today, I hope you can go with a smile. Sending hugs your way!  

PS. My dear man and I actually love our smaller home and simpler lifestyle. Less time is spent cleaning, lol!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful! 

Wildflower Birthday

Hello friends, it's a new week, welcome to my blog today! One of my favorite things about this hobby of card making that we love, is that you can create what you feel in the mood for and change out colors or techniques according to your whim. 

Lately I've been doing simple cards with clean watercolored images, but you know what? I've been missing playing with paper. So I got my fill of flowers and pretty papers with this card. 

Recently I  was smitten with a couple floral suites from Stampin' Up! This card was created with papers from the Wildflower Birthday Collection. Such pretty pastel peach and blues. I began by embossing white card stock with the Baroque folder from Anna Griffin, and used a die to scallop the bottom edge. The striped tag is part of the DSP, I cut it out and trimmed out the polka dotted blue strip to add vertically.

 The flowers and leaves on the tag are part of the images on the papers that can be punched out. The other panel was cut with a stitched die cut from the set. The lovely loose weave trim is so fun to work with and dressed things up. A sentiment from The Greetery and a few metallic gold pearls were  included for the final touch. That's it for me today, thanks for keeping on til the end of this post. Hope you have a great day!

I'll be linking up with NBUS - Never Been Used Stuff as the papers and die are new; and the lovely ladies at A Cut Above.

The Flower Challenge #95 Reminder

 Hello crafty friends! Have you checked out the inspiration from The Flower Challenge #95? Here I am back with a reminder and I hope it will encourage you to join in this easy going challenge. I'm sure you will have fun creating a stamped flower. Nothing difficult about that! It's even inspired me to look back through my stamps and use an older layering stamp set. 

I pulled out the Wplus9 Builder Rose set and was surprised to find some flowers already stamped. I love when that happens except that I don't remember exactly what inks I used, so I can't tell you! In addition, I pulled out a background that I had made with many images randomly stamped in pale black and spritzed with gold paint. 

I assembled the panel onto a gold mirror background and added a sentiment from Honeybee stamps. 

You will find more DT samples on the blog and a lovely gallery of cards from our participants. I hope that you will be one of them! It's wonderful to see what you make. 

Your visit today is so appreciated. I hope that your fall is going great! I know that I'm loving the cooler temperatures. 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Color Hues #93 Super Bright Birthday!

 Hi friends, and welcome. Here we are again with a new challenge at Color Hues! Tracey gives us Orange and Yellow for our combo, a happy bright and super fun choice! 

I thought these colors were just right for making my own background. First, I 'll show you my card, and then I'll let you know how I did it. See what I mean? So bright, it could be neon! 

The technique is one I stumbled upon as I went. I really like how the colors came out without cancelling each other out. 

I began with Mixed Media paper from Vicky Boutin, and a stencil of the 3-pack of hers called Arts Layered Stencils. Sponging lightly with Altenew Citrus Burst Ink, I got this. 

My next step involved using the 3D EF from Sizzix adding medallions and texture. I added more sponging to the raised area of the large medallions with Distress Ink in Carved Pumpkin. 

Hmmm, how to get a blend of these colors while still retaining some white space? I inked the debossed side of the folder with the yellow ink and ran it through the machine again. 

Once I added the large sentiment, it took on a different look! It's my first time using the sentiment dies from from Heffy Doodle.  

Nuvo Gel (on the heart) and enamel gems added a bit of sparkle. Now it's your turn! What will you make using Orange and Yellow? Please join us for this fun challenge. The team's inspiration is amazing!

Thanks for your visit, it means so much that you come by! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!