Carrie's Custom Cards: August 2015

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Die Cut Kissing Card

Tonight I tried something new! I often watch the "Make It Monday" segments on Nichole Heady's Papertrey Ink blog, but I have never entered the challenge before. This is partly due to not having many Papertrey Ink products yet, and partly due to the fact that I just started blogging in July, so I am new to the whole linking up for challenges process. This week, however, I decided to give "die cut kissing" a try. The process involves using a stamp to stamp on a detailed die cut and then stamp on paper after having picked up the details of the die cut. I had some trouble finding a good stamp, the right ink, and a good die cut at first. After experimenting a bit, I found that my Memento ink (dew drop size pad) worked the best. I used a Close to My Heart stamp and a die cut of the Spellbinders Flourish Trim die. I inked the stamp, stamped it on the die cut, then stamped it on some paper. I had originally thought I would use the stamp shape as a cloud for my card and just fussy cut a few of them, but they seemed too big for the card, so I wound up cutting out clouds from the die cut kissed stamps with my "Sunshine Layers" die set from W Plus 9 Designs. I also cut out the raindrops with that die set.
My first few attempts at the die cut kissing technique:

Some inks definitely worked better than others!

This is the stamp and die cut I worked with:

For the "envelope" on the bottom of the card, I used Papertrey Ink's envelope zipper die. First I grabbed a blank yellow DCWV A2 card and die cut 3 sides of it with the frame from the Sunshine Layers die set. Then I opened it up and put the zipper die on just the front. I taped the die in place with removable tape and ran it through my Cuttlebug. Then I stamped the sentiment from Papertrey Ink's "Movers and Shakers Sentiments" into the front of the "envelope" and adhered a rainbow inside where the envelope will lift up. The rainbow was also from the "Sunshine Layers" set by W Plus 9 Designs. I stamped the "Pull Here" sentiment just below where the recipient needs to pull to open the envelope. That stamp also came from Papertrey Ink's "Movers and Shakers" Sentiment set. I had to cut the frame out again around the yellow envelope because the first time I made this card, I put the raindrops on upside down!! My 12-year-old looked at the card and asked me why the raindrops were upside down. I looked at it again and realized she was right! Perhaps I shouldn't do my crafting at night! Anyway, I remade the blue card behind everything and thankfully my clouds were able to be moved from one card to the next, but there was no way my envelope was going to move after I used Scor-Tape to adhere it! So I die cut it and then popped it up with foam tape onto the new card. Whew! This was getting complicated!
This is the inside of the envelope. You can see the die cut the Papertrey Ink envelope zipper made on the front. Then I just adhered my rainbow to the inside where the flap will open and expose it.

I decided to add a ribbon to the side to brighten it up a bit, along with the sun die cut from the Sunshine Layers W Plus 9 Design die set.

This card was a lot of work, but now that I've tried the die cut kissing stamping technique and experimented with what inks, stamps and dies work well with it, I will probably use it again. I think it makes for an interesting background. I like how the effect looks on my clouds.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenge: Die Cut Kissing Technique

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/make-it-monday/

613 Avenue Create: ATG
http://avenue613.blogspot.com/

Amusing Challenge: ATG
http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

Colour Your World with Lacy Sunshine: ATG
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.com/

Come and Get It: Get Well Wishes
http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/

Cupcake Inspirations: Layers
http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: ATG
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/

Pile It On: Friends/Friendly Hello
http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/08/pile-it-on-84-friendsfriendly-hello.html

Scrapbook Blessings Club: ATG
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com/2015/08/sbcs-august-challenge-anythng-goes-with.html

We Love 2 Create: ATG
http://welove2create.blogspot.co.uk/

Crafty Friends Challenge: Use a Sentiment
http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Digidesign Challenge: Add a Sentiment
http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/

Hiding in My Craftroom: Freestyle
http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Alphabet Challenge: N is for No Designer Papers
http://alphabetchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Art By Miran: ATG
http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca/

Brown Sugar: Make the Sentiment Big
http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards: Use a Sentiment
http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/

Crafts 4 Eternity: Weather
http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/

Crafting with Friends: ATG
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/

Creative Fingers: ATG
http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/p/challenge-rules.html

Colouring Crazy Challenge: ATG
http://graphitmarkers.blogspot.co.uk/

Jo's Scrap Shack: ATG
http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/

Kitty Bee Designs: In the Sky
http://alohafridaychallenges.blogspot.ca/

Simply Papercraft: ATG
http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/

Creative Knockouts: ATG
http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/

Crafting with an Attitude: ATG
http://craftingwithanattitude.blogspot.co.uk/

Crafty Girls Creations: ATG
http://crafty-girls-creations.blogspot.co.uk/

DRS Designs Rubber Stamping Challenge: Sentiment as Main Focus
http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/○%20Challenges

Crafty Gals Corner: Lots of Layers
http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/

Creative Moments: ATG
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Crop Stop: ATG with product Crop Stop sells: I used W Plus 9 Design Sunshine Layers Die
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/

Inspiration Destination: ATG
http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/ag-no-48.html

Simon Says Blog: ATG
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Word Art Wednesday: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge: Just Because
http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/

Crafty-Dee BowZ: ATG with a handmade bow
http://craft-deebowz.blogspot.com/2015/08/august-challenge.html

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Beary Nice Celebration card

I mostly use digital stamps these days, but today I broke out a couple of my rubber stamps to make this birthday card. The cute image on the front is a "Gruffies" rubber stamp called "Beary Nice Celebration," and the "Celebrate" sentiment is also a rubber stamp made by Stampabilities. I bought both of these stamps at Hobby Lobby several years ago when I first began making cards and hadn't yet ventured into the world of digital stamps which my Silhouette opened up for me. I'm not sure I had even bought my first Cuttlebug back then, and I'm sure I didn't know what a JPEG or PNG file was, let alone an SVG file! I've learned a lot since those days and am constantly amazed at all the new techniques I'm seeing. I love that there's always something new to try!
It's still fun to use my rubber and acrylic stamps, though. I especially like this bear stamp. The streamers can be colored in brights or pastels, the cake can be very colorful, too with the frosting and candles, and the bear is adorable. The House Mouse stamps have so much detail to them. Look how realistic the bear's fur is.
So back to the card. I used a DCWV brown A2 card blank and adhered my stamped image to it after coloring it with colored pencils and die cutting it with a new die I just got this week by W Plus 9 Design Studio called "Sunshine Layers." I just used the largest die in the set to cut out my image, but the set includes clouds, the sun, raindrops, a rainbow and a rectangle that fits inside this larger die cut. I love the look of the faux stitching that is so popular right now. It adds a bit of detail and interest without taking too much attention away from the stamped image.
The inside of the card took me a few attempts to get the look I wanted. I had planned to use a metal charm in the shape of a gift, but it really didn't seem right on this card. Instead, I decided to make the sentiment the focal point by just adding some small white stars. For the mat, I used Spellbinders Labels 4, and for the Kraft card stock sentiment, I used Spellbinders Gold Labels 4.

I plan to enter this card in the following challenges:
House Mouse Challenge
http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/its-all-about-flower-power-for.html
Cards in Envy
http://cardsinenvy.blogspot.com
Vintage Stamping Challenges
http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Crafting from the Heart
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com
Craft Your Passion
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com
Get Creative Challenges
http://getcreativechallenges.blogspot.com
Incy Wincy Designs
http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com
Love to Scrap
http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.com
Melonheadz Friends Challenge
http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com
Not Just Cards
http://notjustcardschallenges.blogspot.com
Art by Miran
http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca
613 Avenue Create
http://avenue613.blogspot.com
Colour Your World with Lacy Sunshine
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.com
Glitter n Sparkle
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com
One Stitch at a Time
http://onestitchatatimechallenge.blogspot.com
Animal Friends Challenge
http://animalfriendschallenge.blogspot.com
Artistic Stampers
http://theartisticstampercreativeteam.blogspot.com/2015/08/augusts-creative-challenge-anything-goes.html
Handmade Bliss (I used the W Plus 9 Design die set Sunshine Layers)
http://handmadebliss1.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/augaust-challenge.html
Through the Craft Room Door
http://ttcrd.blogspot.com
Crafting for all Seasons
http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com
Crop Stop
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/
Inspiration Destination
http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com
Simon Says Stamp
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com
Stampotique Designers Challenge
http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com
Wonderful Wednesdays
http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.com
Word Art Wednesday
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Paper Creator's Crafts
http://papercreatorscrafts.blogspot.co.uk
Paper Sweetie's Sketches
http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Paradise of Stamps
http://paradiseofstamps.blogspot.com
Sisterhood of the Snarky Stampers
http://snarkystampers.blogspot.ca/
Verve Stamps Blog
http://www.vervestamps.blogspot.com/p/inspiration-challenge.html
Scrapbook Blessings Club
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com/2015/08/sbcs-august-challenge-anythng-goes-with.html
Stamping Sensations: ATG
http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/

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Monday, August 24, 2015

"Reel Nice" Fishing Birthday Card

I love to join in the From the Heart Stamps: I {heart} Sketches Challenges. Not only do I get some great card designs from the sketches, I also receive $1 in store credit just for entering! There are some great snowman sets right now that only cost $1, so it's the equivalent of receiving a free digi stamp set just for playing along. You can also save up the store credits to purchase some of the other sets. Most sets are in the $3.50 price range for an image and several sentiments. Very affordable.
So the first thing I had to do was to decide which digi set to use for this challenge. I wanted to make a masculine birthday card, so I went with "Fishing Birdbrain." The image and the sentiment are both included in this digi stamp set, along with some other cute sentiments. I used my Silhouette Design Studio software to size the image and sentiment for my 5x7 inch card. I like to make a 5x7 inch rectangle on my digital mat and play around with the shapes I want to use to make sure everything will fit well in the card space. Once I had the sizing how I liked it, I printed the image and sentiment onto pearlescent white card stock and used my Spellbinders scalloped circles to cut out the image and my Spellbinders rectangles to cut out the sentiment. I die cut the mat for the inside sentiment with Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles. Then I used metallic markers to color the orange parts of the bird and the light green parts of the fish. I like the look of the metallic color on the pearlescent card stock.
I had some fishing/ocean papers I used for the other circles (die cut with Spellbinders Circles and Spellbinders Splendid Circles) and black card stock for the ship's wheel (cut with Spellbinders Snowflake Wonder set). I die cut everything with my Cuttlebug machine using a metal shim. I stamped "Hope your day is..." with a stamp I special ordered from Close to My Heart Stamps. I wanted a stamp with that phrase on it (so versatile!), and jumped at the chance to order one a few years back. I have used it on so many different cards over the years! I had some anchor washi tape I've been wanting to use, so I taped that down on the Kraft card first. I tied knots in some twine for the "sailor's rope" on the left side of the card because it seemed to need a little something to balance it all out. Then I assembled everything with glue tape (all 3 circle elements), micro glue dots (rope), and foam squares (captain's wheel).

Here you can see the captain's wheel with its embossing a little better.

This is a close up of the pearlescent paper and metallic markers.

Here's the inside of the card. The anchor die is from the Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lattice Swirl die set. I used some baker's twine to add a little interest to it.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamps I {heart} Sketches Challenge
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2015/08/24/i-heart-card-sketches-with-a-twist-116/

Crafty Gals Corner: ATG
http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com
Creative Moments: ATG
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com
Inspiration Destination:ATG
http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-08-20T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1
Moo-Mania & More: Embellishments
http://moo-mania.blogspot.com
Stampavie and More: Sports
http://stampwithsarahkay.blogspot.com/2015/08/stampavie-and-more.html#links
Word Art Wednesday: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com
Wonderful Wednesdays: ATG
http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.com/p/challenge-info.html
DL Art Thankful Thursday Challenge: Birthday
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/08/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-162.html?m=1
Art Impressions Stamps Challenge: ATG
http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/08/challenge-166-anything-goes.html
Crafty Girls Creations: ATG
http://crafty-girls-creations.blogspot.com
Sassy Studio Designs: For the Boys
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com
Seize the Birthday: Anything that Flies
http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.com
Art By Miran: ATG
http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca/
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards: Use a Sentiment
http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Crafts 4 Eternity: Summer
http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Crafting With Friends: ATG
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.com/
Cut It Up: Use a die cut and something old school (I used some Spellbinders dies I've had for years, washi tape I've been meaning to use since I bought it 2 years ago and some papers that have been in my paper drawers for an age! So glad to use these items!)
http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/
Digitally Sweet: Celebrations
http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Fussy and Fancy: birthday
http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Lunagirl Moonbeams: August-Animals
http://www.lunagirlmoonbeams.com/
Morgan's Art World: Summertime
http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/
QKR Stampede: use a die cut
http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Simply Create Too: ATG
http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.com/
Simply Papercraft: ATG
http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.com/
Sister Act Card Challenge: ATG
http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/08/challenge-120.html?showComment=1440472604559#c7746867261427597285
Di's Digi Design Challenge: Ribbon, lace or twine (I used twine inside and out on this card)
http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Colour Your World With Lacy Sunshine: ATG
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.com/
Glitter n Sparkle: Birthday
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: ATG
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/
Robyn's Fetish: Use a Digi
http://www.robynsfetishchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
We Love 2 Create: Anything Creative
http://welove2create.blogspot.com/
Ooh La La Creations: One for the boys
http://ooh-la-la-creationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Scrapbook Stamp Society Challenge Blog: ATG
http://scrapbookstampsocietychallengeblog.blogspot.nl/2015/08/challenge-73-anything-goes-option-this.html
Use Your Stuff: ATG with something from your stash (I used papers and twine I'd had forever!)
http://www.useyourstuff.blogspot.com/
Not Just Cards: ATG
http://notjustcardschallenges.blogspot.com/
Melonheadz Friends Challenge: hand-colored image
http://melonheadzfriends.blogspot.com/
Love to Scrap: ATG
http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Incy Wincy Designs: birthday
http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Artistic Inspiration: ATG
http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Crafting From the Heart: ATG
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Craft Your Passion: ATG
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge: use patterned paper
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Cute as a Button: ATG
http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Silhouette Challenge Blog: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html
Colouring in Scrapland: Things with Wings
http://colouringinscrapland.blogspot.com/
Paper Sweeties: Inspiration Board

http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Verve Stamps blog
http://www.vervestamps.blogspot.com/p/inspiration-challenge.html
Scrapbook Blessings Club
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com/2015/08/sbcs-august-challenge-anythng-goes-with.html

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Friday, August 14, 2015

Deedee's Digis Christmas Basket card

I made this card for the monthly progressive challenge over at Deedee's Digis. If you haven't joined the challenge in the past, you can get part of this month's challenge set for free to get you started. Each month you participate, you'll get the next month's set for FREE. It's a great way to add to your digi stamp collection!
This month's full set features a basket for each season with a bonus Christmas basket. There are 3 lovely sentiments also included. I decided to make a Christmas card, so I chose the sweet Christmas basket. I wanted an idea for a fun design, so I looked at various challenge sketches for this week and settled on Tuesday Morning Sketches' #313 challenge. This sketch was a little out of my comfort zone since I don't usually use triangles on my cards. That may change now!
I decided to try out the Smooch Spritz sprays I recently bought at a craft outlet, so I sprayed gold and red on a 5x7 inch blank white card and let it dry. Meanwhile, I was working on cutting out my red glitter paper into a triangle that matched the sketch. I also chose a Spellbinders die from the Elegant Ovals set to cut out the digital stamp I had sized and printed using my Silhouette Design Studio software. I chose a couple other Spellbinders dies for the flourish on the right side and the accent on the lower right hand side. I added a few little gems and a small Christmas tree embellishment to complete the front of the card.

This is what the card looked like with the Smooch Spritz applied. Some of the spray got on the inside of the card, and next time I think I might just spray the whole inside.

For the inside, I used a Spellbinders Labels 28 die to cut out the mat behind my sentiment. Then I used a die from the Spellbinders Tranquil Moments set to die cut my sentiment. I added a few sequins to finish it off.
This card is being entered in the following challenges:
Deedee's Digis: Monthly challenge
http://www.deedeesdigis.com/search/label/Digi%20of%20the%20Month
Tuesday Morning Sketch:
http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.co.uk/

Noor Designs Challenge: Christmas
http://noordesign-uk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/challenge-9-christmas.html
Sparkles Christmas Forum: Ditch the designer papers
http://sparklesforumchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
The 12 Months of Christmas Challenge: ATG with option of snow people
http://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.ca/
Crop Stop Blog: ATG with a product they sell
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/
Hiding in my Craftroom: use a die cut
http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com
Emerald Faeries Challenge: Favorite Colors (red and green)
http://emeraldfaeries.blogspot.com.au/
Happy Little Stampers Christmas Challenge: Sparkle
http://happylittlestampers.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Christmas%20Challenge
Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html
Sunsational Stamps: Christmas in July
http://sunsationalstamps.blogspot.com/p/current-monthly-challenge.html

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Graduation Card

This card uses an image and 2 sentiments from the From The Heart Stamps "Birdbrain Graduate" digital stamp set. When I was checking their store to verify the name of the stamp set, I found a new freebie under their "New" category. It's an adorable Birdbrain with a Jack-o-lantern over his head and a couple Halloween sentiments. I don't know how long it will be free, but grab it while you can! There is also a darling Back to School Snowman set on sale for only $1.00!
I wanted to make a card for the weekly I {heart} sketches challenge on the From the Heart Stamps blog, so I used this week's sketch to choose the design of the card. I had just bought some PaperStudio graduation gemstones at Hobby Lobby for half price yesterday and was eager to put them to use on this card. I imported my digital stamp set into my Silhouette Design Studio software program and sized it for my card. I also added the sentiment to the image and combined them into one unit using the software. Then I printed it out along with the sentiment for the inside of the card.
I decided to use some fun washi tape for the stripes on this card, and I played around with different circle dies to cut out the image. I finally opted for Spellbinders Gold Majesty Circles set because I like the debossing effects it makes. Then I colored the image and popped it up on foam squares before trimming it to match the sketch. I added a little bling from the PaperStudio graduation gemstone pack to the top left of the card to finish off the card front.
For the inside of the card, I used some red patterned paper with stars on it for the mat behind the sentiment. I die cut both the mat and the sentiment with Spellbinders Radiant Rectangles set. Then I added the cute little graduation cap from the PaperStudio graduation gemstones set to the top right corner of the mat.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

I {heart} sketches challenge
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2015/08/10/i-heart-card-sketches-with-a-twist-115/

Crafts Galore Encore
http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.com/

Digistamps 4 Joy: ATG
http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/

Words 2 Scrap By: Inspired by a book (mine is Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess)
http://words2scrapby.blogspot.com/

Your Scrapbook Challenge: ATG
http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.com/

Cut it Up: Animals
http://cutitupchallenges.blogspot.com/

Quick Quotes: 3 repeating shapes (I used lines of washi tape)
http://www.blogquickquotes.com/2015/08/friday-challenge-54.html

Clear it Out: brown/Kraft things
http://carriescustomcards.blogspot.com/2015/08/graduation-card.html

Papertake Weekly: Spots and Stripes (I'm considering some of the designs on the washi tape for this)
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Through the Craft Room Door: ATG
http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

Brown Sugar: School
http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/

Simply Papercrafts: ATG
http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/

Simply Create Too: ATG
http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.com/

Sister Act: ATG
http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/08/challenge-119.html?showComment=1439588718302#c5199573468066313474

Word Art Wednesday: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Art Impressions: ATG
http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/

As You Like It: Favorite 2 embellishments and why (I love using washi tape because it can be so decorative! There are so many different patterns and colors to choose from, and they can really pull together the theme of a card or add some visual interest. I also enjoy using gemstones on my cards to match the theme of the card or to add a little sparkle. I think they "dress up" a card.)
http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Cute Card Thursday: ATG
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/

Little Miss Muffet: ATG
http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenges

Crafting for all Seasons: Bright and Beautiful
http://carriescustomcards.blogspot.com/2015/08/graduation-card.html

Fab and Funky: wings
http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: ATG
http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/

Crop Stop blog: ATG with a product they sell (I used Spellbinders dies)
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/

Crafty Times Challenges: Movie, Book, Song: I chose the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, The Places You'll Go"
http://craftytimechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/august-with-rick-st-dennis.html#comment-form

Cute as a Button: ATG
http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

Colouring in Scrapland: Things with Wings
http://colouringinscrapland.blogspot.com/

Verve Stamps Blog
http://www.vervestamps.blogspot.com/p/inspiration-challenge.html

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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

From the Heart Stamps Snowman Card

This month's stamp set for the August monthly progressive challenge at From the Heart stamps includes the darling snowman on the front of this card. I was delighted to receive him via email earlier this month for FREE just for having joined last month's challenge. Isn't he cute?
For this card, I used some red glitter card stock I had purchased recently at JoAnn's when they had a big sale on open stock papers. I cut and scored the card to fit the largest of the Spellbinders die set Enchanted Labels 28. Then I cut out largest Enchanted Labels 28 die in green card stock, fitting the largest Labels 28 die in the opening so that more of the red glitter card stock would show through the die cut. (I use washi tape when cutting out two dies together like this so that they don't move while I'm running them through my Cuttlebug). I used Decorative Labels 28 to cut out my image and sentiment, which I had sized and printed out using my Silhouette Design Studio software. I colored the image and then used the Marvy Uchida Snow Marker to create a white puffy effect on the snowman's hat trim and scarf pompoms as well as the snow on the ground. I had to let that dry completely before using my heat embossing tool to go over those areas and watch them pop up. I popped up the green frame with foam squares and tucked the image and sentiment slightly inside the frame. I felt the card needed a little something more, so I die cut a few snowflakes from gold card stock using Spellbinders 2013 Snowflake Pendant dies.

From the Heart Challenge BlogSpot: must use their monthly digi stamp
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2015/08/01/free-stamp-of-the-month-august-2015/

Happy Little Stampers Christmas Challenge: sparkle (I used red glitter paper and gold snowflakes)
http://happylittlestampers.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Christmas%20Challenge

Christmas Card Challenge: ATG
http://christmascardchallenges.blogspot.com/

Great Impressions: Sentiment and Celebration
http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2015/08/august-challenge-add-sentiment.html

Pile it On Challenge: Summer or Winter
http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Scrapbook Blessings Club Challenge: ATG with glitter as an option
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com/2015/08/sbcs-august-challenge-anythng-goes-with.html

Stamping Sensations: must use a stamp
http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/

The Glory of Christmas: silver or gold
http://thegloryofchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/

Christmas Cards All Year Round: snowflakes
http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra: ATG Christmas
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.com/

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge: something beginning with "S"
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Die Cut Divas: Favorite Holiday
http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/

Noor! Designs UK: Christmas
http://noordesign-uk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/challenge-9-christmas.html

SLS Lines: Christmas/Creepmas
http://slslinesdigitalstamps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/challenge-11-christmascreepmas-in-july.html

Sparkles Forum Christmas: no designer papers
http://sparklesforumchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up: ATG or optional theme of snow people
http://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.com/

Creative Card Crew: sparkle/glitter
http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge: feathered friends
http://hjcchallenge.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge: favorite occasion
http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/

Little Claire's Designs: favorite color combos
http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Digitally Sweet: celebrations
http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/

Frosted Designs Challenge: metal or metallic
http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2015/08/friday-challenge-metalmetallics.html

Jingle Belles: photo inspiration of cookies for Santa--there was a snowman cookie on the plate, so I thought this snowman would fit the theme
http://jinglebellesrock.blogspot.com/2015/07/cookies-4-santa.html

Winter Wonderland: Christmas Carols/songs (I chose "Frosty the Snowman")
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

Moving Along with the Times: snow in summertime
http://movingalongwiththetimes.blogspot.com/

Imagine That Digis Embellishment Challenge
http://imaginethatdigistamp.blogspot.ca/2015/07/any-vendor-embellishment-contest.html

Crafts Galore Encore:ATG
http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.com/

Paradise of Stamps: ATG
http://paradiseofstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge%2023%2624%20%22Anything%20goes%22%20team2%26%20team2%20reminder

Petal Lu: ATG
http://petalluchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Sisters of Craft: ATG
http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Through the Craft Room Door: ATG
http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

Cute as a Button: ATG
http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Emerald Faeries Challenge: Favorite Colors (red and green)
http://emeraldfaeries.blogspot.com.au/

Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

Sunsational Stamps: Christmas in July
http://sunsationalstamps.blogspot.com/p/current-monthly-challenge.html

Colouring in Scrapland: Things with wings
http://colouringinscrapland.blogspot.com/

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Monday, August 10, 2015

A Day for Daisies baby card

The daughter of a good friend is expecting a baby boy early next month, so I thought I would make a new baby card in blue to celebrate little Travis' upcoming arrival. I had some pearlescent blue cards in my stash, so I started with one of those for my card base.
Next, I imported a digital stamp from A Day for Daisies into my Silhouette Design Studio software and sized it up for an A2 card. I also used a digital sentiment and printed the image and sentiment out before choosing some Spellbinders dies to cut them and mat them. It's really a better idea to choose dies first and size up the images and sentiments to fit in the dies, but sometimes I forget that step! I used Spellbinders Standard Circles Small for the image and Spellbinders Stately Circles for the circle mat made with the safety pin paper. I had a metal bib embellishment in my stash and some blue self-adhesive gems to finish off the front of the card.
For the inside of the card, I cut the sentiment and mat with Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles. I used foam squares to adhere everything on the card except for the self-adhesive gemstones in the lower right corner.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Live and Love Crafts: blue
http://liveandlovecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/challenge-38-sandys-choice-blue.html

The ABC Challenge: O is for Open (ATG)
http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com.au/

Card and Scrap: ATG
http://pictureandscrap.blogspot.com/

Lia Stampz: monochromatic
http://liastampz.blogspot.ro/2015/08/challenge-91-use-one-color.html

Lacy Sunshine's Challenge Blog: ATG
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.co.uk/

Digi Design Challenge: monochromatic
http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/

QKR Stampede: ATG
http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/

Simon Says Stamp: ATG
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Wednesday Word Art: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Clear it Out Challenge: ATG with an item from your stash (I used a metal bib embellishment)
http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

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Imagine That! Beach Blanket Girl Card

This card was created for the monthly progressive challenge over at Imagine That! Digis. I love getting a free set just for participating each month!
This month's set is a great theme for August. I happen to be heading to the beach in South Carolina next week, and this digi stamp set is perfect for getting me in the mood for some fun in the sand and waves. Imagine That! Digis provided colored stamps as well as outlines to color in myself. I chose the colored versions of these stamps because I loved the orange, pink, yellow and teal they used. I imported the stamps into my Silhouette Design Studio software, sized everything how I wanted it, did a trace on the shapes I wanted to cut out and then print and cut everything I needed for the card front. I also did a print and cut of the sentiment for the inside of the card and used Spellbinders Labels 22 for the orange mat behind the sentiment. I used the background Imagine That! Digis provided and just added a digital stamp sentiment to the top right.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Imagine That! Challenge: must use this month's images
http://imaginethatdigistamp.blogspot.com/2015/08/jump-back-in-with-freebie-new-releases.html

Country View Challenges: Summer
http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Creaine Challenges: Summer
http://creaine-challenges.blogspot.nl/

Kreativeinkauf Challenge: Summer
http://kreativeinkauf-challenge.blogspot.de/

Oddball Art Challenge: Summer Fun
http://oddballstamps.blogspot.com/

Our Creative Corner: Mexico Moods
http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/mexico-moods.html

Paper Creator's BlogSpot: Punches or dies
http://papercreatorscrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Sparkles Forum Challenge: Sun, Sea and Sand
http://sparklesforumchallenges.blogspot.com/

Sweet Stamp Blog: ATG
http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges

Pile it On: Summer or Winter
http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/

Allsorts Challenge: Summer
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/

Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge: Lazy days of summer
http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/

DL Art: Summer
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

Little Miss Muffet: Hot summer nights
http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/

Creative Moments: ATG with optional Summer twist
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Simon Says Stamp: ATG
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Wednesday Word Art: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Crafts Galore Encore: ATG
http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.com/

Digistamps 4 Joy: ATG
http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.com/

Paradise of Stamps: ATG
http://paradiseofstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge%2023%2624%20%22Anything%20goes%22%20team2%26%20team2%20reminder

Crafting for all Seasons: Bright
http://carriescustomcards.blogspot.com/2015/08/graduation-card.html

Emerald Faeries Challenge: Favorite Colors (bright, summery colors)
http://emeraldfaeries.blogspot.com.au/

Silhouette Challenges: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

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Sunday, August 9, 2015

Gerda Steiner Designs Card

I love progressive challenges! Everyone wins since anyone who plays along gets a new stamp FREE to play with the next month. It's so fun to see what the new month's stamp will be! This month on Gerda Steiner's challenge blog, the image is a darling puppy asleep with an adorable mouse! So sweet!
To start my card, I imported Gerda's digital stamp into my Silhouette Studio Design software and did a trace so I could color these little guys. After coloring them, I moved the original stamp back into place and combined the colored image with its outline. Then I sized it and printed it. I wanted to use some dies to cut it out, so I didn't do a print and cut this time. I also chose a verse I thought went well with this image and printed it out for the inside of the card. The dies I used were all Spellbinders dies: Respendent Rectangles, Romantic Rectangles 2, and Radiant Rectangles. The verse was from the Word Art Wednesday website. I love the beautiful weekly verses they provide for free.
I wanted a little something to add a bit of interest to the front of the card, so I used an epoxy sticker and 3 pearls. I used foam squares to pop up the black mat, the puppy image, the burgundy mat and the verse inside the card.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Gerda Steiner Challenge Blog: must use this month's image

http://gerdasteinerdesigns.com/challenge2/

Word Art Wednesday: ATG

http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: ATG

http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com

Scrapbook Blessings Club: ATG
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com

Papertake Weekly: ATG
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com

Paper Nest Dolls Challenge: ATG
http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/

Use Your Stuff: ATG with something from your stash
http://www.useyourstuff.blogspot.com/

2 Creative Chicks: ATG
http://www.2creativechicks.com/2015/08/2-creative-chicks-showcase-1_8.html

Oddball Art Stamps: Die cuts
http://oddballstamps.blogspot.ca/

Paper Creator's Crafts: dies or punches
http://papercreatorscrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Petal Lu: ATG
http://petalluchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

The Sisters of Craft: ATG
http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Your Scrapbook Place: ATG
http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.com/

V's Sweet Ideas
http://vssweetideas.blogspot.com/

CropStop
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/uncategorized/linky-party-6-anything-goes/

Crafting with an Attitude: ATG
http://craftingwithanattitude.blogspot.com

Sassy Studio Designs: ATG
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com

Addicted to Stamps and More: ATG
http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au

Fab N Funky: no patterned papers
http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com

Inspiration Destination: ATG
http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com

The Paper Shelter: punches or dies
http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com

Scrapy Land: ATG plus a die sold in their store
http://www.scrapyland-blog.com

Simon says Stamp: ATG
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com

Clear it Out: ATG with an item from your stash (I used pearls and an epoxy sticker)
http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com

Digi Choosday: Embellish It
http://digichoosday.blogspot.com

Brown Sugar: ATG
http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com

Crafting with Friends: ATG
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.com

Jo's Scrap Shack: ATG
http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.com/2015/08/we-did-it-ffc-100.html#comment-form

Morgan's Art World: 3 of something
http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com.au

Pattie's Creations: ATG
http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com

QKR Stampede: ATG
http://qkrstampede.blogspot.com

Simply Create Too: ATG
http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.com

Sister Act Card Challenge: ATG
http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com

Sweet Stampin': ATG
http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com

Scrapper's Delight: ATG
http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk

613 Avenue Create: ATG
http://avenue613.blogspot.com/

Colour Your World with Lacy Sunshine: ATG
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.com/

Come and Get It: Feature a Creature
http://cagichallenge.blogspot.com/

Lunagirl Moonbeams: August-Animals
http://www.lunagirlmoonbeams.com/

Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

Posted with Blogsy

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Back to School Card

This card is actually a little early for my kids. Up here in Michigan, we don't begin school until after Labor Day, so my 3 children who are still in school have nearly a month of vacation left. It goes by so fast, though!
This card came together quickly. I used a digi stamp from Miss Kate's Cuttables that I sized using my Silhouette Design Studio software and then printed out. I wanted to die cut it, so I used a die from the Spellbinders Opulent Ovals set and cut it out on my Cuttlebug using a metal shim. I've found the metal shim makes all the difference for detailed die cuts. I needed to use Kraft paper for a couple challenges and baker's twine for another one, so I cut my paper and chose my twine to match the colors in the image. I needed 3 of something for Morgan's Art World Challenge, so I thought 3 gold stars fit the back to school theme perfectly.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Kraft Journal Challenge: use Kraft paper and baker's twine
http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com

Sketch Saturday

http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com

Word Art Wednesday: ATG
http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

Scrapper's Delight: ATG
http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk

Speedy Fox and Friends: use baker's twine
http://mfpstampshop.blogspot.com

Sweet Stampin': ATG
http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com

Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge: ATG w/ a twist: celebration (I think back to school is a celebration for most moms, anyway!)
http://suzypantssmarty.blogspot.com

Brown Sugar: ATG
http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.com

Crafting with Friends: ATG
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.com

Jo's Scrap Shack: ATG
http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.com/2015/08/we-did-it-ffc-100.html#comment-form

Morgan's Art World: 3 of something
http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com.au

Pattie's Creations: ATG
http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com

QKR Stampede: ATG
http://qkrstampede.blogspot.com

Simply Create Too: ATG
http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.com

Sister Act Card Challenge: ATG
http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com

4 Crafty Chicks: Back to School
http://4craftychicks.blogspot.com

Crafting with an Attitude: ATG
http://craftingwithanattitude.blogspot.com

DL Art Monthly Challenge: ATG
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/p/dlart-thankful-thursday-challenge-linky.html

Sassy Studio Designs: ATG
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com

Addicted to Stamps and More: ATG
http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au

Fab N Funky: no patterned papers
http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com

Inspiration Destination: ATG
http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com

The Paper Shelter: punches or dies
http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com

Scrapy Land: ATG plus a die sold in their store
http://www.scrapyland-blog.com

Simon says Stamp: ATG
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com

Clear it Out: ATG with an item from your stash (I used baker's twine)
http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com

Digi Choosday: Embellish It
http://digichoosday.blogspot.com

Robyn's Fetish: Use Kraft paper
http://robynsfetishchallengeblog.blogspot.com

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: ATG
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com

Great Impressions: Add a sentiment
http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com

Glitter n Sparkle: ATG
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk

Scrapbook Blessings Club: ATG
http://www.scrapbookblessingsclub.com

Doodle Pantry: ATG
https://doodlepantry.com

Papertake Weekly: ATG
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com

Through the Craft Room Door: ATG
http://ttcrd.blogspot.com

Crafting from the Heart: ATG
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com

Craft Your Passion: ATG
http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com

Not Just Cards:ATG
http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/

Paper Nest Dolls Challenge: ATG
http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/

Use Your Stuff: ATG with something from your stash
http://www.useyourstuff.blogspot.com/

2 Creative Chicks: ATG
http://www.2creativechicks.com/2015/08/2-creative-chicks-showcase-1_8.html

Oddball Art Stamps: Die cuts
http://oddballstamps.blogspot.ca/

Paper Creator's Crafts: dies or punches
http://papercreatorscrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Petal Lu: ATG
http://petalluchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Paradise of Stamps: ATG
http://paradiseofstamps.blogspot.com/2015/06/challenge-19-anything-goes-team-1.html

The Sisters of Craft: ATG
http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Your Scrapbook Place: ATG
http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.com/

Crafting When We Can: Ribbon, twine or washi tape
http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/

V's Sweet Ideas
http://vssweetideas.blogspot.com/

CropStop
http://www.cropstop.com/blog/uncategorized/linky-party-6-anything-goes/

Imagine That Digis Embellishment Challenge
http://imaginethatdigistamp.blogspot.ca/2015/07/any-vendor-embellishment-contest.html

Crafting for all Seasons: Bright
http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/

Silhouette Challenge: ATG
http://www.silhouettechallenges.com/2015/08/silhouette-challenges-28-new-dt.html

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Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Birthday Bird Card

I just love this digital stamp set by From the Heart Stamps called "Party Hat Birdbrain." Both the image and the sentiment I used on this card come from that set, and there are 6 additional birthday sentiments in the set. It's a great deal at $3.25.
To begin my card, I used a sheet of 8 1/2 by 11 inch card stock and folded it in half for my card base. Then I used my Silhouette Design Studio software to resize my image and sentiment and send them to my printer. I didn't do a print and cut this time because I wanted to cut them out with Spellbinders dies. After printing the image and sentiment, I colored the image with Sharpies. I regret making the bird's eyebrows brown because they make it look like the string from the hats comes up around his eyes! I'll know better for next time, I guess! I used four different Spellbinders dies to cut them out and make mats for them. I used Decorative Labels 22 for the image and Labels 22 for the mat behind the image. I also embossed the Labels 22 mat with a 5x7 Cuttlebug embossing folder with a chicken wire design. For the sentiment, I used Spellbinders Long Classic Rectangles Large with Long Classic Scalloped Rectangles Large for the mat. I added 3 red sequins to the image for a little sparkle and because sequins were a requirement of some of the challenges I'm entering this card in.

I used glue tape, micro glue dots and foam squares to adhere everything.