Tag-o-rama // Throwback Thursday

Today is a slightly different project - instead of a card, there are TAGS.
Shocker, I know!
I had so much fun making the first small, texture packed, vintage little tag, published in the CREATE November 2012 pub.
The second and third tags were more of an afterthought haha.

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Two Christmas tags using these addicting little wod

Super vintagey...

Don't know if you can see the burlap behind all that shtuff. :)

Some pearls, a sticker, twine, and pretty paper...

And then something a little more elegant....

Some little gems...

Glossy Accents on the ornament to make it look more realistic...

 

And then a CAS modern tag...

Thanks so much for popping in and have a beautiful day!

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Tag 1
Patterned paper: My Minds Eye 'Lost and Found'
Stamp: PTI 'Tag It's #2'
Ink: Ranger, Staz-on
Other: twine, pearls, burlap, button, sticker (K&Company), wooden tag, lace (Hero Arts)

Tag 2
Other: die cut (K&Company), ribbon and gems (Bearydo Shoppe), Stickles, button

Tag 3
Other: die cut (K&Company and Martha Stewart), pearls, ribbon

Custom Die Cut Window + VIDEO // Papertrey Ink

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas! Remember the 12 Days of Christmas, so the celebration doesn't stop with yesterday's festivities. ;)

I have two cards to share today, and a video later (I woke up with a super scratchy throat, so once that clears up, I'll narrate the video and add it to the post) for the December Papertrey Ink Blog Hop, the Simon Says Stamp Monday Winter Wonderland challenge, and the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Make It Sparkle challenge.

For the window, I took a small rectangle die and cut out four panels - super quick and easy window panel! It's hard to tell in the photo, but I added a scored "shutter" on either side of the window to help balance out the narrow window frame.

I really love this Winter Woods stamp set. Like, really love it.

I added some Martha Stewart "snow"/glitter to the cards, making them fun shaker cards. I know I've said several times that I'm not into the whole shaker card craze, but looking back on some of my recent posts, I've realized it's time to come clean and join that club. ;)

Here's the blog hop inspiration photo...

Real quick, I'm having a giveaway HERE due to end tomorrow, and my friend Mariana is also having a little giveaway on her blog as well.

Thanks so much for stopping in and enjoy your weekend!!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Canson
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Woods and Rustic Wreath
Ink: Studio Calico (red and green), Versamark, Hero Arts (black and white)
Other: glitter (Martha Stewart), white embossing power (Hero Arts)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Avery Elle Stitched Rectangles die, scoring board, heat gun

Noel // Throwback Thursday

Happy Christmas Eve! I don't remember if I shared this pub when it came out, but it was in my draft folders, and I thought it was appropriate for a night before Christmas post.
This card was published in Paper Crafts 2012 Holiday Cards & More Volume 7 issue.

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Since I didn't have any religious stamps, I used some Christmas cards we hadn't used the previous year.

Mmmm, some pretty silk ribbon!

Thanks so much for stopping in today and I wish you a truly beautiful and blessed Christmas!

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Cardstock: LSS, Bazzil
Stamp: Hero Arts 'Merriest Christmas Wishes'
Ink: Ranger
Other: ribbon (Creative Impressions), pearl (Michaels), Christmas card

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Labels Four die

Quick and Easy Christmas Card // Hero Arts

Last Christmas card - promise! Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought it would be best to share a card that could be made lickety-split.

The stamps from Scandinavian Holiday (another great little stamp set from Lia!) are aligned so well on the plastic sheet they come with, so I kept them there and stamped the top portion of the card. After that was stamped, I stamped stamped the sentiment, and quickly arranged the four small stamps for the bottom.

This card would be so easy to mass produce - simply stamp the top of a whole batch of cards using the sheeting, then the sentiment, then the bottom, and oila! Done! Unless you want to go the extra mile and add some pretty little gems. ;)

Also, I know a lot of people freak out about getting the Christmas cards out before Christmas, but forget about the whole twelve days of Christmas deal - I'd capitalize on that, if I were you.
Because I sure am lol.

Thanks for stopping in and God bless!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Hero Arts Snow Layering Papers
Stamps: Hero Arts Scandinavian Holiday and Home Baked
Ink: Hero Arts black and Winter Greens by Lia
Other: gems (Hero Arts)

Joyful Stamp Pairing // Hero Arts

Slipping in a few more Christmas cards before the day itself arrives! ;)

I was so happy to find this Joy by Lia stamp fit perfectly with the Color Layering Wreath stamp set.

I topped it off with an embossed sentiment, gems, and some twine.

Glitter tape on the sides help the blue pop, and give some needed pizzaz to the card.
Oh, before I forget, I'm having a giveaway HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping in and have a beautiful day!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Hero Arts Snow White and kraft
Stamps: Hero Arts Color Layering Wreath, Joy by Lia and Kelly's Fa La La La La
Ink: Hero Arts green ombre, black and Versamark
Other: twine, gems and embossing powder (Hero Arts), glitter tape (American Crafts)

Tools: heat gun

Non-traditional Valentines // Hero Arts

Hi, I'm over on the Hero Arts blog today with a video and two non-traditional valentines - here's one...

Visit the blog to see the other card, and the video on how I made them! :)

Thoughts and Prayers + GIVEAWAY // Hero Arts

Here's another little break from all the Christmas cards, inspired by THIS pin.

The background was made using an older Hero Arts and Basic Grey collaboration stamp set - I stamped and embossed the sentiment all over the background (doing a wee bit of masking), and then went in with some watercolors.
I used the STAMPtember Simon Says Stamp and Hero Arts collab stamp and die set, Prayers, to create the sentiment. I layered two pieces of vellum behind the sentiment, to make sure it stood out from the hectic background, but still allowed the background to shine.
A few gems top off the card!

Now, for a Christmas giveaway, to pass on some stamps and dies to a more loving home ;)

This includes some new and very gently used (only one die) products;

• Animal Blessings and their coordinating dies (which haven't been used, I simply pulled them out of the package and then later put then back in)
• Paper Layering Snowflake, Tree and Ornament
• Star Snowflake stencil

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post! If you're a follower, then I'll add your name into the hat a second time. ;)
This giveaway ends 12/27, midnight EST.

Thanks so much for stopping in today and enjoy your weekend!!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Canson
Stamps: Hero Arts Prayers and Pattern Hearts and Flowers
Ink: Versamark, watercolors
Other: vellum, gems (Hero Arts), embossing powder (Hampton)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Hero Arts Prayers die, heat gun

Happy Snowman // Throwback Thursday

Yet another CREATE November 2012 pub - this is a trend simply because it's easier to find my holiday cards drafts this way.

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Kristina Werner style here (I can't think of faux stitching, much less white faux stitching without thinking of her style ;))

A nice ol' grosgrain bow topped off with a button from my mom's button jar...

That's it for me today - enjoy your day and God bless!

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Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper and sticker: SEI
Stamp: Hero Arts 'Merriest Christmas Wishes'
Ink: Staz-on
Other: button (stash), ribbon (Celebrate It!), gel pen

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors

Shaker Birthday // My Favorite Things

I'm finished with finals, and now I have a whole four weeks to totally devote myself to making cards!!...and applying for jobs...and hanging out with my family....and baking (LOTS of baking!)

Today's card was started the evening I finished my last final, for the MFT Sketch 258 challenge...

These little pups are so adorable! And they will be perfect for making both young boy and girl cards! I've come to love these sorts of images for my cards much more since I invested in the Zig clean color brush system - it's so dang easy and fun to color with them.

To make sure the sentiment could stand out, I used the Lawn Fawn Chit Chat stamp set - this stamp set works so well with other animal and person image stamp sets. It's even super fun to use by itself! The set and die combo are a rather hefty investment, but Scrap2U (who I'm not affiliated with in anyway, I just had a good experience with) has some great deals on the dies and other stamp/die combos.

A couple things before I go:

• the sequins I used on this card are the Tequila mix from the sweet Lucy Abrams - THIS is how I organize my sequin/glitter stash.
• I'll be giving away some brand new Hero Arts stamps and dies over the break, and the first giveaway is over on my Instagram! You don't need to follow me, just leave a comment to be entered to win some fun Clearly Kelly stamps. 

Thanks so much for stopping in today and God bless!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Michaels

Patterned paper: Crate Paper Pretty Party

Stamps: My Favorite Things Top Dog and Birthday Bears, Lawn Fawn Chit Chat

Ink: Hero Arts (black)

Other: sequins (Lucy Abram), white and gold paint

Tools: Cuttlebug, My Favorite Things Top Dog, Birthday Bear and Boutique Windows dies, Lawn Fawn Chit Chat dies, paintbrush and water

Christmas Card Set // Throwback Thursday

This is another CREATE November 2012 pub - this set was fun to make, and could be super easy to mass produce, if you simply substituted patterned paper for the stamped background, and a connected text/script die for the sentiments.

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These letters were a little tricky to line up - I'm still hoping that one day I'l find the secret to lining up these individual alphabet letter dies perfectly.

Close-up on the stamped part...

All together now...

Thanks for stopping in and God bless!

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Cardstock: LSS
Stamp: PTI 'Year of Flowers'
Ink: Staz-on, Copic

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, Cuttlebug, PTI Block Alphabet die

Valentines Release // Hero Arts

Hello all, just wanted to pop in and let you know about an inspiring hop that's happening right now, starting over at the Hero Arts blog! You'll be able to check out some awesome projects using products from the new Hero Arts Valentine's release! I'd be quick about jumping on over there, as I know Jennifer McGuire mentioned one or two of the stamps in her 2015 My Favorite Crafty Things series, and I think we know what quickly happens to products that are on that list. ;)

So check out the new line HERE, and the blog hop HERE.

I'll be back soon with a big old giveaway to celebrate being done with my last round of fall finals!!(the reason I'm not hopping today ;))

Empty Wreath // Throwback Thursday

I'm gonna try to keep this months Throwback Thursday posts relevant to the season, mostly because when this Christmas season is over, these cards are going to be really inapplicable until next season haha.
Today's card was published in the November 2012 CREATE magazine, so this one was quite awhile ago.

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I have a thing against making wreath cards without putting some kind of something in the center of the wreath. I don't know why, it just seems so naked without it. Call me crazy.

Thanks so much for stopping in today!

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Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper: Crate Paper 'Emma's Shoppe', October Afternoon 'Sidewalks'
Other: die cut (K&Company), pearls (Recollection), ribbon (stash), glitter (Martha Stewart)

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine, Cuttlebug, PTI Tiny Tags die

Ornament Card // Hero Arts

I'm over on the Hero Arts blog today, showing an ornament card - an ornament that comes neatly presented with a card. ;)
Here's a sneak...

Check out the full post for all the details!
Thanks for stopping in!

Soft Aurora Borealis // Hero Arts

I just want to pop in with a fun little Christmas card real quick today.

I was going for an aurora borealis look, using the Winter Scene stamp, but I used a little too much water. I still liked the background so I decided to stick this adorable moose on top. I colored him using my Zig pens, and it was so smooth and easy!

Thanks for stopping in today and God bless!
My sassy little sister (the one who actually pays attention to my cards and gives me helpful [sometimes] criticism) says I should thank you for spending your time here and admiring my creative genius, because it makes me appreciate the wonders of life and the wonders that you are.

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Hero Arts Earth Mix Layering Papers, Canson
Stamps: Hero Arts Woodland Set by Lia, Hand Drawn Snowflakes Bold Prints, Winter Trees Scene, Merry Cactus to You
Ink: Hero Arts Unicorn, Versamark, Tim Holtz
Other: embossing powder (Martha Stewart), star glitter (Darice), glitter (Martha Stewart) Zig Real CleanColor

Tools: Hero Arts Woodland Set by Lia die cut, Cuttlebug

Joyful Thanksgiving // Hero Arts

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a real quick card for ya - it was my first attempt at THIS card for the Hero Arts blog. I wanted a brighter version for the blog, but I decided this one was still worthwhile to share.  :)

That's all for my today - I hope you're enjoying this lovely weekend!(and maybe finding some great online crafty Black Friday deals ;))

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Canson
Stamps: Hero Arts Color Layering Dimensional Bird and Have a Joyful Thanksgiving
Ink: Hero Hues Metallic Cubes, Winter Greens by Lia, Garden and Early Spring
Other: Cubic Background Stencil, Hero Arts gems

Tools: Cuttlebug, Color Layering Dimensional Bird dies

Smelly Cork // Throwback Thursday

I tried experimenting with different stamping materials a couple years ago, for a Paper Crafts call. Today's card is the disastrous result of one such attempt.
Guess I better stick with paper.

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Some funky embossing on cork - man, it gives off such a funny smell when being heated!

Yep, I don't like this card either.
I thought it'd be worthwhile to show you my pathetic attempts though, if only to warn you about the funky smelling cork.

Thanks for stopping in and God bless!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Strathamore
Stamps: Hero Arts "My Happy" and "Made with Love"
Ink: Versamark, Stazon
Other: sequins (Michaels), embossing powders (Martha Stewart), cork (Joann Fabrics)

Tools: heat gun

Scene Masking + VIDEO // Papertrey Ink

I knew I had to play along with this month's Papertrey Ink blog hop once I got my new stamps in - the Winter Woods stamp set is quickly making itself one of my all time favorite stamp sets.
Here's the inspiration pic...

Since I am sorely lacking the birthday cards department, I thought I'd make birthday cards for the hop - plus, that sentiment really is so pretty.

I didn't have any music note stamps, so I drew them in myself with a Micro pen.

This second card is full on Peacock Feathers ink - I love how easily this card is to change up.

And a video for you! I actually filmed it just this morning, probably the shortest one on record - about half hour! I rarely make cards that fast, much less while filming!

If you are having problems viewing this video, please try watching it HERE on YouTube.

Thanks so much for stopping in and have a beautiful day! God bless!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Canson, Bazzill
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Winter Woods
Ink: Hero Arts (black, mint julep), Tim Holtz (peacock feathers)
Patterned paper: Dear Lizzy

Tools: masking tape, circle die, Cuttlebug

Quick & Easy Plaid Stamping // Hero Arts

I'm on the Hero Arts blog today with a video and two cards, using the easiest way EVER to stamp a plaid background. Here's one of them;

I have to apologize for the poor pics - the winter lighting is tough for me to adjust to, and there's also a smaller window to get this lighting. Hopefully I'll find a solution soon!

Thanks for stopping in and God bless!

Quick Christmas // Throwback Thursday

I'm a winter baby, but I'll be honest with you - I despise winter. The only good thing about it (in my eyes) is Christmas.
So here's a Christmas card to cheer me up during this gloomy winter weather.

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A fast and easy Christmas card - patterned paper, stickers, pearls, stamped sentiment and bam! Christmas card.

Thanks for stopping in and have a lovely day!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper: SEI "Field Notes"
Stamp: Hero Arts "Merriest Christmas Wishes"
Ink: Stazon
Other: glitter sticker (K&Company), border sticker (Crate Paper), pearls (Michaels), vellum (Hobby Lobby)

Northern Lights Scene // Hero Arts

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but scene cards are my favorite cards to make, though I don't always have ideas for them. Today's card is an idea that transferred pretty well from thoughts to paper.
Even my critical (in a good way) little sister Rosie liked the card - she asked me for it as soon as she saw it, so that's why I'm linking this up with Jennifer McGuire's Handmade Kindness kids challenge, and also for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Christmas challenge.

I was going for a Northern Lights kind of thing, though it's definitely harder to tell in the photograph than in real life. The watercolor cardstock I used was pretty old - I use a simple sheet protector to stash my cardstock scraps and pieces, and for this card, I pulled out a piece that was at least a couple years old and had a little bit of blue painting on it already.
I used a mix of Distress Inks and Tattered Angels to make the night sky, and then used some pearlescent Martha Stewart white acrylic paint to add some white "stars." Then I stamped some extra little stars here and there for some deeper pops of purple.

I added a teensy bit of gray coloring to these adorable bears from Lia.

I covered the entire background with a couple coats of Wink of Stella, and it is SO pretty and shimmery! For the border, I sewed without thread to get the piercings, but if you had a border die/rectangle cutout, you could always use that.

Thanks so much for stopping in today and God bless!

ETA: I'm cleaning out my scrap room bit by bit (I'm probably going to be moving when I graduate this upcoming May, so I'm trying to get a headstart on this now) and have posted lots of stamps HERE. A lot of them I'm offering for free, as long as you pay for shipping and promise them a good home. ;)

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Strathamore, Bazzill
Stamps: Hero Arts Winter Bear Set by Lia and Joy to the World
Ink: Versamark, Distress Ink, Tattered Angels
Other: white embossing powder (Hero Arts), clear embossing powder (Hampton Arts), Wink of Stella, Zig CleanColor

Tools: Cuttlebug, Hero Arts Winter Bear Set by Lia die, water, sewing machine