Die Cut Divas and Morgan's Artworld

Hello, crafty peeps!!  How is the month of March going for you?  We just had a MAJOR storm here in Colorado with winds up to 70 mph; some places it reached over 100!!  I hope you are getting some signs of spring where you are and, if you are in the path of the storm, get ready!  Enough weather related stuff.  Here is my card using a Morgan's Artworld digi.  Goodness do they have beautiful stamps, but I knew there was NO way I could do them justice!  Hope you like the card!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Yellow Top Fold Card
Skinny Orange Yellow Washi Tape {manufacturer unknown}
Morgan's Artworld Sunflower Image {join the FB group to purchase}
Frantic Stamper Elementals #11, Bracket Coved Label, #FRA-DIE-09468
Prismacolor Pencils
Pebbles Family Ties Paper Pad {discontinued - available at many stores}
Strathmore Bristol Paper, Series 300
Gamasol {sometimes referred to as Gamsol, readily available}
Blender Stumps {I got mine through Amazon, but readily available}

I had the image of the sunflower printed on Bristol paper and colored it in with Prismacolor pencils, blended with Gamasol using blender stumps and generally putzed around with it until I was satisfied with how the sunflower looked.  I die

Another Peek

cut yellow paper and patterned paper using the Frantic Stamper die.  I noticed the card base itself, which is really old, was sort of cracking at the top, like they sometimes do when the paper is old.  I had already attached everything to it and I like the summery yellow so I thought of a way to "save" it.  I have a pretty good collection of washi tape {that I rarely use} and I found a skinny, orangey-colored tape so I edged the entire card with that.  

So, there is my card; I hope it brings a little spring cheer to you!  You still have a while to enter the challenge at Die Cut Divas "Anything Goes" Challenge for March.  We'd LOVE to see what you have created so please be sure to enter!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my sunflower card in the following challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge -  Anything Goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - #88, Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - M, Anything Goes
The Rainbow Card Challenge - M, Yummy Yellow

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge - Anything Colored Goes
Creative Friday - #226, Spring is Coming!
Morgan's Artworld - M, #3, Anything Goes
The Creative Crafters - #14, Anything Goes

Hello

Hello, crafty people!  Today I am sharing a card I made using a layering color set by Hero Arts.  They have so many new sets out now with the new catalog; I'm just waiting to get my new goodies!  Have you seen the new catalog yet? You can check it out by clicking this link HERE.  For this card I used a set that's been around for a bit, read on for more information. 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Purple Panel
White Card {panel and scrap}
Hero Arts Color Layering Nasturtium stamp set, # CM266
Hero Arts Color Layering Nasturtium die set, # DI472
Hero Arts Inks in Passion Flower, Amethyst, Mint Julep, Moss and Lavender
Hero Arts Hello Stamp & Cut set, #DC151
Dimensional Dots

For this type of set having a stamp positioner is invaluable, regardless of the type.  I used my Tim Holtz platform and stamped the flower onto white card using passion flower ink and then filled in the details using amethyst.  Then I stamped the leaves beginning with mint julep ink and detailing with moss ink.  One of the wonderful things about this particular set is you don't have to align the stamps perfectly. I can never seem to get them lined up properly, even though the stamps are clear and I use my platform.  But it sure beats when I used to stamp using Stampin' Up! two step stamping!  Those stamps were wood mounted and it was literally a hit or miss if I got them even close!  Do you have any tricks that you use when layering stamps?  I'd love to hear them!  All of the inks I've used I've gotten from the My Monthly Hero kits; I've checked out a LOT of subscription services and I think that My Monthly Hero is by far the best deal out there! {I get no compensation from saying this; I just think it's true!}

I then stamped "hello" right onto the white card panel, stamped the butterfly using lavender and amethyst inks, and cut it out.  I wasn't going to use the butterfly but I got a spot on the card that needed to be covered up and the butterfly ended up being handy!  Just to add a bit of interest, I mounted the butterfly on a dimensional dot.  Lastly, the white panel was adhered to the purple card, then the purple card was trimmed and mounted onto the white card base.  To me this card just screams spring and, since we have had more snow now than in years, I am longing for some warmer weather!  I hope you enjoyed my card and I'd love it if you'd become a follower - I am on almost every social media except YouTube {I just can't make a good video yet!} and which ever you choose, let me know in the comments so I can follow you back.  Have a GREAT day. ~Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Shopping our Stash - #391, Celebrating Friendship
Unicorn Challenge - M, #41, Spring
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Feminine/Girly
Creativ Fusion Arts & Crafts - M, Spring
Crazy4Challenges - #474, Flowers
CARDZ TV - #84, Anything Goes
Cut it Up! - #169, Hello Spring!
Craft Rocket Challenges - #57, Flowers
The Flower Challenge -#30, Anything Goes

Some Cherub Love

Hi everyone!  While Valentine's day might be over, you can still enter your LOVE project over at Die Cut Divas!  I made my card full of Hero Arts goodness.  They are generously sponsoring the challenge this month and I'm hoping you can squeak into the challenge before it ends.  We'd LOVE to see your creations!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Pink Shimmer Paper
Hero Arts Heart Confetti Fancy Die, #DI348
Hero Arts Cherubs, stamps, #CM211
Hero Arts Cherubs, dies, #DI442
Die Namics Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Hero Arts Ink in Pink Tourmaline, Strawberry, Bubble Gum and Red Royal 
Colorbox Petal Ink - Alchemy {any shimmery gold will work}
White Card

I began this card by stamping a whole bunch of cherubs on some plain white card.  Them I cut them out and chose the best ones for the card.  I tend to be a hard stamper and sometimes the little details get lost when I'm using clear stamps {while Hero Arts uses photopolymer for their stamps, it honestly doesn't seem to matter what material is used to make the clear stamps; I just stamp too darn hard!} the words inside the cherubs kept getting smooshed away and I had to really be aware of the pressure I put on my stamp platform.  I have to get over that feeling that the harder I stamp the more ink will stick to the paper; it's simply not true!  It's a leftover issue from using the old wood mounted, red rubber stamps and only having one chance at making a good impression.   

Once I had all my angels cut, I stamped the sentiment.  I stamped it first in a very light pink and then over-stamped it with gold.  You can't really tell in the photo but in person it looks really cool, in my opinion.  I tried to capture the dual tone in a photo, but it didn't come across the way it looks in real life  I hope you had a fantastic Valentine's Day and I hope to see you soon! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Cherub Love card in the following challenges:
A Blog Named Hero - M, Love is in the Air
Crafts Dreamy Mood Board Challenge - M, See Board Below
Creative Crafty Cottage - #115, M, Valentine
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon - #486, Love It!
Crafting by Designs - Silhouettes
Double D Challenges - Pink & White
Shopping our Stash - February 

Crafts Dreamy Mood Board

May All Your Wishes Come True - Hero Arts Kit

I've been lucky enough to be able to subscribe to what I think is hands down the BEST paper kit out there, My Monthly Hero by Hero Arts.  I've tried other kits and, while there is nothing wrong with them, the one thing I like best about My Monthly Hero is that they include dies in their kits.  Not too many kits give you stamps {and a FULL set of stamps, not just two or three individual stamps}, dies, paper - you can count on those each month.  In addition you might get some ink cubes, glitter, embossing powder, glimmer spray or lacquer, stickers, gel pens - basically if you want or need it for paper crafting, it's included.  Can you tell I'm a huge fan?  On top of ALL that, they release companion products; other stamps, dies, stencils and more!

Here is a cute, clean and simple card I made with the December 2018 kit:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

My Monthly Hero Kit, Hero Arts, January 2019
Tutti Designs Scalloped Stitched Nesting Dies, #TUTTI-419
Dimensional Dots
Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Clear Glitter Pen {I got mine in the MHK December 2018}

This card was a cinch to make!  First, I stamped all of the elements on watercolor paper with the Jet Black ink, colored them, and once they fully dried, cut them out with the matching dies.  I took a plain, white, A2, card blank and cut out the scalloped circle for the front.  I mounted the mouse with dimensional dots and glued the little dandelion parachutes right onto the card.  Lastly, the sentiment was stamped.

That's it!  There isn't much room on the inside to write anything more than a small salutation, but you could always go on to the back of your card if need be.  

I'm following the dandelion craze of late {as my credit card can attest} and I'm gathering quite a few stamp sets but this is one of my absolute favorites.  I love how each piece of the dandelion has it's own die so you can add as many seed bearing, umbrella, feathery bristles as you want either by stamping directly or cutting them out.  I looked up what these little floating, feathery, parachute things are actually called and technically they are called a 'pappus,' which I never knew.  All I knew is my dad used to have a fit when I blew all the fuzzies off the dandelions!  Feel free to look it up yourself and check out all the different ways people describe them.  Now you can say you weren't wasting time online because you actually learned something!  I personally like "seed bearing parachutes" which was what one person called them.  

Well, I hope you enjoyed my card.  I truly appreciate each and every comment, and if you do leave one, please leave your personal blog address so I can stop by and oooh and ahhh over your creations!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my cute little mouse card in the following challenges:
A Place to Start - M, Inspirational
613 Avenue - M, Anything Goes TWIST: Use an animal
Crazy for Challenges - #472, Show a Pet on your Card {while *I* don't own a mouse, I know people who have - and I had a hamper once, hope it counts!}
Cardz TV - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers - M, #158, Anything Goes
Creative Friday - #224, Use Only 3 Colors {Black, Gray & Pink}
Mod Squad Challenge - Only Name Brand clear/rubber stamps
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #408, Random Acts of Kindness
The Cat's Pajama's - #354, Furry Friends {graphic below}
Sparkles Monthly - M, #113, Include an Animal 

I just have to say it is so weird to enter these animal challenges with a MOUSE instead of a CAT {like I typically do!}  My furbabies forgive me though, I think they do. . .  

Hero Arts Paper Layering Heart Card

Hello crafty people! It's about halfway through this month's Mood Board

challenge at a2z Scrapbooking and that means you have plenty of time to take a look at the board and whip up a card!  I was very inspired by this mood board!  I took out all my fancy papers, started about a thousand new projects {because I always get inspired looking at all the pretty paper I have, and I have a LOT!} and I finally chose some that I think showcase the die very nicely.  Now I have a bunch of other cards and such in progress scattered all over my craft room!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Corner Punch {a very old one}
Hero Arts Paper Layering Heart Die, #DI162
DCWV Peri & Peach 12" x 12" Stack {not in the DCWV store, but available}
Grey Pattern Paper {stash}

I adore this card! The papers are so pretty; the grey pattern has a very subtle pattern of cream colored little swirls going through it; it looks so delicate.  And the overlay paper, well, it's DCWV, so you KNOW it's beautiful.  I've captured the

shine in the picture above.  Since I knew the focus of the card was to be the heart die, it was very important to me to choose some nice papers.  And they match the mood board!  Always a plus when you can fulfill your Design Team duties by using what they want!

This card was very easy to make.  I cut the grey paper to a panel to fit the A2 card base and then cut a smaller rectangle out of the DCWV paper.  I attached the grey paper to the card and let it sit overnight to dry completely.  I used the heart die on the peach paper, flipping the cut outs and gluing them to the other side.  I felt like the card needed a bit more pizzazz so I used the corner punch on the overlay paper.  I attached the die cut and punched paper to the card over the grey paper and I was done!  I'm fascinated by how one little touch, be it gems, dots, glitter, or a corner punch can elevate a card to a different level.  Do you remember using corner {or any} punches? I still have quite a few that I'm just not ready to part with.  

I hope you will enter the a2z Scrapbook challenge - you could win a fabulous prize!  Go check out the a2z store - it's full of Hero Arts goodness and use my discount code CHRISTI15 to get 15% off your purchases of $25 or more before shipping.  Remember you could Request Custom Order if the item is not in the store.  While Valentine's day may be over, I feel it's always a good time to let someone know you care about them!  You can never have too many heart cards and the mood board is full of inspiration.  I hope to see you there and don't forget to visit me again.  ~Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
A Blog Named Hero - Love is in the Air
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes w/ Dies
Unicorn Challenge - #40, Include a Heart
Unstampabelles - #86, Bright & Cheerful
Creations in Pink - #7, Anything Goes w/ Mostly Pink
Ellibelle's Wednesday Challenge - Dies/Punches or Something w/ Heart {I used all three}
Crafty Gals Corner - #185, Love is in the Air
International Art & Soul - #52, Shades of Any Color
Path of Positivity - #66, M, Love, Love, Love
TTCRD - Anything Goes

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Sending Love and Hugs

💖💗💘💝 Happy Valentine's Day! 💝💘💗💖

One layer cards are not easy for me; I think my fear is a throwback to the old days when we had no choice but to use rubber stamps on wooden blocks.  You couldn't see exactly where you were stamping, and then if the image didn't come out, well, there were no MISTI's or Platforms, so unless you could use a stamp positioner, you got one chance at a good image and if that image missed a line, or an entire section, your one layer card now became a two layer card so you could cover your mistake.  Or, even more often for me, trash.  

I could never make them work. - I still can't understand them.  I have 2 of them; one is the good old L shape and the other is like a prototype of the platforms, but we had no magnets and you had to have set it up beforehand.  I think you use acetate somehow.  

Since it is possible to over stamp on an image now without all the fuss, I can actually make one layer cards like this one and not have to pray that I've inked the images perfectly!  Here is my card:    

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Simon Says Stamp Beautiful Flowers Stamp and Die set, #set330bf
Prismacolor Pencils
Studio Katia, Clear Round Dots, Mix 1, #SK2410
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Tim Holtz/Tonic Stamping Platform

I am very pleased with this card.  Making one layer cards is still something I struggle to do, even with all the help the new stamp positioners give you.  I stamp the image, color it, and then stamp my sentiment, often times to notice after it's stamped that the words are crooked.  Maybe that is because I'm crooked {I am literally crooked - I suffer from scoliosis, it reared it's ugly head very late in life and, while I had major surgery about 7 years ago, I've noticed that my upper torso, shoulders and such, are starting to get crooked again.  Guess it's time to go back to the doctor!} or maybe because I don't pay enough attention to the grid on the positioner.  Anyway, this card is fine!  I stamped the flowers, colored them with colored pencils, added some clear dots, then stamped the sentiment.  I didn't use any blender, I just kept coloring over and over and I am tickled by the flowers.  Not a lot of highlights but still very nice in my book!  

What do you think?  Were you stamping back when every stamp was wood mounted and you had to use one of those impossible old stamp positioners? What do you think of the new positioners? Do you have one and, if so, which one?  I'd love to hear your comments on how you insure everything is straight on your creations.  Have any tips?  Please leave your answers in the comments.  I do read each and every one of them and I thank you for taking the time.  Until I see you again, take care!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Creative Inspirations - M, Love
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Mod Squad - Floral
The Flower Challenge - #29, Use Your Latest {this is the latest floral stamp}
Crafting by Designs - Love is in the Air
DL Art - M,  Always Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers - #227, Love, Love, Love

Binge Together

Those who binge together, stay together!  When the Man and I first met, I would go to see him in Detroit and there was nothing to do {meaning I couldn't craft} so we'd binge watch TV.  We watched two seasons of Orange is the New Black, countless Law and Order marathons, and much more.  I think you learn a lot about a person by the television shows they watch!  The fact that he had the same sick sense of humor I have had a major impact on our relationship ~ this card is for him!  

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Stitched Wood Grain Backdrop, #LF1501
Lawn Fawn Screen Time stamps, #LF1684
Lawn Fawn Screen Time dies, #LF1685
Tutti Designs Cross Stitched Nesting Rectangles, #TUTTI-410
Die-Namics Stitched Oval STAX
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Kraft, Dark Brown, Dotted Red Cardstock {stash}

Once I embossed the kraft paper with the wood grain backdrop {this reminded me of the paneling we had in the living room in the house where I grew up but the wood grain on the die is much nicer than the fake wood grain we had}, I proceeded to design my room.  I've seen quite a few cards featuring this set and the artists have drawn sofas and chair for seating the people - nope.  You probably wouldn't be able to tell WHAT they were sitting on if I tried that, so I decided they were on a beanbag chair which I cut using the oval die and the red card with dots.  You can't really see the dots in the picture, but they are there.  Then I cut the TV stand out of the dark brown card using the rectangle die.  I thought about adding a side table to the bean bag chair but it looked too crowded. 

The figures, television, food, drinks and other accessories were stamped, colored, and cut.  I actually made the male figure holding a soda and a pepperoni pizza, as my Man has been known to do.  I prefer to snack on chips so I made myself a bag of PopCorners chips in the Kettle Corn flavor.  Have you tried these chips yet? They have literally changed my life!  As far as snacks go, they aren't terrible for you; the bag is biodegradable and there all sorts of good reasons to eat them.  I bought a small bag at the Dollar Tree and loved them SO much I began ordering them by the case via Amazon.  If you like Kettle Corn, or sweet and salty snacks, these chips have your name written all over them.  I'd be happy to send you a sample {seriously, they are THAT good.}  Just look on the right side of the blog, find my email and drop me a line. 

Close Up

Back to the card - I attached all the pieces of the scene to the main card and put the little heart bubble above the Man's head since he's thinking how much he loves me since I've gotten him hooked on all kinds of reality television; nothing too fake, no famous-because-they-made-an-x-rated-tape type shows, just competition shows like Hell's Kitchen and some of the Marriage Boot Camp shows so we can giggle.  Oh, and we like American Beauty Star, Project Runway, and he turned me on to Chopped which is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows.  For the record, we also watch lots of documentaries so we aren't complete bubble heads.  What shows do you watch? Anything you'd recommend that I should watch?  Leave me a comment, making sure your blog info is available so I can visit your blog and leave you some bloggy love in return!  Hope to see you soon!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Binge Together Card in the following challenges:
Creative with Stamps - M, #35, Love
The Male Room - #104, Love Your Men
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Non-traditional Valentines
Watercooler Wednesday - #208, All About Occasions
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #407, Love
Try it on Tuesday - Romance
Shopping our Stash - #389, Make Your Mark {use markers}