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Thursday, March 29, 2018

You Take the Cake

I love puns and snarky sayings so when I saw this sentiment in the Lawn Fawn "Some Bunny" set, I knew I had to use it.  I scored a few paper pads at Tuesday Morning and one of them had the perfect background paper!  I made this card in record time, and all the components were meant to be together.



What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Some Bunny Stamp Set, #LF1587
Lawn Fawn Some Bunny Die Set, #LF1588
Zig Clean Color Markers
Tutti Crafts Cross Stitched Nested Rectangles, #TUTTI-410
Authentique Paper Pad, 12" x 12", Jubilee, #JUB010
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Very Old Corner Punch
MISTI

I have to tell you, when I went to look up the paper pad to link it, I went by the name and item number on the pad.  I purchased this pad at Tuesday Morning, but saw nothing wrong with it - well NOW I see - it's named wrong! My pad says IMAGINE, and when I looked at the pads none of the paper matched. And I always check in more than one place, and they were ALL wrong! I thought perhaps they pulled a DCWV, named a pad the same, but put entirely different papers in it, but just to be absolutely sure, I scanned the available products and there it was! Right papers, wrong name.  Even the cover art and font they used is the same as the Jubilee pad - it's just the wrong name! LOL OK, I hope you got a chuckle out of that, I did! On with the card!

Once I stamped all the cakes I wanted, I colored them using the Clean Color Markers and cut them out.  I set them aside to put on the card later.  Then I wrestled with the sentiment for a long time - I just couldn't get it lined up properly, even using my MISTI.  It was too long for what I wanted to do with it, so I split it apart, making it two lines instead of one long line {not literally, I didn't cut that stamp - that would have been easier!} so I had to get the 2 lines without stamping the whole thing on my paper.  I kept getting ghost images of the part of the line I didn't want.  To combat this I came up with an easy solution; I inked the whole sentiment, then put a sticky note over the part I didn't want to stamp, stamped that, cleaned the stamp off completely {that stops the ghosting}, then repeated the process with the other half of the sentiment.  I did discover that you don't want to ink your stamp after you have positioned the sticky note as you will get a big ink blob from the sticky note you used to cover the stamp.  I hope that makes sense! It took me entirely too long to figure it out and, even after I did, I still had to stamp the words about 3,423,546,597 times {OK, maybe only 780 more times - it felt like 3 million!}.  But I'm pleased with the outcome; it's exactly what I wanted.

I then cut the sentiment out with the cross stitched rectangle.  I used an ancient {I'm not even going to guess} corner punch on the patterned paper, attached that to my card, and put it under the tile on my desk to dry thoroughly.  The tile
Another Look
is awesome, it's 12" x 12" and it definitely helps to ensure that the elements on my card aren't going anywhere.  It also flattens warped watercolor paper and I heat emboss on it all the time.  The local big box hardware stores have plenty of these tiles, so when you go to get some to alcohol ink, be sure to grab one of the big ones.  You will wonder how you lived without it!


So, my background is dry, I glue my little carrot cakes to the card, and one on the sentiment cut out {just to add to the cuteness factor} and I'm done.  I appreciate you reading this entire post, and as a reward I'll let you in on a secret.  I've been collecting items to put in my giveaway {and if you saw the haul from the last one you'd WANT to be in on this!} and in order to qualify you will need to comment on the giveaway post & be a follower.  Why not do that now so when I announce the giveaway you will get notified? Anyhow, thank you for stopping by and reading all this - I truly do appreciate {and read} every single comment you leave me.  Hugs! Christi {now I'm starving for some carrot cake, how about you?}

I'm Entering my "You Take the Cake" card in the Following Challenges:
Calling All Sistahs - CAS11, Always Encouragement Card, Insp. Colors Below
Scrapy Land - #68, Anything Goes w/ Dies They Carry
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers with Dies - M, Anything Goes {entry 2}
Just For Fun - M, Use a Die Cut
Simon Says Stamp special National Craft Month Giveaway 




Wednesday, March 28, 2018

My Card Organization File

For this month's project for Simply Crafty SVG's, I picked this file because I really needed a file to keep the cards in that I'm not going to give to the troops {I just started sending my cards to the overseas troops and, when I get more information about it, I'll be sure to share it.}  I realized I really make a lot of cards!  This file was the perfect vessel to keep the cards neat, clean, and easy to find.  Plus, I can see at a glance which type of card I need to make because my stash is low {there are five tabbed file folders that come in the kit so you can make as many as you want.}  I named my files after the project was finished.  Here is my organizer, I hope you like it!



What I Used to Make my Project:
Chipboard, medium weight {three pieces of 12 x 12}
Simply Crafty SVG's Greeting Card Organizer
DCWV Linen Closet Stack {the old stack - discontinued}
Matching green and brown card
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Seventeen
Bling, Recollections Bling Stickers

I have to tell you, this was the second one I made.  The first one was too warped to use.  See, I'm used to using gesso on just about everything that isn't a card, so I gessoed my chipboard after I cut it out with my Silhouette.  Even though I put the chipboard under a gallon bottle of water, it still warped.  And then it got worse once I put the patterned paper on it.  It was so bad, I literally could not get the top of the organizer on!  The more I tried to fix it, the worse it got.  I finally had to admit defeat and start from scratch.  It's so bad I can't even show you.  This time I left the chipboard natural; the file cut better and was a dream to assemble.  And I just got my order of white and black chipboard so I don't have to make myself crazy anymore if I want my project to be a different color.


I cut out the box and the lid, as well as the panels to decorate the box.  I assembled the box according to the PDF instruction file {included with EACH file - no more guessing!}  Once I was done with the box, I felt it needed a bit more bling.  The paper I used has an iridescent shine to it and I had nothing iridescent except glitter and, after my fiasco making the first box, there was no way I was taking any chances with this one.  Off to the craft store I went, and I found the perfect bling - and they were already in a line, so all I had to do was cut the lines apart and attach them to the box! Happy dance!

Then the next dilemma hit me.  I'm not good at the print and cut feature on the Silhouette.  I've tried and succeeded in making a HUGE mess out of
everything.  So, due to my incompetence, I used a computer generated title and, instead of using the perfectly fine label file that comes with the kit, I cut out my label using Spellbinder dies.  I'm really happy when I can mix my craft supplies, especially when they come out as beautifully as this did.  I blinged the label, then attached it to the box.  In order to ensure a good stick, I put the box, with some support in the middle, under some heavy books while the label dried.  Lastly, I cut out the file folders, using heavy white card. I suspect I'll need more of the folders but, for now, five is fine.


My organizer, complete with files
Simply Crafty SVG's has so many cool files for organization, and the biggest selection of FREE cut files I've ever seen!  I know I've said it before but having that PDF file to walk you through the assembly of your project is the best thing ever.  How many times have you bought a file, or downloaded a freebie, and had NO idea what was the best way to make the project?  Simply Crafty SVG's has taken that confusion away!  And the files on the site are beautiful; not just your average file, but files that look stunning when you are through.  And, if you mess up as I did with my first box, no worries - you can just cut another.  Thanks for stopping by, Christi

I am entering my Card Organization File box in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge - #363, Anything Goes
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Crafting from the Heart - M, #200, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Inside the Box {literally!}
Not Just Cards - M, Anything Goes
Altered Eclectics - M, Anything Goes
The Creative Crafters - #2, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Happy National Craft Month page

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Hippity Hoppity

These little bunnies called to me {as well as the new leaping sheep!}, and I think they are just adorable.  I've been cutting them out like crazy, in all sorts of neutral combinations but, when I decided to make this card, I felt that "Hippity Hoppity" was just too joyous to use neutral bunnies, so I cut out a ton more in pastel colors.  I hope you like this card as much as I do!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Oxide Inks
Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous Crazy Talk, #CMS236
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Labels, #660060
Memory Box Quick Bunnies dies, #99902
Pastel Papers from stash
Scrap white card and Oxide Inked paper
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

I knew I wanted some oxides on this card because they are SO easy to mute into pastel colors when you don't want to use them full strength, so I rummaged through my scraps of Oxide Inked paper.  I found this strip that originally had only  a few colors on it and I filled it in to make it feel like spring.  I don't know what colors were originally on the paper and I just picked an Oxide that I thought the strip needed.  Once that was fully dry, I used my Crazy Talk set to stamp directly onto the strip.  Well, that didn't work out, so I stamped on a piece of scrap white paper, then cut that with Tim Holtz/Sizzix Labels and trimmed that down to the shape I wanted.  When things mess up you gotta know how to punt!  I attached the label, covering my boo boo, and stuck the strip under the tile. 

Meanwhile I got to work cutting my pastel bunnies.  As I always do, I made far too many, but they are so cute I can't bear to throw them away.  I know it's
Another Look
crazy, but I do feel bad when I throw out an animal die cut that I didn't use -- I'm sensitive yanno!  I cut my bunnies, attached their tails and let them dry.  The die also cut out itty bitty bunnies, and yes, I kept them and I will use them {I hope!}  My new plan is if I don't use it {paper, stamp, die cut, already colored stamp, etc} in a year, out it goes.  I can't go on keeping everything and I can barely find what I think I have {LOL}.


My bunnies are dry, my card is dry, and the bunnies just hop to where they'd like to be, even the white one at the bottom; it's difficult to see, but you can spot his little orange {I think it's orange} tail.  I thoroughly enjoyed making this card and I hope you enjoyed my journey; including that tip about the sticky notes.  Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you soon!  ~Christi

I am entering my Hippity Hoppity card in the Following Challenges:
Dragonfly Journeys - #114, Bunnies, Chicks & Ducks, Oh My!
The Library Challenge - #3, Watership Down {I used bunnies!}
Animal Friends Challenge - #60, Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Emerald Creek Dares - #21, Easter Delights
Make my Monday - #67, Easter Fun
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - M, Anything Goes w/ a Critter {or six!}
Cut it Up - #144, Easter 
Crafting with Dragonflies - #100, Easter Cards
Creative with Stamps - M, #24, Bunny


Friday, March 23, 2018

Sweet Spring Wishes

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous day!  This card has been in design for almost a full year - I received the STAMPlorations goodies in April of 2017!  I've used all of the products individually, but this is the first time I've used both dies together.  There is a story behind why it took me a year but, thankfully, the story isn't as long as it took me to make the card.  I'll even condense it for you!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Lilac Card Base
Watercolor Paper
Oxide Inks in Cracked Pistachio, Broken China, Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick and Wilted Violet {set 1}
Distress Markers in Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves and Blueprint Sketch
Ken Oliver's Liquid Metal in Yellow Gold 
Distress Sprayer
STAMPlorations CUTplorations Sweet Spring Wishes Phrase Die
STAMPlorations CUTplorations Flutter Zen 2 Layering Dies
Pink Cardstock
Light Blue Glitter Cardstock

On with the story - Oxide Inks came out and I was as obsessed with everyone
Paper I Cut the Butterflies From
else who was pretty much not doing much of anything else but playing with these amazing new inks.  I had gotten the first set and was making background after background, positive I could never make a color combination with these inks that I wasn't going to like.  Until I did.  I don't recall what Oxide colors I used, but I remember strongly disliking it.  I had seen some crafters using Liquid Metals along with the Oxides, so I thought

I'd give it a try.  I ended up covering the entire thing with the Liquid Metal and I liked the color MUCH better! That's when it hit me - I had a butterfly die that was beautifully intricate and wouldn't this look nice cut from the "ruined" background? So, I proceeded to dig out the CUTplorations die and cut the "fixed" background paper.  It did look pretty!  I used a pink card to cut the underside of the butterfly and attached the top to it.  Then I set the butterflies aside and continued to play with the Oxide inks.


I played and played {remember, the Oxides were BRAND NEW!} and finally
settled on the card background.  Once the background was dry, I glued it to a matching card base which, in this case, was a lilac color.  Then I couldn't find the butterflies!  That pushed the card production back further; but I kept that background because I knew it fit the butterflies perfectly.  Eventually, I cleaned my desk off {and it stayed clean for about 15 minutes!} and found the 
wandering butterflies.  Happily, I glued them to the card and then decided to cut the sentiment out of Light Blue Glitter card.  I set the saying onto the card and the year long saga was finished!
Another Look


I hope my story didn't bore you too badly.  I recently got some more goodies from STAMPlorations; they are having a great sale and I just couldn't resist, so you will be seeing more of their stamps and dies shortly.  The card came out much prettier than I expected and I hope you like it as much as I do!  Thanks for sticking with me and, since you have made it this far, I'll let you in on a secret.  I'm getting ready for another giveaway and you'll need to be a follower to win, so you might as well follow me now and get ahead of the rush.  Thanks so much! Christi 

I'm entering my Sweet Spring Wishes Card in the following challenges:
STAMPlorations - M, Spring & Faith
Butterfly Challenges - #97, Spin the Wheel with the Letter L - I used Letters, Lavender & Layers :) 
Cuttlebug Mania - Spring
That's Crafty! - M, Spring into Action
Papercraft Business Challenges - M, Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes w/ Dies
STAMPlorations Ever Ending Anything Goes Challenge





Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Pansy Petals

I am so glad spring is on the way; we had a relatively mild winter here in Colorado but there is nothing more relaxing to me than to watch the birds at the feeder doing their thing.  Not so much watching the cats watch the birds but I digress.  This card is inspired by the pansy die {actually, this set is Pansy 2} from Elizabeth Craft Dies.  Be gentle as it is one of my first tries at these 3D flowers; mine don't look quite as good as most, but it was fun to try!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base

Yellow Card
Watercolor Paper
Distress Oxides
Distress Markers in Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves and Blueprint Sketch
Die-Versions Whispers, Fence Background, #DVW-314
Elizabeth Craft Designs, Garden Notes - Pansy 2, #1488
Hero Art Fancy Word Dies, Thank You, from My Monthly Hero Kit for March 2018
Shimmery Dark Pink Card
Light Green Card
Distress Sprayer

I know I should have written down what Distress Oxide Inks I used but I've got
so many now I just grab and go.  I wanted the flowers to be a bit whimsical, color wise {and mostly since I know there is no way I could color my pansies to look like real ones!} so I just smooshed all the pink, blue and purple Oxides I had onto a piece of watercolor paper, spritzed them with the sprayer, and kept it fairly easy.  I did color certain parts of the paper with certain colors but, as you can see, some of the colors blended together.  All the colors are pretty and I used all of the paper I'd made.  After all, when you're the designer, your flowers can be any color {or shape} you want them to be!

Once the colored paper was dry and all the pieces were cut, I began assembling the flowers.  I did find a video on YouTube that shows the first pansy set being
made, so I did try to emulate the true style of the flower a little bit.  I put the flowers together by what colors worked together and then used Distress Markers to add little "veins" on the petals.  Honestly, I'm wasn't overly thrilled with them and I almost scrapped the whole thing, but I muted the lines down with a few washes of water and that helped me to like them more.  I cut the leaves out of a pretty, light green, card and then proceeded to fuss and fool with them and the flowers.  I think watercolor card is a bit too thick to properly shape but, if you look closely, you can see where I did bend the flowers.  I only had one stylus {and I've promptly bought a "flower kit" and made my own rubber pad out of two mouse pads glued together, so watch out - I'm ready now!} and actually did most of the shaping with my hands.  

Meanwhile, I cut out the background and attached that to a white card.  After a few days of fussing with the flowers and leaves, I decided they were the best
they were going to be and glued them around the perimeter of the card.  This led me to the dilemma of what to put into the middle.  I had chosen the dark pink shimmer card from my stash already but had no idea what I wanted the card to say.  Then I remembered that Hero Arts My Monthly Hero was sending out some fancy dies, so I rushed to the website, caught a glimpse of the word dies and decided this card would be a thank you card.  The kit didn't arrive until a few days ago and, as soon as I got a chance, I cut the dark pink shimmer card with the pretty Hero Arts dies.  I attached the 'thank you' to the middle of the card and I had my finished card!

I'm not thrilled with the flowers but, for a first time effort {I'm sure I've tried to shape flowers before, but who knows when!}, I think I did OK.  I've since talked to an Instagram friend who has basically told me practice makes perfect; I hate that!  I want to be an expert at shaping flowers, at coloring, at coloring with Copics, and at any other crafty thing I try!  I'm sure you feel the same way.  I want everything to come out like it looks in my head! I think the key is not to expect anything, that way you will like whatever you create.  Thanks for visiting, Christi

I am entering my Pansy Petals card in the following challenges:
ModSquad Challenge - Ready for Spring
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Floral Frenzy
Create a Smile - Springtime
a2z Scrapbooking -M, Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers Dies Challenge - M, Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination - #146, Anything Goes, Twist: Use Pastel Colors
Die Cuttin' Divas - #361, Flowers
Cuttlebug Mania - Springtime
My Time to Craft - Easter/Spring

Die Cuttin Divas


Monday, March 19, 2018

Snarky Birds

If you are a reader of my blog you know I have been trying to use up some of my images that I've pre-colored; when I am in the mood to color, no image is safe, regardless of if they are old or new, and the crazy animals in the Tim Holtz line are some of my favorites to color.  Perhaps it's because I basically learned how to color on them, or because they have an expression that fits almost every occasion, but I have more birds, cats, and dogs than anything else.  So today you get a twofer; two for the price of one!


What I Used to Make my Cards:
Pre-Colored Bird Crazy Birds, Stamp Set {CMS212}& Die Set {660954}
Hero Arts Ink in Navy Blue
Light Blue Card {for sentiment}
Dylusions Say It How It Is stamp set, #DYR37774
Dylusions Shut Up & Color stamp set, #DYR55525

These cards were actually inspired by the card bases.  I got them years ago {at least 10 years ago now!} and I recently came across them.  So, in trying to use up the old {to make more room for the new}, I put them on my desk and resolved to use them.  It just so happens I found a few Bird Crazy birds that I had colored ages ago and the shades of blue were perfect for the card blanks.  Off I went. 

Nothing beats a snarky sentiment {I am a huge fan of the sarcastic and snarky} and Dylusion Stamps has the best sentiments.  For these cards I stamped the sentiment on light blue card and hand cut them.  Then I put the first part of the sentiment on the front of the cards; the last part on the inside.  I rarely put anything on the inside of my cards, I like to leave them blank so I can write whatever I wish, but these cards were calling out to be snarky!

Here are the insides of the cards.

Card A
Card B
Since they use practically identical products, I've called the card on the left Card A and the card on the right Card B.  I honestly can't choose which one I prefer; both of the sentiments work for me and I adore both of the birds. How about you? Which one do you prefer? Which of the sentiments speaks to you the loudest? 

I'm going to give these cards to the troops.  I figure there has got to be a deployed person who's significant other would appreciate getting one of these in the mail.  They are such a nice change of pace from all the feminine flowers and syrupy sentiments!  

Thanks for stopping in! Please consider following me and, if you do, let me know and I will follow you back.  Not only is it good Blogging karma but I'm amassing quite a huge giveaway and you will want to know when it's announced {and you'll have to be a follower to win}.  Have a snarky day! Christi

I'm Entering my Snarky Birds in the Following Challenges:
Cards in Envy - No Patterned Paper
Addicted to CAS - #132, Birds
International Art & Soul - #29, Add Humor 
Daring Cardmakers - Watch the Birdie!
The Sisterhood of Crafters - M, Birds
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - #105, Z is for Zig Zag (Jane pointed out to me that my frames are zig zag!)

Sunday, March 18, 2018

A Thank You

This is my last post for the Dies R Us Design Team - it's been a fabulous experience and I will miss working with their wonderful products {especially since the store has expanded to carry papers, washi tape, adhesives, and SO much more}.  This card was made as a Thank You to all my teamies at Dies R Us, especially the wonderfully understanding Darlene, who is the fantastic Design Team Coordinator.  I struggled with publishing my posts due to internet gremlins and Darlene sorted each one for me.  It's with many warm memories, and some laughter, that I say goodbye, and thank you, to this exceptional team.




What I Used to Make this Card:
Sparkle Lilac Card Base
Creative Expressions/Sue Wilson Floret Circle Stamp, #UMS689
Creative Expressions/Sue Wilson Melbourne Dies, #CED8105
Lawn Fawn Thank You Border Die, #LF1055
Watercolor Paper
Simon Says Stamp White Detail Embossing Powder
Embossing Ink
Oxide Inks {various from sets 1 & 2}
Distress Sprayer
Small Heart Punch
White Card
Oxide Ink Left Over Paper {stash}
Dimensional Dots

The first step to making this card was stamping the floret stamp by Sue Wilson.  I used embossing ink and embossed the design with detailed white embossing powder on watercolor paper.  I actually made two of these floral circles; the first one I used Clean Color markers but I just didn't like the way it came out and decided I wanted to use muted colors instead of the bright markers.  No problem, the creation is in my stash waiting to adorn the perfect card.  I was fortunate to catch a special order of the Sue Wilson "To Die For" stamps and I urge you to sign up for the Dies R Us news so you can catch the next time they get in a special order {they get cool stuff in a limited amount all the time!}

Once the circle was embossed, I used Oxide inks to get the coloring I wanted.  I worked on the colors for about two days; spritzing, then drying, mopping with paper towel {a great way to mute the colors, and at times you can almost erase them.  I also use the paper towel to absorb the excess ink that flows to the bottom of project, just touch the towel to the ink puddle and it's gone!}, reinking, and starting the whole process over again.  I had a very clear picture in my mind of how I wanted this card to look; needless to say, I didn't write down the Oxide colors I used, as I basically just kept throwing more ink on, taking ink off, and generally fooling with the colors until I got the look I wanted.  Once the image was thoroughly dry, I cut it out using the matching dies.  I had originally cut the center of the circle out, back on that "first draft" I did but, as you can see, this time I left the middle intact. 

The next step was to cut the sentiment out of white card three times.  I had also experimented with this; cutting and stacking the sentiment about twelve times but eventually the cuts didn't line up straight {absolutely nothing to do with me} and I decided that three was enough.  I stacked and glued them together, letting them dry overnight.
Picking out the pink for the heart

The lilac card base has a slight sheen to it and I know I got it in one of the My Monthly Hero kits from Hero Arts.  I'm almost certain it was the kit from January and the paper is the Stardream Kunzite Cardstock.  It is luscious in real life and I like how the Stardream stock is heavy enough for a card base yet it is still fine to use as a layering paper.  I adhered my floral circle, then the sentiment to the card.  It was then I decided it need a bit more of something so I looked through my scraps from previous Oxide projects and found a lovely pink, on which I used a small heart punch.  I used dimensional dots to adhere the little heart to the middle of the card and I was done.
Another look - The base card shows its shimmer!

It's been a pleasure to bring you my creations using Dies R Us products and I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have.  Thanks so much for stopping by! Christi

Don't forget to join in on all the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  
There's  a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month
 and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to 
the Dies R Us Store.  For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us 
links are provided below.


click below for:

I am entering my "Thank You" Card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Easter Inspired {mood board below}
atoz Scrapbooking - M - Anything Goes 
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Easter/Spring Inspiration {mood board below}
Lawn Fawnatics - #24, Fun With Dies (entry #2)
The Flower Challenge - M - #18, Anything Goes
Papercraft Challenges - M - #18, Sentiment as Focus
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day, a bit early.  But who says you can't celebrate all year round? I'm Irish on both sides of my family so I've done my fair share of the wearing 'o the green! I'm trying to make some more clean and simple {CAS} cards and I think this qualifies.  I adore how pretty the green Oxide Inks came out and the die set, purchased from Dies R Us, showcases it perfectly.  I hope you enjoy my little write up.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper
Oxide Inks in  Lucky Clover, Crushed Pistachio & Peacock Feathers
Distress Sprayer
Creative Expressions/Sue Wilson, Toronto Dies, #CED6204
My Sentiments Exactly, Irish Blessings, #Y547 {discontinued?}
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Extra White Card
Dimensional Dots
The focal point before I dotted
 it to the card base

I made 2 sheets of backgrounds using the Distress Oxide Inks referenced above.  I used one to stamp the sentiment and the other for the back panel.  Both were die cut using the Toronto die set. A little Oxide Ink tip: Did you know if you hold the sprayer {the trigger if you will} of the Distress Sprayer half way to a full spritz you get those awesome big dots of water?  Love that!


Some Dimension 
I made all the other necessary die cuts, glued the white background cut to the panel, and assembled the card using dimensional dots. I dotted the background panel and the sentiment.  I think this looks so elegant, and the best part, it was SO easy to make with the Creative Expression/Sue Wilson dies. To me this card looks like something you'd see in a card shop for at least $6.  Go me! 

Typically, I don't stamp inside my cards, but this stamp set had such a nice saying, I couldn't resist.  I used Cracked Pistachio Oxide Ink for the inside; I think the color fits the sweetness of the wording.

Before I go, don't forget that Dies R Us has totally expanded the product lines they carry.  Now, not only do they offer the latest in dies, but you can get your paper stacks, washi tape, inks, and SO much more.  It's time to pop by and check out the inventory.  

I'd love to hear what you think about this card.  I haven't worked with Sue Wilson's dies like this before and I am thrilled about how sophisticated the card looks. Do you have any Sue Wilson dies? Which is your favorite? Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate each one of you. ~hugs, Christi


Don't forget to join in on all the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  
There's  a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month
 and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to 
the Dies R Us Store.  For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us 
links are provided below.


click below for:


I am entering my Happy St. Patrick's Day Card in the following challenges:
Scrapy Land - #85, Anything Goes
Simply Create Too - #136, Use Green
Die Cut Diva's - Monochrome
DL Art - Thankful Thursday - #224, Use Green
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #359, Use Green
atoz Scrapbooking - Anything Goes
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