Happiness Is. . . me being BACK!!!

After being absent from the crafting scene for far too long I am returning! I found a bunch of cards on my blog all written up and ready to go, so here is one of them.  Cue the applause sign!!  

Stamp sets that are extremely versatile are hard to come by.  Yes, you can typically use a set for one or two occasions, but to find one that virtually can be used for almost anything is a hard find; at least, in my experience.  Versatility is the main reason I purchased this set by Neat & Tangled.  I'd love to know what sets you have that you think are very versatile!  Hope you like my card!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Pink Card Base
White Card
Neat & Tangled Happiness stamps
Neat & Tangled Happiness dies
Pre-made Oxide Ink Background Paper

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Small Circle Die {manufacturer unknown}
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Lawn Fawn Really Rainbow Petite Paper Pack, 6 x 6

Since the background was already done, this card was super fast and easy.  I try to have a bunch of background papers ready to go and I make up batches of both Oxide Ink and alcohol ink backgrounds when I have all the inks out.  I'm usually making a background for a card I have in my head and once that is finished, I let myself play a bit.  That is how this lovely background came to be; just playing.  I trimmed the background and glued it onto the pink card and set it under the stone tile to dry.  I like my cards to be as flat as possible; it doesn't

Another Peek

always work out that way, especially if I am gluing more onto the front of the card.  But that's the charm of handmade, right?!?  The tile helps keep the card from warping so much.  Do you have any tips on helping cards not to warp?  I'd love to hear them!  I know I could use tape or another dry adhesive to attach the items to the card, but I need the wet glue "time" to situate and straighten everything.  I rarely get the panel onto the card base without some fooling with it.  

I wanted this to be a happy, uplifting, card so I used rainbow paper to back the Happiness die.  Then I stamped the "is" and "having you in my life" on plain white scrap.  I used a generic circle die to cut out the "is."  I wanted it to be small, but not so small you couldn't tell what it said.  I used the tried and true fishtail sentiment strips for the final part of the wording.  Now this cheerful creation is ready to go and be mailed!  

I want to say a quick word about social media.  Are you on Instagram?  If not, you should be!  There are TONS of giveaways {I've been VERY lucky and won some amazing prizes} and inspiration that you won't find anywhere else.  In fact, lots of crafters are using only Instagram to post their creations.  I highly recommend the platform even if you never post a thing.  I guarantee you will be inspired!  If you happen to join, or already belong, let me know so I can follow you!  Thanks so much for visiting; I appreciate it more than you know!  Hope all is well for you! Fondly, Christi

PS: I am SO glad to be back!! I had no idea I had so many cards ready to be posted so stay turned, there are more!!  I hope all of you are healthy and doing well :)

I am thrilled to enter my card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft - #112, Anything Goes
Not Just Cards - March Challenge, Anything Goes
Papercraft Challenges - #56, Pastel Colors
Addicted to Stamps and More - #381, Anything Goes
Double D Challenges - Welcome Spring (and mood board)
Cardz TV - #110, Anything Goes  
Creative Friday - #251, Spring/Spring Colors            

Don't forget to check out Challenges for Days for some exciting challenges!!