You are The Best

I made this little card to send out with a giveaway I had a while back but I had forgotten I never posted it!  Better late than never!  Hope you enjoy it!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Hero Arts Ink in Light Teal, Feather, Mint Julip, Tide Pool, Summer Sky, Deep Ocean and Teal Topaz {all were used in the floral portion and the sentiment was stamped using Teal Topaz. All of these inks came from My Monthly Hero kits and may not be available as stand alone inks}
The Stamping Village Thinking of You Set, #TSV_0420 {I used the Gina K Designs sentiment}, and Spellbinders Nested Fancy Edged Circle Dies, #S4-903 {retired but available.}  

This was a fast and easy card to make.  I cut out the smallest circle from the Spellbinders die and used it as a mask for the floral arrangement.  Once I was done, I stamped the sentiment and cut it out using the same circle, added dimensional dots to the center of the flowers and I was done!  The recipient loved the card as well as her prizes so this was a win win.  I rarely use a mask making my cards and I don't know why.  I think it is because back in the beginning of my stamping, it was much more difficult than it is now with all of the products made especially for masking easily.  Also, I might be a touch too lazy.  :)  

Thank you all for stopping by and all of your comments of encouragement!  I appreciate them so much!  I want to remind you that very soon I will be having a giveaway on my Instagram account so if you are a part of that social media, I urge you to begin following me; don't worry, I will happily follow you back!  If you aren't yet on Instagram, well, you don't know what you are missing!  There is more content, crafters, ideas, and things to inspire you than anywhere else I have seen.  And you can use your computer!  Just go to Instagram.com and make an account. Thanks again!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Watercooler Challenges, #306 - All About Occasions
CASology, #382 - Unite
Unicorn Challenge, #61 - Clean and Simple
Make my Monday Challenge, #140 - Hello
Stamps + Fun = Creativity - Anything Goes
Allsorts, #608 - Beautiful Blooms

Lawn Fawn Let it Snow

I hope you like this sparkly winter card as much as I do!  I am still struggling with the fact winter is here because I am sitting here with my window open - it is snowing right now and I still have my window open!  I love the Colorado weather!  Since it is snowing, I thought I'd share this card with you:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base 
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Winter Stamps, #LF1769
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Winter Dies, #LF1770
Lawn Fawn Really Rainbow Christmas Petite Paper Pack {retired but available}
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Stickles in Star Dust
Spellbinders Curved Rectangle Dies, #S5-006 {retired but available}
DCWV Glitter Metallic Mat Stack 6" x 6" {retired}
Maroon Pearl Paper from stash

I had stamped, colored, cut, and put the glitter glue on the row of houses a while ago. If you are a regular reader you know I like to have extras of any stamps I color and cut, and this was a left over from a batch I made with the Lawn Fawn stamps.  Once the glitter glue dried, I set about deciding on a background, and this time I chose a snowy gray background so as to not distract from the houses.  Again, when deciding the sentiment I didn't want to distract from the houses but at the same time I wanted it to stand out enough that it would be read.  This maroon pearl paper is actually from an envelope I had gotten in a kit about a million years ago.  I used the dies to cut out the frame from the white glitter paper and adhered it all to the white card base.  I think this card looks a lot more complicated than it was to make!

I will be having a giveaway on my Instagram account so if you are a part of that social media, I urge you to begin following me; don't worry, I will happily follow you back!  If you aren't yet on Instagram, well, you don't know what you are missing!  There is more content, crafters, ideas, and things to inspire you than anywhere else I have seen.  And you can use your computer!  Just go to Instagram.com and make an account!  It's very simple and I promise you will not be sorry!  Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and check out my work ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Retro Rubber, #150 - Winter Wonderland {the stamps & dies I used came out in 2018}
Pammie's Inky Pinkies, #2014 - Anything Goes
International Art & Soul, #100 - Winter
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes, Option of Winter Fun
Die Cut Divas - Frame It
My Time to Craft, #449 - Glitter and Sparkle

A Couple of Prickly Animals

I was originally going to make a post for these cards separately but they look so cute together I just couldn't separate them! I made these cards quite a while ago and I was happy to have finally gotten them on the blog so you all could see them.  I had originally made these for a color challenge but they never made it there; but here they are now!

What I Used to Make Both Cards:
Hero Arts Cactus Animals Bundle #SB199 {retired but is available online}
You can also look for the products separately; the animals are #CM267, dies #DI512
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

I stamped, colored, and cut both the turtle and cat.  As you can tell from the cards I colored each of the images quite carefully.  I layered greens over browns with a bit of orange and yellow thrown in, as well as the colors for each image, such as the plant container for the cat.  It actually took a few days to complete them as I had to wait for each color to dry completely before I added another layer of color.  If you don't let them dry completely, you end up with a mud puddle of brown! Don't forget if you want to see all the details in the pictures, just tap the image and it should show you a larger one.

It's easier to show each card and the items I used to make them separately at this point, so here we go!

What I Used on the Turtle Card:

Kraft Card Base                                                                                  

VersaMark Ink

Simon Says Stamp Fine Detail White Embossing Powder

I attached the turtle right to the card base and took a leap of faith by stamping the sentiment and embossing it right on the card.  I typically try to do this but end up creating a huge mess and cutting the sentiment out and layering it over the huge mess.  But this time it worked like a charm! 

What I Used on the Cat Card:

White Card Base

Kraft, Green, Light Blue & Blue Cardstock {stash}

Die-Namics Linked Chain Circle Frames Dies
Die-Namics Stitched Rectangle STAX Dies
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

To add some interest to the cat card, I started with cutting the chain circles out of blue and green card. Once they were glued on and dry, I added the prickly kitty.  Finished this card off by stamping the sentiment in black on Kraft card, cutting it with the stitched rectangle die, and gluing it on.

These cards were really delightful to make; layering the colors was so much fun!  It isn't something where I have a lot of experience since most of what I color is just one color.  They pushed me out of my comfort zone and I hope they inspire you to get a little crazy! What else is there to do? Might as well make a bunch of cards :) I sincerely hope that you and yours are well during this trying time; to me it makes it even more special that you have popped in as I am sure you have other things on your mind.  I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts :)  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my cards in the following challenges {found on Challenges for Days}:
CAS on Friday, #197 - Animals {hope my faux animals count!}
Krafty Chicks, #543 - CAS
Scrapping for Fun Challenges, #184 - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon, #585 - Die-Ing to get Crafty!
The Male Room, #146 - Animals {hope my faux animals count!}
Creative Knockouts, #385 - Anything Goes

Winter Wishes

 I was cruising around the internet, looking for inspiration and I went to the Lindy's Gang website.  I am sure that Lindy's has been in the craft business as long as I have been crafting and their products are so innovative that many have tried to copy them, but in my opinion there is nothing as good as the original.  I saw the January challenge on the Lindy's blog and I immediately knew I had to get out my goodies and take part in it.  So here is my card:

What I Used to make my Card:
Square White Card Base
White Cardstock
White Pearl Cardstock
Lindy's Gang Glitz Spritz in Steel Shimmer {discontinued but this would work}
Lindy's Gang Starburst in Tainted Teal
Lindy's Gang Magical Shaker in Oom Pah Pah Pink
Lindy's Gang Embossing Powder in Magic Moon Pearls
Sizzix/Tim Holtz Paper Snowflakes, Mini, #661599
Penny Black Wintertime Wishes Die, #51-078
Hand Held Circle Paper Punch {like the type you use in an office}

The Products I Used

Now I have to give Lindy's some product love. I have been a fan of their embossing powder forever; they make the absolute coolest 2 tone powders I have ever seen.  I had gotten the
magical shaker as a freebie when I was buying some of their products but had never used it
before this project and I had no idea what to expect.  When I shook the powder out onto the paper, it was a blah taupe color and I honestly didn't think it was going to work.  I got a little  upset thinking I ruined the paper I had made.  Well, once the water touched it, the color literally bloomed in front of me - it was amazing!  Their sprays are also quality- I hadn't used them in ages; honestly probably since I added the water to them way back when I received them a few years back.  However, a little shake to mix the color and I had no problem spritzing them out at all. No clogs, no blobs, nothing.  Beautiful!

I made my paper with the various Lindy's products, then die cut all the snowflakes.  I realized I needed a neutral color to use with the colored snowflakes so I chose a pearlized white and used that to cut out more snowflakes.  The hand-held, circle punch was used to add a circle in some of the flakes.  I cut the sentiment out of the same paper, layered my snowflakes around the card, trimmed it, and I was done.  I am very pleased with this card, I love all the sparkle! Thanks SO much for stopping by! ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Card in the following challenges:
Lindy's Gang Challenge - Lindy's Winter Color Challenge
Cuttlebug Mania - Winter, Use Blue
International Art & Soul, #100 - Winter
Happy Little Stampers, Die Cuts - Anything Goes
Through the Purple Haze, #176 - Color Palette
Creative Crafters, #36 - Anything Goes
Try it on Tuesday - Winter Blues

Through the Purple Haze

Japanese Paper Dolls

I made this card ages ago and I recently came across it; I think it is just too cute not to share and I hope you agree!  Now, I have had the die set for a while, but this is the first time I've used them - I hope that counts as something new for all of these challenges!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base 
Frantic Stamper Kokeshi Japanese Paper Doll Die Set, #FRA-DIE-10067
MSE! Stamp Set, Handwritten Sentiments, #Y500 {they sell on eBay now and this link will take you to the store}
Vanilla Card {for the faces}
Black Card {for the hair}

Silver & Gold Card {for the belts and accessories} 

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black  
Patterned Paper

I am loving these "assembly" die sets; cut out a bunch of different pieces and parts and then go to town assembling your items - in this case these adorable dolls.  There honestly isn't much to say about the process, it is fairly cut and dry.  I enjoy bringing all the parts out in the living room and playing around while I watch TV.  I actually look forward to commercials!  Anyway, once all my dolls were assembled, I stamped the sentiment on the card and attached the cuties above and below.  There was a time when Asian everything was all the rage in crafting and I have papers, coins, newspapers, books and so much more left over from that time but I love the items so much I can't let them go yet! It was nice to use papers that I've had since, well, let's just say a long time ago.  

I forget I have this die set and seeing this card reminds me - I think I will make a friendship card with all the little dolls holding hands - how cute would that be? Stay tuned! I would appreciate it if you'd elect to follow me on any form of social media of your liking, all of the links are on the sidebar.  If you do, please let me know so I can follow you back! Thanks SO much for spending your time here with me, fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Allsorts - Something New
Less is More, #434 - Fashion and/or Accessories {I hope my card counts!} 
Moving Along with the Times, #126 - New
NBUS - January NBUS
UNIKO, #63 - Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers Die Challenge - Anything Goes
Dies R Us, #161 - Anything Goes
Ellibelle's Challenge - Something Old/Something New {I've got both!}
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Die Cuts and/or Embossing Folders
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes w/ Patterned Paper

Brrrr. . .

I had so much fun making this card!  I love it when I can use items I already have in a new way! And I promise, only a few more winter cards :)

What I Used to Make my Card:
Square White Card Base
Premade Background Paper {made with Oxide Inks}
Simon Says Stamp Sparkling Snowflake Breeze die, #S528
Elizabeth Craft Designs Brrrr die, #1228 {not on the site but available}
Stickles in Star Dust

I began this card by using the snowflakes die and cutting a piece of white card with it.  At the time I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do, but I liked the look of the die as a background.  I found a background I had already made with Distress Oxide Inks and I trimmed that down to fit behind the panel I had cut.  I wanted a sentiment that was wintery but not pertaining to a holiday and while searching through my dies I came across this one.  I cut it out of the same premade background card, added the stickles, and attached that to the card.

Easy and impressive, at least I think so.  I am going to use this technique on more cards,  I think it is another way to stretch the supplies I have and, while it isn't really innovative, it is something I hadn't done in ages. 

Very soon I will be having a giveaway on my Instagram account so if you are a part of that social media, I urge you to begin following me; don't worry, I will happily follow you back!  If you aren't yet on Instagram, well, you don't know what you are missing!  There is more content, crafters, ideas, and things to inspire you than anywhere else I have seen.  And you can use your computer!  Just go to Instagram.com and make an account.  

I hope this has inspired you to take out some of those neglected dies {and trust me, it's difficult when there are SO many cool designs coming out each quarter!} and give them another try.  Thank you so much, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dream Valley Challenges, #239 - Winter/Snow
Stamps & Fun, #380 - Winter
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Layer it Up!
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Die Cuts and/or Embossing Folders
Crafty Gals Corner - Snow Much Fun!
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - Winter

Sparkling Snowflake

I just love pairing Birch Press dies with some calligraphy!  I think the combination is just so elegant!  The Quietfire Design company, which is now sold through Elizabeth Designs, has all sorts of beautiful stamps, die cuts, and electronic files featuring this beautiful calligraphy {just do a search for Suzanne Cannon; she is the calligrapher behind all these gorgeous products!}

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV White Christmas Paper Stack, 12" x 12" {not on the DCWV site, but available}
Elizabeth Craft Designs, Let it Snow die, #1234 {on SALE right NOW!}
Birch Press Issa Die Set, #56082 {retired but available}

One of the beautiful things about Birch Press dies is that there are 3 layers for you to mix, match, and use as you please.  This creation only used 2 layers of the set; I die cut the bottom layer out of light grey paper and then the top out of glittery paper.  I assembled my snowflake, glued it onto my card base, then cut my sentiment from light gray paper.  This is one of the quickest cards I have ever made and I think it looks almost as good as those you can find in the store! 

I hope you are getting in some "you" time after all the craziness of the holiday season.  It feels wonderful to not have all that pressure around anymore.  I am thrilled to pieces that 2020 is gone and I am hoping that 2021 is going to be better for everyone!  Hoping you and yours are healthy, safe, & happy!  Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dies R Us, #160 - Anything Goes
Challenge up Your Life, #131 - Snowflakes
Dream Valley Challenges, #239 - Winter and/or Snow
A Place to Start, #1 - Anything Goes
Love to Craft, #54 - Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with Dies

Happy New Year with Newton's Nook

I had made only a few cat cards for the holiday so when I discovered this set in my collection {yes, I had forgotten that I had it, have never used it and that also makes it a NBUS!}, I knew I had to put it to good use.  What better way to ring in the new year than with a cat AND champagne!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Newton’s Nook New Year Stamp set,#NN1811S05
Newton’s Nook New Year Die set, #NN1811D05
MME Joyful 6”x6” paper pad, #JYF109 {retired but available}
Dimensional Dots
Gel Pens

I started this card as I do almost all the others I make, by stamping the cat, coloring it in and then cutting it out.  I used a lot of gel pens on this design, I wanted some sparkle and I

Close up of Sparkle 

“dotted” a juicy gold gel pen to make it look like bubbles in the glasses and in the champagne exploding out of the bottle.  I pop dotted the kitty on a white panel, used some gold starred patterned paper for the top of the card, attached the white panel to the bottom of the card. 

 I am very pleased with the bubble effect, it came out better than I envisioned it.  I hope you like this card as much as I do; I think it conveys the fun and excitement that only a New Year can bring!  Thank you for taking the time to stop by and checking out my card! I hope you & yours have a fabulous New Year! Fondly, Christi

PS: Consider following me on Instagram - I am going to be having a fantastic giveaway for my Instagram followers only & you want to be a part of it, trust me! Thanks :)

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
NBUS, #22 - Stamp Set & Die have never been used :)
Moving Along with the Times, #126 - New
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Use a New or Unused Product
Make my Monday, #139 - Something New in Your Stash
Use Your Stuff, #413 - It's all about the New
Shopping our Stash, #436 - Use Something New
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Something New
Krafty Chicks, #541 - Stamp Act {must stamp}
Paperminutes, #673 - Happy New Year!
Creative Fingers, #199 - Anything Goes

Lawn Fawn Critters Wish you a Happy New Year

*~*~* HAPPY NEW YEAR *~*~*

I don't know about you but it feels like 2020 lasted forever!! I am SO glad that year is over with & I am hoping we all have a better 2021!  I hope you enjoy my card :)

I got to use another premade Distress Oxide Ink background making this card.  I make a lot of backgrounds for my projects that don’t give me the look I want, or they just don’t fit the theme but instead of throwing them away, I save them.  It’s remarkable how many times a background I would have thrown away actually became the very thing I needed for a specific card.  I think I made this background for a Halloween card, but it didn’t work.  I think it works perfectly for this card!

 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Slimline Card Base {hand made}
Premade Oxide Ink Background
Lawn Fawn Upon a Star Stamps.  #LF1407
Lawn Fawn Upon a Star Dies, #LF1408
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies Stamps, #LF1763
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies Dies, #LF1764
Lawn Fawn Toboggan Together Stamps, #LF976
WOW! Embossing Powder, Fairy Dust, #WS104R
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

I had an idea of what I wanted this card to look like; I wanted it to look like a celebration, fireworks, and fun.  I’m not completely happy with it; turns out I have NO fireworks stamps! So I thought I’d make the stars sparkle.  I began by stamping, coloring, and cutting out all my critters.  My first idea was to use a black sky so I stamped a bunch of stars on black card, embossed them, and cut them out.  The stars didn't give the look I wanted, but they were so pretty I saved them.  I am sure I will be using them for another card very soon.  Embossing  right onto the cardstock is something I am not confident in doing; I struggle with doing anything directly onto the cardstock as I have totally messed up so many beautiful cards that way, but I am getting better!  But I decided that was what I needed to do to get the look I wanted, and it worked!  Once the stars were embossed, I set up my characters and then stamped the sentiment directly onto the card. This was especially nerve wracking for me as I had to modify the sentiment; it read “and have a happy new year” and all I wanted was "happy new year”.  I devised a little trick using sticky notes that made it much easier to modify the saying to fit what I needed. 

Photo isn't that good, but you
get the idea :)

All I did was position the sentiment where I wanted it, then used a sticky note placed so the portion of the wording that I did not want on my card was on the sticky note.  Then I stamped and you can see on the card how beautifully it worked.  Just another way to stretch your investment! 

I am so looking forward to this new year!!  I am sure I am not alone.  I hope you all had a fabulous New Year - mine was quiet and that is just fine with me :)  I hope you and yours are safe and healthy and we all have a better year!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics, #91 - New Year
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine
Cut it Up, #216 - Winter
Dies R Us Challenge, #160 - Anything Goes
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes with a Critter {or 8}
Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Animals, #46 - Anything Goes with an Animal