Happy Birthday!

 I can never have too many birthday cards in my stash and I was in a coloring mood so I pulled out some Mama Elephant stamps, some dies and my Zigs.  This is what I created:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Mini Slimline Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Mama Elephant The Birthday Bash Stamps
Mama Elephant The Birthday Bash Dies
Simon Says Stamp Happy Birthday Die, #SSD111778
Gel Pens
Purple Glitter Card

Once I had made the mini slimline card, I had stamped the stamp on watercolor paper, colored and cut the image out. I wanted the gifts to be the focal of this card so I colored the critters with some light colors; colored the gifts with some vibrant colors and the ribbons with sparkly gel pens.  I attached the image onto the card and proceeded to search for the perfect sentiment. I have quite a few sentiment dies and stamps but I always have to search for what I feel matches the tone of the card. In this case I wanted the sentiment to be happy, bright and fun so I chose the die and cut it out of purple glitter card.

It took me quite a while to color the card as I had to wait for each portion I water colored to dry before moving on to the next.  I can't even tell you how many things I have ruined by not having the patience to let the markers dry!  It is something I am trying to work on and it helps when I have more than one {maybe 5 or 6?} project going on so I don't lose my mojo and get bored.  I love all the sparkle in this card and I think it is the perfect birthday card!  Thanks for stopping by! Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Krafty Chicks, #584 - Stamp Act
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Thinking of You
Watercooler Wednesdays, #328 - All About Occasions
Critter Crazy Challenge, #56 - Featuring Critters
Dies R Us, #180 - Anything Goes w/ Dies
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Any Holiday Occasion
AAA Birthday Challenge, #31 - Animals
Inspiration Station, #17 - Animal Antics

 

CLBH Birthday Whiskers {DAY 4}

 I have been fortunate enough to be able to subscribe to the Hero Arts Kit of the Month club once again and this card was born from the June 2021 kit.  I made it so I could use it for the Cat Lovers Blog Hop, something a little brighter than all the Halloween makes! 

I started the card, as always, by stamping, coloring and cutting out the cat and the balloons.  I used the Gina K ink pad and Zig Clean Color Markers to stamp & color.  I got the background paper free from a Lawn Fawn order and I felt it matched with the happy vibe of the card so I trimmed it down to size used it to cover the white card. The sentiment was stamped on white card and die cut using the fishtailed banner.  A small bit of gel pen was used to color the dots on the birthday hat, and everything was glued onto the card.

Thanks for stopping by & stay turned for more Cat Lovers Blog Hop cards! Til next time, Christi 

I am entering my card in the following Challenges:
The Cat Lovers Blog Hop - Day 4
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (entry 2)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes w/ Patterned Paper
NBUS, #31 - First Time Using the Stamp Set (entry 2)
Seize the Birthday, #226 - Always Anything Birthday Goes
Day of the Month Card Club, #32 - It's My Party Day
SUYP Challenge, #71 - Anything Goes w/ a cat :)

Clean & Simple Birthday Card

I needed to make a more masculine birthday card than usual and I had just gotten this stamp from Unity Stamps so I thought I'd use it and see what I could come up with.  I hope you like it!

What I Used to make My Card:
White Card Base
Unity Stamps . . . say it big May 2019 Sentiment Kit
Picket Fence Studios Gem Mixers, Reflections, #GM-104
Imagine Crafts Kaleidacolor Pad - Spectrum
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

Before I get into the making of this card, I need to toot some product horns. First, it's a shame that the Kaleidacolor pads have fallen out of favor as the one I used to make this card I've had for the last 20 years {!} and I've never had to reink it and it has never let me down. If ombre or rainbows find themselves in your art on a regular basis I can't recommend these pads enough. Second, I typically don't write about gems or sequins; there are so many out there and they all serve to brighten our cards. But, on a whim, I ordered the Reflections Gems from Picket Fence Studios and they are stunning!! I can't even describe the colors you get in this mix, but it is literally breathtaking. Honestly, I had balked at the price as it is a bit more than I typically spend for bling, but I am SO glad I took a chance. I am finding myself looking for ideas to make cards so I can use these gems! Fantastic quality! Now, on to the card, it was super easy! I inked up the stamp with the spectrum pad and stamped it directly on the card, then stamped the sentiment, trimmed it and adhered it.  After placing the gems, the card was done.  Whilst maybe not your typical masculine card, I like it.  Most of the men in my life don't do "men" things like hunt and fish so I can tell you I will be using this design to celebrate their birthdays! And who doesn't like rainbows? I was inspired by the challenge at Inspiration Station to use my Kaleidacolor pad to make this easy card!

I hope you don't mind my little sales pitch at the beginning of the post. I know I appreciate it when a fellow crafter recommends something, and I hope you do too. Thanks so much for popping in and I hope you have a wonderful day! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Birthday {Happy 11th Birthday!!}
Inspiration Station, #11 - Color my World
NBUS Challenge, #29 - The stamps & gems are new :)
Sisterhood of Snarky Stamps, #190 - C is for Colorful
Try it on Tuesday - Keep it Simple

Happy Birthday America!

Here is a quick little card I dashed off to celebrate the Fourth of July.  I think it's cute and fits the bill for a celebration!

What I used to Make my card:
White Card Base
Carta Bella God Bless America 6"x6" pad, CBGBA136023
Lawn Fawn Happy Happy Happy Ad On: Family, #LF1585
Lawn Fawn Claire's ABC's #LF381
Lawn Fawn Scripty Birthday, #LF2354
Simon Says Stamp Fine Detail White Embossing Powder
Dimensional Dots

This was a quick and easy card; the hardest part was trying to get the little letters to cooperate! They seemed to stick everywhere but where I wanted them to, but after asking some stamping friends what to do, I powdered the tips of my fingers a bit and they then cooperated fully!  The first step was to cut the patterned paper to fit on the card base, then cut birthday out of white card.  As the card was drying I embossed "Happy" and "America" in white on navy blue card, then worked out my placement. I popped the two words out with dimensional dots and fit the birthday between them.  There you go! A red, white & blue card fit for the fourth of July!  Perfect for your favorite Patriot!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Three Room Studio, #42 - Red, White & Blue
DL Art - Red, White & Blue
Color Hues, #21 - Red & Blue
The House that Stamps Built - Red, White & Blue
Cardz TV, #144 - Anything Goes
Simply Create Too, #172 - Sentiment as the Main Focus

You Donut Even Know. . .

Hi Dies R Us Fans!

Today I am sharing a cute birthday card made with darling Mama Elephant products that are available in the Dies R Us store.  Here is my card:

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
Hero Arts Ultra Fine White Embossing Powder
Light Purple Card
Sizzix/Tim Holtz Beaded Garland Embossing Folder, #660041 {retired, but available}
Mama Elephant Donut Treats Stamps
Mama Elephant Donut Treats Dies
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Half Pearls {stash}
Dimensional Dots

I began this card by stamping, coloring and cutting out the mice and the donuts.  Setting them aside, I embossed a piece of light purple card {there are SO many embossing folders available in the Dies R Us store; I have some on order but haven't gotten them yet} using an embossing folder and then embossed the sentiment using ultra fine white embossing powder. 

I used some pastel colored half pearls I had in my stash to add some interest and to act as some sprinkles on the donuts, gluing them down with adhesive. Lastly, I used dimensional dots to attach the elements and then glued the the entire piece onto a white card base.  Between the embossing folder, the half pearls and the dimensional dots this card has a lot of character, but it was difficult to get a good picture of both the front and of the dimension so I have included a view that shows it all off.  Just click on the picture and it should open up in another screen big enough to see.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope the world is opening up a bit where you are but please, stay safe! See you soon! Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges, #216 - Food
Three Room Studio, #38 - Birthday
Crafty Animals, #51 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Die Cut Divas - Birthday
MIUCB, #50 - Anything Goes w/ Stamping
Friendship Challenge, #66 - Happy Birthday

Party Like it's 1922!

I have been a fan of Hero Arts since I started stamping and when they came out with their My Monthly Hero kit I HAD to subscribe!! I've been crafting for a long time and the value of these kits amazes me every month!  With moving {again!} and helping my friend pack his home and prepare for his move cross country, plus all the fun things life throws at you {like needing a new car and a kitty with tooth issues!} I haven't been able to play with the kits as much as I'd like to, but I did manage to make a cool retro card with the kit from February {the stencil in this kit is calling my name!} I think this card is especially relevant since we have all been inside all winter and now it's getting warmer; puts me in the mood to PAR TAY! 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Black Cardstock
Gold Card
Hero Arts My Monthly Hero Kit, February 2019
Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder, #PW100
Wink of Stella Clear
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Krylon Gold Leafing Pen
Dimensional Dots

I glued the sized, black card to the base, then attached the background piece which I cut out of gold card.  I kept the largest piece from the background cut and glued that back into the center of the card.  The dancers were embossed with the gold embossing powder, as was the sentiment on the banner.  I cut the banner and dancers and attached them to the card, using dimensional dots for the banner.  It was then I decided to add some sparkle with the Wink of Stella pen in clear.  

I learned something - don't start with an old pen and finish with a new pen! The difference between the sparkle was very evident, so I went over the spaces with the new pen.  Honestly, it would have been easier if I had gone over the black panel before putting the background die cut on, but I rarely do things the easy way!  When inspiration strikes, you need to listen!  I also decided to lightly edge the banner in gold after it was attached to the card - not the brightest move, but it came out better than expected.  Leafing pens used to be all the rage and that is what we used to use to make alcohol ink backgrounds {called Polished Stone back in the day} before companies released all the cool mix ins formulated specially for alcohol inks.  The pens can be costly, I've seen them up to $10 apiece {I've also seen them for under $6}, but they last such a very long time I feel they are worth the price.  Plus, I use them for other things than just art - I've used my silver leafing pen to touch up jewellery {the leafing pen is duller than polished silver, but I've put clear coat on the touched up spots and it blends in fine} and many other uses that escape me at the moment.  

Anyway, this card is so festive and while it is traditionally a birthday card, I think I could send it out to anyone needing a lift.  I hope you like it as much as I do!  Are you on social media?  I am and I would love it of you'd give me a follow.  If you do decide to subscribe to me, please leave me a comment so I can return the favor!  Thanks so much for reading,and have a fabulous day!  Fondly, Christi

 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Pammie's Inky Pinkies, #2114 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Layer It
A Place to Start, #4 - Anything Goes & Make it Elegant
Crazy for Challenges, #578 - Party Themed Card

Thanks for reading all of this and stay safe & healthy!!

Lawn Fawn Butterfly Birthday

I love playing with my Lawn Fawn stuff; and that is a good thing cause I have a bunch of it!  I decided to jump into the Lawn Fawn Challenge by making this simple card.
 

What I Used to Make my Card: {sorry about the format - I tried to fix it 5 times and had no luck}

White card base

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black 
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Spring, #LF1896

Lawn Fawn Scripty Sayings, #LF1059

Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Hero Arts Aqua Ink {they have so many choices! I linked to the Aqua page}

Dimensional Dots

I had already had the line of butterflies stamped using the Jet Black Archival Ink and had colored them in using rainbow colors.  I simply used dimensional dots to pop the butterflies up a bit and then stamped the sentiment using aqua ink.  As I was making this quick and easy card, I realized I have had the Scripty

Another Look :)

Sayings for a long time; it was actually my second Lawn Fawn stamp set I ever purchased! Just goes to show you cute sayings never go out of style!  I think the sentiment pairs perfectly with the CAS design of this card.

I hope this finds you and yours well.  I know I have been creating like crazy since there is nothing else to do.  I've had a few doctors appointments and they've been virtual; while I have talked on messenger and Skype, these virtual visits are new to me.  It sure is easy and convenient - don't even have to get fully dressed :) Thanks for reading, your support means so much to me ~ Christi

 
I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics, #73,  Birthday

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Cut it Up - #196, Spring Fever with Butterflies
Die Cut Divas - Happy Birthday
CAS on Friday - #176, Birthday
Shopping Our Stash -#416, Happy Birthday