Hero Arts You Are Appreciated

You still have a bit of time to enter the a2z Scrapbooking November challenge.  The theme this month is "Thanks" and you can use any brand products you wish.  But if you use Hero Arts or Sugar Tree Digital stamps and are chosen as the monthly winner, you will get a gift certificate from the a2z Scrapbooking store.  That's an awesome prize!

I went a smidge out of the box with my card.  I have a plethora of old Somerset Studio, Take Ten, and Stampers Sampler Catch Up issues and I've been looking at all the beautiful creations from years ago.  Seeing all the beautiful cards with fibers used as embellishments inspired me! Here is my card:

What I  Used to Make my Card:

White Square {5 1/4" x 5 1/4"} Base

White, Blue, Light Blue, Aqua and Yellow Card

Hero Arts Ink in Summer Sky, Tide Pool, Deep Blue, Fiesta Yellow, Teal Topaz and Intense Black

Hero Arts Color Layering Peacock Stamps, #CM126

Hero Arts Paper Layering Feather Die, # DI491

Hero Arts You Are Loved Stamps, #CM171

Die-Namics Stitched Square Die STAX

Unbranded Long Round Stitch Die {it's a long single die}

Fibers from my HUGE Stash

I started by stamping the peacock on a piece of white card.  When a stamp is as detailed as the head and body of this peacock, and it is a layering stamp, instead of stamping the solid image first I'll stamp the detailed image and then the solid image on top of the detail.  It's backwards from the directions that you get with the stamp, as well as backwards from what we used to do with the old 2 Step stamps from SU!, but it seems to work better for me.  Trying to use a layering stamp for the first time is the hardest; it gets easier {in my opinion} once the stamps are stained a bit so you can see the clear stamps better.  I followed the directions for the rest of the peacock per the directions; solid stamp, detailed stamp, even more detail stamp for the feathers of the bird.  It isn't lined up perfectly, but I like imperfect creations {good thing because I'd never get finished with anything if I didn't!}

I finished the peacock by stamping its legs.  I wasn't sure if I was going to use the accompanying die cuts and cut out the bird, and I decided against it.  That was mostly due to the fact that since my peacock wasn't layered that well, cutting it out would have been a problem.  The bird was then cut out with a square stitched die.  Then I realized that I had a feather die - and a peacock has feathers!  I dug out the feather die and cut it from three coordinating card stock colors, glued them together at the top, then pulled on that inspiration I'd

Another Look

gathered from all those older magazines and added some fibers.  Yes, I wrapped the fibers around the top of the feathers and adhered them.  Do you recall when fibers were the rage?!?  I have an entire drawer full of them.  Occasionally I go through it and get rid of some I doubt I'd ever use, but it always seems as if there are more to take the place of the ones I tossed.  I think they multiply by themselves.  Anyway, while the feathers were drying, I stamped the sentiment for the card.  I also made my own round stitching pattern on the large blue square since I had no die large enough.  I mounted the peacock onto the blue square, added the feathers, mounted the whole thing onto a white square card, and I was done.  I am tickled about how the card came out and I'm so proud that I used something from my stash; especially because these holiday sales are so hard to resist {yes, I confess, I bought more paper.  It was SUCH a good deal!}

I hope you have time to craft a bit before the serious holiday rush begins.  This card is going into my newly formed "Thank You Card" stack.  I've made it a mission to make more thank you and thinking of you cards because it seems I never have the right one on hand.  Maybe you'll join me and use some of your older craft supplies to make your stack of cards a bit taller?  If you do, be sure to enter it in the November "Thanks" a2z Scrapbooking challenge, but hurry! Time is running out! 

Thank you for stopping by today; I hope your season is going smoothly and you are finding joy in the process!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my You Are Appreciated Card in the following challenges:

A Blog Named Hero - M, Thankful {challenge graphic below}

Creative with Stamps - #32, Feather {challenge graphic below}

The Artistic Stamper - M, Square It

Brown Sugar Challenge - M, #284, Thankfulness

Stamps & Fun - #335, White & Blue

Incy Wincy - Square Cards

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

A Blog Named Hero

Creative with Stamps

I'm With You

Hi all! I hope you had a fantastic Halloween - I know I haven't posted as much since Halloween ended; I needed some recovery time!  Well, it's a new month and that means a new challenge at Die Cut Diva's - and this month is ANYTHING GOES!  I don't know about you, but that is my favorite challenge theme! 

The sponsor for this month's challenge is SheepSki Designs; just click the name to go to the shop on Etsy, and if you win you will get your choice of 3 digi images!  Andrea is a truly talented artist.  Now, for my creation, I'm With You:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Alcohol Ink Markers {various manufacturers} 
Gelly Roll Stardust Pens
SheepSki Designs, Snowman Selfie, #100
Gold Card
Tutti Designs Stitched Nested Squares, #TUTTI-218
Tutti Designs Stitched Nested Rectangles, #TUTTI-217
Embossing Ink
Gold Embossing Powder 
Hero Arts Sentiment from You Are Loved, #CM171
Gold Snowflake Paper {from stash, but I think it is old, very old, Anna Griffin}
Wink of Stella in Clear

I started my card by coloring in the image with alcohol ink markers.  For those of you who use them on a regular basis, I have a question; why is it no matter what color I am using I never have the correct color to achieve the effect I want?  It's not like I want to make some crazy design.  I'd just like to highlight like I see all the "pros," but regardless if I am using blue, purple, or brown, I never seem to have the correct color to highlight.  Honestly, I think if I had every color known, I'd still be unable to color like I want to simply because I don't practice enough.  I am thinking that after the holidays, I'm going to invest some time and money and sharpen my skills.  I say that now - eh, we'll see.  

After my image was colored, I cut it and a gold frame, using the stitched nested dies.  I set the frame and image aside.  I had found the glittery gold snowflake paper in my stash, it was even cut to the size I needed, and I adhered that to my white card base.  I wanted to make the card a support card, not just a winter card, so I grabbed the You Are Loved set {and I just have to say, Hero Arts donates 100% of the proceeds of these certain "kindness" sets to various kindness charities - check them out and get more information HERE} and choose my sentiment from it.  I gold embossed the saying, cut it using the stitched rectangle die, and set it aside.  Then I mounted my Snowman Selfie on the card at an angle and placed the sentiment on the card as well.  Lastly, I decided to add some bling and I colored randomly on the hats and noses with

Another peek

the sparkly Stardust Pens.  I also used clear Wink of Stella to add a shine to the white portion of the Santa hat.  I just couldn't have that beautiful gold snowflake paper do all the sparkle work!

For readers who have been around for a while, I am still struggling with the digi images but I have come to realize that most of my angst is because I don't feel that I can color them correctly.  As you have already read, I think I have figured out a plan to remedy that.  While I am waiting to be able to devote the chunk of time and resources, I'll be watching all the free You Tube videos I can.  If you have one to recommend, please put it in a comment!  I've got to go close the windows now; it's about 34 degrees and my nose is cold. Hopefully I will see you playing at Die Cut Diva's Challenge.  Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by!  ~Christi

I would Like to Enter my "I'm With You" card in the following challenges: 
To Be Filled out After I take a nap.  I apologize for being so late adding these challenges - my 4 am to 8 am shift is a bit hard to adjust to!  Without further ado:

Scrapy Land - #101, Anything Goes with a die company they carry
DL Art Thankful Thursday Challenge - #237
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Thanks
Papercraft Challenge - #24, Friendship
Dies R Us - #108, Stitched Dies {entry #2}
SheepSki's Designs Challenge - #20, Anything Christmas Goes

The Main Reason Santa is SO Jolly

I love mixing snarky sayings with traditional holiday images {OK, I love using snarky sayings with everything!}, especially when they are unexpected.  I recently found out about a new stamp company and I just had to buy the set that had this image.  Santa is getting hip in his old age!  I made this card for the Stinkin' Inkers November Challenge, the theme is "Just Because" ~

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Polka Dot Paper from my Stash
Craft Foam
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Happy Holla Days Stamps from The Ink Road
The Main Reason Santa is So Jolly Sentiment from Quietfire Designs
Stitched Nested Squares from Die-Versions, #DV-572 {appears to be discontinued, but any nested or stacked square dies would work}
Stitched Nested Rectangles from Tutti Designs, #TUTTI-217

I'm not sure where the idea for this card started.  I had pulled out my Christmas papers and spied this polka dot paper that has to be at least 10 years old.  I have no idea who made it, but I thought it would be great as a small frame since the pattern was so close together and, out of that, this card was

born.

I inked up the Santa image and stamped it on white card, cut the front of the frame from the polka dot paper, and cut a square from the craft foam I have lying about for when I make shaker cards {you can learn about what foam I use and my shaker card process here.}  I glued the polka dot frame onto the foam square, then attached the Santa to the front of the card {after I cut him out with one of the square dies} and finally glued the frame front over the image.

Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on a piece of white card, cut it out with a stitched rectangle die, and used dimensional dots to attach it to the front of the card.  

I debated about coloring in Santa's pipe, but I like the clean look of minimal color on this card.  The fact that the sentiment is so fancy looking, you expect it to say something delicate and then you read it - let me say everyone who has seen this card lets out a huge laugh.  Holidays are so stressful; I think everyone can use a good chuckle!

If you have a moment, we'd love to see your "Just Because" creations at Stinkin' Inkers! I hope you have enjoyed my little tutorial.  I appreciate your visit and here's hoping your holidays bring you lots of laughter. ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my The Main Reason Santa is SO Jolly card in the following challenges:
The Holly & Ivy Christmas Challenge - #40,  M, Anything Christmas Goes
Incy Wincy - Christmas
Less is More - #383, Dimension {graphic below}
The 12 Months of Christmas - #47, M,  Anything Christmas Goes
CAS Christmas - M, Santa {graphic below}
Stamping Sensations - M, Get Ready for Christmas
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters - M, Humor

Less is More

CAS Christmas

Happy Halloween! {Lawn Fawn Pivot Pop-Up card}

It's finally here! I honestly wish the Halloween season lasted longer than one month - I say we start celebrating Halloween in June! Now it looks as if I used a million stamp sets making my card but that is only because I used a lot of critters from different sets.

The Pivot Pop-Up card, open to it's full glory!

What I Used to Make my Card: {it's a long list}
White Card Base
Black, White and Brown Cardstock
Silver Mirror Card
Silver Glitter Card
Lawn Fawn Pick of the Patch Stamps, #LF1754
Lawn Fawn Pick of the Patch Dies, #LF1755
Lawn Fawn Happy Howloween Stamps, # LF1206
Lawn Fawn Happy Howloween Dies, #LF1207
Lawn Fawn Costume Party Stamps, #LF1458
Lawn Fawn Costume Party Dies, #LF1459
Lawn Fawn Snow Day Stamps, #LF723
Lawn Fawn Snow Day Dies, #LF724
Lawn Fawn/Simon Says Stamp Nutty or Nice? Stamps, #LF1765 {not available}
Lawn Fawn/Simon Says Stamp Nutty or Nice? Dies, #LF1766 {not available}
Lawn Fawn Beary Happy Holidays Stamps, #LF1470
Lawn Fawn Beary Happy Holidays Dies, #LF1471
Lawn Fawn Meow You Doin'? Stamps, #LF1315
Lawn Fawn Meow You Doin'? Dies, #LF1316
Lawn Fawn Critters at the Dog Park Stamps, #LF515
Lawn Fawn Critters st the Dog Park Dies, #LF520
Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Backdrop Landscape Die, #LF1502
Lawn Fawn Pivot Pop-Up Die, #LF1611
Lawn Fawn Leafy Tree Backdrop Landscape Die, #LF1237
Lawn Fawn Happy, Happy, Happy Add On Dies, #LF1479
Lawn Fawn Starry Skies Dies, #LF1377
Distress Oxide Inks in Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet and Blueprint Sketch
Echo Park Paper, Hocus Pocus Kit by Leah Riordan, #HP91016
Frantic Stamper Brooklyn Alphabet, #FRA-DIE-10415
Wink of Stella in Clear
Watercolor Paper, Strathmore 500 Series, Ready Cut Watercolor Paper 
Zig Clean Color Markers
Water Brush in various sizes
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Whew, that is some product list! I have been making these little critters and dressing them in costume for about 2 months now; I wanted to use as many cuties that I could and, believe it or not, I actually have quite a few left over!  I've had a bunch of the sets I've used for a while but, like the Pivot Pop-Up, I just haven't had the chance to use them.  All the coloring and dressing up the critters was SO much fun and I feel the loss of having a big project going already. Enough of that; let's get to how I made the card.

I began with a plain A2 card; most of my cards are A2 sized and if I make one that is a different size I typically note it so you will know.  This card was made  

The paper after being colored

from regular, run-of-the-mill, white card because I knew I was going to color it with Oxide Inks but not use water so the base didn't need to be watercolor paper.  I covered the top and the entire inside of the card with Shaded Lilac, then used Wilted Violet, finishing up with a bit of Blueprint Sketch.  I also colored a scrap piece of white card at the same time.  I know from experience if you don't color at the same time all the components of whatever you're making, it's almost impossible {at least for me} to get the same look on everything.  I let the ink set for a bit and buffed it with a dry paper towel.  

As I said, I've been coloring and dressing these critters for quite a while.  All the animals and costume pieces are stamped on watercolor paper, colored with Zig Clean Color Markers and once dry, die cut.  I ran out of costumes and started using some other items to give them some new costumes; you will see some of those eventually I'm sure!  Now back to the construction of the card.  

I cut with the Stitched Hillside die twice, once from black card and once from

The sparkle!

dark brown card.  The black cut out was used on the inside of the card; I took the brown one and trimmed away the frame so I had just the hills.  Then I cut the Leafy Tree once out of black card and cut the hills inside that frame.  I used those cuts for the front of the card.  To add a bit more pizzazz, I covered the frame and the tree with clear Wink of Stella.

Working on the inside of the card next, I cut a bunch of stars out of glitter card and mirror card.  I placed them on the top, inside of the card as I wanted that to be my Halloween eve sky.  I started choosing-and-placing the costumed animals on the hills that I had glued to the bottom inside of the card but, since I wasn't sure about what the actual mechanics of the card were going to take, I didn't glue any of the critters on the inside at that point.

This being my first Pivot Pop-Up card, I watched the video that Lawn Fawn made to introduce the die and explain how to use the die correctly.  I wasn't sure if I'd be able to put the lettering I was planning onto the part that pivots out or how much space I'd have above and below the pivot.  I won't go into construction details of the mechanics of the Pivot Pop-Up as Lawn Fawn has done an excellent job {as always! Their videos make me feel as if I'm hanging out with Kelly and she is showing just me her newest goodies!} explaining the process.  You can check out the video on YouTube here or the Lawn Fawn site here.  I made the panels out of the extra white card I'd colored with the Oxide Distress Inks and the pivot mechanism out of black card.  It was a lot easier than I

The front of the card

thought it would be - very typical of me to give something I've never done so much power and convince myself I'll never be able to do it {it's that little self depreciating voice we've discussed before.}  I do so much better when I just jump in and try it than wait and get myself in a tizzy.  Anyway, I made the Pivot Pop-Up and cut the letters to spell out Halloween.  I attached the letters to the panels and cut the word Happy out of black card.  Luckily, I left just enough room to put it at the side of Halloween {I had originally planned to put it elsewhere, but the Pivot wouldn't allow it.}   

After letting that dry, I set up my animals and glued them down on the front and on the inside of the card.  That could have taken me another few days if I let it but having a deadline helped rush the process a little bit.   And the card was complete!  I have to admit, I'm very proud of how the card is put together and I'm actually OK with the animals all being where they are {more proof that I need to ignore that little voice.}  I hope you like the card, too.  

I hope you and yours have a wonderfully spooky and not too scary Halloween! I've invited my neighbor to come and sit with us to give out candy; I hope it isn't too chilly!  Thanks for all of your kind comments and support ~ Fondly, Christi           

PS: We laughed ourselves silly, gave out handfuls of candy & had a great time!

I would like to enter my Happy Halloween Pivot Card in the following challenges:
Watercooler Wednesday - #194, Anything Goes {graphic below}
Scrapy Land - #100 - Anything Goes w/ Dies
Die Cuttin' Divas - #393,  Anything Goes
Stamp, Ink, Paper - #174, Trick or Treat
Cuttlebug Mania - A Critter's Halloween
Art Impressions - Lots of Layers {graphic below}
Sweet Stampers - #25, Autumn or Halloween
Sunny Day Crafting - Anything Goes w/ Animals
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Dies R Us - Use Stitched Dies {I used LOTS!}

Watercooler Wednesday

Art Impressions

Happy Halloween ~ Trick or Treat

 👻👻👻HAPPY HALLOWEEN👻👻👻

I am SO happy Halloween is finally here - I've been creating cards so fast I have to carve out time to take pictures and write posts!  I usually don't mind the process of getting cards on here for you all to see, but it's been a struggle lately because all I want to do is play!  This cute little scene was made for the Die Cut Diva's October Challenge - Autumn or Halloween - which is being sponsored by the amazing Dies R Us.  

Dies R Us is offering a $10 Gift Certificate for the winner of this month's challenge and I have to tell you, they carry SO much more than just dies!  Here is my Trick or Treat card:

What I Used to Make my Card:
Black Card Base
Lawn Fawn Stitched Cloud Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1423
Lawn Fawn Starry Skies Die, #LF1377
Lawn Fawn Costume Party Stamps, #LF1458
Lawn Fawn Costume Party Dies, #LF1459
Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1502
Lawn Fawn Little Town Border, #LF1233
Lawn Fawn Trick or Treat Border Dies, #LF1490
MFT/Die-Namics BB Witch Way to the Candy? Dies
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Watercolor Card
Zig Clean Color Markers
Happy Bat Die, Unbranded
Black, Grey, Yellow, Brown, Purple and Silver Glitter Card

I cut out all my landscape dies, the clouds in gray and the hills in brown.  I attached them to the black card base.  I had actually had these little Halloween kids already colored and left over from last year, so that saved me some time.  I occasionally will color over something I've already colored and cut, but all in all my habit of coloring and cutting too many images is a good thing!  I always have something lying about that I can use.  The hardest part is finding them!  

The Happy Bat

I cut the border houses out of black card and put yellow behind them to give the illusion of the lights being on, then I cut out the rest of the pieces I used on the card.  I needed a moon and some stars; easily handled with more dies.  I had cut the happy little bat out already and he was flying around my desk; there is whole bunch of them and they are SO CUTE! Once I had adhered all the elements, I popped the bat on at the last moment.  

Dies R Us has an extensive Lawn Fawn stock, including all the newest stamps and dies so if you're looking to add any of these to your collection, I've linked them at the top of the post.  I hope you have enjoyed my little Trick or Treat card.  I still have more of the kids from the Costume Party set left over, so who knows, you might see them in the future! I'd love to see your Halloween or Autumn creations at Die Cut Diva's; you can't win if you don't play! 

And please have a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!!

Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Trick or Treat card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Shopping our Stash - #378,  Halloween

DL Art - M, October Linky

Creative with Stamps - M, Halloween

TTCRD - Anything Goes

Fab 'n Funky - #414, Halloween

Halloween Silhouette Card

Hello everyone! This is a very simple, but striking, card.  I love the background die; it looks so fancy but was so easy to use.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Orange, Black & White Card
Sue Wilson Frames & Tags, Zoe #CED4310
Female Winged Silhouette, Silhouette Cameo
Darice Bling on a Roll, Black Silver, #RH1024
Die-Versions Whispers Morocco Background, #DVW-346
Sentiment, Custom stamp by Stamp Couture

I adore black and white silhouettes; you know, the ones that people have done and hang on their walls as decoration.  This is just a smaller version of that art form.  I searched {and searched - I am amazed at the sheer number of designs in the Silhouette store!} for the design I wanted, chose female winged silhouette and cut the image with my Cameo machine; they have LOTS of silhouette forms, but for Halloween, this winged female was my favorite.  I cut her out of black card and set her aside.

Another Look

There are two parts to the Zoe frame, the plain background and the actual die cut.  I the background out of black card, and layered the frame over it after cutting it out of white card.  I positioned the silhouette in the center of the frame and gave her a little sparkle by using the Bling on a Roll as a necklace.  

To add a bit of interest I decided I needed a background and I think this Morocco Background die is perfect. Yes, it takes a while to get all those little pieces out, but the end result is worth it.  I chose to cut that design out of orange card just to add some color.  I finally stamped the sentiment on some white card and trimmed it.  

I love Halloween - it is truly my favorite holiday.  While I no longer dress up and trick or treat, I do love seeing the neighborhood kids all decked out.  I hope you celebrate Halloween where you are; and if not, who cares? Make some fun, spooky Halloween cards and crafts, you can always send them to me :) Thanks for stopping by ~ fondly, Christi

I am entering my Halloween Silhouette Card in the following challenges:
Die Cuttin' Divas - #393, Anything Goes
Shopping Your Stash - #378, Witchy or Halloween
Bitten by the Bug 2 - Halloween
Always Fun Challenges - #82,  Halloween
Bastel-Traum (Scrapbooking & Cardmaking) - #70, Autumn/Halloween

Black & White Halloween Card

If you are looking for my A Vampire You Could Love card, click HERE

So my card isn't totally black and white; there is that teeny, little, orange pumpkin that isn't black or white.  Honestly, I couldn't think of a better name for the card, so there you have it.  I just got the Spidery Web Collage die today and I had to make a quick card to play with it.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Black Card
Orange Glitter Card
Memory Box Happy Halloween Channel Die, #99558
Memory Box Spidery Web Collage Die, #99200

I had already made the "Happy Halloween" sentiment when I first got that die.  It's a good thing I still had it hanging around my desk because I can't find the die anywhere!  I'm sure once I do my big cleaning after the holidays are over I'll find it; at least I hope so! 

As I said, I literally just got the Spidery Web Collage die this afternoon and I just had to cut it out {I do that with almost every one of my new goodies; please, tell me I am not the only one!}  I chose to cut the collage out of white card and then I put some black card behind that.  The sentiment had to be trimmed a tiny bit on each end to fit on the card, but that was easy enough!  Now I have yet another card to mail that isn't going to make it on time.  Oh well, my friends and family are used to that by now; if I don't see you in person, count on your card and/or gift being late.  My theory is if I get it postmarked before the day it should be at your door I'm good. 

This was another quick and easy card.  I think it is Clean and Simple but still looks sort of elegant.  What do you think?  Do you have any quick and easy cards you rely on to help you out in a pinch?  I'd love to hear about them and I'd love it even more if you'd share the link with me in the comments.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm getting so excited as Halloween is right around the corner!  Hope you and yours have a great one.  ~ Christi

I am entering my Black & White Halloween Card in the following challenges:
4 Crafty Chicks - #426, Black, White & One Other Color
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spooky/Halloween
Outside the Box - M, #42, Halloween or Candy Themed
CAS on Friday - #144, Halloween or Autumn Card

Purr More, Hiss Less - Cat Lovers Hop Day 5

As you know if you are a regular reader, I love cats.  I love cats to the point I am almost a Cat Lady {although, I can't understand why that has such bad connotations - I've been called so much worse.}  I even have a page on this blog dedicated to my cats, the Fabulous Feline Five.  Go ahead. take a look, I'll wait.  Now that you're back, I hope you enjoy this kitty card that I made for the Cat Lovers Blog Hop, held every year at Her Peaceful Garden.  

Thanks for joining me on Day 5 of the Cat Lovers Hop 2018!

You can check out all the details here {link to the FAQ and Info page}, at Her Peaceful Garden {this is the link to the main hop page}! Hope you can join in, there are tons of fabulous prizes!

There are a plethora of pretty kitty prizes, so I urge you to take some time and join in the fun!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
10 Window Die from Uniquely Creative, #UCD1764
Hero Arts Purr Stamps, #CM181
Hero Arts Purr Dies, #DI366
Papertry Ink, Everyday Cat Sentiments, #2884
Watercolor Cardstock {I use Strathmore Ready Cut}
Zig Clean Color Markers
Gray Card
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

As I often do when I get a new stamp set, I had stamped, colored, and cut them out long before I had a card in mind.  I figure you can never have too many cats ready to pop onto a card and I always have all kinds ready to go.  I had so much fun coloring these fur babies there is NO doubt you'll be seeing them on many more of my cards.  

The panel was cut from gray card using a new die from Uniquely Creative.  They are a new company to me and I lucked out by finding them in my local scrapbook/stamp store which features used items.  I did find them online and I am certain you can buy them from numerous online stores.  Once the panel was cut, I saved the interior squares because you just never know and I am so glad I did!  While choosing which cats I would use, I decided only five really fit the card, so I used the scrap squares to fill in the squares without cats.  

Then I placed the chosen cats in various places in the open squares, including the long square.  Next to the stretched out kitty is where I stamped my sentiment.  The set of sentiments was my very first purchase from Papertrey Ink so this card is packed with items I've used for the first time.  In fact, it's the first time I used the cats and dies from Hero Arts, too.

I hope you find some time to join us for the Cat Lovers Blog Hop.  Janis, who runs Her Peaceful Garden blog, always has some fun photos and quips and she's lined up more sponsors than ever! So, get out your kitty stuff and play along! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Purr More, Hiss Less card in the following challenges:
2018 Cat Lovers Hop
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Use a Little Humor
Aud Sentiments - Use a Funny Sentiment
Southern Girls Challenge - Critter Crazy
Scrapy Land - M, Anything Goes w/ a Brand Die they sell
Time Out Challenges - Use Words to Inspire You {see below} - I am forever grateful for my kitties and this card reminds me to be grateful to others.  Kitties also make me SO happy!

Time Out Challenges

Happy Owl-O-Ween with Hero Arts

Thank you for stopping by to read my very first post as a Design Team member for a2z Scrapbooking - I am SO excited! I have been a customer of Hero Arts since the '90s and adore their products.  After I read about the special mission that a2z Scrapbooking store has, my heart got even happier! 

I'd love it if you'd join us this month's challenge; the theme is "Frightfully Fun" and I've chosen to work with a set that is brand new this year:

What I Used to Make my Card:
Black Card Base
Lindy's Stamp Gang Jack 'O Lantern Orange Embossing Powder
Hero Arts Happy Owl-O-Ween Stamps, #CM285
Hero Arts Happy Owl-O-Ween Dies, #DI545
Crafter's Workshop 6" x 6" Branches Reversed Stencil, #TCW251
Hero Arts Intense Black Ink {request a custom order or get an ink stack!}
Ranger Adirondack Ink in Mushroom {discontinued - any light brown ink would work}
Mini Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
VersaMark Ink
Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder, #PW106
Dimensional Dots

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know how much I LOVE Halloween; this stamp set was a must have as soon as I saw it!  To me when you can use a product for more than one thing, it's a win win in my book.  Even though the set is called Happy Owl-O-Ween, it can be used in so many ways, even for Christmas!  I started this card by grabbing a panel of white card from my desk, laying the stencil on it, and inking away.  I'm not sure what type of paper it was but the ink was not drying so I sprinkled clear embossing powder on it and handled that issue.  While the stenciled paper was cooling, I set to work on my owl.

I layered the owl with 3 different inks; honestly, whatever combination you have on hand works.  Once it was inked, I cut it with the matching die.  I trimmed the stenciled panel down to size; effectively trimmed off all the inky finger prints I left when I realized the ink wasn't drying.  Then I decided to get brave and I

Another Peek

stamped the sentiment directly onto the stenciled panel with embossing ink, embossed it with the orange embossing powder {I purchased the entire Haunted Halloween Embossing Powder set}, and realized it was totally crooked once it was embossed.  Total fail.  I regrouped and repeated the procedure on a piece of spare white card, die cut the banner, and attached it directly over the crooked sentiment.  I love it when I can save a project like that! 

By this time my owl was ready to be perched upon a branch so I used a dimensional dot to put him {why a him? I don't know - it looks like a male owl to me} in the tree.  I adhered the panel onto a black card base and there was my Happy Owl-O-Ween card!

Now I must say a bit more about a2z Scrapbooking; right under the listing of products on the left side of the store site is a black button that says Customer Order:

Basically this means you can order ANY Hero Arts product and get it sent to you directly if the store doesn't have the product you need.  Unlike some stores, you will get a reply typically within 24 hours about what you are looking for.  To me that is a HUGE time saver!  Now you can buy all your Hero Arts goodies in one place AND you get a free gift with every order over $50!  If that isn't enticing enough for you, how about a discount?  I have my own discount code! Just add CHRISTI15 to the discount box at checkout and you will save 15%!  

I sincerely hope you enjoyed my little tutorial. I hope to see your "Frightfully Fun" projects on the blog.  If you use a Hero Arts and/or Sugar Tree product and get chosen as the winner, you'll receive a $20 gift certificate to the store! Now you don't have to use Hero Arts and/or Sugar Tree, but why not?  If this is your first time here, why not subscribe so you don't miss one of my spectacularly funny and informative posts?  You can even follow me on multiple social media platforms; all the info and links are on the right hand side.  Thanks so much, see you at the challenge and Happy Owl-O-Ween! 

I would like to enter my Happy Owl-O-Ween card in the following challenges:
Little C's Creations - M, different theme each day, Day 18, Bird
Sunny Day Crafting - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #19, Anything Goes with a Critter
Crafty Animals - M, #19, Anything Goes w an Animal
YNS Fun Friday Challenge - #100, Make a Scene
Craft Rocket - M, #53, Autumn/Halloween
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Animal Antics
Fussy and Fancy - #223, Things with Wings
Unicorn Challenge - M, #37, Halloween or Autumn

Little C's Creations

First time for me entering this challenge - she has a different theme everyday that matches the month we are in - very cool concept - I'll be playing again!

You put a Spell on Me

I've had the items to make this card for quite a while - over a year to be exact, and it's been percolating in my head for just as long.  It was time to clean out the cobwebs and make some of those "I wonder how this would  look" cards.  Plus, it was a very quick card to make and could actually be used any time of year; however, I never pass up a chance to make something spooky!

What I Used to Make My Card:
White Card Base
Hero Arts Luna the Halloween Cat Stamp Set, #CM202
Hero Arts My Monthly Hero August 2017 Frame Die
Black Card
Silver Glitter Card
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Removable Tape

The first step I took in making this card was to cut the frame out of black card, trim it down, then place it onto the white card, marking {well, actually just kind of eyeing} where I wanted the saying to go.  I use a little trick when I have to be absolutely positive a sentiment is placed perfectly {like, to peek out of a window or it fits just perfectly in one spot} when using a frame die.  Once the die is cut, I use removable tape and make a hinge; that way the frame will stay put and I don't have to commit to the placement of the frame until after the stamping has been done.  

I finished off the card by cutting some silver glitter card using the frame die and I attached a few of the stars and dots in the sentiment area.  I love that this card is spooky but could actually be given to someone any time of year.  I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial and thank you so much for the visit.  ~ Fondly, Christi

I'd like to enter my You Put a Spell on Me card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Starry Sky
Just Us Girls - #462, Celestial Elements
Just for Fun - M, Halloween
Scrapy Land - Anything Goes {100th Challenge Celebration}
Try it on Tuesday - Halloween
Dies R Us - #107, Anything Fall
Bastel-Traum - #70, Autumn/Halloween
Cards in Envy - Favorite Holiday
City Crafter - #434, Halloween

Just For Fun

Bastel-Traum