Happy Easter

The newest Lawn Fawn release has cleaned out my tax refund, but the images are just SO cute I had to have most of them!  I'm actually proud that I didn't buy them all!  My family isn't religious at all, and most of my friends aren't either so I had no Easter stamps (except one other Lawn Fawn set, which is also SO cute) but you know we have to use the NEW stuff!  I love the bunnies in this set; you'll see them later.  This adorable Easter basket called my name for the first card I've made with all of my new Lawn Fawn goodies.  I hope you like it as much as I do!

What I Used to Make this Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes Petite Paper Pack, #LF1355
Lawn Fawn Outside In Easter Egg Stackables,  #LF1627
Lawn Fawn Eggstra Amazing Easter stamps, #LF1884
Lawn Fawn Eggstra Amazing Easter dies, #LF1885
Lawn Fawn Mushroom House dies, #LF1920 {I used the butterfly die out of this set}

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Hero Arts Ink in Lavender {came with a MMH kit, but available in these sets}

Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips

Lavender Bow {from stash}

I started this card by using the egg shaped die cut to make a window on the front of the white base card.  I backed that opening with the watercolor paper {there are two shades of paper in this pack; I used the lighter shade} and set it aside to dry.  While my card base was drying, I stamped the basket, bunny, and

Another Look

eggs on water color paper, colored them in with my Zig markers, and cut them out.  I also cut the butterflies out of pastel colored paper.  I dug through my bows and found the lavender bow that matched my color scheme and fussed with it until I was happy with the size.

Once my card base was dry, I assembled the basket, added the bow, and glued it onto the card along with the butterflies.  I stamped the sentiment with matching ink, cut it out with the fishtail die, and adhered that to the front of the card, trimming off the ends since it was a wee bit too long.  I'm not a pastel type of person but I love the softness of this card.  It's going to my wonderful neighbor and I think she will just love it - mostly because she loves everything I make.  She's like a second mom to me, which is wonderful since my mom is blind and can't really appreciate the cards & gifts I give her.  I still make them for my mom, but I know it frustrates her that she can't see them.  Anyway, this card is all ready to hop on over to Helene's and wish her a Happy Easter! Thanks for reading & have a great day! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Easter card in the following challenges:
Creative Friday - #228, Rabbit, eggs, Easter fun
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spring Mood Board

Paper Funday - #4, Anything Goes, Option: Easter
The Card Concept - #113, Spring Celebration

Cuttlebug Mania - Make a Card w/ and Easter Egg on it
Dragonfly Dreams - Include an Animal

April Showers

Hi everyone! I've been getting used to my new job and then I got hit with some sort of sinus thing, so I haven't been as creative as usual!  THEN my Blogger account got hacked - nothing vicious, no one stealing my identity {the joke would be on them anyway, I'm poor!}, but they added an email address to my account and deleted my real email.  It has been a HUGE struggle to try to get my email back as the email for this blog; in fact, it still isn't correct, but I'm working on it - I suspect an April Fool's "joke" as it was compromised on 4/1/19 - ha ha ha - NOT!  However, this card is perfect for the Die Cut Diva's April challenge!  The theme this month is WATER and you can interpret that however you see fit.  We have the fabulous Altenew sponsoring us and I'll be sharing a card made with their products later in the month.  In the meantime, here is my card:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
MFT BB Rain or Shine Stamps
Die-Namics BB Rain or Shine Dies
Hero Arts Ink in Soft Granite
Dimensional Dots

I began this card by adding the rain all over the card, leaving a space for the sentiment.  I literally laid the sentiment on the card and stamped the rain and the raindrops all around it so I'd be sure to leave enough room.  I also added the puddle in which my sweet girl seems to be dancing. 

Another Peek

Then I stamped the girl onto watercolor paper and colored her in.  I also stamped some clouds on a piece of white scrap, then cut out everything.  I used my Tim Holtz Platform to add the sentiment, using black ink so it would stand out.  Lastly, I added the clouds and the girl, attaching them with dimensional dots.  I am thrilled with how this card came out - I am happy with everything about this card!  I love that it's just a "thinking of you" type of card; I never have enough of them!  I hope you get your water elements out and join us for the Die Cut Diva's April Challenge - see you there! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Emerald Creek - M, Inspired by water, rain, etc. 
Country View Challenges - M, Easter and/or Spring
Cute Card Thursday - #576, Anything Goes
Crafty Catz Challenge - Use Your Dies

Some Cherub Love

Hi everyone!  While Valentine's day might be over, you can still enter your LOVE project over at Die Cut Divas!  I made my card full of Hero Arts goodness.  They are generously sponsoring the challenge this month and I'm hoping you can squeak into the challenge before it ends.  We'd LOVE to see your creations!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Pink Shimmer Paper
Hero Arts Heart Confetti Fancy Die, #DI348
Hero Arts Cherubs, stamps, #CM211
Hero Arts Cherubs, dies, #DI442
Die Namics Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Hero Arts Ink in Pink Tourmaline, Strawberry, Bubble Gum and Red Royal 
Colorbox Petal Ink - Alchemy {any shimmery gold will work}
White Card

I began this card by stamping a whole bunch of cherubs on some plain white card.  Them I cut them out and chose the best ones for the card.  I tend to be a hard stamper and sometimes the little details get lost when I'm using clear stamps {while Hero Arts uses photopolymer for their stamps, it honestly doesn't seem to matter what material is used to make the clear stamps; I just stamp too darn hard!} the words inside the cherubs kept getting smooshed away and I had to really be aware of the pressure I put on my stamp platform.  I have to get over that feeling that the harder I stamp the more ink will stick to the paper; it's simply not true!  It's a leftover issue from using the old wood mounted, red rubber stamps and only having one chance at making a good impression.   

Once I had all my angels cut, I stamped the sentiment.  I stamped it first in a very light pink and then over-stamped it with gold.  You can't really tell in the photo but in person it looks really cool, in my opinion.  I tried to capture the dual tone in a photo, but it didn't come across the way it looks in real life  I hope you had a fantastic Valentine's Day and I hope to see you soon! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Cherub Love card in the following challenges:
A Blog Named Hero - M, Love is in the Air
Crafts Dreamy Mood Board Challenge - M, See Board Below
Creative Crafty Cottage - #115, M, Valentine
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon - #486, Love It!
Crafting by Designs - Silhouettes
Double D Challenges - Pink & White
Shopping our Stash - February 

Crafts Dreamy Mood Board

Binge Together

Those who binge together, stay together!  When the Man and I first met, I would go to see him in Detroit and there was nothing to do {meaning I couldn't craft} so we'd binge watch TV.  We watched two seasons of Orange is the New Black, countless Law and Order marathons, and much more.  I think you learn a lot about a person by the television shows they watch!  The fact that he had the same sick sense of humor I have had a major impact on our relationship ~ this card is for him!  

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Stitched Wood Grain Backdrop, #LF1501
Lawn Fawn Screen Time stamps, #LF1684
Lawn Fawn Screen Time dies, #LF1685
Tutti Designs Cross Stitched Nesting Rectangles, #TUTTI-410
Die-Namics Stitched Oval STAX
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Kraft, Dark Brown, Dotted Red Cardstock {stash}

Once I embossed the kraft paper with the wood grain backdrop {this reminded me of the paneling we had in the living room in the house where I grew up but the wood grain on the die is much nicer than the fake wood grain we had}, I proceeded to design my room.  I've seen quite a few cards featuring this set and the artists have drawn sofas and chair for seating the people - nope.  You probably wouldn't be able to tell WHAT they were sitting on if I tried that, so I decided they were on a beanbag chair which I cut using the oval die and the red card with dots.  You can't really see the dots in the picture, but they are there.  Then I cut the TV stand out of the dark brown card using the rectangle die.  I thought about adding a side table to the bean bag chair but it looked too crowded. 

The figures, television, food, drinks and other accessories were stamped, colored, and cut.  I actually made the male figure holding a soda and a pepperoni pizza, as my Man has been known to do.  I prefer to snack on chips so I made myself a bag of PopCorners chips in the Kettle Corn flavor.  Have you tried these chips yet? They have literally changed my life!  As far as snacks go, they aren't terrible for you; the bag is biodegradable and there all sorts of good reasons to eat them.  I bought a small bag at the Dollar Tree and loved them SO much I began ordering them by the case via Amazon.  If you like Kettle Corn, or sweet and salty snacks, these chips have your name written all over them.  I'd be happy to send you a sample {seriously, they are THAT good.}  Just look on the right side of the blog, find my email and drop me a line. 

Close Up

Back to the card - I attached all the pieces of the scene to the main card and put the little heart bubble above the Man's head since he's thinking how much he loves me since I've gotten him hooked on all kinds of reality television; nothing too fake, no famous-because-they-made-an-x-rated-tape type shows, just competition shows like Hell's Kitchen and some of the Marriage Boot Camp shows so we can giggle.  Oh, and we like American Beauty Star, Project Runway, and he turned me on to Chopped which is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows.  For the record, we also watch lots of documentaries so we aren't complete bubble heads.  What shows do you watch? Anything you'd recommend that I should watch?  Leave me a comment, making sure your blog info is available so I can visit your blog and leave you some bloggy love in return!  Hope to see you soon!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Binge Together Card in the following challenges:
Creative with Stamps - M, #35, Love
The Male Room - #104, Love Your Men
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Non-traditional Valentines
Watercooler Wednesday - #208, All About Occasions
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #407, Love
Try it on Tuesday - Romance
Shopping our Stash - #389, Make Your Mark {use markers}

Deer Love

This card was so easy to make; the perfect clean and simple card for Valentine's Day, or any occasion really.  A sweet card just to let the recipient know you are thinking of them.  I am planning on making a bunch more to have on hand for those times when someone needs a little pick me up or you just want to say hello.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base

Die-Namics Deer Love die set

Kraft, red and dark brown cardstock

The pieces were cut from coordinating cardstock and adhered to the card base.  You can't get much simpler than that!  I think variations of this card would be so cute for a wedding, any holiday, even a masculine birthday, if you only use one {or none} of the hearts.  I think these deer are just so charming and they make a marvelous clean and simple card.  I've actually had this set for a while but just now found time to use it; so for all the "new" challenges, this set is new to me and it is the first time I've used it.

Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you are having a great day! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Deer Love card in the following challenges:
The Cutie Pie Challenge - M, #131, Cute, Clean and Simple 
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #22, Anything Goes w/ a Critter
Kraft Plus - M, Inspired by Indigenous Art {these look like cavemen drawings to me!}
CARDZ TV - #81, Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - New! {new die set}
Dies R Us - #113, Anything New {new die set}
Moving Along with the Times - Have a Heart
City Crafter - #445, CAS 
Crazy for CAS - #13, Animal
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - CAS
The Cat's Pajamas - M, #353, Love

Create a Smile - M, Use Kraft

Birthday Wishes for You

My very best friend is a little over a year older than I am and she is fighting aging like a spitfire!  She's trying all manner of treatments {not going to go into that, you can imagine!} to hold back the hands of time.  We are incredibly different in that aspect; I don't do anything special since I've begun to age.  I refuse to color my hair, although I'm sure it would make me look younger, no shots of chemicals in my face, no special wrinkle creams - none of that for me! This year I made a birthday card that would remind her of her {our} younger years when we both were figure skaters.  I actually had a blue skating outfit like the the girl on the card is wearing.  I also included some little trinkets that will hopefully brighten her day and remind her that getting older really isn't THAT bad.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Zig Clean Brush Markers
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
MFT/Die-Namics Pure Innocence stamp, Have an Ice Day
MFT/Die-Namics Pure Innocence die, Have an Ice Day
MFT/Die-Namics Stitched Oval STAX
Lawn Fawn Bayou Backdrop, #LF1624
Metallic Blue Card
Find it Trading, Jeanine's Art, Frosty Ornaments Paper Pack, #JPP10006
Your Next Stamp, What Not Sentiments Four, #CYNS-172
Hero Arts Ink in Amethyst 

My skater was stamped on watercolor paper and colored using my Zigs.  The blades of her skates are silver gel pen just to add some sparkle.  While she was drying, I cut a panel of the background paper and attached it to the white card base.  Then I used the Bayou Backdrop's water die to make my iced-over pond which I cut from a metallic, light blue, paper.  I stamped the sentiment onto some white card, cut it out with the oval die, and then proceeded to attach all my components to the card.  I think it's really cute!  Coloring the skater was an experience; I'm trying to get used to coloring people and, while I didn't use alcohol markers, I don't think any practice can hurt!

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial.  The Pure Innocence line of stamps and dies are just so cute and the uses for the characters are endless!  Plus, they are fairly inexpensive.  Now that you have heard all about my best friend's war against time, what do you do to try to stop the clock?  Are you an anything and everything person or like me, a nothing at all person?  I'd love to hear your comments!  Be sure to leave your info so I can stop by your blog and leave you some love!  In fact,  I'd love for you to follow me on any social media platform you choose, be it Blogger, Pinterest, or Instagram.  All the subscribing buttons can be found on the right side of my blog.  Have a wonderful day!  Christi

I am entering my Birthday Wishes for You card in the following challenges:
The Artistic Stamper - M, Anything Goes
Just for Fun - M, Use Blue & Silver
Sweet Stampers - #28, Winter/Snow
Creatalicious - #155, Anything Goes w/ Option of Winter Fun
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #403, Birthday
Stamping Sensations - Fabulously Feminine 
My Time to Craft - #388, Winter Birthday
Crafty Catz - #444, Anything Goes w/ Optional Twist of Birthdays
Cut it Up - #165, How's the Weather? {my skater is outside in the cold!}
Double D Challenges - Looking Back in Time
Bastel-Traum - #73, Stencil and/or Die

Anything New with Die Cut Diva's

Happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was wonderful!  Since it is a new year, Die Cut Diva's has chosen the January 2019 challenge to be Anything New and we are sponsored by the fabulous Bugaboo Digi's.  Bugaboo is offering a

$12 gift certificate to our winner; you can get some great digi's with that much credit!  For my Anything New entry I used these Altenew dies which are brand new and, honestly,  I probably would not have purchased them myself, so I consider them a new design for me as well.  They came in a box of stamps and dies I had bought from a designer; lots of popular designers get so much given to them and they typically design for more than one team, that they can't possibly use it all.  Now, since they can't resell the items {which I didn't know}, a few have put together charity boxes where they stuff as much product as they can into a box, sell the box, and then the proceeds go to their charity of choice.  It's a win for everyone; the designers get to clear out some stash, the buyer gets FANTASTIC deals on stuff, and the charity gets money!  

What I Used to Make My Card:
White Card Base
Grey,  White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Green & Purple Card
Altenew Shattered Triangles Die Set, #ALT2031
Die-Namics Fishtail Sentiments Strips Die
Altenew Painted Rose Stamps, #ALT1542
Wendy Vecchi Ink in Watering Can
Line Stitched Die {literally a metal line with a pattern on it - manufacturer unknown}
3mm Crystals
Orange Copic Marker

Click to make photo larger

The first step in making this card was cutting out all of the triangles.  I used the smaller set of dies and I first cut out the top of six triangles in white, which are actually the detailed dies in the picture, then cut out the bases, the solid die.  I made a "cheat" sheet of how the dies look so it would be easier for you to understand my references.  Then I cut out the colors using the detailed top again.  I chose muted primary colors - not exactly pastel but I didn't want the colors to be the focus of attention.  I wanted you to notice the intricate detailed "tops." 

Tons of Triangles

Once all the triangles were pieced together and glued, I set them aside.  I cut a panel from gray card and covered the white card base.  Then I used the fishtail die to cut a small banner.  The sentiment was stamped onto a scrap piece of white card.  I wanted some stitching on the sentiment panel but I don't have a die the right size; this is where the line dies come in handy.  I used the stitched one and put stitching on the top and bottom of the sentiment, tucked the gray banner under it, and attached those to the card.  While I was pleased with the triangles, I felt they need a little something more so I put matching gems on each one.  I didn't have an orange gem to match so I colored a clear one with an orange Copic marker.

Finally, after trying out many configurations, I decided to just glue the triangles

Another Peek

randomly onto the card.  I did keep the colors in rainbow order but I didn't place the triangles in any special manner.  I love this card and I'm already thinking of ways to use these triangles; I could cut them out in red and green for the holidays, metallics for special occasions, and tones of red for Valentine's Day!  Making this card has opened up so many possibilities for the geometric dies I have.  I'm thinking of how I could use all the shapes I have in different ways, other than just to mat images or sentiments.  

I hope your imagination has gotten a bit of a spark from this creation and you look at your geometric shape dies in a different way!  I especially hope to see your Anything New entry in this month's challenge.  It's the perfect time to try a new technique, new stamp set, and of course, new dies!  Thank you so much for stopping by!  I'd love to visit you back so be sure to leave your blog, Instagram and/or Pinterest link in your comment.  See you again soon!   Fondly, Christi

Since I posted this late, I am now entering my Card in the following challenges:
Fab 'n Funky - #422, New Beginnings {well, new product?}
City Crafter - #444, Give Piece a Chance
Cuttlebug Mania - New {new product}
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Use Something New
Make my Monday - #87, Use Words or a Sentiment
Challenge Up Your Life - #103, New {new product}
Papercraft Business Challenge - Anything Goes, option of New Beginnings 
Take It, Make It - M, Anything Goes
Cardz TV - #80, Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes w/ Dies

Nutty or Nice with Lawn Fawn & Simon Says Stamp

Every September STAMPtember Simon Says Stamp releases some fabulous sets that are collaborations between them and some of our favorite stamp companies.  The catch is you only have a limited time to purchase these sets!  I was lucky to nab one of these adorable, limited edition, sets {there is always a chance that the set will be released again later; let's hope!}

What I Used to Make my Card:
Vanilla Card Base
Lawn Fawn/Simon Says Stamp Nutty or Nice? bundle, #LF1766
Lawn Fawn Leafy Tree Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1237
Lawn Fawn Snowfall Backdrop, Landscape #LF1802
Lawn Fawn Say What? Christmas Critters stamp set, #LF1778
White and Brown Cardstock
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Markers
MFT/Die-Namics Stitched Circle STAX
Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Pens
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

To make this card, the first step was to stamp and color all the critters on watercolor paper.  Once they were dry, they were cut out using the matching dies.  Then I stamped the ornaments on white card, colored them with Gelly Roll pens and cut them out.  Since the ornaments are on the tiny side, I find it easier to use the gel pens than try to watercolor them.

Making up the scene is the most fun for me!  I decided to use the Snowy Backdrop die and the Leafy Tree Backdrop to make my holiday scene.  I attached the Leafy Tree to the Snowy backdrop and then layered that onto a vanilla card base.  I wanted you to be able to see the snow but not make it a distraction and layering the white card onto vanilla gives the snow just a hint of color.

Another Peek

Lastly, I finished the scene with the squirrels putting the nose onto the snowman.  I love that one squirrel is standing on the other's head; I have a major squirrel population around my home and I swear I've seen them do this trying to get at the bird feeder.  I also put one squirrel up in the tree hanging the ornaments.  Finally, I stamped the sentiment, used the stitched circle die to cut it out, and placed it onto the card in the top right corner.

I love these little animals!  Most of Lawn Fawn's critters go together; meaning I can use these squirrels with any other squirrels like the ones in Cheery Christmas {a set I just got!}  I just can't get enough of these sets but I'm sure I will be able to feed my addiction for years to come!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits as I know your time is valuable, especially this time of year. ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dragonfly Journeys - Handmade Holiday Magic
Creative Friday - #220, Christmas Animals
CARDZ TV - #77, Anything Goes
Lawn Fawnatics - #42, Winter Holiday {graphic below}
Stamp, Ink, Paper - #179, Holidays {graphic below}
Papercraft Challenges - #26, Wintertime
Muse Challenge - #293, Free for All 
Cards in Envy - The Spirit of Christmas
Muse Christmas Visions - #114, Free for All
Moving Along with the Times - #86, Anything Christmas
Time Out Challenges - #124, Joyful {graphic below}
Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday - Ho Ho Holiday {graphic below}

Lawn Fawnatics

Stamp, Ink, Paper

Time Out Challenges

Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday

Winter Wonderland ~ Thinking of You

Isn't this polar bear just adorable!?  I knew I had to have this stamp set as soon as I saw it - it's perfect for any occasion cards and what better occasion than thinking of you?  I made this card for my last design team project with Stinkin' Inkers.  I'm sad that I have to leave but I've gotten a new job and one of my design teams had to go, and since I've been with Stinkin' Inkers since the beginning, I decided that my post for the December challenge, Winter Wonderland, would be my last.  I want to thank Terri and all of my teamies for a wonderful experience and I will miss you all! 

What I Used to Make my Card:

Cut Card Stock Stardream Metallic Coral Card Base

Cut Card Stock Stardream Metallic Lapis Lazuli 4" x 6" Panel

White Glitter Card

White Scrap

My Favorite Things BB Polar Bear Pals stamp set

MFT/Die-Namics BB Polar Bear Pals die set

Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Backdrop - Landscape - #LF1502

Lawn Fawn Snowfall Backdrop - Landscape - #LF1802

Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust set

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

I have to give a shout out to Cut Card Stock.  They have some awesome $1.99 specials and beautiful card stock.  I even got a handwritten thank you note in my order!  I wasn't aware of the extensive collection of card stock, papers and other goodies that they carry so you might want to consider taking a look at them the next time you are in need of some card stock.  In any case, my order from Cut Card Stock helped this card come to fruition.  I had an idea how I wanted it to look and when I saw the Stardream Coral A2 cards in person, I instantly knew how I was going to make it happen!  I began by stamping the bear on white card, die cutting him {why a him? I don't know, looks like a him to me!} and coloring the scarf with gel pens.  Then I cut the hillside out of white glitter card, trimmed off the frame piece so all I had were the hills, cut the

Another Peek

snowfall backdrop, and attached all of that to the coral card base.  I added the snowfall backdrop first and then the hills over that.  The subtle pink of the coral is just a shade different than the white glitter card so the snowflakes stand out a little bit.  

Next I stamped the sentiment onto scrap white card and die cut that with a banner die, attached that to the top left of the card, and put the polar bear on one of the hills.  I wish you could see how sparkly this card is in person.  All the metallic and glitter papers really make the entire card pop!  Even the sparkle of the scarf adds to the Winter Wonderland theme.  I wanted to create a wonderful, wintry place for the polar bear to be sitting while he was thinking of you, and I think I did just that.  Blue and white is one of my very favorite color combinations; something about it just looks so crisp to me.  Now it's your turn to enter your Winter Wonderland cards in the December Stinkin' Inkers challenge; maybe my polar bear can visit your wonderland?  I do hope you will enter as we just love seeing all your creations!  Thank you to the Stinkin' Inkers team for a wonderful design team and to you for stopping by and visiting my blog.  Fondly, Christi

I am Entering my Thinking of You card in the following challenges:
TioT - Winter Wonderland
Muse Card Challenge - #293, Any Card Can be Linked
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - "B" is for. . . BEAR
The Paper Girls - #165, Die Cuts
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #21, Anything Goes with a Critter
Die Cut Divas - Winter Theme
CARDZ TV - #76, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Work It Wednesday - Ho Ho Holidays
Stamping Sensations - M, Winter Sparkle
Path of Positivity - #64, Anything Goes, OPTION: Silver, Gold, Metallics

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