Let's Party!

I am a huge fan of CZ Design; I adore her use of different fonts and the little bit of snark she adds to most of her stamp sets.  You can only get them at Simon Says Stamp but that isn't a bad thing since I always need at least a few things from them! I scored this stamp and die set last year after Halloween was over so while I have had it this is my first time using it.  Now, this is my kind of party!

Ghost Close Up

This is a simple black and white design, but the sparkle of the ghosts gives it a little something extra.  Using the Halloween People stamp set, I started by stamping the sentiment and all the bats with black ink on white card then cut them using the matching die. I stamped the saying directly onto the card and added the sentiment and bats with dimensional dots.  I stamped the ghosts out with clear embossing ink and used WOW! Hologram Sparkle embossing powder to make them shine and cut them with their coordinating die and used dimensional dots on them as well. I finished the card off with a few black sequins I had in my stash.  By the way, you can purchase the stamps and dies separately; the link I used will take you to the bundle.  While this isn't a typical clean and simple card, I still think it fits the criteria of CAS.  I hope you like my card and hope to see you soon! Christi

I am happily entering my card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spooky/Halloween
Fab 'n Funky, #536 - Spooky Season
ModSquad Challenge - Halloween
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Spooky/Halloween
Try it on Tuesday - Halloween
The Male Room, #155 - Black & White
Funkie Junkie Challenge - Grunge, Ghouls or Giggles
Cupcake Inspiration, #530 - Halloween Fun

Halloween Houses

Hi all! I am so excited to share my little Halloween Houses with you! Halloween is my favorite holiday; I love all the spookiness, the decor and costumes and since the weather is cooler, yet not that cold yet, it just can't get much better!  I think we should have Halloween at least once a month so everyone could dream up great costumes and buy candy without feeling guilty :)  These Halloween Houses are so easy to make and you can find all the dies you need at Dies R Us - truly one stop shopping with great prices! 

What I Used to Make my Houses:
I used the following on both houses;
Lawn Fawn Scalloped Treat Box, #LF1232
Lawn Fawn Scalloped Treat Box Halloween Add On Dies, #LF1487
Card in Black, Yellow, White, Orange, Brown and Grey

I am calling this house House #1.  In addition to the above products I used the following:
Lawn Fawn Spooky Village Stamp Set, #LF2014 {sentiment}
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips, #MFT-1123

 I cut the actual house out of heavy black card, as well as the the doorknob and one bat.  The roof, door and windows were cut out of grey card; yellow card was used to add a warm glow to the windows.  I added some spooky brown trees to each side of the house, the back has a window and a cute ghost.  Lastly, I added the sentiment.  These houses are so cute in person, they are small, the perfect size for  gift card and you can make them to match almost any occasion, including just because! You can make a beach house, a winter house, a spring themed house and even a dog house!  I am sure Lawn Fawn will continue making add on options for the treat box as it's a great seller and so adorable, even with no add on! 

On to House #2.  I used the products listed about as well as some orange card and the following:
Lawn Fawn Pick of the Patch Stamp Set, #LF1754
Lawn Fawn Pick of the Patch Die Set, #LF1755
Lawn Fawn Costume Party Stamp Set, #LF1458 {sentiment}
Embossing Ink
Hero Arts White Embossing Powder
Acetate

 I constructed the little house using grey card, used a darker grey for the roof and black for the door and windows.  I backed the windows and door with yellow card and used some brown trees on each of the sides.  I also made a pumpkin and added it to one side along with a tree.  The back of the house has a black cat and a window.  This one is my favorite of the two houses because I also added 2 black bats "flying" above the house with the help of some acetate strips.  I love them!  I embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder on black card and trimmed it to fit the spot on the roof.

These are perfect for a small, snack sized candy bar or a few truffles {dark chocolate, of course!} and if I don't give them away, I know they will come out to decorate for Halloween year after year.  They are easy enough to make using an assembly line, enlist some help from the kids or friend, and you can make a whole class worth in no time! And who knows, I may construct an entire village of spooky little treat boxes! I hope I have inspired you to dig out some dies and enter the Dies R Us monthly giveaway; just be sure you use products that Dies R Us carries and you could win!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I'd love to know which house you like the best, just drop a note in the comments :) Thank you all for all your support during my Design Team time here at Dies R Us!  This is my last post and I had a lovely time.  Stay safe and see you soon! Oh and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  Christi

I am entering my Halloween Houses in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps and More, #415 - Use Die Cuts and/or Stencils
Lawn Fawnatics, #109 - Awesome Autumn
Paperminutes, # 711 - Happy Halloween
Everybody Art Challenge, #497 - Anything But a Card

World's Best Sister Card for River of Creativity

 Hi friends! I struggled with this month's theme at River of Creativity - I just could not think of a way to incorporate the theme - One Earth - into a project! But, since we really want to see interpretations on the theme, once I got going I made two cards!! You can see the other one on the 23rd.   My sister is the best and I like to show her how much I appreciate all she does for my mom and the family.  Here is my card:

What I Used to Make my Card:
Top Fold A2 Card
DCWV Maps, Texts & Ledger 8" x 8" Stack {retired but available}
Concord & 9th Globe Greetings Stamps & Dies {retired but available}
Distress Oxide ink in Salty Ocean and Gathered Twigs
Simon Says Stamp Embossing Ink
WOW! Embossing Powder Primary Ebony

 I had the globe part of this card already stamped {I used salty ocean for the water & then over-stamped the land with gathered twigs} so all I needed to do was cut out the background paper and emboss the sentiment and globe stand.  I used embossing ink and then embossed both with black powder. Simple!

I hope you do join us this month at River of Creativity! We accept all crafts, not just cards, and we'd LOVE to see your creations! Thanks! Christi

Happy Everything!

 Hi everyone!! I felt the need to make a happy card and since I adore the Simon Says Stamp "All the Feels" release, especially the Slimline Florals stamp and die, it was the perfect set to turn to.   

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Slimline Card Base
Light Blue Card for Background
Simon Says Stamp Slimline Florals Stamps, #SSS202299c
Simon Says Stamp Slimline Florals Dies, #SSSD112349c
Lawn Fawn Scalloped Slimline w/ Hearts, Landscape, #LF2476
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Simon Says Stamp Fine Detail White Embossing Powder
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

The first step to making this card was to make the slimline base.  I found a phenomenal cardstock to use for my card bases, suggested by Jennifer McGuire, called Accent Opaque White 8.5" x 11" Cardstock Paper, 120 lb. - I get mine through Amazon and I LOVE it! My cards are much sturdier now and the paper isn't too pricey; at least I don't think so.  So I used that paper to make my slimline base.  I cut the blue background paper with the Lawn Fawn die and set it aside.  I then stamped and colored the florals, die cut them once they were fully dry {I typically wait over night} and used them to figure out where I wanted to put my sentiment.  I heat embossed the sentiment onto the blue panel, glued the floral line to the panel and then the panel to the slimline base.  

I hope my post finds you and yours well and maybe brought a bit of color to your day.  Thanks SO much, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Addicted to Stamps and More #410 - Die Cuts and/or Stencils
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Embossing
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Out with the Old, in with the New
Alphabet Challenge Blog - Use Happy in your Sentiment
Pammie's Inky Pinkies, #2129 - Anything Goes

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

I miss Mew

Hey everyone!

I love the look of white & brown together, especially kraft brown! This was an easy card to make and I think, while it is simple, it is also impactful. Hope you like it!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Pre-made Kraft Card Base
My Favorite Things Mini Mews Stamp Set, #CS-533
Simon Says Stamp Ultra Fine White Embossing Powder
Embossing Powder
Red Shimmer Paper
Small Heart Die

To make this simple card all I did was stamp the cats and sentiment onto the kraft base, using embossing ink, and then heat embossed them with embossing powder. After finding a heart die that matched the cats, I cut out 6 hearts from shimmery red paper.  Once the hearts were cut out, I attached them to the card and I was done!

In case you can't tell, I am a cat lover.  Actually, I love all animals, but cats hold a special place in my heart. I promise if you follow me on this blog or any other social media you will see at least two cat cards a month.  Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Hugs, 

Christi

I am happily entering my card in the following challenges:
SUYP, #67 - Anything with Cats Goes
Ally's Angels, #47 - Anything Goes
Bastel-Traum, #102 - Animals
Incy- Wincy - For the Men and/or Use Kraft {I used a Kraft card}
Alphabet Challenge - F is for Furry Friends
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Animal Antics
Paperminutes, #696 - Keep it Simple
Shopping our Stash, #447 - Fur Babies
Lift Challenge, #162 - One Layer Cards
Creative Knockouts, #406 - Furry Friends

Happy Father's Day!

Hey everyone!

I am SO glad you are visiting me as it is time to get your flow on and join us in the River of Creativity with any project depicting parent(s) and child(ren). My cats, who, whether they like it or not, are my children, were truly kind to me this Mother's Day and gifted me with some Harry & David dark chocolate truffles, my favorite in the world {so far, feel free to send me your favorite dark chocolate truffles and I will compare them for you.  I'm nice like that!} my roommate does have children but he sees the cats more than his human kids {especially since they live in another state} and Simon Says Stamp made THE perfect set for me to make him a Father's Day Card! So, here is my card!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Square Card Base
Simon Says Stamp Happy Meowthers Day Stamps, #SSS202293C
Simon Says Stamp Happy Meowthers Day Dies, #SSSD112342C
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Simon Says Stamp Black Embossing Powder
Red Glitter Card
Simon Says Stamp Chunky Hearts Panel, #SSSD112288
Gel Pens

What I did first for this card was stamp, cut and color all of the kitties.  Between the two of us, my roommate and I,  we have eight {yes, 8!} and I wanted them all on this card.  Granted these eight cats don't exactly look like our eight, I haven't figured out how to color a black cat without making it look like a black blob, but I am working on it! So, consider these cats as stand ins for the real ones. I wasn't planning on making a square card, but I couldn't fit all the cats on any other way. Once I got the placement of the cats down, I embossed the sentiment using black embossing powder. Then, I glued the cats in their positions.  I felt like the card needed a bit of color, so I die cut a heart using glitter red card and popped that, using dimensional dots between the second and third sentiment.  As per usual, I had enough cats left over that I actually made 2 cards, but I will be posting that one later. Now would be a purrfect time to subscribe to the River of Creativity blog so you don't miss a post; we are on Instagram {tag your projects with #riverofcreativity and/or #rocparentandchild02} AND Twitter at River of Creativity (RiverCreativity)!

I hope you consider joining us at the River of Creativity - we encourage any and all crafts and would love to see your interpretation of this months theme, Parent & Child.  There are a million ideas in my head on how to express this theme; maybe I will get crafty and make some more for the challenge! You have until the end of the month to join us so I hope to see you there! 

Fondly, 

Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
SUYP Cat Challenge, #67 - Furrything Goes
CARDZ TV, #142 - Anything Goes
Scrapping 4 Fun, #193 - Male/FathersDay/Masculine
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge, #600 - Masculine
Little Red Wagon, #604 - Make it Masculine
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Masculine
Watercooler Wednesday, #317 - All Things Masculine
The Male Room, #151 - Dads & Granddads
Happy Little Stampers - June Watercolor Challenge

Sending Smiles

Hi there,

I made this card to try coloring on Kraft card with alcohol ink markers and honestly, I felt like coloring without trying to shadow or die cut.  I think this is a beautiful background stamp and perfect for this sort of technique. 

What I Used to Make my Card:
Kraft Card Base
Simon Says Stamp Spring Flowers Background, #SSS102281
Simon Says Stamp Sending Smiles Die, #SSSD112179
Simon Says Stamp Fine White Embossing Powder
Alcohol Ink Markers
Vellum
Purple Shimmer Paper

This was an easy card to make; my only wish was that the white heat embossing came out cleaner but I guess when you have a bunch of animals their hair really does get everywhere!  The first step was stamping and embossing the background stamp {I love this stamp and it was about time I used it!}. Once that had cooled, I colored in the flowers and leaves with alcohol ink markers and set the card aside to explore how {and if} I was going to add a sentiment. I decided to use the sending smiles die, which I cut from purple shimmer paper and glued onto some vellum.  I trimmed the vellum into a strip and glued it onto the inside of the card so the adhesive wouldn't show.  There you have it! Despite the embossing I love the look  of this card.

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking a look at my card! I hope all is well with you; I'm happy to report things are calming down from the move {I'm still not settled but I can see improvement} and looking up here at my house.  Hope to see you very soon! 

Fondly, 

Christi

I am happily entering my card in the following challenges I found at Challenges for Days :)
NBUS, #26 - Anything Goes this is New {background stamp and die are brand new!}
Sisterhood of Snarky Crafters, #186 - K is for Kraft
Cut it Up, #226 - Nature
My Time to Craft, #458 - Floral
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Flowers as the Focus {hope this counts!}
Frilly & Funkie - Anything Goes
The House that Stamps Built, #2621 - Embossing, wet or dry
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon, #603 - Say it with Flowers

 

Cats & Houseplants!!

Hey everyone!

Finally had some time to sit down and make something! I'll tell you, I always knew that crafting had a calming effect on me but until I couldn't do any of it did I realize how much more it does for my mental health! Boy am I crabby when I can't play with some paper, stamps, dies and markers! I tried to keep it inside since I had a house guest and I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable, but it was not pretty.  But, take a breath, because all is calm and I have my room to myself again.  I am still no where near settled in, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I was lucky enough to get my taxes and stimulus money in the same week and I went shopping! One of the items I bought was the My Favorite Things Cats and Houseplants kit {sold out now, but available separately} and I have had SO much fun playing with this kit! The card I am posting today is the first card I made with the kit:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
MFT Wallpaper Patterns Paper Pad
MFT Housecats Stamp Set
Die-Namics Housecats Die Set
Die-Namics Window Dressing Die Set
Die-Namics Cats & Plant Perches Die Set
VersaMark Ink
Super Fine Black Embossing Powder
White Card {curtains}
Various Colors of Brown Card {plant stems, curtain holder and border on top & bottom of card}
Various Colors of Green Card {leaves}
Scraps of Card {plant holders}
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink 

If you follow me on any social media then you will know that I am a serious cat lover; I do love every animal {except spiders, but they aren't really an animal are they?} but cats have a huge place in my heart.  I grew up in a house with 5 cats and 3 dogs and my mom was an avid gardener both inside and outside, so when I saw this set, and especially the cat in the plant hanging from the ceiling, I knew I had to have it.  As usual, I began by stamping, coloring and cutting all the needed items and I also covered the front of my card with the brick patterned paper found in the paper pad.  I added a strip of dark brown card to the top & the bottom of the card to ground it a bit. I also cut out the window dressing items {I used a scrap of pre-made sky that I had made using oxide inks and a splatter of metallic watercolor paint - I figured it could be snowing outside, or raining or it could even be the stars you see through the window, your choice!} and I trimmed the curtains some. I then cut out the two perches and started placing the items I had to ensure they'd all fit on the card where I wanted them to.  Next I stamped and embossed the sentiment and glued everything down.  

I enjoyed making this card so much that I made a whole bunch of houseplants using nothing but the dies; stay tuned as those cards will be on the blog soon.  I hope this post finds you all happy and healthy! Thanks so much for reading my little tutorial.

Fondly,
Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog, #158 - It's Raining Cats & Dogs!
Happy Little Stampers - April Anything Goes with  Watercolor Challenge
Happy Little Stampers - April Anything Goes with Dies Challenge
Shopping Our Stash, #433 - Plant Life
SUYP, #65 - Furrything Goes
Unicorn Challenge, #64 - Include an Animal
Crafty Animals, #49 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Moving Along with the Times, #129 - Animals/Birds
NBUS Challenge, #25 - Anything Goes as Long as it is Never Used Before

 

 

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!!