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

Happy 2019 with a2z Scrapbooking!

I am still in that holiday coma as I completely forgot I needed to have a post ready for the a2z Scrapbooking's January Challenge, which is the wonderful {and easy} theme of ANYTHING GOES! Thank goodness I had already made the card and only had to write up this post.  As you can see, I was really feeling the festivities and went a bit overboard on the embellishments and the bling, but hey, it's only once a year, right? And it was SO much fun to just go a bit crazy!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base {5" x 7"}
Grey Card
Black Card
Hero Arts Birthday Celebration, stamps, #CM123
Hero Arts Birthday Celebration, dies, #DI343
Spellbinders Filigree Numbers, #S6-141
Hero Arts Embossing Powder in Silver, Gold and Silver Sparkle
WOW! Embossing Powder in Silent Night, #WS101R
Hero Arts Intense Black Ink, #AF345
Gold Card
Couture Creations Embossing Folder, Chiaro, #723156 {available online}
Memory Box Happy Birthday die, #99684
Iridescent Plastic Dots, Mixed Colors and Sizes
Studio Katia Clear Round Dots, Mix 1, #SK2410

When I think of New Year's Eve, images of women in gowns, men in tuxedos, confetti, champagne, and classic elegance come to mind.  I wanted this card to convey some of that festive party mood so I used a classic palette of silver, gold, black, and gray.  I used a white 5" x 7" card base since I knew I wouldn't be able to fit all the elements I wanted to use on my usual A2 {5 1/2" x 4 1/4"} sized card.  I trimmed down the gray card and ran it through my Big Shot using an embossing folder that I didn't even remember I had!  I tend to keep the crafty items that I don't use that much in the back of whatever storage I have and this one was hiding.  Being a larger size than I typically use means I put the folder in the very back.  However, I think it helps the festive nature of the card and I'm glad I came across it.  Once the card was dry embossed, I glued it onto the base and stuck it under the tile to dry overnight.  I've had trouble getting intricate embossed paper to stick to the base so I knew if I loaded it up with glue and set it to dry overnight it would stick.

Another Look

Meanwhile, I stamped the balloons with embossing ink and embossed them with black, silver, gold embossing powder, and a little silver glitter powder, then I cut and set them aside.  I did the same with the balloon strings.  I stamped the drinks in black ink and die cut them as well.  I don't have many number dies and I bought these without having a project in mind, but I knew they'd come in handy and they did! I cut them out of gold card, sort of a dull gold.  Lastly, I had to decide what "happy" I wanted to use and eventually settled on one.  I didn't want the "happy" to be the focal point of the card so I chose a small one, cut it out of black card, and all of my elements were ready to go.

I added all the die cut pieces and then went a little crazy with some iridescent and clear dots.  I started wanting the bubbles to come up out of the glasses like champagne but that didn't work so well so I just put the dots anywhere and everywhere I wanted.  I think it makes the card a celebration all on it's own!  Thank you for reading my tutorial and I hope you join us at a2z Scrapbooking this month; after all, you can't win if you don't play and how can you not play when Anything Goes! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Happy 2019 Card in the following Challenges:
2 Sisters on the Blog - Use Numbers
Dies R Us - Anything New {New Year! New Die!} Entry 2
Mix it Up - #21, Anything Goes w/ Sentiment as the Focus
Sparkles Forum - #112, New Year, New Stash {the stamps & dies are all new}
Tuesday Throwdown - #423, Embossing {I used dry & wet}
Crafty Gals Corner - #183, Make it Sparkle
A Blog Named Hero - M, Crafter's Choice

Little Santa with Die Cut Diva's

I made this card in September, thought I had posted it, but I can't find it.  I'm

hoping I am not writing this post up only to find that I actually DID post the card.  Enough about that; let's pretend that I didn't post it.  We would love to see you at  Die Cut Diva's December Challenge of "Winter or Winter Holidays" sponsored by the generous Di's Digi Download's - although the holidays are over, it's still winter!

I am a huge fan of Mama Elephant's "little" stamps - I have every one except the newest release!  I love coloring these little stamps and I thought having Santa peeking out of all of these circles was a fantastic way to showcase him.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Red Card
Authentique Festive Paper Pad, 6" x 6", #FES009 {retired but available}
Watercolor Card {I use this}
Mama Elephant Little Santa Agenda stamps
Mama Elephant Little Santa Agenda dies
Lawn Fawn Say What? Christmas Critters stamps, #LF1778
Uniquely Creative Circle Cover Plate, #UCD1801
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Zig Clean Color Markers
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust

I began by stamping, coloring, and cutting all the Little Santas - there are more in the set, but I chose the ones I felt would fit this card the best and set them aside.  I cut the cover die out of the patterned paper, flipped over the surrounding square and one of the circles, and attached all of the background to the red card except for the green circle.  On the green circle, I stamped the sentiment and attached it to the middle of the cover plate.  I arranged the Santas around the circles and glued them all in place.  Lastly, I attached the entire front to the red card and that to the card base.  It was an easy card to make even though I think it looks complicated.  The longest part of making the card was coloring and cutting the Santas and that only took a while because matching up those tiny die cuts with the correct Santa can be a bit time consuming.  In fact, what I finally did with the Little Cat Agenda set was I copied the dies and put them under the stamps so when I used a stamp it was easy to find the die that went with it.  The Santas are easier to find the matching dies because their shapes are distinctly different but I may end up doing that little trick to all my Little Agenda sets.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my little tutorial!  I hope I've inspired you to grab some of your stamps and dies and combine them in a way that's new to you. And don't forget, come play with us at Die Cut Diva's!!  I appreciate you taking the time to visit and hope that your holiday season has been creative and crafty!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Little Santa's in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (entry #2)
Crafting by Designs - Holiday Anything Goes
Winter Wonderland - Anything Christmas Goes
CARDZ TV - #79, Anything Goes
CHNC - #418, Anything Christmas Goes
Sweet Stampers - #27, Anything Goes

Golden Season's Greetings

Before I get into this card I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! Merry Christmas ~ Happy Hanukkah ~ Festive Kwanzaa ~ Happy Yule

please feel free to add your own holiday message if I've forgotten! 😁

I recently bought a whole bunch of the beautiful sayings that Sue Wilson has put out and I like the Mini Expressions because they fit so well on an A2 card.  I love a swirly, fancy looking font so these are a must have for me!  I have a bunch of them for the holidays; now I'm working on acquiring the "everyday" Expressions.  I made this card a while back but haven't shared it yet.

What I Used to Make my Card:
Kraft Square {5 1/4" x 5 1/4"} card
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals stamps
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals dies
Sue Wilson Season's Greetings die, #CED3154
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
VersaMark Ink
Gold Embossing Powder
Shiny Gold Card
Zig Clean Color Markers

In making this card, the first thing I did was stamp a bunch of the flowers onto watercolor paper with embossing ink {after I used my Powder Tool, so technically this is the second step LOL}, then liberally sprinkled on gold embossing powder, and embossed them.  For this design you need to use a detailed, regular, or fine embossing powder; no chunks because the lines are so fine and it won't stick.  Embossed designs are very easy to color since it's difficult to color outside the lines!  I colored the flowers using my Zigs and then, when they were dry, cut them using the matching dies.  I have to say this set from Neat & Tangled is very versatile; you can see some of the other cards I've created using this set here and here.

I admit it took me forever to get the flowers in something like a circle.  I spent hours upon hours trying to get the look I wanted; truthfully, I'm not thrilled about the shape on which I finally settled, but it was one of those times where if I didn't just glue the images down, the whole thing was getting tossed.  So I

Another Peek

arranged the flowers to fit the card, cut the sentiment out of gold card {the gold card I used is like a dull mirror card}, and attached that to the card.  If it hadn't taken me so long to arrange this card, it would of been one that I could of reproduced a few times but after the struggle I had, nope.  

I do like how the gold sentiment picks up the gold embossing and I'm pleased with the coloring.  I'll chalk this one up to another card that shows the charm of being handmade. I also really adore this entire stamp set - it's one of the most versatile sets I own and I do hope you check out other cards I've made using the set; the links are up in the first paragraph.  How are you doing with your cards and holiday projects? I'm feeling under the wire but I think I do some of my best work under pressure {but you kinda knew that already if you follow my blog - I'm always stressing myself out for one reason or another!}  Have you ever encountered a card you thought would be easy and it became a nightmare?  I'd love to hear your stories.  Leave me a comment if you have one to share.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I know this time of year is rough and you have limited time to spend bopping about the internet and I appreciate you choosing my blog as one of your stops!  Fondly, Christi

I would like to enter my Golden Season's Greeting Card in the following challenges:
Papercraft Challenges - Merry Christmas, #27
Pin{spirational} Challenges - Anything Goes, #231
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Party Time!
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Party Time!
WOW! Embossing Powder - Silver/Gold {Facebook group}
Card Mania Challenge - Christmas, #111
Archi-Scraps - M, Anything Christmas
The Artistic Stamper - Christmas
Sweet Stampin' - Christmas
Fashionable Stamping Challenge - Winter, #142
Wednesday's Creative Inspirations - Feeling Festive
Scrapy Land - Anything Goes w/ a Brand They Carry, #104

Glitter Snowflakes

You must have heard of the beautiful dies that Birch Press manufactures?  They are extraordinary!  The dies are not cheap, but you can configure them so many ways that I think they are worth the price.  I don't have very many of them but I knew I needed a wintry set so I could throw together a last minute card if needed.  This lovely set is called ISSA and I think it is perfect for wintry, but not necessarily holiday, cards.  I hope you agree! 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Birch Press ISSA die set, #56082
Glitter Card in Blue and Light Blue
White, Blue and Light Blue Card
White Shimmer Card
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Die Set

Another Peek

I cut out a bunch of snowflakes with each die; in this case each die gives you three different

Just a few of the combinations

cuts, so I had plenty of options to use!  I made these two cards and I still have some left over!  Each die set I've gotten has at least two cuts to use except the larger cover dies.  One of these days, I am just going to cut out all of them and just play!  Making cards with these is almost like playing with paper dolls; you can just come up with endless combinations.  If you'd like some amazing inspiration, check out Jennifer McGuire's blog - she did a whole post on this very set - just click here to go there.

That's it for this post.  Easy, fun, sparkly cards are some of my favorites to make and receive.  I hope you like my cards, too!  Thanks so much for your continued support. - Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Glitter Snowflakes in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
City Crafter - #442, Snowflakes
ABC Christmas - M, Y is for Your Favorite thing, Z is for Zero Embellishments
Daring Cardmakers - Snowflakes Falling
Jo's Scrap Shack -#264, Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge - #153, Anything Goes, OPTION: Snowflakes
Dies R Us - #111, Anything Christmas, Entry #2
Mix it Up Challenge - #20, Anything Goes, OPTION: No Stamping
HLS Anything Goes w/ Dies Challenge 

Always Jingle

I consider myself very blessed to have such a great relationship with my brother; especially because he is twelve years older than I am.  The older we get the more alike we are and we both have a sense of humor that leans on the darker side.  I made this Christmas card for him.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Holiday Patterned Paper {from stash}
Katzelcraft Cats stamp set, #KZT152 {the image was already colored and fussy cut}
The Ink Road Happy Holla Days stamp set
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Die-Namics Stitched Circle STAX

I put this together in about 10 minutes, of course it helped that the cat was already stamped, colored and fussy cut.  So all I did was cut the circle out of white card. stamp the sentiment, glue the cat on, attached the patterned paper and let the whole thing dry.  Easy as pie!

I always stamp, color and cut out extra of whatever I am working on, it makes putting cards together SO easy {IF I can find the images; I have a horrible filing system that is basically a huge pile in a tray.}  I'm going to work on that.  I hope you like my snarky holiday card; I think this card is perfect for those who see things a wee bit skewed and my brother fits the bill.  Thank you so much for visiting! I'd love for you to let me know you were here so I can visit you back! Happy holidays! Christi

PS: I just have to share with all of you - it is incredibly hard for me to type out Christmas and not just type my name! You have NO idea! LOL

I am entering my Always Jingle Card in the following challenges:
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - #125, R is for RUDE Christmas

The Artistic Stamper - M, Christmas
Dies R Us Challenge - #111, Anything Goes Christmas
Animal Friends Challenge - #69, Anything Goes Christmas
Cardz TV - Anything Goes
Creative Friday - M, #220, Christmas Animals, entry #2
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Christmas
Shopping our Stash - #384, 'Tis the Season
SUYP - Meowy Christmas

A Meowy Christmas To All

I love cats. I have five fabulous felines and they are the loves of my life.  Since I can't possibly get any more cats {well, I could, but I'd need a better paying job!}, I collect cat stamps and I have since I began stamping a long, long, time ago.  The set I used to make this card is one of my new favorites; I mean, who wouldn't want a Christmas tree full of cats? A Catmas tree!!  Here is my design team entry for Not Just Cards - why not link up one of your holiday creations and join us?

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Scrap White Card
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree stamps
Mama Elephant Oh Kitty Tree dies
Zig Clean Color Markers
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust Set
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

I have to tell you, I couldn't remember if I posted this card or not. I made it a few months ago and I looked through my blog posts to see if I had posted the card, couldn't find it, but I still wasn't sure.  To keep track of the products I use when I am making something, I have a notebook where I write the card name and then the items I used to create the card or project. I couldn't find the list in my book.  Now I KNOW I made the card because it's sitting right here in front of me.  For me not to write down something, even if I only get as far as the stamps and dies I've used, is not like me.  This card was a mystery.  I asked my friend who helps me with my blog if she'd seen the card before, and I checked my pictures.  Turns out I'd taken a few pictures, but the card wasn't ever posted.  Lucky you, I figured it out!  I can tell what I used by looking at the card and I know I started this one by stamping the Catmas tree on a panel of watercolor paper, then I colored in the cats, and cut out the tree.  The tree looked lost when I placed it onto the white card base, so I used a scrap piece of white card and inked it up with a light coat of Hickory Smoke just to give the tree something to be "on."

I stamped the sentiment onto the inked panel, then attached the Catmas tree to the panel, the panel to the card, and I have this adorable card.  I am in love with the cats that Mama Elephant puts out and I am so happy I got this set {I got it as soon as I saw it - I just could not help myself.}  I have a few other cards in the works using this same set and you will be seeing them soon.  Do you have a system for keeping track of what you've posted on your blog, or Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, or any of the other social medias?  How do you know when a card, or project has been "done"?  In addition to my book, I used to keep my cards in separate piles by my computer, but my little, fat, black, cat, Mew, has decided I actually put them there for her to chew, so that system was abandoned.  Now I keep them out of her immediate reach; she's too lazy to figure out how she can get to them, thank goodness!  I hope you enjoyed my post for Not Just Cards! Thanks for stopping by and reading my post; I truly appreciate it!  I'd love it if you'd drop me a comment so I can come and see your blog and share some blog love with you!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Meowy Christmas card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
Papercraft Challenges - #26, Winter, Wintertime
Show Us Your Pussies - #37, Anything Goes with Cats
Coloring in Scrapland - Anything Goes - Option - Christmas
Winter Wonderland - End of Year Anything Christmas Goes
Crimbo Crackers - #173, Anything Goes
Christmas Sweet Stampin' - Anything Christmas Goes
The Little Red Wagon - #475 House Pets
Card Mania Challenge - #111, Christmas
Stampin Sensations - Winter Sparkle {the little ornaments really do sparkle!}
Archi-scraps - Anything Christmas
Do-Al(l) Creative - #24, Christmas/New Years Eve/New Years Day
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #21, Anything Goes with a Critter
Merry Little Christmas Blog - #5, Anything Christmas Goes
Inkspirational - #175, Designers Choice, Anything Christmas

Simon Says FaLaLa at Die Cut Diva's

Another holiday card - are you getting tired of seeing all of them yet?  I know

that by this time of year, especially since the holiday advertisements began right after Halloween {!?!}, I'm a bit over the songs and whatnot but I still have some holiday cheer left! I've made this card for the December Die Cut Diva's Challenge, Winter or Winter Holidays, sponsored by the lovely Di's Digi Downloads; I hope you will join us and link up your cards and/or projects, you could win a $12 voucher to the store!  The background paper I used is what inspired this card; it's so pretty and I wanted to figure out a way to showcase those intricate snowflakes.  I hope you like it!

What I Used to Make this Card:
White Card Base
Shades of Brown, Red, Vanilla, Blue, Black and Silver Glitter Cardstock
Simon Says Stamp Fa La La Stamps & Die Bundle, #Set311FL
Simon Says Stamp Picture Book Santa die, #S492
Simon Says Stamp Picture Book Deer die, #S440
Simon Says Stamp Picture Book Polar Bear die, #S526
Bo Bunny Winter Wishes 6" x 6" Paper Pad, #20917843 {discontinued but available}
DCWV Metallic Textured 4.5" x 6.5" Stack {discontinued but available}
Nuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony Black, #650N

This card looks much more complicated than it was to make.  The dies include everything you need to make the character, but I skipped trying to put the teeny, little, black eyes on some of them and used Nuvo Drops instead. The worst part is cutting with the die the numerous card stock colors you need, but even that isn't THAT bad.  I cut out all the parts and pieces of the Santa, Deer, and Polar Bear, and got to work putting them together. I have a trick I use to keep everything together when I am paper piecing like this; piece together the cuts using the wrong side of the paper and, once you assemble the cuts, add some tape.  You won't be able to see it since you're putting the tape on the side that will be attached to the card.  Plus, I use regular generic cellophane tape and the ridges the cutter makes on the tape make it easy to tear it, so you can make tape pieces to fit just about anywhere!  

The first image is the back of the deer all taped up

{the "double" antler is shadow}

And the second image is the front of the deer; you

can’t see the tape at all! 

Once my three characters were complete, I set them aside to dry overnight.

I cut the patterned background paper to fit on the A2 white card base, glued it

Another Look

on, and set the card under my tile to dry overnight.  While everything was drying, I cut "falala" out of the metallic textured paper.

I assembled the card putting the figures onto the bottom of the card and the sentiment at the top.  I like the subtle color of the sentiment and how it works so well with the patterned paper.  My eye keeps going to Santa's belt buckle and I think next time I make him, I would use a silver paper instead of the glitter but it depends on what scraps I have on hand. Why not enter your cards that have some die cuts in the Die Cut Diva's Winter and/or Winter Holiday Challenge? You could win a $12 voucher to Di's Digi Downloads and that is a bunch of digital goodness!  The challenge doesn't end until December 31, so you still have loads of time.   I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial and I hope you are making headway on your holiday cards.  I'm sure I'll be crafting my cards until the evening of the 24th!  Thanks ~ Christi

I am entering my FaLaLa card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
Cardz TV - #77, Anything Goes
Creative Friday - #220,  Animal Christmas
Moving Along with the Times - Anything Christmas
Cute 'n Crafty Christmas - #1, Anything Goes
Ellibelle's Creative Wednesday - M, Snowflakes, Snowmen, Winter Wonderland
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #21, Anything Goes with a Critter
Animal Friends Challenge - #69, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Christmas Card Day
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - B is for BEAR! As in polar :)
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with 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

You Warm my Heart

I made this card especially for the current theme on the Lawn Fawnatics challenge blog - the 40th challenge is this cool color inspiration:

Now, using these colors was a stretch for me, but making this card was a nice break from all the holiday and fall colors.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Really Rainbow Petite Christmas Paper Pack,  6 x 6, #LF1740
Lawn Fawn Snow Day Stamp Set, #LF723
Lawn Fawn Snow Day Dies Set, # LF724
Colored Paper from Stash
Watercolor Paper
Zig Clean Color Markers
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Hero Arts Ink in Amethyst
Tim Holtz Stamp Platform

I first have to share why you shouldn't be crafting at 2 AM - can you spot what I did wrong?

It was an easy fix because I do this ALL the time - I have even gotten into the habit of checking which way my card opens before I attach anything to it and I STILL attach things upside down or on the wrong side.  Nothing a quick cut won't fix.  

My first step in making this card was finding one of the background papers from the Really Rainbow Christmas Pack.  I knew I wanted to use the cute heart and the scarf from Let it Snow and I had a vision in my head of what I wanted to do.  I needed to find a paper that didn't clash with my intentions and I chose the rainbow snowflakes.  

Then I stamped my scarves on watercolor paper and colored them in using Zig Clean Color Markers.  I cut them all out and set them aside.  I thought using pastel color papers for the hearts would work but they were too bland.  So I found coordinating paper {that matched the scarves} and die cut the hearts from bright colors.  I paired the scarves with the matching hearts.

Another Peek

The sentiment comes in the set as a square and I didn't have enough room to use it in that shape so I used my Platform and some sticky notes. I didn't take pictures of the process because it was getting late and I was tired.  It took me a few tries before I got the sentiment to line up sort of straight, but by that time I felt it was good enough.  I basically used the sticky notes as masks to stop the part of the saying from stamping where I didn't want it to. All in all I think it was a successful adaptation, but next time I'll give myself enough time to screw up without stressing myself.

I hope you like my card; I enjoy making holiday cards out of unexpected colors and this one fits the bill in my book!  Thanks so much for swinging by. ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my You Warm My Heart card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics - #40, Color Challenge
Stamping Sensations - Christmas Inspiration
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - #411, Anything Goes Option: Something Beginning with H {Hearts!!}
Cardz TV - #74, Anything Goes
Colour Crazy - #46, Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks - #429, Snowflakes
As You Like It - Monochrome or Rainbow? I like to stretch myself and monochrome is MUCH easier for me, so Rainbow it is!
Lost Coast Designs - #65, Cute {badge below}

Scrapy Land - #101, Anything Goes w/ a Company They Carry

Sweet Stampin' Christmas - M, Anything Christmas Goes

That's Crafty! - M, Winter Wonderland

Bastel-Traum - #71, Winter/Christmas {badge below}

Lost Coast Designs

Bastel-Traum