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

Gnome Home ~ Dies R Us Guest Post

Hello everyone! I am THRILLED to be a Guest Designer on the Dies R Us Challenge Blog! I was on the Inspiration Design Team a while ago and it was hands down one of the very best design teams!  So when Darlene asked me to Guest, I said, "Of course!"  Here is my card for their April Challenge Theme, which is Anything Goes; a perfect theme to help you hop into spring!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Cardstock in variations of Green and Brown
Light Blue card 
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Lawn Fawn Oh Gnome! stamps, #LF1880

Lawn Fawn Oh Gnome! dies, #LF1881
Lawn Fawn Mushroom House dies, #LF1920
Lawn Fawn Leafy Tree Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1237
Lawn Fawn Stitched Cloud Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1423
Scrap Red Card

Don't let the long list of items deter you - these stamps and dies are beyond adorable! Plus, you will use them again and again; I can't tell you how much I've used the Leafy Tree die; it's the perfect background for all your critter stamps, Lawn Fawn or not!  The first step to making this card was stamping, coloring, and cutting the gnomes, flowers, and mushroom.  As always, wait until your images are completely dry before you die cut them; go ahead, ask me how I know this!  While my gnomes were drying, I cut the Mushroom House.  Once it was cut, I realized that the light brown paper wasn't quite perfect.  I had used it prior and thought the base of the house fit.  I didn't notice that the right edge had a gap in it until I was assembling the cuts.  No worries!  A sweet blue mushroom to the rescue!  In addition to the mushroom, I used the little grass tuft and stem {I think it's a stem anyway} cut out of green card to add a bit of color and dimension.  

Next, I set about assembling the background.  I cut the Stitched Clouds out of

The Gnomes

light blue card and glued them to the white card base.  Then I cut the Leafy Tree out of a different light brown than the Mushroom House along with a gazillion leaves in shades of green.  The leaves are in a row of six, which are all cut at the same time, so it wasn't too tedious cutting out the different leaves.  I have a bit left over so I put them in a tiny zip bag and stored them with the die so I could find them easily AND remember to use them!  I added a pop of red to the door, propped the door open, and placed the female gnome in the house, looking out to the male who has come to visit.  I added the last bit of decoration and the card was finished.  I intentionally left the card with no sentiment so I could use it anytime I want.  Plus, I don't think I left enough room; maybe a tiny cloud that says "hi"?  At least there is plenty of room inside the card!

I had so much fun playing with these stamps and dies, but Lawn Fawn is one of my favorite companies.  I rarely buy just a stamp set; the matching dies open up endless possibilities for creating!  That is one of the main reasons I adore Dies R Us; if there are matching dies for a stamp set, it is going to be in the store with the stamps!  While they occasionally run out of an item, they get stock in as quick as the manufacturer can make them, so the wait time is minimal.  And the prices!  Let me just say anywhere I can get the best deal is where I want to shop and everything in their store from dies to paper to stamps to foil is priced far lower than anything else I have found and, trust me, I shop around!  

Well, thank you for reading this far down!  I hope you will take this opportunity to join in the Anything Goes Challenge at Dies R Us.  Who knows, you may win the challenge!  Have a great day!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Gnome Home in the following challenges: 
A Perfect Time To Craft - M, #4, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Time Out Challenges - M, #132, Home Sweet Home
Art Impressions - M, #225, Outdoor Scenes 
Cardz TV - #86, Always Anything Goes
Scrap from Your Heart - M, #32, Use Dies

Badges

 

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}

Have a Magical Winter Season

If you visit this blog regularly you know how I just adore Lawn Fawn.  I've had this set since it was introduced {last winter} but hadn't made anything with it until recently.  And I went a bit overboard; once I got started, I couldn't stop and ended up making three cards!  Instead of doing a separate post for each card, I decided to do just one.  So here is a picture of all 3 cards together:

Now in order to tell the cards apart, the first one is Landscape, the second is Portrait, and the third is Three Fairies.  I wanted to let you get a better look at each card.

What I Used to Make my Cards:
Each of the three cards uses the following:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Frosty Fairy Friends stamps, #LF1224
Lawn Fawn Frosty Fairy Friends dies, #LF1225
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Wink of Stella in Clear {all of their wings sparkle}

Dimensional Dots

Gelly Roll Gel Pens, Stardust Pack

For the first card, Landscape, I also used the following:              

The Landscape Card

Distress Ink in Broken China

Petal Point Pad, Alchemy, the Silver Ink

Lawn Fawn Starry Skies die, #LF1377

Silver Glitter Paper

The first thing I did when making this card {after the fairies were all stamped, colored, and cut} was stamp the sentiment onto the card base using Broken China ink.  I cut some stars out of silver glitter paper and glued them in various places around the card and stamped the wand swirls in silver ink.  

I used dimensional dots to attach this fairy to the card, placing her appropriately so that the wand swirls and stars were in the correct areas.

The Portrait Card

For the second card, Portrait, I used the following products:

White Scrap {for embossing folder}
Darice Scroll Background Embossing Folder, #1216-62
Distress Ink in Broken China

For this little fairy, first I stamped the snowflakes and wand swirls in Broken China and stamped the sentiment in Jet Black ink, then I dry embossed the background.  I attached the background paper to the white card base and finished the card by using dimensional dots to adhere the fairy.  

Finally for the third card, Three Fairies, it was time to have some fairies hanging out together outside their home.  I picture them practicing flying and getting those wand swirls perfect.

For this last card I used these additional products to make my card: 

Three Fairies

Scrap White Card {for banner}
Spellbinders Shapeabilities Vintage Pierced Banners, #S4-820
Distress Ink in Broken China
Light Blue Cardstock
Darice Embossing Folder Snowflake Trim, #1219-135
Stickles Glitter Glue in Crystal

Step one in constructing this card was running the light blue card through my Big Shot to dry emboss the paper.  I glued the background paper to the white card base and made the banner out of scrap.  The sentiment was stamped onto the banner after it was cut, and then it was assembled.

The fairy house was water colored like the fairies and I added a bit of glitter glue to the roof and the tip of the front door.  I was trying to give the illusion of snow, but since I used a clear glitter glue you can't really see it, even in person.  So we will just say it's ice; works for me!  The fairy that carries a muff is now holding a star leftover from the first card and another star has been added to the top window of the house.  

I hope you enjoyed my cards; these fairies are adorable.  ~Christi

I am entering all of the cards in the following challenges:
Fashionable Stamping - #143, Anything Goes
The Fairy & the Unicorn - M, Anything Goes
The Crafters Cafe - Fairy Tale {hope my fairies count!}
Friendship Challenge - #38, Anything Goes with Snowflakes
Just for Fun - Use Blue & Silver {entry 2}
Sweet Stampers - #28, Winter/Snow
Alphabet Challenge - W is for Wings
Fab 'n Funky - #425, Fantasy Figures
Lil Red Wagon - #482, Winter Blues
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Frilly and Funkie - Winter Blues

Plane and Simple

I get a huge kick out of a good play on words {almost as much as a good snarky sentiment} and this card just makes me smile!  It's difficult for me to make a sweet card that isn't too feminine looking - with all that pink and hearts and stuff.  But this year I am determined to make a "manly" lovey card for Valentine's Day; I think I did a good job, what do you think?

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV Maps, Text and Ledgers 8" x 8" Stack, #CS-019-00018
Lawn Fawn Plane and Simple stamps, #LF1409
Lawn Fawn Plane and Simple dies, #LF1410
Lawn Fawn Candy Hearts, #LF1827
Tutti Designs Scalloped Stitched Nesting Circles, #TUTTI-419
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
VersaMark Ink
Simon Says Stamp White Fine Detail Embossing Powder

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
White & Red scrap card
Vellum

I started by making a collage with a bunch of the papers from DCWV.  I ripped up some of the maps and collaged them on scrap white paper.  Then I trimmed the panel down and attached it to a white card base.  I didn't want anything to be recognizable on the map and ripping up the papers and mixing them up worked beautifully to get the background I wanted.

Although this is an older stamp set, this is the first time I've used it.  What better occasion than Valentine's Day or even just an every day "I love you" card to break out a some new goodies?  I love the planes and the puffy clouds, especially the puffy heart exhaust.  I think this set is perfect for a masculine card as it gets the point across without being too frilly and girly; plus you can always raise the cuteness factor by giving your clouds one of those adorable smiley faces that are included in the set.  Once all the images were stamped, colored, and cut, I realized I

Another Peek

had a dilemma.  How to add all the elements without covering up the map? I suppose I could have made a larger card but I am so used to designing for an A2 {4 1/4" x 5 1/2"} size card that I honestly didn't even think of making a larger card until I was faced with the placement of the pieces.  After some thought, I chose to use vellum to act as a buffer between the map and the components of the card.   I just bought some new Tutti Designs dies {and I HAD to try them out!} so I used the scalloped circle die for the vellum.  I attached the vellum to the card, hiding the adhesive under the clouds, plane, and heart.  I embossed part of the sentiment with white embossing powder and added the heart with white scrap layered behind it to finish it off.

And there is my "manly" love card.  I am pleased with the design and I think the recipient is going to enjoy it as well.  What do you use to design a masculine card?  I'd love to hear your tips and tricks.  Just leave me a comment and be sure to leave your contact information so I can visit you back.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you soon! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Plane and Simple card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics - #45, Lots of Love {graphic below}
Unicorn Challenge -M, #39, Things with Wings
Cardz for Guyz - #211, Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Work it Wednesday - Something New {the stamp & dies are new to me}
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Have a Heart
Southern Girls Challenge - Love is in the Air 
Moving Along with the Times - Have a Heart
Dies R Us - Anything New {the stamp & dies are new to me}

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

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

Home for the Holidays with Hero Arts

Since winter is still here, I wanted to share this winter wonderland card I created using the Home for the Holidays set from Hero Arts.  It's my last entry in the Winter Wonderland challenge at a2z Scrapbooking.  If you look closely, you can see the sparkle on the card and I accomplished my goal of creating my own Winter Wonderland!  There is a bit more time left in the challenge, so why not link up your own Winter Wonderland creation? 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Hero Arts Home for the Holidays Stamp Set, #CM282 {you can special order from the store}
Hero Arts Home for the Holidays Die Set, #DI556 {you can special order from the store}
White Shimmer, Gray and White Cardstock
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Markers
Sue Wilson Mini Expressions Warmest Wishes die, #CEDME018
Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Backdrop, Landscape, #LF1502
Wendy Vecchi Archival Ink in Fern Green and Potting Soil
Hero Arts Ink in Intense Black, #AF345
Stickles in Stardust

I wanted a charming landscape for my houses so I began this card with the backdrop which I cut from white card.  I had found this grayish white, almost speckled paper {it almost looks like vellum to me} in my stash and decided to use that for my sky.  I added some Stickles snowflakes to the sky as well.  It's difficult to see in the pictures, but there is glittery snow on the houses and trees.  I stamped all of the houses on watercolor paper, colored them using Zig Clean Color Markers and, when they were fully dry, used the coordinating dies to cut them.  I stamped the trees with colored ink on scrap card and cut them out as well.  I wanted the card to look a bit old fashioned so I colored the houses lightly to give a Norman Rockwell feel to the card.

Another Look

Even though this is a Christmas set, you could essentially use the houses without snow {like the cabin} any time of year.  I think sending a card after the holiday "rush" is almost better than getting a holiday card.  Like getting a present out of the blue.  In order to compose the scene, I cut the hillside backdrop and the sentiment both out of white shimmer card.  I placed the houses and trees in various places on the backdrop and the sentiment in the top right hand corner.   As I am looking at the card now I think perhaps I should have made some smoke come out of the chimneys to add a bit more warmth.  What do you think?  Regardless, this setting is definitely a Winter Wonderland to me.  I can picture a roaring fireplace inside the homes, the families gathered around it drinking hot cocoa, all  warm and snug in their flannel pajamas.  Sounds really good to me! I hope you get some inspiration from my card and perhaps compose your own Winter Wonderland to enter into this month's challenge at a2z Scrapbooking.  If you need some supplies, feel free to use my discount code CHRISTI15 at the a2z Scrapbooking store to get 15% off your order of any size, even special orders!  Thank you so much for dropping by, it's been nice to share the end of the year {can you believe it!?!} with you and I hope you will continue to pop in ~ Fondly, Christi

I would like to enter my Home for the Holidays card in the following challenges:
A Blog Named Hero - M, Winter {graphic below}
Country View Challenges - M, Christmas
The Artistic Stamper - Christmas {entry 2}
Ellibelle's Creative Moments - Christmas
Double D Challenges - Let it Snow {graphic below}
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Crimbo Crackers - #174, Anything Christmas Goes

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