Spring has Sprung at The Paper Funday Challenge!

Hello everyone!

First, sorry this is late!! Moving has got my life all upside down!! For my Paper Funday Design Team card this month I used a card I made a while back, but hadn't decided what sentiment to use. The Paper Funday Challenges are always "Anything Goes" and I used the April Twist of Spring has Sprung! When I made this I hadn't played with stencils in so long that I wasn't even sure how the card was going to turn out, however, I'm happy with it and I hope you like it too! 

 What I Used to Make my Card:
5" x 7" White Card Base
Hero Arts Large Flower Stencil, #SA069
Ranger/Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks in Worn Lipstick, Dried Marigold, Squeezed Lemonade, Cracked Pistachio, Tumbled Glass and Seedless Preserves
Neat & Tangled "Hello Spring" Die {retired but available}
White Card
Purple Card

It was so easy to make this card and the background came out so well that I have been ordering more stencils to play with! I hope to be able to show you more cards using stencils and ink blending; it's one of those techniques that looks complicated but is SO easy to do! I began by blending Oxide inks {using the "make up" blending brushes that I am absolutely in love with!} in the middle of the flower and worked my way to the outside of the stencil.  I used Purple Tape to hold the stencil onto the paper and, if I had known how pretty it was going to come out, I would have stenciled directly onto the card base but, being unsure, I used another sheet of regular heavy weight cardstock. Once I removed (and cleaned thoroughly) the stencil, I trimmed the design down a bit and centered it on the 5" x 7" card.  I rarely use other sizes than A2 {5 1/2 x 4 1/4} but lately I've been so inspired by the slimline cards I have made a bunch of larger cards; postage isn't an issue since I plan on hand delivering them.

Once the background was finished, I let it set overnight {honestly, I don't know if this is necessary, but I felt like I could somehow rub the Oxides and ruin the stencil and I didn't want to take any chances. I am happy to say the ink has stayed put with no problem} and then started searching for a sentiment. I recently changed my stamps & dies storage system from sorting "by manufacturer" to "by season", "occasion" etc, and I found so many products I'd never used simply because I had forgotten I had them and this word die was one of the "finds".  I cut the shadow of the die out using white card and the inner piece using light purple, to match the ink colors.  This simple sentiment fits this card perfectly as I didn't want to obscure too much of the design and I have plenty of room to write anything else on the inside of the card.  I hope this inspires you to get some stamps and what not out that you haven't played with for a while {maybe even forgot you had like I did!} and give them some love. I'm glad I did! 

Thank you SO much for stopping by and I hope to see you in the May Paper Funday Challenge! 

Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft, #137 - Anything Goes
The Crafters Cafe, #263 - Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenges, #208 - Anything Goes w/ Option of Flower(s)
MIUCB, #48 - Anything Goes & No Stamping
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Easter/Spring
Try it on Tuesday - Hello Spring!
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Easter/Spring
Make My Monday, #145 - Easter/Spring
Stamps & Fun = Creativity, #386 - Spring and/or Easter
Make the Cards, #10 - Colors

Thanks!!!

 

Happiness Is. . . me being BACK!!!

After being absent from the crafting scene for far too long I am returning! I found a bunch of cards on my blog all written up and ready to go, so here is one of them.  Cue the applause sign!!  

Stamp sets that are extremely versatile are hard to come by.  Yes, you can typically use a set for one or two occasions, but to find one that virtually can be used for almost anything is a hard find; at least, in my experience.  Versatility is the main reason I purchased this set by Neat & Tangled.  I'd love to know what sets you have that you think are very versatile!  Hope you like my card!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Pink Card Base
White Card
Neat & Tangled Happiness stamps
Neat & Tangled Happiness dies
Pre-made Oxide Ink Background Paper

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Small Circle Die {manufacturer unknown}
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips
Lawn Fawn Really Rainbow Petite Paper Pack, 6 x 6

Since the background was already done, this card was super fast and easy.  I try to have a bunch of background papers ready to go and I make up batches of both Oxide Ink and alcohol ink backgrounds when I have all the inks out.  I'm usually making a background for a card I have in my head and once that is finished, I let myself play a bit.  That is how this lovely background came to be; just playing.  I trimmed the background and glued it onto the pink card and set it under the stone tile to dry.  I like my cards to be as flat as possible; it doesn't

Another Peek

always work out that way, especially if I am gluing more onto the front of the card.  But that's the charm of handmade, right?!?  The tile helps keep the card from warping so much.  Do you have any tips on helping cards not to warp?  I'd love to hear them!  I know I could use tape or another dry adhesive to attach the items to the card, but I need the wet glue "time" to situate and straighten everything.  I rarely get the panel onto the card base without some fooling with it.  

I wanted this to be a happy, uplifting, card so I used rainbow paper to back the Happiness die.  Then I stamped the "is" and "having you in my life" on plain white scrap.  I used a generic circle die to cut out the "is."  I wanted it to be small, but not so small you couldn't tell what it said.  I used the tried and true fishtail sentiment strips for the final part of the wording.  Now this cheerful creation is ready to go and be mailed!  

I want to say a quick word about social media.  Are you on Instagram?  If not, you should be!  There are TONS of giveaways {I've been VERY lucky and won some amazing prizes} and inspiration that you won't find anywhere else.  In fact, lots of crafters are using only Instagram to post their creations.  I highly recommend the platform even if you never post a thing.  I guarantee you will be inspired!  If you happen to join, or already belong, let me know so I can follow you!  Thanks so much for visiting; I appreciate it more than you know!  Hope all is well for you! Fondly, Christi

PS: I am SO glad to be back!! I had no idea I had so many cards ready to be posted so stay turned, there are more!!  I hope all of you are healthy and doing well :)

I am thrilled to enter my card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft - #112, Anything Goes
Not Just Cards - March Challenge, Anything Goes
Papercraft Challenges - #56, Pastel Colors
Addicted to Stamps and More - #381, Anything Goes
Double D Challenges - Welcome Spring (and mood board)
Cardz TV - #110, Anything Goes  
Creative Friday - #251, Spring/Spring Colors            

Don't forget to check out Challenges for Days for some exciting challenges!!                 

Celebrate You!

Nothing drives a point across like a clean and simple card.  A bold sentiment and rainbow ink really help to get that feeling across!  I made this card to send to my sister at her work.  I'm hoping she will keep it on her desk so when things get crazy, she'll remember how awesome she is!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Kaleidacolor Ink Pad in Spectrum, #KA-000-001
Neat & Tangled Celebrate You stamps
Neat & Tangled Celebrate You dies

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Dimensional Dots

The first step in making this card was stamping the focal sentiment onto some white card.  I used the rainbow ink pad.  Let me just tell you a bit about the Kaleidacolor pads; they are priced higher than your standard ink pad but you are getting so much more than you do from a regular ink pad.  They have been around for a long time and I think they have gotten lost in the plethora of new products that come out every other day.  I've had my pads for over 18 years and I am still using the ink that they came with.  Granted, I don't use them every day, but that's amazing to me that I have never had to re-ink them!  I've had so many ink pads dry out on me {I just had it happen to me with a mini ink pad that had shimmer ink in it.  The pad was about six months old {if even that old} and when I went to use it, it was dry as a bone.  Disappointing when the perfect ink can't be used but none of my K-pads have done that.  Now, if by chance they do need re-inking, the website has each color re-inker next to the pad so you don't have to search all over to get the color you need.  I just think that's fabulous and had to give them a shout out as well as encourage you to get one of these pads if you don't have one.  The color combinations they have are perfect and I guarantee you will use it more than you think you will.  

Back to the card; I stamped the two sentiments in black right onto the card base then attached the focal sentiment onto the card with dimensional dots.  There you have it - a clean and simple card with punch!  I hope my card made YOU realize how awesome YOU are {especially for visiting me} and I hope you have a great day!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Gals - #184, Clean & Simple
DL Art - M, Anything Goes
Cardz TV - #82, Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps - #327, Make Your Mark
Happy Little Stampers - CAS - Friends {my sister is my friend}
CAS Mix it Up Card Challenge - Dimensional Die Cut, Stamping and Stamping

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

I Love Your Face!

One of my recently acquired stamp sets is from Neat & Tangled and it's called "Friendly Florals."  I just cannot stop coloring this fantastic set!  My boss is going through a terrible time at work right now and I really think she could use a cheer up; plus, we always say "I miss your face" to each other, so this is a perfect card for her!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Zig Clean Color Markers
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals Stamps
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals Dies
Spellbinders Vintage Pierced Banners, #S4-820
Hero Arts Ink in Amethyst
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Dimensional Dots 

I stamped the flower arrangement on watercolor paper using archival ink in Jet Black and then colored with Clean Color Markers using a detail water brush.  I've been doing so much water coloring lately I've noticed it really does matter what paper you use;  the inexpensive paper will pill and even rip if you rework your color a few times, whereas the more expensive paper will put up with a lot more 'abuse.'  The expensive paper also seems to make my colors flow more easily, but I'm not sure if that is the truth or just my mind justifying the cost <smile>.

Another Peek

Anyway, once the flowers were dry, I cut them with the coordinating die.  Setting them aside, I stamped the sentiment on some plain white card and die cut it.  I positioned both where I wanted and used dimensional dots to attach them to the white card base.  As a finishing touch, I stamped some little dots {the stamp is included with the set} in a coordinating purple.

I really love how pretty this card is; it just seems so happy! It's just what the doctor ordered for someone who is struggling.  Thank you so much for stopping by; I really appreciate your views and comments. ~ fondly, Christi

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Just a reminder - my giveaway end on June 30, 2018 - you can get all the details here.
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  I am entering my "I Love Your Face" Card in the following challenges:
Addicted to CAS - #139, Girl Power

Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - #112, Q is for Quotes

Crafty Catz - #422, Anything Goes w/ the Option of Beautiful Blooms

Aud Sentiments - #206, Anything Goes w/ a Sentiment

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Bright & Cheerful {entry 2}

Moving Along With the Times - #74, June Blooms

Crafting by Designs - Flowers, flowers, flowers!

Calling all Sistahs -#14, Encouraging Card

The Flower Challenge - #21, Use a Previous Challenge, I used Challenge 1 {anything goes}

 

Get Well Card

My sweet neighbor was having some minor dental surgery (if ANY surgery can really be called minor) so I made her this get well card.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals Stamp Set
Neat & Tangled Friendly Florals Die Set
Zig Clean Color Markers
Gelly Roll White Gel Pen (for the center of some flowers)
Watercolor Paper
Lawn Fawn Scripty Sayings, #LF844
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Hero Arts Ink in Amethyst 

I've been coloring this stamp set since I bought it and I must say it has moved to the front of the line for the coloring fun it offers.  I've been making cards furiously with it; faster than I can even take pictures or blog about them!  And the dies work like a dream; I haven't had to throw out a single cut, except where *I* messed up - very easy to line up!  I actually had one set of these flowers colored and cut already but it was so easy to make a matching bunch.  I like how the florals "frame" the sentiment.

As I said, I quickly colored another bouquet of flowers, adding some of the extra flowers and leaves.  Once I had the placement of all my flowers, I stamped the sentiment directly onto the card; I don't use these stamps nearly enough!  The flowing script is so cute and it was one of the very first Lawn Fawn sets I ever bought.  I like that Lawn Fawn doesn't discontinue their stamps in what seems like a second; I hate it when you FINALLY purchase a set you have been dying for and the next thing you know the manufacturer "retires" it!  Not that retirement ever stops me from using a set - I just like to let my readers know where I found the products I use and it stinks if I can't provide a link.  I have fond memories of seeing a set used on cards and trying to find out who made them.  Before Lawn Fawn, I was strictly a Tim Holtz kinda gal (and I still do love Tim!)  Nothing cute here!  My tastes have grown, I'd say!

Another Peek

Anyhow, I attached the flowers directly to the card, framing my sentiment, and had the Man leave it for her on her table for her to see when she returned from her operation.  We care for her little dog, Lola, when she won't be available in time to feed her or let her out.  It's fantastic because I get all the good stuff about owning a dog (Lola used to stay here in our home when the previous owner lived here; she will often walk right in, which doesn't thrill the cats very much, but they have all gotten used to each other and there is minimal hissing and spitting now) but I don't have to deal with all the yucky dog stuff.  Except the yard poop patrol because Lola wants to ensure everyone knows this is HER house, too, so she leaves her scent all around.

The card was sweetly appreciated and she is well on the way to having her mouth back.  I was happy to make this card for her; I truly enjoyed coloring the flowers.  I hope you like it as much as I do!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Also, a quick note to let you know I do have a giveaway going on right now (until the end of the month) so you might want to check out all the details here.  Have a great day! Christi

I am entering my Get Well Card in the following challenges:
Crafting by Designs - Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Bright & Cheerful
Tuesday Throwdown - #397, You're on my Mind
Allsorts - Use 2 or More Dies {I used the floral die twice}
The Flower Challenge - #21,  Use a Previous Challenge {I used #1, Anything Goes}
Creatalicious Challenges - #141, Anything Goes, with optional Flowers

A Scrappy Valentine

As a crafter, I hate throwing out things I could possibly use in the future.  One look at my craft room {and craft storage!} will confirm this.  Recently, when I was making my I Love You Easel card, I had to cut off the very top of the papers from the DCWV stack - in order for me to properly position my paper on my Silhouette mat it needed to be 12" x 12" exactly and at the top of the paper, where the hole was, needed to be cut off.  Well, when I was done with my card I had all of these beautiful strips of paper.  Plus some extra strips on my desk from other creations.  I just could not let them go to waste, so my Scrappy Valentine was born:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Literally Strips of Scraps {mostly from my Easel Card}
Neat & Tangled Floral Heart Stamp Set, Sentiment
Cutter Bee Hearts Dies, #54-80012
Hero Arts Ink in Lavender 
Pink Card
White Card

Close up of the Heart

There really isn't much to tell about this card.  I took the strips of extra cardstock I had and glued them onto a piece of white card {only because that was what I had lying on my desk} and waited for them to dry overnight under the tile on my desk.  I then trimmed the sheet of strips, attached it to my white card base, finishing off with the outer heart cut from pink card, and stamping and cutting the white heart after stamping the sentiment.  That's it.  Sweet and simple!

I hope to encourage you to use up some of your scraps! I appreciate your stopping by and I hope to see you again, soon ~ Christi

I am entering my Scrappy Valentine in the following challenges:
Die Cut Diva's - Love is in The Air
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges - Anything Goes
CAS-ual Fridays - Hearts, Hearts & More Hearts
Pixie's Snippets Playground - Must Use Snippets
Through the Purple Haze - Add Some Turquoise 

Also, Challenges for Days is having a List Manager Call - see here for all the details!! 

House of Cards Challenge Sequins or Colors

Hello everyone! For April, House of Cards has come up with a fabulous challenge that I KNOW a bunch of you will want to enter.  You can use the colors below and/or sequins!

With sequins making such a huge comeback and how easy shaker cards are to make, I am hoping there are tons of entrants (that is your hint to play along!) Speaking of shaker cards, this is what I created for the challenge:

Of course, I made my shaker card the old way since I don't have any of the new foam cut outs and such; at least not yet (and right after I made this card I received an order of the Pop Up Shaker cut outs that Queen & Co. has released. Typical!)

What I Used to Make My Card:
Pink Card Base
Neat & Tangled Floral Heart Stamp Set
Neat & Tangled Floral Heart Nice & Neat Die Set
Neat & Tangled Sequins (I got mine free, but I think this mix matches)
Lindy's Gang Imperial Crown Purple Gold & Midnight Violet Embossing Powder
Embossing Ink
Paper Smooches Streamers Dies, # KFBD029
Tim Holtz Crazy Talk Stamp Set, # CMS236
Pop Dot Waste (see picture in post)
Purple, Pink and Dark Pink Cardstock
Purple Ribbon
Corner Rounder Punch

I am so in love with this set from Neat & Tangled! I won a gift certificate from them back in January and waited until both pieces of this set were in stock before I used it (absolutely fabulous customer service by the way!!)  I ordered some other gorgeous stamps that I will be using very soon; this is definitely one of my new favorite companies!

Anyway, I first stamped and embossed the floral heart with the Imperial Crown Purple Gold embossing powder and then die cut it.  I knew I was going to

Pop Dot Waste

make a shaker card with it, so I also die cut a piece of acetate and attached that.  Once that had dried I began making my "pocket" for the shaker goodies to go into.  What I used is what I call Pop Dot Waste - it's all of the outline of the pop dots once they are used.  So, I placed the pop dot waste around the floral heart, filled it with sequins and then attached it to a piece of pink paper.  I typically use a piece of paper that is much larger than I need to stick my shaker "pocket" because I keep the "pocket" on the table, wrong side up, and stick the paper on it so the filler doesn't fall out. If your paper that your shaker "pocket" is on won't lie flat to properly adhere to your card use some small bulldog clips but be sure to pad them; you don't want marks on your card! The last thing I did to the focal piece was cover the outside with ribbon I had in my

stash.  There were some places that the white pop dot waste was just too noticeable for my liking.  Sticking that ribbon around the pop dot waste was a test of patience as I had to keep checking it and tamping down the ribbon so it would get into the little nooks and crannies that were caused by the different shapes of the waste. I love shaker cards; especially 
now that they are so easy.   I just got a kit from Dies R Us, made by Cheery Lynn, that has everything 

Another Look

you need (it even has 2 dies to make filler with! One is a teensy, weensy little heart that says Love You on it - Sooo cute) to make shaker cards.  

So once the main card was done, I used the sentiment from Tim's Crazy Talk Stamp Set to stamp and emboss using Midnight Violet embossing powder.  I attached the sentiment onto a banner I had die cut and I was done. I think it may be a tad crooked, but I can't tell for some reason.  I look at it one day and it looks fine, the next day it's crooked.  Ah well.  I hope you can pull out your sequins, or colored cardstock, and join us at House of Cards. We vote on the winner and the top choices and we'd love it if you made it really hard for us to choose, so come play with us!  Have a wonderful day! Fondly, Christi

I would like to enter my Shaker Card in the following challenges:
Allsorts - #413, Embossing
My Time to Craft - #344, Sequins and/or Buttons
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown - #340, Embossing
{PIN}spirational - I used "Thinking of You"