Spring ATCs at the River of Creativity

I have done it AGAIN - this post is too early - the challenge doesn't start until tomorrow {4/5/22}!! So take the rest of today & create something for us :) I apologize for the confusion!!

Hello! Time for another challenge at River of Creativity! For challenge #12, our theme is spring as well as anything goes but a card - that's right, put away your card blanks and get inky with us!  I had planned on making something completely different than these Artist Trading Cards but nothing seemed to coalesce, so I listened to the universe and made a set of 6 ATCs instead of struggling to create something that just wasn't working! I've had a small box of scraps that I have amassed over the years {small die cuts, pieces of Dresden, punched patterns, stickers, scraps of paper, etc} and I decided to use what I had in the box to make set. I'd had the box for so long I really needed to go through all the things I had saved and figure out if I was truly ever going to use the pieces or not; so I went through the box, set aside what I really wanted to use and threw the rest away so a lot of what you see on these is from that scrap box and is almost vintage {grin - ok not really, but I have had it for a long time!}.  Enjoy!

 

I used a bunch of assorted products on these little guys, and I stuffed them full of bling! I used gems and sequin mixes from Picket Fence Studios, Dresden scraps from Alpha Stamps and many other sources, washi tape (and matching die) from Pinkfresh Studios as well from my stash, a ton of Dream Drops {I used  Indigo Eclipse, Cloud 9 and Love Potion} from Tonic Studios and many other bits and pieces, including stickers and more that are from my huge stash.  The background paper for these ATCs is from ModaScrap from the Fly and Scrap Collection, 6" x 6" paper {I could not find it on the ModaScrap site, but I did do a search and it is available}. I also used a bunch of small alphabet stickers and tiles, most from companies that aren't in business anymore, sadly.  All this stuff I've saved over the years

needs to be used so I can get new stuff! I had so much fun making these ATC's; I am finding myself using lots of bling and glitz in my work lately and I just went nuts with these. Knowing that if I really didn't like how something came out, I could just throw the paper away {I have so many blanks that I have amassed over the years, I could probably make an ATC a day for the next year!} and begin again with no harm.  Something about these little canvases is so freeing!

I was showing these to my roommate and explaining how "back in the

day" we'd make a bunch of ATCs, using the same design and bring them to stamp conventions and trade.  I think I still have a notebook full of traded ATCs. Do you remember those good old days? Hopefully, soon, we will be able to attend stamp conventions again - I miss the energy and all the cool products! Thanks for dropping in and get out your creative muse and create anything but a card and join us at the River of Creativity, optional theme of Spring - hope to see you there :) Christi

PS: To see the smaller pictures bigger, just click on them. If that doesn't work please let me know ~ Thanks!

I am entering my Spring ATCs in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Easter/Spring
Country View Challenges - Spring is Coming
We Love 2 Create - Anything Goes
Four Seasons Challenge - Spring Challenge
The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, #207 - A is for ATC 

Fall is on the Way!

 It's difficult to think in anther few weeks fall will be upon us as when I am writing this we are expecting another few days up in the high 90's! I can tell the difference in the evening and it has cooled down significantly so sleeping is not a problem, thank goodness!  I wanted to give this card a fall feel and I think I achieved my goal! You can find this beautiful die, as well as so many more, at Dies R Us and I hope this inspires you to join in our challenge.

What I Used to Make my Card:
Vanilla Card Blank
Poppystamps Adriana Oval Frame Die, #2327
Sue Wilson Mini Sentiments, Just For You Die, #CEDME028
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Wink of Stella, Gold
Nuvo Dream Drops, Indigo Eclipse, #1796N
Dark Brown Card

No stamping on this card so I put my coloring skills to work trying to make the leaves around the oval look like fall leaves as much as possible.  I took some pictures of my process so you can see that I actually colored over some of the leaves quite a few times

The Leaves

.  Once the leaves were finally to my liking, I colored the inner oval with the gold marker and used the Nuvo drops on the berries. These are not your regular drops, they actually have an iridescent shine to them that is beautiful, so beautiful I bought all three colors!  Once the gold and the berries were dry, I attached the oval to a cream colored card base {white just looked too stark} and adhered the sentiment die which was cut from dark brown card in the center.  I am very pleased with how this card came out; I hope you like it as well!

The Nuvo Drops

Don't forget that you have until the end of the month to join in the Dies R Us challenge, all the important links can be found below. All you need to enter is to use a die from a company they carry and you could win!  Please do pop by to see the design teams wonderful inspiration; there is a new post every day.  Thanks so much for stopping by and see you soon! Christi

Don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog. There's a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to the Dies R Us Store.  

 For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us links are provided below.

 click below for:

STORE

CHALLENGE BLOG

FACEBOOK

INSPIRATION BLOG

FRIENDS OF DIES R US PINTEREST PAGE

I would like to enter my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Glimmer & Sparkle
Use Your Stuff, #430 - Anything Goes
Path of Positivity, #93 - Anything Positive Goes w/ Option of Enjoying Nature
A Place to Start, #8 - What's your Style {I love using die cuts & water coloring!}

Season's Tweetings!

First, let me wish all of you a 

I sincerely hope that you & yours have a wonderful holiday season!

When I saw this collaboration set from Lawn Fawn and Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember release, I knew I had to get it {and I am so glad I did!  It sold out in record time!} and then I knew I had to make a slimline card - so here it is :) 

What I Used to Make my Card:
Slimline Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Lawn Fawn & Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember Season's Tweeting's Stamp Set {Sold Out}
Lawn Fawn & Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember Season's Tweeting's Die Set {Sold Out}
Lawn Fawn Cloud Stencil, #LF2250
Kat Scrappiness Never Ending Nesting Slimline Dies
Nuvo Crystal Drops in Morning Dew, #677N
Gel Pens
Glitter Card Stock

First thing I did was stamp, color, and cut out all the cute little birds.  As usual, I have plenty left over so I am sure they will be visiting again soon!   Then I stenciled on the clouds, and trimmed and stamped the string of lights.  After covering each light with the drops and waiting for it to dry, I placed the birds where I wanted them, glued them down, and stamped the sentiments onto the card.  I cut another panel of glitter card and adhered all of the layers together and onto the card.  I just have to ask, for those of you who blog or post how many times have you typed "slimeline" instead of "slimline"?  I've done it a gazillion times already!

This was the first time I had tried using the cloud stencil and I was surprised and pleased at how easy it was!  It's sad that the stamps and dies sold out so quickly, but the good news is there is a small set of Lawn Fawn's called Winter Sparrows that is still available around the web.  I thoroughly enjoyed working on this card and I hope you like it!  Posts are getting shorter now that that I am seriously trying to get all my cards and crafts posted.  I'm sure you don't mind as we are all feeling the crunch.  Happy, Healthy & Safe Holidays, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #45 - Anything Goes with a Critter
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Celebrate!
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine
Crafter's Cafe - Holidays
Christmas with the Cuties, #45 - Anything Goes based on a Carol/Song
Bitten by the Bug - Die-lirious Holiday
Crafty Animals, #45 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Let's Craft & Create, #166 - Anything Goes
Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas Goes
The Card Concept - Picture of your Tree or Favorite Christmas Card 

I am Currently Unsupervised. . .card 2

If you read my post from here, this is basically the same thing. Some ingredients have changed but not much else so feel free to scroll on down to the card :)

I am lucky enough to work on a blog called Challenges for Days where we update the current challenges for people like myself who can't remember all the wonderful challenges out there.  I tell you this because there has been many times that I am updating my day {which is Saturday} and I will come across a challenge that I just HAVE to enter.  It happened this past Saturday with Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers current challenge: D is for Dogs; the challenge goes until the end of the week, so drag out those doggie stamps and join in!

What I Used to Make my Cards:
White Card Base
Tim Holtz Mini Crazy Cats & Dogs Stamps, #CMS272
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Mini Crazy Cats & Dogs Dies, #661594

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

Derwent Inktense Watercolor PencilsNuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust
Tim Holtz Mini Stencil Set #10, Flourish, #MST010
I am Currently Unsupervised Sentiment Stamp, Dylusions, Say How it is,  #DYR37774
Distress Oxide Ink in Worn Lipstick
Googly Eyes

Again, the dog was stamped, colored and die cut. I used the stencil to decorate

a strip of white cardstock, trimmed it down and attached it to the card base.  I stamped the sentiment in clear ink and embossed it in black, trimmed that and attached it to the strip that was stenciled.  I chose this dog because I love putting google eyes on the Crazy Cats, Dogs & Birds - they just fit perfectly!!!

Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate you using your time to stop and see my creations! Hugs {social distanced hugs!} Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

Funkie Junkie - Stencilmania

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Mix it Up, #40 - Anything Goes, twist: Embossing {I used wet}

Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, #165 - D is for Dogs

Double Trouble, #63 - see challenge {you HAVE to read it - SO funny!}

2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #41 - Anything Goes with a Critter {card 2}

I Will Never Be Over the Hill. . .card 1

I am lucky enough to work on a blog called Challenges for Days where we update the current challenges for people like myself who can't remember all the wonderful challenges out there.  I tell you this because there has been many times that I am updating my day {which is Saturday} and I will come across a challenge that I just HAVE to enter.  It happened this past Saturday with Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers current challenge: D is for Dogs; the challenge goes until the end of the week, so drag out those doggie stamps and join in!  I've made a few cards for this challenge so expect some more :)

What I Used to Make my Cards:
White Card Base
Tim Holtz Mini Crazy Cats & Dogs Stamps, #CMS272
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Mini Crazy Cats & Dogs Dies, #661594

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

Derwent Inktense Watercolor PencilsNuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust
Tim Holtz Gothic Stencil, #THS026
I Will Never be Over The Hill Sentiment Stamp, Dylusions, Shut Up & Color, #DYR55525
Distress Oxide Ink in Broken China and Blueprint Sketch
Stipple Brush

Another Peek

I started this card with stamping, coloring and die cutting the dog.  I then stenciled the corner with the Gothic Stencil using Broken China ink, and stippled just a bit with Blueprint Sketch.  I stamped the sentiment and attached the dog so he {or is it a she?} is sort of standing on the sentiment.  I love the quizzical look the dog is giving, that is exactly how I look at people when they ask me to climb {or even walk!} somewhere.

I hope you & yours are all safe and healthy.  Thank goodness for crafting!! Blessings, Christi
 
I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, #165 - D is for Dogs
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes as Long as it has a Critter
The Artistic Stamper - Anything Goes
Crafty Animals - Anything Goes with an Animal
As You Like It - Favorite Animal {truthfully, cats are my favorite animal, but I decided to give dogs a chance this time.  Since I am now co-owner of a wonderful dog named Buddy I wanted to give him some time}
DL Art #264 - Animals