Masculine Cards for Paper Funday's June Challenge

 Welcome to my design team project for Paper Funday's June Challenge - as always anything goes and this month's optional theme is Masculine Cards.  Like most of us, I struggle with these cards; most of the products I have are a bit too feminine.  So the trick is to use what you have to make a card that would appeal to men.  It's fairly easy to make a birthday card but I wanted to make an any day card.  Hope you like it! 

I used a white card base and covered the face of the card with this patterned paper from the Rugged 6"x 6" paper pad from Authentique {I think this is retired, but it is readily available}.  I really like plaid for masculine cards because it is so easy to pick a color in the pattern and use them to embellish the card.  I used pale blue/gray on the sentiment shadow and dark brown for the actual sentiment die.  I used this stamp set for the second half of the sentiment, stamping it on white card, with this ink.  I think the blue matches the shadow and the bit of blue in the plaid.  The sentiment was trimmed and I layered the sentiment on a dark brown stitched fishtail foundation die.  I glued everything to the card and I was done.

So this card may not be the most masculine card but I think it is a nice sort of thinking of you card.  I really like the difference between the two sentiments; one is sort of fancy and the other is plain.  What do you think? Regardless, we'd love to see your projects at Paper Funday; remember, you can enter an anything goes card, or follow our optional theme.  Thanks for checking out my card ~ I appreciate you so much! Fondly, Christi

Family Challenge at Paper Funday!

Hello everyone! Today is the start of the May challenge at Paper Funday and our optional theme is FAMILY.  I had a few options in my mind for this challenge, but decided to go with a family of cats; if you follow me on any social media I am always posting pictures of my cats (I have eight which is why I found this sentiment to be particularly fitting)  and talking about their crazy antics! I hope you enjoy my card:

I started with a handmade slimline base in white and covered that with the brick paper (this paper is from a pack I got in a bundle from My Favorite Things & I couldn't find it on their website) for the wall and used dark blue cardstock for the floor; pretending it's carpet, to give the illusion of a room.  Then I used my favorite black ink on watercolor paper and stamped all of the cats as well as all of the other items I used in my scene.  The sentiment was stamped on white card scrap and cut out with a fishtail banner die.  I colored everything with my Zig markers, cut out all the items and glued them to the card.  I had found a wooden heart embellishment with a paw cut out (discontinued product)  which I covered with Foundry gilded wax and being it a flat piece, I added some Diamond Glaze to seal the heart otherwise the wax just flakes off - it needs dimension to stay on something.  I watched the Tim Holtz video on Foundry wax and I had to get ALL the colors after I tried out the gold.  The pictures don't do this product justice - it really is amazing!  The heart was the last thing I attached to the card and it was finished.

I hope you enjoyed my card and maybe it will help you think of different ways family can be interpreted.  And most of all, I hope to see you join in at the Paper Funday challenge for May! Thanks so much, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Krafty Chicks, #610 - Stamp Act
DreamValley Challenges, #269 - 4 Legged Friends
Critter Crazy Challenges, #62 - Anything Goes w/ Critters
Crafty Friends, #155 - Animals
The Diva's That Cut - Anything Goes
Country View Challenges - Cats and/or Dogs

April Showers at The Paper Funday Challenge

 I am really pressed for time right now and I just squeaked this card under the due date for my design team position at Paper Funday - that's right, it's another challenge at Paper Funday!! For the month of April our theme is "April Showers" and I was SO happy I had gotten a bunch of new goodies from Lawn Fawn's latest release as they fit perfectly for this theme, I used the Beary Rainy day stamp and die set - perfect for an April Showers card! Here's my card:

 

I started with a white slimline base but when I tried to stencil in the raindrops I messed it all up; so I got another slimline base card and set it aside.  I used another piece of paper and stenciled in the raindrops, using Distress Oxide Hickory Smoke, added some Distress Tumbled Glass to give a blue tint to the sky and a bit of Distress Tea Dye at the bottom.  I discovered that when you need to use a stencil more than once to cover a large scene, don't go all the way to the edge; if you do, you will end up with a line, which is what I got the first time I tried to make the card.  I then used a stitched slimline die to cut out the portion of the card I liked best.  I set the card side while I glued that portion to the top of the actual card.  While that was drying, I pulled out the Lawn Fawn stamp and die set {brand new - called Beary Rainy Day}, stamped using my favorite black ink, colored the stamps in with my Zig markers {Oh and I am SO excited - I finally got my hands on the 30 new colors; and I am finally going to do swatches of all 120 markers that I have!} and cut them out.  It took me a bit to figure out the puddles as I really wanted to use holographic paper but you can't stamp on it {well, you can, but then you have to use embossing powder since it is coated and the ink will not dry on it's own} but I figured if I cut the puddles out with a little rain drop it would look as if the puddles were real.  I'm still not sure, what do you think? I cut the clouds out of vanilla paper and then cut a few more clouds using the Butterfly Kisses dies.  I added the clouds to the scene, stamped the sentiment {the first part of the sentiment comes from a set that I think was a freebie called "Here for you Bear" - it isn't available from Lawn Fawn yet, but I am sure it will be soon} and cut it using this banner set and then I was done. 

I hope you like the card as much as I do - we need rain in Colorado badly, so maybe the card will work as a rain dance? We'll see.  I hope to see your "April Showers" creations at Paper Funday - thanks so much for stopping by! Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Shopping our Stash, #467 - Under the Weather
NBUS, #37 - Never Before Used Stuff
Unicorn Challenge, #75 - Include an Animal
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Easter/Spring
Make my Monday, #171 - Use a Stencil (Lawn Fawn Rainy Sky Stencil, #LF2816)
Allsorts, #670 - Any "real" Animals
Dies R Us, #190 - Flowers/Spring
The Funkie Junkie Challenge - April Showers Bring May Flowers

March already? Come join us at Paper Funday with Newton's Nook!

 I can feel myself falling behind and how I hate that feeling! But yes, March is upon us and for this months challenge at Paper Funday I am using Newton's Nooks products which is generously sponsoring our challenge this month. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I simply adore the cute, cuddly cats that can be found at Newton's Nook and these products were introduced just last month so everything is brand new!  Oh and this post is a 2fer!  Yes, 2 for the price of one; such a bargain! If the theme of Anything Goes doesn't work for you, feel free to enter something with the colors of Green & Gold; perfect for those St. Paddy's Day cards!   

To start with I stamped the Heartfelt Meows stamp on both water color paper and grey card.  I used the corresponding die to cut both of the hearts out and concentrated on the water color heart first.  I colored the heart with my Zigs, chose a Kraft card, then figured out the placement of the heart; which I attached to the card with foam tape.  I embossed the sentiment using white embossing powder and finally added a few homemade dots {made with Perler beads that I cut in half and baked in the oven!}

 

Now it was time to work on the other card.  I chose a white card base for this card and left the black ink on the grey card as is.  I did cut a few more of the Heart Frames Die, one using a darker grey and one using a shade of pink that matched the strip of the Love & Meows Paper Pad paper I used.  Lastly, I had the red Love You sentiment on my desk from a project I didn't use it for so I popped that onto the small grey heart.  And by the way, Newton's Nook has a complete product line that work with the Heart Frames Die, check it out here; everything from dogs, to fall, holidays and MORE! So cute!

I had a blast making these cards and I already have my eye on some more Heart Front stamps to get that match the die, just don't tell my credit card! I hope to see you at Paper Funday! Have a great week! Christi

I am entering my cards in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Add a Die Cut
Addicted to Stamps, #424 - Any Occasion
Crafty Animals, #59 - Anything Goes with an Animal
NBUS Challenge, #36 - Anything Goes that is NBUS
SUYP, #76 - Anything Goes with Cats
Pammies Inky Pinkies, #2209 - Anything Goes

You're Sweet at Paper Funday!!

Boy, pink is a TOUGH color to photograph! But I still love this card and made it for the Paper Funday February "Hugs & Kisses" challenge.  I adore Lawn Fawn Products and this was made with some of the older ones, but I have some new ones in the works, so stay tuned!I

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Slimline Card Base
Pink Card
White Card
Lawn Fawn Slimline with Hearts, Landscape, #LF2476
Kat Scrappiness Slimline Never Ending Nesting Dies
Lawn Fawn You're Sweet Line Border, #LF1560
Lawn Fawn Polka Heart Backdrop Die, Landscape, #LF1830
Lawn Fawn Hedgehugs Die, #LF730

I stretched myself making this card; there is NO stamping on it at all!  I almost had to stamp a sentiment, but as you can see I worked that out. Let me explain how I made the card. I started with the slimline card and cut out the back layer and the front layer, using pink and white card. Then I cut out the hearts so they were visible through the hearts on the front of the card.  I wanted the small hearts to be white, so I used some scrap white card to layer behind it.  I attached that portion close to the top because my plan was to use the sentiment at the bottom of the card.  Well, that didn't work out very well. First it didn't fit and then there was the dilemma of what color should the sentiment be?  I really did not want to introduce another color to the pallet so I just moved the sentiment up a bit and placed it onto the focal part of the card. Then I had to figure out what to add to the bottom since there was too much space to just leave it {at least I thought so.}  I debated if I should trim it {there doesn't seem to be any real standard yet for slimline cards.}  No trimming; instead I focused on something I could add.  I tried pearls and gems until my eye settled on the Hedgehugs set that was on my desk.  Perfect!  I cut out those little hearts five times and adhered them to the bottom of the card.  I doubt you'd think that space was unplanned if I didn't tell you!  I love the way the card came out, especially the little hearts along the bottom!  I hope to see your "Hugs & Kisses" projects on the Paper Funday Challenge! Thanks for stopping by!  Fondly, Christi

Winter's Night Shadow Box Card

I made this card for the Paper Funday January Challenge, which is anything goes or a winter landscape - not surprisingly, I went with the optional theme. I love making these Lawn Fawn shadow cards!  And the fact that they fold flat to make mailing easier {and cheaper!} is so cool.  I actually found the base of the shadow box already cut in a pile of papers on my desk so I took it as a sign and whipped up this card! 

 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card
Lawn Fawn Happy Village stamps, #LF1591
Lawn Fawn Happy Village dies, #LF1592
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies stamps, #LF1763
Lawn Fawn Winter Skies dies, #LF1764 
Lawn Fawn Shadow Box Card dies, #LF1486
Lawn Fawn Starry Skies dies, #LF1377
Dark Blue Shimmer Card
White Shimmer Card
Silver Glitter Card
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Red Liner Tape
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

I wanted this card to have a starry night so I cut a piece of shimmer, dark blue card, cut stars out of the silver glitter card, attached the stars to the

Stars from the top of the card

background, and set aside.  I had cut the middle pieces of the card {where all the components sit} out of white shimmer card.  It's hard to see in the photos but it's very pretty.  I set all the shadow box card pieces aside.  

I stamped all of my houses and trees onto watercolor card and colored them with my Zigs.  Once they had dried I cut them out with the coordinating dies.  I then assembled the card.  I could go through step by step, but Lawn Fawn has a wonderful video that tells you exactly how to make this card so if you are wondering what the exact process is, or want to see the construction, just click HERE.   In the video they use white tape, the type you can tear, but I've found the red liner tape works the best for me.  I guess it is all what you prefer.  However, wet adhesive would really present a problem trying to hold everything together properly so you do need to use some sort of tape.

The bright colors of the houses really pop against my night sky.  I'm very happy with how this card came out especially considering I wasn't even planning on making it! Hopefully this inspires you to join in the challenge at Paper Funday!  I hope you enjoyed my card as well.  Stay warm out there and I will see you soon!  Fondly, Christi

 

I am entering my Winter's Night Card in the following challenges:
Shopping our Stash, #461 - Something beginning with S (Stars!!)
4-Season Challenge Blog, #52 - Cottages
Inspiration Station, #21 - Winter Cityscape
Dies R Us Challenge, #184 - Anything Goes with a Company they Carry
Sparkles Christmas Challenge - A Winter's Scene
Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes with Option of Dies

Reindeer Games with Paper Funday!

Welcome to Paper Funday's Monthly challenge - the theme this month is Holiday Time!!  I recently purchased the Mama Elephant Flurry Frame and I had some of the reindeer floating around on my desk from Reindeer Games so I made this card :)

 

Like I said, I already had the reindeer colored and cut, so all I had to do was cut out the frame (out of white card), and the red glitter paper background.  I used a white card base, glued the glitter paper to the back of the frame, glued that onto my card, then placed and attached the reindeer. I gave one reindeer a little red nose using a gem from my stash; I think it looks like the other reindeer are celebrating Rudolph!  I love these little reindeer, you will be seeing them around. 

I hope to see your Holiday Time Creations at the Paper Funday Challenge - you can't win if you don't play :)  Thanks for stopping by! Christi 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Sparkle Mode
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Happy Holidays/Christmas
Make the Cards Challenge, #43 - Christmas
Dies R Us, #182 - Anything Goes w/ Dies they Carry
Make my Monday, #162 - Cute Christmas
Country View Challenges - Anything Christmas Goes

Paper Funday with CAS-ual Friday Stamps!

 Hi all! Welcome to my monthly design team post for Paper Funday.  Since I am not skilled at using digi stamps I typically don't use the products that our sponsors give us to play with but this time we are sponsored by CAS-ual Fridays and I got to play with a set I've had for a while.  Remember, our challenge is always anything goes, with an optional twist and this month the option is Thanks/Grateful.  I am thankful and grateful for coffee, so my card fits both using the sponsors products and the optional theme!  

I used a white card base and cut out a brown border using a die from Lawn Fawn.  I stamped the sentiment using the CAS-ual Friday Coffee Talk stamp set using my favorite black ink and the word coffee using Hero Arts Cocoa Ink {I received the ink in a My Monthly Hero kit and it isn't available separately right now} right on the card.  I finished by cutting the coffee cup out of Your Next Stamp's paper pad Crazy for Coffee {if you look close you can see there is a tiny coffee bean with the word coffee circling it that makes the pattern - too cute!} and the coffee out of light brown card.  I popped the cup up with dimensional dots and added some iridescent pearls I had in my stash. 

You still have plenty of time to join in and play with Paper Funday this month - who knows, you just might win some goodies! Thanks so much for stopping by & see you soon! Christi  

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
CAS on Friday, #217 - Coffee
Ellibelle's Corner - Use Die Cuts and/or Punches
Allsorts Challenge, #648 - Add a Sentiment
Creative Fingers Challenge, #218 - Anything Goes
A Bit More Time to Craft Extra - Anything Goes
DL Art - Anything Goes

CAS on Friday's Inspiration Photo

 

Boo to YOU ~ Happy Halloween at Paper Funday!

 I was lucky enough to buy these stamps and dies from Mama Elephant when they were having their moving sale and SO happy that I got them! The little witches are SO cute {and don't even get me started on the little cats - peeking out of the pumpkin!! Adorable!!} and are "agenda" sized, yet I was able to use my watercolor markers to color them.  Perfect for this cute Halloween card and the challenge twist at Paper Funday Challenges!  Halloween is my favorite holiday and I can't ever have enough Halloween stamps, dies, paper or decorations! Anyway,  here is my card, I hope you think it is as cute as I do!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Mama Elephant Little Witch Agenda Stamps
Mama Elephant Little Witch Dies
Mama Elephant Big Boo & Trick Dies
Studio Katia Glow in the Dark Mini Stars, #SK2520
Kat Scrappiness Starlights Jewel Slimline Paper, #KA-PP005
Echo Park I Love Halloween 6" x 6" Paper Pad, #ILH218023
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

The GITD stars glowing!

Once my little witches were colored, cut and dry I started to assemble my card.  I cut "boo to you" about eight times out of thick white cardstock, then used a patterned Halloween paper for the top layer, glued them all together to give the words a nice pop and set it aside.  I chose a paper that is a bit too busy for me to use as a patterned paper background; just not my style, but it worked so well used in this manner.  I took a sheet of the background paper and trimmed it down; since it is designed for slimline cards it isn't as wide as typical background paper which left a small white border around the paper.  I then glued the sentiment onto the card, placed all my witches and cats where I wanted and lastly, used a few glow in the dark stars - they shine a bit in the light and really do glow in the dark!

So, as usual, you can enter the challenge at The Paper Funday Challenge with Anything Goes, or use our monthly twist - which is Halloween! I would celebrate Halloween every month if I could - I think we should!! Get to dress up and eat candy?? Works for me! The heat is finally beginning to break and it's getting chilly in the evening. Granted, not chilly enough to shut off the ceiling fan or shut the windows, but I can feel the change in the air!  Until next time, happy crafting! Christi 

I am entering my Boo to You card in the following challenges:
Addicted to Stamps & More, #415 - Die Cuts and/or Stencils
Crafting Happiness Challenge, #116 - October Color Challenge {Use any or all: Purple, Orange, Green and Black}
The Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge - Anything Halloween {theme board graphic below}
World Wide Open Design Team Challenge, #9 - Anything Goes
Paperminutes, #712 - The Sentiment Should be Large
Just Us Girls, #604 - Word Week - Halloween
The Paper Players, #561 - Spooky

So Thankful Fall is Here at Paper Funday!

I made this card to celebrate the fact I am no longer sweating to death in my craft room! I love the fall - I love the weather, the colors, and getting to wear clothes I had forgotten I had {and that, amazingly, still fit!} It just so happens that this months challenge {aside from Always Anything Goes} at Paper Funday is Autumn/Fall! September is here already {gasp!} so it's time to get cracking on those colorful fall cards!

 

What I Used to Make my Card:

White Card Base

Watercolor Paper {I use this} 

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Lawn Fawn Leafy Tree Backdrop: Landscape, #LF1237

Lawn Fawn Stitched Windy Backdrop, #LF1425

Lawn Fawn Jump for Joy Stamps, #LF1212

Lawn Fawn Jump for Joy Dies, #LF1213

Lawn Fawn Mushroom Border, #LF1919
Brown, Green and Blue card

 I started this card like most of my others, stamping, coloring, and cutting out my critters and accessories. I added the backdrop and windy backdrops to really make the fall weather come alive. I glued all the elements together, starting with the scenery and ending with the owl holding the rake. I wanted it to look as if the owl had just spent time raking those leaves when that pesky hedgehog jumped in them but it is impossible to make a Lawn Fawn critter look annoyed or angry! I took a risk and stamped the sentiment right onto the sky {something I rarely do since I have ruined SO many projects by messing up the sentiment.} It is much easier to do now that there are so many things to help us stamp over and over and keep our cards in place, but I can still mess up a perfectly good card very easily.

I hope you like my card. :) I invite you to take a look at my various social media pages and please consider following me ~ if you do, leave me a message so I can return the favor! I hope to see your creations over at the Paper Funday Challenge; it runs the whole month which gives you plenty of time to join in the fun! Also please do check out my teammates creations for some more inspiration. I hope all is well with you & yours! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Stamp it in STAMPtember
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #54 - Anything Goes with a Critter
Country View Challenges - The Leaves Begin to Fall
Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes
The Four Seasons - Anything Goes FALL

You're Dog-Gone Awesome!

As some of you may remember, I have a good friend who is absolutely dog crazy and I made this card just to brighten her day a bit. And, it just so happens that the August monthly theme for Paper Funday Challenges is Cute Critters {you can also choose Anything Goes}!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV Playful Pets 6x6 Stack, #PS-006-00154 {not on DCWV site, but available}
Reverse Confetti Double Stitched Window Cover Panel
Avery Elle Furry Friends stamp set, #ST-15-13 {retired but available}
Avery Elle Furry Friends die set, #D-15-13 {retired but available}
Lawn Fawn Howloween Die Set {crown}, #LF1207
Sizzix/Tim Holtz Mini Bird Crazy & Things die set, {bow tie}, #660949 {retired but available}
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Small Piece of Mirror Gold Card
Small Piece of Glitter Pink Card
Red Sparkle Gel Pen

The Inside

As usual, I started this card by coloring and cutting all the pieces of the dog, including the crown, bed, and bow-tie.  Then I used the cover die to make the window panel out of the patterned paper.  I adhered the paper to the card base, placing the items where I wanted and gluing them, too.  I finally stamped the sentiment in the front of the card and inside.  Fairly simple card considering all the elements I used.  :)  I used the mirror card on the crown to pick up the foil accents on the paper and the pink bow because Lola is always dressed to the nines; she has more and better clothes than I do!

I hope this card gave you a smile!  I enjoyed making it and got to use some new {to me} stuff, like the cover panel. I hope to see you at Paper Funday entering your own Cute Critters cards! Have a GREAT day - fondly, Christi

 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Animals, #53 - Anything Goes with an Animal
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes
Die Cut Divas - Watercolor, Real or Faux {the dog is water colored}
Creatalicious Challenges, #216 - Anything Goes w/ Option of Animal{s}

Summer Fun at The Paper Funday Challenge

 Hi everyone :)  This is my card for the July challenge at the Paper Funday Challenges - I hope you get inspired to get your summer on and join us! The challenges are ALWAYS anything goes, with an optional twist and for July I used our twist, which is Summer Fun.  What's better than hanging out in a hammock with a tropical drink?

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Tumbled Glass Oxide Ink
Assorted Cardstock Colors {as needed for sand, sun, etc}
Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Pop-up, #LF1270
Lawn Fawn Den Sweet Den Stamps, #LF2409
Lawn Fawn Den Sweet Den Dies, #LF2410
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Lawn Fawn Watercolor Wishes 6" x 6" Paper Pad, #LF1355 {outside of hammock}
Lawn Fawn Hammock & Trees, #LF1979
Lawn Fawn On the Beach Stamps, #LF1953
Lawn Fawn On the Beach Dies, #LF1954
Lawn Fawn Four Square Backdrop, Portrait, #LF2065 {sun & clouds}

As I always do I had stamped, colored and cut out the images I planned to use on this card.  I set them aside and began making the body of the card, using Oxide Ink directly onto the card base to make the summer sky; I then trimmed down the Hillside Pop-up to get a nice, sandy hill for my bear to relax on.  I attached the hill, then proceeded to cut out all the other elements; the trees, coconuts, hammock, sun and such.  I assembled the card and put the sentiment on it and I was done! I love the idea of the bear just hanging out, sipping her drink as the tropical breeze gently flows by; until she is interrupted by her cubs who are screaming in the water for her attention! Poor bear.

I hope my card gives you some ideas of Summer Fun and I hope to see you entering our Summer Fun {or Anything Goes} Challenge at Paper Funday! Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics, #104 - Summertime Fun
Allsorts Challenge, #631 - Sun, Sand and/or Sea
Craft Rocket Challenges, #83 - Summertime
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, # 52 - Anything Goes w/ a Critter
Crafty Animals, #52 - Anything Goes w/ an Animal
Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Hello Sunshine

Sparkle and Shine with The Paper Funday Challenge!

 Hello everyone!

Happy June! This month at the Paper Funday Challenge the optional theme is "Sparkle and Shine" so I decided to make a rainbow card! I figure everyone loves rainbows and, after a wet spring, we can all use a bit more color. I hope you enjoy my creation!

 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Hello Bluebird Rainbow Sky Die
EK Success Hearts, #54-80012 {Retired, I used the small heart}
Pinkfresh Studios Kelly Alpha Lower Case Dies, #PFSA1719
Black, Pink, Red and Purple Glitter Card
Rainbow Colors in Regular Card
Gold Card
Gems

When I found out the optional choice for this month's challenge was Sparkle and Shine I knew I wanted to make a rainbow card.  My first step was to cut out the rainbow, then I assembled it and studded it with the gems.  I found a great deal on these gems, they are actually marketed for fingernails, but a flat backed gem that works just fine on cardstock too!  Once my rainbow was dry, I cut the word "shine" out of black glitter card, then the word "on" from muted gold and glued those onto the card base.  At this point I wasn't sure what else I wanted to put on the card, more gems or something else and, as you can see, I chose to make a bunch of hearts from scraps of glitter card.  I attached them onto the card and I was finished. I have to say I am in love with the new alphabet dies and I imagine you will be seeing more creations featuring it.  Another card done with no stamping, but the message is clear - Shine On!

I hope we see you at the challenge, you have the entire month to play at Paper Funday! So get out all your bling and Sparkle and Shine along with us! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you very soon! 

Fondly, 

Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Rainbow Card Challenge, #30 - Radically Rainbow
A Place to Start, #5 - Anything Goes
Dream Valley Challenges, #249 - Dies and/or Punches
TTCRD - Anything Goes

You Are So Much More to Me

Hi everyone!

I hope this post finds you all well! I have been insanely busy for what seems like forever, I found out that moving is not as easy as it used to be! In addition to moving all of my stuff, I have been helping a friend pack his home to prepare for his move back to the East Coast and then I got hit with a horrible sinus infection!  Finally things are settling down and I made this card to remind me that there are new beginnings all around us as Spring has Spring, which just so happens to be the May Twist {all of our challenges are always Anything Goes, but feel free to use the twist} at The Paper Funday Challenge this month!

What I Used to Make my Card:
5" x 7" White Card Base
Simon Says Stamp You Have My Heart Bundle, #SET382YMH
Pinkfresh Studios Simply Sentiments: You, #PFSA0120
Pinkfresh Studios Sentiment Suite You Die Set
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke
Grey Cardstock

Once I had stamped and colored the flowers I realized I wanted them both on one card but they wouldn't fit on the standard A2 cards I typically make; so, this is my third 5" x 7" card in less than a month. It's strange because I rarely make them t his size. Anyway, after the flowers were cut out and I had figured out the placement I wanted, I stamped the sentiment on white card using grey ink before die cutting the "you" from grey card.  I trimmed the sentiment down to fit where I wanted, glued it on and attached the word die cut above it. 

As I said in my opening I have been crazy with both moving and helping my friend move back to the East Coast.  By the time you read this he will have gone home and I hope to have gotten my new space in some order.  At least now I can open the windows and let the breeze in! This card is one of my favorite cards ever; it really says spring to me! I adore the flowers, the sentiment, the coloring, everything. I am going to be sending this to my sister, just because she does mean the world to me. Thank you all for stopping by, and for reading my post! I appreciate you more than you know!

Fondly,
Christi

I am proudly entering my card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Feminine
The House that Stamps Built M521- All About Moms
Addicted to Stamps, 404 - Any Occasion
Double D Challenges - Flower of the Month {honestly, I have NO idea about flowers LOL}
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Feminine
Dare 2B Artsy - Flowers
Allsorts, 622 - Flowers
Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge - Anything Goes
Moving Along with the Times 130 - Bouquet

 

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!!!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hello everyone!

This cute card was made for my Design Team project on The Paper Funday Challenge.  The theme is Irish Luck (use green on your project) and my card features a bunch of Lawn Fawn goodies. Since most of my family is Irish, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday close to my heart.  I enjoyed making this card and I hope you like it: 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Green Glitter Card
Light Green Card
Copic Markers
Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Stamps, #LF2466
Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Dies, #LF2467
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Spring Stamps, #LF1896
Lawn Fawn Simply Celebrate Spring Dies, #LF1897
Lawn Fawn Celebration Scripty Sentiments, #LF1898
Lawn Fawn Quilted Backdrop, #LF1625
Die-Namics Fishtail Sentiment Strips, #MFT-1125
Distress Oxide Ink in Lucky Clover
Watercolor Paper {I use this}
Zig Clean Color Brush Markers
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

You can see the
glitter a bit better
here

I began, as I do with most of my cards by stamping, coloring and cutting out all the elements I need. The birds were water colored {and their beaks were cut with the included die; isn't that just the cutest?} and the clover was colored with Copic markers. I then set them all aside to concentrate on the backdrop portion of the card, I cut a piece of green glitter card and the quilted backdrop out of a lighter green card and attached them to the white card base.  The sentiment was stamped onto a piece of scrap white card then die cut. After everything was done and dried I assembled the card as you see in the picture. I think it came out so cute!

Whilst there are a lot of different stamps, dies and coloring mediums the project was easy to put together and it looks like the image in my mind {always a plus!}  

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? My mother used to make corned beef and cabbage and that is one meal I truly miss {not the cabbage}! And the sandwiches the next day were so good! I have fond memories of this holiday and that meal.  I hope you have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day - like the saying says "everyone can be Irish for the day" - and be safe!

Fondly,
Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
The Rainbow Challenge, #27 - Judiciously Jade
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Cuttlebug Mania - Today our Favorite Color is Green
Little Red Wagon, #591 - Fun Feathered Friends
The Card Concept, #150 - Luck of the Irish
2 Crafty Critter Crazies, #48 - Anything Goes with a Critter
The House that Stamps Built, #321 - Going Green