Out of the Way. . . .card 3

If you read my post from here, this is basically the same card, but, 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; I love using Crazy Cats, Birds & Dogs SO much I had to break them out for this challenge :)

 

What I Used to Make my Card:
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 Pencils 

Nuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, Stardust
Premade Distress Ink Background 

 

After the pups were stamped, colored and die cut, I used an Oxide Ink background that I had lying around from a previous creation.  I tend to make many backgrounds for a project that for some reason or another don't fit my vision and instead of throwing them out {there is nothing wrong with them except they don't work for whatever I am making} I keep them.  I have loads of Distress Oxide Ink and Alcohol Ink backgrounds ready to go at a moments notice!  

 

I embossed the sentiment and chose these two dogs to stand on it - to me it looks like the first dog is telling this to the second dog which is why the second pup looks so surprised.  The expressions on these, and the whole Crazy collection, is so much fun!  I hope you have enjoyed this card, as well as the other two {one is here and the other is here} and perhaps, if you aren't a snarky person, I've encouraged you to take a peek at the fun side of snark! 

 

Thanks SO much! I appreciate your time stopping by! Blessings, Christi 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

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

Double Trouble, #63 - Dog Days of Summer

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

Krafty Chicks, #519, wk 1 - Use a Stamp

Festive Friday, #65 - National Dog Day & 3 of the Items Listed on the Graphic {see below}. I used dog, black and embossing. This is my first time playing and I will be back - so much fun!

Festive Friday

 

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

We Were Mermaid for Each Other

While this is an older Lawn Fawn set, it's brand new to me and what better time to break out an adorable mermaid couple than when we are all stuck together and maybe not feeling so loving towards those we are stuck with?  I dearly love my family, but things are starting to feel a bit. . . crowded.  I just keep telling myself this too shall pass :) 

What I used to Make my Card:
Navy Blue Card Base
Lawn Fawn Mermaid for You stamps, #LF1167
Lawn Fawn Mermaid for You dies, #LF1168
Pre-made Distress Oxides Ink Background {I always have a bunch of these around}
Various Hero Arts Inks
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Light Blue Card
Sakura Gelly Roll Silver Pen, Stardust
Scrap White Card

I had already made the background of the card; I find it very helpful to have a bunch of these backgrounds in various colors ready to make into a card at any time.  I find it very relaxing to play with the Distress Oxides.  I love the fact that you really can do no wrong with them.  If you don't like the way the colors blended or thought it would look different, you can always add more Oxides to the watercolor paper or use any number of shimmer sprays to liven it up.  I also keep all the scraps from my backgrounds {at least the ones that are 1/4" or bigger.}  You'd be surprised at how many uses come up between stamping a sentiment or weaving bits together.

Since my background was done, I moved on to the elements of the card.  I stamped, colored, and cut all the pieces, some on watercolor paper and some on plain scrap white.  For the images I stamped on the white scrap that didn't need to be colored, I used various Hero Arts inks.  The Oxide Ink background was

Another Look

glued onto a navy blue card, another scrap of white was glued inside so the giver would be able to write inside the card, and then all of the pieces were glued onto the front of the card.  I am by no means a talented color-er but looking back at my earlier creations, say last year and the year before, I'm happy to say I've gotten better, at least with water coloring.  I look at my cards from way back and I just cringe, but I try to look at how I've grown rather than focus on how bad I was.  I'm talking cards so bad they will never see the light of this blog.  I've also lost my irrational fear of alcohol ink markers which is handy since I am watching videos and reading tutorials on how to use them {one of my on going goals.}  How are you doing with your crafty goals?  Do you go back to your older cards and marvel at your progress?  You should!  Maybe I should make a page {or start a challenge!} for "The Cards We Made Way Back Then!"  Hope you enjoyed my post and I hope you come back and visit me soon!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Make a Scene 
Little Patch of Crafty Friends, #130 - Anything Goes
Three Muses - Something Fishy
Through the Purple Haze, #166 - Anything Goes
Cardz TV, #112 - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge Blog - A is for Anything Goes

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

A Meowy Christmas To All

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

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

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

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

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

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