How I feel About Valentine's Day

It's been so long since I've posted, it feels like months! First, my camera died - I can't say anything bad about it because it was about 18 years old, so getting a new one proved interesting and once I got the new camera I got sick.  So, I am far, far behind; I didn't even post any Christmas cards.  But here I am, and I plan on getting back on track!  Today I am sharing a card for Valentine's Day - I admit, it isn't one of my favorite holidays, and I express that fact with all these Simon Says Stamp dies and a few other goodies!

First I covered the white card base with a stencil from Kindred Stamps using Distress Ink Old Paper - I covered the stencil very lightly as I wanted the background to be visible, but not be the first thing your eye goes to.  Once that was done I cut the first die out of black card, the second part of the sentiment is cut out of red card, and I cut the "happy" off.  I used a cute alphabet from CZ Design to put the "it's" in between the words; looks like the Archie Jr. Solid Alphabet dies{czd50}I used are no longer available, but any small alphabet will do..  I finished the card off by using some old heart washi tape and some red hearts I had cut out using the Chunky Hearts Panel Wafer die.

Now I will be sharing some more "love" cards, and I even have a Galentine one to share :) Thanks for checking out my anti-Valentine :) Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Love is in the Air
Use Your Stuff #441 - Hearts/Love
Crafty Gals Corner, #228 - Add a Heart
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, #203 - J is for Judgemental {see Emma below}
Inspiration Station, #23 - Candy Hearts {I actually can't stand candy hearts - sorry!!! LOL}

Slimline Trick or Treat Card

Another Halloween Card - I cannot believe only a few more days until Halloween, so I am posting like crazy! I'll probably be posting 2 cards a day until the Holiday is over.  

If you are looking for the Cat Lovers Blog Hop post, click HERE 

I went a bit nuts with this card but in my defense I had just gotten the Pink & Main Plaid Slimline die and I wanted to play with it; so play I did!

I started by cutting the Plaid die out of white card, then I used the die cut as a stencil, coloring the paper with Distress Ink Twisted Citron, Carved Pumpkin and Wilted Violet.  Once that was done, I set the colored die cut aside and used Trinity Stamps Slimline Embossed Circles die to cut out the circles.   I had some leftover Halloween characters from a cut and color I had done using Lawn Fawn's Booyah! stamps & dies so I popped those critters in the circles.  I finished off the card with the Trick or Treat Lawn Fawn border in black card.

It's honestly a bit more colorful than I am used to, but I think it's pretty cool looking.  I hope you are crafting away for the season and hope to see you soon! Christi 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Gals Corner, #224 - Halloween Colors
Krafty Chicks Challenge, #583 - All Occasions
Happy Little Stampers (dies) - Anything Goes with Die Cuts
Creative Craft Cottage Challenge, #145 - Autumn/Halloween
Dies R Us, #179 - Anything Goes w/ a Die Brand they Sell
Sweet Stampers, #61 - Autumn/Halloween
Crafting Happiness Challenge, #116 - Use any or all colors:  Purple, Orange, Green & Black
Happy Little Stampers (stencil) - Anything Goes w/ a Stencil

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!!!

 

Sending Lots of Love

I have been seeing these adorable Lawn Fawn slimline cards everywhere and I am sure you have, too.  The images are so cute and I finally broke down, bought the stamps and dies, then made my own and here it is:

What I Used to Make my Card:

White Slimline Card Base

Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Stamps, #LF2466

Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Dies, #LF2467

Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Box Add On Stamps, #LF2468

Lawn Fawn Special Delivery Box Add On Dies, #LF2469

Lawn Fawn Cloudy Stencil, #LF2250

Ranger/Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink in Broken China

Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink

As always, my first area of business is to stamp, color, and cut all of the elements I want to use on my card.  Second, I used the cloudy stencil to make the sky and stamped the sentiment directly onto the card base. I dressed up the canary to make him look like a mailman and adhered him and the owl to the card, followed by all those cute little letters and hearts.  I really enjoy making scenes and I am happy I am fortunate enough to have acquired all the cool backdrops that I have as they make it so easy to make a scene card.  Honestly, I am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day but being able to make a cute card like this makes all the engagement commercials worth it! 

I hope this card put a smile on your face!  I appreciate you taking the time to visit me here and I hope you'll consider following me.  If you do, leave me a message so I can follow you back. Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Make a Slimline Card
Mod Squad - Must Have the Word LOVE
Fab 'n Funky, #510 - Love, Heart
Cuttlebug Mania - Put an Animal on it {hope the birds count!}
NBUS Challenge, #23 - Never Before Used Stuff {the stamps, dies and stencil!}
Shopping our Stash, #438 - Love is in the Air
Double D Challenge - Valentine Love
The Paper Players, #527 - Hearts and/or Stars

Simon Says Stamp Scattered Hearts 2Fer

I am on a roll with making more than one card using the same items!  I am not sure why; it isn't easier to do and it surely isn't easier to take pictures of a 2fer, but I can't seem to help myself!  Here are my latest 2fer creations:

What I Used to Make my Cards:
White Card Base
Light Pink Card Base
White Card
Shades of Pink Card
Simon Says Stamp Stacked Hearts Wafer Die, #SSSD111540
Simon Says Stamp i love you Shadow Wafer Die, #SSSD111800
Distress Oxide Inks in Spun Sugar, Picked raspberry and Candied Apple

These were surprisingly easy to make and I had originally planned on just making the one card that says "I Love You" on it. I had cut out another of the stacked hearts since I wanted to put some white inlay hearts into the original card.  Then I realized, why not use the white leftover frame as a stencil and make another card?  So that's what I did, using distress oxide inks.  All along I had planned on just using the stencil and throwing it away but I loved how pretty it was once I was done blending the inks so I used that part too! That is how most of my 2fers are born; the leftovers are too good to throw out so I make another card to use them up.  It's a win-win in my mind.  I get more cards and I make less waste.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I'm wondering do you often find yourself making two or more cards out of the same supplies?  How does the process work for you?  Let me know in the comments below!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the challenges below:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Love is in the Air
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Love/Hearts
Inkspirational, #232 - Hearts
My Time to Craft, #450 - Love
Little Red Wagon, #587 - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Sisterhood of Crafters - Create Your Own Background

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

Prison Orange ~2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop

I am frantically making cards for the 2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop - so far, out of the few I've made, this is one of my favorites.

What I Used to Make my Card
White Card Base
Bird Crazy Stamps & Dies {already colored & cut}
Clean Color Markers
Riley & Co. Coffee. Because Prison. . .#RWD-544
Wendy Vecchi Mini Brick Stencil, #WVSFA053
VersaFine Onyx Black
Googly Eyes
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke

This was an easy card.  I already had my bird ready to go, complete with her googly eyes.  I colored her with Clean Color Brush Markers.  I ripped a piece of scrap paper {making sure it was big enough for me to add my sentiment} and

stenciled all around it with the Distress Ink using the Bricks stencil.

Another Look

Then I stamped my sentiment and added my bird.  I love that this card was so easy to make and at the same time makes me giggle!  You know how I love my snarky sentiments!

Thanks so much for popping by! While you're here, I'd love for you to join my giveaway, you can get all the details here.  I am finding more and more good stuff to add to my package and I promise you won't be disappointed!  Hugs!  Christi


I am entering my card in the following challenges:
2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop
Crop Stop - M, Anything Goes
CuttleBug Mania - Butterflies and Birds
The Artistic Stamper - M, Backgrounds
Country View Challenges - M, Be Humorous, entry #2
Dies R Us - #97, Birds
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - I is for Inky