Simon Says Stamp Die-cember 2017 Release

I LOVE dies, so I'm super excited that Simon Says Stamp's Die-cember release

is here! They kindly sent me a die to play with--Sensational Snowflakes--and I managed

to create a colorful card with it.

I was trying to channel Yoonsun and the way she adds watercoloring to her

diecut images. I cut out several snowflakes and adhered them to a watercolor

card, then pounced on some Distress inks and went over them with a waterbrush.

The sentiment was cut from glittery green card stock and adhered to the card

and finished off with sequins.

Visit the Simon Says Stamp Store to see the entire Die-cember release!
Happy shopping!

CAS(E) this Sketch #249

Welcome back to CAS(E) this Sketch! Are you ready for Sketch #249?

Here it is, a retro sketch from our teammie Leigh.

This is what I came up with back in 2014.

And here's my updated 2017 take.
 

Four scallop banners were cut from watercolor card stock and ink distressed.
A top folding Primitive Cream card base was prepared, and the banners
were adhered on the bottom, then trimmed to fit. I stamped the sentiment
and finished off the card with enamel dots.

 Visit CAS(E) this Sketch to see how the rest of the team interpreted the
sketch and join us if you can. Link up your card(s) by Thursday, Dec 7th
and you could be guesting with us on a future sketch!

MFT Fringed Scallop Border Die-namics

MFT More Essential Sentiments 

MFT Wed Sketch Challenge #361

Here's this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch #361.

Here's my take on it with some Birdie Brown Bitty Bears.
Because they're so darn cute!

Patterned paper was adhered to a white card base, then covered with a scallop edge
piece. Three bears were stamped, colored with Copics and cut with the matching dies.
I adhered them to the card, and added the white embossed sentiment strip.
The card was finished off with three small hearts.

Visit the Card Challenges blog for all the details on how you could win a $50
MFT gift voucher as the random winner of the challenge. Hope to see you
in the gallery!

MFT Birdie Brown Bitty Bears

MFT Birdie Brown Bitty Bears Die-namics

MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-namics

MFT Deer Love Die-namics (small hearts)

MFT November Hits & Highlights

 For this month's Hits & Highlights, we're featuring Birdie Brown's

adorable Bitty Bears. Did you know there are thirteen little fellas in

different poses, holding an assortment of accessories? Just coloring them

makes me smile!

I die cut four Mod Squares from watercolor card stock, ink distressed them
 in four colors of Distress inks, and adhered them to a Grout Gray card

base. I chose four Bitty Bears that were each holding something. I colored
them with Copics and cut them with the matching Die-namics.

Each bear was popped up on a different colored square. The sentiment was
white embossed on a fishtail sentiment strip and adhered between the squares.
The card was finished off with enamel dots.

Visit today's Hits & Highlights post at My Favorite Things to see more
Bitty Bear projects from participating team members. Thanks for stopping by!

MFT Birdie Brown Bitty Bears

MFT Birdie Brown Bitty Bears Die-namics

MFT Stitched Mod Square STAX

MFT Essential Fishtail Sentiment Strips

Thankful

Just popping in to wish all my US friends a Happy Thanksgiving and to

take this time to thank all of you for visiting my blog and leaving such kind and

encouraging comments. 

Have a safe holiday and enjoy your time with family and friends.

* * * 

And a quick reminder that you have one more week to join CAS(E) this Sketch #248.

Link up your card(s) by Thursday, November 30th. Hope to see you in the gallery!

Ellen Hutson LLC's 11th Anniversary Blog Hop

I'm excited and honored to be part of Ellen Hutson's 11th Anniversary Blog Hop!

You should have arrived here from my creative friend Ardyth's blog. If not,
here is the line up of blogs for Day 2 and be sure to start at Carissa's blog because
you won't want to miss an ounce of inspiration! And don't forget to leave comments
along the way because there are prizes galore!

Carissa Wiley
Michele Ferguson
Chari Moss
Ardyth Percy-Robb
Donna Mikasa
 

The theme is "My Favorite Essentials By Ellen" product. Going through my Flickr 

photostream, it was pretty clear that I often reached for the Mondo Hydrangea,
with the Mondo Peony coming in a close second.

I love all of Julie's Mondo blooms, but the Hydrangea, for me, is the "funnest" to color
and can be quite forgiving.

I've always wanted to gold emboss the hydrangea and color it afterwards, so that's
what I did for my card. The hydrangea was gold embossed three times on watercolor
card stock. I used Distress inks and ink daubers to color in each bloom with a
different color.

I went over each bloom with more Distress inks, let them dry, then spattered
water over the piece. I filled in the area around each flower with Peeled Paint
Distress ink, and blended with water up to the edge of each bloom. After the
 entire piece was dried, I trimmed it and adhered it to a black card base
and finished off the card with the die cut Hello.

I'm the last stop on today's hop. Get ready for more inspiration tomorrow on
Day 3 of the Anniversary Hop! And leave comments every day on all designers'
blogs, and link up YOUR favorite Essentials by Ellen product here for a chance
to win a $50 Ellen Hutson LLC gift voucher!

Essentials by Ellen Mondo Hydrangea

Essentials by Ellen Brushstroke Hello Die

Sweet Stamp Shop November Release--Deck the Palms

In 2011 I was on the design team for Sweet Stamp Shop and I met the owners,  
Nicole and Jacob here in Hawaii. They came down for a vacation, and Nicole saved
postage by hand delivering my first batch of Sweet's clear stamps!

Here are some of my early projects made with their stamps. Please pardon the

photos--I didn't know about photo editing back then!

Fast forward six years and I've been invited to share their November release!

Thanh kindly sent me some stamps to play with and I couldn't wait to ink up the 

Hawaiian Santa in Deck the Palms and make a shaped card.

This was such a fun image to color. I clear embossed the image and brought
out my Zig markers to color them, adding water for blending and shading..

After the piece was dried, I cut it with Hero Arts' Circle Infinity dies and made a

shaped card. The sentiment was white embossed and trimmed into a banner

and adhered on the bottom of the card.

* * * * *

You can find this fun stamp set here in the Sweet Stamp Shop, and during
their Black Friday sale, from today, 11/17 thru Monday 11/27, all their
stamps are a whopping 20% off!

If time permits, I'll be sharing more of Sweet Stamp Shop's November release
with you! Thanks for stopping by!

CAS(E) this Sketch #248

(Note: Please click here or scroll down to see my Creative Construction with
Blueprints post. Thank you!)

* * *

This week's CAS(E) this Sketch #248 is a two weeker! This means you can 

enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday (and Black Friday shopping!) and still have 

time to play along with us!

Here's the sketch brought to you by Chrissy.

And here's my simplified take on it.

I did some inlay die cutting after inking up a medallion with Distress inks in
rainbow order. The medallion was cut into a strip of black card stock and
the colorful medallion was inlaid like a puzzle on the strip. The sentiment
was white embossed and the card was finished off with sequins.

Remember you have TWO weeks to enter the challenge. The deadline to link
up your card(s) is Thursday, November 30th.

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and come back and see us
in two weeks. Thanks for stopping by!

MFT Ornamental Medallion Trio Die-namics

MFT Deepest Sympathy

MFT November Creative Construction with Blueprints--Holiday Tags

Adding a handmade touch is a wonderful way to personalize your thoughtful gifts. 

 Join us this month as we look at holiday tags featuring Blueprints.

For my project, I created lip balm tags with an element from Blueprints 13.
I found a Holiday collection of lip balms and thankfully, the lip balm die fit
perfectly on the tag.

After die cutting the tag shape from watercolor card stock, I white embossed
small snowflakes on the tag, then ink distressed them two thirds of the way up
and spattered water on them. I used the slit die from Blueprints 30 and cut
slits on the top of the tag.

The lip balm pouches were assembled, the tags were finished off with a ribbon
 and a smaller tag that was stamped with a sentiment and tied to the tag.

Visit the Card Challenges blog for all the details on how you could win a

$50 MFT gift voucher with your holiday tag creations using Blueprints!

MFT Blueprints 13

MFT Blueprints 30
MFT Lip Balm Window and Frame Die-namics
MFT Lip Balm Pouches
MFT Sending Smooches (sentiment)
MFT You Make My Heart Melt (snowflakes)

MFT Wed Sketch Challenge #359

It's time for a new sketch from MFT's Wednesday Sketch Challenge!
Here's Sketch #359.

And here's my simplified take on it.

Whimsical Woodgrain was stamped on Kraft card stock with Versamark ink
and cut with a rectangle die then adhered to a Kraft card base. A piece of  
watercolor card stock was ink distressed, spattered with water and cut with the
wonky stitched die. A hedgehog was stamped, colored with Copics and cut with the
 matching Die-namics.

The sentiment was white embossed and cut with a fishtail banner. The square
was adhered to the card base, followed by the hedgehog that was popped up
with foam tape and the sentiment strip over him. The card was finished off
with a few enamel dots.

Visit the Card Challenges blog for more inspiration, and for all the details
on how you could be the random winner of a $50 MFT gift voucher!
Hope to see you in the gallery!

MFT Birdie Brown Happy Hedgehogs

MFT Birdie Brown Happy Hedgehogs Die-namics

MFT Whimsical Woodgrain

MFT Kind Words
MFT Rectangle STAX Set 1
MFT Wonky Stitched Square STAX

MFT Essential Fishtail Sentiment Strips

MFT November Release Replay

It's time for MFT's November Release Replay when the Creative Team shares
fresh ideas and more inspiration with the November release.

 Today I'm sharing a project using Ski Sons Greetings stamp set and
 matching Die-namics. These bears are just too cute and I pictured a
father and son skiing down a snowy slope together.

Stone Gray card stock was white embossed with a wavy background and cut
with a wonky stitched rectangle. Two bears were stamped, colored with Copics,
and cut with the matching Die-namics.

They were popped up on the card and finished off with the white embossed
sentiment and sequins.

Visit today's Release Replay post at My Favorite Things for more ideas and
inspiration from participating team members. Thanks so much for stopping by!

MFT Ski Sons Greetings

MFT Ski Sons Greetings Die-namics

MFT Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX

MFT Whimsical Waves Background

MFT Essential Fishtail Sentiment Strips Die-namics

Be Merry

It's that time of year again--Tracey's 25 Days of Christmas Tags! I couldn't
wait to link up my tag which was inspired by Debbie Yates' tag on Day 1
of this holiday series.

The tag was die cut from watercolor card stock and ink distressed, spattered
with water, and speckled with a white Gelly Roll pen.

The reindeer (and his antlers) were cut from Latté card stock and ink distressed
for a bit of dimension. The antlers were decorated with colorful gemstones and
the sentiment was white embossed on a red strip of card stock. A brown
checkered ribbon and twine finished off the tag.

There are so many wonderful tag ideas and Tracey has rounded up more awesome
sponsors this year. I'm hoping to squeeze in another tag or two before the 25th day.
Thanks for stopping by!

MFT Stitched Traditional Tag STAX

MFT Deer Love Die-namics

MFT Snow Globe Sentiments

CAS(E) this Sketch #247

CAS(E) this Sketch #247 is a sketch from me and it looks like this.

And here's my simplified take on it using all diecuts--again!

Patterned paper was adhered to a white card base. The curved scallop border
was cut from white card stock and adhered over the printed paper. Greenery was
cut from watercolor card stock and inked with Distress inks. Berries were cut
from red card stock scraps and adhered to the greenery.

The greenery and sentiment were adhered to the card and highlights were added
with a white pigment pen. And although you can't see it, I finished off the card with
a few score lines on the top portion of the card.

Visit CAS(E) this Sketch to see how the rest of the team interpreted the sketch
and join us if you can. Link up your card(s) by Thursday, Nov 16th and we hope
to see you in the gallery!

MFT Joy Die-namics

MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Border Die-namics

MFT Leafy Greenery Die-namics

MFT Wed Sketch Challenge #358

Are you ready for this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge?

Here's Sketch #358.

And here's my take on it.

I swapped out a stitched arch for the circle element for a snow globe effect.
I ink distressed the piece and spattered it with water and white paint. Trees
were cut from Sour Apple card stock, then inked on the edges for dimension.

A pup was stamped, colored with Copics and cut with the matching Die-namics.
The trees were layered on the piece and the pup was popped up over them.
A piece of striped paper was adhered onto a white card base, then topped with
a green strip of inked paper from my stash.

I finished off the card with the sentiment that was cut from red and white
 card stock then adhered offset onto the card.

Visit the Card Challenges blog for all the details on how you could win a
$50 MFT gift voucher as the random winner of the challenge!

MFT Birdie Brown Happy Pawlidays

MFT Birdie Brown Happy Pawlidays Die-namics

MFT Stitched Arch STAX 

MFT Scenic Snow Globe Die-namics

MFT Joy Die-namics

MFT November New Product Launch and Release

It's time! You may now purchase My Favorite Things November Release!

New goodies are waiting for you here in the MFT Store. Don't forget to visit
all participating team members' blogs for more inspiration and leave comments
 to win one of two $100 MFT gift vouchers.

I'd like to share one more project with you using the Mesmerizing Mandala 
Die-namics and possibly add to your shopping list!

After die cutting the mandala from white card stock, I ink distressed the diecut
piece in Distress inks in rainbow order, letting some colors blend to form a
third color. I used spray adhesive to adhere the mandala onto a black card base.

The sentiment was white embossed on a strip of black card stock and popped up
over the mandala. I thought about adding sequins, but decided to let the mandala be
the star of the card, so it went without.

And there you have it--MFT's November Release! A reminder to comment on all
participating Creative Team members' blogs by Thursday, Nov 9th for a chance
to win one of two $100 MFT gift vouchers!

Thanks so much for stopping by during the countdown and release and
happy shopping!

MFT Mesmerizing Mandala Die-namics

MFT Essential Sentiments

MFT November Release Countdown--Day 1

We're down to the final countdown day until My Favorite Things amazing
November release! All new products will be available tomorrow, November 7th 
at 9PM EST in the MFT Store!

Today I'm sharing a shaped card, something that I enjoy making but haven't done so
 in a while. So it was time.

I prepared the card base by cutting two circles of Stone Gray card stock with the largest
circle die. Here's how I made the card stand with a hinge on the back.

The limited edition sentiment* was white embossed on the next smaller sized circle
from watercolor card stock and ink distressed with several colors of Distress inks.
The little girl and kitty were adhered next to the sentiment and the piece was
adhered to the card base. Small hearts finished off the card.

*Let's Cuddle is a special stamp set that will be available to any retail customer
who places an order in November, only while supplies last.

Visit today's countdown post at My Favorite Things for more peeks at the
November release and don't forget to leave a comment there for a chance to win
a $75 prize! Hope to see you tomorrow for the New Product Launch!

MFT Birdie Brown New Best Friend

MFT Birdie Brown New Best Friend Die-namics

MFT Circle STAX Set 1

MFT Deer Love Die-namics

MFT November Release Countdown--Day 2

It's two more days until My Favorite Things November Release! Have you
got your wish lists ready?

Today I'm sharing a card using Deer Love Die-namics--a pair of reindeer with
ornate antlers that begged to be decorated. So I obliged.

Watercolor card stock was stenciled in Distress inks with Drifts & Hills,

then cut with the stitched rectangle die and adhered to a Stone Gray card.
The deer were cut from Natural card stock and ink distressed for a bit
of dimension.

The deer were assembled and adhered to the panel and I decorated the
larger deer's antlers with sequins. I added gemstones for their noses, and used
a white gel pen for their spots. A gold embossed sentiment finished the card.

Stop by today's countdown post at My Favorite Things for more peeks at
the November release and don't forget to leave a comment there for a chance
to win a $75 prize!

MFT Deer Love Die-namics

MFT Drifts & Hills Stencil

MFT A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX Set 2

MFT November Release Countdown--Day 3

We're halfway to My Favorite Things November Release! Ready for another peek?

Today I'm sharing a card using Coffee Date, with whimsical images of coffee cups,
mugs, and accessories--a caffeine lover's delight!

I stamped some of the images in the set on watercolor card stock and used Copic
markers to color them in. I was inspired by my coloring guru friend Alice Wertz
and her Copic coloring that resembles "loose" watercoloring.

The panel was cut with an A2 rectangle die and adhered to a Latté card base.
The sentiment was stamped on a stitched fishtail banner and popped up on
 the card. Brown hearts were stamped to fill in the spaces between the images.

Be sure to stop by today's countdown post at My Favorite Things for more
inspiration from the Creative Team and leave a comment for a chance to win
a $75 prize! Thanks for stoppin' by today!

MFT Coffee Date

MFT A2 Rectangle STAX Set 1

MFT Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips