Taylored Expressions Blender Brush Launch Day 2 {Scream! It's your birthday!}

Welcome to day 2 of the Taylored Expressions Blender Brush Launch! I loved seeing so many fun samples on Instagram from so many talented designers using the Blender Brush set with stencils! Today, we're using the blender brushes in another fun way; Embossing Folders! I'm a sucker for embossing folders; I've loved them ever since I  got my Cuttlebug! Pairing them with ink blending is always a fun way to provide color and texture for your designs!

Don't forget about the special promotion going on until the end of the month, which you can read about in the graphic above. Also, there is free shipping for orders 50 dollars and over until the end of the month! If you order both the brushes and Storage Caddy, you will qualify for the free gift as well as free shipping!

I have two cards to share with you today! First up is this tone on tone ink blended dry embossed background card featuring the cute Little Monsters Stamp and Die combo. To begin, I embossed the teal panel using the adorable Streamers Embossing Folder in my Cuttlebug. Once that was done, I used the new Blender Brushes to enhance the raised embossed portion by gently rubbing the brush over the top. I also added some heavier blending around the edges to help define the perimeter. I added a light spritz or two of Shimmer Spray for some shine!

I kept the layout simple so that the embossed detail could shine! I stamped the images in black and then colored them with Copic markers.I added some white gel pen dots to the orange monster and some teal dots to the blue monster. Once they were colored, I die cut them using the included die cuts in the kit.

The sentiment is heat embossed using white powder onto a black strip of cardstock to really make it pop! I added a trio of sparkling clear sequins here and there for some shine!

For my second card, I created an ink blended background on a panel of white cardstock. I used some fun monsteresque colors that I felt would enhance these fun images! This layout is almost identical to the first card, but this time I stamped the sentiment on white using black ink.

I did the ink blending first and then used the Streamers Embossing Folder. I love how different each card looks depending on which technique is used! I made some similar cards back when these cute stamps were released, but by adding the ink blended embossed portion, it really helps make this simple design pop!

I added some Crystal Glaze to the monster's nose and the eyes on the other card. This one got a few sequins as well for some detail and shine! Tomorrow will be the last day of the launch, so make sure you stop by again tomorrow for one last way to use these amazing new brushes! Thanks for fluttering by!

Taylored Expressions Blender Brush Launch {I love you. That is all.}

Today has got me super duper excited and I'm pretty sure you can see why! I'm head-over-heels in love with the new Blender Brushes  and Blender Brushes Storage Caddy from Taylored Expressions! I will be sharing some different ways to use these over the next THREE days, so stay tuned! Today I'll be sharing a design using the Topsy Turvy Stencil and the new brushes, but before I dive into that, there are a few things about this release that I'd like to share with you.

Every order of the new Blender Brushes AND the Blender Brush Storage Caddy will recieve the  Blender Brush Cleaner Tool for FREE! It will automatically be added to all qualifying order; there is nothing you need to do! This tool is not currently available for purchase, so this is the only way to get it now! Also, there is FREE shipping on all $50+ purchases now through the end of June. It will return to the regular $75+ purchase beginning July 1st. Please note that the Blender Brushes will not ship until after July 1st. Whew! Now that we've got all of the business out of the way, let me get started on the card I made for today's launch!

First off, these blender brushes are WHITE, and there is one for each color of the rainbow so that you can dedicate one for each! I love that! Each brush is the same size,which is awesome! To begin today's design, I used the Topsy Turvy Stencil and taped it over a panel of white cardstock that measures slightly larger than 4 1/4 by 5 1/2. I blended in Festive Berries, Mustard Seed, Peacock Feathers, and Seedless Preserves Distress Oxide Ink using the new brushes. Once that was done, I removed the stencil and cut the panel down to 4 by 5 1/4 inches.

Once that was done, I cut some strips of white cardstock and blended in the same 4 colors of ink, plus Mowed Lawn. I kept the blending heavy in one area and faded it out to get some variation in tones. Once they were blended, I spritzed them with water and Shimmer Spray. I set those aside to dry and got to work on the sentiment. 

I heat embossed the "I LOVE YOU. THAT IS ALL." sentiment, which is from the Dadisms stamp set . I thought it paired so perfectly with this sweet little daisy-holding-monster from the Little Monsters Stamp and Die combo. Once all of the strips were done, I layered them diagonally on the stenciled panel using foam squares. 

I stamped the monster in black and then used Copic markers to color him/her. I also added some googly eyes using liquid glue to the eye portion. It provides just a touch of silliness that complements the monster so well.

Before attached the monster,I adhered some sparkling clear sequins here and there for some added detail and shine. I asked my daughter if she liked the card with or without the monster,and she said she liked it both ways. I just couldn't resist adding him/her.

Join me again tomorrow as I share another design using these amazing brushes! Thanks for fluttering by!

Keeping Christmas {Be Good}

 

It's the 25th and that means it is time for the monthly Keeping Christmas Blog Hop! I shared some sewn gift pockets last week that you can see HERE. After I got done making them,I realized how fun they would be to make to give at Christmastime! So...this is a Christmas version of that same concept! Before I share all of the details of today's project, don't forget to hop to the other designers' blogs to see what Christmas magic they have conjured up!

Kelly Lunceford (you are here)

Anita Madden 

Broni Holcombe 

Claire Broadwater (off this month)

Julee Tilman 

Kim Heggins

Lori Tecler

Nance Salkeld

Nina Forsyth 

Vicki Finger 
Nancy Guse

These pockets are so easy to make; before you know it, you'll have whipped up a whole army of them to give to family and friends! I am planning on tucking a hot cocoa packet, a candy cane, a vintage foil wrapped Santa and maybe some other goodies or gift card, depending on the recipient. I made a total of 5 pockets, but I'm certain I'll be making more. My Christmas pattern paper selection is lacking, but I didn't realize it when I got started on these. You can really change the feeling by switching out the paper and stamps. I always love a vintage Christmas feel, so these are just up my alley!

I would recommend using 8 1/2 by 11 pattern paper; this paper measured 12 by 12, which is fine, but you'll need to cut it down to 11. I also would recommend using double sided pattern paper. I didn't use double sided for this project, but I did on the project that I linked above. It is much easier that way, but really, this isn't too much harder. I just simply added a strip of leftover paper to the top before I sewed up the sides!

The stamps that I used for this project are from Waltzing Mouse, which unfortunately is no longer in business. They are some of my favorites and I felt that they matched the feel of the paper, so I used them for today's project. I stamped all of the circular images using black ink on Kraft paper and then used my circle Nestabilities dies to cut them out. I also heat embossed the "merry and bright" sentiment, which is from the same set, in gold and attached it below the circle image. The "be good" images also sport a gold jingle bell on the end of Santa's hat. 

I gave each pocket a clip at the top of the front flap for extra detail as well as a sprig of plastic holly that I got at Hobby Lobby. These sprigs are glued to the paper using hot glue for stability. 

I have a feeling that these will be the perfect thing to have on hand this upcoming holiday season! I had so much fun putting these together! My kids and I actually had a "Toy Story" movie watching marathon of films 1-3 and then we're headed to see Toy Story 4 today! I sat and made these while the kids watched the show. Thanks for fluttering by!

Ink To Paper Saturday Showcase {Thanks for being so Wonderful}

 Welcome to this week's Ink To Paper Saturday Showcase! I've been MIA the last few weeks because of vacation and travel, so it is good to be back sharing some fun new creations with you! This week a few of us are sharing some fun projects using the new Simply Sweet: Thanks stamp set that was just released last week! I had so much fun with it during the release when I made THIS {scroll down} card, but for today I wanted to use it in a more traditional way! 

For today's project, I created 2 sewn pockets that can be filled with a sweet treat, lip gloss, or small gift. In this photo, I have a lip gloss inside, but it is really hard to tell {which I guess is a good thing LOL!} . I cut a piece of Bitty Big: Limeade Ice pattern paper in half length wise and scored each one at 5 inches. I folded it at the score mark which leaves that small bit of the smaller polka dot panel at the top. I used my sewing machine to sew along the two edges.

Once the edges were sewn I got to work on the rest of the design details. I die cut the wreath portion 4 times, 2 for each sewn pocket using the Simply Sweet: Thanks die and stamped the flowers using Winter Wisteria ink. The 3 larger flowers are from the new It's A Sign: Beautiful stamp set as well as the leaves. The leaves are stamped in Simply Chartreuse ink, and the three flowers are stamped in Winter Wisteria, Lilac Grace, and Sweet Blush and they are all die cut using the It's A Sign: Beautiful die collection. 

 The "thanks" block letters are stamped in black and die cut using the coordinating dies {linked above}.I added them to the top flap of the pockets using foam squares. If you're worried about the size of your gift being to tall so that it might cover those letters, you could always add them to the bottom of the pocket as well.

The "for being so wonderful" sentiment is stamped in black onto a strip of Sweet Blush cardstock and then added to the middle of the wreath using foam squares. I notched the ends for some added detail.

I added a trio of sparkling clear sequins to the bottom right corner as well as the centers of the two flowers on the left hand side for some sparkle. I have been on a Nuvo drop kick lately so I was tempted to just squeeze those babies all over the place, but I resisted! LOL! I felt the sequins were a more appropriate option. As much as I wanted to add them, they compete with the larger polka dot of the pattern paper. I did add some clips to the top of the flap for some added detail. I also experimented with it on one of the sides at the bottom,which I like as well!

When I was making these, I couldn't help but think how cute these would be for Christmas gifties; hot cocoa, candy, gift cards, lotion, etc. My Keeping Christmas post is coming up on the 25th, so don't be surprised if you end up seeing more of these! Ha ha! Thanks for fluttering by!

SugarPea Designs Sweet Peek Week Day 5

Well friends, today is the final day of the SugarPea Designs Sweet Peek Week! I hope you've enjoyed seeing all of the fun summery new products!  Today the team is sharing one last stamp/die set as well as an awesome new stencil that is perfect for all of your summer cards.

SugarPea Designs Blog

Adelle Emery 

Amy Kolling 

Jeanne Jachna 

Kelly Lunceford

Nicole Vögeli

Raluca Vezeteu

Tatiana Trafimovich 

Tricia Barber 
Vera Yates

My card uses the darling new Cool Treats stamp set paired with the new Wave Stencil. To begin this design,I did some ink blending of three different inks onto a panel of white cardstock. Once that was done, I die cut it using the Card Front Element Builder to give it the scalloped edge. I also created the sand using the same die set. I spritzed the back of the wave stencil with water and some Shimmer Spray and placed it over the top of the ink blended panel and let it sit for a minute. I love the result of using stencils like this; I had seen it done a few summers ago from Jennifer McGuire and absolutely loved it!

While that was drying, I stamped the penguin and popsicle image using black ink and then colored them using Copic markers. I also added some white details with a white gelly roll pen. I used the coordinating Cool Treats SugarCuts to die cut them. I also added some Crystal Glaze to the popsicle, penguin beak, and the tube for some fun, realistic shine!

I die cut a portion of the Zig Zag Stitched Circle SugarCuts and added it to the top of the stencil portion. I added the penguin to the circle using foam squares. The sentiment, which is also from the Cool Treats set, is heat embossed in white onto a red sentiment strip. I added it underneath the penguin to ground the image.

I added three dew drop embellishments using liquid glue. It is always best to use glue that dries clear so that you can still see through the drops once the glue dries. The blended panel is layered onto a white panel that is also die cut with the Card Front Element Builder. I just love the extra detail it adds to my cards. 

I hope you've enjoyed this week's sneak peeks! I really love this new release and I hop you do as well! Thanks for fluttering by!

Inspired By...Bright and Cheery!

I've been a little MIA lately when it comes to the Inspired By Challenge so I'm happy to be back today for this week's fun challenge! I mentioned recently that I have a TON of cards in my stash, which lets me know that I haven't been really great about sending them out! I'm hoping to remedy that and send some out for the next #mailitmonday! 

For this week's challenge, I was inspired by the colors and fun geometric patterns. I knew that some fun Reverse Confetti stamps and papers would be just the ticket! I also chose a "bright and cheery" sentiment to keep with the theme!

To begin, I stamped most of the images from the Floral Gem stamp set in black and then used Copic markers to color them. I used the coordinating Floral Gem Confetti Cuts to die cut everything. I also stamped the sentiment in the middle of focal image in black, which is from the Sentimental Gems stamp set. 

For the background, I used the Diagonal Stitches Cover Panel to die cut the white piece. I layered one of the green and white geometric printed paper from the Pattern Play 6 by 6 paper pad over the top of the white panel. The darker green paper is from the Fun Times 6 by 6 pattern paper pad and I layered that horizontally over the top of the other paper. I used my sewing machine to add a line of zig zag stitching at the bottom of the green paper. 

Once all of the papers were in place, I was able to get started arranging the die cut pieces onto the card. I also added some white nuvo drops around the focal image for some extra detail and dimension.

I used the black sentiment strip to "ground" the card since it had so many light colors going on. The sentiment, which is from the Word Up stamp set, is heat embossed with white powder and then added using foam squares. I also added a trio of sparkling clear sequins for some shine. I had a lot of fun creating this "bright and cheery" card! I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week! Thanks for fluttering by!

SugarPea Designs Sweet Peek Week Day 4

Well friends, it's the 4th day of the SugarPea Designs Sweet Peek Week and I'm just dying to know what you all are loving! I've loved everything showcased so far, but today is one of my favorites because of these sweet mermaids! I have two projects to share with you today, but first, make sure you head to the other designers' blogs to see how mermazing they are!

SugarPea Designs Blog

Adelle Emery 

Amy Kolling 

Jeanne Jachna 

Kelly Lunceford

Nicole Vögeli

Raluca Vezeteu

Simonne Clay 

Tatiana Trafimovich 

Tricia Barber 
Vera Yates

As I mentioned earlier, I have two projects to share with you today because I was just having so much fun with these cuties! I saw a really cute girls bathing suit at the waterpark on Saturday that was just oozing with inspiration, so I'll be making yet another card with these products that I'll be sharing soon, so stay tuned! 

For this first card, I die cut the new Scale CoverPlate SugarCut out of white cardstock and then layered it over an inkblended panel. I wanted an Ombre effect with the lighter blue at the top and then gradually getting darker, just like you would if you were going underwater. The sand is created in the same way I did on yesterdays card.It is the perfect place for this cute rock sitting mermaid to perch.

I stamped all of the cute images from the Mermaid Kisses stamp set and colored them with Copic markers, except for the seaweed since that is a solid image. The fun bubbles that I stamped for the sea horse inspired me to die cut some Zig Zag Stitched Circles to mimic some larger bubbles. I thought they would be cute to place another mermaid as well as the cute seahorse and fish.

Once everything was colored, I used the Mermaid Kisses SugarCuts to die cut everything and then added them to the card using foam squares. I used the new Everyday Sentiments once again for this card. I used my favorite sentiment from the Mermaid Kisses set on my next card!

I actually made this card before I made the one above. I always love letting my CoverPlate dies play double duty and using them for dry embossing, like I did for this card. I did some ink blending on a panel and then ran it through my cuttlebug using the gray embossing mat so that it would dry emboss, rather than cut.

The sentiment, which is my favorite from the new set, is heat embossed in silver onto a vellum strip and then wrapped around the embossed panel and secured with clear tape. The images are stamped and colored using copic markers, with the exception of the seaweed. I chose to color these two mermaids pink because they reminded me of a mermaid toy I had growing up that I LOVED! 

Once they were all colored, I die cut them with the coordinating Mermaid Kisses SugarCuts and added them to the blended panel. 

I also added some sparkling clear sequins as well as some Nuvo drops to look like bubbles. I also gave the mermaids some white Nuvo drop pearl earrings and barrettes. 

I had so much fun using these new products! Make sure you stop by tomorrow for the 5th and final day of the Sweet Peek Week! Thanks for fluttering by!