Papertrey Ink April Release Countdown Day 2

Welcome back for day 2 of the Papertrey Ink April Release Countdown! There are some fun things for dads being featured today along with a beautiful new stencil! My first card for today uses the new Dad Die, Build-a-Briefcase Die, and some older favorites to pull this design together!

To begin this card, I got to work on the briefcase; it reminded me of my childhood playing with Barbies and this would have been so cute as an accessory! ha ha! I cut the main case from Honey Nut cardstock with Honey Nut ink blended on the edges. I cut the straps from Dark Chocolate and the hardware from gold cardstock! I assembled the briefcase using foam squares and liquid glue.

Up next, I got to to work on the Dad sentiments; this was achieved by using BOTH dies included in the set. There is a solid word die that I used as the shadow, cut from Dark Chocolate. Then I picked some fun colors of cardstock and used the second die included in the set to create the stripes. You could cut it from white and then just color all of the pieces as you choose. I cut another solid word from Ocean Tides and then glued the stripes using liquid glue.

I wanted to play with the briefcase theme and pull in some office supply detailing. The paper clip at the top is cut from gold and is from the Just Notes Die along with the torn notepad piece that says "for my". That sentiment along with the embossed sentiment at the bottom are both from the Just Sentiments: Father's Day Mini Stamp Set.

For the background, I used the largest die included in the Love to Layer: Deckled Edge Die and cut a piece of Vintage Cream cardstock. I added some Dark Chocolate ink around the edges along with some ink splatter. I cut the middle-sized frame using the Border Bling: Skinny Embossed Frame from Vintage Cream also and then glued it to the deckled panel using liquid glue.

Once that was done, I added the briefcase and Dad sentiment using foam squares. I placed it at an angle on an A2-sized panel of Olive Twist cardstock and then glued it to a top-folding A2 card base.

My next card is a quick bonus card that I made using the new All About Dad stamp set paired with the new Brushstrokes Stencil Collection. I love the bold sentiments included in the set; they would be perfect to use for mass-producing cards!

My final card for today showcases the sentiment set that was featured yesterday: This is Big Sentiments: Strength along with some leftover flowers and foliage from that card. I paired them with the beautiful new Birch Grove Stencil Collection.

The mat behind the sentiment is from the new Reflections die set being released, but it won't be featured until tomorrow!

Most of the detailing at the bottom of the stenciled panel got covered up, but I did add some additional foliage using the Stems and Blooms Stencil Collection. 

I used the bold Strength stamp yesterday, but wanted to show you the other option included in the set.

Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for day 3 of the countdown!

 

Papertrey Ink April Release Countdown Day 1

 Hello and welcome to day 1 of the April release countdown for Papertrey Ink! There are some really fun new products that might be able to fill in some gaps your collection might need! For me, I have really been wanting some larger bees to go with some of the larger flowers and my wish has come true! Not only that, but there is also an adorable new Build-a-Ladybug Die as well! Both new die sets come with three different sizes of bees or ladybugs!

My first card for today features the new This is Big Sentiments: Strength Stamp/Die set and the new new Build-a-Ladybug Die. It also showcases the lovely new Love to Layer: Top Notch Die set and a beautiful new hot foil plate!

To begin, I die cut all of the flowers and foliage using the Into the Blooms: Wild Wood Die and then colored them with dye inks and blender brushes. I also added some fossilized amber distress oxide spray and set them aside to dry.

I used the new hot foil plate with champagne foil onto a panel of Pale Peony cardstock. I added some Hibiscus Burst ink around the edges and trimmed it down just around the edges of the foiled design. I layered that onto a top-folding card base that is cut using the Nesting Basics: Pierced Rectangles Die. 

I die cut the middle-sized layer included in the Love to Layer: Top Notch Die from white cardstock and then added it to the Peony layer using foam squares. I added the sentiments; one stamped in black and the companion sentiment is heat embossed in gold.

I arranged the flowers and ladybug using foam squares and liquid glue until I was satisfied with the arrangement. I added glitter to the flowers and foliage for sparkle and shine!

 My second card for today features the new Build-a-Bumblebee Die and the new Wildflower Frame Stamp/Die set!

To begin, I die cut the frame using the Wildflower Frame Die and then stamped it with Vintage Photo distress ink. Once that was done, I colored the image using OLO markers and other alcohol markers in my collection. I also added some white acrylic pen details and some brown marker splatter for an aged, vintage look. I cut the frame out one more time and glued the two together for a sturdy piece.

Once that was done, I got to work on the bees; I chose to use the middle and smallest sized bees for my card. There is another large bee and some legs to add to the bees if desired. I cut the body from Dark Chocolate cardstock and then added some True Black ink around the perimeter. The stripes and wings are cut from white cardstock; I added Harvest Gold ink to the stripes and Spring Rain ink lightly to the wings. I had a bit of fun adding some yellow flocking powder to the stripes for a fuzzy, realistic texture. I adhered the wings using small pieces of adhesive foam.

The sentiment is also from the Wildflower Frame stamp set and is cut using the coordinating die. I layered it onto the smallest die included in the new Love to Layer die set.

For the background, I used the Cover Plate: Honeycomb Die and added some vintage photo distress ink splatter lightly over the top. I layered the entire panel onto a top-folding A2 white card base using foam squares. I added a few sequins for sparkle and shine!

Join me tomorrow for day 2 of the countdown! Thanks for fluttering by!

The Greetery {Every Ending is a New Beginning}

 Hello and welcome friends! I'm over on The Greetery Blog today, but I also wanted to share my card here! My project for today is one of those bittersweet cards to make and need. Saying goodbye can be hard, but making a going-away card with thought and intent can ease the pain, somehow. I’ve carefully selected colors and patterns specifically with the recipient in mind, which is always an enjoyable part of the creative process.

To begin, I created the woodgrain frame combo that Betsy has successfully made us all fall in love with! Haha! When I want my design to feel special and elevated, I turn to this idea, especially when it fits the theme and look I’m going for, which in this case, was PERFECT! I used the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflake Die with woodgrain cardstock and then finished it off with the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflake Embossing Folder. 

This particular woodgrain cardstock is dark, but I wanted it even darker so I used walnut stain distress oxide ink and a finger dauber to really give it a rich look. I repeated step 1, but on the next layer, I used the Capsule Basics Die to cut the capsule shape from the middle and then embossed it with the Rosemal Reflections Embossing Folder. I sponged the same ink over the top for continuity. I was tempted to try the Tangled Tulips Embossing Folder on this one, but in the end opted not to. I think I might give it a try this spring with the white woodgrain cardstock and see if I like that!

Once the two frames were done, I created the card base from Kraft cardstock and then layered the frames over the top using liquid glue for the bottom frame and foam squares for the top frame. I cut the middle capsule portion using the Capsule Basics Die from cream colored cardstock. I added some blue ink blending and ink splatter to the center to create depth and shadow behind the focal piece. I also added a filigree frame that is cut from Antique Gold and glued it over the top using liquid glue.

Once the base was all ready to go, I got to work on the focal point. I used the Wild Wetlands Die and added ink to all of the various pieces to achieve the look I was going for. I followed the assembly instruction on the back (believe me, these are important for this die ;)). I cut the base layer twice and glued them together for a nice sturdy piece. Once it was all glued and assembled, I tucked it slightly behind the top frame and secured it with foam squares for added dimension.

I found the perfect sentiment for this card in the New Day Sentiments Stamp Set. I heat embossed the one I chose in gold and then cut it out using the coordinating New Day Sentiments Die I added it to the bottom of the frame using foam squares. At this point, I could have called it done, but I was hoping for additional special details, so I cut some gold accents using the Hang It Up Die and secured them with foam squares. A sprinkling of glitter finishes off this design! As sad as it is to see my friend go, I’m happy I can give her a special card to let her know how much I love and appreciate her! Thanks for fluttering by!

Project Inspiration {Sending Love and Hugs}

Hello and welcome! Things have been a bit quiet over here as we've been celebrating and basking in the joy of Easter! It's good to be back with a card today for this weekend's Project Inspiration feature for Papertrey Ink. 

As I was searching through my stand-alone die storage, I ran across this pretty frame that I haven't used in ages, so that was the starting point for today's card, along with some vintage fabric that inspired the colors!

Follow along with me as I explain how this card came together in six easy steps!

Step 1: Cut an A2 panel of white cardstock and add the pierced detail using the Cover Plate: Quilted Die. Attach it to a top-folding A2 card base using liquid glue. Cut the frame from white using the Border Bling: Skinny Embossed Frame. Attach it to the background panel using 1/8 inch ScorTape.

Step 2: Cut the frame twice from white cardstock using the Extravagant Floral Frames Die and glue them together. Add some ink blending using dye inks and blender brushes. Attach it to the background panel using foam squares for dimension.

Step 3: Cut the middle-sized oval from the Love to Layer: Ovals Die and attach it using foam squares.

Step 4: Cut all of the flowers and foliage using both the Into the Blooms: Wild Wood Die and the Into the Blooms: Spring Basket Die. Color them with dye inks and blender brushes. Assemble them with liquid glue and foam squares.

Step 5: Add the tiny flowers (included in the Into the Blooms: Wild Wood Die-linked above) to the vines using liquid glue.

Step 6: Add the sentiments; the "sending" portion of the sentiment is cut using the Lots of Hugs Die and stamped in Pure Poppy using the Lot of Hugs Stamp Set. The remaining sentiments are from the This is Big Sentiments: Love Stamp Set. I attached them with foam squares.

I forgot to add the glitter in the last step-by-step photo, but you can see the glitter on the flowers and foliage in this photo.

As you probably already know, I'm a big fan of the florals in the Wild Wood Die set and I've explained how I assemble the tiny flowers before, but if you've missed it, I'll explain again. I used to cut them all from white and then try and add the color to those tiny pieces, but now I color a small section of a scrap piece of white cardstock with a blender brush and then die cut both the flowers and centers (two separate colors, of course). I add a cupped shape to the flowers by using the smaller end of my stylus on a foam mat and then add some adhesive using the fine-tip 2-way glue pen. From there, I use a gem picker to grab the centers and carefully layer them in the center on the pool of liquid glue. I also add them to my projects with the gem picker so I don't have to handle them very much.

Your eyes are not deceiving you; I did add the two extra leaves to the floral cluster for balance and added harmony. If felt too naked without them....haha!

I'm happy with how this card turned out and it will be perfect for all kinds of occasions; thinking of you, sympathy, encouragement, etc.

Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Easter Tweets & Sweets Tags

I finally got my computer back so I'm able to post these tags I made earlier this week! I was in need of a few to attach to Easter gifts I've been preparing. The gifts I was putting together included the little baskets I made for the Spring Jardin release, so I wanted to keep the tags cohesive with that feel. 

I made four in total, so I cut the base of each egg using the Golden Egg Die from white cardstock and then used dye inks and blender brushes to add the color. I made a yellow, pink, aqua, and purple egg and then added coordinating ink splatter to each one. Once that was done, I cut the gold border using the Golden Egg Filigree Border from bright gold cardstock. I used liquid glue to adhere it to the eggs and set them aside to dry.

I had two flower clusters already made because they were leftovers from the release, so I created two more using the Bigger Botanicals: Jacob's Ladder Die and the Bigger Botanicals: Cress Die. I cut everything from white cardstock and then colored them with dye inks and blender brushes. I added some adhesive pearls to the center of the blue flowers. The two clusters that were already created have some fossilized amber distress oxide spray, so you might notice that as well.

I heat embossed the sentiment onto four strips of coordinating cardstock using the Simple Spring Mini Sentiments Stamp Set and then attached them over the eggs and floral clusters using foam squares.

The base of each tag is one of the dies included in the Golden Egg Die and is cut from my favorite spring pattern paper: Spring Pastels, but unfortunately it is retired. There will come a time when I have used it all and I will be so sad!

I added an eyelet to the top of each tag so the paper wouldn't tear when I added the gold cord.

Before I attached the eggs to the front of the tags, I used the same sentiment stamp set to stamp a "to: from:" sentiment along with another one included in the set for added Easter wishes! I've already delivered the gifts these are attached to and they looked so cute! I wish I would have made more! ha ha! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebrating the Atonement and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! He Lives! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

18 Carrot Friendship {Happy Easter}

I can't believe Easter is on Sunday! It feels like it has arrived so quickly this year! I couldn't let the special day go by without creating a card with this absolutely DARLING stamp set from Pink and Main. This is one of those must-have stamp sets for me and I bought it back in January when it came out and FINALLY took the time to create with it! I adore the sweet bunnies and chicks and I have really missed coloring! 

To begin, I used the 18 Carrot Friendship Die to cut all of the pieces out. I cut a few extra eggs so I could use them as fillers if needed. Once that was done, I used the 18 Carrot Friendship Stamp Set to stamp the images in black. I had to run some errands, so I just left them to dry because I absolutely hate when I go to color the images and the black ink smears! Ugh!

When I got home, I colored the images using OLO Markers, along with a few Copic and Prismacolor markers to blend colors. I also have a cheap Caliart set that I used as well. I have found that the key with the cheap sets is to make a color chart (or fill in the one that comes with it) because the caps never show the true color. I only have a few sets of the OLO markers, so the extra colors come in handy to provide shading if need be.

It was so fun and therapeutic to color and I really need to do it more often. My daughter asked me the other day which companies I used to make critter cards for and I told her neither company is currently making stamps, but I really need to create with them more often because they're so cute and I miss coloring!

I added some white pen detailing, glitter, and a touch of gold on the pink egg with polka dots.  

I kept things simple and just added the images to one of the beautiful mats that you can create using the Eyelet Layer Frames. I cut it from white and then added some Seafoam Ink and splatter to the center of the mat using a blender brush and paint brush. I set the scene and then committed using foam squares. I layered it up onto a panel of Pale Peony cardstock and a white card base.

I had a few images left over so I added them to the inside along with another sentiment. I am seriously perplexed because by the time I was finished with the majority of the card, my stamp set up and vanishes so I couldn't use one of the included sentiments. I opted to use the Simple Spring Mini Sentiments Stamp Set for the sentiment on the front and this one on the inside.

I had so much fun creating this card and while I normally like to make religious Easter cards, this one was such a joy and a delight! Thanks for fluttering by!