October Flavor of the Month Collection 4

Made some cards from this collection today, just quick and easy cards using the sentiments on one of the sheets of patterned paper that were included.  I used the patterned paper included, matting some of it with the included red card stock.  I cut out some of the sentiments and used that for my focal point in all of the cards.  Super simple, super fast.  I believe it only took about 30 minutes to make all four cards!  I like how these cards turned out, and really like how quick and easy they were to make!

More cards from the October Flavor of the Month Kit

After making the cards from Collection 1, which I wasn't particularly fond of, I made a couple of cards from Collection 2.  This Collection had my favorite paper in it, so I used it in my cards.  I really liked how these cards came out!  I used Sketch 2, more or less, when I made these cards.  I used a piece of the red card stock that was included in the kit for the background, leaving a little of the white card base showing around the edges.  I cut the patterned paper 3 inches by 4.25 inches, and centered it on the red.  I used added some of the gold glitter tape that was included in the Banana Split kit along the bottom of the card front.  I stamped a sentiment from the add on stamp set in the Banana Split kit on a circle cut from a scrap of white card stock, and used a scrap of green from my stash to cut a scallop circle to mat the sentiment.  I attached it with foam tape to the card front.

 

I liked how the card turned out so much, I used the same sketch for my next cards from Collection 3.This time, I turned the card base to make a top fold card, and used two papers from the Collection on the front.  I stamped the otter image and sentiment from the stamp set that was a part of the Collection, and colored with my Copic markers.  I  used some of the included green card stock to make the scalloped circle matting behind it.

I think these turned out pretty nicely, too.  My husband even thought these were cute.  All in all, pretty happy with the cards I made today!

The October Flavor of the Month Kit from Scrapping for Less arrived

This kit had some very nice Christmas themed papers and stamps in it!  When I was laying out the 4 Collections and the extras for the photo, I accidentally switched the stamp sets in the two right hand collections, just in case anyone noticed it wasn't right. 












I made two cards from Collection 1, using some of the included card stock, a couple of the papers, and some of the ephemera that was included.  I also used one of the sketches that were suggested for this month, Sketch 3.  The only thing I used from my stash for the card front was the ribbon going from top to bottom of the card.  These are not my favorite cards, as I was trying something out of my comfort zone, using multiple paper and the ephemera on top.  I think it is a little too busy looking for my taste, but I showed it to a couple of people who really seem to like them.

Another card from the August Flavor of the Month Kit

Another of the collections from this kit included a camping theme.  I loved the canoes and paddles papers that were included!  The card practically made itself, it came together so easily!

This one was a fun card to make, and will be an excellent birthday card for any of the guys in my life!  I started off by making my card base from white card stock, and rounding all of the corners. I cut some blue card stock from my stash a bit smaller, and also rounded the corners.

I cut a strip of the beige paddles paper included in the kit, matted it with brown cardstock, and attached it to the lower front of the card.

I cut some blue canoe paper into a small rectangle, rounded the corners and matted it with brown card stock, also.  I attached to card front with foam tape.  I then fussy cut one of the sayings from another of the papers included in the kit, and also adhered it with foam tape.

Second Flavor of the Month kit arrived

This was the August kit, there was some lovely house paper included in one of the collections this time, so I had to make a thinking of you card.


Started by making a card base from the white card stock, and a card front cut 1/2 inch smaller from red card stock. Then, from the Collection 4 papers, I cut a large banner from a yellowish paper that had a lot of family type sayings on it, and adhered it to the center left of the card front.  I cut 3 small banners from the blue card stock, and cut a rectangle from printed paper with houses. I matted the houses in an orange, attached the 3 banners to the back, and added to the front with foam tape.  Stamped thinking about you from a stamp set I already owned.

Loved how this one came out.  Still debating with myself on whether I should add some of the included sequins, or if that would be too much. I'm pretty sure I'm going to add the sequins...

New Card Kit--Flavor of the Month

While cruising the internet, came across Scrapping for Less website.  They had a monthly card kit available, which I had to try out.  They call it the flavor of the month kit.  A unique feature to this card kit is that it comes in different levels.

With the basic level, Single Scoop Sundae, you get 4 collections (4 little baggies).  Each collection includes 6 sheets of 6x6 paper, with a different theme.  Sometimes a small stamp set is included with each, or a larger stamp set that coordinates with all of the collections. The Single Scoop also includes 8 sheets of cardstock, that coordinates with the 4 collections, plus 4 envelopes.

The next level is the Double Dip Sundae, which includes the above, plus embellishments for each collection.  The Deluxe Sundae adds a word die that can be used with the collections.

The final level is the Banana Split  includes all of the above, and adds an ink cube, and something extra, like a stencil, or canvas tags, a sentiment stamp.  This is the level I chose to try out the kit.

My first kit arrived, July Flavor of the Month Collection. Collection 1 included a carousel stamp, and circus papers, which I immediately decided to make a card with.  Using the included white card stock, I made my card base, and then used some of the red card stock cut to 5x3.75 for my card front. I cut a 3.25x4.5 rectangle from some multi-colored diamond paper, which I added to the bottom of the red background.

I then cut a section of a circus background paper and some of the while card stock 2x2.25, and cut 2.5x2.75  of the black polka dot paper and a blue tone on tone paper.  Stamped the white with the carousel stamp, and matted it with the blue.  I also matted the circus paper with the polka dot.  Attached the two rectangles at an angle to the card front.  Stamped Happy Birthday from a stamp from my stash for the inside.  Very happy with the way it came out.

Creative Expressions Hummingbird die

Got a new die, and really fell in love with it!

I made three backgrounds with watercolor paper and Distress Oxide inks.  I then die cut the hummingbird stained glass die. I had some pre-made cards from Michael's, and used them as my card base.  The card fronts added a nice color around the black, although the one on the top right covers most of the beige sea shell design.  The other two added another element to the cards that I really liked.

Another card from the Hero of the month kit

Still working with the stamps in that kit!  The background of this card is watercolor paper dipped in Distress Oxide inks that were stamped on my craft mat and then spritzed with water.  Love the way these turn out!  The watercolor was matted with black cardstock.

I stamped the trees, man, and sentiment, using my MISTI, with Momento Tuxedo Black ink, a couple of time for good coverage.  I then die cut the tree from black card stock, and attached using foam tape.  Lots of very small pieces of foam tape!

Another card that I really love!

Crazy bird cards!

I had some watercolor backgrounds that I wanted to use, and came across these Tim Holtz Crazy Birds I had colored and die cut several weeks (months?) ago.  I dug out a set or two of my sentiment stamps, and got busy.  I stamped the sentiments using my MISTI, and stamped them all twice to make them nice and dark.

I matted each watercolor background with solid colored card stock, and attached to front of card base.  I then used a strong adhesive to attach each bird to the watercolor background.  I think they turned out pretty cute!

Another day with the Hero of the Month kit

I changed it up a little today, stamped a tiger from one of the extra stamps I added on when I ordered the Hero of the Month kit.  I cut him out using the matching die, and attached him with foam tape to the card.

For the background, I stamped some of my Distress Oxide inks on my craft mat, sprayed with a good deal of water, and smooshed my watercolor paper on it.  I cut the watercolor paper down to 5 inches by 3.75, matted with black card stock, and attached to card front. Then I added the tiger.

I liked the way this background turned out.  I made several other backgrounds while I was at it, ready to be made into cards!

Hero Arts Hero of the Month Kit

Wow!  I love this card kit--the stamps are great!














The first card I made was fairly simple.  I made a background with distress oxide inks, then stamped a scene with several of the stamps included in the kit.  I think it turned out pretty awesome!  I added a sentiment from the set to the bottom of the card front.

Since the first one came out so well, I made a second one, using different colors and different stamps.  I really liked this one, too!

Sparkle and Shine Day 5--Embellishment Mousse

In this lesson presented by Stephanie Klauck, I learned something I didn't know.  I have a lot of Stickles, and basically I just use them for accent dots, or for a little glitter highlight on something.  I found out you can squeeze some out on your craft mat, and use a palette knife and spread them through a stencil.  I think they will get a lot more use, now that I learned that little tidbit! 

However, I chose to make a card using the ideas presented in the third video, presented by Shari Carroll, who used embellishing paste applied with an ink blending tool through a stencil.  I've recently purchased some Nuvo Embellishing Paste, and have used it a few times, applying it through stencils with a palette knife which added a lot of texture, or using my finger, which was messy and harder than I thought it would be. 






I was amazed at how easy it was with the blending tool.  Just a couple of dabs into the paste, and it went onto the card front smoothly and easily.  It was much easier to blend it, too.

I was delighted with the results, and made it into a "Thinking of You" card. 

Day Four--Perfect Pearls

I was happy to see that one of the classes was going to be about using Perfect Pearls.  I've had a couple of sets for several years, but was never confident enough to use them.  Finally, Day Four, and we have a video lesson on using them.  Wow, so much easier than I thought, I guess I should have just started when I got them.  Oh, well.

I had a background stamp which I thought would look pretty sharp in Perfect Pearls, so started covering the stamp with the Perfect Medium that came with the kit.  Thought it was going pretty well, until I stamped.  There wasn't full coverage, but I was using my MISTI, so I started to add more Perfect Medium to the stamp, when I noticed tiny flakes of something yellowish.  The pad was disintegrating, and the glue wasn't as sticky as it should be.  I tried to use it as it was, and it wasn't horrible, but there were spots where the Perfect Pearls didn't stick well.  I guess you have to actually use your supplies before they start deteriorating.  The Perfect Pearls themselves seem to be okay, and the brushes are great, but I'm definitely going to have to get new glue of some type.  

So, in spite of a few problems, I got a card made.  I don't like the way the sentiment came out, and I will be replacing it, but not tonight.  I have to think a bit on what I want to do.  So, here is the card, as is, with plenty of room for improvement, but I think it will eventually be a pretty nice card.

A Little More Glitter and Foil

While watching the Jennifer McGuire's video on using gilding flakes, and how she used a "hello" die cut on a piece of sticky paper before adding the flakes, it occurred to me that possibly peel-off stickers would also work.

My gilding flakes haven't arrived yet, but I thought I would try attaching a sticker to some glitter paper and coloring the inside design (coloring on glitter paper was taught in an earlier class).  I grabbed a sheet of stickers (Dazzles Vintage Cars Stickers from Hot off the Press), and stuck it on a small piece leftover silver glitter paper.  It stuck on very well, after a little burnishing, and then I colored in the car body with my Copics.  The color dried much lighter than it went on, so I had to go over the red again with a darker red, because the first time the card turned out pink.

I then foiled another Foil Mates background. I had a lot of trouble with that, first trying one foil that didn't melt to the background, even doing it a couple of times.  Then I tried another foil, to see if a different brand would work better.  Still nothing, so cut another sheet of the background to try that.  Nothing.  Then I tried it again, this time adding an additional sheet of card stock in the stack before running it through the laminator.  Did better, so I ran it through again.  Finally, success!  I don't know what the problem was, didn't have any trouble earlier in the week when I did it.  When I used the leftover silver foil on a sheet of toner card, I had to do it three times, and there were still little spots that didn't take the foil.  I put the sentiment over the worst of it.

All in all, I was pleased with how the card came out.  I liked the idea of using the stickers, even though I'm not a big fan of fussy cutting, and I think it turned out pretty well. Sorry abut the photo, it was the best one, even though I am semi-reflected in the background.

Day 3 of Sparkle & Shine!

Running a little behind in the class, but I'll have the weekend to catch up.  Today lesson was about liquid applications.  Kristina Werner presented a video on Nuvo drops and Shimmer pens. 

I received a new card kit today, and was eager to try it out.  It was the Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit, and it featured mermaids and sea life.  Perfect for a little bit of shimmer!

I started off by using the included ocean waves stencil, blending the three Hero Arts inks that were included in the kit.  I then went over it again with a light blend of the lightest ink, as the white areas looked a bit too stark for my liking.  After I was done with that, I got out my Imagine Crafts Frost Shimmer Spray and gave it a light coat to add some sparkle and interest. 

I stamped the mermaid sitting on a rock, and three of the little starfish in Momento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored them with my Copic markers.  After they were colored, I added some sparkle with my Wink of Stella Clear Shimmer Brush. 

I stamped a sentiment from the kit on the card front in one of the included inks, then die cut the mermaid and starfish with the matching dies.  One starfish was attached flat to the front, while the other two and the mermaid were added with foam tape for dimension. 

 

When it was done, I added a row of Nuvo drops in front of the sentiment to add a little more detail and draw attention to it.  Unfortunately, I didn't think of it until after I'd taken the photo.

Sparkle & Shine Day 2--More cards!

I received my order for Deco Foil Toner Sheets and Gina K. Designs Foil-mates today. I wanted to test them out and see if I liked them.

They worked very well, and I didn't have any problems using them.  I started off by cutting one of the Elegant Damask sheets into card front size, cut my Minc Blue Foil into a 6 by 5 inch section, and then laid them in my folded copy paper carrier.  Ran it through the laminating machine with no problem.  Fast and easy, and turned out very well.  I then used a smaller piece of the foil and a greeting from the Foil-Mates Birthday Essentials, ran that through the same way, and that also went off without a hitch.

The reflection of the foil made it hard to get a good photo.   It is a pretty bright blue on both the sentiment and card front.

I then followed Gina K."s suggestion, and used the left over foil from the card front on a 3.75 x 5 inch piece of toner sheet.  That turned out pretty well, except when it went through the laminating machine, there were streaks on from where the foil wrinkled going through.  I carefully smoothed the foil out a little, and ran it through again, and it came out much better.  The only disappointment I had is that there isn't very much contrast between the black of the toner sheet, and the blue color foil in real life, and looks better in the photo. 


So, generally, I was happy with how well the toner sheets worked, and how well the Gina K. Designs Foil-Mates worked.  Will I order them again?  Probably not the birthday greetings, as I like to use a variety of greetings, depending on the card, and for whom I'm making the card.  That being said, the birthday greetings included are very nice, and they are extremely easy to use.The Elegant Damasks are a maybe.  They make lovely card fronts, and will probably look great in a variety of different colored foils.  But I'm not sure how many cards I would make before getting bored with the design.

As for the toner sheets, I'm not sure.  It seems like a good idea to use the leftover sheets from foiling something else, and the card front came out nice when I tried it.  I guess I just wish toner came in white instead of black.  You can add a different color to white, and change up the look, but black is pretty much always going to be black.

Sparkle & Shine--Day 2

Day 2 in this class is all about foiling!  Thank heavens, as I was really tired of the glitter mess I was making.  Guest artist Julie Eversole made the first video for today, using adhesives, both dry and liquid, to attach the foil to her card.

For my card today, I laid a strip of double-sided tape on the left hand side of my card front, then laid some lovely purple foil on top, burnished it with my finger, and voila!  a lovely shiny purple strip on my card front.  I cut another piece of white cardstock to about 4 inches by 5 1/2 inches, and ran a border die along the side.  I then attached this to the card front, with the scalloped border over the purple stripe.  I think it looked pretty good!

I next laid some double-sided tape on a scrap of cardstock, added more purple foil, and die cut our a script hello.  I then glued that down to the front.  I think it worked for a very clean and simple, yet elegant-looking, card.

Sparkle and Shine using loose glitter and tape adhesive

Learning a lot from my Online Card Class.

On the first day, they also had a lesson on using bonding powder presented by Kristina Werner.  She used it to stamp images, and then added the glitter to them.  It was a great look, as she added more than one color to each stamped image!

I know I have some Ranger Sticky Embossing Powder somewhere, and I've been wanting to try it out, but I just couldn't seem to find it when I looked.  When it shows up, I will be trying it out, and the lesson was very interesting, but for now, I'm out of luck.  Perhaps later in the week I'll be able to do it.

However, there was another lesson, this one by Jennifer McGuire, about making Glitter die cut inlays.  She used double sided adhesive sheets, and sprinkled various shades of blue and green to make a lovely blended watery background for an underwater sea scene.  Very pretty.  In one of her other cards she used strips of double sided tape adhesive, peeling off the  protective color one strip at a time and adding different color glitter to each strip.  She did a rainbow background and inlaid a rather detailed house and trees die.  It looked awesome!


Having some double sided tape on my worktable, that became my base.   I cut three hearts from my front, laid it on the tape, and proceeded to sprinkle glitter on the adhesive showing through the cut-outs.  My idea was to make them mostly red, with some gold blended in for highlights.  What I got was splotchy hearts.  Not quite what I had in mind.  While the result was not what I wanted, the procedure went very smoothly, so I decided to try again.

My next try was cutting out a more detailed heart from black glitter paper, then adding red glitter to the result.  This did not go as smoothly.  Trying to line up some of the detail pieces apparently resulted in  me removing some of the sticky from the adhesive.  I also ended up with some sticky on my finger, which I discovered when I left some on the card front and red glitter stuck to it, right on top of and next to the design.  I would not call this a success.  Maybe I'll try again later in the week, but for now, I think I'm going to try another technique.











So this was not a total loss, I attached the black cut-out leftover heart to the front on a gold glitter card.  That turned out pretty nice.

Another colored glitter paper card

After finishing my last card, I had a little bit of the glitter paper I colored left over.  Using a couple of Simon Says Stamp dies, I cut out a smallish heart, and the word Always.  Laying them out on the card front, they looked a little lonely, so I cut out two of the larger nesting dies hearts from scraps of glitter paper I had in my scrap pile, one from a thin white glitter paper, and one from a gold glitter card stock.  After layering them and attaching them to the card front, I played around until I was satisfied with the way the small heart and word looked.  I think this card turned out fairly well.

New Online Class--Sparkle & Shine!

When OnlineCardClasses.com sent the information about this upcoming class, I was elated!  I love cards with sparkle and shine, but I'm never too sure how to add it without overdoing it.  So I generally just use a bit of glitter paper for the background, or else add some glitter to my shaker cards.

Since I had some glitter paper handy, I started off with the idea presented by Carissa Wiley, and used some Sharpies I had to color over some silver glitter paper.  I used a bright yellow, bright orange and bright red.  The result was a little different than I imagined.  It wasn't as bright and bold as I had anticipated, and the bright yellow ended up looking slightly green.   The orange ended up looking like a copper color, while the red turned into a brownish color.  Even with this, I thought the resulting glitter looked pretty good.

My original intent was to die cut the three words, and attach them to the front and be done.  However, when I laid my design out, it looked a little too sparse, so I die cut the black card stock frame, and was more happy with the result.


I did have a little trouble with the die cuts.  While they looked like they were cut all the way through to the back, apparently there was a thin layer of some sort of adhesive to attach the glitter to the base card stock, which did not cut through in some places.  The card stock was cut through, the glitter itself wasn't a problem, but that adhesive just stretched instead of being cut through in several places. The most troublesome places like the cut outs in the middle of some of the letters, or the skinny indents, such as between the g and h in laugh.

It took me longer to get the words cut out cleanly, then all the rest of the card put together, including the coloring. I believe the next time I will look for my metal plate and see if using that helps at all.

Creating with a color challenge

Alyse, Becky, and I, decided to use a color theme for our card making day this month.  The colors were light yellow, straw yellow, mustard yellow, deep orange and a deep red.  We were to use as many of these colors as we could as we made our cards.

I started off using my new Distress Oxide inks of Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber, and Spiced Marmalade.  I stamped a couple of bowls, and a spoon, along with a dotted border from the My Favorite Things November 2016 Card Kit--Kitschy Kitchen.  When it arrived I put it away because of the holidays, and basically forgot about it.  When I found it again a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to use it as I really liked it.  I made a card and was fairly pleased with the layout, but for some reason it just didn't grab me.  After looking at it, and thinking about it, I decided it just wasn't bright enough for such a fun stamp set!

I redid the card, using the Catherine Pooler inks of Tiara, Orange Twist and Rockin' Red.  I used Momento Black for the sentiment, as I did in the first card. I deleted the spoon, and added an additional bowl.   I also added yellow card stock for the first layer.  This card I really liked!  It just pops, and the colors complement the fun bowls!

I also made coordinating envelopes.  I think they turned out pretty cute!

One more Easter Card

Made another Easter card, this one for my grandson.  I stamped the bunny and the sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp March 2017 Card Kit, with black Versafine Ink, then colored in the bunny with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.  I stamped the hearts in Momento Pink and colored with the Zig markers.  I accented the front by adding a scalloped border in pink on the left side.  All in all, I think it turned out pretty cute.

Easter Cards for the grandkids

Used my Simon Says Stamp March 2017 Card Kit to make some Easter cards.  The kit this month included some fun items I hadn't used before, so my first card  was trying out the Nuvo Embellishment Mousse.  This was an interesting experience.  The mousse feels a little slick when you're applying it, but goes on fairly easily.  I applied it through the flowered egg-shaped stenciled that was included, using all three of the included colors (Pure Platinum, Aquamarine, and Peony Pink).

It wasn't perfect, but almost, which is really saying something about ease of use right from the get go.

I cut the white card stock down, leaving enough room for the sentiment (from the included stamp set), which I stamped in Momento Black.

The background is one of the papers that was also included in the kit.





My next card was fairly simple.  I used a sheet of the included paper for the background.  I stamped the bunny and sentiments in Versa Fine Black ink on Neenah Solar White card stock.  I used my new zig markers (I know, I'm a little late in trying out these markers). I didn't bother with much shading, but think it came out pretty nice.

 I then fussy cut half of the bunny before attaching it to the front.  I think my granddaughter will like it. 

Envelopes To Match Recent Cards I've Made.

I thought it would be a fun idea to decorate my envelopes, so here are some photos of my recent cards.

 I stamped some of the elements from the card front on the lower front left of the envelopes.  I think it adds a little something to the envelope!

 
This photo shows the lower front left of the envelopes in blue, and the flap on the back of the envelope in green.  Both envelopes have the stars both front and back, in the color that matches the stars on the card front. This was just a little something to make the card special.

I Don't Need a Reason--Another card from the SOA box

Today I used the the Paisley Peacock stamp set from the Perfect Reason Stamp of Approval box for this month.  While I didn't use the Peacock, I definitely used the Paisley!

There were three paisley outlines, and I stamped all of them to cover a 5.5 inch by 4.25 inch piece of white card stock.  I then used my Catherine Pooler inks in Orange Twist, Lime Rickey, Fiesta Blue, Party Dress and Tiara to stamp three different insides for the paisley outlines.  In between the paisley, I stamped little leaves in Grass Skirt and Flirty Fuchsia, and some dots in Party Dress. I attached this to the card base.

I think the card turned out great!  I love bright colors and this one definitely was bright!  I stamped the sentiment " I don't need a reason" on a circle die cut, and used foam tape to attach to the front of the card.  Inside, I stamped "Because of course!".

Worry Less Giggle More from the SOA box

Still making cards from the Perfect Reason Stamp of Approval Box, and haven't even gotten to the Peacock/Paisley stamp set yet.  There are so many different possibilities in this collection!

For this bright and colorful card I started off with a sheet of Recollections card stock from Michael's, a lovely animal print, and die cut an oval from it.  I matted it with black, then cut the oval in half.  I attached it to the upper left card front, and cut off the upper section even with the card front, and attached that piece to the bottom right hand side.

Using black to ink the worry less stamp from the Perfect Reason stamp set, I stamped it more or less in the middle of the card front, then set it off with a couple of flower stamps from the same set.  I used the Catherine Pooler inks in Fiesta Blue and Tiki Torch on the big flowers, stamping it off once before stamping the card front, and using Orange twist and Party Dress for the small flowers.  While I also stamped off once with the small flower, for the center I used the Party Dress full color.

After attaching the card front to the white card base, I was done. 


Sorry about the shadow on the photo, the card front is actually white card stock.

Another card from the SOA Collection

Still playing with my new Perfect Reason Collection.  Using a border design from the Everyday Mod stamp set, I used the Catherine Pooler inks in Rockin' Red, Orange Twist, Tiara, Grass Skirt, and Something Borrowed in a rainbow color scheme across the card front measuring 4 1/8 inches by 5 3/8 inches of white card stock.

I stamped in Midnight Black the Congrats and seriously stamps from the You Did It stamp set on a 2 inch by 4 1/8 inch piece of white card stock, and attached it to the front. This was then attached to the card base with foam tape.  It was finished off with an assortment of colorful sequins scattered across the front fairly randomly.  The inside says I'm so happy for you, also from this stamp set.

It is a bright and colorful card, and makes me happy when I look at it!

SOA Perfect Reason Collection First Cards

My Collection arrived a few days ago, and today I got the chance to play with it.  I decided to start pretty simply, just to get used to the new ink I also ordered from Catherine Pooler.  I wanted to see how well it blended for me, so started off by blending Something Borrowed, Aquatini, Lime Rickey and Grass Skirt diagonally through the Mod Squared Stencil included in the Perfect Reason Collection.

It seemed to blend pretty easily, and looked good when I was done.  I matted it with white card stock I had colored around the edges with Lime Rickey, leaving a small border of 1/8 inch. I then cut it in half diagonally, resulting in a mostly green half, and a mostly blue half.  Attached them to card fronts at an angle, trimming off the overhang, then stamping with a sentiment from the You Did It Stamp Set included in the collection.  Using the stars stamp from the same set, I stamped them in colors matching the stenciled section.  On the inside I stamped You Are Fabulous, from the same set.

I think they turned out pretty nicely, and will make nice graduation cards or will be good to congratulate any one for their success.

Back to blogging

The holidays are over, and hopefully everything else that was keeping me busy for the last few weeks!  I have managed to do a little crocheting, but the card making was a little more difficult to slide into my schedule, but now I'm able to do some!

I've been working on a couple of cards for our card making day. My daughter, daughter-in-law, and I have an Etsy shop where we sell our hand crafted card creations. Once a month or so (skipping November and December), we try to get together to make cards.  We each design 2 cards, and provide the materials for them.  When we get together, we each make one of each of the cards up.  It's a lot of fun seeing what each of us has come up with.

Sometimes we come up with an idea we all try to work with, like a sketch we've found online or in a magazine, sometimes a theme, like birthday or love, and sometimes color ideas.  This month we did a color idea, using a bright pink, aqua blue, white, and light and dark gray. My first card was a Miss You card.  The inside says You make me smile. You can't really tell in this photo, but the hearts have a little Wink of Stella glitter on them, really looks sharp in real life!

We thought it would be cute to add a little decoration to the envelope, too.