Another Cheerful Springtime Card with Butterflies and Blooms

I had some leftover flowers and butterflies I'd created for yesterday's card, so I decided to make one more cheerful, springtime scene.

For this happy, springtime card, I used some flowers and a butterfly I'd already colored and fussy cut from yesterday's card. I stamped some grass, then colored and fussy cut it, to create a little more depth.

I cut a 4" x 5.25" white panel, then masked off the right side and bottom edge with Post-It Notes. I used a blending tool and Distress Oxide inks (Tumbled Glass, Broken China, and Mermaid Lagoon) to create an ink-blended section. I lightly splattered the inked area with water, then dabbed it with a dry paper towel, to add some texture.

I mounted the inked panel on a 4.25" x 5.5" panel of black cardstock, then glued the grass to the blue area. I added foam dots to the flowers and added them. I glued the center (body) of the butterfly to the blue area, then gently bent the wings up for dimension. I stamped a sentiment from the Spread Your Wings stamp set (retired) on a white rectangle, then cut a slightly-larger black rectangle. I used a pair of scissors to cut a diagonal line on the white and black rectangles, glued them together, then mounted them on the card with foam dots. The sentiment hides the bottom of the fussy-cut images perfectly!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things SY Butterflies and Blooms stamp set
• My Favorite Things Spread Your Wings stamp set (retired)
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White and Black Licorice

Other products used:

• Distress Oxide Inks: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, and Mermaid Lagoon
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

Voila! Now I have two cheerful cards to send to friends.

Lovely Spring Flowers for MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge 678

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#678). I've enjoyed making Christmas cards over the past few months, but I'm ready for spring! 

For this happy, springtime card, I started by stamping the flowers and butterflies from the SY Butterflies and Blooms stamp set with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Copic XPress-It Blending Card. After I colored them with Copics, using a Uni-Ball Gel Impact Pen (white) for details on the butterflies, I fussy cut them with scissors.

I cut two 6.25" x 4.75" panels from Smooth White cardstock. I used the largest die from the Stitched Rounded Arch STAX Die-Namics set to cut a window on one panel. I used the Cloud Stencil and Distress Oxide Inks (Tumbled Glass and Mermaid Lagoon) to create clouds on the uncut panel. I used foam dots to make a "sandwich" between the two layers to create dimension.

I added foam dots to the flowers and butterflies, then adhered them to the white arched "sandwich" to create a garden scene. I cut a 1.25" x 3.5" panel from the Woodgrain Whimsy Paper Pad to resemble a flower box, then popped it up with foam dots. I stamped a sentiment from SY Butterflies and Blooms on a 3/8" x 4.75" white rectangle, then added that on top of the flower box. I adhered the final scene to the card base, using Black Licorice cardstock as the largest mat (5" x 6.5").

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things SY Butterflies and Blooms stamp set
• My Favorite Things Stitched Rounded Arch STAX Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Cloud Stencil
• My Favorite Things Woodgrain Whimsy Paper Pad
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White and Black Licorice

Other products used:

• Distress Oxide Inks: Tumbled Glass and Mermaid Lagoon
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Uni-Ball Gel Impact Pen (white)
• Copic markers
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

OK, now I'm ready for springtime!

Another Mice Birthday Card for MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge #677

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#677). Since Christmas cards are finally done, I'm focusing on birthdays and other special occasions.

For this birthday card, I used the YUZU Micest Friend stamp set from MFT's new release, along with some of my favorite stamps and dies.

I stamped the mice and cheese "cake" from YUZU Micest Friend with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, then colored them with Copics. I fussy cut them and put them aside while I worked on the card base.

I cut several cardstock panels (Smooth White 5.75" x 4.5"; Lush Lagoon 5.5" x 4.25"; 4x Kraft 4" x 5.25") for the layers, then used the largest die from the Fanciful Frames STAX Die-Namics to cut out the center of each Kraft panel. I glued them together and then painted them with Jacquard Metallic Alcohol Ink (Silver). I layered the panels on the card base, with the silver frame on top.

I cut additional rectangles for the sentiment area (to match the Sketch Challenge) and stamped the smallest white panel with a sentiment from Twice the Wishes. I glued those layers to the silver frame, then added the cheese and mice, using foam dots to pop them up. I wanted to add a little birthday magic, so I used my White Uni-Ball Gel Impact pen to add some dots and sparkles.

For the inside, I added another Lush Lagoon layer and a Smooth White layer for the sentiment. I stamped the sentiment from Inside & Out Birthday Greetings, then added another mouse and cheese "cake." Now the card is ready to go!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things YUZU Micest Friend stamp set
• My Favorite Things Fanciful Frames STAX Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Twice the Wishes stamp set
• My Favorite Things Inside & Out Birthday Greetings stamp set
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Kraft, Lush Lagoon

Other products used:

• Distress Oxide Ink: Fired Brick
• Jacquard Metallic Alcohol Ink (Silver)
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Uni-Ball Gel Impact Pen (white)
• Copic markers
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

I hope you have a wonderful day!

It's a Mice Day for MFT's New Release!

Today, My Favorite Things released their December 2023 products, and I'm sharing a card I made with one of the new sets. I LOVE the cute little mice by YUZU!

I couldn't decide which mice I liked best, so I used all of them. I stamped the mice, jars, and cheese from YUZU Micest Friend with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, then colored them with Copics. I also stamped the kitchen and cake from the JB Kitchen Cuties stamp set. I used the Micest Friend Die-Namics to cut out the mice, then fussy cut everything else.

For the background, I cut a 4"x8.5" panel of Wild Cherry cardstock, then cut a 3.75"x8.25" panel of Smooth White cardstock. On the white panel, I used the English Brick Wall Stencil with Fired Brick Distress Oxide Ink. I wanted the brick to look worn, so I applied it very lightly and left some open areas. I cut a 1.5"x8.25" panel of Kraft cardstock, then stamped it with a sentiment from JB Kitchen Cuties.

Finally, I layered all of the panels on the card base, then glued and used foam dots to adhere the mice and accessories. I love the final scene and can't wait to give this birthday card to a friend.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things YUZU Micest Friend Stamp Set
• My Favorite Things YUZU Micest Friend Die-Namics
• My Favorite Thing JB Kitchen Cuties Stamp Set
• My Favorite Things English Brick Wall Stencil
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Kraft, and Wild Cherry

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic markers (various)
• Distress Oxide Ink - Fired Brick
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

Have a very mice day!

Angelic Peace Card for MFT's Ready, Set, Christmas! Challenge

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Ready, Set, Christmas Challenge (#676). I've already mailed all of my Christmas cards for this year, so I'm getting a head start on next year's cards!

I wanted to do something a little different for this challenge. I rarely make cards with a religious theme, and I wanted to do something with an angel. Currently, there aren't any angels in MFT stamps or dies, so I took the little girl from the YUZU In My Prayers stamp set, masked off part of her nightgown, and then drew a dress and angelic wings. Here's the finished card:

I started by stamping the little girl with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, although I took some Post-It Tape and placed it over her nightgown before inking, then removed it for stamping. As a result, I was able to turn the nightgown into a dress. I then drew some wings for her. Once I was happy with the image, I colored it with Copic markers and fussy cut her.

Next, I cut the Peace Die-Namics five times out of Smooth White cardstock. I glued the stack of each letter together, until each letter was thick (like chipboard). I used Jacquard Alcohol Ink (Silver) and a piece of felt to cover each letter, so they appear metallic. I also cut the "clouds" out of the JB Treetop Die-Namics set (white cardstock) and set them aside for later.

I cut two panels of Berrylicious cardstock (4.25" x 5.5" and 4" x 5.25"), then one panel of Black Licorice cardstock (4" x 5.25"), and one panel of Smooth White cardstock (5.25" x 3"). I attached the largest blue panel to the card base. For the smaller blue panel, I used Brutus Monroe Glitter Gel (White) and the Heavenly Glow Stencil to stencil the top half of the panel. While that dried, I used the Cloud Stencil as a guide to fussy cut the top row of clouds on the white panel (since I didn't have that die set). I then used the Cloud Stencil with Distress Oxide Ink (Spun Sugar) to add fluffy, pink clouds. I also added the pink ink around the edges of the clouds I cut earlier.

I used the largest die from the Fanciful Frame STAX Die-Namics on the Black Licorice panel, so create a window. I layered the cloud panel on the blue glazed panel, then the black panel on top, then finally mounted that on the card base (blue panel I attached earlier).

All that was left was assembly. I glued the "Peace" letters across the upper half of the window panel, which created nice dimension (since each letter was 5 cardstock layers thick). I used foam dots to pop up the angel and clouds. I felt like it needed a little glitter, so I used a Zig Glue Pen and Ranger Rock Candy Glitter to add sparkle to her dress and the top of the clouds.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things YUZU In My Prayers Stamp Set
• My Favorite Thing Peace Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things JB Treetop Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Heavenly Glow Stencil
• My Favorite Things Cloud Stencil
• My Favorite Things Fanciful Frame STAX Die-Namics
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Berrylicious, Black Licorice

Other products used:

• Jacquard Alcohol Ink - Silver
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic markers (various)
• Distress Oxide Ink - Spun Sugar
• Brutus Monroe Glitter Glaze - White
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Zig Glue Pen
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

Happy holidays!

Gingerbread Cookie Wishes with MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge 676

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#676). I've already mailed all of my Christmas cards for this year, so I'm getting a head start on next year's cards!

Today's card might put me on the naughty list, though! Poor little gingerbread darlings...

I started by cutting out the gingerbread men from the Gingerbread House Die-Namics out of MFT's Kraft cardstock. (This has become one of my favorite die sets, as there are so many possibilities with all of the included dies!) I used Gathered Twig Distressed Ink and a blending tool around the gingerbread men, leaving the center lighter. I used a Uni-Ball Gel Impact Pen (white) to draw on the details, including different expressions.

Next, I cut one of the hands out of the Crafty Hands Die-Namics on Smooth White cardstock. I used Copic markers (E00, E11, and E13) to color it.

I used the largest die from the Wonky Stitched Circle STAX Die-Namics with Smooth White cardstock, then cut the second largest shape on beige-colored paper from the Colorful Canvas Paper Pad. I stamped a sentiment from the Gingerbread Greetings stamp set, then used the smaller die from the Essential Stitched Sentiment Strips Die-Namics to cut it out.

My card (folded) measures 5" x 6.25". I cut a red page from the Tiny Check Brights Paper Pad to 4.75" x 6", then layered it on a Smooth White panel (5" x 6.25"). I glued the two circles together, then glued them to the red-checked panel. I added foam dots to the back of the gingerbread men, hand, and sentiment, then arranged them to reference the Weekly Sketch design. The final design is simple but fun, and I can't wait to sent it to someone next year.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things "Gingerbread House" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Crafty Hands" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Wonky Stitched Circle STAX" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Gingerbread Greetings" Stamp Set
• My Favorite Things "Essential Stitched Sentiment Strips" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Colorful Canvas Paper Pad
• My Favorite Things Tiny Check Brights Paper Pad
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White and Kraft

Other products used:

• Distress Ink: Gathered Twig
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Uni-Ball Gel Impact Pen (white)
• Copic markers: E00, E11, and E13
• Glue (Art Glitter glue)
• Double-sided tape (to adhere the panels to the card base)
• Foam blending tool (Ranger)
• Foam dots

Happy holidays!

Bah Humbug! Grinch Card

Still in a die-cutting mood, so here's another card featuring die cuts and ink - no fancy coloring!

I'm also playing along with MFT's Christmas card challenge. Here's today's card:

This fun card uses the Kat Scrappiness "Grinch Hand" die set and Kat Scrappiness "Bah Humbug" shadow sentiment dies. I cut all of the grinch hand pieces out of white cardstock, then cut the sleeve and ornament again out of Lawn Fawn Holiday Sparkle Glitter Cardstock and gold mirror cardstock. I cut a second layer of the ruffle on his sleeve and used a Zig Glue Pen and white flocking powder to make it soft and fluffy.

For his hand, I blended ink from Distress Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, and Rustic Wilderness inks. I used black ink for the string holding the ornament. I cut the shadow sentiment dies out of white (for the shadow) and the Lawn Fawn paper for the red sentiment, then used the same green inks around the edges of the shadow layer.

I ink blended the edges of a 4" x 5.25" piece of white cardstock, using the same inks as the grinch. I matted the ink-blended layer on a 4.25" x 5.5" piece of red cardstock and popped the grinch and sentiment up with foam dots. Voila! A simple, yet fun, card to send out for Christmas.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• Kat Scrappiness "Grinch Hand" die set
• Kat Scrappiness "Bah Humbug" shadow sentiment dies

Other products used:

• White and red cardstock
• Gold mirror cardstock
• Lawn Fawn Holiday Sparkle Glittered Cardstock
• White Flocking Powder
• Zig Glue Pen
• Art Glitter Glue
• Black ink
• Distress Ink: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, and Rustic Wilderness

Bah humbug... I mean, happy holidays!

Peppermint Merry Christmas Card

My favorite hobby is coloring, but I've felt like playing with dies lately. I have so many dies I've never used, which are collecting dust in a box, so it's time to start using them. Today, I've made a merry, monochromatic peppermint Christmas card.

I'm also playing along with MFT's Christmas card challenge. Here's today's card:

I'd never used the My Favorite Things "Snowflake Fusion Cover-Up" die, and it's from 2014 (!!!), so I felt like it was time to try it out. I used it with Quotidian Metallic Silver Vellum, and it came out shimmery and delicate-looking. (Tip: I used a thin cardstock shim above and below the die/cardstock while cutting, and the die cuts came out perfect and crisp.) I used Art Glitter glue to glue the vellum layer to a 4.25" x 5.5" piece of MFT Smooth White cardstock, gluing along the edges (since they would be hidden by the frame layer). 

I cut a 4.25" x 5.5" panel of MFT Wild Cherry cardstock, then used the second-largest frame layer from the Elizabeth Craft "Frame It - Stitched Rectangles" die set to cut a thin, stitched frame for my card front. I carefully glued it onto the white/vellum panel and added a few dots of glue to any area where the vellum stuck up enough to get bent or caught on something. Since the vellum is silver and the cardstock is white, the glue isn't visible at all.

I used MFT Smooth White and Wild Cherry cardstock to cut out peppermints from MFT's Gingerbread House Die-Namics and both layers of MFT's Merry Christmas Die-Namics. I wanted more sparkle, so I used a Zig Glue Pen and Ranger Rock Candy Glitter to cover the peppermints and the white "Merry Christmas" letters. I glued them onto the front panel, and everything looks so shimmery and sparkly.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things "Snowflakes Fusion Cover Up" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Gingerbread House" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Merry Christmas" Die-Namics
• Elizabeth Craft Design "Frame It - Stitched Rectangles" die set

Other products used:

• White and wild cherry cardstock by My Favorite Things
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Glue (Art Glitter Glue)
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Zig Glue Pen
• Quotidian Metallic Silver Vellum

Happy holidays!

Quick and Easy Santa Suit from Ordinary Shapes

I love getting more mileage out of my stamps and dies by using them for unrelated occasions. Today, I'm sharing a simple Santa Claus (suit) card that I made by using several non-holiday shape dies, and you may already have something similar in your stash.

I'm also playing along with MFT's Christmas card challenge. Here's today's card:

I cut a panel of red cardstock using the largest Kat Scrappiness "Distressed Edge Rectangles" die. Next, I cut a thin panel of white cardstock and used the My Favorite Things "Torn Paper Edges" Die-Namics to trim it to approx. 1.5" wide, creating the furry part of the suit. I wanted the white panel to fit perfectly with the red one, so I used the largest Distressed Edge Rectangle (again) to cut the top and bottom edges.

Next, I cut the "belt" with dies from Concord & 9th's "Weekender Handbag Dies" set. Yes, Santa's belt was once a strap for a purse! I cut the stitched leather piece out of black cardstock, then cut the buckle out of Kraft cardstock. I used gold metallic alcohol ink to paint the buckle.

The bottom (black) layer is 5.5" x 4.25", and I layered everything on top. I felt like Santa needed a little bling, so I added "buttons" out of some sparkly, black 3D gems from my stash (originally from Michael's).

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• Kat Scrappiness "Distressed Edge Rectangles" die set
• My Favorite Things "Torn Paper Edges" Die-Namics
• Concord & 9th "Weekender Handbag" die set

Other products used:

• White, black, and wild cherry cardstock by My Favorite Things
• Glue (Art Glitter Glue)
• Ranger Metallic Mixatives Alcohol Ink - Gold
• Black, sparkly 3D gems (from Michael's)

Happy holidays!

Sweet Friends Building a Snowman

Today, I'm sharing a simple winter scene with two friends trying to save a melty snowman. Some days, I feel like the snowman, and other days, I'm building the snowman. Actually, let's be real... I usually feel like the melty snowman! Ha.

I'm also playing along with MFT's current color challenge. Here's the front and inside of the card:

I stamped two characters from the Neat & Tangled "Holiday Helpers Stamptember 2018" stamp set and two characters from MFT's "JB Snow Happy" stamp set with Memento black ink and colored them with Copics. I fussy cut all of the characters and then focused on the background.

I cut two 4" x 5.25" pieces of white cardstock, then used Distress Oxides (Tumbled Glass and Prize Ribbon) with MFT's "Cloud" stencil on one of them. I took the other blank cardstock piece and used the largest die from MFT's Stitched Rounded Arch STAX to cut out the center. I used foam dots to pop up the cut-out layer above the cloud layer.

I cut a small rectangle from white cardstock and used MFT's "Sand and Surf" die set to create the snow drift on the front (4" x 1"). I used glue and foam dots to adhere the snow drift, animals, and melty snowman to the front of the card, then used a Zig glue pen and Distress Rock Candy Glitter to cover the snowman and snow. I stamped a sentiment from the Snow Happy set, slightly curving the clear stamp so it would stamp in an arch. I used the banner die from MFT's "Tag Builder Blueprints 7" to cut out the sentiment and popped it up with foam dots on the front of the card.

Finally, I glued the second snowman inside the card and added a sentiment from the Holiday Helpers set. Now it's ready for mailing... once I figure out whom to send it to!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• Neat & Tangled/Simon Says Stamp "Holiday Helpers" (Stamptember 2018) stamp set
• My Favorite Things "JB Snow Happy" stamp set
• My Favorite Things "Cloud" stencil
• My Favorite Things "Stitched Rounded Arch STAX" die set
• My Favorite Things "Sand and Surf" die set
• My Favorite Things "Tag Builder Blueprints 7" die set

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Various cardstock by My Favorite Things
• Zig Glue Pen
• Glue (Art Glitter Glue)
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Distress Oxides: Tumbled Glass and Prize Ribbon
• Foam dots

Happy holidays!

Festive Hanukkah Ornament Card

Today, I'm sharing something a little different from my usual creations: a Hanukkah card for a colleague.

This is actually the first Hanukkah card I've ever made, so I hope she'll like it. It was a fairly simple card, as the ornament die on the front is called "Star Ornament Layer 1" by Paper Rose, with the plaid background "Layered Plaid Cover Die A" by Altenew. The sentiment inside is from the 2019 Stamptember set "Festive Flower" by Gina K/Simon Says Stamp. I also cut a 2.75" circle from white cardstock that I used behind the ornament die, as the open lines were confusing in front of the plaid.

I painted the star, ornament topper and chain with gold alcohol inks and covered the lines on the white part of the ornament with Ranger Rock Candy glitter. I'm not sure how well the sparkle shows up in the photo, so here's a quick video:

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• Paper Rose "Star Ornament Layer 1" die set
• Altenew "Layered Plaid Cover Die A" die
• Gina K/Simon Says Stamp "Festive Flower" 2019 Stamptember stamp set
• 2.75" circle die (from a nesting die set)

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Various cardstock by My Favorite Things
• Glue (Art Glitter Glue)
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Zig glue pen
• Gold Metallic Alcohol Ink (Ranger)

Happy Hanukkah!

Magical Christmas Double Decker Box Card

After I completed my pirates and mermaids double-decker box card (yes, that's what I've decided to call it!), I wanted to do it again with a festive theme. Today, I'm sharing my Magical Christmas Double-Decker Box Card!

I created a 6" x 4.25" x 2.5" 3D box, then cut used a Spellbinders rectangle die to cut out a window. I colored and fussy cut all of my elements (see materials list at the bottom of this post). I speckled light-blue cardstock with Ranger Mica Spray (Frozen Fog) and Ranger Distress Spray Stain (Picket Fence), then cut my panels to cover each side.

I used cardstock from the MFT Floor to Ceiling paper pad for the wallpaper in the house, then cut 5" wide strips to attach the characters. I used an ancient Stampin' Up paper pack (wood-patterned) for the floor and adapted one of the stamps from MFT's On Solid Ground stamp set for the roof. I added sloped, stitched snowbanks to the outside, covering them with Ranger Rock Candy Glitter. For the sky background (3.9" x 9"), I used MFTs Mini Cloud Edges stencil and some Distress Oxide inks (Tumbled Glass and Prize Ribbon). I carefully glued everything together, taking time to fold the card flat to ensure everything worked properly.

My goal was for the front to look like a vignette into the house, with Santa on the roof, and the other three sides should be a view of the outside.

Here's a video of the finished card:

List of stamps/dies/stencils used on this card - ALL BY MY FAVORITE THINGS:

• BB Secret Santa stamp set
• SY On Solid Ground stamp set
• SY Holiday Hello stamp set
  
• SY Cozy Companins stamp set
• YUZU Nobody Nose Me Like You Do stamp set
• YUZU Holly Jolly Santa stamp set
• BB Sittin' Pretty stamp set
• Mini Cloud Edges stencil
• Gingerbread House Die-Namics
• Stitched Slimline Snow Drifts Die-Namics
• JB Treetop Die-Namics
• Merry Christmas Die-Namics
• Our Town Die-Namics
• Let It Snowflake Too Die-Namics
• Sweet Snowflakes Die-Namics
• Floor to Ceiling Paper Pad

Other products used:

• Spellbinders Nestabilities A2 Card Creator Matting Basic Dies
• Stampin' Up Paper (wood-patterned)
• White and light blue cardstock
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Art Glitter Glue
• Ranger Mica Spray (Frozen Fog)
• Ranger Distress Spray Stain (Picket Fence)
• Distress Oxide Inks - Tumbled Glass and Prize Ribbon
• Zig Glue Pen
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Foam dots

Happy Holidays!

A Note of Thanks Fall Scarecrow Card

I'm dropping by to share a simple, fall thank you card. I wanted to thank an amazing colleague for his help, so I made this for him:

I stamped the corn from JB Corn Maze Cuties on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, then colored with Copics. I stamped the scarecrow and pumpkins separately, coloring with Copics and then fussy cutting them. The grass is a scrap piece from the Fun Fall Color Blends paper pack, cut with the Grassy Edges Die-Namics. I stamped the sentiment on the background panel, then popped up the grass, scarecrow, and pumpkins with foam dots.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things JB Corn Maze Cuties stamp set
• My Favorite Things Grassy Edges Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Fun Fall Color Blends paper pack

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Foam dots

Hope you're having a fantastic week!

Two Sweet Cotton Candy Cards for MFT's Color Challenge 222

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Weekly Color Challenge (#667). When I saw the names of the colors (Cotton Candy, Grapesicle, Lemon Drop, and Sour Apple), I immediately thought of candy. When I looked at the Cotton Candy Cone Die-Namics, I remembered that I had box of felting/roving wool from some old projects (years ago) and decided to make fluffy cotton candy cards!

I enjoyed playing with the wool so much that I made two cards, for different occasions, using the same colors:

By adjusting the amount of each color in the card, and using different characters around the sentiment, I made a card for someone's birthday AND a Halloween card.

I used the same paper for both: MFT's Cotton Candy, Grapesicle, Lemon Drop, Sour Apple, and Smooth White cardstock, plus MFT's Tiny Check Brights paper pad. Since both of my cards are 5"x7", and the paper pad is 6"x6", I cut panels of each color and pasted them to a 5"x7" panel of Smooth White. I cut the "Sweet" Die-Namics out of Cotton Candy and Sour Apple cardstock, layering 4 die cuts on top of each one to create depth. I stamped the birthday sentiment from SY Cotton Candy Critters and the Halloween sentiment from JB Delightful Halloween, trimming the stamped sentiments as needed.

I stamped the characters from JB Delightful Halloween, JB Carnival Critters, and SY Cotton Candy Critters. I stamped the cat holding cotton candy two extra times, then trimmed off the cotton candy to add to the ghost and mummy. Next, I focused on the cotton candy.

I used the Cotton Candy Cone Die-Namics with the matching cardstock to create the cotton candy with the striped cone. Next, I pulled out felting/roving wool in colors that matched (pink, purple, yellow, and green). I separated a chunk of each color and then carefully wrapped the wool in a "curl." I sealed the wool into the curl using a hot glue gun. Once my curl was complete, I used more hot glue (in a vertical line on the cotton candy die cut) to adhere the curls to the matching cotton candy. Once they cooled, I trimmed off any of the cotton candy die cut that could be seen, leaving the striped cone and the fluffy, wool curl. Here are some photos of the process:

After gluing all elements to the card base, I added some thin, flat polymer clay discs (that I bought many years ago) in matching colors to make the cards more festive. Here's a video showing the fluffiness of the candy. When I touch the wooly curls, I hear Agnes' voice (from "Despicable Me") saying, "It's so fluffy!"

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things "Cotton Candy Cone" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Sweet" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "JB Carnival Critters" stamp set
• My Favorite Things "JB Delightful Halloween" stamp set
• My Favorite Things "SY Cotton Candy Critters" stamp set
• MFT cardstock: Cotton Candy, Grapesicle, Lemon Drop, Sour Apple, and Smooth White
• MFT Tiny Check Brights 6"x6" paper pad

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Foam dots
• Felting/roving wool in various colors
• Thin, flat polymer clay discs in various colors

Have a lovely, crafty day!

Merry Christmas Birdhouse with MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge 669

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#669). I used several different MFT sets to create a festive, winter birdhouse scene. 

I stamped the images from SY Peaceful Birds on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, then die cut the bow and candy canes (on the same paper) from the Gingerbread House Die-Namics. I colored everything with Copics.

Before fussy cutting the birdhouse, I drew a blanket of snow over the roof. I also took a piece of the Copic cardstock and drew additional snow for the bottom of the birdhouse, also fussy cutting that piece. I lightly colored the snow and then used a Zig glue pen with Ranger Rock Candy Glitter to cover the snow in glitter. Here's a look at the snowy layers before I colored and glittered them:

For the snow banks below, I used the In Your Corner Die-Namics on Smooth White cardstock. I kept every other stripe white and used the Zig glue pen and Rock Candy glitter to completely cover them. For the remaining stripes, I used Ranger's Silver Metallic Mixatives alcohol ink with a piece of felt, coating the cardstock until it had an antique silver appearance. I took a 4.25"x3" piece of white cardstock and glued the stripes on in order, trimming the top edge so the cardstock underneath is not visible.

For the card base, I cut an 8.5" x 9" panel, folding it in half to create an 8.5" x 4.5" card base. I cut a bottom layer of Black Licorice cardstock, then another panel in a soft blue MFT cardstock (couldn't find the name). I used the First Snowfall stencil with Prima Snowflake Paste, which is a glittery, translucent paste.  

I couldn't find a small enough sentiment, so I took a sentiment stamp from the Gingerbread Greetings stamp set, masked off everything but "merry," and stamped that word. Next, I masked off everything but "Christmas" and repeated the step. I cut out the sentiment with the second smallest circle from the Wonky Stitched Circle STAX Die-Namics.

I glued the foliage to the blue panel, then popped up the snowbanks/swirled layered with foam dots. I also popped up the birdhouse, candy canes, and birds with foam dots. I glued the sentiment circle to the front of the snowbank and added one last bird. Voila! Another Christmas card is finished and ready to go!

Here's a video of the final card:

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Thing "In Your Corner" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Wonky Stitched Circle STAX" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "SY Peaceful Birds" stamp set
• My Favorite Things "First Snowfall" stencil
• My Favorite Things "Gingerbread House" Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things "Gingerbread Greetings" stamp set
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Black Licorice, and light blue (can't remember the name)

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Foam dots
• Ranger Silver Metallic Mixatives Alcohol Ink
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Zig Glue Markers (chisel tip)
• Prima Snowflake Paste
• Palette knife

Happy (very early) holidays!

Festive Gingerbread House Card with Candy and Penguins

Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite cards I've ever made: a sparkly, festive gingerbread house. The elements on the card are from My Favorite Things' Gingerbread House Die-Namics, Gingerbread Greetings stamp set, JB Gnome for the Holidays stamp set, and Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-Namics.

This card involved a lot of coloring (with Copic markers), as I chose to go that route vs. cutting colored cardstock and paper piecing. Here's the final card (front and inside):

I cut all of the elements from the Gingerbread House Die-Namics, then colored with Copics and glued them together (as needed). I built extra "wings" on the gingerbread house, so it needed to be a slimline card (5" x 8.5"). I wanted cute, scalloped edges on the snow, but the dies were made for standard-size cards, so I used each die twice, with a "dip" in the center of the cardstock (which is covered by the gingerbread house). No one will be able to tell that the snow banks aren't sized for a slimline layout.

I created my card base and attached a 5" x 8.5" panel of Black Licorice. I took a 8.25" x 4.75" panel of Summer Splash and lightly misted it with Picket Fence Distress Oxide Stain. I covered the snowbanks with glue with a Zip Glue Pen, then sprinkled Microfine Transparent Glitter over it. I did the same with the snow on the gingerbread house's roof. I wanted the gumdrops to look more "sugary," so I coated them in Ranger Rock Candy Glitter.

For the cobblestones in front of the house, I stamped the house from the JB Gnome for the Holidays stamp set, then fussy cut just the snow/stone area. I also stamped, colored, and fussy cut 3 penguins.

I attached the back snowbank to the Summer Splash panel, then used foam dots to pop up the front snowbank layer, gingerbread house, gumdrops, penguins,  and sentiment. Inside, I added another Summer Splash panel and Smooth White panel (with the sentiment stamped on it). Finally, I added another penguin, lollipops, and gumdrops inside. 

Because the glitter is so fine, it can be difficult to see in the photos/video, but it's super sparkly in person. Here's a video, attempting to show the sparkle:

I love the way this card turned out and hope you do, too!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things Gingerbread House Die-Namics
• My Favorite Things Gingerbread Greetings stamp set
• My Favorite Things JB Gnome for the Holidays stamp set
• My Favorite Things Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-Namics
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Black Licorice, and Summer Splash

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Ranger Rock Candy Glitter
• Sparkle 'n Sprinkle Microfine Transparent Glitter (Cool)
• Distress Oxide Stain: Picket Fence
• Zip Glue Pen
• Foam dots

Happy holidays, and thank you for stopping by!

Harmonious Hibiscus Thank You Card with MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge 667

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#667). I never have enough thank you cards on hand, so I grabbed one of my favorite MFT floral stamps, the Harmonious Hibiscus Background, and created a version of a "spotlight" card.

A "spotlight" card includes a design in black and white, with a specific section in full color. I chose the diagonal centerpiece for the full-color section. I stamped the full stamp 3 times: once in gray and white (for my bottom layer), then twice in regular black ink on Copic XPress-It Blending Card. I knew I wanted to fussy cut and pop up two of the flowers with foam dots.

After I created the cover, I couldn't bear to throw away the colored edges, so I put them into the inside of the card. Now the front AND inside have that bright pop of color!

I colored the background image with Copic markers, then sliced off the top and bottom areas diagonally (to match the sketch design). I colored only two of the flowers on the second stamped background, then fussy cut them. I layered the shaped hibiscus panel on top of the gray-and-white hibiscus panel. I layered that on Lemon Drop and more Smooth White cardstock. Finally, I cut two rectangles (one in white, with the sentiment, and one in Lemon Drop) and popped them up on the front. I added foam dots to the two flowers I'd fussy cut and added them to the front.

The fussy cut flowers and original, cut hibiscus panel looked like this:

Now I have another thank you card that's ready to go when needed. Hooray!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things "Harmonious Hibiscus Background" stamp
• My Favorite Things "All-Occasion Scripted Greetings" stamp set
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White and Lemon Drop

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Foam dots

Hope you have a fantastic week!

Merry Bees-mas with MFT's Weekly Sketch Challenge 667

Today, I'm sharing design team inspiration for the My Favorite Things Sketch Weekly Sketch Challenge (#667). I used the super adorable new Jenoblade set, Merry Bees-mas, and used the sketch design on the front AND inside the card. 

I stamped the bees and tree on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, then colored them with Copics. I cut them out using the matching Merry Bees-mas Die-Namics.

For the card base, I used MFT's Smooth White, Black Licorice, and Amarena Cherry cardstock. I took a piece of white cardstock and sprayed it with "Flickering Candle" Distress Mica Stain. I cut a smaller rectangle of MFT's Kraft cardstock and sprayed it with "Frozen Fog" Distress Mica Stain. The papers now appear very textured and shiny/sparkly. I cut a thin piece of MFT's Kraft cardstock and stamped the sentiment, then layered the sentiment over the Frozen Fog splattered rectangle. I cut the golden cardstock to 4.75" x 6.75", then cut diagonally across the top and bottom to match the sketch design. I layered the gold cardstock on a piece of 4.75" x 6.75" Amarena Cherry, then on a 5" x 7" piece of Black Licorice. 

I didn't love the white outlines around the bees/tree on the card front, simply because it was so bright compared to the gold background, so I found a Copic marker that matched the splattered paper and colored in all of the white outlines. I popped up the sentiment/rectangle (1" x 3.75"), bees, and tree with foam dots.

I could've been done at that point, but I decided to carry the sketch design into the inside of the card. I replicated the same cuts I'd done for the front, using white cardstock instead of the gold, and added some bees and another tree. Now the inside is just as cute as the front!

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• My Favorite Things "Merry Bees-mas" stamp set
• My Favorite Things "Merry Bees-mas" Die-Namics
• MFT cardstock: Smooth White, Black Licorice, Amarena Cherry, and Kraft

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Foam dots
• Distress Mica Stains: Flickering Candle and Frozen Fog

Happy (very early) holidays!

Hot Chocolate Makes Everything Better with Emma in Reindeer PJs

Today, I'm guest designing for Paper Nest Dolls, a company that offers super cute rubber and digital stamps. Today's card features the digital stamp Emma in Reindeer PJ's. Yesterday, I shared Emma in non-traditional Christmas colors (pink and blue). Today's card features the traditional red and green Christmas theme on a fairly simple, slimline card.

I printed Emma on Copic XPress-It Blending Card, colored her with Copics, then fussy cut her. I kept the design simple with an 8.5" x 4" card size and regular rectangular layers in black and red. I added patterned paper from Lawn Fawn's "Knit Picky" 6" x 6" paper pad and some very old wood-patterned paper by Stampin' Up. I stamped sentiments from My Favorite Things' "Hug in a Mug" and Art Impressions' "Hug in a Mug" stamp sets, then cut them out using the smallest QuicKutz "Nesting Inverted Scalloped Rectangles" die. I popped up Emma, the floor, and the top sentiment with foam dots to finish the card.

List of all stamps/dies/paper/etc. used on this card:

• Paper Nest Dolls "Emma in Reindeer PJ's" digital stamp
• QuicKutz "Nesting Inverted Scalloped Rectangles" die set
• My Favorite Things "Hug in a Mug" stamp set
• Art Impressions "Hug in a Mug" stamp set
• Lawn Fawn "Knit Picky" 6" x 6" paper pad
• Stampin' Up wood-patterned cardstock (very old, don't remember the name of it)
• Black, red, and white cardstock

Other products used:

• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Copic XPress-It Blending Card
• Copic markers
• Glue
• Foam dots

Happy (very early) holidays!