Author: marialrussell

DIY Bookmarks & Happy National Hamburger Day! with Artesprix

| marialrussell

Happy National Hamburger Day! Is everyone excited for summer? Memorial Day kicked off this week and kids are excited that summer is finally almost here! Even though they’ve been doing homeschooling for the past months with their teachers on Zoom, they are now looking forward to just chilling out! No more schoolwork!

I have some fun projects to share with you today! You can create these DIY bookmarks with your kids, and they are going to LOVE it! Even if they don’t like reading, they will certainly have fun creating these bookmarks with you. I remember when my kids were little, they read books for hours during summer! Sometimes they even begged to stay up for another hour or two, so they can finish a few more chapters! These bookmarks are not only fun to make, but they will also help your kids remember where they stopped before they went to bed.

Materials

Tools:

Step-by-step Tutorial:

Place the bookmark on a piece of plain copy paper and trace the outline using a pencil. This will determine the area that you have to work with. Don’t worry about the pencil lines because this will not transfer on your bookmark.

Mount your stamp on an acrylic block and stamp the image on the copy paper using Artesprix Sublimation ink pad. Repeat this process for the rest of the images that you need to use for your bookmark. Note: If your kids would like to draw their own image, they can first use a pencil and trace their designs with the Artesprix Iron-On ink sublimation markers later on. Make sure they are doing a mirror image so that when their design applies to the bookmark, they wouldn’t look backwards.

Since I didn’t use any sentiments for the hamburger-themed bookmarks, I didn’t need to flip the images to trace it on the other side. I used the Artesprix Original, Gnomie Botanical and Pastel Sublimation Markers to color my images.

Don’t worry if the color looks a little muted, it will come to life when the heat is applied to your project.

Take your bookmark and place the “white side” against the ink. Use the Artesprix Heat Tape and tape it down so your design doesn’t shift. If you are using the Heat Press, you only need one on each side to hold it down. If you are using an iron, you will need more. Sometimes the iron will cause the image to slip and you will get a ghost image. [Only use Artesprix Heat Tape on the outer edge of the design (not over it).]

If using an Artesprix Heat Press, set the temperature to 400 deg. F and timer to 45 seconds. If using a dry iron, set to linen or highest setting. [For a home iron, set to linen and “no steam”. Note: The holes in your home iron do not allow the heat to pass through evenly.]

Now it is time for a sublimation sandwich. Cut two pieces of Artesprix Protective Paper to cover your project on the top and bottom. Place it inside the Heat Press and close the machine. You’ll want your Artesprix Project Mat handy because your project will be hot, and you don’t want it to damage your work space.

When the Heat Press beeps, this indicates that your project is ready. Pull the handle up and use protective gloves or oven mitts to protect your hands before taking the project out. Place it on top of the project mat and wait for about 10 minutes to cool down. Gently remove the paper from the bookmark to reveal the design.

I absolutely LOVE the two hamburger-themed bookmarks that I made that I decided to create another one. I did the same steps above to stamp and color my image. However, I wanted a sentiment for my design. I turned the paper and stamped the sentiment on the other side using the Artesprix Sublimation Ink Pad. I flipped the paper back and placed it onto a tracing pad. I used the Artesprix Iron-on Sublimation Black Fine-Point marker and traced the sentiment.

Here’s the other bookmark. Isn’t this adorable? It turned out so cute!

I love being able to stamp or draw and color my designs on a plain piece of paper and transfer onto a blank to create a unique DIY project! Your kids will certainly LOVE it! Here’s another look at the bookmarks:

You can FOLLOW this tutorial to create more than just bookmarks. You can also create coasters, keychains, bag tags, picture frame, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Be sure to check out Artesprix’s YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook group and blog for design team inspiration. The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

 
——–SUPPLIES——–
 
 

I Am Never Not Thinking of You with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello again LDRS Creative fans!  I’ve been creating a lot of “just-because” cards for my family and friends lately so I thought I’d share one of the cards with you today.

For my project today, I am showcasing the A View for All Seasons stamp set, along with the A View for Al Seasons Dies, Anytime Stack stamp set, Sentiment Stack coordinating dies, the grass using the In the Grass border die set and the Coffee Bean Hybrid ink.

I started by stamping the images on some Neenah solar white card stock using the Coffee Bean hybrid ink.  I love using the hybrid inks because you can color your images using any coloring medium and it wouldn’t bleed.  I colored my images in with my alcohol markers and used the A View for All Seasons coordinating dies to die-cut the images.

To create my scene, I needed to die-cut some grass hills.  I used the In the Grass border die set to die-cut two of them using the Daisy Delights paper pad.  I also used the Prickly Pear Perfection hybrid ink and some blending brush to add more depth and dimension to the front grass.  I adhered both pieces onto the card with some liquid glue and added the potted plants as well.

To add a little depth to the window, I used the Bali Blue hybrid ink and a blending brush.  I foam-mounted my focal image to the card and added the cat also with foam adhesive.  At this point, I realized I needed more “ivy” to add to my scene so I stamped a few more and colored them in.  I used the die to die-cut them out and adhered to the card with some liquid glue.

The sentiment from the Anytime Stack stamp set was stamped with the Watermark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set using my heating tool.  I die-cut the sentiment using the Sentiment Stack die set.  This combo is starting to be my go-to in card-making.  I love the convenience of stamping a bunch of sentiments and die-cutting all of them in one go!  I put the rest of the sentiment strips into the pouch so that I can use them for future projects.

To finish my design, I added the little “brick” image using the small stamp included in the set with some Alloy hybrid ink.  In order to get a subtle gray color, I stamped it onto a piece of scratch paper twice before stamping onto my card.  Here’s another look:

Isn’t this the cutest scene ever?  I love, love, love this stamp set!  I cannot wait to use this stamp set again to create a fall or Halloween card! 

I hope I have given you some inspiration today to create something beautiful.  The supplies I use are listed and linked below.  For a limited time, LDRS will also include the stamp set that you see below until supplies last.  Take advantage and order your favorites now to get this freebie!  Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

 
————SUPPLIES————

Newton’s Nook Designs May Release Day 4 – Newton’s Flower Graden

| marialrussell

 

I always get a bit bummed when it’s the last day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  The last three days were amazing and I really LOVE all of the stamps, dies and stencils that we showcased.  Which one is your favorite?  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

For day 4, we are showcasing the Newton’s Flower Garden stamp set and coordinating dies.

Super simple card to begin with.  I used the Sunscape stencil with some mini ink-blending tools and Mustard Seed distress oxide ink to create the sun.  I also used the Hills & Grass stencil to create the landscape for Newton.

For added texture and dimension to the landscape, I used the grass border die to die-cut some patterned paper and adhered them on the ink-blended panel with some liquid glue.

 

The images were stamped with some Spectrum Noir Rustic Brown ink and colored with my Copic markers.  I die-cut the images using the coordinating dies and adhered them on the card with some liquid glue.  I also die-cut the clouds using the Sky Scene Builder die set.  This is one of my favorite dies of all time.

I finished my design my stamping the sentiment with some Versafine Onyx black ink and added the sparkling clear sequins.  Here’s another look:

Would you like to win the “Newton’s Flower Garden”  Stamp Set?  This stamp set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

Here’s how to win: 

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



Newton’s Nook Designs May Release Day 3 – Hummingbird

| marialrussell

 

It is the third day of the May reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  Were you able to see the first two days of the reveal?  Which one is your favorite so far?  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

For day 3, we are showcasing the Hummingbird stamp set and coordinating dies.

To begin, I stamped my images on some Neenah solar white card stock.  I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to die-cut the images.

 

I ink-blended an A2-size panel of Bristol smooth white card stock with distress oxide inks that matches the colors of the Hummingbird and the flowers.  I used my distress sprayer and sprayed some water on this panel and used some paper towel to pick up the water droplets.  I adhered this colored panel onto an A2 size card base.

I used a border die from my collection to die-cut the two scallop panels and foam mounted them on the card.  I adhered the flowers with some liquid glue and foam-mounted the Hummingbird for added dimension.

 

 

I used my Sakura glitter gel pen to add some flecks of glitter on the Hummingbird’s wings.  To finish my design, I added the sparkling clear sequins to the card.  I also added the sentiment that was stamped on some black card stock and die-cut using one of the dies from the Banner Trio die set.

Here’s another look:

Would you like to win the “Hummingbird”  Stamp Set?  This stamp set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

Here’s how to win: 

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



We’ll Get Through This Together with CAS-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

I hope everyone’s doing well!  I’ve been enjoying creating some rainbow-themed cards lately and I have another one for you today, showcasing products by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps.

 

To begin, I used the Love Ribbon stencil and inked up an A2-size black card panel with some white pigment ink.  I waited for about half an hour until the ink was dry.    

 

I used my mini ink blending tools to add color on top of the white ink using distress oxide inks in rainbow colors. 

 

I used my Glitz Glitter Gel and stencil pal to add more texture and interest to the image.  I waited for another half an hour until the gel was completely dry.

 

 

I stamped the sentiment from the Heart ribbon stamp set using Versamark ink and sprinkled some white embossing powder, then heat-set using my heating tool.

 

To finish my design, I die-cut the word “hope” twice using some gray and white card stock.  I glued both pieces together to create dimension and adhered it onto the card panel with some liquid glue.

 

I love that the colors really popped against the black background!  Here’s another look:

 

 

Here are the supplies I used today:

 

 

 

I hope you like my project.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below for 15% off your order.   Supplies are listed and linked below for ease of reference.  Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

 

———-SUPPLIES———-

Newton’s Nook Designs May Release Day 2 – Monarchs Stamp Set with Butterflies Stencil

| marialrussell

 

It is the second day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  I hope you were able to check out yesterday’s reveal.  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

 

For day 2, we are showcasing the Monarchs stamp set and coordinating dies with the [Layering] Butterflies stencil.

 

 

 

As soon as I saw this stamp set, I already envisioned a card design in my head.  I knew a clean and simple look would make these butterflies stand out.

 

I stamped the butterflies on some Bristol smooth white card stock with Versamark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and used my heating tool to heat set the images.

 

 

I chose different colors of distress oxide inks and my mini-ink blending tools to ink blend the colors on the butterflies.  I used the coordinating dies to die-cut them out.

 

I used my guillotine to cut my patterned paper, measuring about 2 by 5 1/2 inches.  I adhered this piece on some A2 size card base.  I also added the black strip with some liquid glue.

 

 

I foam-mounted the butterflies following the colors on my patterned paper.  To finish my design, I stamped the sentiment with some Versafine onyx black ink and adhered the Sparkling Clear Droplets for added texture and dimension.

 

I really LOVE how simple and pretty this card turned out.  Here’s another look:

 

 

For my second card,  I used stencil no. 1 from the Butterflies stencil and and added some Deco Foil Transfer Gel with the Deco Foil stencil pal.  This makes it easier to spread the gel evenly on the card.  I set this panel aside to dry for about half an hour.

 

Once the gel turns transparent you know that they are ready to be foiled.  I cut some silver foil and placed it on top of the card.  I used the transfer sheet to run this through my laminating machine to foil the card.

 

 

To add the second color to the butterflies, I used stencil no. 2 and applied some Deco Foil Transfer Gel on top of the foiled butterflies.  I waited for another half an hour for this piece to dry and placed a rainbow foil on top of the card.  I used the transfer sheet again to run this through my laminator.  I didn’t realize it is possible to foil the images twice but it worked out just fine and I love the result.

 

 

I used my guillotine to cut the foiled panel diagonally.  I adhered some white die-cut panel on an A2 size white card base, and added the foiled diagonal panel with some liquid glue.  I adhered some silver strip to the card also with liquid glue and added the sentiment die-cut using a die from my collection.

 

Here’s another look:

 

 

Would you like to win the “Monarchs”  Stamp Set?  This stamp set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

 

Here’s how to win: 

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

 

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



Newton’s Nook May Release Day 1 – Birthday and Floral Roundabout with Circle Frame and Banner Trio

| marialrussell

 

It is that time of the month where the entire design team get so excited to show off the new stamps, dies and stencils by Newton’s Nook Designs.  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

 

For the first day of the reveals we are starting with a HUGE bang and showcasing the Birthday Roundabout and Floral Roundabout stamp sets with the new Circle Frame dies and Banner Trio dies.

 

For my first card, I stamped the image on some Neenah solar white card stock and use the stitched circle frame from the new Circle Frame dies to die cut them out.  I used another circle frame from my collection to die-cut some black card stock.  I also die-cut the scallop circle from the new die set and layered these three pieces together.

 

I wanted to create a super cheerful project so I decided to make a shaker card.  I die-cut a rectangle frame from my die collection and adhered some acetate sheet.  I adhered some foam adhesive to create my well and added the Sweet Shoppe Sprinkles as my shaker element.   I closed the shaker with some yellow patterned paper and adhered this on an A2 size card base.

 

 

I added my focal image in the middle of the card using some strong double-sided tape.

 

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment on the banner using the Trio banner die with some versamark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set with my heating tool.  I adhered this in the middle of the card with some liquid glue.

 

 

I’m loving this super fun birthday card.

 

 

For my second card, I stamped the image halfway at the top and bottom on some Neenah solar white card stock.  I wanted to keep the coloring simple and decided to just use two colors of markers.

 

 

 

I used the circle die from the Circle frames die set to mask the colored images.  I pressed the word lipstick and mowed lawn stamp pads on my acrylic block and added a few drops of water to dilute the color.  I then used my watercolor brush to add some speckles on my card for added texture and set it aside to dry.

 

 

I used one of the dies from the Banner Trio die set and die-cut the piece with some black card stock.  I stamped the sentiment with some Versamark ink.   I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set using my heating tool.

 

Lastly, I added some sparkling clear jewels to finish the design.

 

 

 

Would you like to win the“Birthday Roundabout” or the “Floral Roundabout”  Stamp Set?  We will choose ONE lucky winner for each stamp set!

 

Here’s how to win: 

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

 

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

 

————SUPPLIES—————

Simple Thank You Cards with Spectrum Noir

| marialrussell

I hope everyone’s doing well!  I don’t know about you but lately, I have been needing to give out “thank you” cards a lot more often.  I wanted to create some cards today that I can mass-produce that’ll look amazing but wouldn’t take a lot of effort.  Layering stamps are great for this type of project because you don’t have to color the images one by one.     Spectrum Noir quick dry dye inks are my go-to when it comes to stamping layering images.  The ink pads are so juicy, and the colors are so vibrant that it’s perfect to use for the stamp set that I am showcasing today.  

 

Here’s the step-by-step on how I made the cards:

 

Choose 2 colors of Spectrum Noir Quick Dry Dye inks for each color family to use for the cards today. For the blues, I used Oasis and Parakeet.  Green – Spring Meadow and Grasshopper.  Yellows – Straw Bale and Honeypot. Pinks – Pink Tulip and Fuchsia and Purple – Pale Fig and Crushed Velvet.

 

 

Position the first layering stamp inside the stamping tool and use Spring Meadow ink. Do this method four times.

 

 

Layer the next stamp set inside the stamping tool and use Grasshopper ink.

 

Position the layering flower stamp inside the stamping tool and use Pale Fig as the first color. Clean the stamp and use the other colors described above to stamp the first layer.

 

Position the second layering stamp and use the darker shades for each color family.

 

Repeat this process using the other colors.

 

To add more details to the card, use Spectrum Noir water-reactive inks. Match the color used for each flower.

 

 

Press the ink pad onto an acrylic block and add some water to dilute the color. Use a watercolor brush to splatter color onto the card panel.

 

 

For the sentiment, use the Crafter’s Companion Thanks sentiment die. Die-cut 4 times using some black card stock.  Adhere the sentiment on the card panel.

 

Here’s what the finished card looks like:

 

 

I really LOVE that the cards I made were simple and can be easily mass-produced.  Here’s a look at all four cards:

 

Here’s a little close-up:

 

 

If you haven’t tried the Spectrum Noir ink pads yet, I suggest that you order them now.  They are my favorite ink pads to use for all of my projects! 

 

I hope you like my cards today.  Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

 

 

Stretch Your Stamps – Mother’s Day Cards for Mom & Grandma

| marialrussell

I know Mother’s Day was last Sunday but I still wanted to share these cards that I made for moms and grandmas.  For my projects today, I am showcasing the Tides of Love stamp set and coordinating dies with the Lovely Blooms stamp set.

 

To make the first card, I ink-blended a panel of Bristol smooth white card stock with distress oxide inks.  I spritzed it with water and dried with a paper towel.  I diluted some white paint with water on an acrylic block and used my watercolor brush to add some white speckles to the background.  I set this panel to dry.

 

I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock using some Memento fog ink for a no-line coloring.  I colored the images in with spectrum noir alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to die-cut the images.

 

I die-cut a white card panel using an ocean die from my collection.  I foam-mounted this piece on the ink-blended panel to give it more dimension.  I adhered the whale in the middle of the card, and stamped the sentiment with Versafine onyx black ink.

 

 

To finish my design, I added some clear droplets to the panel with liquid adhesive to make them look like bubbles.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

The second card was created with the same steps that I made for the first card.  I used some painter’s tape to adhere on the card temporarily so I can ink-blend the background with distress oxide inks.  I removed the tape and adhered this on an A2 size card base.

 

I foam-mounted my focal image in the middle of the card and added the sea weeds using dies from my collection.  I stamped the sentiment on the card with some Versafine onyx black ink.  I also adhered some black and white patterned paper, as well as a black strip to ground the image.

 

 

I finished my design by adding blue droplets to the card to make them look like bubbles.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

I hope I have given you some great ideas to stretch your stamps.  With just a little imagination, you can use any stamp sets that you have in your collection to create cards for different occasions.

 

The supplies I use are listed and linked below.  Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

 

———–SUPPLIES————-