card making

NND JANUARY Release Day 1 – KNEAD KITTENS + A7 Frames & Banners Die, Love & Meows Stencil & Petite Hearts Stencil

| marialrussell

Hello and Welcome to the Newton’s Nook January Release. I am so excited to show off the new products 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!]  

Brace yourselves because for the first day of the reveals, we have a lot of AMAZING products to show you today! We are showcasing the Knead Kittens Stamp Set and coordinating dies, A7 Frames & Banners Die Set, Petite Hearts Stencil and the Love & Meows Paper Pad.

For my shaker card, I started by stamping the images from the Knead Kittens stamp set on some on some X-Press It Blending Card. Lately I have been using this card stock because it just makes blending so much easier. I colored the images in with alcohol markers and die-cut with the coordinating dies.

Next, I die-cut the card background using the new A7 Frames & Banner Die Set using different colors of card stock with the new Love & Meows Paper Pack. I created my shaker well and added some heart confetti as my shaker element. [Designer confession: To be honest, the paper pack is so beautiful I was having a hard time cutting it out. I may have to go for therapy one of these days about my paper pad collection that I can’t seem to part with. But that’s another story for later, haha!].

I closed the shaker and added this focal panel on an A7 card base. I adhered the images on the card with liquid glue.

I finished my design by die-cutting the sentiment strip using one of the dies from the A7 Frames & Banner Die Set. I stamped the sentiment with Versamark ink and sprinkled some white embossing powder, then heat-set with my heating tool. I adhered the sentiment strip with liquid glue and used some white gel pen to add texture interest to the kittens’ faces.

Would you like to win the “Knead Kitten” 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 January 20th at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, January 21st. 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Donna Idlet

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

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Stock Your Stash Challenge with Reverse Confetti

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends, it’s a lazy Sunday on my side of the world! The skies are dark and dreary and it’s raining, boo! I figured today is the perfect time to create something extremely colorful and I am joining the Reverse Confetti’s Stock Your Stash Challenge and this month’s theme is “LOVE IS IN THE AIR“.

The Stock Your Stash Challenge link list will be open from the 1st of the month until noon CST on the 29th of the month. Click the “Play Along...” button on our Reverse Confetti’s sidebar to go current link list post. Reverse Confetti stamps and/or Confetti Cuts are required to win. This is a way we get to thank their customers for using their stamps. Anyone is welcome to play, though! You may enter as many times as you wish.Use #SYSChallenge when playing along with this challenge.There will be a random winner selected each month and that person will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Reverse Confetti store. The winner of challenge will be posted on the Reverse Confetti blog at the end of the month.

For my card below, I am showcasing the Large Circle of Hearts Confetti Cuts along with the Valentine Sentiments Stamp Set and the Stitched Daisies Cover Panel Confetti Cuts.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • Adhere each heart on top with foam dots for added dimension.
  • Flip the background panel and add some acetate sheet and foam adhesive to create the shaker well.
  • Add some bokeh sequins as the shaker element. [Designer tip” since the background is already colorful, you don’t need to add more colors to the design.]
  • Adhere the card panel on some top-folding A2-size notecard to close the shaker well.
  • Finish the card design by stamping the sentiment from the Valentine Sentiments Stamp Set with VersaMark ink. Sprinkle some white embossing powder and heat-set with heating tool. Fussy-cut the sentiment with precision snips and adhere on the focal panel.

I hope you like my project and will play along. The supplies are listed and linked below. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Sunday!

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COUNTDOWN TO CONFETTI – DAY 4

| marialrussell

It’s the final Day of the Countdown to Confetti January Release by Reverse Confetti! The whole gang is here to show you all the amazing projects we’ve put together to encourage you to shop! Remember, all of the products are now available today!

For my projects below, I used the Stitched Daisies Cover Panel, the hearts from the Postal Cover Panel, and the sentiment from the Valentine Sentiments stamp set.

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to a beautiful card. I die-cut the background panel using the Stitched Daisies Cover Panel Die and adhered on a white A2-size notecard. I die-cut the hearts using the medium heart die from the Postal Cover Panel die set on different colors of pattern paper. I layered the hearts and foam-mounted all of them onto the card.

The sentiment was stamped on some black card stock with VersaMark Ink. I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set with my heating tool. I adhered the sentiment with foam and liquid adhesive.

I finished my design by adding another heart from the Love Bugs stamp set and covered with Stickles.

To go with this beautiful card, I decided to make a little treat box using a Punchboard from the collection. I filled it with some Hershey’s Kisses and closed both ends with some pink ribbon.

I added the die-cut sentiment using the Layered Lots of Love die set and adhered on the treat box with liquid glue. I finished this treat box by adding the cute little honeybee. Here are both projects again:

I hope you got inspired and like my projects this week! Hop along with us and see all the amazing projects prepared by the entire team!

Here’s the hop list:


Reverse Confetti

Cheiron Brandon

Audrey Tokach

Becky Roberts

Maria Russell (you are here)

Amy Rohl

Lisa Henke

Kelly Lunceford

Dilay Nacar

Amy Kolling

Michelle Short

Kellianne Wilson

Tiffany Pryce Russom

Andrea Shell

Rachel Alvarado

Dana Kirby

Candice Fisher

Susan Wymer

Amy Tsuruta

Tricia Barber

Melissa Phillips

Jenny Colacicco

Olga Moss

Jeanne Jachna

Lien Leysen
Heather Ruwe

COUNTDOWN TO CONFETTI – DAY 3

| marialrussell

It’s Day 3 of the Countdown to Confetti January Release by Reverse Confetti and we have more amazing products to show you! Remember, all of the products you will see during the reveals will be available on January 8th.

Don’t forget to leave a comment each day during reveal week here on the blog and on the Reverse Confetti FaceBook group for a chance to win the gift certificate.

For today’s sneak peek, we are showcasing the Hello Daisy Stamp Set and Dies.

I am honestly 100% fan of daisies! They just remind me of happy days and sunshine! I didn’t think that this card below will need anything else because the images speak for themselves, don’t you think? You can easily mass-produce the card I have below for a little “hello, I love you-just-because” kind of thing!

I started by stamping the images in with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on some Express-It blending card stock. I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers. I adhered the panel on some A2-size notecard.

I stamped the sentiment “hello” a few times with some Versafine ink to get a good impression to make sure it stands out. Other than that, I didn’t think it needed anything else because the images just speak for themselves, don’t you think?

I hope you got inspired as much as I did! Don’t forget to check our tomorrow’s post fo the finale and get more inspiration from the whole team. Hop along with us for a chance to win the gift certificate. Check out the rest of the inspiration below:

Here’s the hop list:
Reverse Confetti

Audrey Tokach

Maria Russell (you are here)

Lisa Henke

Amy Kolling

Kellianne Wilson

Dana Kirby

Amy Tsuruta

Melissa Phillips

Jeanne Jachna

COUNTDOWN TO CONFETTI – DAY 2

| marialrussell

It’s Day 2 of the Countdown to Confetti January Release by Reverse Confetti and we have more amazing products to show you! Remember, all of the products you will see during the reveals will be available on January 8th.

Don’t forget to leave a comment each day during reveal week here on the blog and on the Reverse Confetti FaceBook group for a chance to win the gift certificate.

For today’s sneak peek, we are showcasing the Poppies stamp set and coordinating dies.

For my project today, I also used the Stitched Daisies Cover Panel and the Big Hearts Sentiments Stamp Set & Dies.

I started by stamping the images on some Express-It Blending card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I used different shades of quick-dry dye inks in pink and green to add color. What I love about this stamp set is you don’t really need to use other mediums to color them in but I used my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers to create some depth and dimension to the images. I die-cut the images using the coordinating die.

Next, I die-cut the background panel using the Stitched Daisies Cover Panel with some Neenah Solar White Card Stock. I used a stencil from my stash and applied some texture paste for added texture and interest. I let this panel dry for about half an hour, then adhered on some A2-size notecard. I adhered the colored images on the card with either foam or liquid glue.

I stamped the sentiment with VersaMark ink on some black card stock and sprinkled some white embossing powder, then heat-set with my heating tool. I used the coordinating die to cut it out and foam-mounted the sentiment on the card for added dimension. Lastly, I applied stickles to the images for more interest to finish the design. Here’s another look:

Be sure to hop along with the rest of the team today!  Comment along the way for your chance to win a Reverse Confetti gift certificate and don’t forget to check the Reverse Confetti FaceBook Group and leave a comment there as well!  I hope you will come back tomorrow to see more of the new release!

Here’s the hop list:
Reverse Confetti

Audrey Tokach

Maria Russell (you are here)

Lisa Henke

Amy Kolling

Kellianne Wilson

Dana Kirby

Amy Tsuruta

Melissa Phillips

Jeanne Jachna

Heffy Doodle and Newton’s Nook Designs Collaboration Blog Hop

| marialrussell

Welcome to the Heffy Doodle and Newton’s Nook Designs Collaboration Blog Hop! Design Team members from both companies are sharing inspiration using products from both companies!

For my first card, I am showcasing the Yappy Happy Mail stamp set and Sending Heffy Cuts Die by Heffy Doodles, along with Newton’s Happy Mail Stamp Set and Dies, Clouds and Hills & Grass Stencil.

Here’s how I made my first card:

  • Use the Clouds and Hills & Grass Stencil with distress inks and blending brushes to ink up a panel of some Neenah Solar White card stock. Make sure you alternate the colors between the cloud layers.
  • Use a die from your collection to create the stitching line for the paper airplane for added texture.
  • Adhere the panel on some A2-size notecard.
  • Stamp the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and color the images in with alcohol markers.
  • Use coordinating dies to cut them out.
  • Ink-up some Strathmore Bristol Smooth white card stock with distress oxide inks to add some color, then use the Sending Heffy Cuts Die to cut out the word.
  • Adhere the sentiment strip to the background panel.
  • Stamp the Hugs & Kisses sentiment on some black card stock with Versamark ink and heat set with your heating tool. Cut and adhere this strip on the card.
  • Adhere the colored images on the card with either liquid or foam adhesive for added dimension.

My second card below is fairly easy. I wanted to create my own pattern paper by using the envelope image from the Yappy Happy Mail stamp set.

Here’s how I made the second card:

  • Use a die from your stash to die-cut a small panel of Neenah solar white card stock.
  • Use your stamping block and adhere the envelope image from the Yappy Happy Mail stamp set.
  • Stamp the images randomly onto the card stock with Memento Ink.
  • Flip the envelope stamp on your block to use the solid part of the image and stamp some color using Spectrum Noir Oasis Quick Dry Dye Ink. Stamp the heart onto the envelope image with red ink.
  • Fill-in the spots by stamping the paw prints with some Bubblegum ink.
  • Matt the panel with some blue car Stock and adhere on a red A2-size notecard.
  • Stamp the images from the Yappy Happy Mail, Just a Note and Sips & Stories stamp set.
  • Use the coordinating dies to cut the images out.
  • Use the third die from the Framework Die Set with some red card stock that matches the notecard.
  • Adhere some Vellum onto this piece and foam-mount to the card for added dimension.
  • Adhere the colored images with liquid glue.
  • Finish the design by adhering some red heart enamel to the card and stamp the sentiment with black ink.

BLOG HOP DETAILS:

To be entered to win the giveaway, all you need to do is comment at each stop (link below) and hop along!

Newton’s Nook Designs will be giving away $35 Gift Code and Heffy Doodle will be giving away a £25 Gift Code to their respective stores!  Be sure to comment before 11:59 PM EST on Dec 28th to be entered to win!

Each company will post their random winner on December 29th at 10AM EST!  Make sure to check the Heffy Doodle Blog and Newton’s Nook Designs Blog to see if you’re a winner!

BLOG HOP LINEUP:

Heffy Doodle Blog

Tatiana Trafimovich

Tina Herbeck

Amanda Fitterer

Maria Russell

Cassie Trask

Samantha Mann

Amanda Stevens

Zsofia Molnar

Newton’s Nook Designs Blog

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Mixing & Matching Stencils with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

I am so excited to be on the Newton’s Nook Blog today and it is my turn to share a cute Christmas project, showcasing two of my favorite stencils –> Pawprints and Snowfall, along with the Christmas Puppies Stamp Set and its coordinating dies with the Frames & Flags Die Set.

Stencils are so inexpensive and they can create a HUGE impact on your projects! Newton’s Nook Designs has a wide selection of stencils available at the shop. Designer tip: The secret to mixing and matching these stencil designs is to layer different textures.

Here’s how I made this card:

I hope that you will give this technique a try and I would love it if you tag me on social media if you did. The supplies I used are listed and linked below. Thanks for stopping by today and happy stamping!

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Joy to the World with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello everyone! I am glad to be back today to share some inspiration and I am also up on the LDRS Creative BlogI Does anyone else love mixing and matching their stamp set and dies?  I do!  I love mixing and matching stamp sets to create a unique card for a certain occasion. 

For this project, I am showcasing the So Thankful Stamp Set and coordinating dies along with the A2 Diagonal Stitched Layered Card Toppers Die Set, Country Corner Accessories Stamps and coordinating dies, Christmas Wishes Stamp Set and Wave Ribbon Banner Stack coordinating dies, with the Plaid 6×6 Stencil.

I started by die-cutting two panels of some Neenah solar white card stock using the A2 Diagonal Stitched Layered Card Toppers Die Set.  I adhered the bigger panel to an A2-size notecard.  The smaller panel was inked up using a Blender Brush, with the Plaid 6×6 Stencil and Alloy Hybrid Ink.  I foam-mounted this panel on the card for added dimension.

Next, I stamped the images from the So Thankful and Country Corner Accessories Stamp Sets with Raven Hybrid Ink.  This is my favorite ink to use to stamp my images.  I colored the images in with alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to cut them out.  I adhered the Christmas Tree to the Red Truck with liquid glue and foam-mounted both images on the card front for added dimension.

I stamped the sentiment from the Christmas Wishes stamp set on some black card stock with Watermark Ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat set with my heating tool. Next, I used the Wave Ribbon Stack Die Set to cut them all out.  I love using this stamp set and die combo!  You get to stamp it at one go and have a bunch of sentiment strips to be used for future projects! Such a genius idea!  I adhered the sentiment on the card using liquid glue.

I finished my card design by adhering some gold baubles on the Christmas Tree and Stickles to the star, for added texture and interest!  Here’s another look at the card:

I hope I have given you some inspiration today to mix and match your stamp sets and dies.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

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Tree-Rex and Mistletoads with Trinity Stamps

| marialrussell

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I am so excited to share my projects today, showcasing some very cute stamp sets and dies by Trinity Stamps.

For my first card, I am showcasing the Tree Rex 3×4 Stamp Set and Tree Rex Coordinating Die with the Slimline Forest Border Die Set and Melted Icicle Clear Twinkle Sequin Confetti as my shaker element.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • Stamp the Tree Rex on some Neenah solar white card stock and color the images in with alcohol markers.
  • Die-cut the images using the Tree Rex Coordinating Die.
  • Ink-blend an A2 size panel of Bristol Smooth white card stock using Worn Lipstick and Spun Sugar Distress Oxide ink.
  • Use distress sprayer to add some splatters to the background and pick up the excess water with some paper towel.
  • Use white gel pen to add stars and dots for added interest.
  • Die-cut the trees and snowbanks using the Slimline Forest Border Die Set on some white card stock and patterned paper.
  • Adhere the die-cuts on the card panel with liquid glue.
  • Create the shaker well with acetate and foam adhesive.
  • Add the Melted Icicle Clear Sequin Confetti as the shaker element and adhere onto the card panel to close the shaker.
  • Adhere the pattern paper border on the card panel.
  • Add the focal image with liquid glue.
  • Stamp the sentiment on some black card stock with Versamark ink, sprinkle some white embossing powder and heat-set with the heating tool.
  • Adhere the sentiment on the card.

My next project is easy, peasy! Who wouldn’t want to see rainbow toads, right?! I know I would! I know this stamp set is meant for Christmas but I would like for you to think outside the box and stretch your supplie.

For this card below, I am showcasing the Mistletoads 3×4 stamp set and Mistletoads Coordinating Dies with the Slimline Scalloped Card Panels and Banners die set, Modern Embossed Panels Die Set and Slimline Winter Hues Paper Pad.

  • Die cut the slimline scallop using the
  • Die-cut the blue pattern paper from the Winter Hues Paper Pad using the second biggest die from the Modern Embossed Panels Die Set.
  • Adhere the pieces together with liquid glue and add on a slimline card base.
  • Adhere the focal images onto the card panel.
  • Stamp the sentiment on some black card stock and sprinkle some white embossing powder. Heat-set with heating tool.
  • Die-cut the sentiment using the coordinating die.
  • Finish the design by using white gel pen to add some dots to the toads.

Aren’t they ADORABLE? Which one is your favorite? I can’t really choose because both cards are so cute!

I hope I have given you some inspiration today to stretch your supplies. Everything I used is listed and linked below. Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

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