card making

Thinking of You Card

| marialrussell

Hello LDRS fans!  I have a confession to make!  This lockdown is starting to make me feel anxious and my way of dealing with the anxiety is to stamp and color images.  I make some camomile tea, put on some relaxing music and just color, color, color!

 

This card that I made today reminds me of home.  Everything about it is so serene!  I mixed and matched a couple of stamp sets to create my scene.  I am showcasing the Up & Away stamp set and coordinating dies, with the Thank Ewe and Mountains stamp set, along with the At the Clouds Edge Border die.  The sentiment came from the Anytime Stack stamp set, and die-cut using the Sentiment stack coordinating die.

 

 

I stamped the images with Raven Hybrid ink on some white card stock.  I also stamped the tree and picket fence from the Thank Ewe stamp set on some masking paper to mask the images.  I colored the images in with my alcohol markers and used the Up & Away coordinating die to cut them out.

 

The clouds and the grass hill was die-cut using the At the Clouds Edge die.  I colored the grass hill with alcohol markers again to match the ones I’ve already colored.  I foam-mounted the clouds and grass hill on the card to create more dimension.

 

 

Lastly, I stamped the sentiment using the Anytime Stack stamp set, and die-cut using the Sentiment stack coordinating die on some black card stock.   This stamp and die combination is one of my favorites now because you can die-cut a bunch of them in one go.  I keep the others inside the sleeve so that I can use it for another project.  Easy, peasy!

 

 

 I also have a process video of this card today (with speed coloring) if you’re interested.

  

I hope I’ve inspired you today!   The supplies are listed and linked below.  Thank you for stopping by and have an amazing day!  Happy stamping!

 

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Spread Joy Not Germs Blog Hop with Cas-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

 

 

Hello hoppers!  I have the pleasure in being a stop on the “#Spread Joy Not Germs” blog hop initiated by Catherine Pooler  and Alexandra of The Hedgehog Hollow.  You should have arrived here from Kerys Sharrock’s blog, and your next stop is Wendy Nicola Jackson’s blog.   If you ever get lost along the way, just stop by Catherine Pooler’s blog or The Hedgehog Hollow.  There are lots of prizes to be given away so please read at the end of the blog post to see how you can participate and be eligible to win!

 

For my card today, I am showcasing the Pretty Posies stamp set and Posies fri-dies by CAS-ual Fridays stamps.

 

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

 

I ink-blended an A2-size panel of Bristol smooth white card stock with some distress oxide inks.  I adhered this panel on a white side-fold card base.

 

I die-cut some white card stock using a watercolor striped background coverplate and foam-mounted this piece on the colored background.  I also adhered the flowers with foam and liquid adhesive.

 

 

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment with Versafine Onyx black ink and added white dots in the center of the flowers using my Sakura gelli-roll pen.   Here’s a closer look at the card:

 

 

The Pretty Posies stamp set is one of my favorites from CAS-ual Fridays.  They are so easy to color.  Here’s another look:

 

 
PRIZES
We have 31 Sponsors!!  
The prizes will be randomly drawn from all the blogs and all the comments. Leave as many comments on as many blogs as you can!  Some of the companies are not only giving away prizes but also offering discounts and freebies.  This info will be found on the sponsor’s blogs so KEEP HOPPING!  
 
Deadline to enter to leave a comment is April 24 for prizes. Winners will be announced on Monday, April 27 on Catherine Pooler ‘s and Alexandra’s blogs. 
Sponsor and Prize List:
Catherine Pooler Designs – $20 Gift Certificate on each of the Brand Ambassadors’ blogs 
Hedgehog Hollow – one month free sub to the box with free us shipping
Artesprix – Getting Started Kit
Beacon – Product gift bag 
Brutus Monroe – $50 GC
CAS-ual Fridays – Win the new release – over $80 value
Dina Kowal – Two $10 gift codes to Dina Kowal Creative
Dress My Craft – $35 gift certificate
Ellen Hutson – $35 Gift Certificate
Greeting Farm -$25 Gift Certificate
Heffy Doodle – £35 voucher for the store
iCrafter – $20 Gift Certificate 
Ink on 3 – $35 Gift Certificate
Joy Claire – $25 Gift Certificate
Miss Ink Stamps -$25 Gift Certificate
Pear Blossom Press -$25 gift certificate
Paper Sweeties – $50 Gift Certificate
Polka Dot Orchard- $20 Gift Certificate
Pink and Main – $25 Gift Certificate
Rabbit Hole Designs – $10.00 gift code on each DT members blogs
Sassy and Crafty Stamps – $35 Gift Certificate
STAMPlorations – $25 gift code on the STAMPlorations blog + $10 gift code on each designer blogs.
Taylored Expressions – $50 Gift Certificate
Trinity Stamps– $25 Gift Certificate
The Ton – $20 Gift Certificate (stamps, dies, ink or sequins)
Unity – two $25 Gift Certificates 
Whimsy Stamps – $15 GC on each of their Creative Team team blogs
WOW! Embossing Powder – two gift vouchers £30 UK or Europe & $30 for US winner
Xyron – Mega Runner, Refill & 1.5 inch sticker maker, refill
You’re Next Stamp – $25 Gift Certificate

Send Uplifting Smiles Blog Hop with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

Let’s spread smiles with a Send Uplifting Smiles Blog Hop!  The goal of this hop is to inspire everyone and help brighten your mood while many of us are staying home or practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus. During this uncertain time, we want to encourage everyone to create cards to send to those they care about and spread smiles!  For my porject today, I am showcasing the Believe in Unicorns stamp set and Believe in Unicorns die set, with the Sky Borders die set and Sky Scene builder dies.

 

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

 

I die-cut the clouds using the Sky Border and Sky Scene builder dies.  

 

I ink-blended an A2 size panel of Bristol smooth white card stock with some distress oxide inks and cut them into strips.  I adhered them on an A2 size card base with liquid glue.   I stamped the stars with dots using some light blue dye ink and foam-mounted the clouds.  I also added some of the smaller clouds with liquid glue.

 

I adhered my focal image on the card and added stickles to the unicorn’s mane and tail

 

 

 

Lastly, I stamped the sentiment with some Versafine Onyx black ink.  This card is going to my friend who loves unicorns.   Here’s a closer look:

 

 
Did you get inspired?  What will you create?  Newton’s Nook Designs is having a sale this weekend too so you can stock up on your favorites to make some cards today!  Check out their shop at www.newtonsnookdesigns.com for details!  I also listed and linked the supplies below.
 

Send Uplifting Smiles Hop Giveaway!


Would you like to win a $25 store credit to Newton’s Nook Designs online shop?  We are giving them out to TWO lucky winners!

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 Monday, April 20th at 9pm EST to comment — winners will be announced on the blog post on Tuesday, April 21st.

 

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

 

Coloring with Spectrum Noir Illustrator Markers

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty peeps!  I hope everyone’s doing well.  I am back today to inspire you to do some coloring using your Spectrum Noir Artist Illustrator Markers.   Coloring images for me is very therapeutic and having the right markers and card stock makes it more fun! 

 

For my project today, I am showcasing the SN Artist Markers and SN Harmony Water Reactive Inks.  The stamp and die set that I am featuring today is called Tulla and Norbert Stamp and die set collection by Photo Play Paper.

 

Begin by stamping images on Spectrum Noir Premium Ultra Smooth card stock using SN Alcohol Proof Dye Ink in Black.  Color images using Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers and die-cut using the coordinating dies.   

 

Here are the colors I used for the Gnome sitting on top of the mushroom:

Beard – BG1, BG2 and Blender

Hat and Clothes – BT3, BT4, BT5 and GB1, GB3 and GB5

Mushroom – OR1, OR2, OR3 and BG5, BG6, BG7 and Blender

Bee – CT2, CT3, GY3 and Wings – IB1 and Blender

 

 

Die-cut an A2 size piece of Bristol Smooth white card stock and ink-blend this panel using SN Water Reactive inks in Fuchsia and Honey Pot.

 

 

Die-cut the rest of the elements needed to create the card.   Adhere the die-cut panel on the ink-blended background with foam adhesive.  Adhere the main focal image in the middle with liquid glue.

 

Stamp the sentiment using Spectrum Noir Finesse ink in Black. 

 

 

Finish the design by adding some crystal jewels.  Add “stickles” to the bee’s wings and glossy accents to the Gnome’s nose.

 

 

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

 

 

I hope you got inspired today.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thanks for stopping by and happy coloring!

 

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Wishing You A Magical Birthday with Cas-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

I hope everyone’s doing well!  I’m sharing a simple birthday card today showcasing the Be a Unicorn stamp set with the Unicorn Fri-Die.

 

 

I stamped the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Proof Ink in Brown.  I colored the image in with my Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers and used the Unicorn Fri-Die to die-cut the image.

 

I cut an A2 size Neenah solar white card stock on an angle and foam-mounted this piece on an A2 size card base.  I added the rainbow patterned paper.

 

The black decorative border was die-cut using a retired border die from Cas-ual Fridays but you can use any other border die to add to your card.

 

 

 

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment with Versafine Onyx black in and added some crystal jewels.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

I hope you like my card today.  Please visit the Cas-ual Friday online store and check out the clearance section now reduced to 75% off, as well as check out the new release.  You can also use my coupon code below for an additional 15% off your order.

 

 

Uplifting Cards | Up & Away | LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello LDRS fans!  Maria Russell here with you and I am so excited to share my first post for LDRS Creative!  For today’s cards, I am showcasing the Up & Away stamp set and coordinating dies with the Slim Line Scallop die, the Love Stack stamp set, Sentiment Stack coordinating die, Rainy Day stencil, and Playful Patterns stencil.  I also used the Raven,  Prickly Pear Perfection, Pink Tutu and Swimming Hole hybrid inks.  They are amazing!

 

Before I proceed with my post, don’t forget that LDRS Creative is offering a special discount valid until midnight (EST) of March 31, 2020.  Please use coupon code “CRAFTATHOME” for 15% off on your entire order (no minimum purchase required).

 

 

 

The first card was ink-blended using the Playful Patterns stencil and Pink Tutu hybrid ink.  I wanted a subtle background against the cute elephant being carried away by the balloon.  The sentiment and the hearts were stamped using some Raven hybrid ink.  Here’s a closer look:

 

I love the images and sentiments from the Up & Away stamp set.  I think we all need these type of cards in our stash to cheer someone up, who is having a bad day!

 

 

For my second card, I cut a panel of Bristol measuring 8 1/2 x 3 1/2.  I ink-blended this panel using the Rainy Day stencil to create the grass with Prickly Pear Perfection hybrid ink.  For the clouds, I used the Swimming Hole hybrid ink.

 

The scallop border was die-cut using one of my favorite dies, the Slim Line Scallop die set.  This set contains 8 dies that you can use to create your cards.

The sentiment came from the Love Stack stamp set and die-cut using the Sentiment Stack coordinating die.  I love that this die cuts out a bunch of sentiments in one go!  Such a brilliant design!

 

 I also have a process video of my cards today if you’re interested.

 

 

I hope I have given you some inspiration to create something beautiful today!   Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!  Happy stamping!

 

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Congratulations! You Got Rescued! with Cas-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

 

Cas-ual Fridays Stamps is having a Crafting of Hue special and we are celebrating with a 20% off on our entire critter collection.  You can also use my coupon code mentioned at the end of this post for an additional §15% off your order! 

 

For my card today, I am showcasing one of my favorite stamp set called Nate & Friday.

 

 

I started by ink-blending some Bristol smooth white card stock with distress oxide inks.  I sprayed this panel using my distress sprayer and dried it with some paper towel for added texture.

 

I stamped my image on some Neenah solar white card stock and fussy-cut using my precision snips.  I also die-cut the Congratulations circle frame die-namics on some 110 lb card stock four times and adhered with liquid glue for more dimension.  I adhered this piece on my colored background and foam-mounted my image in the middle.

 

I adhered the colored panel on an A2 size card base and stamped the sentiment with some Versafine Onyx black ink.  

 

 

To finish my design, I added some sparkling clear jewels.  Here’s a little close-up:

 

 

I hope you like my card today and got inspired.  The supplies I used will be listed and linked below.  Please use my coupon code for an additional 15% off your order!  Have an amazing weekend and happy stamping!

 

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Hi There Hop Stuff! with Cas-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

Happy Tuesday!  I’m back for Cas-ual Fridays Stamps  today with this fun card, showcasing the Little Huggables stamp set and Little Critters fri-die with the Hearts A2 Panel fri-die.

 

 

I started by stamping the bunnies on Neenah solar white card stock with Desert Sand Memento Ink.  I colored the images with my alcohol markers and die cut using the coordinating dies.

 

I ink-blended an A2 size panel of Bristol smooth white card stock and used some clouds and hills stencil to create the background.  I die-cut the A2 Hearts Panel die with some white card stock and foam-mounted this panel.  I carefully inserted the bunnies and adhered using foam adhesive.

 

 

Lastly, I die-cut some hearts and stamped the sentiment on some black strip of card stock and adhered to the card.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

This card turned out so cute.  I hope you got inspired today.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below to get 15% off your order.  Have an amazing day!

 

 

Retiring Sets with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

 

Did you see that Newton’s Nook Designs is having a retiring sale on their website?  It’s time to make room for new products so they are retiring select designs!  These designs are available at up to 40% off while supplies last so hurry to get your favorites before they’re gone for good!

 

All throughout this week, the NND Design Team will be sharing inspiration using some of our favorite products from the retiring list!  Check out what I created today and don’t forget to check the NND Blog each day this week for more fun inspiration!

 

 

For my projects today, I am showcasing the Winston’s BBQ and Chicken Scratches stamp sets.

 

I started by stamping my images from both retiring sets on Neenah solar white card stock.  I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I fussy-cut the images using precision snips.

 

I ink-blended an A2 size panel with some Tumbled Glass and SpuN Sugar distress oxide inks.  I smooshed some Aged Mahogany on an acrylic block and added some water then used my watercolor brush to splatter some speckles on ink-blended background.  I used the Hills & Grass stencil to add more depth and dimension to this piece.

 

To create my scene, I die-cut some colored and white card stock using the Sky Scene Builder die set, the Fence die set and the Land Borders die set.  Once I had all of the elements that I needed, I assembled the card.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

 

I finished my design by stamping the “smoke” using Desert Sand Memento ink and the #1 Grill Master sentiment with Versafine Onyx Black ink.  I also added some glossy accents to the beer bottle for added texture and dimension.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

My second card is really simple.  I created a D.I.Y stencil using a circle die from my stash.  I temporarily taped this piece with some purple tape on some Bristol smooth white card stock, then used the Clouds Stencil and Hills & Grass stencil to add the clouds and grass.

 

I used a die from my stash to die-cut the chicken wire, then used the same circle die to match the background.  I adhered this onto the ink-blended panel with some liquid glue, and also adhered the colored images on the card.  I cut this panel and adhered on an A2 size card base.

 

To finish my design, I added some black & white stripes patterned paper as well as a strip of black card stock.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

 

I forgot to mention that the rainbow and clouds image is from the Believe in Unicorns stamp set (don’t worry, this set IS NOT retiring, haha!).  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

 

I hope you like my projects today and got inspired.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Don’t forget to check out the Retiring Products Category by Newton’s Nook to see what is going away and grab your favorites now before they are gone for good!  Here is a direct link to the retiring products page: http://www.newtonsnookdesigns.com/retiring-products/.

 

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