just-because cards

Best Day Ever! You Got Rescued!

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty peeps!  I hope you are all having a great week so far!  Maria here on the blog today, sharing with you a simple card, showcasing the Nate & Friday stamp set, with the Best Day Ever Fri-dies.

I started out by inking up my image using a Sunburst stencil from my stash with some Squeezed Lemonade and Fossilized Amber Distress Oxide inks (this piece will be my foreground).  I also dry-embossed this piece with a heart-shaped die and adhered this onto my card base.

I stamped my image on some Neenah solar white card stock using a hybrid intense black ink and just colored him a little with my Tombow markers.  I blended the colors with my watercolor brush to give him a little dimension.  I fuzzy-cut the image with my precision cut scissors and adhered this piece to my card.

I die-cut the Best Day Ever Fri-dies on some white card stock and also adhered these pieces on my card with some Nuvo liquid adhesive.   To finish my design, I added the enamel heart and stamped my sentiment with Versa-fine Onyx Black ink.  I also highlighted his nose with some black glazed pen and let it dry, then topped it with some white gel pen.

 

Rescuing/adopting a dog is one of the greatest decisions one could ever make and needs to be celebrated!  The sentiment that I chose for this card is just perfect!  Here’s a little close-up:

 

Adding the pink enamel heart just made it pop!  This card is super simple but I love the way it turned out.  Here’s one last look:

 

I hope you like my project today.  Don’t forget to check out the new August release and use my coupon code below for 15% off your order.  This stamp set is a must-have for sure!

Kindred Stamps – Magic Show

| marialrussell

Welcome to the August release by Kindred Stamps! I am so lucky to be a part of this blog hop.  For my projects today, I am showcasing the Magic Show stamp set.

We have six new stamp sets, new shaker packs, and a couple new stencils coming out Friday, August 24th at Kindred Stamps, that we think you’ll fall in-love with as much as we have! Come join us on our team’s blog hop for a chance to win a $10 store credit; make sure you leave comments on each blog to be entered. Join our Facebook Fan Club to be kept in the loop about giveaways, share your projects, and see all of ours!

For my first card, I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored them in with my Copic markers.  I die-cut the images using my Scan N Cut 2 Machine.  I die-cut my Stitched Scalloped Collage die with some black card stock and adhered this to my card base.  I adhered my images and stamped the sentiment.  Here’s my first card:

KindredMagic1A

I also added some white dots on the card with my Sakura Gelli-roll pen.  This stamp set is so adorable!

KindredMagic1B

My second card is very simple.  I did a little bit of masking so that the girl can stand up on the small table.  Here’s my second card:

KindredMagic2A

Here’s a little close-up:

KindredMagic2B

Here’s the order of the hop:

Kindred Stamps

Ashlea

Tanya

Marcia

Rachel

Courtney

Amber

Molly

Maria

Thanks for joining us today.  Have an amazing day!

Simple Cards with Patterned Paper & Bold Sentiments Featuring “Be” stamp set

| marialrussell

Hello CAS-ual Fridays fans!  I hope you are having a great week so far.  Maria here with you today sharing some very simple cards with pretty patterned papers and bold sentiments, showcasing my favorite stamp set called “Be”.  Here’s what I used for my projects today:

As paper crafters, I’m sure you can relate that we all have a bajillion collection of patterned papers!    Sometimes when I am not feeling all crafty especially when experiencing jet lag, I want to create some very simple but beautiful cards.  I always look at my collection of patterned papers and bold sentiments stamp set.  The “Be” stamp set is just what I needed today to create some encouraging cards.  This stamp set is a must-have!

Some of my non-crafty friends used to tell me that they just didn’t have any patience to make hand-made cards.  If you are a beginner and you don’t have a lot of supplies (or have no patience to color and die-cut), you can still make pretty cards by collecting some amazing stamp sets like the one that I used here and some beautiful patterned papers.

For my first card, I cut a patterned paper that I purchase from the craft store and adhered this piece to my card base.  I think the sentiment I used for my card below went perfectly well with the images on the paper.

To finish my card I simply added some white dot details to the images with my Sakura Gelli-Roll pen.

This card only took less than 2 minutes to make but I think it will definitely make someone’s day.  The bold sentiment complimented the busy background.  Here’s a close-up:

For my second card, I used a rainbow patterned paper and a die from my stash to die-cut the middle piece.  I adhered this piece onto my A2 size card base with some foam adhesive.  I stamped the sentiment in the middle.

To finish the design, I added the white die-cuts using the Jumping Jacks Fri-dies.  I also added some sparkling clear jewels.

Don’t you just love the simplicity of these two cards?  I hope you got inspired today.  Please visit CAS-ual Fridays stamps to purchase the supplies I used.  Don’t forget to use my coupon code below, for 15% off your order.  Have a wonderful day and happy crafting!

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps – Nate & Friday

| marialrussell

Time has flown by so fast!  It is the last day of the August release by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and the design team is showcasing Nate & Friday stamp set.   This stamp set is so special because my daughter and I LOVE Frenchies.  Isn’t this stamp set so adorable?!  It is a must-have for any dog lovers!  The sentiment I used for my card is my favorite!

 

CFSNate&Friday

 

I die-cut some Bristol smooth white card stock which is my “go-to” card stock for distress oxide inks.  I used a stencil from my stash to add some details on my background.  This card is super simple but I LOVE how it turned out.

 

CFSFrenchies1A

 

I added some black and white wash tape on my card base and adhered my colored background.  Don’t you just love this cute little Frenchie with a small heart on his chest?

 

CFSFrenchies1B

 

This sentiment is so true!  Wishing you all warm snuggles, slobbery kisses and a tail that wags so hard its butt wiggles!

 

CFSFrenchies1C

 

I hope you got inspired this week!   The August release stamps are available for purchase from August 17th.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below when you place an order at the shop.  Have a nice day and happy crafting!

It’s just not a party without a prize!!
Comment on each of the COMPANY Release Posts this weekend for your chance to win a prize!
Be sure you’re following on Instagram and then tell us here on this post how many times each day you check your IG.
Then, come back each day of the release for another chance to win.
One Lucky Commenter from one of the days will win a $50 gift code to the shop!!


Happy shopping and happy crafting!

Check out the amazing design team’s projects today:

Jeanne Jachna
Larissa Heskett
Kimberly Bliss Rendino
Ashlea Cornell
Tracy Freeman
Lisa Bankes-Lahiff
Maria L Russell (you are here)
Nora Noll
Shona Chambers 
Clair Rigby
Kim Klinkovsky

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps – Bushy Tailed and Fox Banner Fri-Dies

| marialrussell

It is the third day of the August release by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and the design team is showcasing the Bushy Tailed stamp set and Fox Banner Fri-Dies.   I don’t know about you but I just adore cute little critters to add to my handmade cards and scrapbook layouts.  Here’s what they look like:

 

 

After stamping my images on some smooth white card stock, I colored them in with my alcohol markers.  I couldn’t find the right color for my little fox but I think it turned out okay int he end.  I die-cut the images with the coordinating dies.

 

I inked up my background using my clouds and hills stencil with distress oxide inks and adhered my little critters on my card base.  I finished my design by stamping the sentiment using my Misti stamping tool.

 

CFSBestFriends1A

 

Isn’t the sentiment so true though?  My friends and I came from different backgrounds but we are so lucky to have each other.  I made a couple of these cards to send to my besties.

 

CFSBestFriends1B

 

I love that all the sentiments fit on the banner stamp.  This stamp set is so versatile the possibilities are endless!

 

CFSBestFriends1C

 

I hope you like my card today.  The August release stamps are available for purchase from August 17th.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below when you place an order at the shop.  Have a nice day and happy crafting!

It’s just not a party without a prize!!
Comment on each of the COMPANY Release Posts this weekend for your chance to win a prize!
Be sure you’re following on Instagram and then tell us here on this post how many times each day you check your IG.
Then, come back each day of the release for another chance to win.
One Lucky Commenter from one of the days will win a $50 gift code to the shop!!


SO EXCITED about the New Release, so please come back tomorrow for a look at the NEW Nate and Friday set!! THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by and I hope you have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!!  Happy shopping and happy crafting!

 

Check out the amazing design team’s projects today:

Jeanne Jachna
Larissa Heskett
Kimberly Bliss Rendino
Ashlea Cornell
Tracy Freeman
Lisa Bankes-Lahiff
Maria L Russell (you are here)
Nora Noll
Shona Chambers 
Clair Rigby
Kim Klinkovsky

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps – Foxy

| marialrussell

It is the second day of the August release by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and the design team is showcasing the Foxy stamp set.   Wowza!  This stamp set is just amazeballs!  I wish I can draw images like these!  It is just so elegant.

 

CFSFoxy

 

I stamped my image on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored it in with Copic markers.  I felt that this stamp set is just so beautiful that it doesn’t really need anything around it!  It just speaks for itself!  This is why I chose a white on white background.

 

CFSFoxy1A

 

Don’t you just love this image?  I think this stamp set will also be perfect to create a fall-themed card.  Here’s a little close-up:

 

CFSFoxy1B

 

I hope you like my project today.  The August release stamps are available for purchase from August 17th.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below when you place an order at the shop.  Have a nice day and happy crafting!

 

It’s just not a party without a prize!!
Comment on each of the COMPANY Release Posts this weekend for your chance to win a prize!
Be sure you’re following on Instagram and then tell us here on this post how many times each day you check your IG.
Then, come back each day of the release for another chance to win.
One Lucky Commenter from one of the days will win a $50 gift code to the shop!!


SO EXCITED about the New Release, so please come back tomorrow for a look at the NEW Bushy Tailed and Fox Banner Fri-dies!! THANKS SO MUCHfor stopping by and I hope you have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!!  Happy shopping and happy crafting!

Check out the amazing design team’s projects today:

Jeanne Jachna
Larissa Heskett
Kimberly Bliss Rendino
Ashlea Cornell
Tracy Freeman
Lisa Bankes-Lahiff
Maria L Russell (you are here)
Nora Noll
Shona Chambers 
Clair Rigby
Kim Klinkovsky

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps – Be A Unicorn and Unicorn Fri-Die

| marialrussell

It is the first day of the August release by CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and the design team is showcasing the Be A Unicorn Stamp Set and Unicorn Fri-Die.   I love, love, love this stamp set!  We are also being featured Partner on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog.  SCT readers will have a chance to win this stamp set and the matching die.  We also have a giveaway so please read below to see how you can enter.

 

I stamped my images on some Neenah Solar White card stock and colored them in with Copic markers.   I die-cut the images with the coordinating die.  For my first card,

 

I die-cut an A2-size piece of colored vellum that I bought from the craft store.  I specifically chose this design because I thought it would go perfectly well with the Unicorn image.  I adhered this piece onto my card base and stamped my sentiment using Versa-mark ink and heat-embossed it with some white embossing powder.  I adhered the Unicorn onto my card.  Here’s my first card:

 

CFSUnicorn2A

 

I just love the simplicity of this card and the way the sentiment popped on the background. Here’s a little close-up.

 

CFSUnicorn2B

 

For my second card, I wanted to create another simple card with a fun pastel-background.  I masked my background using masking paper and used a clouds stencil to ink up my background.  I used three new distress oxide inks for my pastel sky –> Spun Sugar, Tumbled Glass and Dusty Concord.  I adhered the scalloped frame from my stash and adhered the unicorn.  To finish my design, I stamped the sentiment.  Here’s my second card:

 

CFSUnicorn1A

 

My friend is crazy about unicorns and she is going to love this birthday card.  Here’s another look:

 

CFSUnicorn1B

 

I hope you like my project today.  The August release stamps are available for purchase from today.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below when you place an order at the shop.

It’s just not a party without a prize!!
Comment on each of the COMPANY Release Posts this weekend for your chance to win a prize!
Be sure you’re following on Instagram and then tell us here on this post how many times each day you check your IG.
Then, come back each day of the release for another chance to win.
One Lucky Commenter from one of the days will win a $50 gift code to the shop!!


SO EXCITED about the New Release, so please come back tomorrow for a look at the NEW Foxy Set!! THANKS SO MUCHfor stopping by and I hope you have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!!  Happy shopping and happy crafting!

 

Check out the amazing design team’s projects today:

Jeanne Jachna
Larissa Heskett
Kimberly Bliss Rendino
Ashlea Cornell
Tracy Freeman
Lisa Bankes-Lahiff
Maria L Russell (you are here)
Nora Noll
Shona Chambers 
Clair Rigby
Kim Klinkovsky


NND August Reveals – Day 4 – Halloween Trio, Candy Corn and Boo Hoo

| marialrussell

NNDReleaseIcon_Aug18

It is the last day of the August reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.   Are you loving it so far?  You have a chance to win the Halloween Trio stamp set today so check out the details I have indicated at the end of this blog post.  [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!]  

Today, the design team is showcasing three mini stamp sets –> Halloween Trio, Candy Corn and Boo Hoo with their coordinating dies and the Flying Bats stencil.  Here’s what they look like:

NNDAug18_HalloweenTrio

NNDAug18_CandyCorn

NNDAug18_BooHoo

NNDAug18_BatStencil

Are you in the mood to create Halloween projects yet?  These mini stamp sets are so ADORABLE!  I can’t even pick a favorite.  Here’s my first card with the Halloween Trio stamp set with the Flying Bats stencil.

NNDHalloweenTrio1A

The Halloween Trio coordinating dies also include a Trick-or-Treat sentiment die with two small bats.

NNDHalloweenTrio1C

Here’s my card showcasing the Candy Corn stamp set.

NNDCandyCorn1A

I added some glossy accents to the candy corn to make them pop.   Here’s another look:

NNDCandyCorn1B

For my third project using the Boo Hoo stamp set, I wanted to create a very simple card.  I think less is more in this case:

NNDBoohoo1A

I think this stamp set is so funny!

NNDBoohoo1B

Would you like to win the “Halloween Trio” 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 August 16th at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, August 17th.

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Amanda Bodine

Holly Endress

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Juliana Michaels

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Tatiana Trafimovich

———-SUPPLIES———-


NND August Reveals – Day 3 – Hoppy Halloween

| marialrussell

NNDReleaseIcon_Aug18

It is the third day of the August reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.   Were you able to check out the first two days of the reveal?   You have a chance to win each stamp set during release week so check out the details I have indicated at the end of this blog post.  [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 our projects today, the design team is showcasing the Hoppy Halloween stamp set and coordinating dies.  This is such an adorable stamp set.

NNDAug18_HoppyHalloween

I stamped my images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored them in with my alcohol markers.  I die-cut the images with the coordinating dies.  I also die-cut the sentiment with a small die that is going to be showcased tomorrow (you got an early sneak peek, haha!).

On an A2 piece of Bristol Smooth white card stock,  I used my scalloped circle frames die to die-cut my little windows.  I inked up the negative space with my distress oxide inks.  I adhered the frame and the colored background onto my card base.  Here’s the card:

NNDHoppyHalloween1A

These bunnies are so adorable and I wanted to create a non-traditional Halloween card.

NNDHoppyHalloween1B

Don’t you just love those adorable bunnies?  Here’s another look:

NNDHoppyHalloween1C

Would you like to win the “Hoppy Halloween” 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 August 16th at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, August 17th.

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Amanda Bodine

Holly Endress

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Juliana Michaels

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Tatiana Trafimovich

———-SUPPLIES———-