NND April Release Day 3 – Puppy Friends

| marialrussell

It is the third day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  I hope you were able to check out Monday and Tuesday’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 3, we are showcasing the Puppy Friends stamp set and its coordinating dies.

I started by creating the background by using the Slimline Masking Stencil – Squares with some quick-dry dye inks on Neenah solar white card stock. I layered the colors using some blending brushes, making sure they didn’t overlap too much.

I adhered the colored background on some A-2 size notecard.

Next, I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored the images in with Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers.  I used the coordinating die to cut them out. I also die-cut the circle frames by combining two dies from the Circle Frames die set.

I foam-mounted the circle frame and my focal image in the middle of the card-front for added dimension.

I finished my card design by adding the sentiment strip that was die-cut and heat-embossed using the Banner Trio die set. Easy, peasy!

Here’s another look at the card:

Would you like to win the “Puppy Friends” Stamp Set?  We will choose 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, April 22nd at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, April 23rd. 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Samantha VanArnhem

Amanda Wilcox

———-SUPPLIES———



NND April Release Day 2 – Captivated Kittens

| 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 Captivated Kittens stamp set and its coordinating dies.

I started by creating the background panel with Canson Watercolor Paper and Prima watercolors. I used a wide watercolor brush to apply water first. Next, I added the colors in rainbow order, swiping the brush back and forth until I was happy with the blend. I set this panel aside to let it dry for about 45 minutes and adhered on an A-2 size notecard.

I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored the images in with Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers.  I used the coordinating die to cut them all out. I also die-cut the little reverse scallop circles on Neenah using a die from my collection.

Next, I foam-mounted the scallop circle frames and the colored images on the focal panel for added dimension.

I added the sentiment that was stamped with Versamark ink, and heat-embossed with my heating tool. I also used my gelli-roll pen in white and black to add details to the eyes and the flower.

I finished my design by adhering the mirrored sequins for added interest. Here’s another look at the card:

Would you like to win the “Captivated Kittens” Stamp Set?  We will choose 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, April 22nd at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, April 23rd. 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Samantha VanArnhem

Amanda Wilcox

———-SUPPLIES———



NND April Release Day 1 – Gnome Garden & Bleeding Hearts Stamp Sets with Petite Clouds Stencil

| marialrussell

It is that time of the month when the entire design team get so excited to show off the new stamps, dies and/or 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 showcasing the Gnome Garden and Bleeding Hearts stamp sets and their coordinating dies, along with the Petite Clouds stencil.

To make my first card, I stamped the images with Memento Rich Cocoa ink on some Neenah solar white card stock. I colored the images in with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and cut them out using the coordinating dies.

The background was made by using the Hills (& Grass) stencil and some dye inks with a blending brush. I also used another blending brush to color the sky. I masked off the grassy hills with masking paper and used the new Petite Stencil with some texture paste to add more interest to the card. I set this aside to let it dry for about half an hour, and adhered on an A2 size notecard.

Next, I started building up my scene by adding the grass border that was die-cut using the Land Borders die set and adhered to the card. I added the images that I colored with liquid glue. I finished the card design by adding the sentiment using one of the dies from the Banner Trio die set.

For my next card, I channeled my inner “Jennifer McGuire” (haha!), and created a shadow box card to showcase the new Bleeding Hearts stamp set.

Following Jennifer’s tutorial on her YT channel, I created the shadow box with some Neenah solar white 110 lb. card stock. I also used some oval dies from my collection to create the window.

To decorate the inside of the shadow box, I used the clouds stencil and added some colorful sky with some dye inks. I stamped the sentiment from the Thankful Thoughts stamp set. I adhered this piece inside the shadow box with liquid glue.

Next, I stamped the images with Memento rich cocoa ink and colored them in with SN TriBlend markers. I adhered the images onto the card front.

I finished my design by adding some mirrored clear confetti dots for added interest. Here’s another look at the finished card:

Would you like to win the “Gnome Garden” or the “Bleeding Heart” 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, April 22nd at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, April 23rd. 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Samantha VanArnhem

Amanda Wilcox

———-SUPPLIES———



Margarita Birthday Card & A Farewell to CAS-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

All good things must come to an end!  This is my last post as a member of the Ink Squad and as I bid farewell to one of the most amazing lady boss, Michele, I also would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone!  You’ve all been so amazingly supportive of me.  Thank you for allowing me to express my creativity through your beautiful designs.  Even though this is my last post as a DT member, you will still see me use CAS-ual Fridays‘ products here on my blog, Maria Russell Designs.

With this in mind, I picked some of my all-time favorite CFS products and created a birthday card today.

This is simple, really!  I started by stamping the margarita glass on some Neenah solar white card stock with Spectrum Noir Finesse ink in Black.  I colored the image in with Spectrum Noir Classique markers.
I added the “bubbles” using the Bubbly Stencil with some dye inks and blending brushes.


The “salt” on the glass was created by using the die from the Margarita Glass die with some white glitter card stock.  Let me point out that if you have the Salty stamp set, you really need to get the coordinating dies!   The die perfectly cut out the “salt” and adds interest and texture to the card design.  Check out the close-up photo below:

I finished my design by adding Glossy Accents to the lime, and stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx black ink.  I also used my white gel pen to draw white dots for added texture on the glass.  Here’s another look:

Here are the supplies:

Don’t forget, you can still use my coupon code below for an additional 15% off your order!  Isn’t Michele amazing?!

Thanks for stopping by!  See you on the “inter-web” and lots of love to everyone!

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You’re The Only Fish In the Sea For Me with Newton’s Nook

| marialrussell

Hello Newton’s Nook fans!  I have a slimline card for you today showcasing the Tranquil Tides stamp set, along with the Slimline Frames & Portholes die with the Waves and Hills Stencil.  

I started by die-cutting some Neenah solar white using the scallop die included in the Slimline Frames & Portholes die set. I used some masking tape to mask off the scallop. I used the Hills Stencil and my blending brush with some Quick-dry dye inks to create the sand. I also used the Waves Stencil to create the water scene.

I stamped the coral using Spectrum Noir Quick Dry Dye Ink in Chinese red. I stamped this a few times to make the image pop! I also stamped the fish on some Neenah solar white card stock. I colored the stripes on the fish with alcohol ink then used my precision snips to fussy cut the images. I added some glossy accents to the fish for added interest and texture.

It was really hard to capture the “gloss” on the fishies but it’s really beautiful in person.

I adhered the fishies on the background with liquid glue. I matted the slimline card base with some blue card stock and added my focal panel.

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment and adhered the bokeh sequins for added interest. Here’s another look:

I hope I’ve given you some inspiration today. The supplies I use are listed and linked below. Thanks for stopping by!

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Believe in Magic with Fairy Hugs Stamps

| marialrussell

I have a super colorful card to share with you today, showcasing the Moana Fairy Stamp Set along with the Fairy Gnome Door.

To create the card, I started by stamping the images on some Spectrum Noir stamping card with SN Finesse black ink. I colored the images in using Spectrum Noir TriBlend brush markers in Magenta, Orange, Citrus, Brown Grey and Green Turquoise blends.

Next, I positioned the colored images on my Brother Scan N Cut Machine to die-cut the images. The background window and grass panel were die-cut using some dies from my collection.

I adhered an ink-blended panel on some A2-size notecard. I added the Gnome door with some liquid glue. Next, I adhered the grass panel onto the window frame, then foam mounted this piece onto the card for added dimension.

I adhered my fairy image on the card with liquid glue. I also used my Spectrum Noir glitter pens to add some texture and interest on the fairy’s wings.

I finished my design by die-cutting the word “magic” using a die from my collection. Here’s another look:

I love the colors on this “magical” card! I hope you like it too! The supplies I use are listed and linked below.

Thanks for stopping by today and happy crafting!

———-SUPPLIES——–



Two Cards Featuring Friends Like You with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello LDRS fans!  Maria here with you today to share two “Just-Because” cards, showcasing the Friends Like You Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies, along with one of my favorite die called Pretty Patterns Slim Line, In the Grass Die Set with the Plaid Stencil and Rainy Day Stencil. 

My first card below is very simple.  I stamped the image on some Bristol smooth white card stock using Iced Tea Hybrid Ink and colored them in with watercolor.  I die-cut the image using the Friends Like You coordinating die set. 

Next, I colored the Neenah solar white card stock and using a blending brush and Marina Madness Hybrid Ink.  I added some texture and interest to the foreground by using the 6×6 Plaid Stencil, white texture paste and palette knife.  I set this aside to let it dry for about half an hour. 

I cut the grass using the In the Grass Die Set and Daisy Delights 6×6 paper.  Also cut the gingham pattern strip from the Farmer’s Market 6×6 paper pad and adhered both pieces to the foreground.  The black and white strip was cut using the LDRS packaging.  I adhered the image with liquid glue and added this piece to an A2-size notecard. 

I finished the design by stamping the sentiment using Watermark Ink on some black card stock.  I sprinkled some White Embossing Powder and heat-set with my heating tool.  Adhered this piece on the card with my ATG gun.   Here’s another look: 

The images on the second card were stamped with Raven Hybrid Ink on some Neenah solar white card stock and die-cut using the Coordinating Dies.  I die-cut some Neenah solar white card stock and dark purple card stock using the Pretty Patterns Slim Line Die Set.   

I added the grass and clouds by using the Rainy Day Stencil and hybrid inks in Dan-D-Lion, Soft Kisses, and Prickly Pear Perfection. I adhered the little critters on the foreground with liquid glue and added this piece on a lavender slimline card base.  I finished my design by stamping the sentiment with Raven Hybrid Ink.

I really love both cards today and I hope you like them too!  I’ve also listed and linked the supplies I use below.  Thanks for stopping today today and happy stamping! 

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Once Upon A Time with Fairy Hugs Stamps

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends! I am super excited to share my first post as a design team member of Fairy Hugs Stamper. For my card below, I am showcasing the Azalea Fairy stamp set along with the Toadstool, Fairy Branches, Moon Light 6×6 paper pad, and Once Upon stamp sets.

I started by stamping the toadstool on some Neenah solar white card stock. I also stamped the same image on some masking paper and covered the image so that I can stamp the fairy on top of the toadstool. I colored the images with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers. I used my precision snips to fussy-cut the images.

Next, I stamped the Fairy Branches on the Moon Light 6×6 paper with Memento Tuxedo black ink. Having the paper inside my Misti stamping tool made it easier for me to stamp the images a few times. I die-cut this piece using a stitched rectangle die from my collection. I also die-cut the grass panel with some black card stock.

I adhered the focal image on the background panel with liquid glue and added the grass.

I matted the focal panel with some purple card stock and adhered this piece on some A2-size black note card.

Next, I stamped the sentiment using the Once Upon stamp set on the foreground with Versafine Onyx black ink and sprinkled some clear embossing powder. I heat-set the sentiment with my heating tool for added texture.

I finished my design by adding some white dots on the leaves using my White Gelli-roll pen and added some bokeh flat sequins for added interest. Here’s another look:

The Moon Light 6×6 paper I used was perfect for this scene! This card is so easy to put together and I really love how it turned out. I hope you like it too! Thanks for stopping by today, and Happy Easter!

———–SUPPLIES———

Just Because Floral Card with CAS-ual Fridays Stamps

| marialrussell
Hey CAS-ual Fridays fans!  It’s finally spring, yay!  I went to the grocery store today and saw a plethora of flowers ranging from baby’s breath to tulips!  This is my inspiration for today’s card.
I started by stenciling the flower images on some Neenah Solar White Card Stock using the Terrific Flowers Stencil, with some quick dry dye inks using my mini sponge daubers.
Next, I stamped the Terrific Flowers Stamp on some iridescent Vellum Paper with Versamark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder on top, then heat-set with my heating tool.  I used my precision snips to fussy-cut the image.  I adhered the vellum onto my card using some Art Glitter Glue, for added texture and interest.
I finished my design by stamping the sentiment with Versafine Onyx Black ink and added the Bokeh sequins with liquid glue.  Here’s another look:
Even though this card is very simple, I really LOVE how this turned out.  The vellum added some whimsical touch to the overall card design.
Here are the supplies:
I hope I have given you some inspiration today.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below for 15% off your order at the shop.