COUNTDOWN TO CONFETTI – DAY 1

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends and Happy New Year! I don’t know about you but I am so happy that 2021 is over and I cannot wait to see what 2022 brings! So far, it is a great start and I am super excited to say that I was asked to guest-design for the amazing, Reverse Confetti! Yay! I have been a HUGE fan of their products for a long time now and I am pleased to join the Countdown to Confetti Day 1. There is also a giveaway so read through the end of this post to find out how you can WIN.

For today’s reveal, we are showcasing the Love Bugs Stamp set and coordinating dies, along with the Valentine Sentiments and Big Heart Sentiments.

When I saw these stamp sets, I knew that I can use them all year-round. I was so excited and I didn’t know which stamp sets to use first. For my project below, I started with the Love Bugs stamp set and dies.

Here’s how I made this project:

  • Stamp the images on some Express-it paper and color the images in with alcohol markers.
  • Use the coordinating dies to cut them out.
  • Die-cut some Bristol smooth white card stock stock using the Postal Cover Panel die. Cover the sides with masking tape.
  • Ink-blend this panel with some Distress oxide ink and some clouds stencil. Use some distress ink and splatter some colors on the card stock. Pick-up the excess with some paper towel.
  • Adhere the die-cut onto some red A2-size card base.
  • Use the Layered Lots of Love die to die-cut the layers with some white and blue card stock. Adhere the same with liquid glue.
  • Adhere the rest of the images on the card and finish design with glossy accents.

For my second project, I wanted to create a treat that will go with this card. The Love bugs are so cute I just couldn’t resist using it again.

I layered the hearts from the new die sets and adhered on the band with liquid glue. Next, I stamped the sentiment from the Valentine Sentiments stamp set and heat-embossed with white embossing powder. I am so in-love with the new stamps and dies. Here’s another look:

I can’t wait to hop around and see what the other team members designed! Leave a comment by noon central on January 7th for a chance to win. There will be a $15 Gift Certificate for one blog commenter and also one FaceBook commenter. Make sure you pop over to the Reverse Confetti Blog for all the details!

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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Deck the Halls With Inky Paws 2021

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends! I hope you are having a great day!  It is Newton’s Nook Designs’ Annual Deck the Halls with Inky Paws blog hop.  We have some very talented guest designers with us today so please hop along and check out their amazing projects.  Newton’s Nook will also be picking TWO lucky winners to receive a $25 store credit 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 understanding and I apologize for the confusion.]

Before I share my project, Newton’s Nook is also having a “Deck the Halls with Inky Paws SALE!”.  Take advantage of this SALE and grab your favorites now!

NND_12.3_DecktheHallsSale_SQ_1200

For my card today, I am showcasing the Winter Birds Stamp Set and coordinating dies with the Pines & Holly Die Set and  Starfield 6×6 Stencil (one of my all-time favorite stencils).

NND_WinterBirds_DeckTheHalls_1A

Here’s how I made this card:

  • Use a circle die to cut out some masking paper.
  • Adhere masking paper to an A2-size panel of Neenah Solar white card stock.
  • Ink-blend the panel with Spectrum Noir Water reactive Inks in Straw Bale, Pink Tulip and Fuschia.
  • Use the Starfield Stencil and apply texture paste using a palette knife to add interest and texture to the background.
  • Remove the masking paper and let the panel dry for about half an hour.

NND_WinterBirds_DeckTheHalls_1B

  • Stamp the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and color the images in with alcohol markers.
  • Die-cut the images using the coordinating dies.
  • Adhere the images onto the panel using both foam and liquid adhesives.
  • Add the pine boughs die-cut using the Pines & Holly Die Set.
  • Finish the card design by stamping the sentiment with VersaFine Clair Ink in Nocturne.

NND_WinterBirds_DeckTheHalls_1C

Enter to Win! Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Hop Prizes!

We will be choosing two lucky winners to win a $25 store credit for Newton’s Nook Designs online shop!  To enter, just leave comments on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! TWO WINNERS will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the blog hop.  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 Sunday, December 5th at 9 pm EST to comment — winners will be announced on the NND blog on Monday, December 6th.

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Special Delivery Slimline Christmas Card

| marialrussell

Christmas is fast-approaching and I am totally looking forward to coming home.  There’s something so special about being home for the holidays!  Campfire, Ugly Sweaters, Hot Cocoa, and spending quality-time with my family!  Home for the holidays is my theme for today’s blog post.

As previously mentioned on my last post, I will be giving you inspiration using older KS products!  It’s time to give them some much-needed TLC and if you don’t have these items, why don’t you grab them now!  My card today features the Dress Up Quokka Stamp Set, A Cozy Christmas Slimline Paper Pad, along with the Ugly Sweater Add-on Stamp Set, Merry Critters Stamp Set, Forest for The Trees Slimline Die and the cute Special Delivery Etched Dies by Spellbinders.  These products are all available at the Kat Scrappiness shop!

Here’s how I made the card:

  • Cut the pattern paper from the A Cozy Christmas Paper Pad and adhere on a red slimline card base.
  • Die-cut a panel of Neenah solar white card stock using the Forest for the Trees Slimline Die Set and foam-mount the main frame on the slimline card.
  • Adhere the birch trees and snowbank with liquid glue.
  • Adhere the red car with foam-adhesive for added dimension.
  • Add the quokkas on the focal panel with liquid glue.
  • Stamp the sentiment on some black card stock.  Sprinkle some white embossing powder and heat-set with the heating tool.
  • Adhere the sentiment on the card.

I really LOVE how this card turned out and I hope you got inspired to use your older stamps and dies.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thanks for stopping by and have an amazing day!

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Woodland Reindeer Christmas Card with Kat Scrappiness

| marialrussell
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!   Before I show you the project, here’s a little Black Friday special “Site-wide” sale going on at Kat Scrappiness!  Use the coupon code below to get 20% off your order and grab your favorites now before they sell out! For today’s project, I’m showcasing the Woodland Reindeer Die set, along with the Happy Day Stamp Set and Stitched Slimline Hills.  Thanksgiving is a great time to be with family and friends and after the feast is over, get some quality time and start creating Christmas cards (if you haven’t done so already).  On my next few posts here, I will be giving you some inspiration to use your older Kat Scrappiness dies you’ve had from your stash for awhile and give them some love. Here’s what I did to create the card: I hope you like my card today and got inspired!  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Don’t forget to use the coupon code “CHRISTMAS2021” to get 20% off your order. Thanks for stopping by today and have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!

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Let’s Pour Some Holiday Cheer with Miss Ink Stamps

| marialrussell

Hello Miss Ink fans!  I am sharing yet another holiday-themed card today showcasing the Blitzened Stamp Set with the Ins & Outs Bohemian Stencil Set. As soon as I saw this stamp set, I knew I just had to have it!

Here’s how I made the card:

  • Temporarily adhere stencil # 1 to an A2-size panel of Bristol Smooth white card stock using some Pixie Spray.
  • Ink-blend the panel with Spun Sugar and Worn Lipstick Distress Oxide Ink. Remove the stencil.
  • Place Stencil #2 and use Mustard Seed Distress Oxide Ink for the outline.
  • Stamp the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and color them in with alcohol markers.
  • Fussy-cut the images or use an electronic cutting machine to cut them out. I used my Scan N Cut Machine to cut the images that I colored.
  • Adhere the focal image on the card panel with foam adhesive for added dimension.
  • Adhere some star die-cuts to the card and use white gel pen to add some dots and stars to the panel for added interest and texture.  [Designer’s tip: These tiny details really help to make a cute card.]
  • Finish the card design by stamping the sentiment with VersaFine Claire in Nocturne.

I hope you like my holiday-themed card today and got inspired.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thank you for stopping by!

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