Missing You Sooo Much

Hello CAS-ual Fridays fans!  Are you getting excited for the fall season to start?  I just can’t wait for the cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and fall scented candles!

For my card today, I’m showcasing the Bushy Tailed stamp set.

I started out by stamping my image on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored it in with my Copic markers.  I cut an A2 size piece of some Bristol smooth white card stock and inked up my background using some hills stencil from my stash, with some distress oxide inks.  I also used a clouds border stencil to create the sky.

To create my fall scene for my cute critter, I stepped out of my comfort zone and drew some tress and leaves in the background, using my Copic markers.  This is the first time I’ve ever drawn a scene from scratch.  I got so nervous I thought I was going to hurl, haha! (just kidding)  I think it turned out okay, I just need more practice.  After all this is “handmade” not Hallmark, right?

I added more depth by using different colors of Copic markers to create the leaves.

I used my cool gray Copic markers to add shadows and make it look more realistic.  I adhered my little critter and finished the design by stamping the sentiment.

Even though my drawing wasn’t perfect, I still love how this card turned out.

I think using different distress inks for my background added more depth and dimension to my card.

I hope you like my project today and got inspired.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code (below) for 15% off your order at the shop.  Happy crafting!

Best Day Ever! You Got Rescued!

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!

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

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

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:

Maria L Russell (you are here)

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

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:

Maria L Russell (you are here)

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps – Foxy

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:

Maria L Russell (you are here)

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

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:

Maria L Russell (you are here)


Clean & Simple Cards with SomeBunny – CAS-ual Fridays Stamps

Hello everyone!  Maria here with you today and I am super excited to share my very first post as a member of the CAS-ual Fridays Ink Squad.  It is definitely a dream come true for me!  I have always admired the talented girls on the Ink Squad and when I received the good news that I made it on the team, I was happy and terrified at the same time!  I hope I will be able to inspire you in this amazing journey and get creative with me.

For today’s project, I am showcasing the SomeBunny stamp set with the Bunny Fri-Dies, and the Best Day Fri-Dies.

I started out by die-cutting the two bunnies on some Neenah Solar White Card Stock.  I placed the die-cuts back on the negative piece and lined-up my images, and held it in place with low-tack tape.   I used my stamping tool to stamp the images using Memento Tuxedo black ink.  I colored the images in with my Copic markers.

For my first project, I wanted to make a birthday card using the adorable Bunny holding a balloon.  I cut another piece of some white card stock and stamped the little stars using some light gray ink.  I wanted the stars on my background to look like watermark so that these images wouldn’t overwhelm the whole card design.  I also die-cut the “Best Day Ever” using the dies and adhered these pieces onto my card panel with my Nuvo Liquid adhesive.

To finish my design, I adhered my little bunny with some foam tape, and added Glossy Accents to the balloon.  Here is my first card:

 

I love the simplicity of this birthday card.  Here’s another look:

I really love the white-on-white background and the glossy accents on the balloon just gave it a little something extra!

For my second card, I did the same technique by stamping the little stars on my card panel with the same light gray ink.  I die-cut another piece of some white card stock to create the frame for my cute little bunny.  I stamped the sentiment onto the frame, and adhered this piece on my background panel with some foam adhesive.

To finish my design, I stamped 3 little stars next to the bunny with some light blue ink and added Stardust Stickles to the moon.  Here is my second card:

I am in-love with this stamp set.

The stardust stickles added a little touch of whimsy to the design.

I hope I have given you some inspiration today to create some clean and simple cards.  Please don’t forget to use my coupon code below for 15% off your order at the shop.  Isn’t this the best day ever?

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!