Handmade cards

NND June Release Day 2 – Summer Moments & Newton’s Seashell

| 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 Summer Moments and Newton’s Seashell stamp sets and their coordinating dies with the Retro Sun Stencil.

I started by creating the background panel by spraying some Pixie spray on the Retro Sun stencil number 1 and placed it on top of my Neenah solar white card stock. It just gave enough tack to adhere on my card stock.

Next, I used my palette knife to gather enough textured paste and spread it onto my craft mat. I dropped a few colors of my Carved Pumpkin distress oxide re-inker and mixed it together. Using the Stencil Pal from Therm-O-Web, I applied the textured paste onto the card panel. I removed the stencil and set this card panel aside to let it dry for about half an hour. Some of the paste kind of bled outside the lines but I didn’t really mind it. After all, this is “handmade” not hallmark (as per Jennifer Maguire).

Once the card panel was dry, I used the Clouds stencil to add the sky.

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.

To create the sandbank, I used the Hills & Grass stencil with some light brown ink and blending brush to add color to my focal panel. I also used my alcohol marker to draw some dots randomly for added texture.

The last thing to do was to adhere my focal image and stamped the sentiment with some black ink. I used the Retro stencil again to add the birds. Here’s a closer look:

The next card is really simple. I pretty much did the same steps as mentioned above but this time, using the Waves & Splashes stencil, Petite Clouds stencil and one of my favorites, the Fancy Edges Tag Die Set.

I cut about half an inch off my A2-size card stock and adhered on some patterned paper that I added on white notecard. Adhering the tag on the card with liquid glue for added stability. Here’s a closer look:

Would you like to win the “Summer Moments stamp set”?  We will choose ONE lucky winner to win this 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, June 17th at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, June 18th. 

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———

Newton’s Nook Designs May Release Day 4 – Newton’s Flower Graden

| marialrussell

 

I always get a bit bummed when it’s the last day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  The last three days were amazing and I really LOVE all of the stamps, dies and stencils that we showcased.  Which one is your favorite?  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 4, we are showcasing the Newton’s Flower Garden stamp set and coordinating dies.

Super simple card to begin with.  I used the Sunscape stencil with some mini ink-blending tools and Mustard Seed distress oxide ink to create the sun.  I also used the Hills & Grass stencil to create the landscape for Newton.

For added texture and dimension to the landscape, I used the grass border die to die-cut some patterned paper and adhered them on the ink-blended panel with some liquid glue.

 

The images were stamped with some Spectrum Noir Rustic Brown ink and colored with my Copic markers.  I die-cut the images using the coordinating dies and adhered them on the card with some liquid glue.  I also die-cut the clouds using the Sky Scene Builder die set.  This is one of my favorite dies of all time.

I finished my design my stamping the sentiment with some Versafine Onyx black ink and added the sparkling clear sequins.  Here’s another look:

Would you like to win the “Newton’s Flower Garden”  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 May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



Newton’s Nook Designs May Release Day 2 – Monarchs Stamp Set with Butterflies Stencil

| 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 Monarchs stamp set and coordinating dies with the [Layering] Butterflies stencil.

 

 

 

As soon as I saw this stamp set, I already envisioned a card design in my head.  I knew a clean and simple look would make these butterflies stand out.

 

I stamped the butterflies on some Bristol smooth white card stock with Versamark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and used my heating tool to heat set the images.

 

 

I chose different colors of distress oxide inks and my mini-ink blending tools to ink blend the colors on the butterflies.  I used the coordinating dies to die-cut them out.

 

I used my guillotine to cut my patterned paper, measuring about 2 by 5 1/2 inches.  I adhered this piece on some A2 size card base.  I also added the black strip with some liquid glue.

 

 

I foam-mounted the butterflies following the colors on my patterned paper.  To finish my design, I stamped the sentiment with some Versafine onyx black ink and adhered the Sparkling Clear Droplets for added texture and dimension.

 

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

 

 

For my second card,  I used stencil no. 1 from the Butterflies stencil and and added some Deco Foil Transfer Gel with the Deco Foil stencil pal.  This makes it easier to spread the gel evenly on the card.  I set this panel aside to dry for about half an hour.

 

Once the gel turns transparent you know that they are ready to be foiled.  I cut some silver foil and placed it on top of the card.  I used the transfer sheet to run this through my laminating machine to foil the card.

 

 

To add the second color to the butterflies, I used stencil no. 2 and applied some Deco Foil Transfer Gel on top of the foiled butterflies.  I waited for another half an hour for this piece to dry and placed a rainbow foil on top of the card.  I used the transfer sheet again to run this through my laminator.  I didn’t realize it is possible to foil the images twice but it worked out just fine and I love the result.

 

 

I used my guillotine to cut the foiled panel diagonally.  I adhered some white die-cut panel on an A2 size white card base, and added the foiled diagonal panel with some liquid glue.  I adhered some silver strip to the card also with liquid glue and added the sentiment die-cut using a die from my collection.

 

Here’s another look:

 

 

Would you like to win the “Monarchs”  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 May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



Newton’s Nook May Release Day 1 – Birthday and Floral Roundabout with Circle Frame and Banner Trio

| marialrussell

 

It is that time of the month where the entire design team get so excited to show off the new stamps, dies and 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 starting with a HUGE bang and showcasing the Birthday Roundabout and Floral Roundabout stamp sets with the new Circle Frame dies and Banner Trio dies.

 

For my first card, I stamped the image on some Neenah solar white card stock and use the stitched circle frame from the new Circle Frame dies to die cut them out.  I used another circle frame from my collection to die-cut some black card stock.  I also die-cut the scallop circle from the new die set and layered these three pieces together.

 

I wanted to create a super cheerful project so I decided to make a shaker card.  I die-cut a rectangle frame from my die collection and adhered some acetate sheet.  I adhered some foam adhesive to create my well and added the Sweet Shoppe Sprinkles as my shaker element.   I closed the shaker with some yellow patterned paper and adhered this on an A2 size card base.

 

 

I added my focal image in the middle of the card using some strong double-sided tape.

 

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment on the banner using the Trio banner die with some versamark ink.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set with my heating tool.  I adhered this in the middle of the card with some liquid glue.

 

 

I’m loving this super fun birthday card.

 

 

For my second card, I stamped the image halfway at the top and bottom on some Neenah solar white card stock.  I wanted to keep the coloring simple and decided to just use two colors of markers.

 

 

 

I used the circle die from the Circle frames die set to mask the colored images.  I pressed the word lipstick and mowed lawn stamp pads on my acrylic block and added a few drops of water to dilute the color.  I then used my watercolor brush to add some speckles on my card for added texture and set it aside to dry.

 

 

I used one of the dies from the Banner Trio die set and die-cut the piece with some black card stock.  I stamped the sentiment with some Versamark ink.   I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set using my heating tool.

 

Lastly, I added some sparkling clear jewels to finish the design.

 

 

 

Would you like to win the“Birthday Roundabout” or the “Floral Roundabout”  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 May 21st at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 22nd.

 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

 

————SUPPLIES—————

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

Magic Is Something You Create with Trinity Stamps

| marialrussell

Hello Trinity Stamps fans!  I hope everyone’s having a great Saturday!  It’s the weekend and time for some design team inspiration.

For my card today, I am showcasing the 4×8 Sleepy Hollow stamp set and coordinating die set with the 4×6 Magical Sentiments stamp set.

To begin, I stamped as many images as possible on some white card stock and colored them in with alcohol markers.

I die-cut the images using the coordinating dies.  I like to keep the rest of the stamped images inside the stamp envelope so that I can use it for future projects.

I ink-blended a panel of Bristol smooth white card stock using Distress oxide inks and the “Blending Buddy” Brown Bristle blending brushes.

I also used a clouds stencil from my stash to add more depth and dimension to my background.  I used some white Copic paint and my water color brush to splatter some white paint on the background.

I wanted my scene to look like it’s a starry night!  I set this aside to let it dry.

Once the panel was dry, I stamped the sentiment with some Versamark ink and sprinkled some white embossing powder, then heat-set using my heating tool.

I foam-mounted the tree and some of the grass on the card, and adhered the rest of the images with liquid adhesive.

I absolutely LOVE how this card turned out.  This reminds me of camping under the stars with my hubby and children.  I cannot wait to camp with my family again.  Here’s a closer look:

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

————SUPPLIES———-



XOXO You Arf The Best with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

Hello Newton’s Nook fans!  I hope you are having a great week!  Have you checked out the February release last week by NND?  I am back today for more design team inspiration featuring the new Sky Scene Builder die set and Petite Flowers stencil along with the Puppy Playtime stamp set and land borders die set.

To begin, I stamped my dog images from the Puppy Playtime stamp set and I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I die-cut the images using the coordinating dies.

My colored background panel was ink-blended using Worn Lipstick and mustard Seed distress oxide inks.  I used the Petite Flowers stencil to add more texture to the background.  I adhered this panel to an A2 size card base.

To create my scene, I die-cut the hill and grass pieces with some Bristol smooth white card stock and inked up the pieces with Mowed Lawn distress oxide ink.  The clouds and sun were die-cut using the new Sky Scene Builder die set.  I also die-cut the frame with some pink card stock using a die from my stash.  Now that I have all of the pieces that I needed, I started to assemble the card.

 

To finish my design, I stamped the sentiment on the clouds with Lobster Ink and Peacock Feathers distress oxide ink.  I also used my black glazed pen to add more depth and dimension to the dogs’ eyes.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

I hope you like my card today.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Check out Newton’s Nook Designs Blog, Instagram and Facebook fan group for more design team inspiration.  Thanks for stopping by today and happy stamping!

 

————SUPPLIES————

Newton’s Nook February Release Day 4 – Easter Lily & Hello Spring

| marialrussell

 

 

 

 

I always get a bit bummed because it is the last day of the reveals.  Were you able to hop along with us for the first three days?  You also 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 today’s reveal, we are showcasing two mini stamp sets –> the Easter Lily with its coordinating die and the Hello Spring stamp set.

 

 

 

For my first card, I stamped the images twice on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers.  I die-cut the images with the coordinating dies.

 

To create my background panel, I die-cut the scallop from the Frames & Flags die set.   I temporarily lined up the lilies on this piece and stamped the leaves and dots from the Happy Little Thoughts stamp set.  I really LOVE mixing and matching some old and new stamp sets to create my cards.  I adhered this panel on an A2 size card base.

 

The lilies on the card were adhered with some liquid and foam adhesive.  This creates more depth and dimension on layered images.

 

 

I die-cut the banner from the Frames & Flags die set and the “hello” sentiment is using a die from my stash.  I adhered these pieces on my card.  I also added some crystal clear gem stones to finish my design.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

For my second card, I cut some Bristol smooth white crd stock.  I used Dried Marigold, Picked Raspberry and Seedless preserves to ink up this panel.  I used the new Petite Flowers stencil (revealed on Monday) with some white textured paste to add more texture to the colored panel.  I love the white flowers agains the colorful background.  I set this piece aside to dry.

 

I stamped and colored my image using the Hello Spring stamp set.  Since this stamp set did not come with a coordinating die, I used my Honey Bee scissors to fussy cut them out.

 

I cut some Neenah solar white card stock and used the fourth die from the Frames Squared die set to create my window.  I adhered some acetate sheet to this piece and foam adhesive to create my shaker well.   I added some iridescent flower sequins as my shaker element and adhered the shaker panel to my colored background.  The image was then adhered with some liquid glue.

 

 

 

To finish my design, I added the pink bow from the new Baby Bibs die set.   Here’s a closer look:

 

 

 

Have you enjoyed looking at all of the projects this week?  To be honest I can’t even pick a favorite because I love them all!

 

 

Would you like to win the “Easter Lily” or the “Hello Spring” 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 February 20th at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, February 21st.

 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————



Newton’s Nook February Release Day 3 – Newton’s Rain Boots

| marialrussell

 

 

It is the third day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.   I hope you were able to check out the first two days of the reveal.  Aren’t the new products amazing?  Which one is your favorite so far?   You also 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 today’s reveal, we are showcasing Newton’s Rain Boots stamp set and coordinating dies.

 

 

 

 

 

To create my card, I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir TriBlend markers.  The umbrella image is from the Umbrella Pals stamp set.  I die-cut the images with the coordinating dies.

 

The clouds were die-cut using the new Sky Scene Builder die set.  I love that the clouds have different shapes and the stitching details make it so much cuter!  I have a feeling these dies will be my go-to dies to create scenes.

 

The background panel was created by using the Raindrops stencil (revealed on Monday) and Deco Foil White Pearl Metallix gel.  I let this dry for about half an hour and adhered this piece on an A2 size card base.  I also die-cut the grass and hills using the Land Borders die set.  The hill was adhered with some liquid glue and the grass was foam-mounted to create more dimension.

 

I added the clouds with some liquid and foam adhesive and the images I colored were also foam-mounted on the card.

 

 

 

 

To finish my design, I added the heart on the cloud from the What A Hoot stamp set.  I also used my gel pen to add some white dots to the boots!  I really love how this card turned out.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

Would you like to win the “Newton’s Rain Boots” 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 February 20th at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, February 21st.

 

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

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tina Smith

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox

————SUPPLIES—————