Handmade cards

National Coffee Day Blog Hop with CAS-ual Fridays

| marialrussell

 

It’s National Coffee Day and we are celebrating at CASual Fridays with a blog hop.  For my project today, I am showcasing the Hearts A2 Panel Fri-Die, Cup of Coffee stamp set, Coffee Cup Fri-Dies and the Coffee Talk stamp set.  We have three prizes up for grabs so make sure to read at the end of the blog post for a chance to WIN.

 

To make this day even more fun, CASual Friday had put their entire COFFEE COLLECTION on Sale for 20% off.  No coupon code needed.  For further discount, you can avail my discount code “MARIASENTME” for 15% off.

 

 

To begin, I started by using a clouds stencil from my stash and inked up my background using different shades of distress oxide inks.  I wanted some oranges and pinks as my background color to symbolize fall.  I cut another piece of Bristol smooth white card stock and used the Hearts A2 panel fri-die.  I set this die-cut aside so I can work on the other elements I need for my card.

 

I stamped the coffee cup from the cup of coffee stamp set on a brown patterned paper.  I put this piece inside my MISTI stamping tool to stamp the sentiment from the coffee talk stamp set.  I used Versamark ink and sprinkled some white embossing powder, and heat-set this with my heating tool.

 

I adhered the colored panel on an A2 size side-fold card base.  I added the Hearts A2 background panel with liquid adhesive and started working on creating my scene.  I used some fall leaves that I die-cut awhile ago from my stash and started layering them for some added texture and dimension.

 

Lastly, I used another die from my stash to die-cut the “whipped cream” and colored it lightly with my alcohol markers.  I foam-mounted this piece onto my card.

 

 

I really LOVE how this card turned out.   The white sentiment on the coffee cup stood out and the colors of the leaves complimented the colored background.  Here’s a little close-up:

 

 

 

I hope you like my card today.  Here are the details for the giveaway:

 

We have three (3) $15 prize codes up for grabs:

 

1.  1 lucky comment on the main Cas-ual Fridays Blog post win.

 

2.  1 lucky comment on @CASualFridaysStamps facebook group will win (follow the FB group).

 

3.  1 lucky comment on @casfridays Instagram account will win (follow @casfridays on instagram).

 

 

 

 

 

Stretch Your Stamp Sets & Create a Holiday Card with the Hedgehog Hollow

| marialrussell

Hello, The Hedgehog Hollow fans!  I am back today with my second project as a guest-designer this month.  I wanted to show you guys that you can stretch your stamp sets for any occasion, even if they are not meant for the holidays.   I have always wanted to to try my pearl watercolors on black card stock so this is what I am doing today.  I really LOVE how this card turned out!

For my project today, I am showcasing the Feather Background and Peacock stamp set, that is part of the September HH box and some pearl watercolors.  Here’s how I made my card:

1. I prepped my black card stock by using my powder bag.  This will help get rid of static and make sure that the embossing powder wouldn’t be all over the card.

2. Using my MISTI, I put my black card stock inside and held it with the magnets.  I carefully positioned the stamps where I wanted them to be.  I closed the lid of my MISTI, then opened it back so I can use my Versamark ink to stamp the image.  I flipped the card stock and stamped the images on the other side.

 

3. I sprinkled clear embossing powder on the card.

 

4.  I used my Wagner heating tool to heat-set the embossing powder.

 

5.  I “carefully” colored the stamped images using my pearl watercolor in Bronze.  I made sure that I didn’t use a lot of water since this black card stock is not meant for water coloring.

 

6. Once it dries, apply a second coat to make the colors stand out.  Here’s what it looks like after the second coat dried.  Isn’t it beautiful?

 

7.  I used a micro-fiber cloth to get rid of the powder that was on the black card stock.

 

8.  I used my pearl watercolor again in “gold” to put some splatters of color on my background. I also die-cut the “Season’s Greetings” sentiment with some gold card stock and adhered it onto my card.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

To finish my design and add more texture, I used some bronze gems and adhered it onto the card.  Here’s a closer look:

I hope have given you some inspiration to stretch your stamps.  I’d love to see your projects using the September stamp sets; please tag me on instagram @rprmlr77.  Thank you for stopping by and happy stamping!

Newton’s Nook Designs Mini Release – Sunflower Days & Gingham Stencil

| marialrussell

 

Today, Newton’s Nook Designs is having a September mini release.  We also have a GIVEAWAY so please read through ’til the end of the blog post to find out how you can WIN.  [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 mini release, we are showcasing the Sunflower Days stamp set and coordinating die with the Gingham stencil.  These products are available for purchase immediately.  Here’s what they look like:

 

 

 

 

I started by inking up some Bristol smooth white card stock with Salty Ocean distress oxide ink.  I smooshed some Aged Mahogany onto an acrylic block and added some water, then used my watercolor brush to splatter some dots on my colored background.  I dabbed this piece using my paper towel to dry.

 

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

 

I die-cut another piece of some 110 lb. Neenah solar white card stock using a watercolor stripe background die from my stash.  I die-cut the word “sunshine” using a die from my stash and slightly inked it up with distress oxide inks.

 

I foam-mounted the watercolor stripe background die-cut onto my colored background and adhered my sunflower images.  I also adhered the “sunshine” sentiment then stamped the sentiment “hello” on my card using Aged Mahogany distress oxide ink.

 

 

To finish my design, I adhered some iridescent sequins to add more texture and dimension.  I also used my white gel pen to add some dots on the center of each flower.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

I hope you like my card today.  Would you like to win this whole new Mini Release?  We are giving a prize pack that includes the “Sunflower Days” Stamp and Die Set and the “Gingham” Stencil 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 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 Sunday, September 15th at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Monday, September 16th.

 

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

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell (you are here)

Andrea Shell

Tatiana Trafimovich

 

 

Pumpkin Spice & You with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

Today, I’m sharing another fall/coffee-theme card with one of my favorite stamp sets released last month called Pumpkin Latte.  I don’t know about you, but I am just so ready for sweater weather!  It is still extremely HOT and humid over here and I am dreaming of some cooler weather, or even rain!   Who else is getting antsy and waiting for fall to come?

 

To begin, I stamped my images using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Proof Dye Ink in Rustic Brown on some Neenah solar white card stock.  I colored my images in with my Copic and Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I used the coordinating dies, to die-cut the images.

 

On another piece of Neenah solar white card stock, I die-cut a frame and used the negative piece to mask-off some Bristol smooth white card stock.  I used the new Hills & Grass Stencil to add my grassy hill with Mowed Lawn distress oxide ink.  I flipped the stencil so that I can create another grassy hill for added depth and dimension.  I also used the Clouds Stencil with Carved Pumpkin and Worn Lipstick distress oxide inks to create my fall sky.

 

 

Before I adhered my frame on my colored background, I used my Fog ink to stamp small images all over the card.  I wanted to add more details to the background but without overwhelming the whole design.  I foam-mounted the frame on the card and adhered the leaves along the side with some liquid adhesive.

 

Lastly, I foam-mounted the focal image on my card.  I stamped the sentiment from the Fall-ing For You stamp set using my Misti stamping tool for more precision.  Here’s my card:

 

 

The Fall-ing For You stamp set is one of my all-time favorite stamps by Newton’s Nook Designs.   This card is really simple but I love the bold sentiment and also love the colors I used on this card.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

That is all for today.  I hope you like my card and got inspired.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below in case you would like to purchase them.  Some affiliate links may have been used for some of the products linked, without an additional cost to you.  Thank you for stopping by my blog today and happy stamping!

 

————SUPPLIES———-



She Believed She Could So She Did with the Hedgehog Hollow

| marialrussell

Hello everyone! It’s Maria Russell here with you and I am super excited to be guest-designing for the Hedgehog Hollow. For my project today, I am showcasing the Feather Background and Peacock stamp set, that is part of the September HH box.

 

To start, I stamped my image on Bristol smooth white card stock with versa mark ink. I sprinkled this with some gold embossing powder by Wow and heat-set with my heating tool.

 

I used my Spectrum Noir Glitter brush pens (colors Blue Topaz and Soft Jade) to color my image. Since this stamp set didn’t come with a coordinating die, I used my cutter-bee scissors to fussy-cut the image.

 

On another piece of Bristol smooth white card stock, I used my Newton’s Nook Clouds stencil and Peacock Feathers distress ink to create my clouds. I die-cut two branches from a die that I have in my stash so that the peacock has something to perch on. I adhered the first branch onto my colored background with liquid adhesive. To add more dimension, I foam-mounted the other brach onto my card and also added foam adhesive to the peacock.

 

I die-cut some leaves using an older Lawn Fawn die-set and adhered them with foam adhesive.

 

Since this card is mostly blues and greens, I decided to adhere some flower sprinkles onto my card for added texture and color. I also added the scallop frame from an older Lawn Fawn die set to ground my images.

 

To finish my design, I stamped my sentiment using my Spectrum Noir Quick Dry Dye ink in Lagoon and added some crystal jewels all over my background. Here’s my card:

 

 

I really love the simplicity of this card. I think the stamp sets that are included in the September box are so pretty, you can use it for any occasion. I can’t wait to create more cards using the stamp sets. Here’s a closer look at my card:

 

 

 

I also have a video tutorial for you below in case you’re interested.

 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to see your projects using the September stamp sets; please tag me on instagram @rprmlr77. I will be back in a few days for more projects and inspiration. Happy stamping!

STAMPtember Collaboration with Simon Says Stamp and Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell
Today Newton’s Nook Designs is featured on the Simon Says Stamp site with an EXCLUSIVE stamp set that was designed just for the 2019 STAMPtember celebration!  You can purchase the new Let’s Party stamps and coordinating die set today at Simon Says Stamp.  Remember, these items are ONLY available through Simon Says Stamp while supplies last!
Today, I am sharing a birthday card showcasing the Let’s Party stamp set.  I started by stamping my images on some Neenah solar white 110 lb. card stock and colored my images in using some Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I die-cut the images using the coordinating dies.
I inked up an A-2 size piece of Bristol smooth white card stock with Peacock Feathers distress oxide ink.  To add more texture, I added some gold splatters on the colored background using my Sakura watercolor and my watercolor brush.  I waited for about half an hour for this to dry, and adhered this piece on an A2 size card base.
I die-cut the words “Happy Birthday” a few times on white card stock using a die from Mama Elephant.  I inked up the top piece with some Dusty Concord distress oxide ink.
I foam-mounted the die-cut panel on my colored background.  This frame piece was die-cut using the Gift Box cover up die-namics from My Favorite things.  I adhered the Happy Birthday die-cut on the foreground and added my cute critters.  Here’s my card:
To finish my design, I added some glossy accents to the balloon for added texture and dimension and also adhered the little gift boxes between the two dogs.  Here’s a little close-up:
I hope you like my projects today.  Please visit Simon Says Stamp to purchase this exclusive stamp set.  Thank you for stopping by and happy stamping!
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Make a Wish Upon a Star with Spectrum Noir

| marialrussell

It’s been awhile since I actually sat down and enjoyed just coloring images.  Today’s card features a lot of my favorite Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, with my new favorite ink pads, the Spectrum Noir Harmony Quick Dry Dye in Oasis, Parakeet and Lagoon.  For my images, I am showcasing the Mama Elephant Wish Upon A Star stamp set and coordinating dies.

 

To begin, I started by stamping my images on SN Ultra Smooth Premium White card stock using my SN Harmony Quick Dry Dye ink in Rustic Brown.  I colored my images in combining my original SN coloring system markers and my love, the TriBlend markers. I used IG1, IG2, CT1, CT2, DP1 and SN TriBlend Marker in Pale Pink and True Blue blends.  I also used my blender pen to lighten up the shadows on the clouds.  I used the coordinating dies to die-cut the images.

 

 

On another piece of Bristol smooth white card stock, I used a clouds stencil from my stash and my SN Harmony Quick Dry Dye ink in Oasis to create the clouds.

 

 

I used a clouds border die to partially die-cut the clouds so I can tuck one of the mini clouds in the card.  I also adhered this colored background on an A2 size card base.   I added the images and adhered them on my card front.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

 

 

To add more texture and dimension, I stamped the stars randomly all over the card using the SN Harmony Quick Dry Dye Ink in Parakeet.  This card is really simple but I love how it turned out.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

To finish my design, I stamped the sentiment using the SN Harmony Quick Dry Dye Ink in Lagoon.  Aren’t the bunny images super adorable?   This is also perfect for a “welcome baby” card.  Here’s another look:

 

 

I hope you like my project today and got inspired.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below if you are interested.  Please visit Spectrum Noir for more information about the new Illustrators that have just recently launched in the market.  They are absolutely AMAZING!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.  Happy stamping!

 

———–SUPPLIES———–


Newton’s Nook Designs August Release Day 4- Witchy Newton, Happy Howl-oween & Ghost Stencil

| marialrussell

 

 

It is the last day of the August reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs and I always get a little bummed.  Were you able to check out the three of the reveals?  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!]  

 

Today’s reveal will get you in the mood for Halloween and we are showcasing a lot of products –> the Witchy Newton stamp set and coordinating dies, Happy Howl-oween stamp set and coordinating dies and the Ghosts stencil.

 

 

For my first card, I also used the Spooky Halloween stamp set and the Land Border die set.

 

 

I ink-blended my background with some distress oxide inks and die-cut the other elements that I needed to create my scene.   I stamped and colored my images with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and used the dies to die-cut the images.  I foam-mounted the image on my card and finished my design by stamping my sentiment with Versamark ink and heat-set this with my heating tool.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

For my second card, I masked my Bristol smooth white card stock with masking paper and ink-blended this piece with some distress oxide inks.  I adhered this piece on some A2 size black card base.

 

I used the Picket Fence die for the picket fence and the Land Border die set for the grass with some black card stock.  I assembled the card by adhering all of the pieces that I needed for my Halloween scene.

 

 

I added the ghosts using the Ghosts stencil on my card by slightly tracing the images with my Versamark pen.  I sprinkled some white embossing powder and heat-set this with my heating tool.  I did the same thing for my sentiment.  I finished the design by stamping the bats.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

Are you now in the mood for Halloween?  I love all of the stamps, dies and stencil that we revealed this week!  Jennifer is truly an AMAZING artist!

 

Would you like to win the “Witchy Newton”or the “Happy Howl-Oween” 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 22nd at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, August 23rd.

 

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

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tatiana Trafimovich

————SUPPLIES————-



Newton’s Nook Designs August Release Day 3 – Autumn Mice

| marialrussell

 

 

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 reveals?  Which one is your favorite so far?  There’s more to come and you are going to LOVE today’s stamp set.  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 release, the design team is showcasing the Autumn Mice stamp set and Autumn Mice coordinating dies:

 

 

To begin, I stamped my images on some Neenah solar white card stock.  I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to die-cut the images.

 

I couldn’t pick a favorite image because they’re all so cute and AMAZING!  I decided to feature all of them in one card.  I used a storybook die from my stash to die-cut the white frame.   I adhered a gingham patterned paper onto an A2-size card base.  I foam-mounted the frame on my card and also adhered the mice with foam adhesives.

 

To give the card more texture but not overwhelm the whole design, I die-cut the same gingham patterned paper using the circle from the Frames squared stamp set and banner dies from my stamp.  I adhered these pieces on my card with liquid adhesive.

 

 

To finish the design, I stamped my sentiment with Versafine Onyx black ink.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

 

Would you like to win the “Autumn Mice”  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 22nd at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, August 23rd.

 

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

Zsofia Molnar

Naki Rager

Maria Russell

Andrea Shell

Tatiana Trafimovich

————SUPPLIES————-