Purple Sympathy

I have used the Budding Peony stamp set for just about every occasion possible.  I think the only exception would be a baby card...which I truly think I could pull off with no problem!  Which probably means you will see one coming soon! In attempt to lean down the craftroom, I came across a pack of Plum Pudding cardstock, yes cardstock, not pudding....by Papertrey Ink.  It has a really nice feel to it.  Turns out this is some strange paper! The cutting and stamping went totally as expected...then came the heat embossing.  The paper turned pink!  As in the paper turned pink before the powder even set, so it was totally not a case of scorching the paper.  In the end, I decided to run with it, and heated the whole top panel, so at least I would have a uniform pink panel to work with.  As the paper cooled....guess what happened???  It turned back to purple!  It is like the paper is made with heat sensitive ink?  After my embossing fiasco, I stamped the outer panel with Pansy Ink by Close To My Heart with no issues. Any Papertrey Ink cardstock fans out there that can shed some light?

I finished off the inside with a large sentiment from Unity.  I really like large sympathy sentiments.  I often struggle with what to say in a sympathy card, especially if I was not close to the deceased. The large sentiments make filling out the cards so much easier.

Supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
D1831 Budding Peony Stamp Set
Beautiful Life, Blessed Memories Stamp Set by Unity
Plum Pudding Cardstock by Papertrey Ink
X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
Z2804 Pansy Exclusive Inks
Z891 Versamark Ink Pad
Z2067 Silver Embossing Powder
Stitched Die by MFT

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
Allsorts-Blossoms, Butterflies or Bugs
Catch the Bug-Bingo (Sentiment, Players Choice and Stitching)
Creative Craft Cottage-No Pattern Papers
Creative Fingers Challenge-Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday-Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!

A Birthday in Watercolor

This card took a couple of turns before it came to the finished project.  I hate it when the card you design in your head, just does not look the same when you actually make it.  My card is based on the sketch challenge at CAS(E) this Sketch.  I honestly think that the simpler the sketch is, the more I struggle.  Give me twenty layers, and I am good to go! I am not one to toss a project though, I just keep adding to it, until it works for me.  My first take did look exactly like the sketch design, but the elements just were not working for me.  In the end, those layers are just buried under the top layer!  Here is a look at the original sketch....which I have strayed from slightly...

Hopefully I can be forgiven for my sentiment placement!  The banner sentiment was just not meant to be tonight!  My twine is doing a stand in!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
C1771 A Birthday in Watercolor
X7240B Something Fierce Paper Pack
X5987 Bluebird Cardstock
X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
Z6508 Bluebird Exclusive Ink
Twine-Target $1 Spot

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Aud Sentiments Challenge-Happy Birthday
Crafty Sentiments-Just for the Boys
Seize the Birthday-Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter-Happy Birthday

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Shine Bright

I am back with another quick and simple card created with the Zoe paper pack.  Fairly certain that this is one paper pack that I will completely use up within a month of receiving it.  The included fun elements are a perfect addition for your cards or scrapbook pages.  Speaking of scrapbook pages, I actually managed to get some photos printed...so scrapbook layouts will be coming soon!  I created my card based on the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches-

 All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
CC4195 Zoe Paper Pack
CC4196 Zoe Coordinating Cardstock Pack
Chelsea Garden Gems-Retired
Rectangle Stitched Die-MFT
Fishtail Dies-MFT

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Little Red Wagon-Things in the Sky
Simply Create Too-Anything Goes
Time Out Challenges-Two or More Embellishments

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Budding Peony Sympathy Card

A totally different take on the Budding Peony stamp set.  To date, my cards with this set have been bright and cheerful.  The Budding Peony set works as simply elegance as well.  I seem to never have Sympathy cards in my stash when needed.  Sadly, this one is going in the mail as soon as the ink dries!  My card follows the same design as yesterday.  A stitched die cut panel popped up with foam tape.  I stamped my Budding Peony images in Versamark ink and embossed in silver embossing powder.  A few sequins and the card is ready to go.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
D1831 Budding Peony Stamp Set (retiring on 4/30/19)
Beautiful Life, Blessed Memories Stamp Set by Unity
X6021 Sapphire Cardstock
Z891 Versamark Ink Pad
Z2067 Silver Embossing Powder
Z2304 Silver Sequins
Stitched Die by MFT

I have entered my card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft-Anything Goes
Creative Craft Cottage-No Pattern Paper
Daring Cardmakers-Bingo (Sequins, Stamping, CAS)
Sparkle N Sprinkle Challenge-Anything Goes with EP
Sparkles Forum Challenges-Flowers or Religion

Thanks so much for stopping by!

PP437 Color Challenge

The moment I saw the Color Challenge at The Paper Players, I  knew Zoe ( a limited release paper pack from Close To My Heart) would be a perfect fit! Little did I know, just  how perfect!  The colorful rainbow was a near perfect match! My day has been a bit of a drama....so keeping it simple was the plan! I created my card with ONE paper pack and ONE die!  Wow, you will never see a supply list so short for me.  I love the end result, simply and sweet!  Here is a look at the Challenge, if you would like to play along.

My card is pretty self explanatory.  I popped up my white die cut panel with foam tape and popped up the rainbow image with pop dots to add some dimension. I am a huge fan of layers and dimension...but like to keep my cards mailing friendly as well!  I am actually mailing cards this year vs. hoarding them!  Everyone needs a little bit of sunshine in their mailbox!

All supplies by Close To My Heart,except where noted:
CC4195 Zoe Paper Pack
CC4196 Zoe Coordinating Cardstock Pack
Stitched Die by MFT

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Heart 2 Heart Challenges-Weather or Not
Path of Positivity-Happiness
(PIN)spirational Challenge-Create Your Own Sunshine (After the rain, comes the sun and rainbows...along with your own kind of beautiful)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Seasonal Expressions Retiring

The Seasonal Expressions catalog is retiring on 4/30/19.  The vast majority of items in the current catalog with the exception of inks, cardstock and tools will retire to make way for new items!  If there are paper packs or stamps on your wish list, the time is now!  Many of my favorites will no longer be available after April 30, 2019.  All retiring items are available on a while supplies last availability.  Here is just a sampling of the stamp sets that will no longer be available after April:

My absolute fav-D1831 Budding Peony

For the cat lovers-C1769 Purrrrific

For the dog lovers-C1770 Paw Prints on My Heart

A Must Have-B1653 Dandelion Wishes

 And don't forget the awesome April Stamp of the Month-Love So Sweet

I have listed just a few of my favs.  Seriously, if there is a stamp set or paper pack that you wish to add to your collection from the current catalog, I would order it now.  You can view all of the currently available items in my online store! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Zoe is back...

In case you missed the news....Zoe is Back, for a limited time!  The retired paper pack was very popular and is great for your springtime projects.  (For those of you that experience Spring)  I am still getting snow, so Spring will have to take place in my craft room!  I love the fun soft hues.  I combined the Zoe paper pack with Dandelion Wishes for the perfect Spring birthday card.  My card is based on the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches.  Here is the original sketch if you would like to play along-

In case you missed the original Zoe paper pack, here is a look at the papers that are included.  Workshop kits are also available. Zoe is available until May 31, 2019 or while supplies last!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
B1653 Dandelion Wishes
CC4195 Zoe Paper Pack
CC4196 Zoe Coordinating Cardstock
Z2853 Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks
Z3345 Basic Banner Thin Cuts-Retired
Z3342 3-D Foam Dots

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

Heart 2 Heart-Favorite Sketch (Pretty much any sketch that FMS creates!)

Inkspirational-Pop It Up (My kite is popped up with 3-D foam)

Seize the Birthday-Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Made with Love Mini Album Kit

Create a heartfelt, handmade mini album to celebrate a mother, grandmother or other influential woman in your life! The Made with Love mini album workshop kit includes the Mix-in paper packet, Mix-in coordinating cardstock, white ribbon, and wood mini album cover. The wood cover features a die-cut heart shape that is used inside the album and comes with three rings for assembly. You can purchase the kit complete with a coordinating stamp set for 25% off or purchase the items separate.  You can view all the details here! The kit is available until May 31 or while supplies last!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

CAS(E) this Sketch! #316

Back again with my fav stamp set, Budding Peony.  I just love this set. This set is retiring at the end of the month!  If you want to add one to your collection, now is the time! I will be sad to see it go.  I am still dabbling in watercolors.  I inked my image in black pigment ink and heat embossed in clear.  I then colored with Kuretake watercolors.  I created my card based on the sketch challenge this week at CAS(E) this Sketch!

 To start, I rotated the sketch design to fit my elements.  In keeping the card on the simple side, I sponged on a background for the corner element.  I used a Tim Holtz stencil that had never seen ink and masked off a corner.  I sponged on Raspberry Exclusive Inks with a sponge dauber. I then applied some extra watercolor leaves direct to the paper and then popped up my peony with pop dots for added dimension. My sentiment and a few sequins finished the card. This card was quick and simple to make.  The little extra elements make all the difference in the finished project!

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
B1653 Dandelion Wishes (Sentiment)
D1831 Budding Peony
X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
X6018 Raspberry Cardstock
Z2812 Raspberry Exclusive Inks
Distress Watercolor Paper-Tim Holtz
Z8000 Black Pigment Ink
Z2088 Clear Embossing Powder
Z4235 Gold Loose Sequins Mix
Z3342 Foam Dots
Watercolors by Kuretake
Stitched Frame Die by Gina Marie

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges-Flowers
Crafty Friends-Birthday
Crafty Sentiments Challenge-Only for the Girls
Double D Challenges-Watercolors
Southern Girls-Frame It
Stamping Sensations-April Showers bring May Flowers
Try it on Tuesdays-Use a Stencil or Two
Use Your Stuff-Floral or Fauna

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mojo Monday Sketch #513

It may be Monday, but I still managed to carve out a little stamping time.  I so love that Mojo Monday is back!  The new sketch challenge today, totally gave me the extra push to set aside some time to stamp!  I am slightly behind on mailing b-day cards...seems those birthdays have a tendency to sneak by you!  You can expect to see more birthday related cards this week!  I created my card with the A Birthday in Watercolor stamp set and the So Much Happy Paper pack by Close To My Heart.  I inked my stamps in Peach, Smoothie and Candy Apple Red ink.  This is another instance of the photo and the real card not appearing the same.  The Candy Apple red is lighter on the actual card!  My pattern papers are from the So Much Happy paper line.  My layered flower and banner shape are cut out from the same paper. Here is the original sketch from Mojo Monday-

Since, I am a little late, here is a peek at the inside as well.  My inside sentiments are from a long retired Close To My Heart stampset, Card Chatter-Birthday.

 

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:

C1771 A Birthday in Watercolor Stamp Set

D1475 Card Chatter-Birthday Stamp Set (retired)

X7241B So Much Happy Paper Pack 

X5992 Candy Apply Red Cardstock

X6027 White Daisy Cardstock

Z6502 Peach Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z2896 Smoothie Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z6509 Candy Apple Red Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Z3214 Magical Sequins-Retired

Yellow Ribbon-Unknown

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:

Addicted-To-Stamps Challenge-Lots of Layers 

Crafty Calendar Challenge-1 Ribbon, 2 or more Pattern papers

Craftyhazelnut's Pattern Paper Challenge-Anything Goes

Creative with Stamps Challenge-Birthday

Pile It On-Lots of Layers

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Freshly Made Sketches #382

Trying something new with my Budding Peony set by Close To My Heart!  I am trying to break out of my box! It has taken me a bit to be able to get back to crafting.  In my time away sooo many new products have came out.  While I have mostly stuck to my old favorites, I have decided to branch out a bit.  I so love the look of watercolor...but I will just never be the messy watercolorer. (that is a word, Jennifer McGuire said so!) I branched out and purchased a Kuretake watercolor set.  I think I  like them!  This peony is my very first attempt using them!  I really like it, whether it be beginners luck or what...I love the end result.  Not to mention....it was quick!  And since, it was watercolor, I did not stress too much over the imperfections. Consider it my version of "clean" watercolor!  I created my card based on the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches.

After coloring my image, I die cut the flowers and leaves.  I applied my images to my layered card with pop dots to offer more dimension.  Then added a few sequins for a touch of bling.  Here is a close up-

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
D1831 Budding Peony Stamp Set
X6018 Raspberry Cardstock
X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
X9003 Mix In Paper Pack
Distress Watercolor Paper-Tim Holtz
Z8000 Black Pigment Ink
Z2088 Clear Embossing Powder
Z4235 Gold Loose Sequins Mix
Z3342 Foam Dots
Watercolors by Kuretake
Banner Dies by MFT

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Colour Crazy Craft Challenge-Anything Goes
Double D Challenges-Watercolor
Southern Girls Challenge-Frame It

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Floral Thanks

I am still working on my Thank You card stash.  The great thing is, I am actually mailing cards vs hoarding them all to myself!  I created this card with the Feels Like Home paper line by Close To My Heart.  My stamped floral image is from the April Stamp of the Month, Love So Sweet. I was doing my best to mimic the flower in the printed paper.  Sadly, Sugarplum ink is not yet in my collection.  I improvised by stamping my flower in Bashful ink and then adding some shading with Pixie ink.  For the leaves, I inked them in Fern ink and then colored in the center lines with a darker green pencil to mimic New England Ivy.  My card is based on the sketch challenge at Try Stampin on Tuesday.  Here is the original sketch design-

My color scheme is based on the Tic Tac Toe Challenge at Color My Heart Color Dare. I went with New England Ivy, Sugarplum and White Daisy.

All supplies by Close To My Heart, except where noted:
B1536 All the Thanks-Retired
S1904 Love So Sweet-April Stamp of the Month-Only $5 w/qualifying purchase!
X7243B Feels Like Home Paper Pack
X6011 New England Ivy Cardstock
X6027 White Daisy Cardstock
Z2835 New England Ivy Exclusive Inks
Z2850 Fern Exclusive Inks
Bashful Exclusive Inks-Retired
Z2844 Pixie Exclusive Inks
Z4170 New England Ivy Burlap Ribbon-On the Clearance Rack for $2 a roll!
Z3314 Black & White Enamel Dots
Stitched Square Die-MFT
Ebony Black Nuvo Crystal Drops
Prismacolor Pencil 1090

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
Craftyhazelnut's Pattern Paper Challenge-Anything Goes
Watercooler Wednesday-Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Bring Back My Paper Pack-Zoe

Zoe is a previously retired paper pack.  It was a very popular item and is being brought back for the month of April.  The pack has been updated with fresh colors and coordinating sticker sheets. Coordinating cardstock packs are also available.  I love the patterns in the paper and can't wait to create fresh projects with them.  Here is a look at the paper packet-

You can purchase the paper packs alone or in a workshop kit.  If you purchase the complete Workshop Kit, which includes an exclusive stamp set, you get 25% off the retail price!  Here is peek at the whole kit-

You can view all the details here. Zoe is only available in the month of April or While Supplies Last.  Order early to guarantee your supply!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mojo Monday Sketch 512

I had a little stamping time today to create with the new April Stamp of the Month, Love so Sweet.  This stamp sets holds so many possibilities. I have not even inked a fraction of the set yet! I am playing along with the sketch challenge at Mojo Monday this week. I decided to create my own stamped backgrounds for my layers.  This card was created with one stamp set and two colors of ink and cardstock!  I pulled this card together quickly, so my plaid is not perfect.  No stamping platforms involved...just a block and a stamp.  If perfect plaid is your game, it can easily be done with a stamping platform or more patience!  I think the slight imperfections add to the charm, after all it is a hand stamped card.  You still have a week to join in at the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge, here is the original sketch design-

My card is seriously just ink and cardstock with a touch of added bling.  I inked the striped border in Sapphire ink and stamped it into a plaid pattern on my Lagoon cardstock.  For the smaller square, I stamped the vine leaves in Lagoon ink onto Lagoon cardstock for a tone on tone look and added in the small flowers in Sapphire ink for contrast. I stamped the larger butterfly on Vellum with Sapphire pigment ink and clear embossed.  I then added color to the backside of the vellum.  I only adhered adhesive to the center of the butterfly.  I then bent the wings up to give it a 3-D effect.  My card was feeling a little plain, so I added some bling to the flowers and my butterfly.

I popped up my thanks sentiment for added dimension as well.  As I mentioned, I have only inked a fraction of the set.  Here is a look at the complete set.

This set is only available in the month of April.  You can add it to a qualifying order for only $5.  You can also purchase the stamp at regular retail as a stand alone item.  You can view the details here.

All supplies by Close To My Heart:
S1904 April Stamp of the Month, Love So Sweet
X6007 Lagoon Cardstock
X6021 Sapphire Cardstock
Z3367 Vellum
Z2848 Sapphire Exclusive Inks
Z2895 Lagoon Exclusive Inks
Z8005 Sapphire Pigment Exclusive Inks
Z3274 Clear Sparkles
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Z679 Liquid Glass

I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge-Anything Goes
Crafty Catz-Anything Goes w/option of stitching (real or faux, mine is a faux stitched die)
Creative Fingers-Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp-Anything Goes
Time Out Challenges-Home Sweet Home (from my stamp name, butterfly image and the color blue)

Thanks so much for stopping by!