Cozy Cold Colors

 Hi all!

Still figuring out how to work my new computer with photo editing.  It's always been a challenge...before, using my iphone to my Windows computer via Lightroom.  Now my phone and computer 'talk' to each other, but I can't figure out the Lightroom on the iMac.  Ahhh...first world problems!  I am grateful for all that I have, even though I hate technology.  In the meantime, I've made a card for the current Color Throwdown and Triple  B challenges, their color combos are very similar and just spoke to me!

Such gorgeous soft colors together!  I will have to save this combo in my bank for a future card...

I'm trying to decide if my blue wasn't 'dusty' enough.  I used Altenew Blush, Pinkalicous, Misty Morning and Cloudy Sky Crisp Dye inks for the flower and the leaves.  The blush was applied in 2 layers, I didn't want to go too red since the next color in the family was Rouge...definately not a blush.

The background was in my scrap bin, and made from Altenew's Fine Frames Cover Die set.  Using the rubber mat that came with my die cutting machine, the die was embossed onto the white card stock, then die cut it onto gold mirror paper.  

Some my think I'm crazy for having the scrap bins...they are even catagorized by theme so items can be found easily...and they certainly came in handy for this card! This sentiment from Essential Sentiments was in there, which is perfect for my bestie going through some hard times right now.  Snail mail hugs to the rescue!

That's it for today...If you have any suggestions for how to use an apple computer, please share!  I'm eager to learn some tricks!  Have a colorful day!

Having my apple and eating cake too...

Hi all!

How are you all with technology?  I'm TERRIBLE!!!  I have zero patience for all the changes that happen with apps and programs.  So when my amazing hubby purchased me an Apple iMac for Christmas since my laptop has been giving me issues, I've avoided setting it up...until now.  My guilt got the better of me every time I would walk into the studio.  I'm struggling with the conversion from Windows to a Mac.  Any suggestions?  In the meantime, I thought I would participate in the TGIF Challenge.

When I saw this challenge picture, I knew just the stamp set I had to use for it!  Altenew's Mini Delight, Cut the Cake stamp set with matching die!

It's a perfect fit, right?  The beauty of this stamp set, you can create any 'flavor' of cake you want based on your ink selections!  I only wish baking was this easy...

The background embossing panel was frankensteined using Altenew's Stellar Cascade embossing folder, I had to match it up and run it through the machine 2 times to do the entire slim line card.  Don't look too closely or you'll see the splice...

The great thing about this set, is it has dies for the cake, the whipped cream, the sprinkles and the 'cake' sentiment.  Great set eh?

That's it for me...off to figure out this apple contraption...  Have a colorful day!

 

Forgetful XOXO - TIC TOCK CHALLENGE 239 TEAM PICK!

 Hi all!

It's time for another AAA Cards Challenge!  This time we have a photo inspiration for you and it's beautiful in its simplicity.

See what I mean?  I love the texture from the white hearts against the red color of the 2 hearts.  It's a great inspiration for a CAS card, don't you agree?

Here is my take on the photo.  The new Simon Says Stamp Puppy Love stencil is ADORABLE!!  Look at those little toe beans...  Used with a swipe of some Altenew Embossing Paste and the perfect background to match the photo was made.  SO FUN!

The 'XO' die for the main sentiment has been floating around my studio for...well, years I guess?  During one of my 're-organization' days, it fell out of my old die storage case and I since I used to throw away packaging, I'm clueless...I don't do that anymore...any idea?  I'd be forever grateful for your brilliance...I've Google searched and get nada.  Anyway, it's really pretty cut Red Spinel glitter card stock from the Altenew Gradient Glitter Cardstock Red collection, against the texture behind it.

The added sentiment was stamped on a piece of card stock die cut with Altenew's Featured Sentiments Die set.  Using one of their sentiment strip dies is so handy for these little stamp sentiments.  This one stamp is from Simon Says Stamp Elegantly Modern Greeting.  I'm eager to use this set more, its a fantastic basic set with beautiful fonts...highly recommend!

I'm also entering this in the Inspirational challenge USE STENCILS and the Tic Tac Toe challenge, down the left side of the board; heart, red and die/punch.

 

Be sure to visit all our DT and give them some love, have a colorful day!!

Simple winter wishes...

 Hi all!

It's time for another CAS on Friday challenge!  This time around, we are focusing our challenge on WINTER...appropriate since winter has reared it's ugly head in the US this last week.  My daughter even had school cancelled because it was TOO cold...no snow...just cold.

In keeping with the cold...and in my opinion, if it's going to be cold, there may as well be snow...I decided to create a very simple CAS winter snow themed card and am also entering it into the Simply Clean and Simple challenge...Winter.

The background was created using Hero Arts Snowflake stencil and Altenew Embossing paste.  After allowing that to dry, Altenew Iridescent shimmer spray was sprinkled for a subtle effect...you can see it in the first photo and on the little house. 

Speaking of the little house, it was in my scrap bin from an earlier card using My Favorite Things My Neighborhood.  I did add some Stickles glitter to the house for some shimmer.  The sentiment was added using Simon Says Stamp CZ Designs Season's Greetings stamp set with Altenew Teal Cave ink.  An incredibly simple CAS card!

I hope this and the other DT's creations inspire you to create a WINTER themed card, so be sure to share it with us HERE and visit the other DT's and give them some love!

Have a colorful...and hopefully warmer...day!

White on white on white? - PEACE ON EARTH TOP 3!

 Hi all!

Super quick post here today.  I created this card with several challenges in mind and posted them on my INSTA, but I couldn't get it to translate onto blog posts, so I'm also adding it here!

 

I'm entering this card in the Peace on Earth challenge, the card encompasses 3 of the images from the inspiration photo.  I'm also entering this in the Timeout Challenge this round, inspired by the inspiration phrase in their photo...'Winter Solitude, in a world of one color, the sound of the wind'.  Great haiku...

Lots of layers and textures for this one!  My goal was to keep everything in a shade of white with lots of texture. I used my new SSS Grand Corner Leaves die and their Circle Sentiments Christmas stamp set…which I LOVE! 

The layered background was created using Altenew’s embossing paste with the Hero Arts Snowflake stencil over a panel made from Waffle Flower Dashed Snowflake cover die inked with Vanilla Cream Crisp die ink.

That's it for today!  Visit my INSTA post on this card to see the coordinating card made for the hop I participated in there.  It's a cutie too!

Have a colorful day!

Cold in paradise...

 Hi all!

I am here with another challenge for the Sisterhood of Crafters!  This fortnight's challenge is ICY COLD...  I live in the Northern Midwest of the US, so it can get pretty cold here in the winter.  Lucky for us, it's been pretty mild so far...knock on wood...we'll see how the rest of winter goes.

My family is currently planning our spring break, and while I want to go to someplace warm with a beach, my hubby wants to visit a big city like New York, London or Toronto.  I don't think we'll do any international travel, but anywhere in North American is always possible.  This dilemma has inspired this card!

In person, this card really shimmers like ice!  The paper the flower was stamped on was first sprayed with Altenew Iridescent ink spray.  It gave the paper a pale blue effect and in the light, it changes colors all in the cool spectrum, it's gorgeous!  I really wish it would translate in photos...  I am also entering this in the current Color Hues challenge given its beautiful light blue and navy colors. 

The flower was stamped with Altenew's Dynamic Duo Paradise Flowers from their November release.  I love all their Dynamic Duos...it's like one stop shopping with coordinating stencil, stamp and dies.  

Only the detail stencil was used for color on this blossom, the shimmer added enough color for the base color of the flower using Persian Blue.  The outline was stamped with Sapphire ink on the shimmer paper and Persian blue behind the die cut.  

The sentiment was stamped Versamark and white heat embossing to make it pop off the dark blue cardstock.  The finishing touch was splatters made with Sapphire blue and iridescent ink spray.  I hope you enjoyed this inspiration for ICY COLD.  Please be sure to visit and comment on the DTs posts and give them some love!

Have a ICY colorful day!

  

Chinoiserie Blues

 Hi all!

What is the state of your crafting space?  Since Christmas, my has been a DISASTER, and with being so busy, it stayed that way until yesterday.  I was able to FINALLY get in the studio, clean-up and do some much needed re-organizing!  It's not 100%, but its definitely getting there.  Enough to where I was able to sit down and get some projects and challenges completed.

Color Hues current challenge inspired this card.  I'm a sucker for all things Chinoiserie, which is exactly what this color combo calls for!  I received this month's Create Your Life kit from Altenew called Loving You.  Its so pretty and delicate.  I was able to make several items using this set, so you'll see it a bunch over the next few weeks.

This card started by heat embossing the main image on white card stock with white embossing powder. Using Sea Glass Crisp Dye ink, I ink blended the entire piece of cardstock so the embossed image would pop off the paper.  

The included stencil made inking this detailed flowers very easy!  The Cool Summer Night color family did the trick and helped to create the bold blues needed to create the beautiful chinoiserie look.

Keeping the card simple, the sentiment was stamped and heat embossed on white vellum.  An old My Favorite Things Folded Fishtail Banner die was used to cut out the sentiment and add it to the card front.  I think I'll save this and give it to my mom for Valentines day...she is obsessed with blue and white decor and this will be right up her alley.

That's it for now!  Back to cleaning...have a colorful day!

While I had the supplies out...

  Hi all!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!  We are back at AAA Cards design this week for first challenge of the year...it's a great sketch and I hope you will join us!

I traveled after Christmas and returned just Tuesday with a horrible case of the stomach flu.  Because of that I have not started my annual re-organization of the studio, with many of my Christmas items still out.  I guess I have a start on this years Christmas cards!

The background is made with Altenew's Starbust stencil used twice with 2 different colors of green ink, and masked off to created my panel of color.

I added the cute little mouse from an old set I have called London Mouse from My Favorite Things.  It's long been retired, but still one I reach for when I need an animal stamp.

Now, check out the other DTs adorable creations for inspiration and join in our challenge!  I hope to see you there!

Have a colorful week...

Another Snowflake SUNDAY STAMPS TOP CUPS

 Hi all,

I'm trying to take advantage of my time out in the studio today.  With all my brain power going to Christmas prep, I utilized the blog-o-sphere for some inspiration.  This time, Sunday Stamps helped me work out a layout using the same supplies I used to make this card.

Starting with the same Waffle Flower Happy Gnomes patterned paper as the base of the card.  It's adorable... 

The tilted panel was cut with Pink Fresh's Snowflake cover die.  The snowflake embellies on the side are from Pink Fresh as well, Large Snowflakes.

The sentiment is Altenew's Joy die cut from Silver brushed cardstock with the added stamp sentiment from their Joyful Greetings stamp set.

Its finished off with matching blue sequins for some added sparkle!

Have a colorful day!

Snowflakes bring me Joy - FRESHLY MADE SKETCHES PRINCESS - PEACE ON EARTH TOP 3!

 Hi all!

Is there anything more perfect than a snowflake?  They are one of my favorite icons of the winter season.  I use them all the time, especially in my decorating for the holidays.  They are elegant and can be simple or ornate.  Just perfection!

   

 

I was able to squeeze in some 'me' time during this crazy week...and when I mean me time, I mean I'm making the final Christmas cards for our hand delivered gifts to neighbors and friends.  I used the Freshly Made Sketches sketch and the colors from the first photo of the Peace on Earth and the TGIF White Christmas challenges for the inspiration for this card.

I very rarely used patterned papers anymore, but I have a plethora of them because I love them!  I don't think I used them because I don't want to use them up...I'm working on that thought process.  For my 'therapy', I have made a commitment to use my Christmas papers this year for my tags and cards.  The blue snowflake pattered paper is from Waffle Flower Happy Gnomes

The Snowflake cover die and Large Snowflakes are from Pink Fresh, while the Joy die and Joyful Greetings stamps are from Altenew. 

I just picked up a ton of new sparkly bits from Cartwrights sequins which I am enjoying immensely!

Have a colorful day!

Happy Holidays! - CAS COLOURS & SKETCHES WINNER!

 Hi all!

Are you ready for the holidays?  I'm getting there...still have more cards to create for local people to go with their handmade gifts.  I'll share those soon...they're so fun!!!

   

CAS Colors and Sketches is hosting an end of the year challenge, use any challenge from 2023, or even combine a couple, which is what I chose to do for this card.  I'm using the sketch...not the colors...from the double challenge #503 along with the color challenge from #520.

With my recent publication, I received an adorable Hero Arts stamp set Holiday Borders and Icons and coordinating stencil Snowflake.  Since snowflakes are the theme for the packaging for today, I thought this would be a great set to incorporate.  

I also love this color combo it goes well with summer or winter themes!  The color combo reminds me a bit of my very first big win when card making.  Green, yellow/gold, and blue.  I just love that combo!

The sketch was modified a little, instead of the sentiment repeating vertically, I chose to do it horizontal because of the length of the sentiment.  I like how it worked.  It's all finished off with a lovely die cut snowflake from Pink Fresh Large Snowflake die with some glitter glue all over it for some sparkle!

That's it for today, I hope you're getting your holiday plans and gifts in order...I'm trying to keep up!

Have a colorful day!

Crafty Sisters!

 Hi all!

It's another Sisterhood of Crafters post today!  This time we are focusing on CHRISTMAS and we are sadly saying goodbye to our dear DT member Ina.  She has been an amazing inspiration to our group and we are sad to see her go, but happy she is on to more fun things in her future!  Please participate this time around and help us give her a BIG sisterly send off!

This card was made with Altenew's Nordic Vines foil and die set.  If you love anything Scandinavian...which I do...then this is an amazing foil set for you.  Since this set is incredibly versatile, the graphic nature of the image can be used ANY time of the year!  

Scandinavian art reminds me of Walt Disney World's 'It's a Small World' ride.  I know the song is annoying, but it's one of my most favorite rides at the park, and I always made my family go on it with me every time we were there.  I especially love the main entrance area, the white sparkly with glitter and gold accents inspired this card...can you tell?

The background was a bit fiddly, the Circle Quilt cover plate die was cut twice, then pieced together to fill the entire space with the pattern.  It was a labor of love, and I really do love how it came out!

Both the foil plates from the Nordic Vines set were used for this card, after foiling and die cutting the images, they were stacked one on top of the other down the left side of the slimline card.  It's finished off with the Joyful Greetings die and stamp set.

That's it for today, I hope you have a colorful, sing-along-song kind of day!