Coloring in Progress

Hello friends!

Hope you are ready to ring in the New Year! It's hard to believe that this blog is 13 years old (started in 2009)! This blog is a big part of me and my journey in creativity and life.  Like card-making projects, I am a project in progress.

Among all the techniques, coloring is not my strong suit and I struggle with it. Patience is one thing I do not possess. Over the years, I find that I can finally take more time to do proper coloring. The more patient I am with myself, I can get better at coloring.

Today's project is one of those that I actually was being more mindful and took the time to color.

It may not be good or outstanding, but the coloring is one part that I can be proud of. 

In this card, I added a piece of alcohol inked-vellum as the background. This seems to provide a nice buffer for the strong color contrast.

Now I am more encouraged to do more coloring. How about that? After all these years, I am finally enjoying and feeling more confidant about coloring. Now, that's progress! I know you can perhaps find things that are getting slightly "easier" for you. If you do, please share. I'd love to know!

 Shop the Warehouse sale HERE and check out HERE

Thanks for stopping by!

Creative Use of a Cover Die

Hello friends!

I am popping in with a quick share. 

 Today's project is to showcase the image of this lovely Typewriter Flower stamp set (NEW and FREE). 

I am using Detailed Web Cover Die as an example. This cover die can cover the entire card front. I love the intricate details. However, I find it slightly heavy when used entirely. I decided to trim off the edges to show of the delicate design.

The Typewriter Flower was water-colored.

I used the kraft cardstock as background and thought this looks kind of cool.

Do you like the cover die without the borders?

I hope that this makes you look at cover die with fresh eyes. 

I am listing the items are currently marked down. Please feel free to click and shop through the affiliate links. FREE brand-new Typewriter Flowers Stamp Set ($9.99 value) on orders over $69 from 12/26/2022 at 12:01 am EST until 12/31/2022 at 11:59 pm ES

Thanks for stopping by!

My Top 10 Favorite Spellbinders Projects

Hello friends!

I am inviting you to join me down the memory lane. As a Spellbinders influencer, I am blessed with beautiful Spellbinders products to create and I get to share them with you. I am happy to say that I will continue to spread the love and joy of using spellbinders products in 2023! 

 Here is a look back on my favorite spellbinders projects in 2022.

#1 Clematis (product linked below)

#2 Butterflies ( product linked below)

 #3 Perfect Pie Etched Die (product linked below)

#4 Tulips (products linked below)

#5 Hollyhock Etched Die (products linked below)

#6 Surprise Box (product linked below)

#7 Leafy Sprig Die (products linked below)

#8 Winter Label Motif (products linked below)

 #9 Winter Label Die

 #10 Essential Floral Etched Die (products linked below)

  I hope that you love these creations as much as I do. It is a joy to create with these Spellbinders goodies. Thanks for stopping by!

    

Spellbinders New Year's Eve Sale is now available and is offering 40% OFF (or more) on select products, plus deep discounts on Christmas collections, and also clearance. This sale will run now through 1/05/2023 at (Midnight MST.) Shop and check out HERE

TWO Creative Takes on Daffodil Delight Embossing Folder

 Hello friends!

It's my turned to share over Altenew Card Blog. I am delighted to share two projects with Daffodil Delight 3D Embossing Folder. Like any of the wonderful Altenew Embossing Folder, you can use it as is. The detailed textures and deep etched lines will make any papercrafting project a stand-out. I have two creative ways of using Daffodil Delight 3D Embossing Folder. 

 First Up, I swiped Toasted Mauve and Pink Sand onto the embossing folder. To diffuse the ink blotches, I used Altenew Ink Blending Tool (Small) and brushed over the ink.  I then dry-embossed the images onto a piece of Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock (80lbs).

Since this is Partial Dry-embossing, there will be a line once you embossed it. I applied a piece of Glitter Cardstock (Gilded). You can see that I took it to the next level by adding a cute ribbon bow!

 Here is a BOW-tiful reason to get Banner Sentiment Cover Die. I took the 3 smallest ribbon banners and stars and decorated the strip.

 Lastly, I added the diecut sentiment (with Pink Diamond Ink) from One-Go Birthday Greetings Stamp & Die Bundle.  My next card has more dry-embossing.

Here are the 6 steps of achieving the look:

1. Cut and trim a piece of Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock (80lbs) to size

2. Ink and swipe the ink (Citrus Burst, Vanilla Cream and Sunkissed ) onto the top side of the embossing folder

3. Lightly spritz a mist of water over the ink, then dry-emboss

4. Change the orientation of the embossing folder and repeat step 1-3

 5. Die cut Gel Printing Soft Washes Paper with Sentiment Banners Cover Die and Stamp Sentiment Strips 3.

 

6. Add Instant Foam Tape and embellish with Gold Metallic Thread and Satin Gold Sequins.

 

Are you loving these ideas? You can apply the techniques and tips to your Altenew Embossing Folders. I hope this post inspires you to create.  I'd LOVE that you'd stop by Altenew Card Blog to leave me your comments and feedback. Thank you for stopping by! 

Shop HERE

The Hidden Wonder of Masking & Winner Announcement

 Hello friends!

 Have you joined the Altenew IG hop that took place yesterday? Do not forget to leave a comment to win yourself an Altenew gift card! 

 Featured products: Craft-A-Flower Sulfur Cosmos, Stitched Scalloped Circles Die Set, Warm and Cozy Enamel Dots

This is my card for the IG blog hop.

I have these extra pieces of flowers and leaves from my previous creations.  I decided to create a special background for the Sulfur Cosmos.

 To start, I dry-embossed the Stitched Scalloped Circles Die Set.  This leaves a  lovely textured background without cutting through the paper.

 I then took the larger stitched circle die and ink-blended the outer circle. To avoid the stark contrast, I lightly applied ink inside the circle as well. 

 For embellishments, I added enamel dots and splatter. Do you like this idea?  Lastly, this month's TWO $15 Altenew gift card go to these two lucky winners: 

Verna Angerhofer and Denise Bryant

Congratulations, Verna and Denise! Altenew will be in contact with you for the gift card. To all of you who visits and leave me comments.... I appreciate you. Thank you very much also for using my affiliated links (located at side bar) for your shopping. Wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Altenew: A Year In Review: Crafters’ Edition Blog Hop #2 + Giveaway

 Hello friends!

Warning: Heavy photo post

Welcome to Altenew: A Year In Review: Crafter's Edition Blog Hop #2! As 2022 is coming to an end, I like to take a trip down the memory lane with this past year's favorite Altenew creations. I am super excited to share 10 projects with you. Yes, 10... because you know..... I have way too many Altenew favorites!

 

 

If you arrive from the blog of Shylaashree, you are in the right place! All the details about this blog hop, please visit Altenew Card Blog 

 

Here are my top 4 favorites along with my other 6 fav of 2022( in chronological order):

 

(all products are linked at the end of the post)

Card #1: Dreamy Bouquet Fabric-Dovetail Butterflies Die Set ,Tree Bark Embossing Folder

It's a BEAUTIFUL match with Altenew fabric (new in 2022!) and die.

 

 Card #2: CAF-Sunburst Azalea-Sweet Pea Stamp Set , Woven Basket 3D Embossing Folder

 

You can never have too many embossing folders.... I love the background with this gorgeous Craft-a-Flower Sunburst Azalea.

Card #3: Painted Blooms Die Set, Lacy Tile Stencil, Magnolia Ballerina Stamp 

 

These delicate flowers were easy to create! Adding that stenciled background makes this card all that much more detailed and special.

Card #4: Ixora 3D Embossing Folder, Metallic Watercolor 14 Pan Set

 Let the Embossing Folder do the work! And yes, indeed, all I did was adding a touch of metallic shine.

 

Card #5: Build-a-Garden Magnificent Branch

 

 The delicate outline and layering are absolutely stunning. This card was a stamper's delight to create.

 

Card #6: Build-A-Garden Dear Dahlias Stamp Set, Sentiment Strip 3 Stamp Set

Who knew pattern paper can be so effective and easy? The Gel Printing Paper and the die are a match made in heaven.

Card #7: Flowing Foliage Die Set, Bold Sentiment Stamp Set, Cool Night Alcohol Ink Bundle, Green Meadows Alcohol Ink Bundle , Gold Foil 1 inch Washi Tape

 

 The Washi Tape are such great additions on your craft table. Altenew Alcohol Ink are absolutely a delight to use.

 

Card #8: Arches of Flowers Stamp & Stencil Bundle, One-Go Birthday Greetings Die, Well Read Stamp Set

 

 For stretching the supplies, I stamped Arches of Flowers without the arch.

 

Card #9: Gentle Butterfly Simple Coloring Stencil Set (3 in 1), Gentle Butterfly 3D Embossing Folder, Essential Sentiments Die

 

There is coordinating stencil and embossing folder for the Gentle Butterfly? Yes, please! 

 

 Card #10: Curtain Leaves Cover Die, Bold Sentiment Stamp

 

Get your Altenew inks out to create your very own colorful paper...then die cut and BAM--this is it!

Prizes: Over $500 in total prizes! Altenew is giving away a $100 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner, $50 gift certificate to 3, $10 to 27 winners (Woohoo)! Please leave a comment on both days' blog hops (today is #2) and the Altenew Card Blog by 12/28/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 31 random winners from the comments left on each stop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 12/30/2022.

 

Wait, there's MORE!

We would also LOVE to see YOUR favorite handmade cards, layouts, home decor, etc. featuring Altenew products! Feel free to share them on social media or on your blog using the hashtag #AltenewBest2022. You may also add a link by clicking the blue button. FOUR lucky crafters will each win a $15 gift certificate to our store! Winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 12/30/2022. We are looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations!

 

Day 2's blog hop order 

 

Altenew Card Blog

Emily Midgett

Penny Pynnonen

Therese Calvird

Helen Kalb

Nandini Karmarkar

Pam Boedeker

Teri Wilson

Shylaashree

🎄🎅🎉Virginia Lu🎄🎅🎉

Donna Walls

SathyaKala Sankaran

Ishani

Amy Hill

Angela Brennan

Your next stop is the blog of Donna Walls

Have fun hopping! Thanks for stopping by!