Creative Inking Blog Hop: Heartfelt

Welcome to the Creative Inking Bloghop

Today's projects all around the blog hop are 'heartfelt' so I hope you walk away with all sorts of inspiration of how to show your loved ones they are special in the coming weeks for Valentine's Day!

In the Occasions catalog, I absolutely fell in love with the Painted with Love Specialty DSP. The designs were so versatile and the touch of gold so classy. I knew it was going to be my go to basis for all things Valentine this year. However, the stamp set that was part of the same suite of products just didn't speak to me this year. So I decided to pair it up with items from the main catalog.

First, for this project I just knew I had to break out my Window Box Framelits die set. The adorable little hexagon box and delicate die cut for the top make such an elegant box, perfect for a fancy Valentine treat. I cut the base out twice in Melon Mambo (to match the DSP) and assembled all but the top flap so that I could open and close the box to add treats inside.

I added squares of the fancy DSP to the sides of the boxes. Of course I had to do the gold foiled side out. So pretty how it shimmers and shines.

Then I dressed up the top of the box. The hexagon floral details are cut into a piece of Powder Pink and then mounted with dimentionals to a hexagon of calypso coral. Helpful hint: to cut the hexagon shape just slightly smaller than the box, trace the outside edges of the die that makes the floral cutouts.

Then the finishing touches were added: a gold heart and the word "love' (in Melon Mambo again) both from the Sunshine Wishes Die set. A little banner of vellum under the word added the slightest bit of texture and completed the project.

All in all this was actually SUPER fast to cut and put together. So you could make a dozen of these pretty easy. I hope this inspires you to dress up the Valentine treats for some special someone(s) in your life.

Flutterby again soon!

Now hop along :)

          

Creative Inking Blog Hop: Occasions and SAB Sneak Peek

Welcome to the Creative Inking Blog Hop!

This month we are going to be sneaking a peek at the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs.

When I first flipped through all the pretties there was one set in particular I knew I was going to NEED. And that was the Petal Passion Suite. I'm a sucker for all things water color looking- and I was in awe of the crisp black & white imagery which would lend itself to all the new coloring options.

For the base of the card I used black cardstock with a layer of the Petal Passion DSP. The sentiment and flowers were stamped with Momento ink onto a layer of whisper white cardstock, & the flowers were cut using the matching die (I actually did two layers of the flowers). In addition, the coral vines in the background were cut using a thinlit from the set (there are a ton of both framelits & thinlits in there for all sorts of options!).

Next I pulled out my new Stampin' Blend markers and got to work coloring the flower images. One layer I cut up to use for 3-D pieces and I mounted these to the lower layer. The image colored up beautifully with the alcohol markers. The picture doesn't do the depth of these flowers justice :)

After that just had to assemble the pieces and add some bling. And of course I smothered the entire thing in Wink of Stella. Because what doesn't look even better with a little sparkle :)

I hope I've helped you fall in love with this suite of products as well. Now hop along and see what everyone else has created for us today!

Creative Inking: Holiday Catalog Sneak Peek

Welcome to the August Creative Inking Blog Hop

This month we are giving you some sneak peeks of Holiday Catalog Products.

I knew I was gonna need the Merry Cafe set as soon as I saw it. I already had the Coffee Cafe bundle from the Annual catalog (I'm a sucker for Chai Tea Lattes, and wanted to make all sorts of tea themed cards). And it coordinates with the pieces from that set so perfectly- and opens up the venue for Holiday themed drinks.

And if there is one thing I'm a sucker for (even more than Chai Tea) it is Pumpkin Pie Spice Chai Tea!!! So of course that was the first thing I made with this set.

This is a set of little 3x3 notecard sized cards. I used the 12x12 Pumpkin Pie cardstock from the Holiday Catalog for the base, and then added the cup stains using Timeless Textures. The wooden cup is from the Coffee Cafe bundle, as is the cardboard textured hot sleeve (the framelit both cuts and embosses- how cool is that!).

I wanted the whipped topping to look like it was speckled with cinnamon for the Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte, so instead of stamping it solid, I used the kissing technique with the spotted texture from Timeless Textures. It turned out so yummy looking!

Last, but certainly not least, I added the sentiment from the Merry Cafe set, and cut it out using the stitched framelits. It is attached flat along the edge of the card, but has a dimension on the coffee cup side. Just a different way to attach a layer :)

Hope you enjoyed my Pumpkin Pie Spice inspiration. Now hop along and see the rest of the cards!

         

Creative Inking Blog Hop: Two Step Stamping

Welcome to the Creative Inking Blog Hop!

This month we are talking about two step stamping. Don't worry, this technique has nothing to do with dancing ;)

In two step stamping, you need two (or more stamps) to create a final single image. Sometime this requires two colors as well- like a stem and a flower. Other times you can use a single color with one version stamped off on scratch paper first in order to get a lighter shade- like with some of our watercolor look stamps that have an outline and a fill stamp.

It just so happens that my card today uses both types of two step stamping. And to do this I chose the Daisy Delight stamp set. Now before anyone says "But the punch isn't available right now?" I want to say "So What!" I actually fell in love with this stamp set way before I even thought about getting the punch. It has some beautiful flower images in it- perfect for making wildflower scenes. Personally, I think the punch is kinda neat... but the stamp set is what I really wanted!!! Not to mention the gorgeous matching paper- when you combine those two who needs a punch.

See! Isn't it a beautiful card- and no punch in sight :) Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. But seriously, so pretty right?!

The yellow daisy flowers require stamping twice in the same color. The first time you do the ink 'full strength' for the outline image. Then use the fill image and stamp once on scrap paper before stamping again over the outline. It gives the flowers a nice watercolor-y fill.

Then, all the flowers require two step stamping for the stems vs. flowers. There are three different pairs in this set: the daisy (3 stamps), the little buds, and the spear flowers. The stems for that last set can also be used on their own to look like grasses. So many possibilities here!

Last thing I want to talk about- did you notice the fun fold?! I started with a standard card base, but cut half of the front off. Then I used our circle framelits (the two largest sizes) to create the little flower flap on the right hand side. Just attach to the back of the card, or between the inside layer and the card back as I did above.

Just be careful when writing or adding more stamped designs inside that they are only on the portions that are covered when the card is closed :)

Hope you enjoyed today's two step stamping techniques (and fun fold). Flutterby again soon!

Now hop along!

                     

Creative Inking Blog Hop: Bundle Extravaganza!

Today you are in for a real treat, because we are taking a look at the bundles in the new catalog on our Creative Inking Blog Hop!

So what is so great about bundles you ask? Well, you get two adorable products which coordinate (making crafting so much easier) and you get 10% of the price of buying them individually. Whoop whoop!

My favorite bundle so far has been the Color Theory set. I can't get enough of the adorable stamps and die-cuts. Especially the leaves and beach chair. So cute!

I also added in the matching DSP & Color Theory journaling cards- because, why not use ALL the coordinating products. It just makes sense to my brain, that way I don't have to figure out what matches ;)

So, with that intro I'm gonna just let you enjoy the photos now :) They are all pretty self explanatory, most feature a Memories & More card along with some stamping and die-cuts. I've got a set for each season even!

(P.S. Sorry I don't have a better background in the picture- my rug is cute in person but not for a back drop! Ha! And unfortunately the cards are no longer in my possession, so I can't retake the photos...)

Hop along now to see what everyone else has created!

Creative Inking Blog Hop: What Goes Around

Welcome to the Creative Inking Blog Hop!

This month our theme is things that are round... or things that go around. The first thing I thought of when I heard our topic was the never-ending cycle of seasons. And it just so happens that we have an amazing suite coming out on June 1st with this theme! It is called Color Theory and it is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!! I love it- it was the first thing I had to have (and I NEEDED all parts of it- the stamps, framelits, papers, journal cards, accessories...). So very pretty!

Are you ready to see what I created with this gorgeous suite? Better grab some popcorn cause this is gonna be a long post! And by long I mean lots of pretty pictures to drool over. You ready? Got your snack? Here we go!

Isn't it fun :) I'm gonna use it as a home decor piece on my wall! It is a 12" circle- I'm thinking I'll reinforce the back a bit and then add some string for hanging. It is pretty light so it shouldn't need more than a pin to hold it up.

Wanna know the secret to creating a 12" circle? No... we don't have a die that big. I wish! First I took a 12x12 sheet of cardstock and scored it at the 6" mark both directions. Then I took one of the 4x6 journal cards and used it as a compass (remember those things from grade school!). I just put one corner of the card in the middle and tilted it little by little, making marks at the other corner. And since a picture will make that all much clearer, here you go :)

Once I had a quarter of the circle marked out, I cut just that one corner. Then I was able to use the piece I cut off as a template for the other three. Nice trick right?!

After that it was just a matter of decorating each quarter. I'll try to show you a straight on shot as well as an angle (so you can see all the detailed dimension) for each season.

Spring
First we will start with our current weather. Here is spring:

The branches and flowers are from the Color Theory thinlits. And the buds- well they are actually made by cutting the big (6 petal) flower apart. Fun trick :)

Aside from the Color Theory products, I also pulled out my dragonfly thinlits for this area. I thought that adding the little creatures to the branches was the perfect finishing touch.

Summer
And then we move onto summer:

I'm so in love with this adirondack chair thinlit in the Color Theory suite. Such a fun design! And the ombre paper was just so very perfect for the sunny day theme.

This time I added a little swirly bird for the sun, and then the seagulls are from the High Tide stamp set. I also LOVED the look of the ripped paper for the sand and waves.

Autumn
Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year... and I think I did it justice with its area :)

The leaves are also a diecut from the Color Theory set. To give the leaves texture I crinkled them up into a ball and then flattened them back out. After that I hit them with a little berry burst (one of the new in colors!) ink on a sponge around the edges and distress marks. I was happy that the branches looked really good with the little leaves on them as well as the flowers in the spring area.

Winter
And finally winter. Not my favorite time of year... cause it is so blasted cold here in MN :P but yet a great time of year with Christmas. So I tried to capture that portion of the season to make me happy (as opposed to just cold snow).   :)

Despite not being a huge snow fan, these detailed dies from the Color Theory thinlits are pretty. Although, unless you use the precision plate I highly suggest going back and forth a couple of times to make sure to cut all the way through the little lacy parts.

The Christmas pine bough was made using the pretty pine thinlits- I am so beyond thrilled that these are carrying over. They were my absolute favorite of the seasonal stamps last year :)

And of course a little glitz
No project is quite compete until it has been Winked by Stella :) Pictures never do Stella justice, but I tried to capture as much as I could. You can see that I made the flowers and dragonflies sparkle, the snowflakes and berries, bits of all the leaves, and- my personal favorite- the summer waves!

That's it for me today. Did you make it all the way through? I'm hoping you're still with me- cause now it is time to jump along to the next blog.

But don't forget to flutterby again soon!

Creative Inking Blog Hop: Color Challenge

Welcome to the April Creative Inking Blog Hop!

 This month we were challenged to use the colors: Peek-a-boo Peach, Pear Pizzaz, & Flirty Flamingo together. Of course with this bright challenge my mind when straight to spring flowers. So I pulled out my Flourishing Phrases Bundle and got to work. Here is what I came up with! (And here is where I ask you to pardon the slightly 'off' white pictures- I prefer to use natural light but it has been raining HARD here the last couple days!!)

I'm not really a pink person, so my stash of Flirty Flamingo has up until now remained fairly untouched... but I do really like how this turned out! Such a pretty combo all together.

And- if you follow my blog- you know I'm not much of a fussy cutter. But I really really wanted to get the 3-D flower effect... so look what I did!!

After I had it all assembled out of it's 'paper parts' it just seemed dull still. Like it was missing something. It was at that point I added a little baker's twine (which helped) and bling-d it up with some sprinkles (which totally finished it for me). I especially like the pearls in the middle of the flower- although if you want to mail a card I can't suggest such an effect. :)

No hop along and see the amazing samples the other hoppers have put together for you!

And remember, flutterby again soon!