"Friendship is Golden" Slim Line cards

 Happy New Year, friends! Before my six cards are shared, may I ask a big question?

Has anyone heard from Carol Hurlock? She is a fantastically gifted crafter/artist who is quite unique and prolific in her endeavors. She is awe-inspiring! Carol stopped posting in 2022 (during Pandemic). She is such a gracious, kind, beautiful soul who is wonderfully talented in every way, and I miss her. Please let me know if you have heard anything. Thanks!

Hoping your family is safe and healthy, enjoying all the good things Life has to offer. Yesterday at Dusk, we had several "dancing deer" skylarking across the front pasture. It's always fun watching them, especially when frolicking is the main activity at the moment! 😁

 Slow and steady eventually gets to the finish line, right? Today's share is six "skinny" cards 8.5" x 4", using Anna Griffin dies in the background and an assortment of patterned papers and vellums.

Three cards sport woven satin ribbon frames. This is one of my favorite techniques, especially if the ribbon is "puffy" and "imperfect" in its display of shiny fabric. I start in one corner, and slowly make my way around the frame:

Once the ribbon has traveled around the die cut, it is cut in the corner and "tucked under" to look finished:

The smaller, focal die images are mostly from Gold Glossy card stock, and shadowed with black card stock:

First, ink some of the background papers for better dimension and a more finished look:

For some of the shadows, I outlined the die with a light-colored pencil, and fussy cut them out. This made the black portion slightly larger than the die cut itself:

These two cards show off dimension and texture by using glitter on the leaves, dimension tape circles, and glitter behind the glossy card stock. The second card has three butterflies with three layers, each featuring vellum or patterned card stock. It also has printed vellum in the background.

The first card (also shown below) has glitter on the glossy card stock (in real life, it is quite shiny and sparkly). The "dots" are 1/8" high dimensional dots that have been dredged with glitter. Notice the butterfly on the right side has been dimensionalized a little differently, with the butterfly body glued flat to the base, puffed up in the middle, and then flattened again on the edges. Not sure how that will make it through the post office machines, so it may be hand delivered. 

sigh...

I long for the "olden days" post office when we could send anything through the mail as long as long as we put enough postage on for weight. (do you?).

Sometimes, less is more:

Alas, I decided MORE is more:

more sparkle

more glitz

more shine

more butterflies

more jewels...

This one escaped the glitter, but the vellum under the butterfly is shimmering gold with bejeweled brads, shiny ribbon, and a sentiment made on the label maker:

Layers include the base, printed Vellum card stock, gold Anna Griffin solid piece, an ivory filagree die cut, ribbon, Spellbinders glossy leaves, label maker sentiment, hand traced and cut black shadow, hand traced and cut sparkling vellum, and finally patterned paper, frilly butterfly die cut:

This card showcases textures:

The sixth card:

The interiors are just as unique:

The interior here is glittered on one side:

Thanks for wading through all the photos.

Thinking of you all, with gratitude. Thank you for your fabulous inspiration, and caring comments.

Products: Stamps A-Line Stamping F-487 (2000? or 2001?), Penny Black 1785E Lovely Day (2000),  Really Reasonable Satin Ribbon ButterCup 5/8", Dies: Anna Griffin AG-1239H-AS Slimline Concentric Die, IO Monarch DIE059-N, Cheery Lynn Butterfly, Tonic Studios Celebrate, Cardstock: pattern paper (REALLY OLD from a store in Tampa called "Tamp-a-Stamp" back in 2001.), Marcos Gold Glossy, Bright Ivory CS, Golden CS, Inks: Walnut Distress, VersaMark, Acorn VersaFine Clair, Other: (mixed gold and clear glitter). Dimensionals

Gratefully playing in the following fine challenges:

1. A Perfect Time to Craft #1 (Jan 1) AG 2/1 (sep post 3/29)
2. Crafts Galore Encore #143 (Jan 1) AG (sep post 2/1)
3. Love to Craft Challenges #90 (Jan 1) AG 2/15 (nxt chal 3/1)
4. Mix It Up Challenge #81 (Jan 1) AG with Ribbon  2/15 (nxt chal 3/1) 3 cards have ribbon woven in them.
5. Moving Along With The Times #185 (Jan 1) AG us stencils and/or dies (several layers of dies on each card). 1/31 (sep post 1-2 weeks later)
6. Paper Rocks Scissors Challenge #12 (Jan 2) AG using Paper and/or Scissors 1/31 (The shadows have been fussy cut, to make them slightly larger than the die itself. The Cheery Lynn butterfly die only had the frilly version, so the background vellum was fussy cut, then the shadow also had been fussy cut slightly larger. Several types of papers/card stock were used.
7. A Cut Above (Jan 5) AG with die cuts (used multiple dies: Dies: Anna Griffin AG-1239H-AS three Slimline Concentric Dies, IO Monarch DIE059-N, Cheery Lynn Butterfly, Tonic Studios Celebrate 1/28 (sep post 2/1)
8. Pammies Inky Pinkies Challenges #2602 AG 1/18
9. Cut It Up Challenges #347 Favorite Dies 1/19 (Gosh! It was fun looking at everyone's favorites this time. My favorites are my butterfly dies, but I also love my Spellbinders foliage sets. Both are featured here. Are we allowed to have lots of faves? LOL Thank you for the fun challenge.
10. Elliebelle's Garden Party #11 (Jan 8) Anything in or from a Garden 2/9

fondly,

"Remembering You" Dry Embossed Butterfly

Hi, everyone! Welcome to my little blog, and Come on into the cool Air Conditioning, have a seat, and prepare to be entertained by a myriad of butterflies, hummingbirds, and a host of pollinators just outside my window!

Recently, the incredible duo Darlene and Diane had a challenge on their "Can You Handle the Pressure" challenge blog involving dry embossed butterflies. Thoroughly inspired, I set about creating a card especially for a friend who lost her husband 4 years ago this month - as a remembrance of his dear life, (but was unable to finish in time to play in the challenge). Still, I thank them for their inspiration! Since the EF was at least 10 years old and had never been used before, it qualified for their Neglected Stuff Challenge instead. 

The challenge at the time was "BUTTERFLIES" and dry embossing. This 4"x6" butterfly is the single element on this Craft Stash Limited embossing folder. Four white images were the result after running it through the machine. 

Next, Spun Sugar Oxide was smooshed atop the embossed areas. Because the design did not have clearly-defined areas to fussy cut specific layers, I made my own cut design, carefully applying clear glitter in some of the design and on the edge of each layer. 

After the glitter was dry, Kitsch Flamingo pink DI was applied along each edge of the wing layers, for a little dimension. On the two top layers, Black Soot Oxide was also applied along the edges.

A black "shadow" of black vellum was also fussy-cut for dimension:

Incidentals: "dry" distressing the edges of the "designer paper", an edge punched on one side, ink distressing the edges and here-and-there, a few pearls.

On the inside: The same color cardstock (vintage pink) for the VERSES STAMP, and a larger "PNG" of the scanned background. The card is 5"x7".

I'm thankful to the designers at "Can You Handle the Pressure" challenge blog - as I am to all of the design team members who inspire us.

I know you all are marvelous chefs in your kitchens. Never take for granted being able to cook! Usually Jack needs to help me, or finish what I start.  Recently I was able to bake brunch - and do it all by myself from start to finish LOL Normally fatigue and symptoms prevent me from doing any project unless I work on it a few minutes at a time. It's surprising how much can still be accomplished doing things in one-to-three minute increments! The crust is pretty ugly, but the quiche was yummy with spinach, garden-grown scallions and cherry tomatoes! I used Feta in place of heavier cheeses. It was good!

UGLY CRUST QUICHE:

Products: Large Butterfly Embossing Folder from Craft Stash Limited EFOB0007 (2015) (I see that Craft Stash is closing this year, but that many of their products can be purchased on Craft World), Inks: Spun Sugar Oxide, Kitsch flamingo DI, Black Soot Oxide, Nocturne VersaFine Clair Other: Clear Glitter, Pearls, home-made designer paper, black vellum, black & vintage pink papers, MS Arch Lattice Edge punch. The "designer paper" is from a book I saved particularly for this purpose. A smaller PNG is on the front, and a larger rendition is inside. Interior Stamp is from VERSES RUBBER STAMPS SY0521-E "Embrace a Memory".

Playing in these fun challenges:

1. Neglected Stuff Challenge (July 6) Use at least one neglected item (virginal embossing folder, a forsaken interior sentiment stamp, a book I had saved specifically to use in card making since 1992, and has never been utilized.) ends 7-28 (8/4)
2. Crafty Animals Challenge #96 "AG with animals or teddy bears" 7/28 (8/1)
3. Heart's Quest for Love Challenges Blog HQCOLCB #7 "BEWAS themes" Mine is a Sympathy Anniversary for a dear friend, ends 7-31, (8/7)
4. Creative Fingers Challenge #305 (sep post) Anything goes - Thank you for sharing such a positive message on your blog! (8/2 sep post)
5. Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday (June 4) Anything goes - 7/31
6. Creations in Pink #82  Anything Goes Mainly in Pink 7/13 (7/15)
7. A Perfect Time to craft Challenge #7-2025 7/28
8. Triple B Birds, Butterflies & Blooms Challenge July 3 - Birds, Blooms or Butterflies using inspiration tile 7/31 (8/6)

Stamping Hugs,

Left Over Pieces + New Pieces = Finally-Finished Cards

Welcome, Blogging friends! I have missed you!

Still plugging along in my "unfinished stuff" boxes, these creations have been in the works for the last 6 weeks. I came across some pink and white Spellbinders decorative squares elements already cut out - probably 15 years ago - they were crying out to put put on a project! So I added some Impression Obsession butterflies and Tattered Lace flowers, enjoying designing The Old dies with The Virginal dies. The designing was fun, too - especially with the addition of sparkle in one of my favorite colors PINK!

Here are some of the pieces I started with before adding the whimsy:

Because the bottom layers overlapped in some places, shims were needed:

With the shims prepared and glued in place, the diagonal square in the middle could be added:

Next... to adhere the fun die cuts:

To shade some of the pink areas (included the pink glitter paper), Worn Lipstick DI was applied. See the difference?

The vellum "butterfly shadow" is pearly, so it picked up the pink tones without coloring. The other butterflies with pink frames around them were "inked" with Worn Lipstick atop pale pink cardstock. The die cut sentiments were cut from pink glitter paper, darkened with Copic Marker RV32, and shadowed with a pale slate blue cardstock:

Two more cards, one using Ana Griffin's sentiment set:

Upon finishing the cards, I decided some pop up elements on the inside would be fun. It sure would have been easier had that been done before adhering all the layers! Front facing:

Top facing - notice the notched element under the butterfly to minimize the popup feature:

Thanks for visiting my little blog! Your encouragement and friendship means so much. I am permanently homebound, leaving only for medical appointments. Each excursion takes tremendous toll on my body, but I'm still able to do "small things with great love".  I'm so grateful to still be living in this wonderful world, surrounded by beautiful people!

Products: Anna Griffin "You Are" sentiment stamps (set of 9), Inks: VersaFine Clair Nocturne, Distress Worn Lipstick, Dies: Tattered Lace Michaelmas Daisy, Imp Obs Butterfly DIE059-N, SB Marvelous Squares, SB Adorning Squares, LifeStyle Nesting Frames 7, MS Floral Crochet PAP, MS lace heart edge punch, Die-Versions Express Banners "Happy Day" and "Make a Wish", Cardstock: pink glitter, pink, white, white glitter, slate blue (shadow on sentiment) Other: Gold Detail EP, Copic RV32, 

May I please play in the following challenges?

1. Seize the Birthday #303 Layer it Up Birthday 4/2 (each card has multiple layers inside and out)
2. Triple B Challenge (April 3) inspiration board for birds butterflies blooms 5-1
3. Crafting A Cut Above (April 7) Spring Time with Dies 5/1 (Dies used: Tattered Lace Michaelmas Daisy, Imp Obs Butterfly DIE059-N, SB Marvelous Squares, SB Adorning Squares, LifeStyle Nesting Frames 7, MS Floral Crochet PAP, MS lace heart edge punch, Die-Versions Express Banners "Happy Day" and "Make a Wish")
4. Colorful Options (April 1) choose color(s) from the inspiration photo. I chose pink. 5/1
5. The Four Seasons Challenge (April 1) Anything Goes Spring 5/1
6. Craft Rocket Challenges #124 "Layer it Up" 4/28 (each card has multiple layers inside and out)
7. As You Like It Challenge (April 17) Fussy & Fancy and Why 4/30 (while CAS are amazing, I have trouble keeping it simple. It's always satisfying to add more layers, more sparkle, unexpected details, and products to cards, and see the faces of the recipients - or to hear their sweet voices - exclaiming "how did you do that?" giggle)

Thanks for stopping by!

Butterflies and Snowflakes and a freebie

 Hello, blogging friends! It's the beginning of a new year, and I sincerely hope 2024 is good to you.

My cards today were inspired by a card from the very talented by Shwu-Miin Tang

She created a lovely gatefold card with monochrome leanings, borders and beautiful butterflies! Having been awarded this card at the recent TSA auction, organized by Lori Kobular, I showed it to some friends in November. Gasping at the beauty, they declared they most certainly could not make anything that pretty. But they did, when they came over in December, and I did a surprise class using die cuts. Apologies that the photos are not very clear.

The cards are 5"x7". We started out with plain white-on-white (monochrome will hide any mistakes). The card base is cut 7" x 10" and scored at 2.5" and 7.5". Each card then required 2 white pieces 6.75" x 5". We used Martha Stewart punch-around-the-page punches after dry embossing them, but any appropriately sized die or punch would work. One whole embossed piece is adhered on the interior and the other cut vertically for the 2 sides in front. 

Using white glitter card stock, solid butterflies were die cut. With white card stock, the filagree butterflies were attached in the centers of the glitter pieces. Butterfly "bodies" were also die cut with glitter card stock, and adhered. 

Recycling the tin seal from the inside of Whey Protein Powder, lots of delicate snowflakes were cut. Using a Japanese Screw Punch two snowflakes were hole punched. Then the butterflies' center of the 3 layers was punched. A brad was looped into the snowflake center, and then through the butterfly center. One butterfly was adhered to each side of the gate fold.

Pale Pink Copic Markers (any alcohol markers will do) changed the white glitter to pale pink.

While it is easier to open and close the cards where the butterflies were adhered "straight", we found it more forgiving and whimsical to place the butterflies on angles. Some of the cards were inked around the edges, while others only slightly tinted the butterflies. Here are a few color options:

Lavender and Pink (inked around the edges):

Blue and Pale Gray without any other ink:

The interior has a heat set stamped sentiment embossed in silver to coordinate with the snowflakes. I made up another sentiment we printed on vellum, which is now available to you as my gift at the bottom of this post:

I am deeply, humbly, gratefully blessed by dear friends such as yourselves. Your cards, IMs and phone calls helped me through a very difficult 2023; though the sentiment seems "sappy or corny", it is the truth, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you, Shwu-Miin Tang, for the inspiration. And many thanks to dear friends such as yourselves for lifting my spirits on many a difficult day.

These are going to a few friends. Wish I could send at least 50!

My gift to you - 

For use on the inside or outside of your projects: Please do not sell these Sentiments. Use on any of your projects, including projects involving any design teams you might be on.

Click on the image to bring it to full size. Because of the changes Google Made with Blogger (June 2020), your image will appear to be solid black. Don’t panic. Right click and do a SAVE AS PNG. Once it is saved on your hard drive, you can open it and it will have a transparent background. I create PNGs instead of JPGs so they can be placed anywhere on a scene or project, and so backgrounds can be made using them. Please let me know if you have any problems. I hope you enjoy! 

Products: Dies (Die-Versions Wee Petites WP-004 Snowflakes, Memory Box Lydia Butterfly, MB Sorona Butterfly, MB Delia Butterfly, Spellbinders Labels 23-for the decorated interior-- Martha Stewart Punch-Around-the-Page Lace Flowers), Coloring (Copic Markers atop glitter cardstock, Oxide ink, Distress ink), Papers (110lb white, clear and silver glitter, recycled silver metal foil from Whey Protein Powder, white and pearl vellums, ) Embossing Folder: Couture Creations "Flamingos & Hedgehogs"

I would like to play in the following challenges please:

1. Crafty Animals AG with Animals or Insects  2/1 
2. Triple B Challenge with Mood Board 2/2  (see the pretty frosty mood board below)
3. Craft Rocket Challenges  #10 Use Embossing (background is an embossing folder and interior background is an EF. The die cut butterflies are also dry embossed. On the interior, the top sentiment is heat embossed. 1/28  2/1
4. Pammie's Inky Pinkies Anything Goes 1/18
5. Creative Inspirations #9 Anything Goes 1/25 (2-1)

Stamping Hugs,