Nesting Bird {Dies R Us} {Sparkle N Sprinkle} {Digital Tutorial}

Greetings, Crafty Friends!

Welcome to my first post as a new Dies R Us Inspiration Design Team Member!

Have you ever... ?

Have you ever planned a design in your head, and then made one boo-boo after another so that your project ends up completely different?

 THAT'S what happened with this card.

LOTS of boo-boos (giggle)

Dies R Us  is an on-line store carrying a huge assortment of amazing dies by several manufacturers.

I hope you enjoy today's oh-so-ugly project (giggle)...

click below for:
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INSPIRATION BLOG

My card uses the following Dies R Us Products:

• Sue Wilson Pierced Rectangles
• Spellbinders Classic Ovals Large, Floral Ovals, Fleur de Elegance, 
• Spellbinders Elegant Labels 4, Labels 4, Card Creator Grate Effect 
• Memory Box Meridian Border
• Poppy Stamps Grassland Border
• Impression Obsession Grass

TIP:

Change the appearance of die cut "frames" by adding borders to them:

TIP:

It is not necessary to use the dies within a die set to create pretty frames. Change it up by using other dies (like circles, ovals or shapes) rather than what the manufacturer has put together.
This gives you the ability to create frames to suit your project needs:

TIP:

Mark frequently used dies to help expedite your crafting:

The Poppy Stamps Grassland Border does not have a cut edge on the bottom, making it ideal for wide borders of grassy layers, or turned upside down for icicles. It's a long die, but can be cut apart to use in patches (shown in the base of the card). It can also be fussy cut in a shape, shown in the sample below:

TIP:

How to customize the sizes of your panels while keeping the details of the dies (like the piercings on the Sue Wilson set):

Boo Boo Time!

While the stencil for the Fleur de Elegance die is beautifully detailed, I was displeased with the way the ink looked around the decorative portion of the die cut. It was too dark. To fix that, I resorted to glitter. Probably opaque white embossing powder would have been easier:

AFTER:

I used a very large transparent chunky glitter and SNS Waterfall Ultrafine Glitter to "distress" the problem area and hide the ink:

I slightly altered the SNS digital image to place greenery around the sentiment, and add greenery around the bird as well. View my TUTORIAL for altering and masking digital images, including using Apple products.

Other Products:

• Copic Markers: Y15, Y32, E00, E19, E43, E50, E35, E11, B0000, B00, B02, G0000, G00, YG03, YG11
• Images: Sparkle N Sprinkle Nesting Birds (digital set), Nesting Birds (rubber stamp set)
• Chunky Glitter, SNS ultrafine Waterfall glitter
• Embossalicious Regency Swirls by Die'Sire embossing folder
• Ribbons, Brad, Dye-base inks

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

1. Animal Friends Challenge #37 "Birds" 5/1
2. Card Mania Challenge #79 "Spring" 5/1
3. Craft Your Passion #306 Anything Goes 4/10
4. Crafting for all Seasons - #123 Use Die Cuts/Punches 4/13
5. Crafty Boots Challenges (Mar 28) "Spring is in the Air" 4/10
6. Creative Card Crew #110 Die Cut (list of dies shown above) 4/18
7. Critters and Creatures Linky Party - Ellibelle's Creative Moments (April) "Critters and Creatures 5/2
8. Dies R Us Challenges #46 "Use Scallops" (scallop border at the top and bottom of the top card portion) 4/14
9. Doodle Pantry Challenge #16 Anything Goes 5/1
10. Love to Scrap #75 "The Big Bow Theory" 4/17
11. Ooh La La Creations Challenge #201 "Feathered Friends 4/10
12. Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge "Anything Goes With Wings" 4/13
13. Sisters of Craft (April) Anything Goes 5/1
14. Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges (April) "Anything Goes" 5/1
15. Where the Heart Is Challenge #8 "Sparkle and Bling" (Used lots of chunky and ultrafine glitter on the frame) 5/2
16. Word Art Wednesday #224-225 Anything Goes with an Uplifting Sentiment 4/13
17. The Ribbon Girls Anything Goes as Long as it is a Card 4/17

Thanks for stopping by today, my sweet friends.
hugs,

My Fresh Water Mermaid

Greetings, everyone!
Thanks for dropping by. Hope all is going well in your homes.

This week my Scrapy Land project is all about our inner Pink and Fresh Water!

Bourn Creative has this to say about pink:

It represents friendship, affection, harmony, relaxation, acceptance, contentment, 

inner peace, approachability romance, charm, playfulness, and tenderness.

"In the Pink" means being healthy.

"Tickled Pink" means being happy and content.

It is the sweet side of the color red - both represent Love.

This means I see you all in a Pink Glow

because you're the sweetest blogging buddies ever!

The Challenge this fortnight at Scrapy Land is to create 

a card using a stamped image (rubber or digi). 
To enter the challenge follow the theme and use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells.

   Pssst! Did you know...
        Scrapy Land has a new Pinterest Account! 

    

My card features the Sue Wilson Noble Die - Ornate Pierced Design CED5507 )

I love that this set has 3 pierced dies, AND that the dies can be used on the inside
of the design, or as "frames" for the outside of the design!

After the card was assembled, a Quickie Glue Pen was used on Serena the Mermaid to apply the Raspberry Soda Glitter.

Wavy blue background is Copics B0000 and B000.

SOB!

I forgot to photograph during the process. Hope the following instructions help a little. If you're visiting my blog, the photos enlarge when clicked:

Products Used:

• Scrapy Land Sue Wilson Noble Die - Ornate Pierced Design CED5507 (6 dies in set)
• Images: Sparkle N Sprinkle Michelle Perkett Serena Mermaid Stamp Set #477 (also available digitally), VERSES Beautiful People (interior sentiment)
• Glitters: SNS Mystical Mauve Ultrafine, Raspberry Soda Ultrafine
• SNS Tear-ific Tape (for frame)
• Copic Markers V93, E00, BV02, BV11, R20, R21, V91, RV02, RV91  RV04, V0000, B000
• EKSuccess shapes (waves)

Challenges I'd like to play in please!

1. Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges - September - Used 2 loose glitter colors 10/1
2. ECLECTIC ELLAPU Challenges - September - "Anything Goes + Use Stash that is 6 months old or older" (I used purple EKS die cuts that were years old, mermaid stamp that is very old, and 2 old glitter colors all from my stash!) (2 Challenges) 10/3
3. Glitter n Sparkle Challenge - #154 "Use Something that begins with the letter 'G'" - I used Glitter on the frame and Glitter distressing on the mermaid. 9/18
4. Artistic Inspirations - #140 Anything Goes WITH A TWIST OF MAGIC (my fresh water mermaid loves her purply-pink home!) 9/27
5. Crafting With Friends #6 - Anything Goes with Fantasy (used mermaid) 9/24
6. Colouring In Scrapland #3 - "Under the Sea" (used mermaid) 10/3
7. Craft for the Craic - Anything but a square or rectangle 9/30
8. Unicorn Challenge - #1 Anything Mythical or Magical (used mermaid) 9/28
9. Crafting With An Attitude Challenges - September #7 - "Anything Goes" 10/7
10. Crafty Girls Creations Challenge - #4 "Anything Goes" 9/25
11. Simply Papercrafts For All Occasions Challenges #13 - Anything Goes - 9/24
12. Crafty Calendar Challenge - September - Anything Goes! 10/3

Warm Blogging Hugs,

Masculine Truck Card

Hello, Friends! Fun Summer Wishes to you and your families.

It feels good to write a post again. I miss you, and am slowly recovering (I hope).

Today's card uses an image from an extinct company - but they are still one of my all time faves. Personal Stamp Exchange PSX - do you remember them?

*SIGH*

I miss them.

So sad when a favorite company disappears.

(giggle - if only that were the biggest of our problems, right?)

All the products used on my card are old (including the cardstock) except the embossing folder.

Product List Below.

This stamp is also precious because it was "bequeathed" to me by Dottie Karvonen, a dear on-line stamping friend who has since passed away. Her daughter Lisa has become a friend, and I treasure all the encouragement and words of wisdom Lisa shares.

My simple card needed a little something. The Card Mania Challenge came to the rescue by suggesting the use of Metal Embellishments (the four corners are copper metal, and have been in my stash for some 8-10 years).

The inside is very simple, but continues the oval theme:

I've submitted my card to the following fun challenges:

1. Card Mania Challenges CMC#69 - Use Metal Embellishments or Ornaments 6/29
2. Cardz 4 Guys Challenges #76 - Use Dies or Punch - (3 SB Oval Dies) 7/1
3. Get Creative Challenges #17 "For the Boys or Father's Day" 7/1
4. Shopping Our Stash SOS #207 "For the Boys" 7/2 (Used an old PSX stamp which I've never before used, everything on this card is old except for the embossing folder - thanks for always inspiring me to look at my stash)
5. Clear It Out Challenge June 23 - July 7 Theme: YOUR STYLE, Stash: FAVORITE CRAFT PRODUCT (theme - copic markers, stash - rubber stamps - I love rubber stamps. In the past few years, I've neglected my stash of rubber in favor of digital cards or die cut cards. It's a pleasure playing with rubber again).
6. Outlawz Greeting Card Challenge GCC062215 "Father's Day or Masculine" 6/29
7. Crafts4Eternity #232 Metal Element (used 4 metal copper corners, and metal copper brad)
8. Simply Create Too #88 "Old, Vintage" (vintage truck with vintage style embellies) 7/2

Products:
Stamp: PSX K-2040 Truck (long in my stash, and first time use)
            Hero Arts Mini Sentiments (also very old)
Die Cuts: 2 Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Ovals
Studio K Twine (in stash, never before used)
Copic Markers
Embellishment Corners: OLD OLD Copper Metal Accents from ScrapEssentials, Copper brad
Cardstock: Neenah Ivory, Navy, Ivory 
Embossing Folder: Teresa Collins' Modern Stripe by Craftwell

Thanks for stopping by...
hugs,

Special Place {My Paper Moon Stamps}

Hello, Blogging Friends! I am beginning to feel a bit better these days and have a card share from last month! (Thanks for being very patient, Becky!)

This card is dedicated to Diane Brown.

Long time stamper Becky Parton owns a wonderful little shop called My Paper Moon. 

She has her own line of eclectic rubber stamps. I'll be showing some of her images in coming weeks.

• To receive 10% off your entire order, just use the code DE10 at checkout. 
• Or if you prefer free shipping, use the code DESHIP.

My Paper Moon - Unique Art Rubber Stamps and Accessories

My card features this darling rubber stamp:

The individuals words "SPECIAL" and "PLACE" were inked with a Tombow Marker, and then cut out for the left and right hearts.

The edges of the turquoise layer were distressed with my DisTrezz-It-All, coated with Aleene's Quick Dry Glue and dredged with Blue Nile Glitter by Sparkle N Sprinkle.

3/4 inch Double-sided tape was applied to the borders of the card base, then the heart panel was placed on top so that the white borders stuck to the tape. Starfire Glitter was then blanketed on top to give the borders that sparkly look.

Fits in a standard business-size envelope and will use a single postage stamp! 

(See? I did it!)

I hope you will enjoy browsing Becky's shop My Paper Moon.

products used:

• Stamp: Special Place  (please scroll down the page to the thumbnail)
• LifeStyle Nesting Hearts and Nesting Scallop Hearts
• Darice Scallop Hearts
• Martha Stewart Loops Heart punch
• Copic Markers, Tomboy Marker (for sentiments on 2 hearts)
• Inks: Memento in Danube Blue, Cottage Ivy and Plum; Pool Adirondak Ink
• Paper: Neenah Solar White, Turquoise, Marina, White
• Adhesives: Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Pop Ups, 3/4" Tear-ific Tape by Sparkle N Sprinkle to adhere glitter to the borders
• Glitter: Blue Nile, Starfire and Lemonade Ultrafine Glitter by Sparkle N Sprinkle

Challenges my card is submitted to:

1. Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge - Anything Goes May 25th GCC052515
2. Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #82 Anything Goes with bright and colourful! 6/4
3. Sister Act Challenge #108 "Anything Goes" 6/4
4. Addicted To Stamps #146 Anything Goes 6/1
5. Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge #229 Anything Goes 6/2

Big thanks for your e-mails, comments, and snail mail cards which brightened my days this past month! I try to remain flexible and content with these bad old exacerbations - I do cherish how you help make that possible! Hopefully I will be able to visit your blogs soon. Your amazing designs have been so missed!

love,

Winter Cardinal {Scrapy Land}

Welcome to my project for the 13th Scrapy Land Challenge!

(special welcome to new Google followers Chrissy Sharp and Kathi Rerek)

(my card is in honor of sweet blogging friend Mary of Carolina Stamps)

The Challenge is open until March 15. 

The theme is "ANYTHING GOES using any die manufacturer which Scrapy Land sells".  Scrapy Land sells over 40 brands of dies, including overseas products, and most are at a discount.

My cards feature the following Scrapy Land dies.
(for all the dies used, please see the product list at bottom of post)

• Scrapy Land Sue Wilson - Italian Collection - Umbria  (GORGEOUS!)
• Scrapy Land Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms (one of my favorite die sets)

This card was so fun to make!
Color the image, distress the edges and die cuts with Copics and Inks, and assemble! Voila!
From my "stash" I used the gorgeous SU cardinal, red silk rosebuds and the amazing Grand Decorative Circles!

Do you ever have an idea in your head for a card, but it morphs into something completely different?
That's what happened with this card.

Originally, the Sue Wilson "edging" on the top was not going to be placed in a diamond shape (but I dropped the die cut after glue was applied to the back, so that is where it stayed!). It actually looks better that way.

Copic Markers were a big help in coloring the image and distressing the die cuts in those intricate areas.

Products Used:

• Scrapy Land Sue Wilson - Italian Collection - Umbria  (GORGEOUS!)
• Scrapy Land Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms (one of my favorite die sets)
• Spellbinders Grand Stately Circles
• Spellbinders Grand Circles
• Stamps: SU! "Beauty of the Season" (cardinal) and "A Cardinal Christmas" (sentiment)
• Adhesives: Sparkle N Sprinkle Brushable Glue (for glitter), Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky (for everything else) 
• Glitter: Mark Enterprises Crystal Snow (fine - not ultrafine)
• Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaFine Onyx Black, Distressed Tumbled Glass
• Cardstock: White, Soft Blue, Copic Express-it White
• Markers: Copic B0000, B000, B00, B01, B02, Y26, R59, R29, E35, YG93, C9

Challenges I'm playing in:

1. 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown - #52CCT (Feb 28) Use Markers (colored the image and distressed part of the die cuts with Copics) 3/6
2. Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - #218 - Cut It Up! (cut die cuts and shapes) 3/6
3. Completely Christmas - #52 Add Texture (chunky glitter and dimensional flowers) 3/6
4. Jingle Belles - Feb 27 JB 15-05 - A Very Vibrant Christmas - (color inspiration the vibrant blue-green colors on the candle holder and plate charger inspired the deep colors on this card) 3/11
5. Outlawz Friday Coloring Challenge - CPC022715 - Christmas Twist - 3/5
6. A*Muse Studio Challenges - Mar 1 - Glitter - glitter is painted on the leaves and roses 3/6 (top 3 ann 1st wk April)
7. Sparkle N Sprinkle Feb 2015 - Anything Goes with Loose Glitter (one leaves and roses) 3/31
8. Whoopsi Daisy Challenge (Mar 2) Add a sentiment to your card 4/5
9. Clear It Out Challenge (Mar 2)  theme: Anything Goes stash: Anything Goes (From my old "stash" I used the gorgeous SU cardinal, red silk rosebuds and the amazing Grand Decorative Circles!)  3/9
10. Holly Jolly Christmas (Mar 3) Die Cuts and Punches (4 different die cut sets) 3/15

Stamping Hugs,

Snowy Fun Christmas {Scrapy Land}

Hi, Blogging Friends! 
And a special welcome to new follower Barb Burgess.
It is time for a new ANYTHING GOES Scrapy Land Challenge!

The Challenge is open until November 16. 

The theme is ANYTHING GOES using any die manufacturer which Scrapy Land sells (electronic die cuts do not qualify). Scrapy Land sells over 40 brands of dies, including overseas products, and most are at a great discount
  plus free shipping over $45!

Since it never snows in Florida (well, except for that time 2 years ago and in 1977), I created this snowy wintry scene on paper using 3 Sue Wilson's beautiful dies and 1 Spellbinders die.

My card uses the following die cuts:

All the dies are from Scrapy Land:

1. Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Basic Frames Set A California Collection CED1103
2. Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Seville Spanish Collection CED1203
3. Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Holly Accessory Kit - Festive Collection CED3014
4. Spellbinders Elegant Labels Four (outside frame)

The Sue Wilson Die (in white) has been inked with Lavender Pearl just to show you the embossed detail. This die set comes with 4 gorgeously shaped dies.

The background colors are navy blue, but they appear black (for some reason) in the photos. The snowy background is a Cuttlebug EF colored with Brilliance Moonlight White ink.

The Sue Wilson Festive Collection with Holly Accessory Kit contains several sizes of leaves and berries:

The glitter is from Tulip Treasures and Sparkle N Sprinkle. The mica flakes are from Stampin' Up! The two frilly white layers are the same shade of white, but the camera must have picked up the reflection or dry glue color, yellowing the top layer slightly. In real life, they look the same, but one is sparkly.

Please join us at Scrapy Land Challenge this month! 

The prize is great, and badges are awarded as well! 

You may enter as many times as you like.

Products Used:

• Scrapy Land Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Basic Frames Set A California Collection CED1103
• Scrapy Land Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Seville Spanish Collection CED1203
• Scrapy Land Creative Expressions Sue Wilson Holly Accessory Kit - Festive Collection CED3014
• Scrapy Land Spellbinders Elegant Labels Four (outside frame)
• Stamps: Inkadink-a-Clings Snowman 60-60083, "Joy" Inkadinkadoo Greetings
• Glitter: Sparkle N Sprinkle and Tulip Treasures
• Mica Flakes: Stampin' Up!
• Inks: Memento Paris Dusk, Brilliance Pearl Lavender, Distress Shaded Lilac, Stampin Up! Whisper White Pigment, Brilliance Moonlight White
• Colored with Copic Markers
• Cuttlebug Dotted Swiss embossing folder
• Paper: Neenah Solar White, Dark Navy

Challenges Playing In:

1. Fairy Tale Stampers #46 Something New - (The Snowman image is new, and so are the 3 Sue Wilson Die Cuts 11/15
2. Use Your Stuff #160 - Snow (Snowman, and snowing background) I've had this image for a few years, and this is the first time it has seen ink LOL 11/9
3.  Art By Miran - #18 Anything Goes 11/13
4. One Crazy Stamper - Nov "Anything Goes" 12/1
5. The Artistic Stamper Challenge - Nov - Christmas Is Coming - Must use rubber stamp (the Joy stamp and the little scene stamp are both by Inkadinkadoo and stamped with Paris Dusk ink) 12/1
6. Bearly-Mine Challenges - Nov - Christmas - 12/1
7. Craft Your Passion - #238 Bright and Sparkly - (I used 2 colors of glitter, and 2 sizes of glitter, and the iridescent sparkly mica flakes) 11/10
8. Crafty Cardmakers and More - ##126 Cut It Out (used 4 die cuts shown above)
9. Dream Valley - #94 Getting Ready for Christmas 11/11

Stamping Hugs,

My Besties Goes Shopping {Scrapbook Stamp Society}

Please leave a comment to become eligible for my September blog candy here.

Greetings, dear blogging friends! I am Guest Designing from My Besties images today.

And a very special welcome to new google followers Ina Good and Lady Anne.

Today's card share features a great Sketch from Your Next Stamp Challenge, bright sunny goldenrod yellow from Cupcake Inspirations and this darling little My Besties image. She is all decked out for shopping, something I actually detest!

UNLESS

It is shopping for crafting supplies, of course.

"I Love Shopping" Bestie can be found here.

She would be really cute in Christmas colors as well, preparing for the festivities about to come!

"I Love Shopping Bestie" is attired in late Summer/early Autumn hues (by Copic Markers), bringing sunny cheer to each of the shop personnel she greets.

The September sketch from Your Next Stamp Challenge was used.

It's a great design!

The papers are of unknown origin. They are a gift from my very talented blogging friend Marie Berquist. Because some matching embellishments were included with the Basic Grey logo on them, the papers may be by Basic Grey also. (Thank you, Marie! Are you surprised I've already utilized them?)

Love these bright colors from the Cupcake Inspirations Challenges this week! The bright yellow and kraft colored cardstock are perfect complements for this darling card!

The bow is from Stampin' Up Grosgrain ribbon, a Prima Flower, and sewn with a "Tiny Findings" button purchased from Michaels. The other buttons were stitched to the sketch layer, after the panels were stitched to the white panel. Martha Stewart Vintage Floral PAP is beneath the sweet Hero Arts sentiment.

Hanging my head in shame:

Prima Flower - gift from friend (never before used)

Hero Arts Stamap - about 6 years old (and never used)

SU Ribbon - about 5 years old (and never used)

Redeeming myself:

Patterned Papers - gift from Marie (arriving 2 days ago!)

Challenges:

1. Your Next Stamp Challenge: #16 sketch (shown above) 10/1
2. Cupcake Inspirations Challenge: #278 (see inspiration photo above - used 2 colors) 9/21
3. Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges: #194 Stitching (faux or real) Sewing machine stitched - both straight stitch and zig zag stitching 9/21
4. Fan-Tastic Tuesdays Challenge: #52 Anything Goes With Buttons (7 buttons sewn on) 9/16
5. My Besties Aussie Challenge: #28 Anything Goes with Besties and Flowers 9/30
6. Digi Sketch Challenge: September - "It's a Girl Thing" (I followed the theme only, and not the sketch) 9/30
7. Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge: #46 Anything Goes 9/20
8. 4 Krafty Girlz: #26 Anything Goes 9/18
9. Crafting from the Heart: Anything Goes 9/14

Products Used:

• Sherri Baldy My Besties IMG162 (shopping)
• Hero Arts "sparkle" sentiments set
• Spellbinders Long Classic Rectangles (LG) S4-142
• Spellbinders Curved Rectangles S5-006
• Inks: Salmon, Pummice, Paris Dusk dye-based
• Copic Markers
• MS Vintage Floral PAP
• Paper: White, Basic Grey PP, Kraft, Slate Blue
• Embossing Folder: Couture Creations "Constellations"

Thanks for visiting Today!
Shopping Hugs,