I love a Green Gnome? and a freebie sentiment

Hello, everyone! 

Back in December 2025 (yikes!) I enjoyed a wonderful playdate with my friend Ana. She brought this cute Woodware Gnome Stamp which she had won. Hoping to make some St. Patrick's Day cards for friends, I stamped off a few and got to coloring. Then Life happened, and the cards were not completed until mid April! LOL But I'd still like to share them. No reference to St. Patty's Day, so they COULD be used for other occasions, but they are pretty green! I DO enjoy monochromatic cards, so these were fun to make. First, I colored with Copic Markers:

Then a visit to the scrap box was in order for layering. For the first card, I used a couple Martha Stewart edge bunches. I really do miss EK Success and Martha Stewart! 

After flocking the beard, a heart of gold was glittered up, because after all, it is a person's heart that is so beautiful, not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Products: Stamps: Woodware Gnome Rainbow set, Dies: Tutti Stitched Rectangles, MS Traditional Scallop Edge, MS Daisy Edge, MS embossable Zig-Zag Edger,Other: White Flocking (beard), Glitter (clear mixed with green for the sky), Gold mixed with green for the rainbow and heart, Inks: DO mowed lawn, Copic Markers, Cardstock - 3 greens, 110lb Neenah Classic Crest CS white, My Favorite Things Cloud stencil.

Next came two cards made with more scraps and Spellbinders Grand Labels Four. A stencil helped create a fun background. To sparkle the clouds up, I applied Art Institutes fine point glue and added clear glitter mixed with pale green. Even the horizontal pieces have been glittered:

In real life, they are quite sparkly!

(Honk! if you love glitter!) giggle

Products: Dies: SB Labels Four Grands, Tutti Stitched Rectangles, MS Lace Heart Edger, MS embossable Zig-Zag Edger, Other: White Flocking (beard), Glitter (clear mixed with green for the sky), Green, Gold mixed with green for the rainbow and heart, Inks: DO mowed lawn, DI rustic wilderness Copic Markers, Cardstock - Bazzill green, K&Company pattern, 110lb Neenah Classic Crest CS white, My Favorite Things Cloud stencil.

A couple more using the same techniques, but with different scraps, and SB Grand Scallop Ovals:

With all the "old beloved goodies" from my stash, I also stamped a cute leafy image to complement the sequined cardstock. The dots were colored after running through an embossing folder.

Products: Dies: Tutti Stitched Rectangles, SB Big Scallop Ovals Grands, Leafy Image Starving Artistamps (2004) stamped with Mowed Lawn DO, MS embossable Zig-Zag Edger, MS Lace Heart Edger, Darice 5x7 dot EF, Green Sequin cardstock, My Favorite Things Cloud stencil.

Thanks for enjoying my 5 cards that took 5 months to put together! LOL Slowly but surely, right? In the meantime, here is the interior sentiment if you would like a digital (click to make full size before saving):

Challenges I would like to play in please:

1. Paper Funday Challenges #86 AG with die cuts and punches (I have used both on each card - the products are listed beneath the photos) 5/4 (sep post)
2. All Sorts Challenge #847 AG in the Garden - the products used are listed under each card with Woodware Stamps being the main feature 4/24 (sep post)
3. Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenge #4 AG Fantasy 5/2
4. Crafty Catz #711 AG 4/23
5. Craft Rocket Challenges #135 Layer it Up 4/28
6. Shopping Our Stash Weekly #571 "I don't sweat, I SPARKLE 4/21 (the sky background is hand glittered, the rainbows are hand glittered, the hearts are hand glittered, some of the layers are glittered, some of the layers are sequin paper, very sparkly in person!) sep post.
7. A Perfect Time To Craft April 1 #4 - 4/26
8. Heart's Quest Challenge Blog #84 Anything with a heart - this rainbow protects a heart of gold rather than leading to a pot of gold! Thanks for the fun challenge. 4/27
9. Inspiration Station Challenge #84 AG with inspiration photo below (green, "shoes/feet", flowers) 5/4

On the Homestead here in Florida:

Like the rest of you, we have been experiencing strange weather. Here in central Florida, an early winter blasted its way through last Autumn, bringing unusual freezing temps down in the low 20s. The farmers had a rough time of it. Then we had early hot weather this Spring, breaking records with the 90s in March! 

Do you know what a staghorn fern looks like? Ours were a good 6-8 feet wide when the freezes hit. This is what happened after the awful blizzards made their way to Florida:

This is the east part of our front pasture, coated in ice. The grass matches the hues found in the hanging Spanish Moss and the gray dirt of the drive way coming up from the gate!

Normally, all that gray stuff is bright green (west front pasture)

I know these scenes are trivial compared to what most of you endured this past winter. Nevertheless, it severely impacts the wildlife (especially migrating species), the environment, and economic endeavors for the state.

Hoping you are doing well this spring. I am completely homebound except for doctor appointments. Wishing you Beauty, Love, and Patience always...

Rustic Medallion with a Little Lace {Sparkle N Sprinkle}

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My Fabulous March Blog Candy!

Hello, dear friends! Because all our "south of the equator" blogging buddies are moving into Autumn, these creations are for them!

Fellow blogger Desire Fourie (way down "south" in South Africa) inspires me with each one of her unique card designs. The medallions on my cards are taken from her Fabulously Folded Flower Medallions. (how's that for alliteration?)

Desire has several tutorials, but this one appealed to me. 

I placed the petals in the same direction, rather than creating "mirror image petals" as Desire suggested. Please check out her blog because she has several excellent interesting folded embellishment tutorials.

The printed papers are from my stash - over 8 years old... (sad but true LOL)

The Copper Flame embossing powder is brand new from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

The distressing is done with Walnut Distress Ink and By The Lake embossing powder, also from SNS.

Chipboard looks fabulous when covered with paint, EP or Glitter. Perfect way to add dimension without making things too thick for the postal service.

The checkerboard embossing folder is from Shona Erlenborn. The brad below was heat embossed with SNS Gold Detail EP.

VersaFine was used with the "just because" stamp from SNS Rocco With Roses.

Thanks for stopping by! Products used are listed below, with the great challenges I've entered!
hugs,

Products Used:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Rocco With Roses Stamp Set #527 ('just because')
Sparkle N Sprinkle Copper Flame Mixed Media embossing powder EP453 *NEW*
Sparkle N Sprinkle By The Lake embossing powder EP400
Sparkle N Sprinkle Gold Detail Embossing Powder EP168 (on the brad)
VersaMark Ink (712353310018)
Sparkle N Sprinkle Brushable Glue #540
SNS-Want 2 Scrap chipboard Style D #816722012647
SNS-Want 2 Scrap chipboard Word Sentiments of Love #816722016140 
VersaFine Deep Lagoon Ink
Walnut Stain Distress Ink

Tea Dye Distress Ink

Embossing Folder - Darice Borders (card 1 and 2)
Embossing Folder - Couture Creations "Constellations" (card 3)
Spellbinders Decorative Elements Tear Drop Circles S4-344
Spellbinders Standard Circle Petite S4-116 (8 circles for the medallion)
Martha Stewart Leaves and Branch Deep Edge Punch
Martha Stewart Laurel Leaf Punch Around the Page
Martha Stewart Zig Zag Edger
Cardstock: Brown, Umber, Pale Melon, Turquoise, Patterned Paper
Brad (for medallion center)
Lace (optional for medallion layer)

Challenges Entered:

1. Artistic Inspirations - #84 Anything Goes - 3/31
2. UnstampaBelles Challenges - #33 Must have 3 different geometric shapes and no stamp images (cards 1 and 2) round, square, rectangle, Cones (in medallions), V-shape triangles (3/31)
3. Use Your Stuff - #128 - Use Ink (used VersaFine in sentiment, Walnut Distress ink all over each layer, including each petal of the flower medallions, VersaMark was applied on brads for EP to be applied, and VM was also applied randomly on the layers so EP could be applied for distressing around the edges. Old Papers which had never been used. (3/31)
4. Crafts and Me - #146 - Anything Goes (4/3)
5. Crafty Hazel Nut's Patterned Paper Challenge - March 2014 (4/1) - Use patterned paper from stash in project - the distress leaf PP was used as the main card focal point and also in each of the folded medallions.
6. Through The Purple Haze - #34 Bingo - (left vertical column Flower-Image-Punch (card #3)  3/30 

A Hoot Of A Prize! (Whoo Will Win?)

A hearty September One Welcome to you, my blogging friends, and my newest followers - Shirley, Irina, Mayra, Diane, "yellowfawnlily",  - and my latest friends from Bloglovin and other Readers!

2 chances to win

the 1st with our Owlette Release Contest
 and
the 2nd with the SNS monthly challenge!

 In addition to the new Challenge at the Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges Blog this month, we have a special treat. But first, we'd like to invite you to the Challenge which is 

"Anything Goes with Glitter, Embossing Powder and/or Flocking." 

There will be three winners each month, and badges, too!

But Today...

 Sparkle N Sprinkle is releasing a cute little owlette set created by artist Becky Muir. 

For a chance to win the Owlette stamp set and an embossing powder and a glitter, we are kicking things off with a Mystery Designer Party!

On one of the participating blogs below, a Commenter will be selected to receive the prize. 

No one knows who the Mystery Designer is, so you may wish to visit each Sparkle Team Member's blog to leave a comment. 

The winner will be announced on September 3 on Facebook, the SNS blog, and on our blogs:

Belinda Shupe

Shona Erlenborn

Craft E Marie Berquist

April "Stampwilly" Williams

and Guest Designers:

Barbara Bruder

and me! (you are here - chuckle)

AND AND AND

This darling Owlette set is available  at 20% off 

as part of our Labor Day specials. 

Just use the code LABOR20 in the COMMENTS SECTION 

when checking out in the SNS on-line store 

to receive this brand new set at 20% off.

Promotion valid through September 3. (sorry, credit card customers only. Total will be manually adjusted. Or phone the SNS shoppe on Monday).

To see what Beccy's digi team has created, please click here.

This was such a fun card to put together - because there was GLITTER and more Glitter and LOTS of GLITTERY embossing powder. I'm more than partial to sparkly EP.

It's probably an addiction.

They say the first step to getting well is acknowledging there is a problem. 

But do I want leave my life of Sparkle behind?

My Tip Today:


Making a straight line for embossing powder: In my card above, there is a green glittery base created with Moss Star embossing powder. On top of that is a Brown Umber matte layer with the MS Punch Around the Page edger.

That "coppery-glittery-mica-powdery texture next to the decorative edging is the same brown paper - not a separate layer.

When using frame die cuts or Martha's punch-around-the-page punches, it is possible to achieve two textures on one layer by carefully applying VersaMark ink around the edge of the punched out panel.

Lay your stamp pad carefully on the line where the EP is desired. Kind of press hard, with just a tad of "smooshing", but don't move the pad or you'll lose the straight line (got that?) haha

Once that is done (you may need to do two or more separate applications between embossings so the VM does not dry), simply sprinkle on your EP and heat.

Above is a close-up of 

Groucho Marx Owl (the big guy with bushy eyebrows) 

and 

Zombie Owl (far right).

The little guy on the far left is sporting a "bur head" buzz hair cut with Buff color flocking.

(grin)

Beautiful creamy Bronze Rose Cosmic EP for the sentiment provides more bling,
    more dimension,
         atop the Peruvian Lily Velvet glitter ring,
               and
                    the Dandy Dandelion Glittery EP!

ADDICTED!

       ADDICTED

                           YIKES!

(but I don't want any help - I like my addiction)


Tip Number Two: 
The very glittery yellow scallop circle was made by smooshing VersaMark Ink on Ivory colored cardstock, and heat embossing Dandy Dandelion EP on it. Punch as needed.

One last wonky photo to show off the various textures LOL:

For complete directions to recreate a card or project like this, please click here.

Thanks for visiting today.

Remember to leave a comment on all 6 blogs because whoo knows which of us is the Mystery Designer? 

(secretly, I hope you will win! - but please don't tell anyone else)

If you are having trouble leaving comments, or have other questions, please click here for more details.

Craft Room Challenges is challenging us to use "new/unused" things in our stash. This cute new owlette set is one thing, but the MS Double Scallop Edger border punch has been in my stash for over a year, and never been used (shamefully admitting).

SNS Techniques Used:
Flocking Basics (with video) using Dimensional Glue
Making Glitter Paper (using colored EPs)
Staz-on and Velvet Glitters (steps one and two only)

Products Used:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Owlette Stamp Set (#511)  (20% off thru Sept 3)
Sparkle N Sprinkle 1/4" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle 3/4" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle 2.5" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle Dimensionals
Sparkle N Sprinkle Brushable Glue
Sparkle N Sprinkle MIXTURE of Moss and Pine Star EPs
Sparkle N Sprinkle Bronze Rose Cosmic Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Log Cabin Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Moss Star Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Dandy Dandelion Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Evening Glow Glitter
Sparkle N Sprinkle Peruvian Lily Velvet Glitter
Sparkle N Sprinkle Amber Wheat Flocking
Sparkle N Sprinkle Buff Flocking
SNS Assorted "E" Copic Markers
SNS Inks: Distress Peeled Paint, Distress Antique Linen, VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Sizzix Leaf Branch
MS - Double Scallop Edger
MS - Scalloped Scallop Edger
MS - leaf branch punch
MS - Lace Flourish PAP
EKS - scallop border
SU - Scallop Circle Punch
SU - 1.25" Circle Punch
SU - 1 3/8" Circle Punch
Spellbinders: Long Classic Rectangles
Cardstock: White, SNS Neenah White (for owlettes), Umber Brown, Dark Brown, Olive
Lace, Flowers

This Hoot of a Card is submitted to the following wonderful challenges:

#5 below (Hanna and Friends) Bingo + live cute animals

1. Craft Room Challenges - "Something New"(MS Double Scallop Edger and Owlette set) T (9-3)
2. Oldie But A Goodie Challenge - "Embossing + at least 6 months old" (5 embossing powders) plus MS Double Scallop Edger which is over a year old and never used. T (9-3)
3. Party Time Tuesdays - "Anything Goes" - T(W)9-3
4. Through the Craft Room Door - "Anything Goes" T(W)9-3
5. Hanna and Friends - #179 "Bingo+cute living animals" (owlettes, glimmer+flowers+dies) 2W (ends 9/11)
6. Paper Crafting Journey - Aug 22 "Anything Goes" (Th ends 9/12)
7. Crafters Cafe - #26 "Embossing" (embossing powder on sentiment, 3 layers and leaves) W(W)
8. Inspire Me Fridays - #118 "Anything Goes" (F, week)
9. Jellypark Friends - Aug23 "Things That Fly" - (owls) F-2W (9/6)
10. Totally Gorjuss - #199 Texture - (lots of glitter, EP and flocking, lace)

Wonder Whooooo The Mystery Designer is? Maybe me?


Thanks for sharing my day today, see you at your blog!
hugs,

Sweet As Can Be

Happy Thursday! Today's card share is way different for me, and has a lot of "firsts".

What are all my firsts?


It is my first "Cutesy" card. I will make more. (smile)


It is my first card with a Digi Image: Have you been putting it off? It was not nearly as difficult as I made it out to be. (do you ever make things more difficult than they really are?)

Over on the Besties' Site, this adorable freebie "Tiffany and Squeek" was offered so that everyone could participate in her weekly challenge.

Squeek reminds me of the Blue Bird Of Happiness - they are so sweet together.

It is my second time for using Copic Markers in this manner. Is there a trick to staying in the lines? Or is it my fumble fingers which don't cooperate?

Another first- Sneak peek for the sentiments.



They are part of the new Sparkle N Sprinkle Spring Floral #490 set designed by Beccy Muir.


Sparkle embossing powder and Copic markers also from SNS.

The Sparkle EP is used on the dryer sheet, blue panel, and Decorative Labels Eight in order to provide depth to the distress color, and some sparkle, too, of course.

More - It is my first easel card (wonder why I waited so long?

Another first - One blogger mentioned she die cut used dryer sheets for her flowers.

I tried it with Spellbinders dies, but they would not cut through the dryer sheet.

So I stitched the dryer sheet between the lace and blue panel to add some body and fru fru.

I will use more dryer sheets in cardmaking. :-)

It is also the first time my Labels Eight and Decorative Elements Labels Eight have been used - they are beautiful dies!

Thanks for popping by to share my day of "firsts".

Products:
Besties Tiffany and Squeek
Spellbinders Labels Eight Nesties
Spellbinders Decorative Elements Labels Eight
Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish
MS PAP Deep Edge Floral Crochet
MS Lace Doily border punch
Copic Markers from Sparkle N Sprinkle
Sparkle embossing powder from SNS
Cardstock: White, Bazzill Pink, SU Pink, Bazzill Yellow, Blue
Inks: Shell Pink dye ink, Versafine Olympia Green pigment ink, VersaMark pigment ink, Sky Blue Brilliance pigment ink
Lace, Dryer Sheet, white flowers

This card has been submitted to the following challenges:

Besties Challenge - #8 - Lace (fabric lace, 2 lace punches)
Cuttin and Stampin - #9 - Use Flowers
Oldie But A Goodie -  Feeling Floral (Labels 8 dies are more than 6 months old)
Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes with femininity
Party Time Tuesday's - #110 Die Cuts (badge is at top in tab)
Shopping Our Stash - #92 Border Punches (2 MS border punches)
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
ABC Challenges - Anything Goes
Artistic Inspirations - #31 Things with Wings (girl holding blue bird)
Crafty Bloggers Network - #9 Spring or Pastel

Stamping Hugs,

Kindness by Sparkle N Sprinkle Sketch

Hi! I'm showing a VERY easy card today, which features the SNS Challenge Sketch -- it's a simple sketch, conducive to just about any image (and a chance at winning any large stamp set!).

A new embossing folder called Compassionate from Couture Creations was used. (I love love LOVE it!). Dry Embossing on mirror cardstock always produces a WOW card. 

Using a sanding block, I lightly removed some of the finish from the embossed mirror cardstock. It is burnished with a bit more pressure on the detail-raised areas (bringing out the white base), and more lightly on the bold-raised areas (just enough to deglaze the mirror aspect, but leaving the color). 

The Vintage Floral Punch Around the Page was used as the backdrop for "Your Kindness Is Appreciated" by SNS. It is embossed with the new Mulberry Tuscany Creamy Cosmic embossing powder.

Also used are Pink Sherbert and Lemonade dye inks, and VersaMark ink. Simple!

Thanks for stopping by.
Stamping Hugs,

Springy Star Card

Hi! It feels good to be posting again. I hope Life has been good to you since our last visit.

Today's card share is for a very dear friend. It is the result of our Florida Stampers Get Together where Paula demo'd a Star Card. We all made templates for future use. Here's my card: fi-nal-leee.

PaperCraft Inspirations has a wonderful free template section. They have two marvelous, life-size PDF documents to download. Simply place them on your 12"x12" light-weight cardstock and mark the places which require trimming or scoring. 


If you prefer videos, check out "Molly Scrap" on YouTube.

Finally, Tracy at "I Wanna Build A Memory" has a very easy to follow, pictorial tutorial here.  

A Scoring Board and Tool are highly recommended for this project.

It was fun using K&Company's Sweet Nectar DP, and Spellbinder's Rose Creations dies S5-050.

Stonewashed dye ink was smudged around the edges of each layer, tag and floral die. Pink pastels were applied in the tags as well. Stamps are from Anna Griffin's "You Are" set. Simple tag punch from EK Success, and Martha Stewart's Vintage Floral Punch Around the Page were also used.

If you've not created a Star Card before, please don't be intimidated. Even I found following the template remarkably easy. I'm looking forward to making more of these cards.

This card has been submitted to the following challenges:
Gingersnap Creations - GC142 Border Punches
My Mums Craft Shop - #48 - Mum's the Word
The Pixie Cottage - #112 Perfect Pastels
Whimsical Designs - "Going Green" (use Green somewhere)
City Crafter - #100 - Things in my Heart (this card is made for a very dear friend)
Sweet Stamps - #57 Think Spring

Thanks for dropping by today!

Happy St. Patrick's Day hugs,