from my ink pad to yours

April 10, 2021

A Birthday Blog Hop: His & Hers

Today we are doing a Birthday Blog Hop with Stamping Inkspirations! I decided to do his and hers birthday cards with a few soon to retire sets that have been calling for me to play with them.

Before you get too comfy grab a cuppa and get ready for lots of birthday ideas. Angie has put together a group of over 30 stampers to give you loads of ideas!

This is the first card I made. I got the sketch idea from a two year old Stampin' Up! catalog. Basically it involved a larger circle in the upper right portion of the card. Perfect for my CAS style.
I used a blending bush to add Bermuda Bay ink to my Basic White card base in the area my overlaid circle would be.
I cut a circle out of a Basic White card front and ran it through my Stampin Cut & Emboss with the Pinewood Planks folder.
Then I cut another circle out of a piece of heavy Basic White cardstock. Setting the die cut circle aside for another card, I used a large scallop circle from Layering Circles dies to cut the scalloped frame from the remaining piece.
The umbrella is punched from Daffodil Delight DSP. I'm going to miss the polka dots when these designer series papers retire! I filled it with flowers that were colored with Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo Blends.
Add a few Basic Pearls or a little punch.
Itty Bitty Birthdays supplied the inside greetings for this and the following card along with a few extra flowers.

To be honest I bought this first set, Game On, because of the little checks image. Lately I've been seeing a cards on social media using these great collage images.
I prepared the Misty Moonlight card layer just as I did the Basic White layer in the previous card. I added it to a Basic White card base.
Using the leftover white circle from the previous card I stamped the greeting, playing cards and checks from the Game On stamp set. I also stamped the dice image on Basic White Heavy cardstock and cut it out.
I used a little Light Crumb Cake Blends to age the images a little more.
The skinny Cherry Cobbler frame is done with the largest Stitched Shapes circle die which has the center cut out with a Layering Circles die.
Sprinkle with Gold Metallic Pearls.
The Itty Bitty Birthdays message and chess images were used on the inside of the card.

Many of these supplies, including Game On, Under My Umbrella, Itty Bitty Birthdays and the Stitched Shapes Dies will retire in early May (5/3) and I really had been itching to use them a little more...

...but then along came a box of goodies with some new stuff and I just had to add a card for anyone who is young at heart:

These little birds from Party Puffins are so adorable! This guy is going to be "puffin" out those candles.
Same basic sketch but I eliminated the circle frame and chose to use a newer pattern of DSP (3 7/8" x 5 1/8") in Bermuda Bay. This is layered over a piece of Bermuda Bay cut just 1/8" larger.
The images are stamped with Stazon to get a nice deep black.
Colors are Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Granny Apple Green.
Make a Wish is from the same set and is white embossed on Basic Black on a hand trimmed flag, layered onto a similar Melon Mambo flag.
Party Puffins will be available beginning May 4, 2021.

Now it's time to check out the other blogs. Cheryl Hamilton is next.

Angie McKenzie ● Leonie Stuart ● Alejandra Gomez

Danielle Kassing ● Annette Ball ● Kirstie Pattrick

Linda Moore ● Mo Rootes ● Libby Fens

Tricia Butts ● Jan Musselman ● Aurélie Fabre

Narelle Fasulo ● Sandra Mastello ● Karen Henderson

Susan Simpson ● Susan Webster ● Melissa Faust

JoAnn Pollock ● Gez Carpenter ● Jo Blackman

Jill Chapman ● Rochelle Laird-Smith ● Melissa Gifford

Terry Hamilton ● Deb Macdowell ● Satomi Wellard

Shel Anderson ● Elaine de Montmorency ● Ann Krucek

Chris Smith ● Cheryl Hamilton ● Teri West

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

Check out the Stampin' Up! catalogs link at the top of my blog. If you don't have regular Stampin' Up Demonstrator and would like hard copies of any of our current catalogs please feel free to email me at cbondersonsmith@gmail.com

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a minimum $50 (US) order using the April host code, CCTYVJAU, I will send you a free gift. US customers only. Customers placing an order smaller than $50 will still receive my thank you card.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Under My Umbrella Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

Brights 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Posted at 05:00 PM in Game on, Party Puffins, Under My Umbrella | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 06, 2021

Floating & Fluttering Backgrounds with the Stamparatus

Welcome to my blog, whether this is your first visit or one of many. I've taken much of the last week off from stamping and blogging but I'm back today with a post about the Stamparatus, the Floating and Fluttering Bundle along with links for a blog hop so you can really get your fill of Stamparatus ideas.

While this set was designed to arrange the butterflies after they've been die cut, the stamps also make wonderful backgrounds, especially when you add the Stamparatus. I've had fun experimenting with different ways to work with these two. While I meant to do a video, I've had trouble getting the lighting right while we are staying up near Lake Superior so I hope the extra pictures will help.

This card takes advantage of the wreath technique. This technique makes use of a template that has two perpendicular squares cut into it. I used a square from the Stitched Shapes to cut this pattern:
If you want to make sure that you make the die cuts evenly, score two perpendicular lines to mark the center of your template. You can use these to line up your dies.
I then used a Seaside Spray square cut with the same die as the base for my wreath and the small leaflet stamp to make my wreath.
Rotate your square base, stamping an image in each spot until you have eight images forming a circle. I moved my leaflet to a second spot on my Stamparatus plate and repeated the process to get to total of 16 leaflets in my wreath.
I added a butterfly and greeting from Itty Bitty Greetings to finish off my wreath element. That tiny greeting works perfectly as a little tab much as you might find on a pocket. Itty Bitty Greetings will retire at the end of this month.
I used a background piece I had stamped earlier, softening it with vellum on top of my white card base. I think I did it with the Stamparatus - but didn't write down how I did it. Arghhh!!! I did keep track of how I did this next card:

I wanted to see if I could make a template that allows you to stamp on a rectangular piece.
I started with a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (A2 Cardfront) as my pattern and also cut a 7 3/8" x 7 3/8" piece which is as large a square as you can use in your Stamparatus:
It might help to score/mark the center with a diagonal (optional).
Then you will want to lay your A2 pattern on top so that it looks like all of your A2 corners are about equidistant from the edges of the template square. Trace and then do a quarter turn, line it up again and trace again.
I used my trimmer to cut a little "x" into the middle for a place to get my scissors started. I think it is faster to trim this out with my scissors but you could choose to do so with the trimmer itself.
Here it is all cut out. It is the same piece - I'm taking these pictures up near the lake. I either have too much light or not enough so it's hard to keep them consistent.
Here is how it looks in the Stamparatus.
You will want to practice a bit on some scratch paper to make sure you get your multiple butterfly image just where you want it.
Then you rotate it through a quarter turn between each image stamped. You will get a few blank spots with this particular image. Use the tiny leaflet to fill them in or incorporate the blank spots into your other images.
This template can be used with any other stamps. Just have fun playing!
This was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Granny Apple Green Blends. I trimmed it down to allow a black and white border.

Now it's time to check out some other ideas! You are at Chris Smith's blog. The next stop on the hop will be Vicki Kello.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Posted at 11:05 AM in Floating & Fluttering | Permalink | Comments (7)

March 31, 2021

Hey Birthday Chick or Ornate Style???

It took me awhile to wrap my head around this week's color challenge over at Splitcoaststampers ... and a Paper Craft Crew sketch challenge. Dessert is supposed to be anything spring. As you can see I used a little different idea for "spring"! Even though I struggled in the beginning, in the end in the end I created 4 cards.

Here are the colors...

Pool Party

Pacific Point

Old Olive

...and the card I brought to the challenge:

As I've blogged before, these chickens look good in any color and I couldn't resist the "spring chicken" line!
I added depth and detail to my coloring with Old Olive and Pacific Point watercolor pencils after first putting down a layer of Pool Party and Light Old Olive Blends. Mixing them let me get the challenge colors in all of the coloring. It's also easier to get deep colors on the edges without bleeding by using the pencils.
Polka Dot DSP - 6x6" subtles - keep a light hearted spring like theme going. To be honest this piece has been cut with a Stitched Rectangle Die for another sketch and then set aside. It worked perfectly here and let me stay in my CAS comfort zone.

Here is a second "spring chicken" card that didn't quite seem to have enough Old Olive to flesh out the challenge:

This makes use of the Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder which will retire at the end of next month. Tap your Crumb Cake ink pad on the inside of the folder before doing the embossing to get the added definition.
The stitched circle is made with my well loved Stitched Shapes Dies, also retiring. The scalloped circle, part of the Layering Circles Dies will stick around for the next catalog. Whew!

Now, for this challenge it is totally acceptable to add colors from Stampin' Up!'s Neutral color family - but there are no yellows so once I had my color challenge card I moved on just a bit and added Daffodil Delight to the challenge colors when I moved on to the Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge:

Here is the Paper Craft Crew #420 sketch challenge:

You can see I tried to get quite a ways out of the box for the sketch challenge. You probably know I'm a lover of white space and I often don't do well with symmetry. So....

I used the Whimsy Dies that basically just cut designs into you cardstock instead of cutting out shapes. I used two sizes, breaking another symmetry rule.
I wasn't sure how the little rectangle element would work in that spot so I decided to anchor it with the Ornate Style bouquet stamped into the corner. You will want to do the stamping and coloring prior to adding the die cut "stitches".
This is another card where I wanted just the skinniest of borders so I cut the Pacific Point layer just 1/16" larger than my main layer which was 4" x 5.25".
"I'm here for you is from Itty Bitty Greetings. Both stamp sets are requiring.

Finally, here is a card that I started for the Color challenge on Monday but just couldn't seem to pull it all together until I had worked through all of the others.

Lots of retiring goodies here: Ornate Garden Specialty Paper which was colored for the border
Ornate Border Dies was used for the lacy Pacific Point edge.
So Sentimental is the source of the beautiful wedding card greeting.
The Ornate Style Bouquet is colored much the same as the previous card except this one was cut out and attached to the corner. I did use the part that were trimmed off on the inside of the card.

BODY

BLOG HOP

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a minimum $50 (US) order using the March host code, JZNC7WQE, I will send you a free gift. US customers only. Customers placing an order smaller than $50 will still receive my thank you card.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Ornate Garden Specialty Designer Series Paper

Posted at 06:30 AM in Hey Birthday Chick, Ornate Garden Suite, So Sentimental | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2021

March Paper Pumpkin Idea Blog Hop

It's a Paper Pumpkin Saturday! Have you received yours? The March Paper Pumpkin is a versatile outdoor scene set that comes with a free set of stencils.

I have a few ideas to share that you can use even if you have made all of the card, plus a handy idea to make using the stencils easier. Then I'll send you on your way to visit some other blogs that are sharing March Paper Pumpkin ideas. Lastly, I'll share a little video from Stampin' Up! so you can see a little more about what this kit offered. While it's too late to order this Paper Pumpkin you have until April 10th to order next month's kit. I hope whether you have this month's kit or not you will find some ideas that you can use.

I have several friends who are new to stamping so I wanted to share some ideas that don't require too many other supplies. Since some of them also have the February kit I did use some of those supplies, along with a few other basic options.

I had fun playing with the stencils on this card! Since my friends are using ink spots I though a bit about how those work with stencils. I added a Basic White card base, along with a leftover envelope from the February kit.
First of all you receive a sponge with your kit this month. I cut mine into 1/6's but you might like to try 1/4's or 1/5's. Since these stencils aren't to large I thought smaller might work a little better.
It might be easy to get ink on your fingers as you try to hold the small ink spot still as you ink your sponge. I you have a silicone sheet or some other non-slip surface in your kitchen it may help to put your little ink spots on that. Another thing you can do if you haven't opened up your spot yet is to only remove the label on one side so that you have kind of a hinge. You can hold it open in such a way that keeps the ink off your fingers.
I used Mossy Meadow and Calypso Coral since these were the ink spots in the February and March Paper Pumpkin kits.

I added Some Crumb Cake cardstock and a Pretty Peacock ink to make this simple yet classic card. You have 4 extra laser cut Tree scenes in you kit and this is about the easiest thing you can do with them.

This card makes use of another one of the extra laser cut trees. I just sponged over the stars stencil with White Craft ink and then embossed with white embossing powder.
The greeting, which I think is intended to go with the birthday greeting but with the stars and trees I think it would work for a Nwe Year's card. I stamped it on a scrap strip of Basic White and cut a little flag into the left edge.

It's time to move on to the next blog. Just a reminder that you are now at Chris Smith's blog and will want to move on to Jennifer Sharron's blog.

Here is the video to show you more about this Paper Pumpkin kit, Here's To You:

Would you like to get in on the surprise of Paper Pumpkin? The theme is "cool treats" and your kit will involve some kind of treat packaging.You have until April 10th to order your own Paper Pumpkin for next month.

Next month I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

Posted at 11:00 AM in Paper Pumpkin | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 22, 2021

Watery Blues

I'm joining in on a watery blues color challenge today:

This challenge is with the:

...and these are our colors and inspiration!

When I was first thinking about this challenge I thought I might play with some of my lighthouse stamps but then I decided to get a little more adventurous and break out a new set, Circle Celebration. Whether they are under the sea miniature sea life of microscopic waterdroplets...I'll let you decide.

There is nothing fancy about the stamping, just pure playfulness as I started getting to know this versatile set. I used a couple of blended scraps about to be discarded do add a little interest to my border. I think that now that I'm getting to know this set it will make wonderful abstract designs all on it's own PLUS be a source of accents while I'm using other stamps. I'm looking forward to mixing it up with some more flowers!
This card only uses Basic White cardstock for paper and the challenge colors in ink pads - as far as ink and paper go.
The greeting is from the So Sentimental Bundle: wonderful messages with great stitched dies.
The twine is from the Flowers for Every Season Ribbon Combo. I looped it through a small hole punched into the side of the die cut with Detailed Trio Punch.

Now it's time to check out the rest of the blog hop! You are at Chris Smith's blog and the next stamper on the hop is Susan Elise Schultz.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Circle Celebration Photopolymer Stamp Set

So Sentimental Cling Stamp Set (English)

Flowers For Every Season Ribbon Combo Pack

Posted at 10:58 AM in Circle Celebration | Permalink | Comments (10)

March 18, 2021

Easter Ideas Blog Hop

Today's post is part of an Easter Blog Hop:

I'm featuring a pair of stamp sets, Gift of Hope and Butterfly Gala, today. I've featured them together in the past and now I'm going to show them with some rather simple supplies, yet feature three variations.

All three of these cards use the same cardstock measurements:
8.5" x 5.5" Crumb Cake folded into a 4.25" x 5.5 card base.
3 5/8" x 4 7/8" Crumb Cake Layer for embossing
3 3/4" x 5" Basic White cardstock for layering.
I suggest a 4" x 5 1/4" layer for the inside greeting.
Crumb Cake and White is a very classic combination. Though you can certainly add you coloring medium of choice, white embossing does well all on it's own!
I stamped with White Craft before embossing with white emboss powder. You could also use Versamark but I especially like to use white when I am stamping more than one image since it is easier to see. Sometimes I also think I get a crisper image when I use craft.
I think you could use several of Stampin' Up!s butterfly stamp sets for these cards. I really like the scale and fine detail of Butterfly Gala with this springlike wreath.

I think this is my favorite Easter card layout because it features "He lives" as the focal point.

I think this version would work well for a sympathy OR greeting of encouragement.

This is such a versatile design. I think it could work for Easter, Confirmation or Sympathy, depending on what you use for your inside greeting.

All of these could be somewhat mass produced for a great supply of cards to have on hand. Just add your Stamparatus!

Now it's time to check out some more wonderful ideas. You are at Chris Smith's blog and if you are following in order you move along to see what Susan Elise Schultz has prepared for us.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Posted at 10:59 AM in Butterfly Gala, Gift of Hope | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 13, 2021

Arrange a Wreath for Spring

Spring Fever is in full swing (up here in the northern hemisphere, anyway) and I have a project and a hop for you to enjoy. Angie has everyone sharing Easter or spring projects today and I think it will be great fun to see what everyone created along the hop.

Here is what my project looked like earlier this morning:

I had my color scheme and expected to come up with a number of mostly CAS cards with the Arrange a Wreath Bundle. Then I pulled out a pack of mini pizza boxes and decided to see where it would lead me...

...not a card and it doesn't actually look as simple as it truly is.

I decided to test out my theory that the suspender bow that I introduced this past Tuesday could work on a box. If it did it means that you could put it back on the box after devouring the treats and no one would be any wiser!
So the first thing you do is tie the ribbon around the box. Pool Party Sheer Ribbon would be perfect here since I already had Pool Party die cuts and the wreath would show through it.
Fold a 32" piece of ribbon in half and place the fold on your box wrapping the rest of the ribbon around the box going away from you.
Bringing the ends around the box thread them through the fold and tie a knot. This knot is what will keep your ribbon tied after you've opened the box
Then tie a bow and spread the "suspenders" so that the ribbon is taut. Now test your ribbon by lifting the folded part of the ribbon over your bow to release it from the box. Did it work? Leave it off while you decorate your box.
I glued 3 layers of die cut wreaths to my box colored by an assortment of die cut Easter eggs.
My next puzzle was to figure out the recipient would know how to get the bow off of the box. I made an Easter Tag and hand printed the words "pull me!" on the back of the tag. First I tried tying the tag around the bow but it really seemed to work better tied to the fold of the ribbon. I still need to make a video of the initial tying of the ribbon but here is a short clip of opening the box.

It is an absolutely gorgeous, though not quite Spring, Saturday here in Minnesota so I'm going to procrastinate making the CAS cards and get outside. Tomorrow it might snow so I can make cards then. Enjoy the hop!

Now it's time for you to go and check out JoAnn Pollack's blog. I'm sure you will love it!

Here are the other participants:

Angie McKenzie ● Mikaela Titheridge ● Alejandra Gomez

Leonie Stuart ● Danielle Kassing ● Annette Ball

Vicki Milyard ● Aurélie Fabre ● Kristie Wilson

Mo Rootes ● Gez Carpenter ● Terry Hamilton

Deb Macdowell ● Narelle Fasulo ● Karen Henderson

Jill Chapman ● Melissa Faust ● Susan Webster

Anne Marie Hile ● Chris Smith ● JoAnn Pollock

Cheryl Hamilton ● Tricia Butts ● Teri West

Susan Simpson ● Rochelle Laird-Smith ● Lisa Mackey

Libby Fens ● Ann Krucek ● Jan Musselman

Shel Anderson ● Sue Allen ● Jo Blackman

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Posted at 03:57 PM in Arrange a Wreath | Permalink | Comments (8)

March 10, 2021

Peony Garden Goes Around the World on Wednesday

Today I'm doing double duty with a sketch challenge for the Paper Craft Crew and our monthly Around the World on Wednesday Blog Hop.

The blog hop theme for this talented group is 3D projects so I'm sure that you are going to see a lot of inspiring variety. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

This reinforced box is 6 1/2" wide, 3" deep and 4 1/2" tall. I use them to organize projects when I'm trying to clear my desk or even just to gather elements of a collection or a palette that I'm putting together for a project. It holds 6"x6" DSP, coordinating cardstock, a stamp set or two and their dies, embellishments, etc.( I cut all of the DSP I use for designing into 6x6" squares.) I use Stampin' Up!'s smaller cello bags to gather smaller die cuts before adding them to the box. I also use some of the tins that Stampin' Up offered several years ago during Sale-a-Bration but there are never enough. These are sturdy enough to move around and bring your work to a sunny table or out to your deck. Add a little ribbon and they just plain look pretty on your desk!

The main trick is to reinforce each side with additional cardstock on the inside and a decorative embossed layer on the outside. I used the Parisian Flourish Embossing folder on this box. You will need to cut 2 additional layers of 4 1/2: x 6 1/2" to reinforce the inside of the front and back, along with 2 3" x 4 1/2" layers for the sides. The bottom will already have two layers, though depending on your use you may wish to add a 3" x 6 1/2" additional layer. This is something you can do with any box.
I've tried shorter and taller boxes for this and 4 1/2" seems perfect for holding the 6" square paper yet still letting you see what you have. I have adjusted the sizes and added covers in the past to accommodate larger cards.
You will notice on the PDF available below that you use two 7 1/2" x 11 pieces of cardstock that are prepared almost identically. The only difference is one will have both of the bottom tabs cut off so that you can layer one bottom on top of the other. You can save these tabs and use them to add additional reinforcement on the top of he sides.
Please note that you will trim off 3/4" off of each side tab leaving a 1 1/2" tab. When put together the two tabs meet to form a 3" side without any lumpy overlaps. Since you are lining these, the "seam" is covered up.
I like to use Multipurpose Liquid glue because it gives me just a little more flexibility in getting the position just so. I do prefer the Stampin' Seal + when adding embossed layers because the edges will appear more finished.
Another thing I like about these is that they fit on my shelves perfectly.
Download the PDF here: Download Box Diagram 1_2-1
Someday I should get ambitious and do a video on this...

Since I've got this box organized with the Peony Garden Collection, I used it to put together this week's Paper Craft Crew card:

Don't you just love these gentle blooms? And the greeting font is perfect! This bundle has been ignored too much over the holidays and winter.
Colors are just like yesterday's post Plus Gray Granite!

It won't be long until demonstrators will get a sneak peek at the next annual catalog. I'm hopeful that these stamps and dies will carry over but it is unusual to see all the accessories of a suite make it to another catalog. By having them all out in my "box" they will hopefully see more playtime soon!

Here is this week's sketch - it is just perfect for the Peony Garden Collection!

Now it's time to move along to Anne Marie Hile's blog. I know you will love what you see:

BLOG HOP ROLL CALL

Jan Clothier - NZ

Leonie Stuart - AU

Rochelle Laird-Smith - AU

Cheryll Miller - AU

Melissa Gifford - AU

Danielle Kassing - NL

Satomi Wellard

Ximena Morales - DE

Aurélie Fabre - FR

Mikaela Titheridge - UK

Chris Smith - US - You Are Here!

Anne Marie Hile - US

Brenda Nelson - CA

Tricia Butts - US

Elaine de Montmorency - CA

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert - US

Teri West - US

Cheryl Hamilton - US

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

Posted at 05:00 AM in Peony Garden, Prized Peony | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 09, 2021

Forever Blossoms for Spring

Today I'm going to share some winter into spring colors AND give you a little more information on a ribbon technique that I introduced a few weeks ago. Then I get to send you on your way to check out whole bunch of other ribbon ideas because that is the theme for this month's:

I originally saw some fabrics with these colors together and was intrigued. So... I used them as the color challenge that I am hosting over at Splitcoaststampers this week.

They impressed me as seasonal colors that we see in nature as the Minnesota winter moves towards spring. We've been fortunate to have great weather to be getting outdoors this past week. While we are seeing hints of subtle greens as the snow disappears we still see crispy cinnamon colored scrub oak leaves on our hikes around area lakes. I really love the Cinnamon Cider color and loved the chance to use it for a spring look. Anyway, on to my first card:

I started my card by stamping the large blossom branch several times in Cinnamon Cider ink: once to be colored and die cut and more as kind of a background toile look.
As I played with these pieces I decided to color just the background of the toile piece - in Soft Sea Foam - to use as a border.
The main blossom branch includes all the challenge colors though just a bit of Mossy Meadow in the shadows on my leaves. I added a Soft Sea Foam background with my blending brush before embossing that layer with my beloved Tasteful Textile embossing folder. I confess I wasn't planning on using this but I got a little "bend" as I was experimenting with the layout and that folder covered it right up!
What do you think of my "Suspender" bow? Though I've used this several times over the years I've never had a name for it. I went to get my husband's opinion for a name and before I could mention the name I already had in mind he said "Hey, it looks like suspenders." No more discussion needed.
Suspender Bow technique:
Fold a large (34"-36") piece of ribbon or twine in half.
Holding the fold about 1 1/4" from the bottom of of your layers, wrap the rest around the card and bring it up around the bottom.
Loop the ends through the fold and tie it into a knot.
Turn your card upside down (so that your bow appears near the top instead of the bottom) and then tie a bow. Somehow this trick helps to get the ends on the bottom.
Turn your card back to the original position and adjust the "suspenders" so that they are taut and you like they way they appear on your card.
The bow usually holds firm on its own though you can put a mini glue dot under the bow to make it more secure.
As you can see below you can release the suspenders for repositioning or adjusting other elements of your design, if you wish. The bow tied over the original know will keep its shape.

Here are some photos if you would like some visual hints:

If you fasten down the bow, this suspender bow is great to use on a card that needs a closure so it's a good alternative to a belly band. Here is an example of how I've used it on a gate fold card.

This card uses the same colors as the first card with the Forever Fern Bundle.
Note the little ladybug accent!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you found something to use in your own stamping projects!

Now it's time to move on to see what Melissa Faust has in store for us.

BLOG HOP ROLL CALL:

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Forever Blossoms Cling Stamp Set (English)

Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Soft Sea Foam Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Petal Pink 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Organdy Striped Ribbon

Cinnamon Cider 2020–2022 In Color Ribbon

Posted at 10:59 AM in Forever Blossoms, Forever Fern | Permalink | Comments (10)

March 05, 2021

Butterfly Brilliance

Happy Friday!! Butterfly Brilliance is on the agenda:

Today I'm taking part in a blog hop about the beautiful advance release of the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle and the limited release Butterfly Bouquet Collection.

Before I cut into the beautiful limited release Butterfly Bijou designer series paper I took just the bundle out for a spin. Getting so many butterflies from one pass through the Stampin Cut & Emboss allows so many creative possibilities.

The butterflies are all together on one background sized stamp so using the Stamparatus is a sure way to make sure all of your butterflies get stamped perfectly.
I used Poppy Parade Blends to deepen the color near the body of the butterfly.
The vellum is optional here but I think it really adds a special touch. I added 1/2 inch beyond the left fold to attach it to the back of the card. Using Multi-purpose Liquid Glue I also attach the vellum to the card underneath the butterfly body and the greeting.
I've made over a dozen cards so far combining this bundle with the Happy Thoughts greeting stamp set. I embossed white on black for this dramatic congratulations card.

Here is another version of the same card featuring the Butterfly Bijou DSP:

Just substitute DSP for the stamped and die cut butterflies.

There are over 2 dozen participants in today's hop so so grab a cuppa and enjoy!

I'm putting the finishing touches on a tutorial that will show yI so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Posted at 10:59 AM in Butterfly Brilliance, Happy Thoughts | Permalink | Comments (9)

March 03, 2021

Ornate Borders Meet the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle

I've got a couple of quick cards to post today, inspired by this week's sketch over at the Paper Craft Crew. One for the sketch and one for fun!

Here is the sketch:

...and this is the card I came up with:

I wanted to keep the contrast between the card base and my three columns low so I made them of the same Pool Party cardstock. The Columns are die cut with the Ornate Border Dies. The base is embossed with the Tasteful Textile Folder.
The butterfly is one of a stash I've made with the new Butterfly Brilliance Bundle. This one is clear embossed and watercolored.
The greeting is from Happy Thoughts, a great sentiment set to use with these butterflies.

This next card is an Easter card I redesigned from one of last year's cards, this time with a layered butterfly.

I layered the detail die cut in Pool Party over a butterfly cut from the Butterfly Bijou designer series paper that is only available this month.
The Artistry Blooms Sequins are adhesive backed - so easy to use!

BODY

BLOG HOP

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Posted at 06:00 AM in A Wish For Everything, Butterfly Brilliance, Happy Thoughts | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 01, 2021

Here Comes March with a Spring Colored Trio

I found this week's colors for the Splitcoaststamper's Color Challenge a bit challenging so I started early. I stamped some pieces to color while we sat down to watch a Saturday night movie. Each try proved disappointing. Well, this morning I sat down, determined to make these pieces work. And they turned out so well I still haven't decided which one to post on their site - and it's due in less than an hour...

COLORS:

DESSERT OPTION: Flowers

As I write this it is not yet live but you can find the challenge here.

Here are the cards I came up with:

Here is how I started solving the first problem:

The colored image wasn't doing much for me. I had first used the challenge colors and then gone back and added shading with the watercolor pencils (minus any water).
It always helps to add a border and stripes can help too so I thought I would pull these in with the challenge colors.

oh, and have I ever told you I love gingham ribbon?
I played a little with where to add the greeting, which comes from the Word Wishes/ A Wish for Everything duo.
Please indulge me as I play with some different photo taking and editing techniques...

Since I had much more of the stripe border I decided to my original idea of using the In Bloom Bundle - but I stuck mostly with the dies:

I made a quarter sheet of 1/4" cardstock stripes in the four challenge colors . This proved to be a great way to pull a couple of the cards together
To add a little more texture I added some of the die cut elements in 6"x6" Designer series papers in Just Jade (In Color 20-22) and Balmy Blue (Subtles).
The Tasteful Textiles Embossing Folder has really been a workhorse - it works with so many styles!
2020-2022 In Color Enamel Dots - in Just Jade - give added polish.

Finally, here is another that began with a mistake:

I got a BIG smudge in the middle of this colored garland/wreath after it was colored so I cut it out - while listening to the radio... And then I trimmed a little of the extra rubber off of the "He Lives" stamp that owned the smudge.
More Balmy Blue DSP.
Be Mine Stitched Die gives a subtle but effective scallop detail
Butterfly Gala - colored with Daffodil Delight.
Of course you can tie it up with a Polka Dot Tulle bow. I love the sheer look of these. This card would also look good with no bow if you find that easier to mail.

Would you like to see more? You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

2020–2022 In Color 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Posted at 11:17 PM in A Wish For Everything, Butterfly Gala, Gift of Hope, In Bloom | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 28, 2021

So Long Sale-A-Bration with Berry Blessings Bundle

We are saying so long to Sale-A-Bration, so I'll be sharing a a few last cards using some of my favorite sketches with the Berry Blessings Bundle...

...and then I'll send you on one last blog hop for February.

In my opinion, the 12" x 12" Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper is one of the best packages of DSP ever. The colors are bright and cheerful and the mix of patterns is, well, delightful! And, since it has such limited availability I thought I would share with you some ideas on getting the most mileage from it. By limited availability I mean that it only comes as a bundle with the lovely coordinating stamp set, Berry Blessings. And today, Sunday - February 28, 2021, is the last day you can get it. It is free with a $100(US) purchase. Now to the cards.

I often say that I like to use DSP as seasoning - not the main ingredient. Today's cards will give you a taste of what I mean. All three of these use the same 6"x6" piece of DSP and I still have more left over. You will see I've used both sides.

First of all I need to share a little about how I "manage" my DSP. While I have a great 12 x12 storage shelf below my work area I have slots for 6"x6" papers right above my work area. Even if it comes as 12 x12 sheets I cut one of each pattern into 4ths and keep it in the labeled slots. 6"x6" papers are much easier for me to work with on my small desk.
I typically slice of one 1 3/4" piece to use as vertical borders or with this triangle card, a sketch I've used fairly often.
Adhere the DSP to a left side of a folded (A2) card base.
One of the larger isosceles triangles works great for the Rich Razzleberry triangle here though I used to just make my own pattern before that was available.
Line up the triangle against your white cardstock to cut it at the right angle. I usually start about 1 3/4" in from the top right corner.
However you decide to cut your white and Rich Razzleberry layers for this card you will cover up the area where all three papers meet so it doesn't have to be perfect.
I fussy cut the blackberries and layered them onto a small Stitched Shapes circle.
If you like polish it off with some Flowers for Every Seasons Gems.

The sketch for this next card is one I sometimes refer to as a napkin corner. It's kind of like a folded napkin that has a border.
I use my trimmer to trim the remaining piece from my first card to 5.5" x 4.25" This will leave a 1/2" scrap that I save for an flag embellishment on another card. Then I cut a 1/2" corner. You need to stop trimming 1/2" from the edge, turn your paper 90 degrees and then finish cutting the other edge. You will need a trimmer similar to Stampin' Up!'s with the pointed blade. A rotary or guillotine style cutter won't work for this as you need to be able to start and stop you cut after or before the edge.
More gussy cutting for the blackberries.
The greeting is from a companion Sweet Strawberry set. (Note - this bundle is currently on backorder but you can still order the stamp set alone.) I did the Brick & Mortar embossing after stamping the greeting.

This card sketch makes use of the Stitched Rectangle Dies but you could also cut these rectangle frames with your trimmer. If you are using the dies you will need to carefully place two frames together, taping over the top so that all sides are equal distances. You also may want to use some wax paper to loosen these. Once I have them taped together I usually cut several. Sometimes I also cut some from regular cardstock and use these to stabilize the thinner DSP frames.
Here I've placed the frame and inner rectangle over a piece of stamped vellum. I used the outline leaf with white craft ink to do this. All time to dry. Another option is to layer these over an embossed layer of cardstock.
Lately I've been enjoying using my blending brushes to add variegated color to my inner rectangle.
The berries are colored with Blends though you could use the bolder stamp instead.

Once you've tried some tricks to "conserve" your DSP you will realize you have enough to try using it with stamp sets besides Berry Blessings and Sweet Strawberry. On this last card, I've used the Art Gallery Bundle:

You can't see it on this one but the DSP layer is just a frame, not a solid sheet. I just love the way these colors in the watercolor fashion play well with anything floral.
I did my stamping before embossing with the Tasteful Textiles folder.
I cut my Rich Razzleberry layer just 1/16th inch larger than my main layer, giving a skinny but effective border against the DSP.

We are having a snowy Sunday here in Minnesota today. Perfect for grabbing a cuppa and checking out the rest of the blog hop:

Would you like to see more?

Berry Blessings Gallery.

Fine Art Floral Suite Gallery.

Sweet Strawberry Gallery.

You can also check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a minimum $50 (US) order using the February host code, R9ZD7JQE, I will send you a free gift. US customers only. Customers placing an order smaller than $50 will still receive my thank you card.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Posted at 11:00 AM in Art Gallery, Berry Blessings, Sweet Strawberry | Permalink | Comments (7)

February 27, 2021

Bouquet of Hope - Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

Are you a Paper Pumpkin fan? Have you received Bouquet of Hope, the February kit? I'm so excited to share a few of the alternatives that I have designed with this kit. And!!! Then you can check out a bunch of other ideas on a blog hop that is all about Bouquet of Hope, this month's:

Before I show you some of my alternatives let's take a peek at the planned projects . This kit includes the materials to make 3 each of 3 designs - and then some. I enjoyed some virtual stamping time with some other stampers and put together one of each of the designs, even one in German:

Then I started playeing around with my own designs. At first I just added white cardstock and trimmed out the paper a little differently:

I trimmed some pieces from the Rococo Rose and Just Jade card bases and used them for the panel on this card.

Next I added in some sponge daubers and a few more ink pads.

I thought the reverse of the laser cut gold foil "doily" was really pretty and looked even more striking against the Merry Merlot roses than the gold. I was hesitant to stamp on it since it has a little sheen but it stamped beautifully.
I used the remaining doily as a stencil and stenciled 4 "roses" and trimmed them out. These were placed above and below by stamped greeting.
Before adhering the doily to the card I wove the Mossy Meadow Twine through some openings in the doily and tied near the bottom flowers.

This time I stenciled around the whole doily stencil. I blended out the edge and softened the look by rounding the corners and using a blending brush with some Soft Sea Foam ink.
The sympathy verse included in the kit fit the inside space perfectly!

After these I moved on to a couple of my favorite features of the kit: The vellum frame and the bouquet stamp.

The bouquet embossed beautifully. I have lots of other ideas for this stamp...

With only one vellum frame left I decided to divide it in two by cutting it diagonally. Plus I started looking over my stash for some other gold accessories...and switched it up from the sympathy/thinking of you theme:

These last two cards make use of the Forever & Always Bundle - perfect with some gold foil!
This card also features this lovely Fine Art ribbon with gold threads from the Fine Art Suite. It looks amazing when paired with Crumb Cake cardstock.

Similar application of the diagonally cut vellum, except I used a landscape oriented card.
Once again the greeting is done with the Forever & Always Bundle which is really wonderfully with the gold/vellum half sheet.
The butterflies are from a new die set that will be previewed in March: Butterfly Wings Dies
Gold Glimmer dots and Gold trim from the Greenery Trim duo give this a nice finish.

I hope you got some ideas for your own stamping projects Now it's time to check out the rest of the blog hop:

Would you like to see more? You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Posted at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 22, 2021

Sale-A-Bration and the Craft Challenge Blog Hop

I'm continuing my last minute series of Sale-A-Bration Posts and this time I'm mixing it up with a sketch challenge and blog hop.

Here is the sketch we will all be using on today's blog hop:

The directions said that we could be as strict or interpretive as we want. I'll let you decide if I was strict or not.

I decided that I was going to feature two Sale-A-Bration products in this card. The only way to get these is for free with a purchase $100(US) worth of product. Since I was going to be using dies I thought why not feature my most used dies and show what you could do by adding the Field and Flower designer series paper (DSP)and the Heal Your Heart greetings as the free product. The dies featured here would earn you these and I promise you they are work horses in my craft room: Stitched Shapes, Stitched Rectangles and Layering Ovals.
There is a lot of fussy cutting for this card since all of my daisies and greens come from the DSP. With just a bit of practice this actually is quite relaxing. My tip is to turn your paper as you cut instead of the scissors. Think about this just a bit as your cut and I think it will become second nature.
Take note of how putting black cardstock behind the Stitched Shapes lends an accent to the stitches. I cut My black layer just one notch or 1/16th of an inch larger so it doesn't add too much more black but gives a much nicer finish.

Here is a close up:

Now it's time to check out the rest of the blog hop.

Would you like to see more? You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Heal Your Heart Cling Stamp Set (English)

Flower & Field 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Posted at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

February 21, 2021

Snailed It on Oh, So Ombre DSP, a Sale-A-Bration Promotion

Have you had a chance to take a look at Snail Mail Suite, one of the collections in this year's January - June 2021 Mini Catalog? I brought this along to play with during a recent winter trip and did lots of coloring.

Most of these were colored by first filling in all the large spaces with the Blends alcohol markers. Then I came back and added the detail with the watercolor pencils.
This can be kind of addicting... I wouldn't want to suggest to a beginning stamper that they needed both the Blends and the pencils, BUT, if you have them both DO try them together.
Do apply the Blends first as I'm not sure whether it would be good for the brush tips of the Blends to be going over the watercolor pencil. Then go back and add shadows, intensity and detail with the pencils. You can keep going back to add intensity to your shadows with out worrying about the bleeding you might see if you use alcohol markers to do this.
They are all cut out now and one has even made it onto a card so far:

This was my first time using the Oh, So Ombre 6"x6" DSP that is one of the free choices with a $50(US) order. It come is 4 colors: Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Granny Apple Green and Rococo Rose and each of those colors has 4 patterns. I love this look so much I'm glad I was able to earn an extra pack. If you are reading this before March 1, 2021 there is a chance you can still snag some. If not, I would try to recreate it with a blending brush and some Bermuda Bay ink. It will take a little longer but makes such an effective background. A little more interesting than a solid color but it doesn't detract from your focal point image, in this case my cute little snail.
Finish off the snail with some Wink of Stella and mount it on one of these postage stamp shapes cut with the bundles dies.
Some resin hearts and a little ribbon from the Greenery Trim pack finish off this adorable card.

Here is a close up of this sparkling snail:

Would you like to see more? You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Oh So Ombre 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Product List

Posted at 09:50 PM in Snailed It | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 20, 2021

Berry Blessings and Beyond

I've want to share two fairly quick cards with you today. They both use the Berry Blessings bundle that is part of Stampin' Up's Sale-A-Bration bonuses that will be wrapping up by the end of this month. It's kind of a shame that this is the only way to get the paper but the set is adorable too! I think berries work for year round cards so you will get a lot of use from this bundle.

I put this together after watercoloring and fussy cutting a trio of these blueberry sprigs for a watercolor blog post last month.
I used a thin scrap of the Granny Apple Green plaid and attached it to the edge of a white card base.
The scallop trim is from the Stutched Be Mine Dies. No kidding, I probably would have bought that set just for that die . If you are familiar with my stamping style you have probably figured out that I like borders and if you can add a scallop or bit of lace to them that is even better! That said, if you don't have something similar don't sweat it. This plaid paper (the stamp and paper are free with a $100 order only through February 28th.) is da bomb and it would look great even without the scallop.
If you really want to go over the top, of course, you would add polka dots in the form of tulle ribbon. CAS? Yes, but with a health dose of detail on the edge.

Late last month one of my downline and I managed to sneak in a (masked and socially distant) stamping date. Liz brought along her Hydrangea Haven Bundle.

If you have seen the Hydrangea Hill Suite in the January -June Mini Catalog, you have probably been impressed by the lovely Highland Heather Seaside Spray et al color palette. It. Is. Gorgeous! But I have grown a few hydrangeas and that is not what mine looked like. I think it's something about the soil pH and the variety but the hydrangeas I grew were white Annabelles. Early on they had a pale lime green hue so I wanted to recreate some thing closer to that.
Coloring was done with Soft Sea Foam and Granny Apple Green.
The border lace on this lace was made with one of the Ornate Borders dies.
Once again, the plaid from Berry Delightful DSP is the perfect accent. With little pieces like this you will be able to make it go a long way.
Last of all add a little more White Polka Dot Tulle ribbon and some Flowers for All Seasons gems. I love that they look like water droplets.

Would you like to see more? GALLERY LINK. You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Posted at 03:59 PM in Berry Blessings, Hydrangea Haven | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 19, 2021

A Trio of Darling Donkeys

Can you believe that we are just about in our last week of Sale-A-Bration? I've taken a look through some of my cards and it looks like a few have not made it onto my blog so I am going to spend a few days getting caught up. Here is one of my favorite Darling Donkey cards. It's been, well, just a little popular over on Instagram and Splitcoaststampers so I should finally give it a spot on my blog:

This is a spin off of a card I did last summer with From All of Us. I basically just did a head shot or so of each of the donkeys, cutting them out with the smallest of the Stitched Shapes circle dies. Each was layered onto a slightly larger scalloped circle cut from Baic Gray cardstock with the Layering Circles Dies.
I used mostly Gray Granite Blends for coloring these, with a little Rococo Rose to add just a bit of color to their faces ...and the rose! An extra step I like to take, especially with animals like these - or anything that I would like to give vintage or maybe whimsical look is this: take the Light Crumb Cake Blends marker and lightly trace the outline. It softly blurs the edge just a bit.
The Gray Granite layer is embossed the foliage embossing folder from the Greenery pair. Start with a full 5.5" x 4.25" quarter sheet. After you have embossed it trim it to 5.25" x 4".
Lay out your circles evenly and attach. To be honest, I usually eyeball this. If you aren't comfortable with this, use the scoring blade of your trimmer to score a little notch about 1/2"-1" in from the edge half way - this would be 2 5/8" so that you know the middle circle is half way and then line the top and bottom up from there. I used to punch these circle through the top layer and I came up with this post to show how to do this.
I have a skinny border by layering the embossed Gray Granite layer on a piece of Rococo Rose that is just a bit (1/16") larger.
The twine! Ah, this is why it has taken my a bit to blog this one. It probably needs a video... but I will try to verbally describe this. Fold a large (30?") piece of twine in half. I don't actually cut this until I'm further along and know that it is long enough. Holding the fold about 1 1/4" from the bottom of of your layers, wrap the rest around the card and bring it up around the bottom. Loop the ends through the fold and tie it into a bow. It actually sounds more complicated than it is. The bow usually holds firm on its own but it could come loose so I often put a mini glue dot under the bow to make it more secure. CAM???Feel free to ask questions.

Would you like to see more? You can see all of my Darling Donkey cards in my Darling Donkey Gallery . You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

SHOPPING LINKS

Product List

Posted at 08:48 PM in Darling Donkeys | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 18, 2021

Springtime Joy...Really!

I know there's been some pretty snow, sparkling ice and crisp temperatures, but really! Are we ready to think spring? YES!!! Today I'm blog hopping with a talented group of stampers and we are bringing a taste of spring:

I had a lot of fun playing around with both the lamb and the bunny in this adorable stamp set. As you can see they work well with either the Blends alcohol markers or the watercolor pencils:

My first card was done using this weeks Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge Colors: Pear Pizzazz + Flirty Flamingo + Mango Melody. I even have stitched dies for dessert!

Here is a close up of that cute little lamb:

I putzed a little longer with this bunny bunny. I've enjoyed the watercolor pencils quite a bit lately - leaving out the water and just keeping the "pencil" look. Then you don't have to worry about what ink you use.

I was going for a collage look and layered in the Rectangle Postage punch and the Stitched Lace die for added texture.
A little fussy cutting of the flowers add so much and it was fairly quick to do. Just cut out the space around the leaves first, while you still have something to hold on to!
The DSP is a preview of the color family 6x6 papers that will be in next year's catalog. I'm really excited about getting the diagonal plaid in every color! If you sign up to be a demonstrator before the end of February, during Sale-A-Bration you will get these free in your kit!

Here is a close up of the little bunny "stamp":

BLOG HOP

Would you like to see more? Check out the Springtime Joy Gallery here. You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

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Posted at 11:01 AM in Springtime Joy | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 17, 2021

Butterfly Brilliance with a Sketch Challenge

Today's Paper Craft Crew has a great sketch challenge for playing with a bit of designer paper so... I used it to try out the new Butterfly Brilliance Bundle that can be ordered in March, ahead of it's regular May release. For the month of March only you can also get the beautiful Butterfly Bijou papers.

Here's my take:

I used Stitched Rectangles to cut the two horizontal angled rectangles and also to cut out the center of the Bermuda Bay Print layer that is just peeking out behind the white layer. Doesn't that butterfly watercolor look make a dreamy base layer?
The white layer is embossed with the Tasteful Textile 3D embossing folder.
The butterfly is stamped with Bermuda Bay, die cut and the colored with Sponge daubers in Mint macaron and Magenta Madness.
Add a detailed butterfly layer of vellum. These dies are going to be so much fun for layering!
My greeting is from Art Gallery.
I used the largest Water Brush to splatter some watered down Coastal Cabana ink over the finished card.

Here is a close up:

Would you like to see more? This is my first card but by march I should have enough to start a gallery. You can check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.

I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.

I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.

If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.

Posted at 06:25 AM in Butterfly Brilliance | Permalink | Comments (0)

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