Category Archives: Encouragement

Full Moon In A Night Forest

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Hi everyone,

Sometimes I don’t like creating a card with a sentiment on the card front. The sentiment seems to distract or take away from the image itself. Here is an example of that instance.

I just want the receiver of the card to look at the moon shining from behind the clouds in a deep, dark, peaceful night forest. I love the ink blended night sky I created, and the bright moon contrasted against the sky and black forest.

Hope you like this project. Time to contemplate and meditate that there are still some beautiful things in this world. Have a great day.

 

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps: Altenew: To the Moon stamp set.
  • Dies:
    • Altenew: To the Moon die set.
    • Hero Arts: Forest Sunset Fancy Die.
  • Inks:
    • Distress Oxide Inks (for the night sky): Blueprint Sketch, Seedless Preserve, Wilted Violet.
    • Altenew: Silver Lake ink (for the moon).
    • Versamark embossing ink (for embossing over the stamped moon).
  • Cardstock:
    • Pale gray card stock from my stash (moon).
    • Black cardstock from my stash (forest and clouds).
    • Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper (ink-blending of night sky).
  • Other: Brutus Monroe: Fairy Dust embossing powder (for stamping over the moon).

Notes: The card size is a standard A2 (4.25” by 5.5”). The moon was stamped on pale gray cardstock with Silver Lake ink. A stamp positioner was used for this. Another layer of Versamark ink was then stamped over the image (using the same moon stamp). The embossing powder was applied over this and then heated with a heat tool. This process gave the moon a shimmery look which the photo does not pick up.

In the Weeds: I’m Here For You

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Hi everyone!

Just posting another card expressing support. I’ve been making a lot of this type of card and sending or posting them to friends and family because everyone feels a little unmoored nowadays. Please hang in there and practice safe health measures.

Hope you like this project. Stay healthy and safe!

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps:
    • Simon Says Stamp: Wildflowers background stamp (silhouetted flowers).
    • Ellen Hutson’s Essentials by Ellen: In the Weeds stamp set (sentiment).
  • Inks:
    • Distress Oxide Inks: Chipped Sapphire, Blueprint Sketch, Mermaid Lagoon and Salty Ocean (blended background). The colors listed are from top down.
    • Altenew: Obsidian pigment ink (sentiment and flowers).
  • Cardstock/Paper:
    • Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper (for the ink blended background of the card front).
    • Black cardstock from my stash for the card base
  • Notes: The card front was cut down to 4.0” wide and 5.25” long. The overall card is an A2 size (4.25” by 5.5”). The blended background was done first and then the images and sentiment stamped over the blended background using a very black, opaque ink.

Be the Most Brilliant Color in the Box

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Today I’m channeling my inner Laura Bassen. If you don’t know who she is, please check out her blog. Her card creations are loaded with bright colors of the rainbow. That’s her signature style and she is my idol. The colors she uses in her cards make me happy every time I see a new creation.

This is a shout out to her! Thanks Laura for all your inspiration and fun commentaries on your YouTube videos!

Hope you like the cards. I used my Catherine Pooler Inks to create this rainbow splatter wreath and a great stamp and sentiment from Altenew. I also used the Gina K Designs Wreath Builder Template to create the circle/wreath.

Hope you like this card. Have a brilliant day!

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps: Altenew: A Splash of Color stamp set (splatter image and sentiment).
  • Inks: Catherine Pooler Inks: Party Dress, Tiki Torch, Tiara, Lime Rickey, Something Borrowed, Grape Crush, Flirty Fuchsia, Pixie Dust; Altenew pigment ink: Obsidian (for the sentiment).
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 80# cardstock (card front); Papertrey Ink: True Black cardstock (card base).
  • Other: Gina K Designs Wreath Builder Template (4-inch sized); fun foam sheets.
  • Notes: The total card is a 4.5-inch square. The rainbow wreathed card front is a 4-inch square which was mounted on a fun foam square (3.75-inch) for added dimension.

 

We’re In It Together Butterflies

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Hi everyone!

I love these patterned butterflies!

The set I used is an Ellen Hutson’s Essentials by Ellen stamp set that also has some great sentiments. However, this card has a sentiment from another Essentials by Ellen stamp set (see the details below).

My butterflies were stamped and die-cut from a background piece of Bristol smooth paper that had been ink blended with Distress Oxide inks. The entire piece of 4.25” x 5.5” Bristol paper was ink blended first and the butterfly stamps were stamped onto the piece using a black pigment ink. Once the butterflies were stamped, they we then die-cut using their corresponding dies.

Using an embossing folder, I embossed a 4” x 5.25” (A-2 sized) piece of yellow cardstock to create a textured mat on which to adhere the butterflies. I then adhered the mat and butterflies to an A2-sized panel of cardstock the same color as the mat piece and then mounted the entire front to a A2-sized top folding card base.

I love the texture of the embossed background and I think it complements the patterns on the butterflies very well.

Hope you like my cheery card. Have a great day.

 

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps: Ellen Hutson Essentials by Ellen: Be the Change stamp set (butterflies); Essentials by Ellen: You Should Know stamp set (sentiment).
  • Dies: Ellen Hutson Essentials by Ellen: Be the Change coordinating die set.
  • Embossing Folder: Alexandra Renke: Level Curves Embossing Folder (may no longer be available).
  • Inks:
    • Altenew Pigment Ink: Obsidian (stamping of butterflies and sentiment)
    • Distress Oxide Inks: Worn Lipstick, Abandoned Coral, Squeezed Lemonade (used to create the color on the butterflies)
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 110# for card base; Papertrey Ink cardstock: Lemon Tart (embossed card front mat and matting behind the embossed mat); Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper (for color-blended butterflies).
  • Note: The embossed mat background was raised using foam tape as was all three butterflies.

 

Here for You Hexagons

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I love geometric shapes!

The hexagon is one of my favorites because it reminds me of bees and bees are our friends. They work tirelessly to provide us with all the beautiful flowers, fruits, and vegetable we enjoy as well as providing that great sweetener, honey! So, I am giving a shout out to bees! They have always been here for us.

Also, this card is a reminder to all my friends and family that I am here for them, always.

I could not resist Pinkfresh Studio’s  hexagon cover die and cling stamp set. This is one of the cards I came up with using the two together. I used the die-cut hexagons from the cover die and some scraps of patterned paper and one of the hexagon stamps in the cling stamp set. The background was created using 3 shades of Distress Oxide inks. One of my old heart punches came in handy for adding little hearts as embellishments.

Hope you like the project. Have a great day!

Supplies used in making this project:

  • Stamps: Pinkfresh Studio: Pop Out Hexagons cling stamp set.
  • Dies: Pinkfresh Studio: Simply Hexagon Cover Die.
  • Punches: EK Success: Confetti Heart Punch.
  • Inks: Versafine Pigment Ink: Onyx Black (sentiment); Distress Oxide Inks: Tattered Rose, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick (from light to dark for the background of the card front); Gina K Designs Ink: Bubblegum (hexagon stripes).
  • Paper: Memory Box: Cottage Meadow 6×6 patterned paper set (for flowered hexagons); Simon Says Stamp: Cotton Candy (die-cut stamped diagonal stripe hexagons); Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper (for blended card front background); Neenah Solar White 110# cardstock (card base).
  • Notes: This is an A2-sized card (4.25” x 5.5”). The hexagons were mounted on two-layers of white cardstock for added dimension and then adhered to the card front. The small heart embellishments were punched from white cardstock that had been colored using Distress Oxide Ink in Worn Lipstick.

Wishing You the Best

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Hello everyone!

Today I am channeling my inner kindergarten self and coloring with Copic markers! These markers are so forgiving and easy to use. Copics are my go-to coloring media.

I made this card for a family member who is going to undergo a heart procedure and the card is to wish them luck and a speedy recovery.

Hope this card brings a little brightness and cheer to you as well. Have a great day!

 

Supplies used in making this project:

  • Stamps: Memory Box Open Studio: Rose Bouquet stamp set.
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 100# (card front and card base); pale gray cardstock from my stash (mat for the flowers).
  • Dies: Memory Box Open Studio: coordinating die set for the Rose Bouquet stamp set.
  • Ink: Memento Ink: Tuxedo Black (Copic-friendly); Altenew Pigment Ink: Obsidian (sentiment).
  • Copic Markers: Leaves: YG21, YG23, YG13; Roses: RV52, RV63, RV55; Yellow Flower: Y13, Y17; Purple flowers: V12, V15; Round buds: Y13, Y17.
  • Other: Fun foam used on the back of the die-cut rose bouquet for added dimension; Pearl gems from my stash.
  • Notes: The card size is 5” x 7” to accommodate the large rose bouquet.

Unite Against Racism Blog Hop

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Hello everyone!

I am so happy and proud to be a part of the Papercrafters Unite Against Racism blog hop today.

 

Many thanks to Justine Hovey, a fellow papercrafter who organized the event. You can go to her website for for further information about the hop.

The goal of the hop is to come together as a community to stand behind and support our fellow crafters of color and highlight the never-ending fight against racism and our united support for equality for all.

I created three cards for this event. The main objects in each card were created using colors that represent the skin tones of all peoples. By using these colors, I hope that I can show that when we include and respect everyone regardless of color, we can become a part of something quite beautiful.

  • The butterfly symbolizes change which we need if we are to eliminate racism.

  • The hearts represent the hearts of all people that beat in rhythm to show we are united in this cause.

  • Lastly, the hands represent the work that must be done by all of us if we are to stand united together in the name of equality.

I hope you like the cards. Please remember to support the bloggers who are part of the Papercrafters Unite Against Racism Blog Hop.

The specifics on supplies I used to created them are listed at the very end of this post.

 

Supplies used in making these projects:

Be the Change:

  • Stamps: Papertrey Ink: Butterfly Blooms stamp set: Ellen Hutson Essentials by Ellen: Be the Change (sentiment).
  • Dies: Papertrey Ink: Butterfly Blooms coordinating die set.
  • Inks: Memento: Tuxedo Black (Copic-friendly ink); Altenew: Obsidian Pigment Ink (sentiment).
  • Copic Markers: E77, E18, E15, E35, E31, E02, Y35, E08, E97.
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 110# (butterfly and card base); Papertrey Ink: Rustic Cream (card front); Papertrey Ink: Dark Chocolate (mat for card front).
  • Note: The butterfly was layered underneath with 2 additional layers of cardstock for added dimension. Card size is standard A2-size (4.25″ x 5.5″).

Unity in Diversity:

  • Stamps: Altenew: Better Together (sentiment).
  • Dies: Simon Says Stamp (SSS): Scribble Heart die.
  • Inks: Altenew pigment ink: Obsidian (sentiment).
  • Copic Markers: from left to right, top to bottom: E17 (Maroon); E18 (Copper); E35: (Chamois); E31 (Beige Brick); E02 (Fruit Pink).
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 110# (for die-cutting parts and card base); Neenah Classic Cream (for card front); Papertrey Ink: Dark Chocolate (card mat).
  • Note: Card size is 5” x 7”; each of the hearts have 3 layers of cardstock for a little added dimension.

We Are Better Together:

  • Stamps: Altenew: Better Together stamp set (sentiment).
  • Dies: Ellen Hutson Essentials by Ellen: Hands die set.
  • Stencils: My Favorite Things: Stencil Cloud.
  • Ink: Versafine Pigment Ink: Onyx Black; Distress Oxide Ink: Broken China.
  • Copic Markers: Colors listed for hands (left to right): E17 (Maroon), E18 (Copper); E25 (Chamois), E31 (Brick Beige), E02 (Fruit Pink).
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 110# used for die-cutting hands, card front and card base; Papertrey Ink: Hawaiian Shores (mat for card front).
  • Note: Total card dimensions are 5.75” x 4.5”.

Stay Strong

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Stay strong! I cannot emphasize this enough in these times. I wanted to make a card that was positive and calming. I hope I achieved that.

I find that being near water is very calming for me, so I tried to create that feeling here. I love the different shades of blue used here to mimic waves and how the sea can change in color. This effect was achieved using watercolors and layering the shades of blues on top of each other. It was one of the techniques introduced in Online Card Classes’s Spring Card Camp 2 by Kristina Werner. There is also a Spring Card Camp 1. They are both great classes to take while you are staying in place.

Hope you liked this project and I wish everyone strength, calm and positivity in these difficult times.

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps: Altenew: All Things Orange stamp set (for the seagulls, clouds, and sentiment).
  • Dies: Altenew: All Things Orange coordinating die set (dies used for seagulls and clouds).
  • Inks: Versafine: Onyx Black
  • Watercolors: Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set (36 colors in all; only shades of blue were used and black at the very bottom).
  • Papers & Cardstock:
    • Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper in 140 lb. (for card front)
    • Papertrey Ink in Dark Indigo (for mat around the card front)
    • Neenah Solar White 110# (for card base)

Note: the final card size is A2 (4.25” x 5.5”)

Take a Deep Breath

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IMG_1596-Take-a-Deep-Breath

Staying calm and focused on the positive is always a good idea. The little cutie in this card is doing just that. She’s taking a minute or two to relax and rejuvenate herself. Please do the same. You need it to stay strong!

Stay healthy and safe.

Supplies used in making this project:

  • Stamps:
    • MFT Stamps: Pure Innocence: Serenity stamp set
  • Embossing Folders:
    • We R Memory Keepers Next Level Embossing Folder: Gemstone (used for the background of the card front)
  • Dies:
    • MFT Die-namics: Coordinating dies for MFT Stamps: Pure Innocence: Serenity stamp set
    • MFT Die-namics: Say It in a Starburst (used for the circle around the little cutie).
    • Hero Arts Infinity Dies: Circles (fifth die from the largest – used to cut out the starburst)
    • MFT Die-namics: Oval shadows (for ground underneath little cutie). This may stamp set may no longer be available.
    • Honey Bee Stamps: Banners die set (used for stamping the sentiment)
  • Inks:
    • Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black (Copic-friendly ink) for stamping little cutie image
    • Versafine Ink in Onyx Black (sentiment).
  • Cardstock:
    • Neenah Solar White 110# (used for little cutie and card base)
    • Papertrey Ink in Lemon Tart (used for dry embossed background and sunburst)
    • Papertrey Ink in Amethyst Allure (used for the ground little cutie is sitting on)
  • Copic Markers:
    • Hair: E17, E74
    • Clothes: Top: V05; Slippers: V05, V15; Tights: V12
    • Skin tones: E51 (for base), E02 (for shading); E93 (for cheeks)

Note: I popped up the image of little cutie with foam squares.

Always Stronger Together

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IMG_1598-Stronger-Together

I’m posting a card I made for two people in NYC who are near and dear to me. I’m sending prayers and nothing but good vibes to them and their fellow New Yorkers as they go through the pandemic together. Be brave, be strong, have faith things will get better!

To everyone out there who stumbles on this post, stay safe and healthy!

Supplies used in making this project:

  • Stamps:
    • MFT Stamps: You’re Super and Super Boy stamp sets (girl and boy super heroes, respectively).
    • Altenew: Sketchy Cities stamp set (NYC skyline)
    • Simon Says Stamp: Stronger Together stamp set (sentiment)
  • Stencils:
    • Newton’s Nook: Clouds stencil
  • Dies:
    • MFT Die-namics: Coordinating dies for the You’re Super and Super Boy stamp sets.
    • MFT Die-namics: Oval shadows (for ground underneath superheroes). This may stamp set may no longer be available.
  • Inks:
    • Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black (Copic-friendly ink) for stamping super heroes and skyline
    • Versafine Ink in Onyx Black (skyline and sentiment).
  • Copic Markers:
    • For super hero outfits: Belt: Y423, Y35; Boots R29, R89; Cape: R29 (outside); R89 (inside);
    • For super hero skin tones: E51, E53, E02
    • For super hero hair: Girl: Y11, U21; Boy: C7 (leave small areas white (uncolored);

A Little Kindess In These Times Goes a Long Way

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Hello,

These are difficult times for everyone around the world.

If you are not on the front lines with those people who are trying to understand and fight Covid-19, care for those stricken by the virus or those that can’t work from home because their jobs are important in maintaining important functions to keep everyone supplied with food, services, etc. remember to say a prayer of gratitude and safety for them.

You can reach out to others via texting, Facebook, Instagram, Zoom, Facetime or any other technology that helps us all stay connected. Be there for others emotionally and psychologically since we can’t be there physically. Be supportive, kind and hopeful because we all can use that now. We are all in this together facing a common enemy.

Stay safe, healthy and positive.

Keep Smiling: It’s Rainbow Colored Butterflies!

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Hi everyone! This card was created using a stencil and one of my favorite coloring mediums, Distress Oxide Inks. I love the softness and opaqueness of these inks.

I chose bright colors because it is Summer and stenciled these butterflies in rainbow colored order.

Due to the size of the stencil butterfly and the fact that I wanted six colors for my rainbow I had to create an A6 card. The dimensions of an A6-sized card are 4.5” x 6.25”. This is the overall dimensions of my card, but the center butterfly panel is smaller as you can see. I needed the added length of an A6 card so that I could include the purple butterfly. I love the color purple!

The butterfly panel is raised with the help of a panel of craft foam and then adhered to the black A6-sized card base.

Hope you like this project. Keep smiling and have a great day!

 

Supplies used to make this project:

  • Stamps : Simon Says Stamps: Beautiful Day (sentiment).
  • Stencils: Simon Says Stamp: Butterfly Stencil (the mid-sized patterned butterfly on the stencil was used).
  • Inks: Versafine ink: Onyx Black (sentiment)
  • Distress Oxide Inks: From top to bottom butterfly: Picked Raspberry, Abandoned Coral, Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron, Broken China, and Wilted Violet.
  • Cardstock: Neenah Solar White 110# (for the butterfly panel); Wplus9: Black cardstock (it is 100# weight).