Hello Bluebird | Easter Blessings

Easter Blessings

Hello dear friends!   I am back to share my second Hello Bluebird card with you.   I have been thinking about the stamp sets I purchased from the Hello Bluebird February release and why I love them so much.   A friend wrote the kindness comment on my last blog post that said, "These stamps are so you, Susie!"  Wasn't that nice?  I had an immediate connection to these stamp sets from the beginning.  For me they tell a story, trigger a memory, and project a kindness that we all want more of.

With Easter just a couple of weeks away I wanted to create a card that celebrates both springtime and Easter.  Here in the south we decorate anything that isn't nailed down.  Springtime wreaths adorn the doors of southern homes, and baskets of flowers brighten the porches.  All herald the beginning of spring in the south!

My card uses four Hello Bluebird stamp sets, Banner Buddies, Springtime, Spring Gatherings, and the sentiment from Spring Banner Script.

A wreath loaded with springtime and Easter sweetness!  Peeps, baskets, flowers, and eggs are all nested among fresh sprigs of spring green.   Butterflies cannot stay away from the sweet smell of pink tipped blossoms ready to bloom.

All my sweet petite images are colored with Copic markers.   I cut out a circle to help place the images in the envisioned order.   Once the wreath was finished, I flipped it over and adhered some adhesive mounting tape and then set it aside.   I stamped the sentiment in the middle of the circle (which was my negative) and did some ink blending with scattered straw distress ink.

With all the pieces finished I mounted it all on a scored 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 square panel.  The panel is edged with a gold leaf pen, and is a finished 5 x 5 square card with lots of white space.   A little Wink of Stella for some iridescent shine, and Nuvo Tonic white for flower centers.

I hope you've enjoyed this card, and are inspired to create your own.  As always, I am delighted to share a card with you.   I'll see you soon with another springtime delight as we spend time in the garden.

Until then,

Come back.  Sit a while.  I think we're going to be friends.

Hello Spring, Let's Celebrate!

Hello Bluebird

Banner Buddies

Hello friends!   I have the sweetest card to share with you today.  For the past year I have been looking at the stamp and die sets being released from Hello Bluebird.   The illustrations are absolutely adorable!   With each release I found myself getting closer to a purchase.  But I never expected to fall so hard that I would purchase almost an entire release!  Yep, that's exactly what I did.   

This week I had some time to play with several of my new sets and thought you might like to see the results.

The first thing I did was stamp all the wonderful woodland critters from the new Banner Buddies stamp set, and the Springtime stamp set.  Oh man do I love that frog!!  Both of these sets have so many cute images to create with.  What a wonderful morning of coloring using my Copic markers!   After I got all my images colored I started arranging them in little scenes.   

The warmth of yellow card stock from Papertrey Ink Lemon Tart was perfect to use for the first day of spring.  Before layering the scalloped border,  I sponged some Scattered Straw Distress Ink on the card base, fading it into the center where I stamped my sentiment from, Spring Script Stamp, and Typed Everyday Stamp   

I cut another piece of yellow card stock using the Gallery Frame #2 Die which is a stand alone die and adhered it to my card base with some mounting adhesives to pop it up and create a shadow box effect.

Tip:  Take a photo of your layout before you begin to place your images on card stock, especially when you have multiple elements.   The close up below allows you to see the dimension this card has.  It is still light weight and I believe will travel through the mail just fine, but always err on the side of two stamps rather than one just to be on the safe side.

A little shine, a few sequins, and a touch of white pen and it's finished.   These stamp sets are so cute they carry the day - all you need to do is color and bring them to life with a little imagination!

What did you do to celebrate the first day of Spring? 

Thank you as alway for your visit.   Come back.  Sit a while.  I think we're going to be friends!

Flower Teddy + Floral Twist | Penny Black

Flower Teddy + Floral Twist

It's almost spring and flowers are popping up all over!   Do you love spring as much as I do?!  I love springtime color, new life in the garden, and I especially love to color florals.   You too?!  I thought so (she smiles).

Let's start off with a new Teddy from the Penny Black release, Timeless here!   He's called, Flower Teddy #30-543   Look at that sweet face!  Who can resist, certainly not I!

Products used:  Flower Teddy #30-543; Swirly Stitches #51-502; and Doodles #51-128

I used polychromos pencils as my medium this time.   I was very fortunate to learn how to use my pencils without mineral spirits from watching Arizona artist, Terry Medaris.   Terry comes to the Mesa, Arizona stamp show twice a year and demonstrates how he uses colored pencils.   I bet I stood at his table for hours while he colored and gave instruction.   Terry was the senior artist for Boeing in Tucson during his professional career.   He later taught art at Pima Community College in Tucson and then went on to share his art with the stamping community, and in many of Arizona's local galleries.

First I stamped Flower Teddy on Neenah Solar White #80 lb card stock in a good quality black ink.  I have a photo for you showing the process from beginning to end.

Lay down your color gently at first, then begin building the color up.  Doing this helps the color to fill in the tooth of the paper and provides a smooth surface.   Continue adding color for shadows, and remember to leave your highlights.  You can use your eraser to help if you get a little heavy handed.  Using your good eraser is a great way to provide highlights as well.

Once I felt Flower Teddy was finished, I trimmed him out (fussy cut) so I could pop him up with adhesive squares and provide dimension on this card.    Before I started working on the Timeless release I went through all my patterned paper and picked out those papers I felt would be complimentary.  I needed to "ground" my Teddy so I used some blue plank patterned paper in the background (you can choose your favorite paper), and cut out a frame with Swirly Stitches #51-502 (love that frame set!).   For my sentiment I used an older die-cut set from Penny Black called, Doodles #51-128    I cut it twice and stacked it.  I also cut the word down a bit to fit the space.  To finish the card I added some Tonic Nuvo drops in white.

My second card is going through the mail with one (1) stamp!  I know that's important to many of you so I wanted to mention it.  I did pop the panel up with some soft fun foam but it is still very light for mailing.

Products used:  A Floral Twist #40-676; Textures #30-240; and Grateful Sentiments #30-547

I used my Misti to gradually moved my stamp from the Textures #30-240 downward, then I colored A Floral Twist #40-676 with Tombows and stamped over the textures background.  I did that a couple of times to make sure I got good coverage.   Once I was done I used some gold Fine Tec paint for splatters.  I also backed the green card stock with some crumbled gold cotton paper (I love the texture it has) and embossed the sentiment, Thank You, from the Grateful Sentiments #30-547 set.  I finished the card with some flat enamel dots.  It has a very open air breezing feeling to me and is reminds me of the wild flowers that grow along the grasses in the dunes here in South Carolina.

Have a wonderful crafty weekend friends!

Irish Luck | Penny Black | Happy St. Patrick's Day

Irish Luck

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my Irish friends and Penny Black fans today!   I have a quick post for you today with one of Penny's newest Teddy Bears from the 2019 Timeless release of stamps, coordinating dies, and  creative die cuts.

What do you do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  What are your special traditions?  Do you make a special meal, decorate, go to an Irish Day parade, wear the green?

I'm Irish on my mother's side (Elizabeth June Riley) and my youngest has a wee bit o' red in her hair and freckles across her face.   My DIL's mother is also Irish - we've got this holiday covered (she laughs!)   And because of this I never want to forget our Irish heritage, and my dear friends who love this holiday.    This sweet Teddy is perfect for your St. Patrick's Day cards, and I know I'm going to use him many times over.

Products used:  Floral Silhouette #30-563; Swirly Stitches #51-502; Irish Luck #30-538; and Irish Luck Cut Out #51-524

I started this card by stamping some background sprig o' green (that's what I call them) from the perfect, Floral Silhouette 30-563 stamp set, using some green ink and cutting the panel with the new Swirly Stitches 51-502 creative die-cut and trimmed the edges with some gold leaf pen.   On another piece of Neenah Solar White I stamped my Teddy from the Irish Luck 30-538 stamp set.  This is a three (3) piece set which includes the Teddy, sentiment, and banner.  The lucky thing about this set is the coordinating Irish Luck Cut Out 51-524  Yay! 

This card came together quickly (pure coloring fun!) - I've added a few gold sequins and lots of good luck wishes.  Have a wonderful day and I hope you'll share a few of your special traditions with me.

Garden Party | Penny Black

Special Friends and A Garden

Hey there Penny Black fans!   Are you tired of bunnies?  Nah, I didn't think so (she smiles).  I'm back today to share another sweet springtime card created with several new creative dies and one of my favorite stamp sets.   It's a garden party with pretty pink gingham, springtime green, and the cutest tiny watering can.  All we need are our gloves and hat!

Penny Black products used:  Special Friends #30-561, Floral Silhouette #30-563, A Garden #51-510, Swirly Stitches #51-502, and Hello Frame #51-040

First, don't you just love those tiny flowers and watering can?!  Am I the only one that thinks all the little wee ones come out to play at twilight in the garden?  Do you talk to your plants and flowers?  I confess, I do (she laughs).

The first thing I did when I pulled out my creative dies and stamp set was to pick my checked patterned paper for the background and a smaller check for the small table cloth.  I also wanted to emboss (again) that sweet bunny from the Special Friends set.  But this time I used a pretty rose gold embossing powder - oh I wish you could see this in real time.  Once I embossed and let it cool, I used just a touch of Copic color to the bunny.   Next, I die cut a pretty frame and small panel using the newest Swirly Stitches dies, and trimmed them both with my gold leaf pen.   Then I used my Zigs (a pretty spring green) again on one of the pretty solid transparent stamps in the Floral Silhouette set and stamped on the smallest panel.   Add a little water from a water pen or small brush and you get a beautiful soft, out-of-focus appearance that projects a peek into my secret garden.   I popped up the bunny with adhesive dimensional squares.   Now you have a bit of depth and perspective to the window.   A Garden provides just the perfect size garden elements for this garden party.  The little watering can, tiny flowers, and leaves are so sweet. 

Rose gold sequins and a happy Hello finished the card.   I cut the word Hello from the Hello Frame three times from soft grey card stock.   This card has tons of sweet dimension and layers of details.   I'll be back a little later with some more Timeless 2019 creations using the newest release of stamps and creative die-cuts.

Spellbinders + Fun Stampers Journey | Stamp of the Month

Good Places
CAS Design and Embossing

Welcome back Spellbinders and Fun Stampers Journey fans!  Today I am sharing two cards using the new March Stamp of the Month release by Fun Stampers Journey called, Good Places.

Do you like club kits?  I think they are a wonderful "Go-to" for crafty friends - value added in my humble opinion. 

Today I have a one layer CAS design and a card using patterned paper - both lend themselves to the lovely Dutch motif of Good Places.

I stamped the lovely windmill in Hero Arts Intense Black Dye ink (one of my favorites).  I stamped several times to achieve good full coverage.   I also stamped one of the three sentiments that is included in this 10 piece stamp set in the same ink.   The wooden shoes are stamped on Bristol Smooth paper using Simon Says Stamp premium dye ink, Fog Grey.  Then I used my Zig Clean Color Real Brush set to put down my first color.  When I use my Zigs I color off on a palette and then lift the color with an aqua brush; I can control the color better that way.   I normally let it dry a little before adding more color; a two or three step process.   Once it was done I went back into the negative areas and colored useing my Polychomos pencils to show the design on the shoes.  When I was finished I cut out the shoes using the Good Times coordinating die cut.   I have a set of shoes my grandparents gifted me when I was a little girl and these shoes are very reminiscent of my pair.

My second card pairs patterned paper and embossing with the 2 piece tulip stamp and stem included in the stamp set.

I love the look of the muted blue and grey horizontal stripe paired with the sliver floral patterned paper.  And the white embossing I used on the wooden shoes and rising tulips allow the details to pop!   This is the high quality impression you can achieve when using a good quality red rubber stamp. 

I hope you've enjoyed all the cards I have showcased for the March Stamp of the Month kit.  Be sure to stop by Spellbinders for a look at the newest club offering.   If you have questions about the membership you can find it all right here!

Until next time  I wish you happy crafting!

Spellbinders + FSJourney | Stamp of the Month Club

Good Places

Have you heard about the Spellbinders + Fun Stampers Journey Stamp of the Month Kits?    The NEW Fun Stampers Journey (FSJ) Stamp of the Month sets are made in the USA of high quality deeply etched red rubber with cling mount.   This month's "Good Places Stamp" also has a coordinating "Good Places Die Set" (DI-0519)

When asked by Spellbinders if I would like to create with the March kit and share some cards with you I immediately said yes!  I have worked with the club kits before and love them!  You can find out more information on how the club memberships work here!

The inspiration for my card was my paternal grandfather.  He was born and raised in Arnhem, Netherlands.   My favorite stamp in the set are the wooden shoes.  For most children in the Netherlands, December 5th is the day when Sinterklass (St. Nicholas) comes to give presents.   Children put their shoes out to be filled with presents and candy.  My grandparents gifted me a pair of wooden shoes that I sat on their fireplace hearth every Christmas eve waiting to be filled with delights!   I had the opportunity years later to travel to the Netherlands often.  I loved going to the markets on Saturdays where I experienced open air shopping that exhilarated the senses!

For my card today I have used patterned paper that reminds me of the flowered wall papers I saw in some of the homes.  What a perfect backdrop for the windmill, shoes, and little heart.  I stamped the shoes and heart with Papertrey Blueberry Sky ink and the windmill with Simon Says Stamp Intense Black Ink.  I used a combination of Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers and Polychromos Colored Pencils.   I also stamped that beautiful sentiment in Intense Black Ink.  I love the clean, crisp impression the red rubber stamps provide.

Although I don't speak Dutch, I understood the love of grandparents who did.  There was no silence just a genuine love between generations.

I hope you like the card today and if you aren't a Club Member yet, I hope you'll give it a try!

Bouquet Ballet | Penny Black

Bouquet Ballet

Hello friends, and welcome back!

I'm here sharing another card created with Penny Black's newest collection of stamps and dies from the Timeless release called, Bouquet Ballet

Penny Black products used:  Bouquet Ballet #40-674; Stitched Square & Circle #51-422; Grateful Sentiments #30-547

This card was created using several techniques;   1)  Copic no-line coloring and,  2) a bit of spotlighting.   I stamped a square 4 x 4 piece of Neenah Solar White card stock with the beautiful line art slapstick/cling stamp, Bouquet Ballet #40-674 across the square, but only colored a corner portion.  The background is colored as well to help pop the spotlight area.   Once the piece was colored I die cut it using the Stitched Square & Circle #51-422 creative die set.   The sentiment, Grateful Sentiments #30-547 is embossed in gold on navy card stock.

As always I appreciate your visits and hope you're enjoying the new Penny Black Timeless release.

Celebrate Spring | Penny Black Timeless Release

Hello again Penny Black fans!

Are you enjoying the Penny Black Hop?   If you haven't made a visit yet, please do!   Beautiful cards showcasing the new Timeless release plus a chance to win a $50 shopping spree right here!

My cards today are both sets and dies from the new Timeless release.  One of my favorite sets is the Special Friends stamp and coordinating die.  So many lovely stamps in this 5"x 6.5" - four woodland critters, leaves, a banner and three sentiments; springtime couldn't be more beautiful!   For this card I die-cut a panel of card stock using the new Cut & Stitch Circle die, and backed it with a lovely marbled shade of spring green card stock.   The die leaves behind a circle negative that you can use as an inset or for another project.   I inked one of the stamps in the Floral Silhouette set (the one that looks like Queen Ann's Lace) with my Zigs.  I wondered how the Zigs would work on a solid transparent stamp.  Since the ink is water reactive it behaved just as I thought.  I used several different shades of blue and red violet and loved the outcome.  I applied a little water around the tiny blooms to achieve that soft, out-of-focus look -- a window into a secret springtime garden and the beauty it brings.

Penny Black products used:  #30-561 Special Friends; #30-563 Floral Silhouette; #51-508 Cut & Stitch Circle; and Nature's Wishes (Sentiment) #30-109

March brings St. Patrick's Day and some sweet stamp sets in the newest Penny Black Stamps collection, Timeless.   I always say don't overlook the smaller stamps and sentiments in sets that can convey your message.   Like this sweet set, Floral Silhouette with sentiment.  I used another solid transparent stamp from the set for this Good Luck card.  The tiny flowers are die-cut using the new creative die, A Garden. 

Penny Black products used:  #30-563; Floral Silhouette w/Sentiment; #51-510 A Garden; #51-502 Swirly Stitches

A little sliver thread behind the sentiment and some gold leaf around the edges creates a lovely, simple card.   Who will you send a Bit O' the Irish luck to today?

Thank you for joining me as I continue to share the cards I've created with Penny Black's newest springtime Timeless release.

Timeless 2019 Release and Blog Hop | Penny Black

Hello Penny Black Fans!

It's a "Party with Penny!"   You're invited to join in the fun over the next several days as Penny Black reveals their newest collection of stamps and dies, Timeless 2019

Penny Black is kicking off the party with a Blog Hop!

You should have arrived at my blog from the talented, Birgit Edblom

If you want to start the hop from the beginning, you can go to the Penny Black blog for a complete list of all of the blog hop participants.   You can also find the blog hop list at the end of my blog post.

  * Note:  I will link all the products I have used in pink and list product numbers in the caption underneath the card photo.

So let's get this party started and spring forward!

If you are patiently waiting for spring, this release is for you!   Beautiful brush stroke florals, tender transparent sets, and coordinating stamp/die sets.  Something for everyone!

My first card features the transparent set, Delicate Beauty, framed with Swirly Stitches, and a new phrase from the set, Sentiments  The Delicate Beauty set has a coordinating die which makes life so much easier unless you enjoy fussy cutting (which I do).   I colored the main blossom in the Delicate Beauty set, and the medium bloom from the Special Friends set with Copic markers.   The icing on the cake?  A beautiful frame and sentiment that sets the stage for delicate rosy blooms!

Penny Black products used:  #30-559 Delicate Beauty; #30-561 Special Friends (medium flowers and leaves); #30-544 Sentiments; #51-502 Swirly Stitches

My second card features both the Special Friends and Delicate Beauty sets again.  Sweet floral sprigs are framed by the new Diamond Cut die that projects a lattice look - and popped up on the spring green base panel cut using the Elegant Stitching die - perfect!   And who might you find in a springtime garden?  A rabbit of course!  I love this little guy.  I love the dimension the small dots give her and preferred to emboss this piece rather than do a lot of coloring -- I saved the coloring for the blossoms and again used my Copic markers.   I chose the very small word sentiment, "Because..." from the Grateful Sentiments set.  Have you ever wanted to send a card just "because" you had someone on your heart and were thinking of them?   It fits doesn't it? (she smiles).

Penny Black products used:  #30-561 Special Friends, #30-559 Delicate Beauty (springs of flowers); #30-547 Grateful Sentiments; #51-499 Diamond Cut; #51-440 Elegant Stitching

I hope you've enjoyed seeing these cards and products today.   I've loved creating them for you!  This new release is sprinkled with springtime beauty!  Don't forget to check out Instagram, Facebook, and the Penny Black Flickr Group to see some of the newest cards from your favorite designers.

But we're not finished yet!

It wouldn't be a party without a giveaway, right?   Penny Black is giving away a $50 shopping spree to the Penny Black online store to FIVE lucky winners!   To enter, leave a comment on any Blog Hop post (this one included).   The giveaway closes on Sunday, March 10th, at 11:59 PST and winners will be announced on the Penny Black blog on March 18th

And now... keep hopping! 

Your next visit is Marion Vagg

Blog Hop participates

Penny Black Blog

Birgit Edblom

Susie Lessard

Marion Vagg

Heather Telford

Judy Jung

Therese Calvird

Virginia Lu

Julia

Sherry Hester

Patti Kehl

Mayline Jung

Cathy Andronicou

Milla

Penny Ward

Thanks for hopping with us and checking out all the lovely cards from these talented ladies.  I'll be back tomorrow with two more cards from the Timeless 2019 release!