Hello Bluebird | Fly a Kite with Susie

“It’s delightful when your imaginations come true, isn’t it?”

― L.M. Montgomery, Ann of Green Gables

Hello Bluebird friends!    I’m on the Hello Bluebird Blog to share a card I’ve created with one of the newest Hello Bluebird April 2019 release sets, Fly a Kite.  It is delightful when one can imagine the childlike characters of the forest flying a kite together isn’t it?   Recently, I’ve been talking to my blog friends about mediums and styles.  Today I am sharing my love of building scenes and adding patterned paper to create a happy, and whimsical scene.   Let's take a walk together to the Hello Bluebird Blog and talk patterned papers and the different design style it can bring to your card.

The magical world of make believe and the characters that live in it.  The Hello Bluebird April 2019 Release provides the beauty of the imageable!

Queen & Company | Shaped Shaker Card Kits

Queen & Company

Window Shaped Shaker Set

Hello friends!  Welcome to my front porch today as we talk about creating shaker cards.

I will be the first to say that I have always believed myself to be shaker card challenged (she laughs).  No longer my friends.  Why?  The wonderful shaker card kits from Queen & Company!

Queen & Co Specialty kits are all inclusive kits which often include dies, shaker foam accents, toppings, bling, twine, stamps and stickers.   It's very easy to create 10 cards with just one kit. 

I was amazed at how easy it was to create a sweet window shaker card using the kit I was sent.  And as the statement above states, everything I needed to create the card was included.   How sweet is this little window scene?!  A perfect window setting for a craft room (she smiles).

The Window Shaker Kit includes the following:

(4) Steel Dies (9) Self-Adhesive Foam Shaker Shapes (9) Matching Acetate Covers (1) 3x4 Clear Stamp Set

Patterned Papers and embellishments galore!  I used the Bling Flowers in Pink,  Jelly Gems Topping Set, and the 6x6 Dots Paper Pad

Card kits are a wonderful tool for the busy crafter.  And with so many kits available you're sure to find one that suits your crafty needs.

I'll see you back on the front porch in a couple of days with another Queen & Company Window Shaker card

Thank you stopping by for a visit

Hello Bluebird | Fairy Garden & Garden Friends

In the far away land of make believe

Where fairies dance

And ladybugs swing
 Under golden light
 As bluebells chime to their delight

And the whirl-about goes round!

Hello dear bluebird friends, welcome to my front porch!

Did you have a wonderful and blessed Easter?

We are settling back into a routine after having guests for the weekend.

Last week we talked a little about mediums and styles.  This week I thought it might be nice to settle back and take a look at a card creation that incorporates both - patterned paper, copic marker AND two stamp sets that bring the magical land of make believe to life.

I cannot take a walk through the gardens of Middleton or Magnolia without seeing fairies (she smiles).  You might say, "Oh Susie, how can that be?"  Well, when you see bald cypress knees grouped together as if they were extended family, or petite blossoms growing along the waters edge, and hanging moss that looks like a long grey beard, it's difficult not to believe.  It's easy to envision the scene above.   And that's just what I did.

The beautifully illustrated stamps sets, Fairy Garden and Garden Friends from Hello Bluebird are meant to interact together, and scaled to do so.

I started this card by cutting patterned paper with the Grassy Knoll stand alone die.  I color-tipped the ends of the grass with a darker green from my Copic marker to provide contrast against the light blue patterned paper of the sky.  If you look close you'll see slight pink wisps of color that are part of the patterned paper design.  I deepened the pink a little more with my Polychromos pencil.

Then I began to build my scene with style!  The toadstool from Garden Friends was the perfect center element for a magical merry go round.  Can you imagine how much fun that would be in the land of make believe?!  I pierced the toadstool in three locations.   A little strip of woodgrain patterned paper snipped into a tiny rectangles became the swing seat for our little ladybugs to stand on.  And embroidery thread their handlebars.  I shortened the right side to give the appearance of swinging upward and the left a little lower as they whirl about.

Bluebells from Fairy Garden shimmer in golden light and play their magical tune as the butterfly from Garden Friends looks on, and the snail glides along the forest floor.  All the stamped images were colored with Copic markers.  Some were adhered flat, while others with adhesive mounting tape to give depth and dimension.  A peek through a grassy field of bluebells on a sunny day, where ladybugs play to the delight of their garden friends.

   What lies beneath black waters still and deep where gossamer wings doth fly? Sentinels of bald cypress knees keep watch by day and twilight casts last light as fairies dance and play.

I hope you've been inspired to create with imagination in mind as you step into the land of make believe with Hello Bluebird Stamps.

Hello Bluebird| Preview Day 4 | Fly a Kite

RELEASE DAY!

Fly a Kite

Hello Bluebird friends!  Welcome to my front porch, and day 4 of the the new April release previews which will culminate tonight April 16th at 7:00pm MST when the release goes live on the Hello Bluebird Stamps website.

Release day is here!    I am amazed I am almost through my first release as a "Bluebird" I'm still pinching myself.   But, I have several more cards to share with you this month - so let's talk.  I've been using Copics as my "medium" for all of the cards this month, including this one.  But, style is an entirely different animal, err, character (she smiles).   Today's card is a CAS design with an inked blended background.  It is a simple, but effective way to feature the principle element by framing it with other images or playing off a sentiment(s) and leaving a balanced white space.

For my card today I am using the new release set, Fly a Kite.  I loved coloring these adorable illustrations turned stamps.  Early in my stamping journey I wanted to give voice to the card designs I was creating.  Building scenes and story lines is a prefect way to accomplish that goal.

Life is Better with Friends is one of the sentiments included in the Fly a Kite set.  And it is the foundation for my CAS design.  Look at the interaction between the little bee and the fox - friendship is implied between the two by the sweet smile on the face of the fox.  The rest of the group help by surrounding the CAS design in the photo staging.  The card begins to tell a simple story on and off the card.

In the months ahead you'll see me use different mediums and styles and hopefully you'll be inspired to join the fun -- We can do this together! 

The new April 2019 Release will be available for purchase tonight at 7:00pm MST  Don't miss out, this release is going to go fast.

Hello Bluebird Stamps + Your Imagination = Inspiration

 Because Life is Better with Friends!

As always, thank you for joining me today.  And I'll see you soon.

  

Hello Bluebird | Preview Day 3 | Unicorn Tales

Unicorn Tales, Sparkle Script, 

After the Rain Scene Die

Hello Bluebird friends!  Welcome to my front porch, and day 3 of the the new April release previews which will culminate on the evening of April 16th at 7:00pm MST when the release goes live on the Hello Bluebird Stamps website.

Let's start this Monday off right with a cup of coffee while we talk and take a look at todays sweet offering.

Unicorns, Sparkle Script and After the Rain Scene Die - Wow!  This card is all about feminine sparkle and playtime fun with a magical unicorn rocking horse!  Glittering stars slide down rainbows made of polka dot pattern paper.   Tiny golden stars adorn a pastel bokeh background.  Add a rose gold embossed sentiment and you have a card fit for a princess!

I decided to use the "Sparkle and Shine' sentiment and embossed it in rose gold embossing powder.   This card almost has a faux shaker card feel doesn't it?  I cut a 4.25 x 5.5 panel from Neenah Solar White card stock 80lb and used my ink blending sponge (very lightly) to create a bokeh effect.  I gently buffed the circles with a soft tissue and placed the tiny stars randomly.  Believe it or not, I was able to lay a piece of acetate over the top without glueing those tiny stars down.  The static electricity held them in place perfectly.  I cut the polka dot pattern paper using the After the Rain Scene die and inlaid the pieces - a perfect fit!  The only thing left was to place my little unicorn rocking horse at the end of the rainbow with adhesive mounting tape.   What sweeter way to give a new look to a unicorn than to add a rocker underneath!   Easy peasy - just cut down a small circle die and angel it a bit on the ends.   My unicorn is colored with Copic markers and die cut using the coordinating dies available for the Unicorn Tales set.   A little stardust glitter down the mane finishes the card.   What type of card would you create with this new release set?  Birthday, Welcome Baby, Party favors, or maybe an invitation for a girlie day at the Spa!

Hello Bluebird Stamps + Your Imagination = Magical!

I'll be back tomorrow for Preview Day 4.    I hope you've enjoyed our time together as we took a look at the new April release stamp set, Unicorn Tales, Sparkle Script, and After the Rain Die from Hello Bluebird Stamps.   Be sure to check out all of the Design Team cards on Instagram, and don't forget the release culminates on April 16th at 7:00pm when all products will be available on the  Hello Bluebird Stamps website.  As always it's a pleasure to have you visit today.

Hello Bluebird | Preview Day 2 | Maverick & Sunrise Scene Die

Maverick and Sunrise Scene Die

“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Hello Bluebird friends!  Welcome to my front porch, and the second day of previews for the new April release which will culminate on the evening of April 16th at 7:00pm MST when the release goes live on the Hello Bluebird Stamps website.

Come and sit with me on the porch and let me show you what I've created for you!  

It was a stellar week for our young grandson who learned how to tie his shoes (she smiles).   Milestones come in all sizes don't they?  We are determined in our quest to succeed!  We try, and try again, and finally... we take off - flying higher than we ever dreamed!   And before we know it our new skill is second nature.   My card today is all about flying high and encouraging others in their own dreams.   The accomplishment of a new skill or goal sends us soaring high!

Today the Hello Bluebird Design Team is featuring the Maverick Stamp set and Sunrise Scene Die.   I decided to customize the paint job on this little PT19 (Pilot Trainer).  These are the colors and design both the Navy and Army used on their trainer aircraft during WWII.  All imagines were die-cut with coordinating dies.  I used the Sunrise Scene die for the sunshine and rays and the pretty yellow border around this A2 sized card.   It also cuts the clouds too!  I cut twice, once with yellow  card stock and once with Neenah Solar White 80lb and inked the white with a little grey blue ink and just tipped a little yellow ink on the upper clouds.   The images were all colored with Copic marker.   The plane and little bluebirds were popped up with adhesive mounting tape.   If you look close you'll see I've used a little clear gloss on the windshield and pilot's glasses.   Now for the best surprise of all.  There are several little animal pals in this set that are illustrated so they fit into the aircraft.  The unique coordinating die cuts right along the arm that rests outside the airplane, and the airplane also has a cut line that allows you to slip your choice of animal pal into the plane - isn't that great?!  Both the plane and the animal pal fit together perfectly!

This card was a pure delight to create and I thought about our young grandson who is learning to soar in so many areas of life.   Oh the places he'll go!

Tomorrow the Hello Bluebird Design Team will be back featuring another new release stamp set and die.  I hope you've enjoyed our time together today as we took a look at the new April release stamp set, Maverick, and the stand alone Sunrise Scene Die from Hello Bluebird Stamps.   Be sure to check out all of the Design Team cards on Instagram, and don't forget the release culminates on April 16th at 7:00pm when all products will be available on the Hello Bluebird Stamps website.  As always it's a pleasure to have you visit today.

Hello Bluebird | Preview Day 1 |Fairy Garden

Fairy Garden and Garden Friends

The soft stars are shinning,

The moon is alight;

The folk of the forest

Are dancing tonight...

~ Katherine Davis

1892 - 1980

Hello Bluebird friends!   Welcome to my front porch, and to the first day of previews for the new April release.  I will be sharing a new card with you for the next four days which will culminate on release night, April 16th at 7:00pm MST, when the release goes live on the Hello Bluebird Stamps website.

Come sit with me a while -- let's have a glass of sweet tea and I'll show you what's new this month.

Living in the coastal low country of South Carolina adds to the magical illustration of these new release stamp sets, Fairy Garden and Garden Friends.   Each time I take my camera to the beautiful gardens of Middleton and Magnolia, or our own garden, I am transported to a land of make believe.  Where fairies gather under the moonlight to play with woodland friends, ring the bells of lavender blue, and cast their spells of twinkling dust, and dance in the light of the sliv'ry moon!

The Fairy Garden set includes seventeen images plus two sentiments.  Garden Friends includes thirteen images and three sentiments - that's what I call value added!   Coordinating dies are also available.  I have used two little images (the red violet single flower and the firefly) from the Garden Friends set to compliment my Fairy Garden scene.  The Garden Friends set is scaled to compliment the Fairy Garden set.   Imagine how many sweet scenes you can create with these sets!

I started this design by ink blending the background around a masked circle (for the moon) using Ranger Distress Inks in a blue/blue violet color palette.   When I finished I lightly slid the edge of the sponge across the moon several times to give the appearance of wispy clouds.   All the images were die-cut with coordinating dies and colored with Copic markers.  I kept a blue/blue violet and yellow palette for my little fairy's dress.   And here's a little tip:  when I color a face I always used just a little V20 Copic right under the hairline - try it next time you color and see if you don't like it too.   A wink of stella, some white gel pen, and flat clear sequins were used to finish the card.   The finished panel was mounted using fun foam onto the card base.

I hope you've enjoyed our time together as we took our first look at this adorable stamp set from Hello Bluebird Stamps.   Tomorrow we'll soar into the wild blue yonder!   Be sure to check out all of the Design Team cards on Instagram as we feature, Fairy Garden and Garden Friends.  As always it's a pleasure to have you visit today.

Hello Bluebird | Oh Happy Day

Oh Happy Day

It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!

I have been invited to join the Hello Bluebird Stamps Design Team!  And I can't think of a sweeter card design to announce my excitement over the news!

I've taken my bio from the "About" portion of my blog to give you an overview of who I am.

I was born in California, and raised in both the Northwest United States, and the southwestern desert of Arizona. I have been married for 50 years, have two grown children, and one grandchild.

My professional experience in the marketplace is one that will surprise many I'm sure. My journey began in the Defense Industry and ended when I raised my right hand and took the oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I would serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States.  I became an Intelligence Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency. My area of expertise (sub-category): Information Management Officer in the Office of Policy at the National Reconnaissance Office.

My creative journey took much longer. After many years of laying aside my artistic interests I began a blog.  Using the imagery and medium of paper crafting, writing, and photography, I brought my memories to life again in card and story form.  It didn't take long to realize this medium provided great satisfaction. A people watcher and story teller at heart, I find great joy in finding a stamp with character and surrounding it with words that give it life. Words that encourage, inspire, bring laughter and imagination to the heart. Sue Monk Kidd said, "Discovering our personal stories is a spiritual quest." I find that to be true. Many of my blog posts reflect my faith and little pieces of me. 

Some of you may have seen several of my cards that Hello Bluebird Stamps has been generous enough to repost on their Instagram account.  But, if you haven't how about a peek at them now.

Like many of you, I watched for each Hello Bluebird release with excited anticipation.  The gentle sweetness of the illustrations drew me closer every time until I could no longer resist.   The February 2019 release of Banner Buddies captivated my heart!    My first card used the Banner Buddies, Springtime, Spring Script, and Typed Everyday stamp sets.   I used the Gallery Frame #2 as my foundation.   

In the south we decorate anything that isn't tied down (she laughs).  Seriously, there is a wreath on every door, and flowers fillin' and spillin' over every front porch rail basket.   So it should be no surprise that I created, wait for it...  YES!  A springtime wreath using my pals from Banner Buddies, Springtime, Spring Gatherings, and a sentiment from Spring Banner Script.   I scored my decorative panel and trimmed it with my beloved gold leaf pen (you'll see a lot of that).   I also cut a thin circle so I had a foundation to build my wreath on.

Look at all those sweet little stamp illustrations you can color!   I felt like I was playing with paper dolls again.  I absolutely adored coloring them all!  Here's a secret:  A stamping friend once told me when you are finished with your card, hold it in your open palms and blow a kiss over it to wing it on it's way.

My last card celebrates Springtime in the garden with three busy little bunnies, well at least two, I see one guy laying down on the job (she smiles).   McGregor's Garden is a set that will enchant the heart of any gardener!   This set is chock-a-block filled with little vegetable images to color - oh my!  My foundation for this card is the Gallery Frame #1 Stand Alone Die.   And Springtime to brighten the day!

  

It's my pleasure and honor to be part of the 2019 Hello Bluebird Stamp Design Team.   Welcome to my blog!  I hope you'll visit me often.   Let's create something that makes our hearts sing!

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