Sunflower Bursting into Butterflies

 I can't remember where I first saw a card like this if it was on Pinterest or maybe Instagram but I knew I wanted to try to recreate it.  Using my Cricut along with Design Space I was able to do that quite easily.  Now mine is a simpler version, however, I like it just the same.  I am entering this into the Anything Goes Challenge #245 over on the Creative Fingers Challenge Blog.  This is an excellent challenge so I decided to share it over there.  You can find the challenge here.  Hope you enjoy this card.  I will be showing the process of this card over on Tik Tok in the coming days so if you want to check it out head on over via my links.  You will see a link to that over to the right of this post where it says link in bio.

Roll_a_card_challenge: Purple, jute, cupcake, and wood

 I didn't show the details of this challenge in the video (found here), but here they are: I had to use all the elements above. I first took the wood detail patterned paper and adhered that to a piece of Recollections white cardstock. I knew for the purple I wanted to add some simple ink smooshing. That meant that paper was not going to cut it. I added the cardstock for stability and I was hoping it did not warp so much. I worked! Once I had the "spilled" look thanks to my wilted violet distress oxide ink. I found a die set that I thought would work well. The die set came with a magazine that I now can't find. I do know the set was designed by Sam Calcott. If you have not been following her, you should. I will put her link to her YouTube channel down here.

Ok after I cut out all the elements I added a stamped sentiment to the circle die cut. I wanted to add the jute at the bottom so I created a track for it by building up 3 pieces of cardstock above and below it on the back. This makes this a very hefty card. I think I got carried away with the jute bow so this probably will be a hand-delivered card. The rose gold paper is also Recollections. I added a thin frame of this cardstock to the page before adding the decorated panel. I also die cut the word surprise 2 times from scrap cardstock before adding on the rose gold. It helped it stand out a bit more I think. Finally, sequins...got have that bling, right?

If you want to follow this challenge you can check it out on Instagram here.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge for August found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge # 236-Anything Goes found here.

Creatalicious Challenge # 240- Anything Goes with optional embossing (I opted out of this).  You can find this challenge here.

Keep it Simple with a Single Layer Card✨

 

A stencil, some ink, stamps, and a few embellishments can give you a quick card. It won't be ordinary either.✨ You can watch the video below for more information. I am entering this card into Happy Little Stampers Stencil Challenge Anything goes and Creative Fingers Challenge #224 Anything goes.

Adding Texture to Vellum

 I wanted to try to add some texture to the vellum.  I think my pearl-colored vellum was just not quite heavy enough for this to work the best but I still love the result.  I used Tangerine Tango to stamp a flowered Unity stamp on the vellum.  After it dried thanks to my heat tool, I took a stylus and over craft foam traced the flowers.  It gives it a bit of a textured bump finish on the other side.  When you turn over the vellum the image seems pinker.  So I got out some paper from my Spellbinders April Kit of the Month and a sentiment to pull this card together.

I am adding this card to two challenges:

Creative Fingers Challenge #215:  Anything Goes  (you can find this challenge here) &

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #412 (you can find this challenge here)

Cards- With No stamping

So I found a couple of challenges this week that interested me. One is from Splitcoast Stampers.  If you have never been over to Splitcoast you should really check it out.  There are forums to discuss all things Stamping or Papercrafting related, tutorials, and tons of inspiration.  Under the Ways to Use It Challenge posted 4/16/20 the challenge was to make a card with no stamping.  There are tons of ideas that floated in my head but nothing solidified till I saw Kristie Marcott's challenge, #kristiescardchallenge this week over on her Instagram channel. Her challenge was to make your own background paper.  From those two challenges as inspiration, I ended up with the card at the top of the post. 

I used Distress Oxide inks in worn lipstick and fossilized amber to make a blended background.  I added Brilliance moonlight white with a stencil of triangles. Then I added a white feather along with a die-cut HI sentiment. I added a few clear sequins for sparkle.  Simple but I loved how it turned out.

While I had everything out I decided to do another card. This one doesn't fit with Kristie's challenge but still is appropriate for the Ways to Use It Challenge from 4/16/20. 

My scraps from my easter cards led to the main panel.  I had cut my scraps into strips and made panels of "cardstock" out of them.  I kept this card simple by adding a pink die cut border to the bottom.  I added the white die-cut banner on top with the black sentiment hugs at the bottom.  I am going to add this card also to an Anything Goes Challenge #184 over at Creative Fingers Challenge Blog.

I hope everyone is staying safe.  Take some time to get creative out there...I know it helps me to stay calm during this time so Hopefully it does the same for you.

Also, join me on Social Media at:

Pinterest: Samanthadesigns

Facebook Page: @SamanthadesignsPapercrafts

Twitter: @Samanthadesign2

Instagram: @Samanthadesigns2

Watercolors plus Stamping

 I was playing with watercolor techniques, stamps, distress inks, and distress oxide inks.  Here is what I ended up with.  Most stamps from Unity Stamp Company.  The flamingo is from Hampton Arts.

I am entering the flamingo card into Creative Fingers Challenge blog #147.  I have missed working with those fine ladies over there.  You can find the challenge here.

Hello

Hey crafty friends.  I have the first 2018 Creative Fingers Design Team project for you.  This was really fun to create.

I started out with a circle base I created with my Cricut by just find a circle card base as part of the access membership (M4CF62) to design space.  I then knew I wanted a circle scallop to layer on top.  That I also found in Design Space (M42D67).  The main image was cut out using the print and cut feature.  The cute girl is from Prettygrafikdesign.  If you want to see the group of digital stamps this cutie came from just go here.

I made the base into an easel card.  To add a bit of color, I added some distress ink in Spun Sugar.  I used a light hand in applying it so it would be soft.   

Then the layering began.  I used a doily die, snowflake dies, a stitched circle, two stitched hearts in patterned paper, a banner die.  At the bottom of the stitched circle I added layers of lace and ribbon.

To hold up the easel, I added layers of dies again, banners in two patterned papers, a snowflake, on a frame die, with the sentiment Hello.  I also added a couple of gems for a bit of bling.

I have been turning to this layering of dies and trims recently. Though I still tend to make more clean and simple cards most of the time, I am loving this shabby chic cards as well.

I hope you find inspiration in this and get in your crafty stash to play around today too!

OddballArtCo. Christmas

Well if you have made it to this point...you got it all accomplished!  Time to treat yourself!  Maybe a nice long soak like this young lady.  She has the right idea.  😜

As part of the design team from Creative Fingers Challenge I want to thank all of the sponsors for the year 2017!  I chose a image I had in my folders from OddballArtCo.  You can find the image here.  

I kept this card simple as I wanted the image to be the focus.  I did add this lady's list of things she accomplished to be ready for the Christmas Season.  I colored her in with Copics.

I used a 41/4 x 5 1/2 top folding card base.  I then patterned paper from a 6 x 6 patterned paper pack I have called North Country Collection by Prima.  I also added some clear gems to the top.  Hard to see them in the picture but they are there.

To keep things simple I will not be entering this card into any challenges.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Wanted to stop by today and just share with you what I do with all those "extra" images I have made after putting together my DT card.  Hope you enjoy!

Foxy Shabby Chic

I love trying things out of my comfort zone.  This design team project is definitely one of those.

I am a big fan of all those gorgeous shabby chic cards I see on Pinterest.  All the lace, flowers, distressing, die cuts.  They are just lovely.  As much as I love the look, I really have a hard time recreating it.  But this week's image was the inspiration I needed.

The digital stamp I used is from Wink Wink Ink.  You can find the image here.  The download came in different formats, the colored image, translucent, light, or white.  That way you can use it however you wish.  I used the colored image this week.  I wanted the image to look it's best and the colored image is just gorgeous.

Since I don't usually do much shabby chic, I looked through my stash to see what I had to hopefully get look I was looking for to make this card.

I started out with a cream base that is 4 1/4 x 51/2 top folding card made out of Recollections cardstock.  Then to have a way to put on the lace and ribbon I used a panel on top of that was 4 1/8 x 5 1/4.

I then used some of the same cream cardstock to die cut the snowflakes as well as the frame.  I added the fox image I had printed on the same cream cardstock with a cross stitched edged die.  The next layer was the framed die cut, then I added two coordinating patterned papers that were slightly bigger than the layer before.  These two layers I distressed the edges with my craft knife.

The patterned paper came from a 6x6 paper pad I picked up from Tuesday Morning from American Crafts called Everyday.  I have already used several papers out of this.  The colors are a bit muted so they work well with all the cream cardstock.

Process Video/Tutorial

Just wanted to come back with the video that shows how I made my last card.  Hope you check it out.

Bugaboo-Brat Pumpkin Wagon

It's time for another challenge over at Creative Fingers Challenge Blog.  I hope you have time to join us.  All the design team members have been making some great cards that are beautiful.  Stop on by to see all the Design Team projects, as well as, all the lovely entries to the challenge.

If you are new to my blog, welcome!  Today, I am sharing a card I made with the cute image from Bugaboo Stamps called Brat Pumpkin Wagon.  This image is the cutest thing!  I love the image because it makes me want to pull out my jeans, sweaters, and a jacket.  Too bad we have been having such a heatwave here in Southern Cali.  (I have been pulling out the shorts and tank tops instead 😒)

I colored this cutie with copics.  Nothing too hard, then made a recessed window card to place him in.  I will have a separate post that will show how I did this, but if you want to see my inspiration for the card you can check out this tutorial I based my card on from Splitcoast Stampers.

To finish the card, I wanted to keep it simple...because again this is the cutest image ever.  So after I die cut my image using a stitched square, I placed it on a square of kraft cardstock.  Then on the outside of the recessed window I added some patterned paper.  This is from a pad I have had forever called Tattered and Worn by Recollections.

To bring home that homespun feel, I added a simple bow made from embroidery thread and a button.  On the inside of the card, I tied it together by first adding a stitched square to cover up that not so pretty portion of the recessed window.  I also added some stitched hills with die cut flowers.

Such a cute card in the end.  I love the look...now if I can't get out the jackets and sweaters yet...maybe, I will go make some homemade soup instead.  😉

Exciting News...My First Creative Fingers Design Team Card!!!

I am so excited to have been asked to join the Creative Fingers Design Team.  I have been joining their challenges for a while now.  So I am honored to be asked to join this awesome bunch of cardmakers/paper crafters.  

Though I have been making cards and other papercrafts myself for over 20 years I still feel like a "newb" as my son would say.  Regardless though I hope those of you that stop by are inspired to get out your supplies.  Make something that will bring a smile to someone's face.  In this world we all need that.

Ok, enough of that...on to the card.  This week our Sponser is WeAre3.  Click on the name of this awesome Etsy shop.  It will take you right to the shop so you can browse the collection of digital stamps and papers.  I was looking around the shop myself.  Such cute Halloween images, cupcake images, digital papers, and sentiments.  Everything you need to make a sweet card for a friend.

The image I used from the shop is called Birdies of a Feather.  I was so enthralled with the image I ended up making two cards.  But today I am showcasing this little gem.  The image I cut out using the print and cut feature from Cricut.  Once the image was cut, I colored it with Copic markers.

I put that on some deep purple cardstock that I die cut with a stitched circle die.  The rest of the papers are from a 6 x 6 paper pad by Recollections called blush and mint.  Each layer was placed on some Black cardstock to make it pop.

Just to add just a touch sparkle, I added 3 pink sequins on the side.  Everything came together on a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 cardstock base.

Done just in time for a friend I need to thank for her kindness.  Ok your turn get those supplies out...make something fabulous!

Happy Halloween

Though I am still wearing shorts most days when I am off from work, that doesn't mean I am not ready for fall and all the great things that come with it.  

For instance, it will be in mid 70's today in southern California but I still have a pot of vegetable beef soup cooking in the crock pot.

But on to the reason you stopped by.  I was able to get a set of Halloween cards made so I can get them in the mail in the next few days.  In the spirit of using up my stash, I used a Recollections 6 x 6 paper pad I purchased I think last year called "Halloween Boo".  With that I added in some tags I bought from the Target Dollar spot, some cuteness I received in swaps last year, as well as some old and new washi.  I will put all the cards below the video I filmed showcasing these cards.

The inspiration for each card came from Pinterest.  I did a search for card sketches that included tags since I knew I had lots of those.  Each card starts with some of those card bases I have been hoarding forever.  I then added some paper, the embellies from my stash, added a stamped sentiment in some cases.  Done in a flash!  I have a total of 8 card in all ready to go.

Here is the video in case you want to watch:

I am entering the card at the beginning of this post to the following challenges:

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge:  October 2017 Anything Goes found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog # 138:  Anything Goes found here.

Happy Fall Ya'll

So with the beginning of fall, I am leaning towards doing some fall cards, Halloween cards, with still a few other everyday cards thrown in here and there.  This little beauty is my first double z card.  It turned out so pretty!  Some of my best copic coloring to date on the jar digital stamp.

I started with 110lb recollections cardstock in white.  The card when closed measures 4 1/4 by 4 1/4.  Still not sure how I ended up with that strange size card.  (Definitely going to need to make the envelope to go with this odd size😜.)

The image on the tag is from Bugaboo Stamps.  I love their digital images.  This is colored using Copic markers.  I then used some stitched dies to cut out the image and the craft tag behind it.

From my paper scrap stash I gathered all the rest of the cardstock I wanted.  Choosing oranges, blues, and browns.  Every piece of cardstock and patterned paper was distressed using Gathered Twig Distress ink.

The flowers and leaves are die cut from scrap paper as well.  The lighter green leaves I laid down a bit more dark color on so the contrast was more pleasing to the eye by using Momento's Bamboo Leaves.

The sentiment I stamped in Momento's Texedo black ink.  This sentiment is from Unity Stamp Co.  The frame around and the die I cut out the sentiment with comes from Papertrey ink.  I did this on some Recollections white cardstock but it was too bright, so I used the Gathered Twig Distress in again to add some color.

I added flat back pearls in a gold color to the flowers and two white pearls next to the sentiment.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Your Next Stamp's Sketch and Color Challenge:  #73 (used craft, brown, orange, soft yellow)  found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge #137:  Anything Goes found here.

 Creative Inspirations Challenge #280: Seasonal found here.

Thank You Gifts

Hey there you papercrafters!  Hope your weekend is going well.  I want to share with you one of my "Thank You" gifts I give when someone does something sweet for me or maybe one of our clients at work.  It isn't a huge gift, but it's fun to make these little treats that will just make someone's day.  I usually make a few at a time to keep on hand.  

The one I am showing you today is a nugget box with an easel card on top.  It is made using a SVGfile from SVG Cuttingfiles.  I resized it a bit to make it big enough to hold some post it notes.  I then let my Cricut do all the work and cut out the box/card for me.  You could also fill it with some Hershey nuggets or whatever you may think of.  

After cutting out the box and putting it together I did use a circle punch to punch out a little notch to make it easier to open the drawer.

The Owl image came straight from Cricut Design Space.  (I thought it was too cute).  I added a heart shaped die cut from some Colorbox patterned paper.  The wavy line is also a die cut I cut from some scrap pink paper.

To finish it out I used some flowers I picked up on a Michael's excursion, two glittered epoxy stickers from Dollar Tree, and used a sentiment sticker from Dollar Tree that says "thanks a bunch".

Totally simple to put together.  It's a nice size that you can add all type of treats to.

I am entering this cute card/box into the following challenges:

Crafting with an Attitude: #31, Anything Goes  found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog:  #136 Anything goes found here.

Happy Accidents

Don't you just love it when something falls together easily?  As if, it was meant to be.  This is one of those easy, effortless cards. I had all the elements. It came together quickly.  All the elements were out on my desk.

It started out with Recollections cardstock which I used for the card base that measures 5.5x 4.25.  The patterned paper was out on my desk. It is from a pad made by Colorbox in bright cheery colors.  The blue had already been cut using my stitched landscape die by Poppystamps, Inc.

I cut the paper to fit the note card. I then used a piece of cardstock I had played on using two of the stencils I cut using my Cricut. If you missed my post showing you these you can find it here. (I was super excited to make my own stencils.)

I took that piece and cut out a stitched heart.  The pink cardstock was also on my workstation.  I cut out a pink heart using the next smallest stitched heart.  

The butterfly I had bought on one of my Dollar Tree shopping sprees.

The sentiment is from that same sticker sheet of sentiments I created myself.  Finally, I added some bling. 

Done! 

I think this took me less than 5 minutes to put this together. Since pretty much everything was out on my desk it came together very quickly. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations Challenge #279: Anything Goes found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge #135: Anything Goes found here. 

Shopping my stash Ep. 5

I still have a couple of cards to show you from the last time I got out my pre- cut dies out  to make cards.  

There is such satisfaction in knowing you are using all those shapes that were cut using your dies or die cutting machine.  In that same stash I also have colored images as well.  This makes putting a card together pretty quick.

Here is a card from that I put together with my son in mind.  He loves legos.  He also is a fan of ninja's who carry swords.  He has a sword collection of his own and at times gets them out to do some pretend fighting of the bad guys.

So I started out with a 5 x 7 card base from Recollections.  The "badge" die was already cut out from a previous project and in my stash.  I am sure it was one of those times I cut something out way too big.  As you can tell, this takes up much of the card.  I also had the green polka dot paper in my stash.  

The image I am not sure where it is from but I had already colored it in.  It still felt that it needed something, so I used a white cut out of the star and colored it the same color using my copic markers.

The "my hero" sentiment I made using by printer and Cricut sticker paper.  I also added some green glitter epoxy stickers from dollar tree.

Now from this who collection of cards, of which I have 2 left to share, I asked my son to pick out his favorite.  I was shocked when it wasn't this one!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Digi Choosday Crafting Challenge #31 Anything goes found here.

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog #135 Anything goes found here.

Shop Your Stash-Episode 1

So, if you are reading this, I am currently on vacation.  I am finally feeling better after a bout of some type of respiratory infection just in time for some time off.  😊

When I started feeling a bit better, I did get some time to just play around with all those products I buy for my papercrafting stash.  I really didn't have the energy to work on anything new, but instead pulled out all my die cuts, scraps, things I have received in swaps.  I brought those together to pull together some cards.  So for a while I will be sharing these cards with you.

I still tend to cut out lots of things with my Cricut then go back to that stash of cutouts from time to time to do this process of putting together cards using those.  I have a video of what that looks like here, if you are interested.

Ok, on to today's card...

This card was simple.  On another stint of putting things together i had already put everything on this card and left the black oval in the middle which was begging for a cute image.

So the polkadot red triangle, the banner, the flower...everything was there except, the image of this precious girl, the small flower at the bottom and the sentiment.  This came together in seconds, as I had the little girl already colored.  She just went with this...you know?

The image is from freedeariedollsdigistamps.blogspot.com.  This lady has an amazing talent.  She shares all the digital stamps she makes for free.  You need to check her out if you have never seen her images.

The image was colored with Copic markers.  The sentiment is one of my sentiment stickers I made.  

I think this is such a cute card.  I have such a good feeling when I go use all that "stuff" I have.

Not sure who this card will go to.  My stash is getting a bit full so I may be downsizing some of them as a RAK or swap, I am not sure.

What cool things are you making?  I would love to see so feel free to add in the comments below or upload to my facebook page, which you can find here.

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Creative Fingers Challenge Blog: #131 Anything Goes found here.

Digi Choosday Crafting Challenge:  Week 21 Anything Goes found here.

Cowgirls Rule...& Blog Giveaway

A card that took literally weeks to make is finally born.  😊 Stay to the end of the post to here more about the giveaway.

Today's card is one that has been put together in stages.  The image is from artbymiran on etsy.  You can find her here.  The cowgirl was colored with copics weeks ago.  She has been sitting in my cut out container just waiting to be added to a card.

I knew I wanted to have a wood grain background for the card.  I don't own a wood grain stamp nor an embossing folder that does this.  So what to do?  MayMayMade it to the rescue.  I watched this video that teaches you three different techniques to make a woodgrain background.  You can watch it here.  This was exactly what I was looking for.  So maybe a couple of weeks ago I made the background piece using peacock feathers distress ink.  My "planks" aren't very straight but I love the effect.  It was super easy.  

Then last weekend I took that background and die cut it using my memory box cross stitched rectangle dies.  I also die cut the two banner pieces out of Recollections paper using a Papertrey Ink die.

Finally yesterday, I put it all together with another scrap of cardstock I had.  I added the sentiment from my word stickers I made.

You can see a close up of those stickers by reading my blogpost here.  This is a word document I made for my use and am happy to share.  I just printed these out on cricut sticker paper and cut out when I need one.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #496 found here.
Creative Fingers Challenge: #130 Anything Goes found here.
Digi Choosday Crafting Challenge:  Week # 19 Anything Goes Found here.

****Giveaway****
Go to my blogpost here to see more about the giveaway that will be drawn June 2, 2017.