Happy Earth Day and 1 More Happy Birthday to my First Born, Along with a Useful Tip for Stamping

Well, that is a long title, but that's what I have to share today --- so get ready!  First of all, Happy Earth Day.  I have another all green card for you, in honor of Earth Day.

This is one of the cards I made for my free kits during our free shipping promotion.  Most of the cards full size and a few were made with our cute little note cards.  I like the clean, crisp look of the green and white color story.  My green is Lucky Limeade.

As for the kits, I did have a lot.  They've all been picked up now and are being enjoyed by the lucky recipients.  These are just the last of those ready to be picked up.  As I said, I made a lot!

Now, for the birthday.  Yesterday was my daughter's birthday.  I made this card in honor of her birthday.

I knew I was hand delivering it (with a fun gift card inside) so I decided to make an over-sized card.  My colors are Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade.

... and here's my tip:
Whenever I am designing a card, layout or projects, I often go in a different direction than from where I first start.  This means that sometimes I have really nice (stamped) pieces that I do not use right then.  I keep these in a little case together.  When I get ready to start a new project, I keep these pieces in mind so I can pull them out and most of my work is already completed.  I added the 'Happy Birthday' and then chose my card base and a mat for the Crumb Cake layer.  As in all darker card bases, I added a lighter piece inside so I could write on it.

... and there you have it... a really nice card for a very special someone who has blessed my life for several years now.  I won't tell how many.  That would make her mad and make me look bad:)

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Crosses of Hope

As I gasp, cough and wheeze my way through the morning, here is a post with a trio of cards in the beautiful combination of Pool Party and Soft Suede.

I wanted these cards to have a lot of rich texture, so I dry embossed one and heat embossed the other two.  I love the soft look of these colors together.

I am really fighting my asthma and allergies, so I'm staying in a lot - which means I'm in my studio and stamping up a storm - between breathing treatments.  I love Spring, but it doesn't seem to love me.  I have lots to share with you, so it will be an action-packed week coming up on my blog.  I have more layouts, cards from our Team Meeting, and sneak peeks for this Thursday night.  Come back soon!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Cross of Hope... Happy Easter

This card could be for Easter or any special occasion.  I am using it today to wish you a blessed Easter Day.  

Have a wonderful Easter as we celebrate in its meaning, its hope and its joy.

Up next:
More wreaths, fabric ideas (including no-sew ideas) and a ton of fun.  Come back soon.

Beautiful Island Indigo

I just had to try yet another card today --- with my beautiful Island Indigo.  This time, I've used the Movers and Shapers die, so I could have a window for my card.  I needed a window, so I could hang my birdhouse.  I've combined Pear Pizzazz, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party with my Island Indigo card and I think it speaks of glorious Spring.

I've tried to photograph the card from several angles, so you could get a better idea of all the details.  I stamped the doily using the Hello, Doily stamp.  I actually stamped it again, at the edge, to give the effect of layers of a doily falling gently over the edge of the card.

I used Baker's Twine to hang my birdhouse.  I decided to add a little bling to it, using a rhinestone over the 'door' of the birdhouse.  The scalloped strip peeking out under the pleated ribbon was cut using the Tasteful Trim die.  I trimmed the front of the card a quarter inch shorter, so the Pool Party strip (attached to the inside) could still be seen when the card is closed.

I stamped the branch and birdhouse image several times, so I could cut out pieces and layer them, using glue dots.  The image is from the Up in the Air stamp set.

I stamped the image again on the inside of the card, along with the sentiment which is from the Friendly Phrases stamp set.
I used Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Pool Party markers to color in the image.  It is stamped and embossed, to make the coloring easier.
I'm entering this card into a 411 sketch challenge.  Here's hoping they like it:)
If you've never tried the Movers and Shapers die, you should check it out.  With the variety of shapes that you can use to cut a window, along with them being on movable magnets, the possibilities are endless ..... and so..... the fun is endless:)