There's Snow One Like You!

Happy Friday Art Impressions friends!

Tasha here sharing a snowy holiday card featuring the new 6107 – Snowman Hugs Set. I am not a fan of Winter, but I dolove creating cards with snowy scenes and cute snowman stamps—and this little couple is just adorable!

After stamping the sweet pair, I used the included dies to cut them out before coloring. To build the Winter scene, I framed them with the 5782–Snowflake Die, which adds such a perfect frosty border for this style of card.

For extra color and texture, I layered the center panel over an oddly embossed red card stock piece, then added navy blue and black layers along with a candy cane striped pattern paper. I love how these colors pop together!

Lastly, I stamped a simple “Merry & Bright” greeting in red ink and attached it to the bottom of the center panel. Three glittery enamel stars in the sky finish the design with a little sparkle.

Thank you for checking out today’s card, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

Flurries Forecasted Challenge #417 Week 1

 Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to our FINAL challenge of 2025.

Can you BELIEVE IT??
We're that close to the end of 2025.
Where did the time go?

For our final challenge we're sticking with the season.

Flurries Forecasted

We want to see your winter projects featuring snow, snowflakes, snow globes, snowmen, snow embossing folders, puffy snow, glittery snow, snowflake stamps and dies and more.

Our Featured Designer is Dori.

She created the most spectacular winter scene.
She has an adorable train sludging through the snow, penguins sliding down a snowy
hill and plenty of snowflakes to keep all of the penguins and snowmen happy!

Take a look at her wonderful tutorial and then scroll down to see who won our
Gobble Gobble challenge.

Take it away Dori!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I'm so excited to be the one to introduce the new blog challenge called "Flurries Forecasted"!  I'm not quite ready for the snowy weather but I'm sure ready to add snow flurries to my cards, tags and projects.  Hope you are just as ready as I am and decide to play along with us!

You may have noticed that I love interactive cards, so yep, I have a fun one for you today using the 

#5929 - Christmas Train set along with some accessories from the #5489 - Front Porch Christmas set.

I love the way these sets work together so that you can combine and stretch their use.

The video below will show how this card opens and stores.  When folded it's an A2 card, but pops open to be approx. 5 1/2 x 12" wide.  Because of the panels that extend out, the card is much thicker than a standard A2 card and will need a larger envelope plus additional postage, if mailing.  

So to get started - I stamped the images with Memento black ink onto copic friendly paper and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I then die cut each of the images with the coordinating dies that are included in both of the stamp sets.  For the two penguins rolling down the snowy hill (on the front of the card), I die cut an extra one, out of heavy cardstock, and adhered to each to give a little extra weight for them to roll better.  I die cut various size snowflakes using the #5353 - Large Snowflake dies from glitter cardstock.  I also cut several trees out of the #5853 - Christmas Magic PP using a die set from my stash but any pine tree dies will work nicely. 

Now, we're ready to build the card.  I started with a standard top fold A2 card from heavy cardstock.  I scored at 5 3/8" as well as the 5 1/2".  This will allow the folds to come up and over the thickness of the final card.  Fold and burnish these score lines really well.  Hint:  I found that my card stood up better if I trimmed off about 1/2" from the bottom of the back panel.  The inside pop out card is cut from heavy cardstock and measures 4 3/4" x 9 1/4".  Score at 1", 3 3/4" and 6 1/2".  This will provide you with three panels that are 2 3/4" wide.  This is a nice size for each of the train cars.  Score and burnish these folds quite a few times back and forth to help breakdown the fibers.

For the front of the card, cut two slider tracks in blue cardstock, far enough apart so that the penguins won't bump into each other when then roll.  I also cut three blue panels to fit each panel of the fold out base.  I spattered Dr. PH Martin Bleed Proof white paint over each of the blue panels to create the snow-like look.  While those were drying, I cut two panels of glitter cardstock (larger than the front A2 blue panel) and cut the same tracks to match up to the ones on the blue base and I fussy cut each to extend the top of the hill.  I found it easier to cut the glitter panels down after lining the tracks up with the blue panel.  I inked the edges with Ranger Distress Oxide ink - Broken China before adhering and used foam tape for the bottom hillside.  Adhere the hillsides down onto the blue base panel matching up the corresponding tracks and leaving some areas to tuck the trees.  The bottom glitter panel will be stacked over the top panel to create a forward hill.  

To create the rolling penguins, I die cut six 5/8" discs from heavy cardstock (or you can use a penny, button or anything flat and round).  Glue one set of three discs together for each penguin.  Stack and glue two foam dots in the middle of each disc (making sure the dot will fit freely in the slider track).  Place the dots through the slider track from back to front and glue the penguin to the top of the dot poking through the track.  Do the same for the other penguin and track.  You should be able to test to make sure they roll freely at this point.  If all is good, place two layers of foam tape to the back of the blue panel.  Be careful not to place foam tape too close to either slider track as this will prevent the penguins from rolling.  Test again before adhering.  Place a piece of glitter cardstock face down over the tape, so that the glitter will show through the tracks, and then glue down to the front of the A2 card. 

Now, for the extended pop out card.  Glue the one inch tab to the inside back panel of the A2 card base.  See below.

Cut several snow drifts from glitter cardstock.  For the two main snow hills, I cut two long ones (different heights), ink the top edges and then cut into thirds so that the hillsides with match up from one panel to the next.  I put foam tape under the front hillside so that the train cars will fit behind with a little dimension.  This is the only dimension I did so that the panels would fold nicely.  If there are too many pop up items, the panels will not fold.  I added a few scrap pieces in back for added snowy hills. 

 

I added a blue panel to the inside as well as a sentiment panel.  Fold your panels in to make sure it is closing nicely.  They should fold in as follows:  right panel closes onto center, then under left and then into the card.  If you are having any trouble, you may have to trim down the blue panels slightly. 

Now the fun, you are ready to decorate the front and each of the panels.  Remember not to add any more dimension to the inside panels.  Foam tape, at this point, is not your friend.  ;)  

However, the front is fair game.  Have fun!

I hope you enjoyed my card today to kick off the new blog challenge "Flurries Forecasted".  

Hope you play along for a chance to win a free stamp set.  We love to see your creations!

Have a wonderful day!  Keep creating!!

Copics used:  C00, C1, C3, C5

B0000, B000, B00, B01

E21, E23

R20, R22, R24, R27

Y32, Y35    YR16, YR18

G40, G43, G46

Can you even believe how cute that card is??
So much talent and love went into it.

Now for our winners.

Our Gobble Gobble Top Spot went to Dot Freel for the gorgeous

card that she made for her sister.

Congratulations Dot!

Please contact Leah at feedback@artimpressions

to claim your free stamp set.
Be sure to grab your Top Spot badge to share on

your social media as well.

Our Lucky Random Winner was #13 Becca Yahrling.

Congratulations Becca!

Please contact Leah at feedback@artimpressions

to claim your free stamp set.
Be sure to grab your Lucky Random Winner badge to share on

your social media as well.

Also, be sure to check out Simon Says Stamp for the Art Impressions Exclusive
6123 Snow Globe Gift Card Holder Die Set.

Be sure to check out all of the inspiration from the Art Impressions Daily Design Team
and Simon Says Stamp Design Team.

This is a limited edition exclusive set and once it sells out, it's gone forever.

The bundle that included the envelope has already sold out.

The envelope die set can still be purchased separately at either Simon Says or Art Impressions.

Now for the details of our Flurries Forecasted challenge.

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)

✻ Limit two submissions per person.

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission. You may include your entire last name, but it's not necessary.

✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.

✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!

✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!

✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.

✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.

✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Floating Snowman Snowglobe GCH by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Simon Says Stamp has an exclusive Art Impressions stamp set available only on the Simon Says Stamp website.  This set was just released Monday, November 17, 2025 and is available for a limited time only and once sold, it will be gone.  So, hurry up and get yours before they are gone.  You have to go see all of the cute samples!  Sooo many fun and different ways to use this set!

I made it as a tag/ornament with a gift card holder on the back.  Check out my video below to see how the snowman moves within the snow globe.

To make him float within the globe, I used invisible thread/fishing line and attached the body and hat to the string separately from each other.  

Glue the string to the back of the snowman's body.  Place a second die cut to his back over the string to secure it in place.  Position the hat over his head (DO NOT glue in place), making sure he fits nicely within the globe.  Glue the string to the back of the hat.  The hat should be held only by the string with the body dangling below on the same string.  Adhere a scrap piece of hat over the string to secure the string in place behind the hat.  At this point, the string should be the only thing holding the hat and snowman together.   Glue the end of the string between the globe layers.  Fill the globe and attach the acetate layer.  Decorate the outside of the snowglobe and attach a tag holder to the back between the globe and the gift card holder.  

Have fun watching the kiddos play with the snowglobe (if you are able to hand it over). ;)

Thanks for joining me today!  Make sure to grab your snowglobe from Simon Says Stamp before they are gone.  These exclusives go fast!

Hope you have a wonderful day!  Keep creating!

Snow Globe Gift Card Holder using Exclusive SSS/Ai Collaboration Set by Lynn Dionne

 Happy Wednesday Ai Fans!!!

Watch video tutorial here!

Today I am so excited to show you the brand-new "limited edition" collaborative stamp set from Simon Says Stamp and Art Impressions! This adorable little Snow Globe GCH Set (6123) is designed as an add-on set to the Art Impressions Envelope GCH Set (5344).

Keep in mind that if you want to create the gift card holder you will need to purchase the Envelope GCH separately. Once you have this you can add any of the various add-ons to this set and they will coordinate perfectly. 

Let's begin by die cutting all of the pieces needed to create this fun little snowman and snow globe. I used a combination of patterned papers from the Classic Christmas Paper Packs. The cover paper pack will be large enough to allow us to die cut the envelope template easily! Then I used a variety of solid colors for some of the other pieces. For the frame, I used a gold metallic cardstock and for the sentiment banner I used some sparkle cardstock.

I thought it would be fun to create a shaker snow globe so we will layer up some frames to give us a nice pocket to place some pretty sparkly gems.

Let's add some white ink to the trees and some ink around the edges of the holly leaves, and snowy borders.

Now we can assemble the snowman and the shaker element. I will show you exactly how to create this in today's video!

Next, we can die cut the envelope using that Christmas Cover Paper Pack and quickly assemble using some 1/4" double-sided tape.

Keep in mind that you do not have to place this little shaker onto the gift card envelope...it would be great on a card or as an ornament or Christmas tag!

Thank you so much for joining me today!  Have a fun and crafty day!

Ai/SSS Snow Globe GCH (6125)

Ai Envelope GCH (5344)

Ai Classic Christmas Cover PP (5969)

Ai Classic Christmas PP (5962)

Ai White Cover PP (6141)

Ai White PP (6140)

Art Impressions Simon Says Stamp Exclusive Snow Globe Gift Card Holder by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

Yesterday was a very exciting day!

Art Impressions had this adorable snowman snow globe set release at Simon Says Stamp!

The set is called 6123 Snow Globe GCH and there is a 

coordinating die set called 5344 Envelope GCH Set.

Together they make a spectacular gift card holder presentation.

Here's the back of the envelope. You can see where the dies cut a slit

to tuck the flap into and a GC fits just perfect.

The snowman set contains 24 dies and the envelope set contains 8 dies.

That's a lot of dies to experiment with, so go ahead and have fun with them!

Stretch your imagination and use this snow globe on a card as well!

Be sure to grab yours before they're gone.

There are limited quantities and they won't last long.

Christmas tag with Elf Puppet Set by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans,

Have you seen # 6119 Elf Puppet Set from Art Impressions? Oh my gosh, it is just so dang cute! I just love the size of him as he's perfect for cards, tags, or gift toppers! He's just so much fun to put together!! I decided to make a gift tag with him, so that's what I'm showing you today.  I was going to draw in a face, but then remembered I had some rub on faces from years ago and used them instead. I also have various sized facial stamps that would be super cute on it as well! So any way you want to create the face would be perfect! I cut his head out in white and colored it with Copic markers. You could also use colored cardstock of your choice and create the face on that without having to do any coloring. No matter what you do, it's going to be so adorable!! I simply used #5132 Tag Stitched Dies to create a gray background. I cut a second tag out with white cardstock and used a cloud die to add the top, and then cut out some snowy hills for the bottom. It was super easy and quick! I then popped up the elf and added to and from tags to it, and voila! Do you make homemade tags for Christmas gifts? 

So that's it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and until next time, stay crafty!!

Simon Says Stamp Exclusive Snowman Slow Globe and Envelope Gift Card Holder sets

 Hello Ai fans!

Every year we look forward to when Art Impressions collaborates with
Simon Says Stamp, to bring you an EXCLUSIVE Christmas set.

This year we have a darling 6123 Snow Globe GCH and
5344 Envelope GCH Set.

Stay tuned throughout the week as our Design Team shares their creations in detail.

For now, enjoy their photos.

Lynn

Sharon

Tasha

Dori

Reneé

Janet

Sharon

Whether you use it on the envelope, on a card or maybe as an ornament,
this set is a must have! Don't wait because quantities are limited and it will
sell out quickly.

Monochromatic Christmas Story Ornament and Snowman Couple Christmas Wreath Card by Diane Mason

Hello, and welcome back for Watercolor Weekend! 

The air has turned crisp, and with the change in season it feels like the right time to begin Christmas crafting. Today I’m sharing two winter projects: a monochromatic ornament created with the newly released 6118 – A Christmas Story stamp set and coordinating 6121 – Storybook Template die, along with a scalloped circle snowman couple wreath card. Each project brings a different kind of charm—one simple and elegant, the other playful and festive. Let’s get started!

Monochromatic Christmas Story Ornament:

Art Impressions recently released the new 6121 – Storybook Template and two new Christmas themed stamp sets (6118 – A Christmas Story and 6117 – A Cozy Christmas Set). These new stamps and dies make the most adorable little 3D scenes! And Bonnie mentioned that additional stamp sets for this new concept will be released at a later date. I can’t wait to see what else she has created for these awesome little storybook boxes!

For my Storybook Ornament, I’m using the 6118 – A Christmas Story stamp set along with the coordinating 6121 – Storybook Template die. This beautiful nativity set truly captures the miracle of Christmas, reflecting the reverence and meaning of the season in a simple, elegant way.

One of my favorite ways to watercolor is painting monochromatically. Blue is a classic choice for this style, and it felt like the perfect fit for a nighttime scene. If you’ve followed my work, you know I’m not always a fan of Tombow 565—it tends to shift toward purple on me. Sometimes that’s exactly the look I want, but for this project I needed a blue that would stay true and coordinate beautifully with the navy cardstock and blue patterned paper from the 5963 – Winter Woodland Paper Pack.

For that reason, I turned to Marvy African Violet (86), which gives a reliable, rich blue. I inked each image with African Violet and stamped onto Canson XL watercolor paper. Using a damp brush, I pulled color from the stamped lines to create natural shadows and contours. Gradually, I layered more ink from my palette, building depth until each image had just the right intensity. It’s always amazing to see how many shades and tones can emerge from a single color.

Once I had all the images painted, I used the coordinating dies to cut out the images. For the background image, I used the rectangle from the template set. I cut five oval windows from navy cardstock and glued the images into place. For the box front, I die cut a piece of patterned paper from 5963 – Winter Woodland Paper Pack. Since the paper is only 6x6, I couldn’t cut out the entire box, so I also die cut the template from a piece of navy cardstock and seamed them together to create the entire box.

To construct the ornament box, I adhered an oval frame to the background piece and added a few sparkly details to the night sky, including the Christmas star, using a Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust clear gel pen; then adhered to the back interior of the box. In order from 1 – 4 (see photo above), I added foam squares to the corners and carefully stacked each layer on top of each other and adhered to the background image. I then glued the sides together, adhered the ornament topper, and added silver and white baker’s twine to hang the ornament.

 

I created a label for the back of the box using a die from 5952 – Portfolio Template Die Set. I printed out the bible quote from Luke 2:11 on my computer, die-cut and attached it to the back of the box. This lovely Christmas Story ornament is now complete and ready to hang on your tree or give as a gift!

Snowman Couple Christmas Wreath Card:

Who doesn’t love a snowman? With this adorable scalloped circle card, we get double the snowman love with a snowman couple!

For the card, I used the snowman couple from the newly released 6107 – Snowman Hugs Set, and surrounded the couple with seasonal flowers and foliage from 5828 – WC Poinsettia Set and 5829 – WC Holly Set.

I die-cut two scalloped circles from red cardstock using the largest scallop die from 6045 – Scalloped Circle Dies. Next, I selected a circle die from 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies that best fit the interior of the scalloped circle and drew around the circle with a pencil onto my watercolor paper. I only inked part of the snowman couple so they would be naturally framed by the wreath. I inked the snowy parts with 565 and the rest with 565/969.

Color Palette:

Snowman Couple:

• 177 (hat and scarf)
• 856, 847 (coat, hat and mitten)
• 856 (watery mix for cheeks)
• 526 (scarf and coat)
• 993, 026 (jingle bells and buttons)
• 933, 925 (carrot noses)
• 565 (shading)

Wreath:

• 249 (holly, 5829 - WC Holly Set)
• 177 (leafy vine, 5828 – WC Poinsettia Set)
• 856 (poinsettias, berry stems, 5828)
• 993 (centers of poinsettias)

I pulled some color from the holly and leafy vines to create a soft watercolor background. To refine some of the details, I used a red, brown, or green TwinTone marker. For the eyes, I used a very fine black micron pen. For the mouths, I used a pencil. I added white stripes to the blue scarf using Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White. I added a little clear Wink of Stella to the faces.

I die-cut the painting with the circle die from 5064, and mounted to one of the red scallop die cuts with foam tape.

For the card interior, I folded a piece of white cardstock in half and placed a circle die just above the fold line and die-cut to create a folded card to fit the interior. I inked the Merry Christmas sentiment (5953 – Woodland Critters Set) with 856 and the holly berries (5953) with 249 and 856.

I glued the white folded card to the second red cardstock scallop making sure it would align with the card front. With the scallops of the card front aligned with the back, I added glue to the front of the white card, and just above the fold and the scalloped areas above. Once dry, I bent the back of the card backwards to create the fold line at the back, keeping the front nice and round.

That’s all for now—thanks so much for stopping by for Watercolor Weekend! I hope these ideas inspire you to experiment with your favorite colors, stamps, and dies to make something uniquely yours this Christmas. Be sure to tag us in your holiday projects—we can’t wait to see your creations!

Until next time, Happy Painting!