The Gingerbread Man by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans!

I'm sooo excited about the new release last week of #6114 Box Village Template Dies!! The Holiday Lane House and bundle, it just doesn't get any cuter than that!! Oh my word...I will definitely be making one of those! When I first got this set of dies, the first thing I thought of is a gingerbread house! I just couldn't get it out of my head. So I grabbed some kraft paper and went to work. For the book inside, I pretty much just typed up a rough draft of the story from my memory. LOL! I did use a lot of old Art Impressions freebies and exclusive stamps inside the actual book, so I won't be showing that here. After cutting out the box and all the pieces, I grabbed #5178 Gingerbread Cubbies Set and used those adorable little gingerbread people and the candy to decorate it. I added Stickles to all the candy to make it nice and glittery. 

I had so much fun creating this and I'm super excited about having fun with this set! There are just so many possibilities!! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit today and until next time - stay crafty!!

Ode to November and a Gift for You by Gennette Houghton

 

Hello and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend!  Fall is my favorite time of year, the sunlight is golden and the air is crisp. For my first card I printed off one of my favorite poems called November on 90lb watercolor paper. Unfortunately, I waited until after I made my card to do a little digging.  I wanted to know where this poem originated from, to learn some history on the poem and the person who wrote it.  Come to find out Clyde Watson is not the author of this poem, even though you will find her name attached to it all over the internet, but it was actually penned by Elizabeth Coatsworth who was born in 1893. So just know that the actual author on this is incorrect. 

After printing the poem, I cut my piece down to an A2 size, and started choosing what stamps I wanted to use to depict this poem.  I started with the bucket from 6055 Water of Life Set in N79 and stamped off once. Not knowing exactly how this was going to go, I wanted my lines to be fairly light so they wouldn’t compete with the printed poem and used N79 for each stamp and stamped them all off once.  I then chose 5270 Columns Set for the lamp post. I used 5129 He Leads Me Set for the fence, masking off part of the lamp post first. Wanting something more on the right side I went with 5388 Rugged Tree Set.  

Since my lines were already pretty light I didn’t worry about pulling color out. Starting with the bucket I added a mixture of 565 and 969 to get that old weathered wood look, for contrast I used 879 on the bands and handle. I wanted to create the look of ice in the bucket so I started with 526 lightly adding just a hint of 565 for a shadow along the edge of the ice.  I then added 969 to the tree.  For the lamp post I start with a mix of 565 and 969 to get some of the shadow areas in, and I love using a combination of 027 and 373, adding each color in separately in different areas creating an almost patina effect. For the lantern part I started with 055 for the base color, adding in 025 to deepen the area leaving the middle alone, and 026 was added along the edges.  For the fence I started again with a mix of 565 and 969 adding in more 565 for deeper shadows. Being that the fence goes into the poem I wanted to keep this light.  A mix of 027 and 177 was used on the ground and a mix of 526 and 249 (yes, 249, lightly) for the sky.  5826 WC Large Tree Set 2 has a grass stamp that is my absolute favorite to use for nature scenes. I used 228 with a couple of spots with 027 to give the look of grass that is starting to fade and dry out around the bucket, post, and tree. I then decided I actually wanted the grass to be a little taller by the tree so I used the grass that is included in the Water of Life Set and used the same colors.  A branch from 4964 WC Branches set in 879 was used to create a vine along the fence being careful not to stamp across the lamp post, I ended up masking with post-it tape just to be safe.  I then used 3 Twintones for the berries, 25 Red, 76 Carrot Orange, and 04 Chrome Yellow.  I used some Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White to add some flowers by the tree. I recently bought some Winsor and Newton Iridescent Medium to try out. It reminds me of Wink of Stella, its silver based and can be used to mix in with your colors. I thought this would be a good choice to try to create frost. Like Wink of Stella, the light has to hit it just right to see it, so I didn’t really get what I was hoping for.

For my 2^nd project I decided to turn the 5902 Mini Scalloped Frame into a gift tag.  

I die cut paper from 5940 Journal Cover Paper Pack Plaid, and then with the largest oval included in the set I created an opening on the front panel. I then took some light blue solid cardstock and cut it down to 2 11/16 by 3 3/16, centered that behind the original oval opening and traced with a pencil. I took the next size down oval and centered that in the outline and die cut it.  I glued this to the inside behind the opening to create a frame. I then did the same thing with a piece of watercolor paper and used the traced outline as a guide for my scene.  

5467 Snowmen Set was stamped in N49 after stamping off once.  For the hat I used N15, and 526 was used on the band, shading the sides and leaving a highlight in the middle. A black micron was used on the eyes and mouth. I started creating contours of the snowman’s body with N52 and then darkened the more shaded areas with 565, mainly focusing under the hat and scarf.  I started by shading the scarf with 565 first and then added 526 to create a plaid pattern.  N15 was used on the buttons of the snowman.  993 and 933 was used on the carrot nose.  I used a mix of 526 and 565 for the sky before adding in the branches from 4964 WC Branches set in 879.  Bleed Proof White was used to create the snow on the hat, branches and ground, shading with 565 to give it texture and dimension.  I then glued the watercolor piece to the framed area, and then glued the 2 halves together.  I used the sentiment from 5566 Christmas Sentiment Set in VersaFine Clair Twilight, added an eyelet and ribbon to finish off the tag.  Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you enjoyed my projects! Until next time, Create….Share….Inspire!

Friends Make Our Hearts Warm by Janet

 Hi everyone! I'm very excited to share a card made with a new line of stamps just released. They are called Woodland Christmas Foundations. This image is 6085-Woodland Snowman Scene. Isn't this snowman and his friends precious? The stamps are square in size so I created a square card for it. I used the 6047-Nested Scalloped Square dies for the layered background.

I first created the card base and the layers before I started on the stamped image. I wanted to make sure I knew exactly how large the focal point needed to be before I started it. I layered berry blue and white glitter cardstock to form the background.

Once done, I stamped the image on alcohol ink friendly paper and cut it out using one of the nested scallop dies. Then I got to work coloring it. To add a little sparkle, I coated the snowman with glitter ink using a Wink of Stella  pen from the Ai Store. It adds just the right amount of shine to snow!

As a finish, I tied a white satin bow and glued it to the top of the card. It's a charming image with an equally charming background.

Thanks for joining me on the blog today. As always, don't forget to find your favorite stamps, dies, papers, and accessories at the Ai Store! You'll always find something that calls to you. 

Happy Crafting!

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest  

Warmest Wishes! Card by Tasha

 Happy Friday Art Impressions friends! Tasha here sharing a holiday card created with the new 6084-Woodland Mailbox Scene Set. Now that we are in the month of November, it's time to get going on holiday cards and this cute set is perfect for happy holiday greetings! I just love the little bunny pair mailing their Christmas cards; so sweet!

I colored the scene with markers and added falling snow with a white gel pen. To complete the design, I layered silver glitter paper, gray, white, and blue cardstock, along with a piece of Art Impressions patterned paper. For extra detail, I used a border die along the bottom edge of the patterned layer; it adds a fun little touch!

Lastly, I stamped “Warmest Wishes for a Merry Christmas” onto a white banner and adhered it to the card to finish the design.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, and I hope this inspires your holiday cardmaking! ❄️✨

Gobble Gobble! Challenge #416

Welcome Art Impressions fans!

Fall is in full swing here and we have a new challenge that we hope you'll love!

Gobble Gobble!
(because, why not at Thanksgiving time?!)

Show us all of your Fall or Thanksgiving themed projects.

Cards, scrapbook pages, place cards, handmade décor, bookmarks, gift card holders,
treat bags or boxes and more.

Our Featured Designer is Sharon and she created
an amazing Double Story Book Card.

After you check our her incredible card, see if you were one of the winners
of our October, Along Came a Spider challenge.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Hello AI Fans!

I'm kicking off our new Blog challenge "Gobble Gobble" today! So we are looking for anything Fall or Thanksgiving related. I chose to go with fall and pulled out quite a few Art Impressions sets to create this fun card. It's large (6" x 8"), but it folds fairly flat so you can mail it if you want. I would definitely put it either in a large padded envelope or a box to send it through the mail. This design is called a Double Story Book Card and it was created by the amazingly talented Sam Calcott. Please click HERE to watch her video and get the instructions on how to make it. Of course I used Art Impressions products to create mine and they are all linked below. Since I linked the video for your instructions, I chose not to take a lot of pictures while I was creating. I did video the card so you could see the dimension a little better, but it's really so much better in person!! 

So that's it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and really hope you grab your paper and glue and play along with our challenge!! Until next time - stay crafty!!

Copic markers used:

YR02, 04, 07, 09, 12, 14, 16, 21, 24, and 27

R20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 29, 32, 35, and 37

YG61, 63, and 67

E11, 13, 14, 17, 21, 23, 25, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 53, 55, and 97

Y13, 15, 19, 32, 35, and 38

I'm sure that you'll all agree with me when I say that Sharon's card is FULL of FUN, FALL, FESTIVENESS and that it's FANTASTIC!! 

Gobble Gobble everyone!

Now, on to our winners from last week.
We always enjoy seeing all of the entries.
Your artwork brings such smiles to our faces.

For our Top Spot we selected:

Reetta H.

5190 – Fright Night Set

Congratulations!

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 (whose card was just as cute!)

is:

Marianne H.

5364 – WC Ornate Window Set

Congratulations!

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.

Let's get our new challenge underway!

We can't wait to see all of your Fall themed creations.

✻ 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

You're a Hoot by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I have a gate-fold card for you today with a decorative closure.  

I used the newly released #6105 - Fall Keepsake set along with the #5973 - Fall S2 PP.  

I love all of the little critters and accessories that come in this set as well as the coordinating dies.

I began by stamping all of the images with Memento black ink onto copic friendly paper and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I cut each of them using the coordinating dies.  I cut two panels with the leaf paper from the Fall S2 PP using a die from my stash, but any die will do.  I placed one of the panels behind the critters and the other popped up to tuck some of the images behind.  

For the gate-fold closure, I cut two pieces of scrap cardstock approx. 1" x 1/2" and scored both at 3/8" and 5/8".  I folded the scored lines the same direction.  I butted up the scored pieces together and adhered them behind the owl, making sure to place the scored line horizontally behind the owl.  The flap openings should be to the top and bottom on the back of the owl.  I then adhered a circle to the other side.  See picture below.  Sorry that it isn't clearer, but hopefully you can see it well enough.

When you've added the owl and the circle to either side of the scored pieces, it will slide over the opening of the gate-fold to keep it closed.

Thanks for joining me.  I hope you have a wonderful day.  Keep creating!

Copics used:  N0, N1, N2, N4

E00, E11, E50, E51, E53, E55, E95, E97, E99

R20, R24, R27

Y11, Y13, Y15, Y19

YR12, YR14, YR16, YR18

G21, G24

Joyful Snowmen Gift Card Pocket Cards by Lynn Dionne

 Happy Wednesday Ai Fans!!!

Watch video tutorial here!

I've got a brand-new winter/holiday stamp and die set to show you today...and you are going to love it. The set Ai Snowman Hugs Set (6107) is the cutest collection of snowmen and lots of sentiments, as well as the coordinating dies! We will be using two of the snowman images today to create our Gift Card Pocket Cards!

Let's go ahead and stamp and die-cut the images. For coloring we will be using the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens in the following colors: Blender, Sugared Almond Pink, Peach Pink, Orange, Ice Blue, Sea Green, Haze Blue, Persian Green, Lt Red Grape, Deep Red Grape, Lt Gray, Ever Green, Mid Green, Beige, Mid Brown. Now we can add some nice details to the images using a white gel pen. Let's add a plaid and some polka dots for added interest.

Next, let's create the card base. We will add a pretty open scalloped border using the Ai BJ Decorative Margin Dies (5972). This nice long 7" margin die is perfect for your longer projects or scrapbook pages and journals. I'll show you in today's video how to die-cut just the border...it's quick and easy to do!

Let's create some pretty backgrounds for the front and inside of the cards using the Ai Christmas Magic PP (5853). We will select a pretty polka dot for the outside of both cards and a stripe and plaid for the insides.

We can glue those in place and next we can create the gift card pocket which will match the border on the front of the card perfectly. And to do this, we will use the Ai BJ Pocket Die Set (5985) which also includes a beautiful cross die!

We can fold the pockets along the score lines and add adhesive to secure them on the inside of the card. We will also cut another piece of leftover patterned paper for a layer on the pockets.

For the "Joy" sentiment we will use the Ai Jesus and Joy Die Set (5986). We will die-cut the word three times, once from some glitter cardstock, and two times more from some 100lb white cardstock. By gluing these together, we will get a nice thick sentiment for the front of the card.

Let's die-cut some snowflakes using that same die set from that same glitter paper and add them to the front of the cards and on the gift card pocket on the inside of the card.

For a bit of sparkle, we will add some pretty gems in lilac and green to each of the snowflakes on the front of the cards! Just insert your gift card or note card or both and you are all set!

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

Ai Snowman Hugs Set (6107)

Ai BJ Decorative Margin Dies (5972)

Ai BJ Pocket Die Set (5985)

Ai Jesus and Joy Dies (5986)

Ai Portfolio Template Die Set (5952)

Ai Christmas Magic PP (5853)

Fall drinks by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

It's time for pumpkin spice and everything nice, hot apple cider and hot cocoa.

Which one do you prefer?

I'm a cocoa girl myself.

I love Fall weather, colors and all of the activities that go along with it.
I can't wait for to host Thanksgiving.
My card is pretty simple this week, but imagine the joy it

could bring someone when they open their mailbox and find this, 

especially if you tuck a gift card into it.

One more Halloween card by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans!

I know Halloween is over, but I have just one more card I want to show you that goes along with our current challenge "Along Came a Spider". You still have a couple of days to enter! I used a fun fold for this one and had it where the right side overlaps the middle panel. I started out with #6112 Pumpkin Parade and colored up the adorable mouse pushing his cart full of candy down the street. To create this very easy scene, I grabbed a piece of paper from #6130 Halloween S3 PP and then used a piece of gray cardstock and drew in sidewalk lines. Couldn't get any easier. Of course I added a little spider hanging from his web up in the corner. Just a little note that I used a set of magnets from Amazon to hold the top down. It's just enough pull to keep it closed until you want to open it up. I simply glued one under the paper of the top flap, and the other one under the paper of the middle flap. It works like a charm!! 

When you open the front flap, it unveils a couple more spiderwebs and a spider with googly eyes. LOL! I just love those little ghosts from #5604 Halloween Journal Die Set. There are so many fun dies in that!! 

Once you open up the final flap, you get to see the cute girl ghost in all her glory telling you how Spook-tacular you are!! She is from #6111 Spooktacular Set, and I got the idea for the bow on her hear from my Bestie Dori! She has so many fangtastic ideas!! Since I wasn't going to use the ghost as a pop up, I just fussy cut it out so it wouldn't have the score lines for the pop up. It was super simple to cut it out. 

So that's it for me today! I hope you grab your paper and glue and play along with our challenge. You just might win a free set of your choice from Art Impressions!! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and until next time - stay crafty!!