Young At Heart by Janet Axtman

The Ai Laugh Line sets have fun characters that are perfect for putting in scenes created by papers and inks. Today I've made a fun indoor scene using the 5422 - Rock On Laugh Lines stamp set. 

To create the interior background for this gleeful lady, I used a flowered paper from the 5939 - Fairy Garden Paper Pack. I made a window using the frame in the 5408 - ShadowBox Window Die. For the view through the window, I used a small scrap piece of swirly blue and white paper from my stash. Then I created a window valance out of a dark purple polka dot patterned paper also in the same paper pack. I stamped the sentiment from the Rock On set on the valance and attached it over the window with foam tape. 

I got to work on the lady by first stamping her and the chair image. Then I made a mask to cover the bottom of the chair so I could stamp and color the wood floor. Once I got everything colored, I fussy cut her and the floor out as one piece. I added a strip of white cardstock to the floor to create a baseboard. Then I glued the lady, chair, floor and baseboard section below the window and "wallpaper." To finish it, I trimmed the excess floor and baseboard that extended over the piece that represent the wall of the room and then glued this piece on an A2 sized black card base.

This card meets the criteria for the current challenge, Milestone Birthdays. We are celebrating our 400th challenge on our blog. Isn't that amazing! To make it special, there will be 5 stamp sets given away for this challenge. I encourage you to submit your own birthday cards to our challenge post for a chance to win and celebrate this milestone with Ai and the Design Team! Just click on the link to enter your creation. We love seeing what you make! 

 

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest 

Happy 60th Birthday! Card by Tasha

Happy Friday Art Impressions Friends!

Tasha here sharing a card inspired by the current Milestone Birthday Challenge. I love making birthday cards, but there is something extra special about celebrating a milestone birthday. For my project I used the SC0680-Spare Me Stamp Set to create a masculine 60th Birthday card; I love this bowling theme!

I started by stamping the bowler with black hybrid ink and colored him with Copic Markers. To frame the image, I cute an oval and used yellow Distress Oxide ink around the edges to bring in more color and a golden glow. 

For the number 60, I used the 5911-Large Number Die Set and cut the numbers out twice to raise it up a bit. I used regular card stock for the bottom layer and added the gold glitter paper to the top. I thought the gold coordinated well with the other colors used and added a nice pop of sparkle.

The sentiment was also included in this stamp set and is the perfect size to add under the bowler. I also added layers of card stock and gold glitter to give a more finished look. 

Lastly, I attached layers of teal, white, and dark teal card stock and a piece of checker pattern paper. These colors give the card a retro look, and I love the teal, black and white color combination!

Thank you for checking out today's card and I hope you will join in the challenge!

Milestone Birthdays! Challenge #400 and BIG Giveaway! (Week #2)

 Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to week #2 of our big Milestone Birthdays Challenge!

We're celebrating 400 challenges with a BIG giveaway.

5 lucky winners will walk away with a free stamp set.

I'm offering 3 retired Throwbacks and Art Impressions will be giving away 2 more current sets still on their website.  Please leave a message in the comments section below when you enter your Milestone Birthday card. Let me know if you have a preference as to a specific stamp set and I'll do my best to accommodate the winners. 

Last week our Featured Designer was Lynn and she created this wonderful masculine birthday card.

This week we're sharing the rest of our Design Team cards.

I created two GOAT (Greatest of All Time) cards for you.
One is a 30th birthday and one is an 89th birthday. I know we generally think of milestones as even numbers, I figure anything past 80 is a milestone and worth celebrating. That one was for my Father-in-law.

Dori created a 70th birthday card.

Janet created an 80th birthday card.
She used 5407 - Birthday Cake GCH

AiCS28-Chocolate Therapy (sentiment only) Retired
5911 – Large Number Die Set

Tasha created a 60th birthday card.

I just LOVE everyone of these cards from the Design Team!

I hope they inspire you to join in the challenge. There are so many prizes to be given away this week. Maybe YOU'LL be the next winner!

Enter your birthday card below for the chance to win. If you have a preference as to which stamp set you'd like to win, please leave that information in the comments section below. Good luck and happy stamping!

✻ 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.

✻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!

Birthday Humor Reveal Wheel by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today I have a humorous birthday card for the "Milestones" challenge using the #5279 Be Happy Laugh Lines set.  If you haven't checked out these Laugh Lines sets yet, make sure you go to the website and check them out.  Bonnie hit the mark on these.  The sayings are perfect as well as the images!  

I stamped the image on copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with copic markers listed below.  I die cut the image panel with the largest #5062 Rounded Rectangle A2 Double Stitch Die.  I then used a smaller circle die from the #5064 Double Stitched Circles die set to cut out the notch for the reveal wheel.  Measure a circle die over each of the sentiments to make sure that you can read each within the circle.  Once you find the circle die that fits the sentiments, make sure that where you cut the hole on the image panel is low enough for the wheel to fit without popping out on the sides.  Place a brad in the center of the wheel and through the pattern paper border.  Pop the image panel up with foam dots, avoiding the wheel area, and place down over the pattern paper panel.  I then placed a circle frame over the reveal hole to finish it off.

I hope you enjoy my card today and that you will join in the fun with the current challenge - "Milestone Birthdays".  Play along for a chance to win a free stamp set.

Have a wonderful day and keep creating!

Copics used:  E000, E00, E11, B000

R20, R22, R24, R27

C1, C3, C5

G12, G16, G17

Creating a Quilted Background - Peeking Bunnies by Lynn Dionne

Happy Wednesday Ai Fans!!!

Watch video tutorial here!!!

Today we will be creating a fun quilted background for our card! This background can be used on many of your cards, and these are really fun to make ahead and have ready for your future projects! Each of the quilted squares will be die-cut from the Ai Square Double Stitched Dies (5061). For paper we will be using the brand-new Ai Basic Yellow Paper Pack (6012). However, you could use any of the brand-new Paper Packs which include the Basic Yellow, Basic Pink, Basic Teal and Basic Green. You could easily mix and match these colors for a beautiful, quilted background as well.

After selecting some of the pretty papers in yellow plaids, dots, and stripes, and die-cutting them, we will add a bit of Versafine Clair Ink Pad in Sand Dune around the edges of each of the squares. This will soften the look of the squares and bring everything together.

Let's set those aside and stamp, color and die-cut our images from the Ai Peeking Bunny Set (5870). This little easter set is so cute because when you cut the wagon it will create a little slit so that you can tuck your bunny inside. The dies will also cut some slits under the paws of the little bunny so that the bunny can hold an egg, sentiment, or just peek over the top of the cart, as we will be doing today All of today's coloring was done using the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens in the following colors: Blender, Lt Pink, Pale Rose, Orange, Yellow, Ice Blue, Lt Blue, Pale Yellow, Lt Green, Lt Violet, Lt Gray, Beige, Mid Brown.

Now we can create a standard A2 size top folding card base out of some Kraft 100lb cardstock. Let's also die-cut this beautiful scallop rectangle panel using the Lawn Fawn Lacy Rectangle Stackables Dies and some white cardstock. We will also cut a Kraft panel for the front of this scallop rectangle, and I will give you all of the dimensions in today's video.

Let's glue the scallop rectangle to the front of the card and add the kraft panel on top. Now for the fun part.... adding the stitched squares in a random pattern. Let's also stamp the "Hello Easter" from the Ai Easter Sentiments Set (5733), to the center square using that same Sand Dune Ink.

Now we can add the little cart with the bunny tail sticking out, and the peeking bunny over the top and some additional eggs along the bottom of the card panel using a combination of 3D Foam Adhesives and glue.

Using a white gel pen we can add some details to the eggs and some highlights and for some additional dimension we will also add some clear glaze to a few of the eggs.

Once all of these pieces have been assembled, let's add some pretty clay hearts in yellow and white!

If you like you can save one additional square for the sentiment on the inside of the card, just to tie everything together!

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

Ai Peeking Bunny Set (5870)

Ai Easter Sentiments Set (5733)

Ai Square Double Stitched Dies (5061)

Ai Basic Yellow Paper Pack (6012)

Post-it Labeling and Cover-up Tape

Wink of Stella Glitter Pen - Clear

April 2025 Monthly Challenge with Guest Designer Simone Carr

Hello Ai fans and welcome to our April Monthly Challenge.

These monthly challenges will have no theme. It's just fun to create something using Art Impressions products and then possibly win some free stamps!

April is Simone Carr's turn to be our Guest Designer.

How do you win free stamps? Add your creation (it doesn't have to be a card) using Art Impressions products below for your chance to win a free stamp set from Art Impressions or a freebie from me. (US addresses only for my freebie...The free stamp set from Ai is open world wide)
Let's see what Simone has created to inspire you this month.

Hello Crafty Friends,

I chose to create two cards with the Happy Easter Set (4754) because I absolutely loved the cute egg-shaped heads of the Easter bunnies.

For my first card, I started by stamping the images onto masking paper and fussy cutting them out. Using an egg-shaped die, I drew a pencil outline to guide where to place the bunnies. I stamped the smaller bunny first with Memento Toffee Crunch and placed the masking paper over it. Then, I stamped the second bunny next to the first one and masked it as well. Finally, I stamped the standing bunny behind the two smaller bunnies.

After all the bunnies were stamped, I removed the masking paper and began coloring the images. I used Tombow markers to color in the bunnies and added details to the grass and foliage around them. Once the coloring was complete, I cut a piece of white cardstock to 3 ¾” x 5”, centered it on my die, and ran it through the die cutting machine. I then embossed the frame with a lovely texture and used two dies to cut out a frame that fit the opening. I added some double-sided foam behind the frame to give it a bit of dimension before adhering it to the watercolor paper. To finish the card, I stamped a sentiment on white cardstock, die cut it out, and added a sweet bow to complete the design.

Materials Used:

Stamps:

• Happy Easter Set (4754)
  Foliage Set 1 (4051)
  Foliage Set 3 (5007)
  Bible Flower Set (5074)
  Gift Card Pocket Set (5811)
  Easter Chicks Set (5401)

Dies:

• Egg-shaped Die (for drawing the outline)
  Die for Frame
  Bow Die

Paper:

• White Cardstock
  Easter PP (5742)
  Canson Watercolor Paper
  Mirri Paper

Inks & Markers:

• Memento Toffee Crunch
  Bleed Proof White
  Tombow Markers: 177, 526, 977, 992, N55, 925, 195, 452, 703, 985

Other:

• Masking Paper
  Embossing Folder
  Double-sided Foam Tape

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For my second card, I created a design using the Postage Die on Strathmore Bristol Smooth Cardstock. I started by cutting out the postage shape and placed it in my Stamp Positioner to ensure proper alignment for the stamping. I used Post-it tape to mask off certain areas of the stamp to prevent overstamping. Once the areas were masked, I stamped the images using Memento Toffee Crunch and then colored them in with Tombow markers using a #4 brush for a soft watercolor effect.

The result was a whimsical Easter scene framed by the postage die, which really helped to highlight the stamped images. I finished the card by adding some patterned paper from the Basic Yellow PP (6012) to add an extra pop of color behind the frame.

Materials Used:

Stamps:

• Happy Easter Set (4754)
  Foliage Set 1 (4051)
  Foliage Set 3 (5007)
  Bible Flower Set 2 (5418)

Dies:

• Postage Die

Paper:

• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Cardstock
  Basic Yellow PP (6012)

Inks & Markers:

• Memento Toffee Crunch
  Versafine Clair Nocturne
  Bleed Proof White
  Twintone Brown and Black
  Tombow Markers: 025, 055, 993, 905, 933, 195, 856, 703, 526, 401, 177, N55, 947

Other:

• Stamp Positioner
  Post-it Tape

---

I hope these cards bring some Easter joy to your crafting! It was such a pleasure to create them, and I can't wait to see what you come up with for your own Easter projects.

Happy Crafting,
Simone

Here is the fine print...

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation.
✻You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards and it can be any theme you like.

✻ Limit two submissions per person. 

✻You MUST use Art Impressions stamps or dies! You may use other companies products but the main focus should be on Ai items.

✻If you win, you will receive one free stamp set of your choice. 
This will be a random drawing so all levels of ability are encouraged to enter!
 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission.

✻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!

✻ Good luck and happy crafting!

New Baby card by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

One of my coworkers recently had a baby.
We didn't initially have time to plan a shower for her because Baby D came REALLY early.

Fortunately, everything was okay. She's back to work now and we had time to plan a shower this time.

I wasn't sure what type of card I wanted to make for her until I saw her invitations.

The Pooh on my card was cut out of her invite and I proceeded from there.

I knew instantly that I wanted a red and yellow card to match Pooh. The Valentine paper worked perfect for this. Then I used a die set from another company to make the HUNNY pot. I spelled out HUNNY using the Journal Letter die set.

Of course if there's honey on your card then you MUST have BEES!!
And how do bees make honey, from flowers of course.

I used Watercolor Paper from Art Impressions to create the pot and used Tombow markers to WC it.

I used cardstock and Tombow markers to color the bees and flower images. All colors and products are linked below.

I used Wink of Stella on the bees wings and then added some Glossy Accents to them and the honey pot.

 

Some good, Koalaty HUGS by Simone Carr

 Hello Ai fans!

We have Simone Carr filling in for Sharon today.

Though we miss Sharon and can't WAIT to have her back next week, we know you're going to LOVE Simone's card.

These Koala bears are so precious and Simone did a fabulous job coloring them. The new Art Impressions papers are the perfect compliment to the shades in her image. What a sweet little card!

Bonus 5th Sunday Watercolor Weekend with Simone Carr

 Hello Ai fans and welcome to Watercolor Weekend!

This is one of those months where we get a bonus, 5th Sunday, so Simone Carr will be filling in as our Guest Designer for our last Sunday in March.

Please enjoy her amazing art!

Hello Fellow Crafters,

It’s my turn for Watercolor Weekend, and I’m excited to share two new watercolor cards with you! I hope they inspire you to create something beautiful this weekend!

Card 1: Easter Bloom Wreath

For my first card, I took an egg-shaped die to draw an outline so that I knew where to stamp my flowers and foliage. I placed my Canson watercolor paper into my stamp platform. I used the stamp from the Frameworks Set and colored parts of it with 969 before stamping it along the penciled egg shape. Once that was done, I stamped in the bunnies using 569 and 969, stamping off twice before applying them to the paper.

I colored the wreath first by pulling out the stamped color, then moved on to the bunnies, adding layers as needed. I stamped in some foliage but left space for flowers. I stamped grass in front of the bunnies using the larger grass stamp and then added flowers from Flower Set 2. For the white flowers, I used Dr. PH Martin’s Bleedproof White. Finally, I stamped the little bird on the branch using only 969. The sky was softly blended with 526 to complete the scene.

Materials Used:

Stamps:

• Frameworks Set 1 (5420)
• Fairy Doors Set (5056)
• Furries TF (4208) Retired
• Bible Foliage Set 2 (5418)
• Foliage Set 1 (4051)
• Mini Flower Set (5009)
• Flower Set 2 (4868)
• Flower Set 2 (4867)
• Branches Set (4964)

Dies:

• Rectangle A2 (5063) – Used the largest
• Mini Easter Sentiment Set (5867)

Paper:

• Canson Watercolor Paper
• Easter PP (5742)

Inks & Markers:

• Tombow Markers (969, 569, 526, 249, 177, 725, 565, 636, 195, 856, 947)
• Dr. PH Martin’s Bleedproof White
• Twintone Brown

Other:

• Stamp Platform
• Pencil for Sketching

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Card 2: Cozy Coop

For my second card, I created a scene using the Matchbox Chickens Set and Hen House Cubbies.

I began by placing Canson watercolor paper into my stamp platform. Since the Matchbox stamps include flaps designed for creating 3D matchbox scenes, I used tape to block off the edges before inking the stamp with Memento Toffee Crunch. After removing the tape, I stamped the image, ensuring only the main elements transferred onto the paper.

With my scene set, I started coloring. For the chicks, I applied Tombow 055 around their heads, blending into 025 and 985 for the body. Their beaks were painted with 925. The hens were given warm, natural tones using 947 and 856. For the chicken coop, I used a combination of 947, 992, and 296, while the chicken feed bag was shaded with 027. To enhance the rustic feel, I stamped a hay bale from the Harvest Set (5598) using 026 and 985.

To tie the whole card together, I used patterned paper from the Basic Green PP (6009) as a background.

Materials Used:

Stamps:

• Matchbox Chickens (5731)
• Hen House Cubbies (5396)
• Harvest Set (5598)

Paper:

• Canson Watercolor Paper
• Basic Green PP (6009)

Inks & Markers:

• Tombow Markers (027, 992, 969, N55, 569, 296, 026, 856, 925, 055, 025)
• Twintone Brown
• Memento Toffee Crunch
• Versafine Clair Nocturne

Other:

• Stamp Platform
• Masking Tape for Selective Stamping

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I had so much fun creating these two watercolor cards, and I hope they inspire you to try something new in your crafting!

Happy Crafting,
Simone

Easter Bunny Greetings

Today I have made a card made with the new 6008 - Bunny Hugs Set. This set was one of several new items added to the store this past week. It's oozing cuteness with bunnies, flowers, and Easter accessories. This is one of those have-to-have sets if you celebrate the Easter season.

To start the card, I worked on the background, coloring it with Copic markers. Then I colored the bunny and tulip images, along with the basket of carrots, and two butterflies. I also stamped the Easter Greetings sentiment and drew a border around it with a Navy Twintone marker. 

After coloring, I cut the images out with the included dies. I arranged the bunnies, pots and baskets by attaching them at different heights using foam pads to make some images higher than others. The sentiment was also attached with foam pads. I cut the panel down to 4" x 5 1/4" and mounted it on white cardstock sized 4 1/8" x 5 3/8". This was mounted on a pre-printed pink and white A2 card base. Finally three clay carrots and two clay tulip embellishments were glued on the card. This bunny is ready to share with someone special for the Easter holiday!

   

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest 

Happy Spring! Card by Tasha

 Happy Friday Art Impressions Friends!

Tasha here sharing a new card featuring the super cute "Happy Spring" Stamp Set. Spring is a wonderful time of year and Spring cards are so much fun to make. For my project I used the bunny with a carrot car and love everything about this stamp!

I started the card by stamping the sweet bunny and used the included dies to cut him out. Once cut, I used Copic Markers to color him; I love these colors! For the background I layered a piece of polka dot pattern paper and cut two clouds to make a Spring scene.

This set includes several sentiments, but I thought "Happy Spring" went perfectly with this image. He looks like he is loving the warm Spring weather driving his carrot car with his pretty tulips!

Lastly, I added layers of teal and tan card stock and a piece of Art Impressions plaid paper. I also attached several white enamel dots to complete the design.

Thank you for checking out today's project and I hope you are having a wonderful day!