Sweet As Can Be by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Wednesday AI Friends!

For the current blog challenge "Boy, Oh Boy", I couldn't resist using the #6103 - Baby Keepsake stamp set and the #6060 - Baby Boy Cover PP for my card today.  This stamp set has got to be the most darling set EVER!  Plus, the dies are included!!!  Yay!

I stamped the images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I matted baby boy paper onto a blue piece of cardstock and die cut each of the images out.  I popped the images up with foam tape and placed within the windows of this slimline card.  Added the matted sentiments and a little piece of twine and the card is finished.

How fun and easy is that?  

Hope you enjoyed my card and it inspires you to join the blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.  We love to see your creations!

Have a great day and keep creating!

Copics used:  N0, R20

E000, E21, E23, E25, E50, E51, E53, E55

Y11, Y13, Y19

G20, G21, G24, G40, G43, G46

B12, B14

Focus on Faith with Sara Furr: Misty Sunrise

 Blessings dear friends and welcome to my second edition of "Focus on Faith" for the month of August. 

Every morning I wake up and I thank God for the gift of a new day! New Blessings! The other day I woke up and came downstairs, and while I was walking around with my morning cuppa tea, I caught a glimpse of the beautiful misty sunrise, and had to run out to capture it.

This photo I took is the inspiration for my card today. I will be taking you through a step by step tutorial of my process.

Step 1- colored in my background grass and tree line with a green alcohol ink marker onto Canson XL Bristol Smooth cardstock. I created a small circle mask with a circle punch out of post it tape and applied it above the tree line to mask out my sun.

Step 2- ink blended in some blue sky and some yellow for sunrise, then removed the circle mask, and ink blended some white pigment ink in the tree line for the mist.

Step 3- stamped the barn from #5011- WC Truck mini set,  and colored barn with black alcohol ink marker.

Step 4- stamped in bushes from #4051- Foliage set and #5372-WC Mini Foliage Set with dark green inks.

Step 5- stamped in tree foliage with dark green ink.

Step 6- added in darker shades of grass line with alcohol ink marker.

Step 7- added white permanent ink marker to roof of barn.

Step 8- added foliage back in over the barn roof.

Step 9- stamped in sentiment from #5127- Build My Life set, with stamping tool, in blue ink.

When I was done, I went back in and added some sparkle pen to the sun and tree line to look like the mist. I wanted to male my sun even whiter, so I added some Ph Martin's Bleedproof white ink to the sun with a small paint brush. I trimmed my panel down just a bit and then matted it to a dark green cardstock  and then to a white panel. I popped that up over a panel of light green striped dsp from the #6072- Father's Day PP and a bow of green twine.

Here is my creation....

If you look close you can see the glitter pen I used for the mist.

So, here again is my photo...

AND here is my card...

I hope you are inspired to recreate of little bit of God's creation too.

God Bless, 

Sara Furr -The Crafty Farm Chick

Diaper Bag Baby Card by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

Today I have a little experiment to share with you.
I was wanting to make a baby card for the Boy oh Boy! challenge
and I got the idea to use the tool bag as a diaper bag.

I'm pleased with how it turned out.

The die that cuts out the bag also cuts slits to place the tools in. The tools

are smaller than the baby items I included, so I cut some of the slits open

a little larger with a craft knife. It worked perectly.

I used the new silver paint to add accents to the bag and to paint

the pin so it would look more real.

So far, this card is for no one in particular. The only baby on the way

in my life is the next door neighbors daughter and she's having a girl.

I know it'll come in handy at some point though.

Enjoy your day!

You can never have too many bookmarks!! by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans!!

So who thinks like I do and believes you can never have too many bookmarks! They're awesome to have for yourself and so wonderful as gifts too! Imagine including one or more inside an envelope with a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble! How fun would that be! So for my post today, I created two bookmarks using #6209 Corner Bird Bookmark from Art Impressions. I created two of them using the same beautiful paper from #6205 Floral Shop PP. The only difference was I used some distress ink around the edges on one of them. I just love these adorable birds!!! 

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

More Than a Card: A Watercolor Portfolio by Simone Carr

Hello Ai Friends!

Welcome to another Watercolor Weekend! I’m excited to share today’s project with you. This one was especially fun to create, and, as you probably know by now, I really enjoy finding new ways to use the Story Tile Die.

I actually had no plans to use it this time, but you know how crafting goes—plans can change once you start looking through your supplies! I had pulled out the Portfolio Template Die Set, and that’s where my idea began. Since the Portfolio is the perfect size for an A2 card, I realized the Story Tile Die would fit beautifully inside it.

I started by choosing the patterned paper I wanted to use and then selected the stamp set designed to coordinate with the Story Tile Die. The Portfolio Template Die Set includes instructions for assembling the base, and it only requires two pieces to be glued together. If you are using directional patterned paper, just be sure to pay attention to the angle when cutting the two pieces so the pattern is facing the correct direction.

For all of my watercolor images, I used Canson Watercolor Paper and stamped the images using Distress Ink Lost Shadow. The Tombow colors I used are listed below for each individual image.

I began by cutting a frame from my chosen patterned paper using the Story Tile Die and adhered it to the center of the Portfolio. I then cut a piece of Canson Watercolor Paper using the same die. Using my stamp positioner, I stamped each image onto the individual tiles, making it easy to get everything lined up correctly. Once all the images were colored, I glued the finished tiles into the Portfolio.

Next, I worked on the two folded sections of the Portfolio. Using the same scalloped die I used for the Portfolio base, I cut another piece from patterned paper and trimmed away the folded section. I applied adhesive along the edges, leaving the scalloped edge open, and adhered it to the left side of the Portfolio. This created a pocket that can hold a gift card, a note, or, as I chose to use it, the Mini Bookmark and envelope.

To decorate the top of the pocket, I used the long scalloped-edge die included with the Portfolio Template Die Set and cut a piece from Canson Watercolor Paper. I stamped the long-stem flower, colored it, and then selected a sentiment to stamp using Versafine Clair Lilac Bloom. I adhered the finished piece to the front of the pocket.

On the right side, I used the same die with a piece of patterned paper. Once it was adhered, I decided to add another pocket for a bookmark.

The Mini Bookmark I created had to be shortened after an unfortunate water spill! Thankfully, it happened on the bottom portion, so the bookmark was still usable. The finished bookmark measures 3 7/8" long, and I used a corner rounder to give it a more finished look.

For the front cover of the Portfolio, I cut a piece of paper measuring 2 3/4" × 3" and rounded the corners. I then selected the square frame die from the Portfolio Template Die Set and cut two frames—one from watercolor paper and one from patterned paper. I adhered the two frames together and then attached them to the paper piece.

I adhered the finished cover piece to the front of the Portfolio, attaching it only halfway so it could function as a flap. On the opposite side, I added two thin Velcro dots to create the closure.

For the back of the Portfolio, I cut a piece of Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper using the largest Scalloped Rectangle Die and stamped the Peony image onto it. This creates a nice space to write a personal message.

Back on the inside, I stamped two quotes from the BJ Long Stem Set onto Bristol Smooth Paper using Versafine Clair Avocado. I used a die from the Portfolio Template Die Set to cut them out and adhered one to the right-side pocket and the other to the Mini Bookmark.

The Mini Bookmark is very easy to make since it is simply cut and folded. To make it stay securely on a page, I added magnets to the inside. I used a magnet sheet and a 1" circle punch. I punched one circle from the magnet sheet, then placed the punched piece back onto the sheet to find the matching position for the second magnet. Once I found the correct placement, I punched the second circle and adhered the magnets inside the bookmark.

The Mini Journal Template also includes a small clasp, which I used to attach a little dangle to the Mini Bookmark.

Finally, I assembled the envelope included in the Portfolio Template Die Set. It is also a simple cut-and-fold project. I added a small Velcro dot to keep the envelope securely closed.

I love how this project combines so many different elements into one A2-sized Portfolio. It gives you space for watercolor artwork, a personal message, a bookmark, an envelope, and even a gift card or note. It would make such a thoughtful handmade gift!

Materials Used

Stamps & Dies
• 5718 – Mini Journal Template
• 6048 – Scalloped Rectangle Dies
• 5952 – Portfolio Template Die Set
• 6230 – Mini Decorative Bookmark Set
• 6043 – Bible Bookmark Set
• 6158 – Story Tile Die
• 6216 – Mercy Set
• 6179 – Cottage Charm
• 6218 – BJ Long Stem
• 6105 – Fall Keepsake Set
• 6164 – Peony Margin Set
• 5136 – WC Sentiment Set 2
• 4051 – Foliage Set 1
• 5126 – Foliage Set 4
• 4868 – Flower Set 2
• 4052 – Flower Set 1
• 5074 – Bible Flower Set
• 5009 – Mini Flower Set

Paper
• 6206 – Floral Shop Cover Patterned Paper
• 6205 – Floral Shop Patterned Paper
• Canson Watercolor Paper
• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper

Inks & Mediums
• Distress Ink – Lost Shadow
• Versafine Clair – Avocado
• Versafine Clair – Lilac Bloom
• Versafine Clair – Nocturne
• Winsor & Newton Gold
• Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White
• TwinTone Markers – Brown, Pink
• Pitt Artist Pen – Black
• Velcro Thin Dots
• Corner Rounder
• Brushes – #4, #0

Tombow Markers
• 985, 946, 636, N49, 725, 177, 947, 565 – Bicycle
• 947, 027, 177, 815, 565 – Fence
• 947, 985, 452, N49, 027, 177 – Birdbath
• 985, 947, 565, 725, 177, 526 – Pots
• 636, 985, 946, 177 – Daisies
• 817, 985, 177 – Peony
• 947, N49, 452, 526, 177, 636, 815, 565 – House
• 947, 985, 856, 596, 177 – Birds
• 947, 992, 912 – Cat
• 815, 177 – Petunia

Finished Sizes
• Portfolio: A2 size
• Mini Bookmark: 3 7/8"
• Front Cover Square: 2 3/4" × 3"

For my second card, I decided to create a simpler design using the Sing to the Lord Set. I wanted to let the beautiful floral image take center stage and add just a few touches of gold for a little extra detail.

Materials Used

Stamps & Dies
• 6220 – Sing to the Lord Set
• 6221 – Frameworks Set 3
• 5949 – Encouragement Sentiment Set
• 5157 – Hope and Faith

Paper
• Strathmore Bristol Smooth Cardstock

Inks & Mediums
• Distress Ink – Antique Linen
• Versafine Clair – Nocturne
• Stamperia Contour Gold
• Winsor & Newton Gold Ink

Tombow Markers
• 555, N15 – Flower
• 177 – Leaves
• 526 – Sky

Pretty in Pink by Gennette Houghton

 

Hello, and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend!  Nothing like pretty pink florals to brighten someone’s day.  I went with full on pink for both of my cards today!

For my 1^st card I was in the mood for some florals.  I know that our growing season will soon be coming to an end, so I am going to enjoy the bright colors while I still can!  I stamped both 5921 Glass Containers Set and 5918 Floral Long Stem Bouquet Set in Distress Ink Pumice Stone after stamping off, onto my watercolor paper.  For the flowers I used 837, and on the centers 947, and 969.  The stems and leaves I used 177.  For the glass on the container I started with 526 and then added some 565.  I used 969 on the counter and made sure I also used that color in the bottom of the container.  Adding a bit of 565 for a shadow at the base.  I used a pencil and ruler to add the boards, I wasn’t careful about this, I went right over everything.  I then took a kneaded eraser to lighten the lines inside the jar, and an eraser to remove any lines going over my image.  I then shadowed the boards with a touch of 565.  I then went in with a bit of Bleed Proof White to give some highlights on the glass. With dies from my stash I cut out my image and matted it onto pink cardstock.  I added some Wink of Stella to the bow, and matted my card base with paper from 6205 Floral Shop Paper Pack and assembled my card. 

Keeping up with the floral theme my 2^nd card was created with 6222 Frameworks Set 4 and 6220 Sing to the Lord.  I used my stamp platform for both of these, inking in Distress Ink Vintage Photo, and after stamping off once stamped them on my watercolor paper that I cut down to 4 ¼ by 5 ½ .  For the frame I used 026, putting in a base layer and then adding more on the edges to give it some dimension.  I then added 817 to the flowers, starting off light and then building up layers in the shaded areas.  For the centers I used 947 first and then added dots of 969.  For the leaves and stems, I started with a base layer of 126 and then shaded with 177.  For the background I used 526.  I then used 565 to shade both sides of the frame to make it pop, and also underneath the flowers and foliage for a bit of dimension.  I had stamped my images off to the right side and I matted this onto my card base.  I then used paper from 6205 Floral Shop Paper Pack, cutting a strip that was 2 by 5 ½, and used a border die from my stash for a decorative edge.  I glued this on top of my watercolor paper to the right finishing off my card.  Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you enjoyed my cards.  Until next time, Create….Share….Inspire!

Bird Bookmark - Versatile and So Giftable! by Janet

 I completely adore the new 6209 - Corner Bird Bookmark! This die set makes a two-sided bird with a pocket between them. It allows pages of your favorite book, journal, or bible to tuck inside the two layers of the bird. It is both practical and beautiful which I think makes it brilliant. 

You can really create some different looks depending on the papers and patterns you choose to use. Today mine is colorful and summery thanks to using the 6205 - Floral Shop Paper Pack. Doing this in all crisp white and putting a small sprig, mini wreath, or mini bow in it's beak would make a wonderful holiday dove. I am looking forward to making some like that to share in a future post. They would be gorgeous sitting on your Christmas dinner plate don't you think?

This die set is cleverly designed to both cut your papers and crease the fold lines at the same time so assembly is quite easy. If you're unsure though, the full color photo of a finished bird is on the package to take away any guesswork.

I love the simplicity and practicality of this bookmark! It's so unique too. These would make super handcrafted gifts tucked into a package with a great book, a journal, or tablet. So many possible ideas exist with this set. 

Thanks for stopping by and spending time with me and Art Impressions today. Please visit the Ai store to pick up your favorite stamps, dies, papers, accessories, and supplies, including all the supplies I used in this card. 

Happy Crafting!

Boo to You! Card by Tasha

 Happy Friday Art Impressions friends! 

Tasha here sharing a Halloween card featuring the sweet kitty cat ghost from the 6112-Pumpkin Parade Set. I love all the cute trick or treaters in this set, but the cat ghost is my favorite!

The cat was colored with Copic Markers and used pattern paper for the sky and ground; I love mixing the pattern paper prints! I also added a little spider and used a white gel pen to make it look like the spider is hanging from a web. 

To complete the card, I added purple plaid pattern paper and layers of orange, black, and white card stock to coordinate with the Halloween theme. I think this card is so fun and perfect to send to someone special this Fall season!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful day!