I started by die cutting the Story Tile die with 6140 – White Cardstock Paper Pack and I saved the cut out pieces for later when I embossed some of them.
Next, I took some scraps from 6012 – Basic Yellow Paper Pack and placed them in the windows that weren't getting embossed.
Then, I just layered on my hearts, giraffe and sentiment with some 3D foam tape. I place that onto a matte from the same yellow pack and then onto my card base. Links for all Art Impressions products are below.
Happy Monday! I think there's only like 11 or 12 days before it is officially Spring - on the calendar anyway! So I've got a card for you today that has flowers and cute little bugs in hopes that Spring arrives soon! I turned this one into a spinner card, so the ladybug spins all the way around the flowers. I wanted to start with some flowers, so I used the flower stamp and die from #5346 Birdhouse Cubbies. I used a grass die from my stash for the center panel, then layered the flowers by popping up the ones in front. The butterfly, dragonfly, and snail are all from #5728 Mushroom Cubbies. Don't forget to look at all your Cubbies sets, Front Door Sets, Matchbook Sets, and so on. They all have such amazing pieces that can be either used alone or combined with other stamps to create amazing scenes!! Isn't that the cutest fence? It's from #5807 Journal Fence Dies. In order to create the open track for the ladybug to spin around, I used both 5726 Nested Circle Dies and 5064 Circle Double Stitched Dies. I had to be careful popping them up to make sure nothing got in the way of the ladybug moving around the track. Lastly, I created the sentiment using one of my very favorite banner dies from #5809 Decorative Journal Page Set 2. I just love the look of the stitching around the edge.
So that's it for me today! Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit and until next time - stay crafty!
Good morning! The sun is shining, and it is warmer here in Ohio than it has been in a long time. I am ready for spring and all the flowers to start blooming.
I definitely get a "spring" feeling from my next two cards. The first one is a get-well card. Since I first saw the AiCS38 Doggy Kisses stamp set on the Art Impressions website, I have been a huge fan. I've always had a deep affection for animals, and dogs in particular are very special to me. At one point, we had five dogs. It was enjoyable but crazy!
I really wanted to use at least two of the dogs to create a joyful scene for my card. I started by stamping the dog lying down with his sweet bear. Then I hand-drew a doggie bed for him to rest in. Both dogs, the tissue box, and the teacup were all stamped using an Archival Black stamp pad. To paint the images, I used the following Tombow markers: 177, 817, 772, 515, 565, N65, N55, 879, 969, 837, 025, 977, 942, 947, and 526. To complete the scene, I painted a pink, floral wallpaper and a wooden baseboard. Then I die-cut the entire scene using the new 6048-Scalloped Rectangle dies and mounted it on light pink cardstock. I added a few sequins to add some depth to the card.
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For my second card, I used the new 6106-Spring Keepsake set. The scalloped rectangle dies were also used to die-cut this scene. The paper was from the 5742-Easter paper pack.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend! I will be seeing you all again in just a few weeks.
Hello, and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend! March is the time
of year here, where spring starts popping it’s head up. The slow struggle between winter and spring
begins, where the days bounce between cold days and days that get warmer. We
could have snow, or rain, mud or slush. And if you live on a farm like I do, it
can get pretty messy.
For my first card I decided to use one of my favorite barns,
she is an oldie, but definitely a good one. It is one of the very first stamps
I bought when I discovered Art Impressions.To me, a timeless classic. I started by inking my stamp with 565 first
and then 969, stamped it off twice on scrap watercolor paper, and then stamped
it on a clean piece of watercolor paper. I pulled the color out of the lines
and then added from my palette, a mix of 565 and 969 for more shading and for
all of the windows and doors. 969 was used on the different sections of the
roofs with a touch of 249 for a more weathered look.I used a pencil to sketch in some boards on
the walls of the barn and then used my kneaded eraser to lighten the
lines.I also added a light touch of 947
for a bit of texture. 565 was used for the shadows under all of the
overhangs.I used a black Twintone in
the peak of the main roof and edged some of the sides on the windows and doors
and anywhere else I thought it was needed.N60 is a wonderful color to use for those gray days, it is a cool gray
with a hint of blue. I used this to put a wash of sky in first. I also used N52
which is a bit of a darker cool gray and 312 for parts of the ground beside and
in front of the barn, before adding in any of the foliage and trees. I then
masked the barn with post-it tape so I could add in the background trees.First I sketched a hill in the background for
a guide for the pine trees, I used the pine tree from 5372 WC Mini Foliage in
312, stamping multiple times before re-inking the stamp.I then softened these with a damp brush and
added a bit of N52 for the shadows of the trees.While the barn was still masked, I then used
the largest branch from 4964 WC Branches Set in 879. I used the stamp
positioner to make sure it was going where I wanted behind the barn.I then removed the mask off the barn and used
the tree from the Old Barn set, also in 879, out in front of the barn. I then
decided to add a larger pine from 5010 WC Tree Set 1 in 249, and one of the
smaller branches from the branch set in 969 against the barn, shading all 3
with N52. In 027 I used the grass from the Mini Foliage Set in a couple of
areas. I also added some 969 to create a path to the main door of the
barn.I then used the Bleed Proof White
to add snow to the ground and trees. I wanted it to look like the snow had been
melting and there were just piles of it left in areas with the ground showing
through. I then cut out my image with a die from 5063 Rectangle A2 Double
Stitched Dies, matting it with a solid cardstock, and used 5835 Mini Paper Pack
on the card base and finished my card.
Daffodils are one of the very first flowers here that will
poke through the snow if the days get warm enough. There is something beautiful
about seeing that pop of color when the days can be gray for days on end. It’s
like having sunshine coming out of the ground!
For my second card I am using 6061 Tulip Floral Set, which
includes some beautiful sentiments that you can include on your cards, along
with 3 different florals. Irises are another favorite of mine and there are
also tulips.If you like this set, I
also recommend checking out the 6062 Hydrangea Set that also has daisies and
pansies and included sentiments as well.I started by inking the daffodils in Distress Ink Lost Shadow, and then
went over the flowers with 055 as a base. I then started from the areas that
would be shadowed with 025 to create depth to the flower and then added 026 to
the darkest areas. For the stems I started with 126 and then used 177 for the
shaded areas, making sure I darkened the areas just below the flowers and any
areas that overlapped. I filled in the background with 526, darkening around
the image because I planned on splattering with Bleed Proof White and wanted to
make sure it would show up. I decided I wanted to cut this image out with one
of the 5064 Circle Double Stitched Dies and chose the 4th from the
largest and used a pencil on the bottom of the image inside the die for a
guideline for the snow. I then used Bleed Proof White to create a mound of snow
at the base of the stems, and used 565 to add dimension to the snow. Before
cutting out my image I splattered some water downed Bleed Proof White to create
snowflakes.
I then used the same die to cut out my image and matted it on solid
cardstock cut out with the 4th from the largest 6045 Scalloped
Circle Dies. Then I took some vellum and the 5th Scalloped Circle
for added interest. Using the same solid cardstock I used on the image, I
stamped the sentiment and heat embossed it and then used the 5th
Circle Double Stitched Die to cut it out, also backing this with the vellum
using the 6th Scalloped Circle Die.I matted my card base with paper from my stash and glued down my image.
I popped up the sentiment with foam tape completing my card.
Thank you for joining me today and I hope you
enjoyed my cards.Until next time,
Create….Share….Inspire!!
Some Ai sets really speak to me more than others. Such is the case with the Ai People release last year called 6075 - Cruisin' Carol Set.
Carol is living her absolute best life on a tropical vacation! With her floral dress, straw hat, and a drink in hand, she is the definition of "vacation goals." One of my favorite features of this stamp is the built-in pattern on her dress—it makes adding a fun, vibrant design to her outfit completely effortless..
To begin, I created the pop-out card base. It folds flat but when displayed the middle section pops forward. I cut two of the same patterned pieces to fit the left and right side and used another piece for the middle panel. I used a cheerful yellow cardstock for the base and matted the scene portions on light blue cardstock.
I stamped, colored, and cut Carol and her suitcase. Then I mounted these figures on the middle panel. Finally I stamped the sentiment in blue and matted it with yellow. The scallop shapes for the sentiment were cut using the 6048 - Scalloped Rectangle Dies.
I created this card for the current "People In Your Neighborhood" challenge. There is still plenty of time to join the fun! I can’t wait to see which "people" stamps you choose to bring to life.
Thanks for joining me on the blog today. As always, find your favorite stamps, dies, papers, and accessories at the Ai Store!
Tasha here sharing a card inspired by the current Art Impressions Challenge. I used the fun 6075 -Cruisin' Carol Stamp Set to create a bright tropical scene that feels like a relaxing beach getaway.
For the background, I cut a scalloped rectangle from the 6098 -Cruise Paper Pack. This paper is awesome and has some of the cutest patterns for cards and projects. I love all the designs included in this cruise-themed paper pack!
To continue the tropical theme, I stamped the sentiment “Vacation Vibes” onto a simple white banner and attached blue and white striped patterned paper. This pattern always makes me think of summer days and beach vacations.
To finish the card, I added layers of golden yellow, white, and bright blue cardstock to coordinate with the colors throughout the scene.
Thank you so much to all of our designers. You inspire us DAILY with all of your wonderful creations.
✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation using either stamps, dies and or designer paper from Art Impressions. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)
✻ Limit two submissions per person.
✻Top Spot Winner and Lucky Random Winner each receive a free stamp set from Art Impressions
✻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.
Oh Man, I had such a fun time making this card. My inspiration came from a combination of the newly released Story Tile sets and die as well as the current blog challenge "The People In Your Neighborhood". For my card, I used the #5798 - Gardening Girlfriend set, the #6177 - Garden Friends set and the #6158 - Story Tile Template Die as well as a few accessories from some other sets that are listed below.
I started by stamping all of the images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below. I decorated some of the images with my white marker (you can also use the Dr. PH Martin white paint). I fussy cut the girl as well as the story tile garden images.
I cut the story tile window frame from a piece of pink cardstock and a piece of pattern paper from the #6051 - Mother's Day PP. I layered the pattern paper over the pink cardstock and shifted it slightly to the right and upwards so that the pink showed through the window slightly. This provided a nice little contrast and helped pop up the images as well as the pattern papers underneath. Then a die cut some other pattern papers from this paper pack with the story tile die and placed them behind the pink frame.
I stamped the sentiment from the Garden Friends set and adhered behind the narrow window. I popped up each of the images with foam tape into the other windows and decorated the pots and boots with flowers from the #5935 - Fairytale houses set and the #6076 - Gardener Gail set. To finish off the card, I colored a few bees from the Fairytale Houses set and placed them near the flowers.
Make sure to check out the newly released sets and also the bi-weekly blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice. We love to see your creations!
Thanks for joining me today! Have a wonderful day and keep creating!
I've got two cards to share with you today. The first one is a sweet St. Patrick's Day card and the other was inspired by the current Ai "People in your Neighborhood" Blog Challenge.
Let's get started by creating a whimsical St. Patrick's Day card today using the Ai Spring Keepsake Set (6106). The little frog from this set will be perfect for this card!
We will stamp the little frog and color him in using the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens in the following colors: Blender, Lt Pink, Lt Green, Deep Green. This is some really quick and easy coloring!
Next, we can die cut the frog, and to add some greenery around the frog we will die cut several leaves, stems and a mushroom from the Ai Fall Leaf Frame Die Set (5783) and the Ai Harvest Journal Die Set (5592). We will die cut the leaves and stems from some green cardstock and add a bit of color using the Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink in Rustic Wilderness. And... don't forget to add some tiny little wiggly eyes to your frog!
Now setting aside all of those pieces, we will die cut some gold metallic letters using the Ai Journal Letter Die Set (5562). We will spell out the words "toad-ally" and "lucky". I'll show you in the video how to lay these out easily on your card!
Let's die cut an oval from some of that same metallic cardstock and a slightly smaller oval from some Kraft cardstock.
On the Kraft cardstock, we will have some fun stenciling using a four-leaf clover background. We will then stencil this design onto the Kraft cardstock using the wonderful Simon Hurley Lunar Paste in Fake Plant. Yes....that's the name of it and I love it so much! This is the perfect green for our stenciled background.
We will create our square card base and spatter it using the Windsor Newton Gold Ink. Let's spatter the stenciled oval as well.
Next, we can quickly assemble all of the pieces onto the card and for a bit more sparkle we will add a few sparkly sequins!
I also wanted to share with you the card that I created for the new Ai "People in your Neighborhood" Blog Challenge!
Today I wanted to show you a simple yet fun card using the Ai Stay Hydrated Stamp Set (5928). We will use this stamp set to create a simple background. With this set you can stamp the thermos design and then select one of the overlay stamps for the pattern on the thermos. There are several choices to include a leopard print, paw prints, Aztec design, and a tiger print! So, there are lots and lots of choices to personalize your cards and we are going to use them all today!
We will stamp the images onto some white cardstock and then using the Tim Holtz Distress Mini Ink Pad in the following colors (Shaded Lilac, Picked Raspberry, Abandoned Coral, Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers) we will stamp the overlay images.
Now we can create the standard A2 card base in white and add a pretty pink scalloped rectangle using the Ai Scalloped Rectangle Die Set (6048). We can cut down the background panel to fit into the scalloped rectangle and attach these two together. Now, let's tie a piece of dusty rose twine around this scalloped rectangle and pop it up on the card.
We can stamp and color our little lady using the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens in the following colors: Blender, Lt Gray, Lt Pink, Turquoise Green, Yellow, Beige, Mid Brown, Flesh Colour. Let's take the coordinating die and cut her out. We will also die cut the lady one more time onto some black cardstock. This black silhouette image will get attached behind the one that we colored in to create a bit of a shadow and to make the image stand out from the background. You will want to offset it a little bit!
Finally, we can attach the lady to our card! This is a simple yet impactful card that can be used for a variety of occasions including birthday, friendship, thinking of you, and so much more!
Thank you so much for joining me today! Have a fun and crafty day!
Well, my friends, we made it to March! I can not wait for spring! I am dreaming of lush green fields and blue skies. We are preparing for Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus, The Good Shepherd. I decided to have a stab at doing some Bible Journal art again. Am I good at it? Absolutely not, but I am trying and I am enjoying practicing. I pulled out my Church Hymnal again and decided to try my hand at watercoloring.
I knew I wanted to work with the "Fear Not" stamp set, so I pulled that out and chose the song "Shepherd Me, O God", from Psalm 23.
I began by prepping my page with a thin layer of clear gesso, dried it gently with my heat tool, and then applied a thin layer of Absorbent Ground. I dried that with my heat tool, and then applied another thin layer of gesso over top. While drying, I gently swipe across the page to smooth it out and buff some of the grit from the absorbent ground until my page was smooth. I started by stamping my 2 sheep with a very light gray dye ink and then very carefully added in some light shading with the same color. Try to make sure you don't touch the outline or it will disappear, but if you do, you can always draw it back in with the fine tip of your marker. I had to do that in some places. I added shadows in the folds of wool, behind the legs and tail, and on the belly. I added in tiny bits of pink into the ears of both sheep with a fine tip marker and just barely touched it with a damp brush.
I then worked on my "field", adding in grasses and some pretty flowers and lighting touching them with a damp brush. I added in more greens for the ground with a wash and let that dry before stamping some grasses back into the faded out wash.
I then worked on my sky, using the same purplish blue that I used for the flowers and a lighter sky blue. I made a wash and just blobbed on both colors here and there (I'm very technical lol) leaving bits of white so they appeared to be clouds. When that was all dry I stamped my sentiment in Black Stazon ink. I immediately regretted where I stamped it, but I couldn't move it, so it is where it is! Lol. I should have stamped it further down the hill next to the sleeping sheep.
I figured I would try and have another go at it, so I got out my Journaling Bible that is just the books of Psalms and Proverbs. This is a spiral bound Bible and has nice wide margins and thicker pages. I decided to do the same scene right next to Psalm 23, but using the sheep facing the opposite direction, and I used a different sentiment from the stamp set.
I followed the exact same steps as above.
My sky is "moody" in both scenes because I wanted to show that Jesus is the "calm" in the storm! We should "Fear no evil" for He is always with us!
Now, I know that I am not the best watercolorer, but I am trying! And in my practice, I am having fun, and creating something worthwhile, and that is what counts! So, I will keep practicing. Creating these Faith inspiring scenes brings me comfort, as I hope they do to you as well. So, don't be afraid like I was for so long, get out those Bibles and watercolors and get busy practicing.
Friendship is everything. These ladies seem to have that down to a science.
I made my card for The People In Your Neighborhood challenge. You can enter your handmade project using Art Impressions products for the chance to win a free stamp set.
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