Sweet Frogs! by Simone Carr

 Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to my first Watercolor Weekend!

I can’t even tell you how excited I was when I saw the new Story Tile Template Die and stamp set release! The Story Tile Template Die works beautifully with so many sets you may already own, making it such a versatile addition to your collection.

Let me show you what I created. For my first card, I used the Frog Set (5283). 

I ran the Story Tile Template Die through my cutting machine twice using Canson Watercolor Paper. Before stamping, I laid out my images on the tiles to see how they would fit and to decide on the overall layout. I highly recommend this step since the tiles only fit together in a specific way.

Once I was happy with the placement, I stamped the images using Archival Ink Shadow Grey and began coloring.

For the frogs, I started with 173, then added 195 in the shadow areas. To deepen the shadows further, I used 177, and finished with 133 for highlights.

The tulips were colored with 933, intentionally leaving some lighter areas, followed by 925, and darkened with 905 where needed.

For the leaves, I used 177, again leaving some lighter areas for dimension.

The daffodil was colored with 025, followed by 985, and 933 for the center.

The mushroom stem was colored with 992, with 912 and 565 added for shading. The mushroom top was colored with 856 and shaded with 565.

I used 526 for the sky, and a black TwinTone marker for the eyes and to add definition wherever needed.

To assemble the card, I glued two frames together for added dimension, then cut a third frame from 6033 Inspirational Patterned Paper and adhered it on top. The layered frame was attached to an A2 card base, and finally, I glued the tile pieces into place to complete the design.

Materials Used

Stamps & Dies

• 5283 Frog Set

• 6158 Story Tile Template Die

Paper

• 6033 Inspirational Easter Patterned Paper

• Canson Watercolor Paper

Tombow Markers

• 933, 925, 905 – Tulips

• 025, 985, 933 – Daffodil

• 177 – Leaves

• 133, 173, 195, 177 – Frog

• 856, 992, 912, 565 – Mushroom

• 526 – Sky

Bonus Card – Materials Used

Stamps & Dies

• 6106 Spring Keepsake Set (Frog)

• 5424 Pond Set

• 5283 Frog Set (The Fly)

• 6048 Scalloped Rectangle Die

• 5724 Nested Rectangle Die

• 5952 Portfolio Template Die Set

Paper

• 6072 Father’s Day Patterned Paper

• Canson Watercolor Paper

Tombow Markers

• 173, 195, 098, 131, 177 – Frog & Lily Pad

• 177, 947 – Cattail

• 565, 526 – Water & Sky

A Pocket Full of Sunshine: Creating a Faith‑Inspired Portfolio by Janet

Creative portfolios can feel a little daunting at first, but when you’re working with the right tools, the process becomes pure enjoyment. Art Impressions has a way of turning big ideas into approachable, joyful projects, and this sunshine‑filled portfolio is the perfect example.

For this piece, I used the 5952 – Portfolio Template Die Set paired with the bright and cheerful 6012 – Basic Yellow Paper Pack. The combination couldn’t be more fitting for the current AI Challenge: A Pocket Full of Sunshine. I also leaned into a religious theme, making this a meaningful way to feature the 6134 – Light of the World Series Verse Pack. 

I began by cutting the portfolio from yellow cardstock and folding it along the score lines. The sunny color instantly set the tone. Using the coordinating dies in the set, I cut additional shapes from the patterned papers in the Basic Yellow pack to layer onto the cover and interior.

To bring in a touch of elegance, I added gold accents using the 5987 – BJ Icon Die Set. These metallic details catch the light beautifully and elevate the entire design.

The front of the portfolio features a small pocket holding two coordinating tags — a sweet little interactive element that adds charm and dimension.

Inside, I decorated the panels with flowers, a Bible, and a lighthouse image, all stamped and colored from the 6126 – Light of the World set. These images pair wonderfully with the verse pack and reinforce the comforting, faith‑centered theme. I closed the center envelope and the portfolio itself with velcro dots. This keeps it secure but opens easily.

On the inside left side, I added another pocket and tag, this time adorned with a delicate cross from the 5909 – Crosses Die Set. For the finishing touch, I included a large gold “Jesus” die cut from the 5986 – Jesus & Joy Dies, which adds a bold and beautiful focal point.

This portfolio came together so smoothly, and the final result brings me both joy and comfort. It’s a bright, faith‑filled piece that feels like a little pocket of sunshine — exactly what the challenge called for.

If you’re looking for a project that blends creativity, meaning, and a touch of sparkle, this one is a wonderful place to start.

Pocket Full of Sunshine Challenge 419 Week#2

Hello Ai fans and welcome to week #2 of the Pocket Full of Sunshine challenge here on the
Art Impressions Challenge Blog!

This challenge is pretty flexible.

We want to see SUNSHINE, YELLOW and/or POCKETS.

Show us your interpretation of what a Pocket Full of Sunshine means to you.

Maybe it's a bouquet of yellow flowers?
Maybe it's your favorite yellow Designer Paper?
Perhaps you love making cards or journals with pockets on them.

I was the featured artist last week and I chose to create a yellow house with a sunshine to brighten it. Inside of the house is a mini journal that contains pockets. (You and see the more photos of the house and the journal inside of it here)

Now let's see what our other DT members have created!

So many cute and beautiful creations.

Check out Sharon's snowman sunning himself HERE.

Tasha has an "outside the box" baby card. Love those colors.

Be SURE to visit Dori's post from this morning to
see up close photos of her card and gift set!

Lynn's lovely heart wreath has a full YouTube tutorial HERE.

What a cheery, sunshiny yellow card Janet created!
And, there's more...Full Portfolio Reveal on Saturday!

She used:

Portfolio & Cover made with:

5952 - Portfolio Template Dies

5987 - BJ Icon Dies Set

6126 - Light of the World Stamp Set

6134 - Light of the World Series Verse Pack

Thank you to all of our amazing designers!
We're sure that you've seen something here that will inspire you.

We can't wait to see what you create and share for our challenge.

Good luck to you! Maybe you'll be one of our next winners.

 ✻ 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 are My Sunshine by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Well, the current challenge "Pocket Full of Sunshine" just shouts warm and happy to me, so I got carried away!  I apologize, but, how can you not love the color of yellow and the feel of sunshine?  It just makes you smile, doesn't it?

I created several projects today, but I couldn't stop!  I just kind of kept on going.  😊

I started out with a card, then a pouch and finally a box.  As long as I had paper, I kept on playing.

Card:  Stamped the images from #5925 - Honey Bee stamp set onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with copic markers listed below.  I created a pocket by cutting a rectangle and scoring 1/2" around three edges.  Fold and burnish each edge.  Snip off a bit of each of the folded corners creating tabs to glue down to the base.  I added a scallop top from the #5952 - Portfolio Template die set for the top of the pocket.  I then created a bookmark using the #5723 - Journal Cover and Bookmark die set as well as the #6043 - Bible Bookmark and Word die set to insert into the pocket.  The sentiment die is from the #6114 - Holiday Lane Village Template.  The sun die is from my stash.  

Treat Pouch:  created from a 6 x 6" piece of cardstock.  Fold and burnish one corner diagonally to the other creating a triangle.  Fold and burnish the front corner down halfway towards you.  Lift that corner back up and fold the left bottom corner up and align with the halfway fold line.  Do the same for the right bottom corner.  Glue those in place.  Fold the top front corner back down towards you and tack into place.  The pouch is now ready to decorate and fill with treats.  

Box:   I saw this video on youtube for The Paper Pixie.  Julie Dimatteo is the host of this youtube and she is fantastic.  Her explanations are soooo well done.  This video is called the Sweet Jar Treat box.  

I thought this was the cutest thing so I had to try it out.  I created the box the same but used the Art Impressions #5785 - Gnomes stamp set as well as the #5925 - Honey Bee set.  It calls for two strips of plain card stock - one at 1 5/8" x 6 1/4" and the other is 1 5/8" x 5 15/16" (see says 5 5/16" but s/b 5 15/16").  The box holds one Ferrero Rocher candy and would be a sweet treat for a teacher, special friend or any other special person in your life.  

Well, that's it for me today.  I hope you decide to enter the challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.  Your entry only needs to have a pocket, sunshine or the color yellow on it (see details above under Bi-Weekly Challenge).  We LOVE to see your creations!

Have a great day and keep creating!

Copics used:  N3, N4

R20, E21

G43, G46, B21, B23

Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17

Golfer Gal - Birdie Betty by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I have a fun interactive card to share with you today that meets the bi-weekly challenge 

"Sports & Leisure".

By now, I'm sure, you have seen lots of cards using these fun new AI ladies.  They are just so fun, so expect to see more.  My card features #6080 -Birdie Betty.  What a fun cute golfer gal!  The expressions on these ladies are absolutely the best and the glasses add so much to their character.  Gotta love them!!

I started off by stamping the images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and coloring with my copic markers listed below.  I then cut the images out with the coordinating dies that are included with the set.  The sentiments are also included with this set.

This interactive card is fairly simple but adds such a fun element to the card.  I saw this on "Purple Girl Crafts" youtube tutorial called - Diamond Slider card.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diamond+slider+card

I recommend using 80 lb or less cardstock for the slider card.  If you use heavier cardstock, it doesn't seem to fold as nicely and it's too bulky.  I then mounted this to the card base (which can be heavier cardstock).

I hope you try making one of these interactive cards.  They are so fun and easy to make.

Also, make sure to join in on the blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.  We love to see what you create!

Have a wonderful day and keep creating!!

Copics used:  E000, E01, E11, E51, E53, E55

N0, N1, N3

R20, R24

BV00, BV01, BV04

Snowman Puppets by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

Our latest challenge at Art Impressions is Stitches or Scallops.
We're challenging you to use your stitched or scalloped dies, stamps, hand-drawn stitches, embellishments or sewing machine to create something with stitching or scallops on it.

Today, I have two different snowman cards for you.

My first card is an arched, aqua card.

I used a stitched banner die, little stitches on the arch
and some hand-drawn stitches on his little scarf.

I used Liquid Applique on his hat to puff up the "fur." It looked pretty yellow, maybe because mine is so old, so I painted it with Dr. Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White Paint.

For my second card I used stitched slimline dies, a stitched banner, little stitches on the sides and a scalloped border. I love these little puppet dies.

Isn't this little guy the cutest? Look at that bright smile.
I used the hat band from the Santa Puppet to create a
hat band for this hat and a belt on the aqua card.

Let Them Eat Cake! by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

You have about 24 hours left to enter into the Let Them Eat Cake challenge for your chance to win a free stamp set from Art Impression.

For my card, I went with a patriotic color scheme since it's July.

I used the new gold paint to add little dots to the inside of the flowers, flames, the two frames and the cake stand. I also spattered some Dr. Ph Martin's on the embossed panel as well.

Holly Jolly Gift Box and Still Blooming Gardener Gail Card by Diane Mason

 Hello, and welcome back for Watercolor Weekend!

Hello Ai Watercolor friends, I hope you are having a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by for Watercolor Weekend. I have two fun projects to share with you today — a “Christmas in July” gift box and a fun card using 6076 – Gardener Gail from the newly released Ai People sets.

Christmas in July – Holly Jolly Gift Box:

The hot summer days of July are a perfect time to start thinking about Christmas projects (can you believe it’s only 158 days until Christmas?!). In honor of “Christmas in July”, I created a sweet little gift box using 5805 – Mini Journal Box Dies and 5953 – Woodland Critters Set. This die was originally designed to create a box for storing Mini Journals, but it's also perfect for holding small gifts like candy, jewelry, money, a note, or even as a place-setting treat box. Make a variety of them, and you could turn them into a fun advent calendar!

Ever since the 5953 – Woodland Critters Set was released last year, I’ve been wanting to paint this adorable image of the sledding mouse and hedgehog—they look like they’re having a blast! I stamped the image onto Canson XL watercolor paper using Versafine Onyx Black ink, which is waterproof and perfect for capturing fine details.

Here is a list of colors I used for this image:

• Mouse: (body) N95, N75, (scarf) 249, (jacket) 526 and Navy TwinTone, (hands) 850, 912, (cheeks, nose, ears, mouth) 772
• Hedgehog: (face and hands) 850, 942, 912, (cheeks, nose, ears, mouth) 772, (spikes) 977 and Chocolate TwinTone, (scarf) 856, (sweater) 312
• Gift: (bow and ribbon) 856, (box) 565 for shading, (dots) Winsor & Newton Gold Ink
• Sled: (sled) 977, 969, Chocolate TwinTone, (runners) Winsor & Newton Silver Ink

To add dots to the gift, I used the new Winsor & Newton Gold Ink. This stuff is awesome! For the sled runners, I used a silver version of the Winsor & Newton Ink (I think Bonnie mentioned recently on a LIVE tutorial, that Art Impressions may start carrying this in the shop too!). Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White was used to add stripes to the hedgehog's scarf and sweater. To add woodgrain to the sled, I used a Chocolate TwinTone.

To create the gift box, I used the 5805 – Mini Journal Box Die along with patterned paper from the 5969 – Classic Christmas Cover Paper Pack. This paper is larger than the standard packs, making it a great fit for the box die—and it’s double-sided, too! I secured the tabs with double-sided tape (ScorTape) for a strong hold. The stamped image was die-cut using the coordinating die from the set and popped up on the lid for added dimension.

To decorate the inside of the box, I started by stamping the 'Holly Jolly' sentiment in red ink. I die-cut the sentiment using an oval die from the 5952 – Portfolio Template Die Set. Next, I used the decorative label die from the same set to cut a piece of the patterned paper I had used for the box. I layered the sentiment oval on top of the label and adhered them together. Finally, I glued the layered sentiment to the inside of the box lid. The box was then ready to fill and gift! 

Still Blooming After All These Years Card – featuring Gardner Gail:

For my second project, I painted a landscape side-folding card using the newly released 6076 Gardner Gail set. I wanted to mix things up a bit and have Gail popping out of the oval frame for a 3-D effect. Since I only needed to paint some of the image of Gail for the oval frame, I selectively inked parts of the image with Pebble Beach (Ranger Archival Ink). I find this color of ink to work well for people images. I inked the flower pot in 969 and the blooms with 555.

Here is a list of colors I used for this image:

• Gail: (hat) 990, 992, 027, (hat band) 027, (hair) 977, 969, Chocolate TwinTone, (shirt) 856, (apron) 027, (jeans) 565, (earrings) Winsor & Newton Gold Ink, (face, arms, and hands) 850, 942, (lips and tongue) 856, (cheeks) 772, (flower and stem) 555, 177, Turquoise TwinTone
• Flower Pot: (pot) 947, (blooms) 555, Turquoise TwinTone

To cover the landscape A2 side-folding white card base, I chose two patterned papers from the 5832 – Gnome Paper Pack. I used one of the patterns for the oval frame, the card base, and the sentiment mat to keep the design cohesive. The sentiment was stamped in Versafine Onyx Black ink for crisp, detailed results.

I used two oval dies from 5065 – Oval Double Stitched Dies to create the frame. I also die-cut an oval from watercolor paper, using the larger of the two dies. I painted clouds on the watercolor paper in 555 to create a background for the oval frame. Gail was die-cut and trimmed to fit inside the oval. I trimmed away the shovel handle with scissors so it would look like her hand is resting on the frame. I glued just the very top of the frame to the cloud painting. I then added foam tape to portions of the Gail die-cut (mainly the hat, face, shirt sleeve, flower, and hand). I inserted Gail into the frame opening. Once I had her where I liked it, I glued her empty hand and the bottom front of the apron into place. I then added glue to the lower portion of the back of the apron, the frame edges, removed the foam tape backing, and secured it in place.

Voilà, now it looks like Gail is coming out of the frame to hand you one of the beautiful blooms she has grown! The flower pot, frame, and matted sentiment were all popped-up with foam tape.

For the interior of the card, I attached a decorative strip of patterned papers to the bottom edge to make it fancy! I didn’t include a sentiment on the inside this time, but I think this card would make a fantastic Birthday or “Just Because” card.

That’s all for now—thanks so much for stopping by for Watercolor Weekend! I hope you have enjoyed today’s projects and have inspired you to get creative and make something fun. Also, be sure to check out the other four newly released Ai People sets (6074 – Pickleball Patty, 6075 – Cruisin’ Carol, 6077 – Loungin’ Linda, and 6080 – Birdie Betty) available in the Art Impressions shop! Until next time, Happy Painting!