Another card for the Round & Round Challenge by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans! 

I've got another card today that works for the current Round & Round Challenge that is going on right now. Here's a link so you can enter your project if you haven't already. Just click HERE.  I started out by using the adorable bear from #6103 Baby Keepsake Set. I stamped it onto a Copic friendly paper with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and then colored it with the markers listed below. Then I just grabbed some circle die sets. So I used #5064 Double Stitched Circle Dies, #5726 Nested Circle Dies, and also #6045 Scalloped Circle Dies. That pretty patterned paper is from #6057 Baby Girl PP. To embellish the card a bit, I used some hearts from #5721 Nested Heart Dies, stamping the sentiment onto the larger white one. I also added a set of those adorable booties from the set as well. 

So that is it for me today! I sure hope you're joining in on the challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set! Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit today and until next time - stay crafty! 

Copic markers used:

E51, 53, and 55

R81 and 83

V12 and 15

RV91, 93, and 95

Stadium Wave Pop up card by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans!

We have a new challenge that started last Thursday and it's to make a 3D card or project. I love anything popped up or 3D, so I definitely had fun with this one! I had seen a fancy fold card called a stadium wave pop up card and knew I was going to use it for this challenge. If you do a search on You Tube, you will find several free videos on how to create this, and I also added a link in my post below. I did my own size as I didn't want a huge card, so I will give you the measurements of what I did. They really are not difficult to make at all, but boy what a presentation it gives! So real quick, let me show you a video of the card, then I'll explain how I made it. 

So to begin with, I cut my card base to create a 5 1/2" square card and added my layered mats to it including the front and inside. The pattern paper used is from #6052 Mother's Day Cover PP and #6057 Baby Girl PP. I then created the strips for the inside. You need a total of eight of these strips. so I needed two pieces of the paper from the cover pack. I cut one full piece to measure 6" x 8", then took another piece and cut it to  measure 2" x 8". With the 8" side along the top of your score board,

score at 3", 6", 6 3/4", and 7 1/2". 

Do this to both the 6" piece and the 2". You will then turn the paper and cut it in one inch strips which will give you a total of eight 1" x 8" strips that are scored at the measurements above. Fold and burnish your strips, then add glue to the 1/2" edge of the strip and attach it to the other end so that the strip ends up looking similar to a long heart. Here is a link to an instructional video. Just remember that mine is a different size. 

https://youtu.be/Lj7C2RltYB0

I really wanted to make a baby card with it, so I used #6106 Spring Keepsake Set and #6103 Baby Keepsake Set for the adorable little animals they both have. To spell out the word BABY, I then used #5910 Large Letter Die Set and cut them each out with pattern paper and then the lavender cardstock so I could offset the letters a smidge to help them stand out better. I stamped, colored, and cut a LOT of beautiful daisies from Baby Keepsake Set. And now that I am typing this post, I don't know why I didn't think of adding some adorable pieces using #5338 Baby Mini Dies!  DOH!!!  Maybe if you make one of these, you will use them to help decorate! For the card front, I added a large heart from #5721 Nested Heart Dies along with that adorable frog, then scattered some open hearts from the same die set. After adding a sweet bow, the front was finished. 

Making my strips shorter than what is stated on the instructional video gave me more room to add a sentiment panel for your message and signature. But it did not take away from the "wow" factor when the card is opened. 

So that's it for me today! I sure hope I was able to inspire you a little with creating a 3D project for our new challenge. You never know when you might win a free set of your choice! Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit and until next time - stay crafty!!

Copic markers used:

E00, 30, 31, 33, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 53, 95, 97, and 99

C00, 0, 1, 2, and 3

YG01, 03, and 05

B00 and 01

R11, 12, 20, 22, 81, and 83

YR20 and 21

Y00, 11, 21, 23, 32, 35, and 38

Thinking of You by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

There is a wonderful new die available from Art Impressions!
It can be used vertically or horizontally depending on what
stamps you decide to put inside of each panel.

Remember, the current challenge on the Art Impressions Challenge Blog 

is called It's in the Mail. You can click on the banner to be

taken to the challenge to enter your postal themed card. 

(Stamps, mailboxes, envelopes etc.)

There are 4 brand new sets made to coordinate with the die, 

but the great thing is that you can use any stamp, die cut 

or sentiment that will fit inside each rectangle.

 The possibilities are endless.
I chose to use the cottage scene because I love the bike.

One cool thing I discovered was that the window die from the MB Template fits perfectly inside the space for the window on the cottage. The intent is that you will paint or draw in the panes but I love the look of die-cutting the window panels out. So cool!

Copics used:

YG11, Y11, Y18, B01, B34, N2, E33, E40, E55

It's in the Mail Challenge #421 Week #1

Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to our It's in the Mail Challenge!

This time, we're all about envelopes, postage stamps (or postage stamp dies) and mailboxes.

Stamps, dies, embossing folders, embellishments.

As long as your handmade project contains a mailbox or envelope of some sort, along with stamps, dies or paper from Art Impressions, then you might be the next winner of a free stamp set from Ai.

As we announced before our last challenge...

Please take note,
we have a new requirement.

We're not a large corporation like Simon Says Stamp that sells MANY brands.

Art Impressions is a family run company that designs ALL of their own stamps, dies and designer paper.

Therefore, moving forward, we're going to ask that you use some sort of Art Impressions product on your challenge entries. Everything else remains the same. Please see the full list of rules below.

After checking out the absolutely adorable baby bear card from our Featured Designer Janet, scroll down to see who won our last challenge.

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

Hello and welcome to the feature post for the, "It's in the Mail Challenge." It's a Slider Double Pop-Up Easel card. Although I own a die set for this style of card, I wanted to show you how to make one without anything special. The twist on the card is that it has two stand up panels instead of just one. I want to credit Connie Stewart of Simply Simple Stamping for the measurements and inspiration for the project I'm sharing with you today.

Follow along with my instructions below. If you have questions or get stuck on anything, leave your question as a comment and I'll respond.

To start this one, I stamped, colored and cut out the baby images from 6103 - Baby Keepsake Set. Then I worked on the scalloped background by cutting it out with 6048 - Scalloped Rectangle Dies. This is the only die I used for the card base and it's for decoration. You can cut it without a die if desired but it looks awesome with it. The size is approximately 2 1/8" x 3 1/4." I stamped the mailbox with 5575 - Mailbox and Birdhouse Set and colored it and the grassy scene with Copic markers.

Once all of the elements were ready, I tucked the baby items into the basket and glued them to the basket to hold them in place. A nice feature of the 6102 - Baby Keepsake set is that the die slices open the top of the basket so you can load it up with accessories. It can also be used on it's own if desired too so it's very versatile.

Once the elements above are ready, I set them aside to work on the pieces of the card. Cardstock cut and scored as shown forms the base of the card that will support the pop-up mechanisms and mats. To make this card have more interest, I incorporated patterned papers from 6057 - Baby Girl Paper Pack. The patterns are so soft and sweet. They also have some heft to them so you can use them for interactive cards and not worry that they won't withstand the workout these cards have to sustain. 

Next cut and score this set of mats and strips. 

The first step is secure the baby girl patterned paper to the 9 1/2" pink strip. The pencil mark is just to help you see that this strip is centered to the patterned paper. Note that in the second picture I used a narrow oval punch to cut the notch shape that makes the tab opening.

The next part of the instructions makes the slider part of the card. The pink 3 3/4" x 3 1/4" piece is the sentiment area. Just to jazz it up a little, I stamped a message, blocks and booties on it. This will appear at the bottom of the card when the tab is pulled so as a little surprise to the recipient.

Once set, go ahead and pull the tab. It should reveal the message and make the Oh Baby card panel pop up.

Now comes the twist. Grab the 5 1/2" x 1 1/2" pink strip with the four score lines. Fold where scored to form a box at the bottom. Glue the last fold to secure the box shape. This is the second pop-up mechanism for the card.

Once the glue is set, activate the slider mechanism by pulling the tab. The tab forces the middle panel to stand up and the pop-up mechanism connected to the middle and front panels helps it stand. This action also creates a space between the 1st and middle panel. It's a cool 3D effect with two stand-up panels instead of the typical single panel. 

Below is the completed card in its closed position. It doesn't fold completely flat, but it's close and it will fit in a mailing envelope without a problem. I added another of the Oh Baby papers to the pink strip as both a mat and a sentiment. I used my scissor to trim the patterned paper to match the tab opening and glue it in place. This is an optional step. If you want to do this, you should do it before adding the box mechanism and top mat in case the box ends up being glued on it. This same area will fit a sentiment banner if you would prefer that.

And there you have it! I think this design is very nice and I plan to make more of this style in different themes. I hope you'll give it a try. 

Now it's your turn! Submit a card that has any reference to mail using Ai Stamps and get a chance to win free stamps. Wishing everyone who participates good luck.

Thanks for joining me on the blog today. As always, find your favorite stamps, dies, papers, and accessories at the Ai Store!

Happy Crafting!

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest  

Thank you Janet for the sweet card and the wonderful tutorial.

Now, let's see who won our Love, Love Me Do challenge.

For our Top Spot we selected:
Consuelo G.

5820 KH – My Favorite Birds Set

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com

to claim a free stamp set of your choice!!

Be sure to grab your winner's badge to display on your social media.

Our Lucky Random Winner was:

#8 Bonnie W.

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com

to claim a free stamp set of your choice!!

Be sure to grab your winner's badge to display on your social media.

Congratulations to both of our winners!

Now for our new challenge!

 ✻ 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.

 ✻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

Button Baby Panda card by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today I have a cute little baby card for the "Button Up" challenge.  Check out the "Bi-weekly Challenge" tab above for the simple requirements to qualify for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.  

I created this fun shaped card using the 6017 - Baby Panda set with the 6057 - Baby Girl PP.

I stamped the image onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I die cut the image using the coordinating die that is included with the stamp set.  As per my usual, I die cut a second image out of basic white cardstock and adhered it to the back of the colored image to give it more strength.  I like to do this because it adds a little extra "pop up" as well.

To create the card front, I die cut a scalloped circle using the largest die from the 6045 - Scalloped Circle die set.  I then die cut two circles (one pink cardstock and one patterned paper) that fit nicely over the other giving it a slight border.   I then die cut the heart scallop from the 5721 - Nested Heart dies and a 1" piece of white cardstock with a slightly smaller strip of patterned paper to fit over the white cardstock.  I layered these all onto the white scalloped circle as shown above.

For the card base, I folded a piece of cardstock in half (approx. 4 x 4 inches) and die cut the second largest circle from the 5726 - Nested Circle die set placing the die over the fold so that approx. 1/2" of the top does not cut.  This will create the fold for the opening of the card.  Glue one side to the back of the scalloped circle card front.  Pop up the image with foam tape.  Add two small black buttons for the wheels (I threaded white string through the button holes for added detail).  Tie a three loop string and adhere to the button bow with glue dots or liquid glue and then adhere just below the sentiment.

After I put this together and took my pictures, I realized that I didn't add shading to the buggy base or canopy.  Oops!  LOL!  Simple coloring works just as well, yet we always think we need to add more.  Maybe we don't!  😀 

Thanks for joining me today!  Make sure to check out the current challenge and play along.  We love to see what you create!  

Have a great day and keep creating!

Copics used:  N0, N1, N3

R20, R81, R83, R85

Magical Halloween Night! Card by Tasha

Hi Art Impressions friends! 

Tasha here sharing a new Halloween card featuring the sweet little witch from the 5037-Halloween Magic Set. Now that we’re officially in Fall, I’m so excited to start making fun Halloween projects!

For this card, I stamped the little witch and her kitty and colored them with Copic Markers. The background was created by layering brown paper over the starry print from the 6057-Baby Girl Paper Pack before cutting it out with a scalloped oval die. I love the soft purple sky with stars; it makes the scene playful instead of spooky!

To add extra color, I framed the design with a large scalloped oval cut from golden yellow cardstock, then layered a piece of black & white pattern paper, crisp white cardstock, and a pop of deep pink pink. A simple Happy Halloween sentiment finished the card.

This sweet witch is ready for a magical Halloween night! 🎃 

Hi Little Bear! by Janet

Hi everyone! I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Today, I'm thrilled to share a card featuring the super cute 6017 - Baby Panda Set! I'm so happy Art Impressions released this charming baby-themed set; it's just too precious.

For the star of the show – our little bear peeking out of a teacup – I got a bit creative! First, I stamped the tiny bear from the Baby Panda Set. Then, I masked him before stamping the teacup image from the 6024 - Tea Time Set. This makes it look like he's playfully peeking right over the rim! I just love how versatile this "peeking bear" can be. I also borrowed the balloons from another image in the set, carefully cut them out, and attached them behind the bear for a festive touch. Finally, I stamped and colored the block and rattle image and used the included dies for a perfect cut.

Next, it was time to build the card base to showcase these adorable elements. I chose two sweet, gender-neutral patterns from the 6057 - Baby Girl Paper Pack – they were perfect for a soft, welcoming feel. For the sentiment, I cut a small stitched rounded rectangle from the 5062 - Rounded Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies set. I then heat embossed the sentiment with lavender embossing powder.

With the base ready, I arranged my focal images. I placed the teacup and block images on foam tape, positioning them in the corners of the flowered paper for dimension. The sentiment was then added, accented with a sweet yellow and white polka dot ribbon bow.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed seeing this sweet baby card. If you're looking for your new favorite stamps, dies, and accessories, be sure to visit the Ai Store!

Until next time, happy creating!

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest