Hydrated by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today I have a card that fits both the Monthly Challenge - "We Don't Use Enough Purple" and the Bi-Weekly Challenge - "Not Just Paper".

I used the cute #5928 Stay Hydrated stamp set, which includes the die for the girl as well as for the tumbler.   I stamped the images and sentiment on copic friendly paper and colored with my copic markers (colors listed below).  The stamp set includes several different patterns for the tumbler and several fun sentiments.  What a fun way to change it up!

I hope you enjoyed my card today and you decide to play along with either or both of the challenges currently going on.  Check out the tabs above for the rules to enter for a chance to win a free stamp set.  Who doesn't like to win a free stamp set?

Have a creative day!

Copics used:  E000, E01, E11, E21, E23, E25

R20, R22

YG41, YG45

RV63, RV66

Y32, Y35

V12, V15, V17

YR32

Best Friends by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

My card today just screams friendship.  I think all of us would agree that Friends are the Best!  I don't know what I would do without my Besties!! 

I created a fun-fold card using the #5516 Friends Forever stamp set.

I stamped the image on copic friendly paper and colored with copic markers listed below.   I made the window on the front using the #5063 Rectangle A2 Double Stitched die.  I used the inside rectangle for the frame of the image and the outside stitched portion for the window frame.  I made a square 5 1/2" card but you can make this on a A2 card base as well.  For the fold piece inside, I cut a piece of 80 lb cardstock 8 1/4" x 4 1/2" and scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2".   If you want to make a different size card, such as an A2 (4 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" high), the inside fold piece is computed as 1.5 times the width and scoring in thirds (2 1/8" and 4 1/4").  Adhere your image to the top fold piece only, so that it will swing into the window when opened.  See picture below.

I stamped the sentiment from the #5516 Friends Forever stamp set onto a stitched circle using the #5064 Double Stitch Circle die and the frame using the circle die from #5902 Mini Scallop Frame.  I added a few enamel dots and a bow and my card is finished.

Hope you enjoyed my card today.  Keep creating!

Copics used:  E000, E01, E02, E11, E13

E31, E33, E35, E37, E41, E43

C0, C1, C3, C5

R20, R22, R24

Y32, Y35

YR000, YR21

BG70, BG72, BG75

Summer BBQ Mini Scrapbook Layout Page by Nina

 Hello Ai fans, It's Nina's Tuesday again with a whole new project idea. I created a traditional scrapbook layout page but in a cute mini size (6 X 6) using many of Art Impressions adorable sets.

My intention was to create a page that documents a fun Summer day with my family and friends, when we had a BBQ over our lagoon on the Memorial Day. We grilled corn after our meal that was so tasty and my sister took this fun picture of me being so joyful munching my yummy corm :)

I started by printing my photo to the suitable size. I wanted to frame it with this cute frame from the Journal Template Die set so I cut it using red cardstock and I placed foam strips between them for some dimension. 

To create the background template, I cut two big main circles from our double stitched circle die set and glued them in a diagonal position on a background pattern paper of bricks.

I used Vintage Photo Distress Ink and an ink blender to lightly frame the bricks pattern paper with ink.

I used the scalloped circle dies that come with the Journal Oval Frame Die Set and also the smaller ones from the Journal Template set. and glued them to white circles that I cut using the Double stitched Circle Dies so the scalloped edges would show from underneath the white circles.  

I then cut a lot of utencils from green, red and yellow cardstock and arranged them on the scalloped circles to create these cute clusters to place around my picture. For the utencils I used our Kitchen Mini Die Set.

I placed some alphabet stickers to write the word BBQ on one of the scalloped circles.

I die cut flowers using different dies from my stash to help me decorate all around my layout.

To create the menu black strip I die cut it using the Journal Cover and Bookmark die set and a black scrap. I used the bookmark die and placed it upside down and added alphabet stickers to write the word "MENU". I used my white gel pen to add few lines under.

To create the arrangement of the layout I started by placing my picture frame on the two main circled that we glued earlier a little offset to the bottom right and then started arranging all the decoration pieces that we created above. 

I placed the scalloped circles on the left of the picture frame and added flowers coming from underneath the picture frame, added the menu strip under the bigger scalloped circle and finished off by making some utencils peek through from underneath the frame and the scalloped circles.

I trimmed the background to be a little smaller than 6 X 6 inch so it has a black frame all around when I place it on the black journal base which is 6 X 6 inch. I glued them together.

For a final decorative touch I added enamel dots to the centers of the flowers and scattered some all around the layout.

Hats Off...You Nailed It! by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

I just love all of the masculine stamps that Ai offers and was so excited to see this 
5406 – Mr. Set from the Hats Off series.

I combined it with the brand new 5503 – Tool Bag and Die Set.

These two sets are so perfect together.  I placed the bag on two 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies.

You can arrange the tools in any way you like and pick and choose which ones 

you want to use.  They fit into little slits that are automatically cut when you

use the included dies.  The sentiment was stamped on 5132 – Tag Stitched Dies.

I cut a little slit in Mr's hand so that he could hold onto the hammer.  He makes me think

of those sit com dads that THINK they can do the repair job on their own...but maybe, not 

quite so much??! 😂💗

Copics used:

Copics used:

Y15, R39, R56, T3, T4, N6,

E30, E37, E39, E43, E99

TT41 – TwinTone Marker – 41 Chocolate to add dots and # on the bags.

Stressed and Coffee Obsessed! by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

There's a super fun challenge going on here on the blog called Tickle Our Funny Bone!
 Click the "Current Challenge" tab above to be taken to the page.

I've made a card using the new Laugh Lines set called 5518 – Hot Mess Laugh Lines.

This fun set (that's SO relatable) comes jam packed with 18 sentiment stamps that coordinate perfectly with this image!

The mug is colored to match one that I have.  As much as I LOVE the smell of coffee and coffee themed cards I don't actually drink it.  All of my mugs are for soup or holding candy and art supplies.

Copics used:

FYG1, G40, G3, RV19, RV66, W2, W4, W5,

C00, C4, E02, E23, E30, E35, E37, E50, E93

Love is in the Air by Reneé Matarese

 Hello Ai fans!

Love is in the air!

Today I have two Valentines for you.

I used the sweet 4753 – In the Air Set.
This set has 3 main skunk images, 3 verses and two cute accessory stamps.
It's SO CUTE!!

I wanted to add a little interest to the heart so I used a fine point marker and a gold paint pen to add some details to the outline.

I used one of the many verses and the balloon from another of the skunk images on the inside.

On my second card I used the 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies.
Who doesn't love skunks?? (unless of course you have a dog! lol!  been there...smelled that!)



This is such an adorable set!

On the inside I also used the 5063 – Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies.

Camping Congratulations! by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

The newest challenge over at Art Impressions is Funky Folds.

For my card I used several sets.

4900 – Reel Great Guys Set,   5187 – Happy Trails Set, 5277 – Graduation Set
and SC0651 – His & Hers Campers.

I also stamped the verse on paper cut with the 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies.

If you'd like to try this type of fold I have a tutorial on another post...

Renlymat's World: Raccoon Mini Spinner tutorial (renlymatsworld.blogspot.com)

My card was made for a man who owns a campground
and just celebrated his 20th summer owning it.

Copics used:

C2, T4, R12, R27, B04, B66,
BG01, BG02, BG10, BG96, Y000

I Love Ewe Card by Bri Firth

Hello Ai Fans - Bri here! Today, I am sharing a clean and simple card featuring the new Sheep Set, which is part of Ai's Funny Farm collection. Check out the rest of the 2021 releases here. This card is featured on my personal blog today, check it out here! 

First, I ink blended with Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide ink and a Cloud stencil to create the cloud filled design. Next, I die cut the Stitched Rectangle and Stitched Circle out of the cloud stenciled paper. I stamped the sentiments with black pigment ink and heat embossed them with clear embossing powder onto the die cuts. 

I die cut the grass borders and distressed the pieces with Mowed Lawn Distress ink. I die cute the grassy pieces with the Stitched Circle and aligned them with the cloud Stitched Circle. To finish the background, I die cut the fence pieces with the WC Fence die.

To color the sheep I used my Copic markers. I used W0's to color the wool and feet, V0's for the bow, and E40's for the face and ears. I also used a white gel pen to add some extra detail to the colored image.

 

 

Check back next week for more Ai inspiration made by me!

Ai Products Used
Sheep Set

WC Fence Dies 

Rectangle Double Stitched Dies 

Circle Double Stitched Dies

Exclusive Cherry and Roses by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

Today I'm sharing two cards with you.

For my first card I used 

Art Impressions - Clear Photopolymer Stamp Set - Roses

I stamped the roses several times, fussy cut them and popped them up on foam tape to add lots or dimension.  The butterfly is from 5200 – Butterfly Set.

The inner frame was cut using 5061 – Square Double Stitched Dies.

See all the fabulous layers?  This makes this card so interesting in person.

My second card also uses one of the exclusive floral sets.

This time I used Art Impressions - Clear Photopolymer Stamp Set - Cherry.

I stamped the verse on 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies.

A Pair of Birthday wishes by Reneé Matarese

Hello Ai fans!

Today I'm sharing 2 birthday cards with you.

My first card has a boom box from 4999 – Perfect Duet Set.

The verse that I think pairs so well with it is from the new Laugh Lines Set called Rock On.

My second card was made using the from the Matchbook series.

I used the 5319 – MB Birthday Set as well as a couple of pieces from the 5097 – HM Birthday Set.

My friend was so excited when I gave this to her.  She couldn't believe how small and adorable it is!

You need a couple of starter sets when you begin getting hooked on the Matchbooks...and you will...lol.

The first is the 5317 – MB Template Dies. This set forms the room that you'll attach all the little pieces to.

There's an easel on the back to help it stand up.  Double sided papers are great for these sets because you will see the outside as well as the inside.

There's also a 5318 – MB Envelope Dies set to create the perfect little envelope for your room.

Boom Box Card

Copic used:

Y15, C00, N4, T2

MB Birthday Card
Copics used:

RV34, RV63, R02, Y26, Y35, N2, BG01, BG07,
BG53, YG07, E02, E23, E33, E51