Showing posts with label Neema. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neema. Show all posts

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Circles of Creativity with a Shaker and a Baby Shower card by Neema

                         

Hello Ai Friends

I can't believe August is already here; July went by so fast! It was a busy month for me because I participated in World Watercolor Month, creating a daily video featuring stamps from Art Impressions. You can watch the entire series on my YouTube channel, Crafts and Designs by Neema: https://youtube.com/@craftsanddesignsbyneema?si=Pjt4hG9TRIHgFmBf

This week, I took a break from videos to paint a few pictures and create the two cards I am sharing with you today.
                               



Card 1: Easy Shaker Card
I love shaker cards because they are fun, elegant, and perfect for any celebration. For this card, I used a flower from the newest release, 6218 BJ Long Stem Set. However, you can easily customize this project by using a different focal point, shape, color scheme, or shaker bits.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1.  Cut an A2-size card base (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") and another layer of the same size from patterned paper.
2.  Cut a front panel from watercolor paper to 3 3/4" x 5".
3.  Select a circle die for your shaker opening and lightly trace the circle with a pencil.
4.  Flex the long-stem flower stamp to create a curved shape that fits along one side of the circle, then stamp the image. I used Archival ink, Shadow gray.

                       


5.  Color the stamped image. I used Tombow markers, but you can use any medium.
6.  Use a partial die-cutting technique to cut the circle up to the point where the stamped image begins by positioning the upper cutting plate only over the area you want to cut. Fussy cut the flower side on the inner circle.
                     


7.  Cover the back of the opening with acetate, then frame it with foam tape.
8.  Place your shaker bits on the card and adhere the front panel to the card base.
                     


9.  Decorate the card by adding a few golden dots and a bow to the flower stem. Finish by adding a strip sentiment.
                    




Card 2: Simple and Sweet Baby Shower Card
Note: For this card, I used the Artistro Watercolor Paint Set.


                                                   
Step-by-Step Guide:

1.  Cut an A2-size card base (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") and another layer of the same size from watercolor paper.
2.  Create the background by layering dark blue paint (Midnight Blue, Cobalt, and Azure) on the watercolor paper, letting each layer dry before applying the next. Once completely dry, add splatters using Windsor & Newton silver ink.
3.  On a separate piece of watercolor paper, stamp a little lamb toward the center, leaving enough space for the moon.
4.  Use a 3" circle die to draw around the stamp, then draw a crescent moon using a smaller circle die as a template. Paint the moon using different shades of yellow (I used Artistro colors: Pineapple, Yellow Tulip, and Apricot). Once dry, use the 3" die to cut around it, and fussy cut the crescent moon and the lamb. Paint the border of the moon with the Windsor & Newton gold ink (do not paint around the lamb).
5.  Paint a piece of paper with Windsor & Newton gold ink, cut out a star, and tie it to the moon using embroidery floss.
6.  Assemble the card by gluing the moon down. To create dimension, add a cardstock layer under the moon, leave the star hanging freely, and add your sentiment.

I hope you enjoy my cards and get inspired to make your own. Don't forget to visit my YouTube channel and check out the videos for the July World Watercolor Series. In the meantime, here are some pictures of the 31 little paintings.
                                                          


Happy crafting,

Neema

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Floral Frenzy Challenge #433 Week #2

Hello Ai fans!
Welcome to our challenge.

FLORAL FRENZY

Let's see your floral creations.
Remember, they don't have to be cards. You can create anything you like as long as you use something from Art Impressions. We'd love to see your gift card holders, gift tags, boxes and bags, bookmarks, place cards, cake picks, designer paper, framed art and more. Anything with flowers.

Last week Janet was our Featured Artist and she took the theme to heart,
creating the most amazing floral card.


Janet also created a second card with a bee theme.

Now for the rest of the Design Team cards.

Our Monthly Challenge inspiration artist is Debbie and she created a sweet


Watercolor artist Gennette created this lovely floral Story Tile card.


Simone created two floral cards for her Watercolor Weekend post.





Our Focus on Faith artist, Sara, created this beautiful wall hanging.


I created a floral Story Tile card.


Neema created a lovely floral panel framed with a pretty border.
4603 Blooming Birdhouse (retired but HERE are lots of other options)



And, a second card from Neema. So pretty!

                


Tasha has a beautiful floral Story Tile card.
Dori has a dozing gnome and his friends, enjoying some flowers.

Sharon has some stunning daffodils for you.


Wow!! Talk about some amazing floral inspiration!
We can't wait to see what you create for the challenge.

Here are the details.

Please make a new project featuring any floral themed
stamps, dies or paper from Art Impressions.
We can't wait to see what your beautiful creations.

Here are the rules...

✻ 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.
✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sunday, July 26, 2026

A Masculine Watercolor Birthday Card and a Card for a Friend.




Hello Crafty Fiends and Happy Watercolor Weekend!

Today, I want to share two projects that are completely different in purpose.

For the first project, a friend asked me to create a masculine watercolor birthday card for her husband. Knowing he loves the ocean and owns a boat, I designed the card with that theme in mind.



To start, I used the lighthouse and cliff stamps from the Light of the World set (6126). I inked everything except the tree using Tombow markers 969 and 565, and stamped the tree using Tombow marker 177. I then pulled the colors from the stamp and painted the lighthouse and the cliff.
    
                 

Next, I painted the tree and some background foliage using branches from the Branches Set (4964) and the Large Tree Set (5373). I also added the sky.


To add the ocean, I drew a line and masked the sky to create a straight horizon. I built up the ocean using different shades of blue, and then added a few wave lines using bleed-proof white. I kept it looking like a calm ocean without too much foam or waves.


For the sentiment, I used the Large Letter Die Set (5910) to cut the letters "HPPY" three times—twice in white and once in blue. I layered and glued them together with the blue letters on top. For the letter "A", I used the sailboat from the Sail Mini Dies set (5325). I added a few lines to one of the sails using a red marker (856) and a little gray for shadow. Finally, I added a "Birthday" stamp and cut a coordinating blue mat to be glued around the card.



I am really happy with how this card turned out, and I hope you like it, too!


    

                                              My second card:  Thinking of You card


I want to share the details of the second card I made. I am making this card for a friend who is going through a difficult time, and I hope it brings a smile to her face and lets her know that I am thinking of and praying for her.

Since she loves birds, I designed this card specifically with her in mind:


  - Background & Stamping: I started by sketching the paper using the die from Story Tile Die Set (#6158) and then stamped the birds from the Mercy Set (#6216). I left one space open for a sentiment from the Cottage Charm Set (#6179). 


- Painting: To give the birds a realistic look, I researched different sparrow species online for reference. Once the painting was dry, I applied a thin layer of Distress Glaze to seal it.    




 - Assembly: I cut the frame twice—once in black and once in kraft paper for the top layer. Finally, I glued the frame and mat together onto a matching kraft-colored card base.


    
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I hope these cards inspire your own creations. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Happy crafting and watercolor painting!