The Lake House by Niccole Kulig

Hello Ai fans!!

"The Sinple things that fill our lives bring the greatest joy."

It is Niccole again stopping by to share a card I made using the Lake House Window. I just love these window stamps.  The saying around each one of the stamps are perfect!

I stared by using the Square Easel die.  I added the Lake House Window stamp to my layered square in the middle of my card. I added the sentiment from the WC Sentiment 2 set to the bottom of my card.  I though Blessed & Grateful was fitting for this card.

I colored my Lake House Window with my Prismacolor Colored Pencils.  I added Wink of Stella to my whole image to give it a little shimmer, like a reflection off of the lake. 

This card was a challenge for me as I am no good at colored pencils.  I am trying to make myself use them more to get use to then ... so please cut a girl some slack!  - LOL -

Prismacolor Colored Pencils used:

PC927, PC940, PC943, PC946

PC908, PC909, PC989

PC1025, PC1087

Thank you so much for stopping by ... we will see you again soon!

Until next time ... Hugs & inky fingers!

Tropical Island Window | By Jessica Shier

Hello Ai Fans!

Today, I'm sharing a fun tropical card, using the Island Window set. I've enjoyed using these Window stamps over the last month! I know I've said it before, but one of things I most like about these style of stamps is that they are great for quick cards! This time of year can be so crazy busy yet these style of stamps also give me enough area to experiment with coloring, so they are also fun! For this one I used Copic markers. I also added some texture behind the scene with some simple layers, using cardstock, cork and a stencil. 

I first stamped the image and colored with Copic Markers. Since I used bright and bold colors the last time I colored one of the window stamps (Desert Window with Tombow markers), I decided that I would try a lighter palette of colors. I have the markers I used listed below. 

The reflection on the water was tricky, since orange and yellow like to make green. I used the Copic Colorless Blender to push back most of the blue which helped. Another small coloring detail I did is adding a gradient of dots in the sand. I used the E34 for this. Small things like that can add simple but fun textures.  

I used one of the Square Rectangle Double stitch dies to die cut my colored Island Window, this time leaving the fun sentiment intact and added a slight black cardstock layer underneath. This card was feeling a little flat so I used an EK Success border die to create a decorative edge on the cork paper. then topped that with a layer of Lovely Lavender cardstock, before adhering the other pieces over top. 

The card base is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches. I stenciled over the top of it using the Radiating Rays stencil and Sweet Corn ink. I also used liquid glue to attach any cardstock to the textured cork paper.

Copic Markers Used:

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Happy Stamping! 

Desert Window Pop Art Inspired | By Jessica Shier

Hello Ai Fans!

It's officially summer! This Desert Window set is perfectly paired with a few Succulents set sentiments to make a bright pop art watercolor design. I even used Tombow Markers for the first time and the Art Impressions Watercolor Palette. So easy and fun! I hope you enjoy the card process video I have below. 

To start this card design off, I stamped the Desert Window image 4 times on a piece of Arches Cold Press watercolor cardstock. I used Versafine Clair Nocturne ink and clear embossed each one. I'm going to use this Desert Window image in a similar way as I did with the Eagle Window in this blog post for Art Impressions that I did last week. I love the elegant sentiments that come with these window images but I also like the versatility of using other Art Impressions sentiments with them to make something even more unique. In this case, I used several phrases from the Succulents set. I even used one of the succulent stamp images as a backdrop to the center "Just for you" sentiment. I used vellum cardstock and white embossing powder for a subtle look. 

It's been a while since I have colored with a marker like the Tombow, so I really took some time playing with them. By mixing and layering the colors in this funky pop art inspired design, it was so fun letting loose and creating purple suns and pink cacti! The great thing about this though is if you are not a big fan of bright colors as I am this would also look lovely in pastels or muted tones. Since today is the first day of Summer I thought the bright colors were appropriate. 

Card Process Video

Tombow Markers Used:

Brights set

755 Rubine Red

743 Hot Pink

933 Orange

055 Process Yellow

133 Chartreuese

173 Willow Green

493 Reflex Blue

665 Purple

636 Imperial Purple

Thank you for joining me today! Happy Stamping! 

Desert Window Frame by Niccole Kulig

Hello Ai fans!!

"To my friend ... The warmest of wished for a day filled with sunshine"

I am stopping by today to share a quick card/gift for someone special. I am using the Desert Window from Ai along with the 3D Frame die.

As you can see there isn't much to this card.  It is nice to make something that doesn't require a million steps to create something beautiful.  This literally didn't even take one full sheet of paper.

I colored my Desert Window stamped image with my Copic markers.  I loved using the variation of pinks for the sky and the reflection onto the ground and water.  Don't be afraid to try something new with your markers.  Out of the whole process the coloring took me the longest. 

 I cut a piece of paper with the 3D frame die.  Make sure though to use a piece a little wider than 5.5".  I cut mine at 6" to be safe.  and my die fit perfect.  Once you have the shape cut, the directions on the package of the 3D Frame die are very easy to follow and you can exactly see where to fold everything.  Once everything is glued in the stand is very easy to put on as seen above.  The only tip I have is do not flush it with the bottom of your square, raise it up a little so when it stands it leans a tiny bit back and not so perfectly straight up and down.

Once again here is the finished card, or should I say gift?  I know the perfect person I am giving this to.  It will look great at work on her desk.  Everyone needs a little something to look at that brightens their day! 

Thank you so much for stopping by and I can't wait to spend more time with you soon!

Copics used:

E43, E44

G43, G46

R27

RV11, RV13, RV14

Y13, Y15, Y17, Y26

YG13, YG17

Until next time ... Hugs & inky fingers!

Home Grown Eagle Window By Jessica Shier

Hello Ai fans!

This month I'm using some of the Windows to the World stamps. This Eagle window caught my eye, and with it getting warmer in the Northwest, Americana decor is popping up everywhere! Today is also Flag Day (June 14th, 1777) in America. Perfect time to combine the eagle with these red white and blue pattern papers.

I first stamped the Eagle Window image with Gina K. Amalgam ink and colored it in with Copic markers, colors listed below. I used a Gelly Roll white pen to add a few highlights through out the image.  This went really quick and I also used minimal markers. Images like these window stamps, are great for the summertime, when we might be a bit more busy. All of them  are so picturesque,  they can simply and easily be the focal point to any card front.

This image has a beautiful sentiment that surrounds the square image but I trimmed that off and added a sentiment "Home Grown" from the Succulent set. I thought that sentiment fit so well and I really enjoy mixing stamp sets together. I knew I wanted to add a gold border with embossing powder around it. This is easily done by swiping your clear embossing ink pad across all the edges. 

The pattern paper I used for today's card is from the Pebbles America paper pack. Unfortunately it is another bundle of pattern paper that I've stashed away for years, I've linked to a similar one below. I love that I am using my pattern paper more instead of hoarding it! To add a bit more stars I used a die set from Papertrey Ink and die cut the three sketch stars from vellum. I adhered those to the card in a cluster with liquid glue and added the heat embossed sentiment "Home Grown" from the Art Impressions Succulent set. I left the inside blank. This card could be used for anything, from celebrating someone in the military, to July Fourth greetings to a friend.

Copic Markers Used:

W9, W6, W3, W1, W0

E77, E74, Y18

B99, B95, B93, B91

YG67, YG45, YG03

Thank you so much for joining me today!

Happy Stamping!

Succulents Window by Niccole Kulig

Hello Ai fans!!

"Your friendship brightens my day and adds color to my life"

Don't you just love it when a vision turns out even better that you pictured? Today I am sharing a card that I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how it turned out.  I  am using the Succulents Window stamp set from Ai.

I started by using one of my stencils to make my green squared background.  I like how it trails off on the right side. I trimmed down my panel so the card base showed.  I love the look of white on white.

I colored my Succulents Window stamped image with my Copic markers.  It really pairs well with the green stenciled background, don't you think? I added it to the left side of my card. 

I finished it off with some Nuvo Drops in the color English Mustard.  I wanted to draw out another color in my colored Succulents Window.  There is already enough green.  I really like the green and yellow together.

Once again here is the completed card.  There are so many other wonderful Windows to the World stamps over at the Ai website.  Check'em out, you won't be sorry!!

Thank you so much for spending some time with me today.  Come back again soon to see what we have been up to.

Copics used:

B0000

E51, E53, E55, E57

G99

R27

V04, V17, V99

Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17

YG00, YG03, YG13, YG17, YG25, YG67

Until next time ... Hugs & inky fingers!

Peace Window by Carol Hintermeier

Hello  Ai friends!

Today I have two cards featuring the Peace Window.  The Window stamp set line is really fantastic with so many heartfelt sentiments around the windows.

This stamp would be a good one for a sympathy card or for someone that is going through the challenges life can throw at us.  These Window sets help you create beautiful cards that don't take a long time.  I actually made two cards--the sets are so easy to use!



For this card I stamped onto Strathmore Bristol smooth card stock and colored it with various watercolor markers, listed below.  I die cut it out with the largest of the Tag Double Stitched dies.

You might be wondering how I have a layer for the tag since there is only one die of this size in the set.  Here are the steps:

• Put the tag die onto a piece of card stock and trace around the outside edge of the die with a pencil.
• The pencil line will be your cut line.
• Color about ¼" inside your pencil line with a coordinating color.
• Cut out.  I used my paper trimmer for the straight lines and hand cut the curved corners.
• Trace the tag hole onto the cut out tag layer and use a hole punch to cut.

Here is my second card.

 I stamped the image onto Strathmore watercolor paper with Versafine ink.  This set is so easy and quick to watercolor.  Just be sure to use a smaller brush.  I used a number 2 round brush and painted it using colors from the Altenew 36 Pan set (colors listed below.)  This was cut out with a Square Double Stitched Die.  I created an ombre wash of blue on a 4" x 5-¼" watercolor paper with a ½" flat brush for the card panel.  I cut it with a Rectangle Double Stitched die and then foam mounted it onto the watercolored panel.

Thank you very much for stopping by!  Have a fabulous, crafty week!

Just Add Water by Niccole Kulig

Hello Ai fans!!

Today I am sharing a card I made with the Windows to the World series set called Pleasures Window. I love how simple the windows are but yet they add such a punch to your card.

I started by diagonally cutting my patter paper and adding a strip of glitter paper for a little pop. I put two enamel dots in the upper left corner to even out the card. I colored my window with Copic markers, and did a double frame on it so it stood out a little more. Raised it up with foam tape. 

The sentiment I chose was from the WC - Sentiments Set. I thought the sentiment fit perfectly with what I wanted to say  with my image.   

It came together so quickly I had to make two cards. I can't tell which one I like better ... the square cut window or the window where I fussy cut around the words.  Which one do you like better?? 

In case you are wondering the window says "The pleasures of life are simple, just add water." Next time I want to water color the window.

Copics Used:

BG01, BG02, BG05, BG72, BG75

C3, C5, C7

E47, E49

G40, G43, G46

R24, R27, R29

W1, W3, W5

YG63, YG67, YG95, YG97 

YR21, YR23

Until next time ... Hugs & inky fingers!

Memories Sweet Memories by Niccole Kulig

Hello Ai fans!

I am here today to share a card using the Memories Window stamp set from Art Impressions.  I love these Window to the World stamps.

I had the flu this past weekend so my card making endeavors were quite limited.  I kept it pretty minimal with just layers of paper and my stamped image. After this picture was taken and uploaded I noticed my pearl gem slid a little bit but I promise in real life it is fixed.

As you can see I kept this card rather simple. I wanted the window stamp to be the focal point.  I absolutely love how it turned out.  Don't be afraid to mix papers that might not match color wise but once together turn out wonderful.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  

Until next time ... Hugs & inky fingers!

Copics Used:

B91, B93, B95

BG000

C1, C3, C5

Y13, Y15, Y17

YG61, YG63, YG67

YR000, YR00, YR01

Window Card Three Different Ways By Crystal Schneider

Hi AI Fans!

This week I had fun playing with Desert Window stamp set m5049. I used this Windows to the World stamp set in three different cards in three different ways.  I stamped all three cards with VersaFine black ink so I could water color them.

Card 1:

My first card I used the Square Double Stitched die set to die cut a frame around the image. Then I just matted it on some pattern paper to add a little pop of color around the edge.

Card 2: 

I used the same die set as my first card but this time I die cut the image out in the middle and adhered it with foam tape to pop it up a little bit.  Then matted it onto brown cardstock and matted the whole image onto pattern paper. 

I like how the center of the image pops up just a little bit I think it gives some interest to the card. 

Card 3: 

For my third card I stamped the image twice once inside of the card and once onto Kraft cardstock. I die cut the middle of the and the middle out of the Kraft cardstock so you could peak through and see the image. 

Happy Stamping!