Faith-On The Border Challenge by Janet

We're on the second week of our current challenge, "On the Border." Anything you can consider a border counts for this challenge. I made this with the beautiful 6219 - Hydrangea Margin Set. The set includes two mirrored hydrangea border stamps. I wanted to see if I could use the set to create a diagonal border on my card set at an angle. The stamps are not quite long enough to reach across an A2 card like I've done here but I discovered that I could stamp one full image and then simply stamp the first part of the image again nestled under the end of the first impression. You truly cannot tell where I did this because the images nest together so nicely.

After stamping the two images together, I set about coloring them in pink hues with Copic markers. Then I colored the leaves and stems. I changed the buds which are stamped as if they are closed. I used a yellow acrylic marker and then dotted white gel ink on top. It adds a little fanciful interest to the image I think. After completing the coloring, I fussy cut the edges of the image out and set it aside to make the card base.

To form the angled diagonal card, I started with a traditional A2 side fold card. I cut a piece off the front from top left corner to bottom right corner to create the diagonal flap. I ran the bottom section of the front card flap through an embossing folder for added texture. Then I cut a stitched strip that stretches across the front with a die in my stash. I glued that just above the embossing. There was just enough room left on the flap to glue the hydrangea strip in place. I trimmed the excess stitched strip and hydrangea border to fit the card's top and bottom edges. I cut the word Faith out from a die included in the 6155-Ornate Margin Dies and glued it on the stitched strip border. Finally I added a stitched mat to the inside of the card. The top portion of it is displayed when the card is closed. The finishing touches are the addition of several small flat backed pink pearls on the strip. 

I hope you agree that this technique created a soft and pretty floral card that is unique and special. It looks much more complicated to make than it actually was so it's sure to impress anyone who receives it!

Thanks for stopping by and spending time with me and Art Impressions today. Please visit the Ai store to pick up your favorite stamps, dies, papers, accessories, and supplies, including all the supplies I used in this card. 

Happy Crafting!

Warm and Cozy by Mercy Sauer

 HELLO Ai FRIENDS!  

Mercy here and welcome back!

 

I love the month of April, the colors, the weather, the cuddly critters we tend to use during this month to create our cards, and this posting is no exception. 

Look how cute! 

I said it in a prior posting, this stamp set is amazing. Honestly, this is a perfect example why I love Ai. The artwork is unreal, and the dies! trimming to perfection with hardly any outline. I love it. I genuinely feel the warmth and sweetness when I look at this card. Cheesy, I know, but true. 

I chose watercolors because I find them easier and faster than Copics plus the texture and color of the paper works perfectly with this set. I also wanted a background without taking away from the cute koalas, so I opted for eucalyptus leaves in the same color as the background.

To complete the whole vibe, I added one of the koalas from the set on the inside of the card.

Hope today’s posting rouses your senses and steer you to find warmth and happiness in your own art 

Until next time, happy crafting 

Up, Up & Away Challenge by Mercy Sauer

 Here we are Ai crafters, another Fun challenge awaits: Up, Up & Away

I have two cards today; both using the Ai Owl flutter stamp and die set.  However,

I decided to use the dies differently. My feature card and also my favorite,

is a flying owl among the trees.  

Let’s get started! 

The background is simple, but you must plan ahead! 

Color and assemble the super cute Owl as instructed in the packaging,

I also added glossy accent to the eyes and pom pom on the hat

Trim an A2 card panel  

Color and die cut any tree branch die you have in your stash and glue onto your card panel 

Die cut the circle frame in the middle of the prepped panel to create a seamless transition throughout the card 

Pop up the cut panel and the middle circle onto a card base. Glue down the circle frame as shown ensuring all branches align properly 

Insert a penny between the popped panel and circle frame. Add foam onto the back of the owl and adhere to the penny. Make sure it can clearly travel around the circle

It took me a few tries to perfect this technique, if you struggle with it, you are not alone!

Just keep trying! So worth it, cute and fun!

Let's move on to my second card, another interactive card, a spinner card, with a hidden message behind the owl.  

 The owl is truly the star of the show, love it!

Hope you join the challenge and post your creations!

Fun With Flowers Challenge #325 plus, our latest challenge winners!

 Hello Ai fans! We have a new challenge today and our first ever feature from MERCY! She's our newest Design Team member and we hope you love her as much as we do! Her challenge was Fun with Flowers!

We thought this would be fitting with Mother's Day rapidly approaching.

Before we get into our new challenge,  let's announce the winners of our last challenge.  Here are the Top Spot and our Lucky Random winner from our Here Comes Peter Cottontail.

Our Top Spot goes to: De Furey

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com
to claim a free stamp set of your choice!
Also, be sure to grab your badge to display on your blog, Facebook or Instagram!

Our lucky, random winner for our Here Comes Peter Cottontail challenge is:
Meghan Kennihan 

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com
to claim a free stamp set of your choice!


Now that we've wrapped up our previous challenge, let's announce our new challenge!

Mercy created a STUNNING and bold floral card

using Joel's 5102 – Succulents Set.

Welcome Mercy, and take it away!

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Hello Ai Crafters, Mercy here.... With a New Challenge 

Flower, Flowers and more flowers! 

 

I must admit I usually do not explore the endless possibilities when it comes to flower scenes, so this challenge is perfect for me 

The https://www.artimpressions.com/shop/succulents-set-5102/ is a great set which includes the dies. However, I didn’t want any white outlines in my flowers.

I fussy cut the flowers, yes it takes time! but trust me, it was so worth it.  The flowers look great against the embossed background.

I stamped the inside of the card and the envelope, making the whole thing become one.  

If you are like me and tend to stay away from this style of cards, give it a try. I fully enjoyed the process of creating this card and will continue to explore this genre. 

Hope you join our challenge and looking forward to see what you create. 

Thank you for your beautiful inspiration Mercy. 
We look forward to seeing more of your work.

We have some other exiting news today.  It's another release day!

Art Impressions just released the adorable #5502 Craft Bag and #5503 Tool Bag.

These new sets are so much fun and have so many possibilities. 
Stay tuned for a cute card from Mercy combining the new Tool Bag and the Hats Off Mr. Set.

You won't want to miss it!

Here are the Challenge Rules...

✻ Please make a new card or creation. You can make any crafty item you wish; this is not limited to cards!

✻ Limit two submissions per person. You will receive extra votes if you use Art Impressions stamps!

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission.

✻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