You're the Best Dad

Crafter's Companion has released an amazing line of Just For Men products. Something we all definitely need in our crafting lives! I know I'm always in need of manly or boyish items to craft with.

Here's a card I created with this line that I'm absolutely in love with...

 

I didn't make this in time for Father's Day, but I can definitely have the boys, or myself, give this card to my husband. Tucked inside his computer bag for when he's out of town will give him a nice reminder that we definitely appreciate how hard he works for us all. 

 

Since this card was simple, I wanted to really show off the diecut "dad" at the bottom. I thought this was a fun way to do it! This is a great way to add depth to your projects and really get the most out of your supplies! I just doubled up on foam adhesive behind the black paper panel to really pop it up off the card. 

 I hope you check out all the amazing products that are out now with this line. I'll have more coming up as well, so be on the lookout!! Thanks for stopping by!

SUPPLIES USED: 

• Just For Men Male Sentiments Dies
• Just For Men Rock Star Stamps
• Just For Men Street Wise Stamps
  
• Just For Men Superstars Dies
• Just For Men 6x6 Urban Collection Paper
• Just For Men 6x6 Brights Collection Paper
• Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock
• Distress Ink, Scattered Straw
• Heidi Swapp Color Shine, Black Velvet
• Memento Ink, Tangelo

Seashell Bookmark

Today I have a non-card project. I know, you're just as shocked as I am!!! I've begun my quest to read more this summer and I need some new bookmarks. So I created one for myself!

 

A one layer bookmark full of colorful seashells definitely screams summer to me. I also love the sentiment. It says:

"To discover a seashell is to discover a world of imagination." - Michelle Held 

Kind of fitting for a bookmark, don't you think? Books are full of discovering many things and fictional books are definitely like discovering a world of imagination. We are avid library goers. I'll be having the kids make some bookmarks for themselves one summer day. I'll share that with you all!

Check out Crafter's Companion for all the amazing products you could use to create a bookmark or a series of bookmarks as a gift to give alongside a gift card to a book store (Half Price Books is a fav of mine), or with a book! 

SUPPLIES USED:

Sheena, A Little Bit Sceninc, Sea Shells
Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Memento Ink, Tuxedo Black
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, TB1, TB3, PL1, PL2, BG1, GT1, GT3, GB2, GB3, EB1, EB3, TN1, TN4, HB1, HB3, CR3, CR5, IB1, IB3, TB5, Blender
Mister Huey's, Water Cooler Spray

Lawnscaping Challenge 132 Sponsored by Lawn Fawn

HAPPY DAY! It's Monday and time for our next Lawnscaping Challenge, which in my opinion is the only good thing about Mondays! This week's challenge theme is DISTRESS! Distress inks instantly come to mind but there are other forms of distressing too, such as edge distressing where you take a distress tool or a serrated knife and distress the edges of your cardstock!

We are sponsored by the always amazing Lawn Fawn! Those folks just rock and they are sponsoring this challenge with a free stamp set of the winner's choice!

 

 

On to my card for this challenge!! I love distressing of all types, so this one was especially fun for me. Here is a simple card I made to keep and give to my hubby. Probably a just because card because lately I have absolutely stunk at doing anything fun or creative for birthdays, Father's Day or holidays. I'm always so busy that sometimes I frankly just suck at that stuff. I hope to get better! But anyway, here is my little card of love...

 

 

I made it simple because he'd like that and the sentiment is just so plainly there that it needed a simple but bright background for it. I love how it came out!

 

I hope you pop on over to the Lawnscaping Challenges blog to check out the other amazing projects the design team gals came up with and are inspired to join in on the challenge and enter your project. Follow the instructs on the blog and good luck! Thanks for floating by!

PRODUCTS USED:

• Lawn Fawn Float My Boat
• Versafine, Onyx Black
• Memento, Tuxedo Black
• Distress Ink, Scattered Straw
• Memento Luxe, Love Letter & Grey Flannel
• Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock
• Crafter's Companion Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock 
• Spectrum Sparkle Pens

Lawnscaping Challenge #131 Sponsored by Ellen Hutson

The wonderful, fabulous Ellen Hutson! is sponsoring this challenge!!! Certainly you are familiar with her and her store, but if not, a little bit about the store in her own words:

Ellen Hutson, LLC began their adventure in November 2006 as an online web store committed to bringing you the finest paper crafting products and related product education. They are always looking to provide their customers with quality products, excellent customer service, and education and inspiration for the products they carry. You can shop with Ellen by clicking HERE. As well please join them to be inspired and learn some fun techniques in the CLASSroom, or stay up-to-date on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and/orPinterest.

Ellen Hutson issponsoring our first challenge of each. The prize? A $25 gift certificate to the online store! Thank you Ellen!

This challenge is a bit different. Use at least one element on an angle. Sounds simple enough, right? I had fun with this one. Anyone who's watched Ren and Stimpy will get a little laugh out of this.

 

The good ole' HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY song from the show always made me laugh. Yup. Still does at 30-something years old! 

I masked the stripes with some blue tape (I use the stuff you typically use for masking off things for house painting; it's not expensive and has multiple uses and also comes in varying widths) and used my Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens and my water brush pen. Once I used the heat gun on them to speed up the drying time, I removed the tape and started stamping the happy and smily faces with brown ink and then I used 2 diecuts from the Scripty Joy die and adhered those down. For some sparkle, I added 2 little flowery silver sequins as the dots of the letter "j". I rounded all four corners and used a simple orange speckled paper behind it. 

Here's another look at the card!

 

I hope you smiled seeing this card today! Please join us over at the Lawnscaping Challenges blog and enter your project for a fab prize from Ellen Hutson. Thanks for stopping by.

PRODUCTS USED:

• Lawn Fawn Winter Penguin
• Lawn Fawn Love You S'More
• Lawn Fawn Scripty Joy die
• Memento, Rich Cocoa
• Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock
• Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens: Pink Champagne, Soft Jade and Olive Jade

 

What Lies Beneath

There's a brand new release by none other than Sheena Douglass. She's seriously amazing. This set I chose is called What Lies Beneath. It's another "right-up-my-alley" set!!! SKULLS. I told you, I love my skulls.

This would be a great card for my boys since they think skulls are cool. Well, so do I! :)

I wish you could see the sparkle on the skulls. I used the Crystal Clear Spectrum Sparkle Pen, so it's very slightly shimmery. I used a very simple and basic color palette for this card. The pop of orange on the sentiment piece adds just enough color without overpowering it.

Here are a couple more photos showing some detail:

Thanks for joining me today for the release. Be sure to check out the Crafter's Companion website and Facebook page where they will be sharing other inspiration from the other stamp sets in this collection by the design team! Happy shopping. You'll want to get these right away!


PRODUCTS USED:

• Sheena A Little Bit Sketchy, What Lies Beneath
  
• Sheena A Little Bit Sketchy, Falling Feathers
  
• Downton Abbey Embossing Folder, Fleur De Lis
  
• Spectrum Sparkle Pens: Crystal Clear
  
• Spectrum Aqua Markers: Slate, Charcoal, Black, Desert, Boulder, Sepia
• Versafine, Onyx Black
  
• Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock

Union of Souls

 I have another collection of stamps that are must haves in my book. I adore anything and everything Day of the Dead related, and this new line from Sheena is right up my alley!!!! Here's a card I have created for my anniversary coming up next month. My hubby knows how much I adore this type of art, so he will appreciate it and the sentiment is perfect for a wedding or anniversary. We will be celebrating 14 years of marriage this year.

 

I did a single stamping layout for this card because I wanted the simplicity for the images to be showcased. I did stamp the small flower, color and fussy cut that out and adhered to the top hat with some foam adhesive to give a bit of dimension. 

To make the sentiment pop, I colored over it with my Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen in Moonlight to give it a glow and shimmer when turned on an angle. Just subtle enough.

 I hope you enjoyed my card and check out the rest of the amazing Sheena Douglass Day of the Dead collection over at Crafter's Companion! Happy crafting.


PRODUCTS USED:

• Sheena Douglass Day of the Dead EZMount Rubber Stamp Set - Union of Souls
• Ultra Smooth Premium Cardstock
• Spectrum Sparkle Pens: Moonlight
• Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: LG2, LG5, BG1, GR5, BP5, DR4, PL2, PL3, PL4, IG1, IG2, IG7, IG10, Blender

Lawnscaping Challenge #130 Sponsored by Lawn Fawn

It's Monday, so you know what that means - a new Lawnscaping Challenge is here!! This one is so much fun because who doesn't love a little sparkle and shine in their life?! I know I do.

We are sponsored by Lawn Fawn! Those folks just rock and they are sponsoring this challenge with a free stamp set of the winner's choice! So many stamp to choose from, I know. It's tough.

I had a lot of fun using my Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens for this card because they sparkle like no other. I wish I could master capturing that amazing sparkle on my camera (working on this). But I assure you, there is plenty o' sparkle coming up.

 

 

I wanted something bright and kind of in-your-face for this simple card. Who wouldn't smile receiving this?? I used a beautiful summer-like palette here with turquoise, darker blue, jade, and a pop of peachy/orange. I heat embossed the flower from the Flutter By set onto the pennants I cut out of watercolor cardstock and then just had fun with my Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens, water and my heat gun. It helps to spread out the color in a fun way and of course, dries super fast. I mean, who wants to wait???

Here's another view of this vibrant card:

 

I hope you will play along with this challenge and get your sparkle on! Check out the blog for all the details for entering your project into this challenge and good luck :D Most of all, have fun creating!!

PRODUCTS USED:

• Lawn Fawn Into the Woods
• Lawn Fawn Flutter By
• Versamark
• Versafine, Onyx Black
• White Embossing Powder
• Heidi Swapp Color Shine, Mustard
• Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens: Soft Jade, Starry Sky, Blue Topaz, Moonstone 
• Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock

I'd Pick You

Good morning! Since spring has FINALLY sprung here, I wanted to make a fun and uplifting springtime card. Next to Bebunni, this is my second favorite of the sets offered by Crafter's Companion - Moonbeam Meadow. I'm a sucker for cute little animals, but in stamps or real life ;)

 

I made this a bright and fun color palette for this card and had so much fun coloring this image. I've linked all products at the end like I usually do for you. 

Adding a little embossed panel really gives your projects interest in a subtle way. 

 

He's just so happy and cute, how can you NOT smile at him?? Perfect pick-me-up card for a friend for any reason. Sometimes we need to just send people handmade items just because. After all, they're to be enjoyed right? And I know I'd enjoy getting this card.

I hope you've enjoyed my quick little card up today on my blog and that the bright colors and cheery bear made YOU smile today. I mean, it's the weekend, too, so smile some more!!

Thanks for stopping by. And be sure to check out all the amazing inspiration and products over at Crafter's Companion today.






PRODUCTS USED: 

• Moonbeam Meadow Everyday EZMount Stamp Set - Just a Note  
• Shimmering Cardstock 6" x 6" 20pc package - Green Envy 
• Die'Sire Essentials: Rectangles & Scalloped Circles
• Embossalicious Embossing Folder, Blooming Wonderful/Vintage
• Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils: 045, 047, 012, 023, 085, 084, 090, 094, 029, 085  
• Spectrum Noir Blending Solution  
• Spectrum Noir Paper Stumps

Because You Make Me Smile

I've got an uplifting card today on the blog. I linked all the products at the end of the post as I usually do, so if you are curious to see what awesome Crafter's Companion products I've used, check that out.

 

I love the soft color palette. It's spring so it inspired me to make something light and feminine. I fussy cut the flowers out and just slit behind the lower one between the leaves to tuck it under and over. Simple touch to create more dimension!

I hope you enjoyed my card today. Thanks for stopping by!

PRODUCTS USED:

• Sheena Douglas Day of the Dead EZMount Rubber Stamp Set - Forever Yours
• Sentimentals EZMount Stamp Set - Imagine
• Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
• Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: DG2, DG3, FS6, CR1, CR10
• Memento Luxe, Grey Flannel

HSN Releases for Crafter's Companion

It's a fun time for Crafter's Companion. Sara Davies will be on HSN May 4. Check out the details HERE! Wonderful new products and samples will be featured. Stay tuned to get them first and see the amazing designs available!!! Just in time to shop for Mother's Day :)

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First up is the new stamp set series called Verity Rose. She's got a multitude of different looks in these stamp sets along with accessory sets. I mean, how brilliant is that?! I used the Destiny set, and this is what I made with it:

I wanted to create her as the main focal point and a sky behind her like she's flying. I achieved that with using the Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens in Moonstone and Crystal Clear. For the image of her, I used my Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils (048, 054, 007, 009, 095, 094, 033, 029, 061, 063, 038, 083, 026, 034, 093, 084, 089, 118, 065, 098, 103, 070). This is on the Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock which is always my go-to paper for any project I'm going to be coloring. It's just amazing stuff right there. 

I distressed the edges and adhered it to a simple black cardstock base to make it pop off the page. It really helps to focus on the main image that way! 

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Here is the other stunning sets that are coming to HSN!!! Butterfly Lullaby 4x5 Stamp Sets. These are bigger images and are perfect for card fronts, gift bags, gift tags, boxes, and so much more! Again, we know I love butterflies, so I had to make something with one of the sets. I chose this particular image (they're all amazing) for my card. 

I colored this in with my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers. For something different, I decided to cut the image apart into 4 squares just slicing out about an 1/8" in the center horizontally and vertically. It creates a fun look for this layout. 

I had a lot of fun with this particular card. I love how it came out and how colorful the card is, but it's not too busy! You must check out these sets on HSN and get yours today!!! They're must have items. 

So, tune into HSN to see Sara Davies of Crafter's Companion show you all these amazing new sets that will be available. Check back to the Crafter's Companion Facebook page AND Crafter's Companion Blog often 

as well for updates, inspiration, and so much more!

PRODUCTS USED:

• Butterfly Lullaby
• Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: GB6, GB10, DG2, DG3, CT2, GB4, EB3, EB1, IB3, IB2, Blender, TN2, TN5, TN8, FS2, FS8, GG5, LG2, LG3, LG5, CR1, FS6, CR5, HB1, HB3, TB3, TB5, JG1, CG2, OR1, PL4, IG1, IG2, IG5, PP1, CR3, GB1, GB3, EB3, EB7, EB2
• Stamp-It Australia, Time to Dream
• Die'sire Essentials, Circles
• Die'Sire Essentials, Scalloped Circles
• Memento, Tuxedo Black Ink

Lawnscaping Challenges #129 Sponsored by Ellen Hutson LLC

The wonderful, fabulous Ellen Hutson! is sponsoring this challenge!!! Certainly you are familiar with her and her store, but if not, a little bit about the store in her own words:

Ellen Hutson, LLC began their adventure in November 2006 as an online web store committed to bringing you the finest paper crafting products and related product education. They are always looking to provide their customers with quality products, excellent customer service, and education and inspiration for the products they carry. You can shop with Ellen by clicking HERE. As well please join them to be inspired and learn some fun techniques in the CLASSroom, or stay up-to-date on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and/orPinterest.

Ellen Hutson is offering up a $25 gift certificate to the online store!

Today's challenge is calling all critters. We all know Lawn Fawn has a TON of cute critters to choose from. I pulled a set I have had and I have never used! GASP!! Let's get right to it...

 

I just love this otter!! He's adorable. I created a little scene with some bright sunny skies, a friendly little bird ready to party, and the otter floating on by to a party with a festive hat and a gift, of course!

 

I used some watercolor cardstock and a turquoise blue Spectrum Aqua Marker and a lot of water to give the "water" a soft feel. I tucked the otter behind the first wave to make it appear like he's floating on by. 

 

I took this shot so you could see the dimension you can achieve with some foam adhesive and a little creativity! Very simple take on this challenge, but I'm digging it. 

I hope you play along with us this challenge over at the Lawnscaping Challenges blog. Check out all the other awesome design team projects. I'm telling you, I'm rubbing elbows with a group of very talented ladies!! Be sure to check out our sponsor, Ellen Hutson LLC, as well for a variety of amazing products including our beloved Lawn Fawn. Happy crafting.

PRODUCTS USED:

• Lawn Fawn Year Five
• Lawn Fawn Party Animal
• 7x7 Sheena Burst Decorative Stencil
• Versafine, Onyx Black
• Versamagic, Thatched Straw
• Memento Luxe, Dandelion
• Memento, Tuxedo Black
• Spectrum Aqua Markers: Kingfisher
• Spectrum Noir Markers: IB2, BT8, GB6, DR4, BP5, CT1, TN5, TN9, TN2, PP4, GB4, JG1, OR2, OR3, JG3, and JG5