Christmas Snowflake Cards with Maja Design

I'm here with Christmas in September.  I know summer has just faded and I promise I am not trying to rush the holidays.  

I created a classic card that is simple but graceful - with a touch of rustic.  

The collection used is an older collection,  Maja Design - I Wish Collection

and more specifically, I used the front and back of the same sheet, "I Wish Christmas Was Today". 

I really love the red plaid paper in this collection.  It's rustic, vintage and totally gets me in the Christmas in September feeling. 

I added a diecut with lightly inked edges and tied together with raffia for more old country feel.  

Thanks for stopping.  Remember - it's never too early to start those holiday cards!

Spooky Fun DIY Halloween Cards Using Chipboard and Stamps

It's super easy to create your own Halloween cards.  DIY is the way to go these days.  I have some super economical products I paired to make holiday DIY cards.  

My product choices?  Creative Embellishments chipboard and JustRite Stamps.  Both of these product picks provide value.  Scroll down and see how much chipboard/veneer come in a package. That means you can make multiple cards for the money. 

Creative Embellishments has the cutest Halloween chipboard and veneer pieces. 

I made a few Halloween cards to send to my sons who "flew the coop" and moved away. 

Here's the list of the Creative Embellishment chipboard and veneer pieces I used:

Creative Embellishments - Witches

Creative Embellishments - Treat Bags

Creative Embellishments - Pumpkin Faces

Creative Embellishments - Candy Corn Veneers

I kept the treatments of the chipboard  and Candy Corn Veneers were very simple.  I painted them with following acrylics:

Prima Finnabair Art Alchemy - Acrylic Paint - Fresh Orange

Prima Finnabair Art Alchemy - Acrylic Paint - Lime Peel

Prima Art Alchemy Sparks - Acrylic Paint - Iris Potion

I also created my own background for this card using stamps from JustRite Papercrafts.  

This first card was created using the JustRite Swirly Dots Background Stamp.  

This second card was made by placing the Creative Embellishments - Witches . chipboard set (painted with Prima Art Alchemy Sparks - Acrylic Paint - Iris Potion ) over a stamped background.  

Where to shop? 

Shop for chipboard, wood and flair buttons from Creative Embellishments here.  

You can shop for JustRite stamps and dies right here. 

Treat Bags
Witches
Creative Embellishments - Witches
Creative Embellishments - Treat Bags
Creative Embellishments - Pumpkin Faces
Pumpkin Faces
Creative Embellishments - Candy Corn Veneers
JustRite Swirly Dots Background Stamp
Prima Finnabair Art Alchemy - Acrylic Paint - Fresh Orange
Prima Finnabair Art Alchemy - Acrylic Paint - Lime Peel
Prima Art Alchemy Sparks - Acrylic Paint - Iris Potion

DIY Christmas Cards Using Stamps

JustRite Papercraft has released it's new Christmas stamp collection and I am enchanted.  

Now is the perfect time to start your DIY cards.  The summer has rounded to a close ( sob sob)  - school is in session.  This seems to be the time of year when we speed like a jetliner towards Christmas.  

Three blinks and it's Halloween,  Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

JustRite's stamps help make the DIY holiday card preparations easy.  

I have created two cards using some of the new releases paired with one of JustRite's beautiful medallion dies.  

JustRite Christmas Elements Clear Stamp CR-05508

JustRite Dotted Lines Background Cling Stamp - CL-06008

JustRite Damask Flourish One Die -DIE-05069

The image above shows the two new Christmas stamp sets I used on the cards.  

Look at the adorable assortment of options  included in the  Christmas Elements Stamp Set.

So many possibilities. 

This is the first card created using an assortment of stamps to create clusters of festive holiday greens.  

The greens, pinecones and berries were all stamped with inks using the sweet stamps from JustRite Christmas Elements Clear Stamp .

After the inks were dry, I accented with Stickles Glitter Glue and Red Nuvo Crystal Drops .  There are a ton of perfect holiday images on this stamp set.
These are the inks  and Stickles I used: 

Stickles Glitter Glue - Lime Green

Stickles Glitter Glue - Crystal

Stickles Glitter Glue - Platinum

Nuvo Crystal Drops - Red Berry

Ranger Archival Ink by WendyVecchi - Leaf Green

Ranger Archival Ink by Wendy Vecchi - Red Geranium 

Hero Arts Green Apple Ink

This is the second card I made using the fun new stamps from JustRite Papercraft . 

JustRite Christmas Elements Clear Stamp .

JustRite Dotted Lines Background Cling Stamp 

JustRite Damask Flourish One Die

I did use a stamping platform (MISTI Stamping Tool) to stamp the background.  I wanted to make sure I had complete and crisp coverage before I removed the stamp.  I am a giant fan of the platform  - which ever platform you choose - because it eliminates or at least majorly reduces stamping frustration.  It also cuts down on paper waste from half-stamped images, and helps me move through a project successfully and happily without frustration. 

Crafters craft to relieve stress,  right?    Tools like stamps, platforms, inks all help to make our hobby a happy and enjoyable one.  

How Did I create the Background?  

I had fun making this particular multi-colored dotted background.  

I stamped JustRite Dotted Lines Background Cling Stamp  using a stamping platform (MISTI Stamping Tool) as described above using a Clear Embossing Ink Pad  and three different colored embossing powders sprinkled on the card: 

Fine Gold Embossing Powder

 Ranger - Wendy Vecchi Geranium Red Embossing Powder

Ranger - Wendy Vecchi Leaf Green Embossing Powder

How Did I create the Decorative Medallions?  

The medallions were created by stamping with Ranger Archival Ink by WendyVecchi - Leaf Green

Ranger Archival Ink by Wendy Vecchi - Red Geranium , accenting with Stickles Glitter Glue - Lime Green  and 

Nuvo Crystal Drops - Red Berry.  

Where to shop? 

You can shop for JustRite Papercraft's new Christmas releases as well as all their other gorgeous dies and products right here.

Product Links 
JustRite Christmas Elements Clear Stamp CR-05508
JustRite Dotted Lines Background Cling Stamp - CL-06008
JustRite Damask Flourish One Die -DIE-05069
Fine Gold Embossing Powder
Fine Antique Gold Embossing Powder
MISTI Stamping Tool

Clear Embossing Ink Pad
Ranger - Wendy Vecchi Geranium Red Embossing Powder
Ranger - Wendy Vecchi Leaf Green Embossing Powder
Stickles Glitter Glue - Lime Green
Stickles Glitter Glue - Crystal
Stickles Glitter Glue - Platinum
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Red Berry
Ranger Archival Ink by WendyVecchi - Leaf Green
Ranger Archival Ink by Wendy Vecchi - Red Geranium 
Hero Arts Green Apple Ink

Camera Card - Smile

Smile!  It's Contagious

Howdy - I'm here today to share some totally contagious stamps from JustRite Papercrafts.  

This is a new clear stamp set from JustRite called "A Smile is Contagious". Complete with sweet sentiments and a darling camera image.  

I wanted to show how cool this set is when used as a background stamp set.  The "smile" stamp is pretty large and is  perfect for doubling as the main sentiment or a cool background.  

And here is a close up of the fun camera image. 

I didn't add much color because it didn't need it and that's not really my area of expertise so I am perfectly fine adding a blush of color with Distress Inks.  

Here is my second sample using the same stamp set JustRite called "A Smile is Contagious". 

Thanks for stopping here.  Enjoy your day and happy crafting. 

 JustRite -A Smile is Contagious- Clear Stamp CR-05106

DIY Bright and Cheery Cards

Bright, Cheery, Happy Cards

After a long and dull, cold winter, I need a big dose of color - bold, bright, happy color.  Thus I set off to make myself happy.  Happiness is easy to achieve when I use my favorite  Petaloo products.  

I have some short DIY instructions to show you how you can achieve these looks at your craft table.  

I created two cards using the same background stamp, just applying different colors and different coloring techniques to complete the project.  

My background stamp is from JustRite PaperCraft Succulent - Background Cling Stamps  and is great for experimenting with technique.  The large floral pattern is great for pairing with any Petaloo flower.    The possibilities are limitless. 

Below is a closer look at the Petaloo florals that adorn this card.  

Here's How I made this

Step. 1 - I stamped the image onto " Specialty Stamping Paper for Inks"  using Clear Embossing Ink and the  Misti Stamping Tool ( Most Incredible Stamping Tool ).   This helps provide a clear and crisp image.  I am not looking for a distressed image - I really am desiring a crisp clean image.   For this reason, I also did not choose to use distress embossing ink. 

Step. 2 -  I coated the specialty paper with clear  super fine embossing powder (white embossing powder works nicely here as well).   Heat and set with a heat embossing tool/heat gun. 

Bonus Tip - With products like embossing powders, glitter and beads, I find that clean up is much easier when using a craft tray to help catch all the extra product.  I'm not really great at sweeping and vacuuming so I like to avoid that one task when possible. 

  

Step. 3 -  Pick some Distress inks and start blending.   I was able to blend gorgeous color combinations on the specialty stamping paper using various Distress Inks and blending tools.   

  

Step. 4 -  Moving on to the embellishing phase.   I die cut two decorative ovals from JustRite PaperCraft and scored them at the center so they could be crisply folded and used as flaps to hide a surprise sentiment. 

Step. 5 -  Secure the decorative ovals  to the stamped card .  To do this, align the fold against the side of the card.  Once in place, they will act like "flaps" to hide a surprise sentiment when closed.  

Here is an image of the front and back of the card once the ovals are attached.  

Step. 6 -  Embellish as desired with coordinating and colorful Petaloo flowers.  After you are done embellishing, add a Velcro dot to each side of the flap so the card stays closed.  I purchased the Velcro dots in the notions section of a big box store. 

These are the gorgeous flowers I used: 

Petaloo - Darjeeling Collection - Pink Dahlias 1467110

Petaloo - Textured Elements Collection - Yellow Burlap RS1208-203/6

Important Tip - as you add flowers, trims, bows and various embellishments to the flaps, make sure the flaps still open.  Do not make the mistake I made of gluing this and that to the flap without a care, then assume it will open like it should.  I was thankful my glue had not set up and could still move the products around.  phew!  

Here are a few more close shots to help understand and see the dimension of the card.  

Here is the sweet surprise you find once the card is opened.  The  "hello" sentiment is a die from JustRite PaperCraft - Hello Decorative Oval Frame Die.

_____________________________________

This is my second card - made using the same background cling stamp from JustRite, called Succulent  but with a different technique applied  in coloring the background.

Just as in the first card, I  used Clear Embossing Ink  and Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder  but stamped on Cardstock  for Watercolors .   I did not use the specialty paper for stamping  which was used on the first card.  That specialty paper for stamping is not good to use with watercolor paints.  

 At that point, I cracked out my Prima Confections and water brush and had some fun.  I knew Petaloo flowers would be perfect matches for my watercolor choices.  

The flowers used on this card were:

Petaloo Darjeeling - Garden Rosette Mini- Purple 1491104

Petaloo Penny Lane - Forget me nots - Robin Egg Blue 1837-056

Petaloo Penny Lane - Forget me nots - Purple (Soft Lavender) -0837-057

In addition to the JustRite Background Cling Stamp used here, I added some die cut circles also from JustRite's - Four in a Square die set   for accent and  as a place to add a stamped sentiment. 

 There is a lot of color, movement and bold pattern happening on this card.  I believe the solid circle dies  act as "anchors" for the eye to help draw the eye to the Petaloo flowers.  

Thanks for stopping here to look and share your time with me.  I appreciate this a great deal.  

Petaloo - Darjeeling Collection - Pink Dahlias 1467110
Petaloo - Textured Elements Collection - Yellow Burlap RS1208-203/6
Petaloo Darjeeling - Garden Rosette Mini- Purple 1491104
Petaloo Penny Lane - Forget me nots - Robin Egg Blue 1837-056
Petaloo Penny Lane - Forget me nots - Purple (Soft Lavender) -0837-057
JustRite PaperCraft - Background Cling Stamps  -Succulent -CL06001
JustRite PaperCraft - Hello Decorative Oval Frame Die -DIE05064
JustRite PaperCraft - Dies - Four in a Square
Clear Embossing Ink
Heat It- Heat Gun Embossing Tool
Tray Mate - Craft Tray PP11710
Clear Embossing Powder - Super Fine Gloss
Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Squeezed Lemonade
Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Picked Raspberry
Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Spiced Marmalade
Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Fossilized Amber
Tim Holtz Mini Ink Blending Tools
Clearsnap Colorbox Fingertip Daubers ( Blending Tools)
Tsukineko Fantastix Blending Tools
Mini Scoring Board and Bone Folder
Specialty Paper for Stamping
Misti Stamping Tool ( Most Incredible Stamping Tool )
Prima Watercolor Brushes
Ranger Specialty Cardstock  for Watercolors
Prima Watercolor Confections  -Pastel Dreams 590253
Prima Watercolor Confections - The Classics 584252
Watercolor Paper
Core'dinations Cardstock - Gold 12x12 GXCF-75R
Bazzill Cardstock ( Candy Hearts and Marmalade)
Pink Gingham Ribbon

JustRite Cling Background stamps - The Brickwall

Background Stamps from JustRite

JustRite Papercraft has released some fabulous background cling stamps - great for cards and absolutely ideal for scrapbook pages, altered art, mixed media and so much more.   

The stamp I'd like to showcase today is the JustRite Brickwall Background Stamp Cling Stamp.
I stamped the background on this card and then stamped a separate piece of cardstock to cut the bricks out and use as dimensional layers of brickwork.  

My vision for this card was to create an old crumbled wall  with  flowers and vegetation tucked between the bricks.  To achieve this,  I added a layer of thin foam adhesive tape behind the bricks that needed to be popped out a bit.

I left the background stamping on this card  a little on the light and faded side, leaving the more robust bold brick stamping to be used on my cutout- layered bricks.  

After my wall was complete, I started decorating with stamps, dies and flowers -  first subtle stamping around the card with JustRite Multi-Step create a Flower Garden Stamp Set  and some small leafy greens cut from  the JustRite Flower Garden Die .
After my greens were in place, I topped with Petaloo Chantilly Velvet Hydrangeas and accented with Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue - Mercury Glass, Seafoam, and Cinnamon

Thanks for stopping by to see my card made with JustRite Papercraft's new release. 

Products Used:
JustRite Brickwall Background Stamp Cling Stamp CL-05111
JustRite Flower Garden Die -DIE05067
JustRite Multi-Step create a Flower Garden Stamp Set -CR05051
Petaloo Chantilly Velvet Hydrangeas in Maroon 1272-182
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks -Aged Mahogany
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks-Fired Brick
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks- Vintage Photo
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks-Walnut Stain
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks -Scattered Straw
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Seedless Preserves
Misti Stamping Tool ( Most Incredible Stamping Tool )
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue - Mercury Glass
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue -Seafoam
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue -Cinnamon
Cardstock
Burlap

Christmas Card with Julie Nutting, Petaloo and JustRite

Merry Christmas with Julie Nutting, JustRite  and Petaloo

Time to rev up some holiday cheer and get that wish list started.  I have a few items that you'll definitely want to add to the list.  Maybe get the shopping done early and pop in a few items to use early (gotta be honest - I'm guilty of popping a few things into the cart for me to use before Christmas.  I just can't help myself).  

  For this card,  I pulled out the Prima/Julie Nutting Audrey Doll die and stamp, my JustRite stamps and die,  and Petaloo's gorgeous floral adornments.   

The bright, festive paper choice is Doodle Bug Design  - Here Comes Santa Claus Collection.  Isn't it fun and cheery? 

First, let me tell you a little about the doll stamp I used.  This is from Prima and Julie Nuttings summer 2016 release  -Audrey die and matching Audrey stamp.  The die makes the whole process a breeze.  No more fussy cutting so you have perfection with each cut of the die.  
Tip:  In my opinion, it helps to stamp first, then use the die.   

The Petaloo Botanica Vintage Velvet Dogwood's are a perfect match for the papers.  It's really hard to match red and I am quite satisfied.   Tucked into the floral cluster  are Petaloo's Botanica Glittered Star Pick and some pine branch punches. 

In this photo, you can see the beautiful cursive greeting stamp.  This is from 

JustRite Papercrafts - Inside and Outside Christmas Sentiments Clear Stamp .  I paired it with the  - Hello Decorative Oval Frame Die  from Justrite. 

I love to add layers to my doll stamps to give the skirts the appearance of movement.  The Echo Park paper collection provided a perfect selection of small bold patterns that enhance the layers in the skirt. 

Thanks for stopping.  I hope your holiday season is filled with cheer.  

Products:
Prima Julie Nutting Doll Metal Die - Audrey - Metal Die -911607
Prima Julie Nutting Doll Stamp - Audrey - 911119
Petaloo Flowers - Botanica Glittered Star Pick - RS5012-502/4
Petaloo Botanica Vintage Velvet Dogwood in Red - 1145005
JustRite Papercrafts - Hello Decorative Oval Frame Die 
JustRite Papercrafts - Inside and Outside Christmas Sentiments Clear Stamp
Black Onyx ink
Stickles Glitter Glue - Seafoam
Doodle Bug Design - 6x6 paper  - Here Comes Santa Claus Collection 5408