Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge #511 - Make Your Mark

Back with another fun challenge on the Addicted to Stamps & More Blog! This time the theme is “Mark Your Mark” — and the idea is simple: pull out those inks, markers, watercolors, or any favorite coloring medium and make your mark! Whether you love bold Copic blends, soft watercolor washes, or vibrant ink smooshing, this challenge is all about getting inky and creative.

For my card, I went digging through some older stamp sets and rediscovered Cup of Friendship from Reverse Confetti. It’s definitely an oldie, but still such a sweet floral set — perfect for coloring.  I stamped the florals and pulled out my Copics — which, I’ll admit, have been seriously neglected lately. Some of them are even starting to feel a little dry (oops!). But once I got blending, it reminded me why I love them so much. There’s just something so satisfying about building depth with layered color and smooth shading.

To create a soft focal backdrop, I used the Nested Elongated Ovals layering dies from Pinkfresh Studios. I cut an oval from vellum and ran it through an embossing folder to add a bit of subtle texture. The embossed vellum gives just enough interest without competing with the colored florals. To frame everything, I used two of the dies to cut a frame from patterned paper. I love how the frame helps anchor the design and draw your eye straight to the bouquet.

For the sentiment, I chose the Kristina Werner's Written Words 2 Stamp and Die sets. The clean, modern font pairs beautifully with the soft florals and adds just the right finishing touch.

This card was such a good reminder to:

• Pull out those older stamp sets

• Use the supplies that have been sitting too long

• And most importantly — make your mark!

Now it’s your turn! What medium will you reach for — Copics, watercolors, distress inks, or something else entirely?

I can’t wait to see what you create for this challenge! Thanks for stopping by my blog.  

In kindness, Cathy

ATS&M Challenge #510 - Die Cuts or Stencils

 We are asking you to show off your die cuts or stencils for Challenge #510 

on the Addicted to Stamps & More Blog.   

Today’s card features the Papertrey Ink Into the Blooms – Fun Flowers dies, and I have to say—I absolutely love the shape of these blooms. One of my favorite things about this set is how easy it is to create completely different looks with just a bit of ink blending. Same dies, fresh results every time!

Truth be told, the flower centers can be a little fiddly. I did use one of the die-cut centers on the pink flower, but for the rest I grabbed my Copic markers and kept things simple. Sometimes crafty shortcuts are the best shortcuts 😉

To finish off the card, I added a Pinkfresh Studio bow die cut that was already sitting on my desktop (don’t you love when that happens?) and paired it with a sentiment from Taylored Expressions.

Now it’s your turn—break out those dies and stencils and join us! You’ll have two weeks to link up your card, and I can’t wait to see what you create.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. In kindness, Cathy

Dragonfly Dreams February Challenge - Fun Fold or Shaped Card

Welcome to February’s Challenge at the Dragonfly Dreams Blog!

This month’s theme is all about fun-folds or shaped cards, and I had so much fun creating my project.

For my card, I used a Z-fold design, adding patterned paper to the back panel for extra interest. The front features Altenew’s Blooming Branches suite of products. I glued three layers of the branch together to give it some lovely dimension and depth.

One of my favorite things about this fold is that the inside of the “Z” leaves plenty of room to write a message, making it perfect for this birthday card.

I hope you’ll join us for this month’s challenge—I can’t wait to see all the creative takes on this fun theme! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, and happy crafting!

In kindness, Cathy