Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge #513 - Birthday

Details take center stage in this Birthday Card–themed challenge over on the Addicted to Stamps & More blog. This card, for Challenge #513, is full of them, used in small, subtle ways to add texture and depth.

The stars of the card are Papertrey Ink’s Into the Blooms: Fun Flowers dies and the Vases 13 Mini Stamp set. I borrowed the flower dies from my SIL and die cut a whole bunch from white cardstock, then went back in with inks to add color and soft shading to each bloom.

The vase stamp was easy to fussy cut, and then came the fun part—assembling all of those pieces together. It took a bit of time, but the result is so pretty and full of dimension!

For the background, I used a script die to add detail to the scalloped frame behind the vase. I also inked up a Pinkfresh plate (originally meant for foiling) to create a softly colored background with the texture and feel of an embossing folder.

To finish it off, I added a few sequins and a sentiment before popping it in the mail to another SIL on the west coast. And guess what—it might have actually arrived on time for her March 1st birthday this year!

I hope you’ll join our newest ATS&M challenge. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

In kindness, Cathy

Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge #512 - Christmas

It’s time for Challenge #512 over on the Addicted to Stamps and More Blog, and this one is all about Christmas!  I hope you’ll take some crafty time to join us.

I created a 5x5 card for this one, and I absolutely love how the texture turned out!

The background was made using the Poinsettia and Pine 3D Embossing Folder from Taylored Expressions. To achieve this look, I inked up the raised side of the folder with aqua ink before running it through my die-cutting machine. This technique gives such beautiful depth and really makes the design pop.

Once embossed, I may have gone a little splatter happy! I added diluted white paint, a darker aqua ink, some water splatters, and finished it off with a touch of mica spray for subtle shimmer and dimension.

The focal image is a die cut from an oldie but goodie — Chilly the Gnome from Picket Fence Studios. He adds the perfect whimsical winter touch.

To finish the card, I added a die cut sentiment from Cathy Zielske’s collection at Simon Says Stamp, which ties everything together beautifully.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

In kindness, Cathy

Dragonfly Dreams Challenge Blog - March Theme: Butterflies

 The theme for March on the Dragonfly Dream Challenge Blog is Butterflies. I don't have many butterfly stamps in my collection, but luckily I remembered this Wings & Petals Ledger Background Stamp from Unity Stamps. I seriously need to pull this one out more often because I absolutely loved working with it!

I started by stamping the image onto white cardstock. Then I reached for my much-neglected Copics and had so much fun coloring in the flowers and butterflies. There’s something so relaxing about bringing a detailed background like this to life with color.

Next, I pulled out a stencil and lightly inked over the entire image with a soft, pale blue. This added just the right touch of texture without overwhelming the stamped design.

To finish things off, I inked around the edges with brown ink to give the card an aged look. I love how the brown blending softened the pale blue stenciling and gave it more of a gentle green tone. Such a happy accident!

I completed the card with a simple Happy Birthday sentiment to let the background really shine.

I hope you’ll find time to join us this month! I’m so excited to see all of the beautiful butterflies fluttering into the Dragonfly Dreams gallery. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

In kindness, Cathy