Thankful Critters

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the first in a series of thank you cards that a friend commissioned for the day care workers who look after her two boys.

The printed paper is DCWV Nana's Kids layered on Stampin' Up Close To Cocoa.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Marina Mist on Very Vanilla.  The ribbon and brad are of unknown origin.

I love these cute critters.  This paper is absolutely perfect for this series of cards.  I kept all the cards in this series very simple, quick and easy as I was rather pressed for time.  With paper this cute, you don't want to overdo it any way.

This is going to be a very weird series of posts.  As tomorrow, is July 1st, I'll be interrupting the posts for this series for my usual Christmas in July cards.  Look for more critters and a few robots and cars, starting August 1st.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monochromatic Sympathy

Hello everyone,

This is the last card that I crafted last weekend.  It uses up a couple more little bits I found in the scrap bin.

The printed paper is Momenta Patty Young Designs.  The images are Hero Arts French Writing With Butterfly stamped in Close To My Heart Juniper on a green of unknown origin.  The background image is Memory Box First Flight also stamped in Close To My Heart Juniper.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Basic Pearls.

Sometimes, when you've got a whole lot of little bits staring you in the face, go monochromatic, it seems the best way to get order out of the chaos.  I love the results in this particular case.  I could probably make hundreds of cards out of all the scraps.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Warm Thoughts of You

Hello everyone,

Today I've a really warm scrap card.

The printed papers are BasicGrey Ambrosia.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Close To My Heart Ruby on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Dollarama Glittering Stickers.

This card was crafted with all leftover pieces.  I knew there was a reason I kept all those little bits!  I just pulled out the Ambrosia envelop and pulled this layout together with the pieces that were already cut.  This of course can be a hit or miss prospect but in this case the card turned out beautifully.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Swallowtail Right

Hello everyone,

This is the right side of the Swallowtail image that I used on yesterday's card.

The printed papers are of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up Swallowtail stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim stamped in Recollections White and layered on more Recollections White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself also stamped in Outdoor Denim.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Strips.

I don't often layer white on white but with all the blue, this layering seemed to make sense to me.  I stamped the horizontal sentiment on the vertical again, because it seemed to make sense to me.  I love the results.  I'm definitely going to be doing another double card with this image.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Swallowtail Left

Hello everyone,

Another charity card today!  Kind of a two for one with tomorrow's post.

The image is Stampin' Up Swallowtail stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Recollections White and layered on a piece of navy of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself also stamped in Outdoor Denim.

I just love, love, love this Swallowtail stamp!  This card uses the left side of the image which, in its entirety, is actually too big for these smaller card bases.  It is such a striking image that I decided I didn't add any glitter or embellishments.  This is just perfect as is!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Blooming Blossoms

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another card I crafted on the weekend in aid of the charity card sale at work this Fall.

The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up Botanical Blooms stamped in Soft Suede and Close To My Heart Blush on Whisper White, highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen, and layered on a textured brown of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself also stamped in Soft Suede on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Basic Pearls.

I love this striped paper and I think this is my last scrap.  I've no idea where it comes from but I do remember that it was an 8x8 sheet.  It has a slight textured to it which adds some interest to this relatively simple card.  I used one of my favourite layouts that I just can't seem to get away from.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Botanical Thoughts

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses some beautiful scraps of botanical paper.

The printed papers are My Mind's Eye Vanity Fair.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

The two good sized pieces of scrap made crafting this card super quick and easy.  The top layer needed just a bit of careful cutting so I wouldn't lop off that beautiful butterfly.  My girlfriend had this ribbon in her stash and I forgot to get the brand name but I'm going to keep my eye out for it because it sure is pretty and just the right scale.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wonderful Wishes

Hello everyone,

Yesterday a few girlfriends got together for a day of cardmaking.  It was in aid of the charity card sale at the office this Fall and it was just a wonderful and creative day!  I only took my scrap bin with me so forewarned, some details will be hit or miss.

The printed papers are of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sassy Salutations stamped in Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf on Whisper White and layered on more printed paper of unknown origin.  The embellishments are Recollections Glitter Shapes and Crafts Rhinestone Strips.

The scrap bin is usually somewhat of a challenge however mine is currently quite full so I had plenty to choose from.  I was particularly interested in all the patterns of these two papers.  This is a pretty fun card with a nice bit of sparkle.  I thought it would be a great for young girl or teenager.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thankful Chevrons

Hello everyone,

My last masculine thank you card.

The printed papers are Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Thanks Words stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Paper Fundamentals.  The embellishments are Fabricland coloured with a red Sharpie.

I had stamped this sentiment last week as I'd thought to use it on another card but changed my mind.  This is one of my favourite thank you stamps.  I'd actually forgotten I had this printed paper so when I found it I though it was absolutely perfect for a masculine thank you card.  I didn't have enough square red embellishments so I coloured these squares and they turned out perfectly.  I love this pop of red on this black and white.  I actually think the red helps ground the eye against all the chevrons.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Circles of Thanks

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another masculine thank you card.

The printed paper is Scrap Within Reach Aldridge layered on Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Outdoor Denim on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Outdoor Denim.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Artisan Durables Studs.

This is another very simple thank you card.  Like yesterday's card, there is not too much fuss and muss here.  The metal studs, though with a textured rim, work well with the circles on the printed paper and add some masculinity to the design.  The printed paper has been a favourite for past masculine cards.  This layout is also one I've used many times.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Argyle Thanks

Hello everyone,

Except for one, all my commissioned cards are up-to-date so I'm going back to the list of cards for replenishing my stash.  The next few posts are masculine thank you cards.

The printed paper is Recollections Time Frame "Second Hand Argyle Dark" layered on Recollections red and textured Bazzill black.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Expressions stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Square Durables.

I just love this masculine thank you card!  It's pretty simple and the colours work really, really well.  Once I get into the mindset of a masculine card, a whole bunch will come together pretty easily.  I really think keeping the focus on clean and simple is the way to go.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Wonderful Day

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the second wedding card commissioned by a colleague for her mother to give to her brother.

The printed paper is TPC Studio Wedding Silhouette Tapestry Stripe layered on a brushed gold of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado stamped in Blackberry Bliss on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Want 2 Scrap LeCreme Say It With Pearls.

The challenge with this card was to make is different enough from yesterday's card but still coordinate it with the wedding invitation.  Using the printed paper and the Blackberry Bliss was key, as was making a horizontal as opposed to a vertical card.  This seems much more formal than yesterday's card and I think it is because of the colour and the printed paper.  Still beautiful and my colleague loved it as much as yesterday's card.  I hope her mother does as well.

I have to add, I'm loving Blackberry Bliss and all the other new in-colours!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Special Day

Hello everyone,

The next couple of cards were commissioned by a colleague whose brother is getting married.  One is for her and tomorrow's card is for her mother.

The paper is Stampin' Up Rich Razzleberry and Very Vanilla, and a brushed gold of unknown origin.  The Very Vanilla layer was textured with Sizzix Damask texture plate.  The sentiment is Stampendous Special Messages stamped in Rich Razzleberry on Very Vanilla and layered on more Rich Razzleberry.  The embellishments are Want 2 Scrap White Say It With Pearls.  The ribbon is Offray.

When my colleague asked me to craft these cards, she loaned me the wedding invitation which I used for inspiration by way of colour and texture.  I actually love the simplicity of this card even though it still seems very formal.  She was so pleased with the results.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Second Take

Hello everyone,

My husband is completely preoccupied with the World Cup of Soccer.  He is rooting for the German team and his Father's Day followed that theme.

The image is Stampin' Up Happy Watercolor stamped in Versafine Onyx Black, Stampin' Up Real Red and Daffodil Delight on Whisper White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Delightful Dozen stamped in Versafine Onyx Black. The image/sentiment is layered on Bazzill Yellow, a red of unknown origin, and Basic Black.  The embellishments are of unknown origin.

I wanted to replicate the German flag on this card to go with his gifts.  I think it works.  I had to place the colours carefully so I didn't have to stamp the sentiment on the black splotch.  I'm really pleased with this card and my husband loved it!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Two Takes

Hello everyone,

I've two rather interesting takes on one card.  Today's card was commissioned by a colleague who was looking for a special thank you card.  Tomorrow's card was my husband's father's day card.

The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The sentiment element is layered on Yellow Bazzill, a red of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The embellishments are from Fabricland.

My colleague recently stayed with friends while travelling in Germany and want to send a special thank you card.  This should work perfectly!  I knew I wanted to craft a card with a bit of a German theme and this certainly fits the bill.  I hope my colleague, and her friends, like it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Forest Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a card that one of my colleagues commissioned for her brother.

The printed paper is Cloud 9 Design layered on Stampin' Up Crumb Cake.  The images are Stampin' Up Lovely As A Tree stamped in Mossy Meadow, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Close To My Heart Slate.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Card Word Puzzle stamped in Mossy Meadow.  The brads are of unknown origin.

My colleagues brother had an affinity for the outdoors so I think this card will be perfect for him.  I had an idea in my head for the image and though I played with it for a while, thanks to my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I'm not completely satisfied.  I think I should have used multiple ink colours on the stamp before using it as it would have added the depth I was looking for.  Notwithstanding, I'm still pretty pleased with the results.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Birthday Wishes

Hello everyone,

My brother's birthday is next week and this is the card I crafted for him.

The printed papers are Close To My Heart Good Times.  The image and sentiment are Annabelle Stamps Hold A Candle stamped in Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip and Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf on Recollections White.  Golden Rod and Turquoise Stickles were added to the image.

I picked up this printed paper a long time ago and I've only a few sheets left.  I love using it for masculine birthday cards.  In my obsession with Pinterest, I've found there is a trend going around to place horizontal sentiments on the vertical and I quite like it.  The contrast with all the horizontal words on the printed paper is interesting.  I hesitated to add the glitter to the candle image for a masculine card but my brother can handle it!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Roses and Wishes

Hello everyone,

This is the latest card I've crafted for the Fall charity card sale.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket Art Angel.  The image is Stampin' Up Stippled Blossoms stamped in Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, River Rock and Crumb Cake on Very Vanilla and layered on more Very Vanilla.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Early Espresso and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishment is Martha Stewart Heirloom Metal Bird.

I crafted these latest cards at a friend's one afternoon.  We were having a mini crop.  I didn't want to bring a ton of different supplies so I just used one pad of printed paper, a series of coordinating ink pads, a couple of different stamp sets, an assortment of embellishments and one brand of sentiments.  It really was a great to way to make a number of different cards without hauling a ton of stuff.  I just may have to see how creative I can get with a single envelop of scraps.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Get Well Flowers

Hello everyone,

Another quick and easy card.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket Art Angel.  The image is Stampin' Up Greenhouse Garden stamped in River Rock and Cajun Craze on Very Vanilla. The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

This is a stamp set that I picked up at a girlfriend's garage sale.  It is a two step stamp which I'm completely in love with at the moment.  I'm not terribly fussy on the colours I choose for these latest cards but they do coordinate well with the printed paper.  Very, very neutral.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Birthday Blooms

Hello everyone,

Even though I have a list of cards I've been commissioned to craft as well as a card stash that needs replenishing, I've decided to work on a few cards for the Fall charity sale at work.

The printed paper is Cosmos Cricket Art Angel.  The image is Stampin' Up Greenhouse Garden stamped in Cajun Craze and Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

Whenever I craft cards for the charity sale I try to keep them simple.  We don't get paid for supplies as everything is donated to the charity, so I see this as an opportunity to use up some scraps, try new stamps and play with techniques.  It is a fun challenge to see what can be crafted with economy in mind.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Purple Butterflies

Hello everyone,

One of my best friends shares a birthday with my daughter.  She got an equally special birthday card.

The printed paper is Kaisercraft "Magic Happens" Spirit layered on Bazzill purple and a silver of unknown origin.  The images are Hero Arts Butterflies stamped in Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant ink, heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl embossing powder and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Elegant Eggplant.  The ribbon is Sheer Creations.  The embellishments are Platinum Liquid Pearls.

I've been hoarding this paper forever, using little bits at a time.  This is one particular corner that was perfect for adding stamped and embossed images.  I probably could have used more elaborate butterflies to go with the flourishes but I was really intent on adding some Sakura sparkle and these were the best images for it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Birthday Bears

Hello everyone,

My darling daughter recently celebrated her 17th birthday.  She has always had a thing for panda bears so I often come across panda stamps I just can't resist.

The printed paper is Graphic 45 Bird Song Collection "Enlightenment" layered on Recollections Vanilla and Bazzill purple.  The image is Stamp Oasis stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on more Vanilla and layered on more Bazzill.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday also stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Vanilla.  The embellishments are Gold Liquid Pearls.

These pandas are just too darn cute!  I picked up this oriental inspired paper last year because I just loved the striking colours and thought the design was wonderfully different.  My daughter thought I was nuts.  She loved the card so I think she finally understood the appeal of these paper lanterns.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty Pastel Petals

Hello everyone,

I was playing with my pastel chalks and came up with this beauty.

The printed paper is Docrafts Papermania Lucy Cromwell layered on Stampin' Up Perfect Plum.  The image is Stampin' Up Embrace Life stamped in Smoky Slate on Whisper White and coloured with pastel chalks and a blender pen.  The ribbon is Micheal's Sheer Creations layered on a strip of Perfect Plum.  The sentiment is Verve Celebrations of Thanks stamped in Smoky Slate on Whisper White.

I picked up this paper pad eons ago because I just loved it but for some reason, I've not used it as much as I'd have liked.  The chalks and blender pen technique is one that I found on Pinterest and thought it worth a try.  It worked pretty well and I'm very pleased with the results.  I think the chalks are probably really hard on the pens though so I'd keep that in mind.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Birthday Poppies

Hello everyone,

This is another card for my stash.  I didn't really need another female birthday card but there was something about these poppies I just couldn't resist.

The printed papers are Stampin' Up Paisley Petals and Close To My Heart Paper Fundamentals.  The image is Rubbernecker Watercolor Poppies stamped in Close To My Heart Slate and Tombow markers on Recollections White and layered on Bravo Burgundy and Whisper White.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Joyful Birthday.  The ribbon is Darice hemp.

I've been quite impressed with the Rubbernecker stamps that I found.  They have quite a few two step stamps that I'm into at the moment.  I think I could have use softer colours but overall, it's just fine.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Natural Thank You

Hello everyone,

I'm back to working on my stash cards.

The printed paper is Close To My Heart Olivia layered on Sweet Leaf.  The image and sentiment is Stampin' Up Faith In Nature stamped in Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf and Stampin' Up Dusty Durango on Very Vanilla and layered on more Sweet Leaf.  The sentiment is The ribbon is Michael's Special Value.

This is one of my favourite Stampin' Up sets even though I don't seem to use it as often as I'd like to.  I think it works really well with the Olivia paper.  I also like how the little bits of deep orange from the sentiment, the ribbon and the printed paper just pop.  Overall, a really easily crafted card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle