Farmyard Favorites for Father's Day!

  Father's Day is coming, and the Virtual Stamp Night Mini Sneak Peek was held just a few days ago.  The first one wants your card theme to be farm animals...like in Old MacDonald's farm.  I'm thinking someway I will build a Father's Day card out of this challenge.

My son-in-law is such a good Dad!  His daughter, and my middle granddaughter, was three this past March.  From the time she was three months old, he has taken her to oodles of animal places and events...zoos, summer fairs, petting zoos, etc. You name it, if it's within 50-miles of their location (even on vacation), he will find an animal place to take Sienna.  As a result, she just loves animals, has no fear, and you can see why. Her first favorite was a cow, and one of her first words was moo-moo! 

I'm a lover of "simple" vintage cards (those without too much frou-frou), and for some reason, I've not made many vintage cards in the last few years. I went to my stash, because I remember a vintage cow image that I almost made into a card a few years ago.  I had to scrap the idea at the last minute, because I forgot to take the image and any papers with me to a retreat where I planned to make the card! I had even mounted it on homemade script paper that I made prior to leaving that talks about medieval farming as I needed a computer and printer to do so. Using it now, was just a matter of deciding the layout, design, and papers!  I actually copied my design layout that I used on the replacement card. Take a peek at my finished card below with its vintage slant!

(NOTE: The ribbon peeking out the right side is attached to the gift card holder.  It's a blue ribbon seal for a First Place Dad!)

Ingredients: Stampin' Up: Cardstocks--Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, And Very Vanilla. Patterned DSP--2012-2013 DSP Stack--Wild Wasabi Stripe. Inks--Soft Suede, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip.  Other: Patterned Paper--Medieval English Farming Script (homemade/ink distressed). Vintage Farmyard print (stash). Gems--Robin's Nest DewDrops-Golden. Technique--Short Front Flap Card. Chatterbox computer verse. 4-3/4" x 6."

Let's Party with Dinosaurs!

My oldest son is newly engaged, and they intend to tie the knot in June 2023 if everything goes according to plan.  Through this union, I have acquired what would be a great granddaughter.  She will be  three years old on her birthday in a few weeks...the same age range as are my three natural granddaughters, which is 2-1/2 to 5 years.  Her Mom and grandmother (who is my son's fiancé) planned a dinosaur-themed birthday party.  So, needless to say, I needed a birthday card and wanted to try my hand at the dinosaur theme.

I found a darling little cartoon line-art baby dinosaur, who had just hatched from his uniquely designed egg.  I thought this would be a good place to start.  Next, I found some pink, white, and green digital dinosaur  paper to add to the plan.  My next task was to search out some Splitcoaststamper challenges to fit this card into my "challenge catch-up" goal.  With all these thoughts in mind, I came with up my card design, which started with the Standing Pop-Up card fold technique. 

 

The face of Amara's card got so heavy, the card wouldn't stand up, so I invented a little paper fold "hinge" to insert into the hollow box-like rectangular front platform that allows the card to fold down flat to insert it into an envelope for mailing and also to pop-up and open to allow the card to stand on a flat surface.(1)  My "hinge" isn't a terribly difficult addition if you can do it before you form the box and while the cardbase is still flat, but it becomes much more tedious  to insert the "hinge" with the attachment flat covered in glue after the box is formed! 

With all that was said above, take a look below at Amara's finished baby dinosaur Standing Pop-Up card when finished.  I think she will love it, as well as Mommy and her grandmother!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Papers--Garden Green, Basic White cardstocks, Subtles & Brights Patterned DSP Stacks (Garden Green + Wild Washi--pattern years unknown);  Stamps/Dies--Dino Days(4), Little Letters Framelit dies; Cloudy Day EF--retired(5); Ink--Smoky Slate, Garden Green; Other: White Metallic Shimmer cs (Amazon), Digital paper(2): Cute Baby Dinosaur Dinosaurs s & Confetti Rain-Pink(2) (source unknown--computer stash); Dies--Spellbinders Grand Labels Eleven (retired); Lawn Fawn Grassy Hillsides; Copic Markers; Fussy-cutting; Verse--Chatterbox design(6); Card Size--4-3/4" x 6".

Construction Notes:  1)See "hinge" note for Standing Pop-up fold in dialogue above.  2)Digital papers printed on Amazon White Metallic Shimmer cardstock .  3) Confetti Rain-Pink die-cut letters Copic colored to change to a Rose color.  4)Palm trees from Dino Days stamp/dies; leaves die-cut from SU DSP Patterned Stacks listed & then overstamped with palm stamp.  5)Embossed Clouds: inked raised or positive side of folder to give clouds a gray outline for a typical northwest cloudy day.  Added additional very light brushed ink blending to add more grey to background and edges as well.  6 )Inside "verse" with computer = Chatterbox design (that's me);

Being A Dad is Whiskey Business

 I went to a card party a few months ago, and my Stampin' Up demonstrator duo (Daralee Peterson and Luci Kirschbaum) had a card design using the new "Whiskey Business" stamp set.  I loved their card design idea, but decided to enlarge it and tweak it here and there to make it more mine.  

I gave it a new, enlarged and ink-distressed white card base, a new, ink-distressed punch size panel to host my changed sentiment, re-positioned brads, plus a pale blue decanter, glass, and ice shaded with Copic Markers.  I also used Copics to color my whiskey and highball drink, getting better shading, blending, and highlights than could be achieved with the water-base markers provided.  My finished card, inside and out, can be seen below:

Ingredients: Stampin' Up: Cardstock--Basic White, Early Espresso. Patterned dsp--In Good Taste (retired). Stamp--Whiskey Business. Dies--Stitched Recentangles. Inks--Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze; Memento--Tuxedo Black; Versamark. Punch--Lovely Labels (sentiment label). Embossing Powder--White. Round Brads (colored with Cajun Craze Dark Blender). Other--Copic markers. Brilliance Gingerbread ink (edge distressing). Chatterbox verse. Size: 4-5/8" x 5-7/8".

My Mother is Celebrated & Loved!

It is already May, and I really need to get my Mom's Mothers' Day card made, compose my inside verse, finish the inside card design, and get it into the mail ASAP in order for it to arrive on time.  After reviewing various Splitcoaststamper challenge possibilities, I decided to finish one of my card class designs (original by Luci Kirschbaum) that I remembered was lurking in my “To Do Stash,” but there were some changes I wanted to make that occurred to me while in class. I wanted to jazz it up a bit and make it more me by adding layers, making it larger, and change the sentiment and its presentation.

I added layers below the card front with a Poppy Parade cardbase and a White Iridescent Glimmer layer.  I changed the label shape and sentiment theme from a simple fishtail flag to the Lovely Labels punch design, and I made my new sentiment Mothers' Day wording using two computer fonts I really liked. I have to say, I really like all my changes. 

I composed an inside verse using the computer and added a two-layer corner punch design to the four corners of the verse cardstock. I coordinated these punch corners with the card front's beautiful tulip dsp and the iridescent glitter paper. I'm just sure Mom will love her card......take a peek below:

Ingredients: Stampin' Up: Paper--Poppy Parade cs, Petal Pink cs, Flowering Fields dsp (2 patterns); Punch: Lovely Labels; Ribbon--3/8" White Taffeta; Gems--Opal Rounds. Other: Recollections White Iridescent Glitter paper; EK Punch--Victorian Corner; Chatterbox Creations sentiment/ verse. Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

Easter's Symbol of Salvation!

Moving on to my second Easter card that I found in my "TO DO" box: a previously finished card from a 2018 class card. When I got home from class, I separated the layers with my trusty spatula (OLD Cricut spatula), because I knew I wanted to elaborate on the card when I had time and I didn't want the glue tape to set. The pieces ended up stashed in my "Need to Finish...TO DO Stash" box and promptly forgotten! The original card's design credit goes to Dar Peterson, one of my two SU demonstrator duos.

      

I got out all the pieces and my photo of the original to see if I could remember what I wanted to do different. My changes do not really change the original design look too much, but adds a bit more sparkle and elegance, I think, with more Gold Foil added. I enlarged the card to a 4-3/4" x 6" card from an A2 by making a larger new white card base, adjusting the Blackberry Bliss larger (I used the original for an inside card layer), and cut and inserted a Gold Foil layer before adding the top white embossed card front layer. I also added a Gold Foil scalloped oval below the multi-color stitched dsp layer.

I was really please with the foil additions as it dressed up this lovely card even a bit more by adding more eye-catching metallic sparkle that coordinates with the gold filigree cross.  Now, here's the rub!  I forgot to take a photo of my remodel before popping it in the post for mailing! 

All I got to say is...woe is me, sigh! I bid you to use your imagination to envision how those changes looked as this is a photo of the original design! Take a peek below at it and my inside design and stamped verse:

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up: Cardstock--Blackberry Bliss, Basic White, Gold Foil. Pattern--Painted with Love Specialty dsp (2018 Occasions).  Stamps--You're Inspiring (sentiment); Easter Promise (inside verse). Dies--Cross of Hope Framelits (2018 Occasions/ 2018-19 AC); Stitched Shapes Dies (oval). Petal Burst EF (2018 AC). Other: Brilliance Chalk ink--Gingerbread. Ribbon scrap.

Little Lamb is Coming for Easter!

Easter is coming, and its time to get busy to allow for mailing.  I checked my "Need to Finish...TO DO Stash" to see if any Easter cards lurked that needed finishing.  I found a lamb image already colored and some paper pieces for possible finishing, but I wanted my card a bit bigger than the original card, so I decided to remodel the original design by Liz Thayer.

I kept the cardbase and first layer the same colors but changed the card face from a vanilla to a very soft yellow that I found in my 12x12-inch paper stash.  It was probably one I picked up from either Joanns or Michaels years ago.  There was a little Mint Macaron banner pre-cut, but I decided I wanted it longer.  I wanted to add some ribbon, and found a pretty Offray pink with white dots sheer ribbon that I thought would go nicely.

Take a look below at the finished card inside and out.  That little lamb is just darn cute!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up:  Cardstock--Blushing Bride, Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake. Stamp--Easter Lamb for Baby (2016 Occasions).  Dies--Layering Ovals. Ink--Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Memento Tuxedo Black. Banner Triple punch. Enamel Dot--It's My Party. Other--Soft Yellow Cardstock (stash, Dot paper (stash), Copic markers, Sergeant Colored Pencils, Offray pink-dot sheer ribbon, Uniball Signo White gel pen.

A Colorful Unicorn & Rainbow Birthday!

My last granddaughter, who was five just two days after the three-year old, needed a birthday card as well.  As I said for the three-year old birthday card, all three of my granddaughter's love unicorns!  Not to disappoint any of my granddaughters, this Grandma needed to make a unicorn pop-up box for Callie as well!  Callie's favorite color is purple, so a purple rainbow unicorn card was an absolute MUST!  Finding purple rainbow paper was a challenge, but I finally found one stashed in my computer digital paper downloads, and I was ready to get it done!

Since this was my third rainbow unicorn card, and I did not need to create a new design, this card went together very fast.  I know that Callie will be delighted with her card, especially since both girls will be celebrating their birthdays together.   Take a peek below at my third rainbow unicorn pop-up box card:

Ingredients: Stampin' Up products: Papers--Tempting Turquoise, Gorgeous Grape, Basic White cs; White Glimmer (unicorn). Punches--2-1/2" Circle, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle, 2" Circle. Other: Papers--Dandelionery (Etsy)-Watercolor Unicorns Digital Paper Pack #081 (background color depth enhanced) + April 2021 Paper Pumpkin "So Cool" sun sticker (color enhanced). Dies--Cottage Cutz/ Sweet Unicorns; Savvy happy birthday die; Lawn Fawn--Grassy Hillside Borders, Party Balloons. Rainbow Duct Tape; Copic marker (color sun); Impress Cards & Crafts: fine white glitter. Glimmer scraps (unicorn, carrot, sentiment). Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

A 3-Year Old Birthday & Strawberry Rainbow Unicorns

My middle granddaughter was three in early March, and I needed another child's birthday card.  Since all three of my granddaughters are into unicorns, I decided to use the Pop-Up Box card design for her and follow the unicorn theme as well, but with different papers. I've used pink strawberry rainbows because pink is Sienna's favorite color! She gets three balloons for being 3-years old and lots of pink!

Take a peek at the three different angles of the card and the trip of card angles together.  I think little Miss Sienna will LOVE her card! 

Ingredients: Stampin' Up products: Papers--Berry Burst, Pink Pirouette, Lost Lagoon, Basic White cs; White Glimmer (unicorn). Dies--Brilliant Rainbow (clouds); Punches--2-3/8" Scallop Circle, 2" Circle, 1-1/2" Circle. Paper Pumpkin April 2021--"So Cool" sun sticker. Other: Papers--Dandelionery (Etsy)-Strawberry Rainbows #258 Digital Paper. Dies--Cottage Cutz/ Sweet Unicorns; Savvy happy birthday die; Lawn Fawn--Grassy Hillside Borders, Party Balloons. Rainbow Duct Tape; Copic marker (color sun); Impress Cards & Crafts: fine white glitter. Glimmer scraps (unicorn, carrot, sentiment). Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

So Cool...It's Your Birthday!

 It's birthday time again for another crafter, and I needed to finish a past due challenge.  Ideas had been mulling around in my head of how to meet the challenge requirements of using lots of color, yet making a fun birthday card as well.  I also wanted to throw in as many other new or make-up challenges as I could.

I also had some Paper Pumpkin kits that I had not even opened the packages, much less given them any thought to doing something with them.  I decided this would be where I started by looking for one that used a lot of color.  I found that the "So Cool" April 2021 would probably work really well. Then, true to my usual mode, I did not want to make one of the kit designs, so I needed to keep that in mind as I search for challenge ideas. 

I did a bit of modifying of the kit pieces I used to make my card.  The envelopes were lined with the striped design.  I cut one open and used it for my striped pattern paper.  I took one of the popsicle stickers and made it into a jpeg image and printed it on the White Metallic paper to give it a sheen...so pretty in RIL!  I took the sentiment stamp You Are So Cool and careful cut it in half for my So Cool sentiment.  Take a peek below at my "So Cool" alternative birthday design, plus my inside design and Chatterbox verse:

Ingredients: SU cs: Coastal Cabana; White Metallic Shimmer cs (Amazon); SU Paper Pumpkin April 2021--So Cool stripe paper (envelope inside design), Popsicle sticker (size modified), "So Cool" sentiment (modified); SU Ink: Melon Mambo (splattering), Bermuda Bay (sentiment), Burnt Brown Sugar (ink-edge distressing; Reverse Confetti die: Cuttlebug EF: Happy Birthday; Recollections: Aqua Pearls; Chatterbox verse; Size: 4-3/4 x 6-inches.

Bringing Comfort in Loss

One of my Splitcoaststamper friends recently lost her mother, and I wanted to send her a sympathy card in the hope of bringing her comfort, knowing that her friends are thinking about her and sending lots of prayers.

I had a challenge I needed to complete that required a clean and simple style card, using only a small percentage of the front card surface.  Now, this is really a challenge for me since clean and simple is definitely not my style, though I often like cards others have done that have this style.  I would certainly agree that this style lends itself well to sympathy cards; therefore, I thought I'd give it a go.

I'm actually pretty happy with my finished card, and I hope my friend will find it brings that comfort and peace I'm hoping for her.  I do have to admit, I just had to add a very petite mat layer border provided by the card base and in a color pulled from the ink-blended, masked circle behind the bird. Take a peek at the finished card below, both inside and out:

Ingredients:  SU Melon Mambo cs, White Metallic Shimmer cs (Amazon). SU stamps: Best Bird (2016-2018). SU dies: Flourish Thinlits (2016-2018/ trimmed). SU Inks: Daffodil Yellow, Calypso Coral, Melon Mambo. Melon Mambo flicked splatters. SU punch: Curvy Corner Trio (2015-2017inside). SU sequins: Iridescent Assortment. SU: Blending Brushes. Wink of Stella/ Clear. Chatterbox sentiment/ verse. Size: 4-1/2 x 6 inches.

Welcome to the World, Evie!

 I recently order and received SU's Sunshine & Rainbows dsp pack. I LOVE this paper, and it immediately gave me a jump-start to make a long overdue "Welcome to the World" card for my third granddaughter, Evie, who was born in November 2019.  Her birth started a four-month long whirlwind of events that kept me away from crafting.  It started with her early arrival by C-section and a 10-day NICU stay; next, my sister's cancer surgery and needed care; then a four-generation, long-planned vacation; and finally COVID!  With the start of Covid, I entered a year-long cardmaking slump...I call it the great Covid card-block! 

 
Long story short, I just made good on my promise to make Evie's welcome to the world card with a unicorn theme.  Unicorns were an absolute must for its theme!  Evie had an IV line in the NICU unit, but because her veins were too small, it was attached through a vein in her head. It stuck up with a gauze prop that made it look very much like a unicorn horn. Ever since, she has been known as our little unicorn baby. This mythical creature has very much made its presence known in room decorations, clothing, bedding, toys, etc. So, naturally, her welcome to the world needed to have a unicorn theme!

I'd been wanting to try a Card-in-a-Box for several years. For some reason this rainbow paper and my unicorn idea just shouted out Card-in-a-Box and with the help of my Splitcoaststamper challenge research, it solidified into this card below, which I'm sure Evie will enjoy and Mom will put it into her Grandma keepsake box for future enjoyment:

Ingredients:  SU Papers: Cardstock--Island Indigo, Tempting Turquoise, Basic White, White Glimmer (unicorn). SU Patterned Dsp--Rainbows & Sunshine (rainbows, clouds; 2022 SAB). SU stamp: Welcome Easter (sentiment). Cottage Cutz die: Sweet Unicorns, Expressions--Baby/ Girl. Lawn Fawn die: Grassy Hillside Borders. SU dies--Brilliant Rainbow (clouds). Punches: 2-3/8" Circle, 2" Circle, 1-1/2" Circle. SU Ink: Island Indigo. SU Embossing Powder: Clear. ClipArt: Dandelionery (Etsy)--#182-Unicorn Rainbow (rainbow--Copic re-color). Paper Pumpkin "So Cool" sun sticker (Copic re-color). Acrylic Window strips (stand-up strips for pop-ups). Copic markers. Rainbow Duct Tape. Glimmer scraps. Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

It's the BIG 50!

During March, we have several birthdays to celebrate.  One of special significance is to mark my oldest son's half-century birthday...the BIG FIVE-O!  Yes, his 50th birthday.  His fiancé, oldest sister, and I got together to make a day-long adventure out of preparing for the BIG party.  We shopped for many, many balloons...rubber ones in black, metallic gold, white, and clear confetti and Mylar ones in black & brightly colored splatters with CELEBRATE and candles featured, gold 5-0 numbers, plus metallic stars in black, gold, and white!  We bought party supplies for the cake and eating, and LOTS of food.  On the menu was BBQ'd pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, homemade baked beans, pasta salad, and beverages!  It was a wonderful day full of fun and laughter and the weather even cooperated with a sunny, balmy 53 degrees.  We were able to play outside with a little help from two patio heaters and some warm sweaters!

To help celebrate this noteworthy halfway mark, I needed a card.  I have long contemplated a woodgrain card using some SU companion papers that I bought back in 2017, Wood Textures. Somehow, I just have never got around to opening the package and making the wonderful masculine patterns into a card. This was the time and the event to make good on this card idea that has been lurking in the recesses of my mind for over five years!  Take a peek below at the completed results both inside and out.  I think David will be thrilled with its final outcome!

Ingredients-- Papers: Cardstock--SU-Basic Black, Copper Foil. Kraft-paper bag recycled. Patterned Paper--SU-Wood Textures (2017-2019). SU Stamps--Picture Perfect Birthday. SU Dies--Seasonal Layers (Scrap stash copper leaves--smaller modified from larger). SU-Embossing Powder/ Black. Colorbox-Chestnut Roan (Ink Distress-Edges). Fold--Front Flap Overlay Fold.  Size--4-3/4 x 6-inches.

A Shower of Wishes for Your Birthday!

 I needed another February birthday card for a cardmaking friend. In looking over my Splitcoaststamper Challenge Catch-up List, I decided I needed to make a card that had something to do with rain showers and umbrellas.  I pulled out an old but never used die by Elizabeth Craft Designs, Rainy Day, and I began to create my design with this umbrella in mind.  

I thought it would be fun to dress up my umbrella card front by using the Basket Weave edging technique.  It is a technique that looks difficult and classy when complete, but is actually quite easy to do.  I've used it on five or six cards in the past, but the last time was way back in 2018!  It's definitely time to dust it off and use it again!

I've finished my card with my design evolving as I sorted through and chose multiple SCS challenges to include.  I think my cardmaking buddy will enjoy her birthday card!  Take a peek below:

Ingredients:  SU Cardstock--Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, Basic White. Elizabeth Craft die--Rainy Day. SU Embossing Folder--Perfect Polka Dots (retired). EK Punch--Victorian Corners. K&Co. Butterfly Stickers. SU Rhinestones. SU Glitter--Dazzling Diamonds. Stash--1/4" satin ribbon (Copic colored-R14). SU sequins--Iridescent Sequins-Asst. Wink of Stella/Clear (umbrella & inside corners). Technique--Basket Weave (aka Braided Edge; aka Lattice Edge). Chatterbox sentiment/verse. Size--4-3/4" x 6".

Oops! Things Got Missed!

I missed several friends' birthdays in January, but at this late date, I decided it was better to send Thinking of You cards rather than belated birthday cards! For my first card, I found the end of my crocheted flower stash. My Mom made these crocheted flowers back about 10 years ago when they were all the rage in cardmaking! I thought I'd finally use my last flower for this card...sort of a little present for the recipient! I've also asked Mom to make me more, as they seem to be coming back in style!

To find my final card design, I followed my normal pattern of checking the Splitcoaststamper website for challenges that I could give me some prompts for my design.  For instances, to use two challenges, I needed a wobbler, so I inserted this into my inside verse.  The challenges I will be using range from current ones to some really old ones. Most of the time when I'm making a card, I am usually having fun fulfilling my Challenge Catch-up goal that I've set for myself!  

Here was a happy surprise! While doing my challenge search, I found my planned card recipient was featured on a specific challenge that was to have a "Thinking of You" theme! It was a stroke of serendipity, for sure! Thus, this card will now fulfill two events for my friend! One for the challenge, and one for her belated birthday acknowledgement in the form of my planned "thinking of you" card! Take a look at the finished card inside and out. I'm thinking she will be quite happy with it, as I am with the finished results!

Ingredients: SU Cardstock--Basic Black, White Glimmer (retired). Patterned DSP--Fancy Pants Designs/ Country Boutique. Reverse Confetti stamp--Beautiful Banners. SU stamp--Butterfly Gala (mini butterfly-inside). Spellbinders Dies--Grand Labels LG (inside). SU punch--Butterfly Duet. SU Embossing Folder (by Sizzix)--Tufted Dynamic. Washi Stash--3 B&W patterns. Ribbon Stash--3/4" Black Sheer-White Stitch. Recollections Detail--White embossing powder. JoycieB--Crochet Flower. Stash--Black Rhinestone Gem. Sentiment Flag--Hand-cut. Chatterbox-1 verse. Size--4-3/4" x 6". 

February Birthday Happiness!

 I have another friend and cardmaking buddy whose birthday is in mid-February, so yet another birthday card is needed.  I was in the mood for flowers, so I thought I'd look for a Splitcoaststamper Inspiration Challenge to get me started.

While in my E - F stamp set boxes back in January, I ran across a wonderful flower stamp set, Field Flowers, that I had used for its flourish in the past but not the flower.  I pulled it just in case I found that I could use it in the near future and here was my chance.  After finding the SCS Inspiration Challenge, I was delighted to know that this stamp set would work, but I would be able to add other challenges if I added butterflies and glitter as well.  Take a look at the finished card inside and out below:

Ingredients: SU Cardstock--Sahara Sand; Retired: Always Artichoke, Lucky Limeaide, Tempting Turquoise. Stamps (retired)--Field Flowers, Elements of Style. Dies--Sizzlits Embosslit/ Beautiful Wings. Inks--Sahara Sand (over-the-edge stamping/ distressing), Old Olive (distress L. Limeaide cs), Early Espresso (distress T. Turquoise).  SU White Embossing Powder.  SU Dazzling Diamonds glitter. 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon--Gumball Green. Punch (retired)--Scallop Trim Border.