Little Things

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly is the hostess and sent each of us a sweet floral image from Crafty Meraki called Little Things.  She included one image that was die cut, which is the one I picked.  I also have two additional images on panels to use for future cards.   For July this is card #131 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 strong years!  

I colored the pretty floral image with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I then picked a Brass & Bliss Diamond with Holes Coverplate for my background and die cut three panels to layer. I picked a sentiment from my stash and added some pink pearls around the image to complete my carf  I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!  

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of cute cards!  I am up for our August challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Crafty Meraki Little Things stamp and die set/Sentiment from my stash

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut #100 Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Brass & Bliss Diamond with Holes Cover Plate; Pink Pearls

Wrapped Bouquet

 

Today is the day I post a card for our challenge called Unused No More!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 6th with a group of friends from my No Foolin' Retreat.  Some may post on their blog and I will note those with blogs at the end of this post.  And, some might post on other social media.  Those that participate each month will send a picture in the text thread we have between us, showing our creation.  The premise is to use a stamp set, stencil die, hot foil plate or press plate that is new and has never been used.  So--Unused No More!  

My plan is to pick a different company each month to highlight and maybe even a different product than the month before.  For July, I picked a Technique Tuesday Floral Stamp and Die Set that I have not used called Wrapped Bouquet.  I have a number of their small floral sets and picked this sweet one for July.  

For this card, I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut the bouquet with the matching die.  I was watching a Gina K Designs video while I was creating this card and decided to use a "grounding" technique she was demonstrating.  I die cut a panel and the backer with Gina's Master Layouts 2 die.  I then used a Hero Arts stencil called Circular Grid and ink blended with Taylored Expressions Oyster ink lightly in the middle of the panel.  I added a vellum circle die cut from a Gina Marie Stitched Circle die and added the bouquet over the top. I also went with an Oyster card base instead of a traditional white, also suggested by Gina in the video.  I picked a sentiment from my stash and added some Studio Katia Stormcloud Pearls around the image.

 

I am not sure who will post each month on their blog, but this is a list of the other ladies who do have blogs.  Links to the blogs of Jeanette, Carol, Terry, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on August 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Technique Tuesday Wrapped Bouquet Stamp Set and Die Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Vellum; Taylored Expressions Oreo, Oyster

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Oyster

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Hero Arts Circular Grid Stencil; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die; Copic Sketch Markers; Studio Katia Stormcloud Pearls; 

Postal Collage Coastal

 

These cards are from a very recent virtual event sponsored by Firefly Farm called S'Mores Edition of the Creative Crates. These 2 cards are from the Waffle Flower class taught by Lea Lawson.  

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class used a newer Postage Collage stamp set from Waffle Flower and it was so fun to use!   The stencil set we used is called Coastal and we also received some printed words.  We also got the Just a Note die and backer.  We also received all components to make 3 cards. But, somehow I got some water on the first card I made and I had to toss it.  So, here are the two remaining.  We did some a lot of ink blending with the fun postage stencil. 

 

That was my last class from the event. On to another!

Image/Sentiment:  Waffle Flower Postage Collage Coastal Stencil/Just a Note Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  All provided in the kit 

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes Various Colors

Accessories:  None

Silver Sunflower

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our One Plus Twelve challenge in 2025.  This is year number 7.  For this challenge, we are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  For this year, I picked a Gina K Designs set called Blooming Sunflower.  The set includes a sweet stamp set and matching dies for the image and all four of the sentiments.  I am excited that I get to use this set every month for all of 2025. 

For my card this month, I stamped the image with Versamark and used Brutus Monroe Rose Sterling Embossing Powder.  I decided this month to not color the image for more of monochromatic look.  I then die cut the image with the coordinating die.   I used a Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel cut from Silver Metallic Cardstock from The Paper Cut.  I added a circle from vellum from a Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die. I used the birthday sentiment from the same set, layered over a black cardstock strip.   I added some Silver Drip Drops from Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces around the image and sentiment. 

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve posts to see the the stamp set for the 2025 cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for July!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on August 3rd to see another fun card. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Blooming Sunflower stamp and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Metallic Silver; Vellum

Ink: Versamark; Brutus Monroe Rose Sterling Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die, Brass & Bliss Wood Plank Panel Die; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Silver Drip Drops

Summer Fun

 

These cards are from a very recent virtual event sponsored by Firefly Farm called S'Mores Edition of the Creative Crates. These 3 cards are from the Pretty Pink Posh class taught by Mindy Eggen.  

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class used a newer bundle from Pretty Pink Posh and it screamed SUMMER!  The stamp set and matching dies we used is Seashells and the stencil is called Summer Words!   We also received all components to make these 3 cards.  We did some ink blending and Copic Coloring. We also made a shaker card with sand--so fun!

 

I have one more classes to go--hoping to do it today.

Image/Sentiment:  Pretty Pink Posh Seashells Stamp Set and Matching Dies; Summer Words Stencil

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  All provided in the kit 

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes Various Colors;  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Sand; Twine; Bling

Keepsakes From the Heart

 

Today is the day of June and I am posting a card for our challenge-The Catch-up Club!  A few of my stamping friends, Darlene, Jeanette and Terry along with myself, have signed up for a number of virtual stamping events in the past 4+ years.  One of the benefits of these events are that they are available to rewatch or even watch for the first time at a later date as they are all recorded. The 4 of us "try" to watch live and chat by texting during the event.  But, life steps in and there are times when one or more of us are not participating during the live.  Then, the kits from sponsors sits in our stamping area until we are ready to watch the video and create.  During one of the events, we decided we needed to push ourselves (and each other) to get some of these events done!   So--we all decided to devote one day a month, the last day of the month for the somewhat procrastinators that we are, to post cards we missed making.  So--here we are in our 17th month of The Catch Up Club!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. This month the creations are from the recent Firefly Farms Creative Crate S'Mores Edition!

This card were created by Melissa Miller and Pinkfresh Studio.  The bundle is called Keepsakes of the Heart and includes a stamp set, coordinating dies, a stencil and I also bought the set of matching press plates.  Melissa shared some ink blending tips and we made this sweet card.  I added a sentiment from my stash instead of using the one from the kit.

I have two more classes from this event and hope to finish them this week!

I hope you enjoyed my cards!  Here are the links to the other of the Catch Up Club.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, and Darlene's blogs.  They may post today, but we have all promised to post cards that we have missed the making along the way!

Image/Sentiment:  Pinkfresh Studio Keepsakes From the Heart Set/Sentiment from my stash

Cardstock:  All provided in kits

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes

Accessories:  All provided in the kit

Vintage Looks

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS. This is our 102nd month of de-stash, so we are into our 8th year of challenges.  I cannot believe my thought about using what we have is now 8+ years old! I really like these challenges and know they will continue as I know I have many, many items in my stash that I can use and love the fun challenges!  

The premise is to create a card or something else that uses only items that are in your own stamp room--nothing new is to be purchased.  The hostess each month posts their challenge to the group. Each person in the group creates their card with their own image, their own papers, their own embellishments with their own supplies--using up items from their own stash!  The card can be for any occasion and each person is encouraged to send the card on its way to someone so it can be admired.  It is a way for us to step out of the box a bit and create something that follows a challenge--isn't that what a challenge is supposed to be.  And--no money is spent as all items are to be already available in each of own stamping spaces.

Vickie posted our May challenge---Make a card with a vintage style

I picked a cute set from The Project Bin called Classic Man.  I love the old car image and the set has some amazing sentiments too.  I stamped the image in black ink and die cut it, along with a black layer,  with my Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Labels Frames Dies. I stamped a sentiment from the set and die cut it with a Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip Die.  I added some Stampin' Up black twine behind the sentiment.  The background panel is from Graphic 45.  I added some Stampin' Up black enamel dots around the card.

 

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards in the next few days. There may be more posted in the thread on SCS, so you might want to check out the link here.  We also have a keyword for the SCS Gallery--it is CYSJUN.  You might see many cards there if you do a search.  They probably will be posted today or in the next few days.

I hope you enjoyed my card and I know I am excited to check out what my other hoarders, I mean stash reducers have made!  Thanks for stopping by today!  For July, Jeanette is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  The Project Bin Classic Man Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Mossy Meadow; Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman-Dressed to the Nines

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Sizzix Pink & Main Extra Large Sentiment Strip Dies; Pinkfresh Studio Fancy Label Frame Dies; Stampin' Up Black Twine, Black Enamel Dots

Encore Challenge

 

Today I am posting my cards for the The Encore Challenge!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 25th with a group of friends, also from the April Retreat.  Some may post on their blog and I will note those with blogs at the end of this post.  And, some might post on other social media. Darlene came up with this challenge and these are her words:  Go and grab a stamp set, stencil or dies--your choice, that you have used once before and have always wanted to revisit it and use it again.  However, despite your best intentions, you have yet to use it!  Now's your chance! Go dig it out and have fun with it once again.  Create anything you like, a card, gift card holder, decorate a gift bag, make a refrigerator magnet...whatever lights up your creative juices! So--Encore Challenge! 

My plan is to pick a different company each month to highlight and maybe even a different product than the month before.  For June,  I picked a Create-In Quad stencil set from Taylored Expressions called Flit & Flutter. The quad stencil makes 4 cards panels and there is also some matching dies.  Plus, I also have some coordinating Foil-It panels and foiled three panels in gold and silver.  I took the 4 foiled panels to Camp Stamp-In-Oga last Saturday and ink blended them, so I now have 12 card fronts for future use.  I made these two cards from one of the blended panels.  

For my Hummingbird card, I die cut the two birds out of the panel.  I then die cut the panel and silver metallic backer with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2. I then used foam tape behind the hummingbirds for added dimension. The sentiment is from my stash and is from Pinkfresh Studios.   I added some Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces in silver around the image.

For the floral card, I also die cut th4 flowers and the butterfly from the inked panel. The background is a Taylored Expressions Rays Pierce & Cut Plate. I again used foam tape behind the flowers and butterfly. The sentiment is from my stash and is from Pinkfresh Studios.   I added some Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces in silver around the image.

I am not sure who will post each month on their blog, but this is a list of the other ladies who do have blogs.  Jeanette, Carol, Terry, Darlene.  Be sure to come back on July 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Create-In-Quads Flit & Flutter Stencil and Dies/Pinkfresh Studio Sentiment

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink: Taylored Expressions Cupcake, Plum Punch, Dragon Fruit, Huckleberry

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 dies; Taylored Expressions Rays Pierce & Cut Plate, Bits & Pieces Silver Drip Drops

Foiling Summer School

 

These cards are from Taylored Expressions Summer School last weekend!  Yes, I went to summer school and it was FUN!  It was all on foiling and I learned so many new techniques. I do not foil as much as I would like, but I am not encouraged to do more!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class used a few different Taylored Expressions stencils, Foil-it packages, stamp sets and foils.  We received many items in our kits--all of the cardstock needed for each card along with bling.  We did a lot of ink blending, double foiling, used Foil & Glitter Grab, and some new-to-me techniques.  Taylor and Susan also tried things on the fly when people asked if something would work.  It was such a fun class!  

There is so much shine on all four of the cards--but hard to see in the picture.

 

I had a blast in this class and I sure hope Taylor does more classes!

Image/Sentiment:   Taylored Expressions Items

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   Taylored Expressions Items

Ink: Taylored Expressions Various Colors;  

Accessories:   Taylored Expressions Bling and various colors of foils

Brass & Bliss Double Duty

 

Today is the 22nd so this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 54th month, so we are in to our 5th year!

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For June, we decided to use Brass & Bliss, what used to be called Rubbernecker Stamps.  They are a favorite company of mine as I demoed for Dave many, many years ago at a stamp show in the Milwaukee area for a few years.  

For this month, I picked a stamp and die set called Group of Friends.  This set is very appropriate for this group as it has the best sentiments for friendship!  I stamped the image twice and colored with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image and one of the sentiments.  For the backgrounds I picked a Stampin' Up embossing folder called Absolutely Argyle for the one on the right and used gray cardstock.  I added some black twine on the die cut sentiment.   For the one of the left, I picked silver metallic cardstock and used a Picket Fence Cobblestone background plate. I added Black and Silver Drip Drops from Taylored Expression Bits & Pieces bling.  Fun cards for some fun friends! 

Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Darlene’s,  and Terry's blogs. I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards. 

Next month we will do something different and use any Christmas image.. So be sure to check out our cards on June 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment: Brass & Bliss-Rubbernecker Group of Friends Stamp Set and Die

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Silver Metallic; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Basic Gray

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black Ink

Accessories:  Picket Fence Studio Cobblestone Background Plate Stampin' Up Greetings of the Season die, Absolutely Argyle Embossing Folder, black twine; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Drip Dots Silver and Black

Creative Crate-Lawn Fawn

 

These cards are from a very recent virtual event sponsored by Firefly Farm called S'Mores Edition of the Creative Crates. These 3 cards are from the Lawn Fawn class taught by Jenn Shurkus.  I participated in a few Creative Crates early on during Covid.  I stopped at the Firefly Farm stamp store in May on my way to a retreat and met Trisha, the owner, in person.  She showed me some of the products and cards for the upcoming event and I could not resist.  More classes to come!

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class used a few different stamp sets and matching dies along with patterned paper from Lawn Fawn.  We also received most of the images and sentiments already die cut in our kit--WIN!  We did some ink blending and Copic Coloring. We also glittered all the things. Jenn's favorite saying!

 

I have three more classes to go--hoping to finish in the next week or so.

Image/Sentiment:  Lawn Fawn Summer Friends, Treat Cart Add-ons Taco Stamp Sets and Matching Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Lawn Fawn and Distress White Heavystock -all provided in the kit 

Ink: Taylored Expressions Various Colors;  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Lawn Fawn Prisma Glitter

Happy Mail--Happy to be Done!

 

I am done!  These are the last cards from the SCT March virtual event, Crop & Create. These 3 cards are from the Concord & 9th class taught by the talented and so funny, Cathy Zielske 

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. 

This class used this stamp set, matching dies and an embossing folder called Happy Mail. We stamped the images, did a whole lot of die cutting and used the embossing folder on the three cards. I really like the set--so unique!  And, two of the three cards are pop-up cards, as shown in the second photo.  So Fun!

 

So--I have finished all of the classes from this event.  Now, on to more classes in pouches on my shelf!  More to Come!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Happy Mail Stamp Set, Matching Dies and Embossing Folder 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: All supplied by Concord & 9th

Ink: Concord & 9th

Accessories:  None