Happy Days

  

This card will be posted later today on Instagram for a hop called Fans of Taylored Expressions! I love Taylored Expressions and many of my friends also do.  So--I wanted to join a group that loves them!!! And, I found my people!  The hop is always the third Saturday of every month. 

This month’s theme is cards for Congratulations. Think-- graduation, wedding, anniversary, retirement, all of the events that might happen in June!  

I picked an older Taylored Expressions cling and clear stamp plus the matching die set called Happy Days. I stamped the image with the 2 beer mugs in Oreo ink and then added the coordinating clear stamp for the center with the beer in Mango ink.  I used the matching die to cut the image of the clinking mugs. I stamped and die cut one of the sentiments from the same set. I think this sentiment is hilarious.  And--I can always use retirement cards.  

The Brussels Sprouts background was embossed with the TE Tweed folder. The Mango strip was embossed with the Burlap folder and layered on a white strip. I like the texture of both of them add to the card.  I added some Bits & Pieces-Gold Holographic Stars for the final touch! 

This card ha a bit of a Green Bay Packer vibe--colors and beer!

This hop on Instagram happens every month on the 3rd Saturday with different themes.   I know I will be back hopping in July!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Happy Days Cling and Clear Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Taylored Expressions Sugar Cube, Mango, Brussels Sprouts

Ink:   Oreo, Mango

Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Tweed and Burlap Embossing Folders; Bits & Pieces Gold Holographic Stars

Gnome of the Brave

 

Today is the 19th, so here is my June At Home With Gnomes.  I am doing a monthly challenge for myself to use one of the many gnomes stamp or die sets that I have.  Each month I will create a card using one of my many gnome images and I plan to post on the 19th.

For my card this month, I picked a fun Unity stamp set called Gnome of the Brave.  I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and fussy cut the image.    I used a Simon Says Stamp Embossing Folder called Dimensional Stars for the background.  I used red glitter cardstock for an additional layer as well as a strip on the front.   The sentiment is from the same set and I used a sentiment die with it.  I added some silver glitter dots around the image.   I think this is a fun card.

I know I have enough gnomes to use a different one each month.  I will be back on July 19th and will show you another gnome, so stay tuned!

Image/Sentiment:  Unity Stamps Gnome of the Brave Stamp Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Red Glitter; Taylored Expressions Blueberry

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:   Copic Sketch Markers; Simon Says Stamp Dimensional Stars Embossing Folder; Silver Glitter Dots

Trick or Treat

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 6--Jeanette, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit. For JUne, Lorraine was the hostess and sent out this cute Halloween image from CTMH called Miss October.  She included a full-size image along with a mini--I picked the mini to use.  Lorraine also included some Halloween sentiments and some fun patterned paper.  YUP--the theme is Trick or Treat!

I colored the cute Trick or Treat girl with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then cut the image with a Stampin' Up oval die and also cut a backer from another sheet of patterned paper with all kinds of Halloween words.   I then used a die from The Paper Cut's Square Layering Set to die cut the words. I also picked one of the polka dotted patterned paper Lorraine sent for the background.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Purple Clear Drops around the image. 

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my card this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the cute Halloween cards.

For July, Terry is up for our challenge.   Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun is planned!

Image/Sentiment:  CTMH-Close To My Heart Miss October Stamp Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Bright White; Halloween Patterned Paper

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; 

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up Oval Dies; The Paper Cut Square Layering Set Dies; Pinkfresh Studio Purple Clear Drops

Celebrate

 

Today is the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card.   This card is #82, so we are into year #8. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For my messiness this month, I used some Creative Expressions Pastes--Summer Sky Poal Polish and Frosty Sparkle Kiss Glitter Kiss. I used a Simon Says Stamp stencil called Confetti. I made another panel with white cardstock and used both of the colors of paste.  I then picked a Toffee panel and had some of the Frosty Sparkle still on the stencil and added more of the Summer Sky, so it is a combination of both colors.  I then picked a fun die set from Pretty Pink Posh called Celebrate and Shadow.   I die cut the word Celebrate from Gumball as I thought it matched the sparkly confetti and also used that as a layer behind the Toffee cardstock. The backer was cut from Blueberry and this is also the card base.  The added sentiment is from my stash.  No Bling was added to the card.

I really like this sparkly card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like them too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters: Darlene, Jeanette and Terry.I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up in July!

Image/Sentiment: Pretty Pink Posh Celebrate and Backer Die Set; Sentiment from stash

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Toffee, Gumball and Toffee

Ink:  None

Accessories:  Simon Says Stamp Confetti Stencil; Creative Expressions Summer Sky Opal Polish and Frosty Sparkly Kiss Glitter Kiss

Flourishing Notes

 

Today is the 9th of the month and here is my card for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, I was the hostess and sent out a fun floral image and sentiments from Studio Katia called Flourishing Note set.  For June, this is card #142 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong coming up on 13 years! 

I colored the cute envelope and floral image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut two of the images and that is what I used.   The background panel is a cutting plate from Ellentine called Large Lattice Frame. I layered the image three times and placed it over the card base. I die cut one of the sentiments with a banner die and added foam tape behind it.   I added some Taylored Expressions Black Drop Drops round the image.   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 pretty cards! Jeanette will be for our July challenge, so please be sure to join us again next month! 

Image/Sentiment:   Studio Katia Flourishing Note Set

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

Ink: Simon Says Stamp Intense Black 

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Ellentine Large Lattice Frame Cutting Plate;  Taylored Expressions Black Drip Drops, Sentiment Strip Banner Dies

Dainty Delight

 

Today is the day I post my cards 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 June, I picked a set from Stampin' Up called Dainty Delight that includes a stamp set and matching dies.   I had to mount the rubber stamps to the images, so I know this set was unused!

For my card, I stamped the image and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image and then die cut two leaf branches from Kiwi cardstock  I die cut a panel from a Concord & 9th Stitched Vine Card front and added a frame that was in my stash. The sentiment is from Taylored Expressions.  I added some Soft Pink Bling from The Ton 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, Terry, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on July 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More. 

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Dainty Delight Stamp and Die Set; Taylored Expressions Sentiment

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Kiwi

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Concord & 9th Stitched Vine Card Front; Copic Sketch Markers; The Ton Soft Pink Bling

Rainbow Florals

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our One Plus Twelve challenge in 2026.  This is year number 8.  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 Pinkfresh Studio set called Amazing Things.  The set includes a stamp set, matching dies, a 5-piece stencil set and a better press set. I am excited that I get to use this set every month for all of 2026 and have so many options.   

For my card this month, I am going with a rainbow of colors.  I used the press plate and some rainbow hot foil for the image.  I then brush blended the image with the stencil set using Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes to match the color of foil in each are.   I then die cut the rainbow floral image and along with the stamped sentiment with the matching dies.  I die cut 3 panels from white from a Brass & Bliss Diamond with Stitch Cover Plate and layered it.  I layered that panel over another white panel that was embossed with an Altenew 3D folder called Crystal Wall.  I added some Pinkfresh Studio Glacier Jewels in some of the diamond areas.  

 

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

Image/Sentiment: Pinkfresh Studio Amazing Things press plate, stamp, stencil and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black; Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Glacier Jewels; Brass & Bliss Diamond with Stitch Cover Plate; Altenew Crystal Wall 3D Embossing Folder; Rainbow Hot Foil

Bear Fireman Birthday

 

I am catching up on some card kits from various events. I have many kits from The Paper Cut that need to be completed. These 3 cards are from a kit called Bear Fireman Birthday.   This was a kit that was in a Comments Sold sale that Sarah had a few months ago.  The kit originally was a make n' take at the warehouse in Appleton in February during their birthday sale.

The kit included all of the items to make 3 cards, plus a set of two Happy Birthday stamps that I did not use. The two cards on the left have the patterned paper square closed and the one on the right shows what happens when you tug on the bended corner.  The fun bear fireman appears! I did use a Taylored Expressions Embossing Folder called Rockin' Rhombus on the background panel.  They sure are cute cards and I love the funny sentiment at the bottom!

 

I hope you enjoyed my cards!

Image/Sentiment:  Possibly Brass & Bliss-included in the kit

Cardstock:  All included in the kit

Ink: None

Accessories:  All included in the kit, but I added a Taylored Expressions Embossing Folder Called Rockin' Rombus

Mini Z-Fold Cards

 

Today is the last day of May and I am posting a set of cards 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 36th month of The Catch Up Club!  Starting on year #4 next month!

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 again from Sarah and The Paper Cut in Appleton, WIS!

These 3 masculine cards are from a kit I bought from a previous class called Mini Z-Fold Cards.  Brass & Bliss makes the dies for the golfers and grass, along with the stamp set with the sentiment, but Sarah sent them in our kit already die cut.  THANKS!

The top two cards are closed.  When opened, the mini Z-fold shows another golfer image along with the sentiment. Sarah loves fun fold cards and these were so fun to make!  I can see these are retirement cards or for a guy birthday!

 

Sarah offers many different kinds of classes through the year and kits can be ordered from their website.  I have a few other virtual classes from The Paper Cut that need to be completed.   And, I also have parts of other virtual events and classes from many previous classes!

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 tomorrow or in the next few days but we have all promised to post cards that we have missed the making along the way!  Come back in June to see what else I am behind on!

Image/Sentiment:  All of the stamps and dies are from Brass & Bliss 

Cardstock:  All included in kit--all are available from The Paper Cut

Ink:  None  

Accessories: None

Calm & Bright Stampin' Up Kit

 

I am catching up on some card kits from various events and I also have some Stampin' Up kits that need to be completed. These 9 cards are from a kit called Calm & Bright.  I will use the top left ones to send for Christmas cards this year.  I plan to use the other 6 to send as hello or birthday card RAK's in December. It was a very fun class and I really like the cards we made.  

The kit included a ink cube along with some sentiments and images. All of the cardstock and small additions are in the kit along with the 9 decorated envelopes too.   I followed the directions, mostly, in making the cards.  They were fun to make and I really like the soft colors.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my cards!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampin' Up Calm & Bright Kit

Cardstock:  All included in the kit

Ink: Stampin' Up Gray Granite Cube

Accessories:  All included in the kit

Silly Goose

 

Today as it is the 28th and the day I am posting my cards for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS. This is our 113th 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 9+ 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--May is International Respect for Chickens Month; create a card or project with a chicken as the main focus!

WELL--I grew up on a farm and I guess I do not know the difference between a chicken and a goose....................  I knew what the challenge was and also knew I wanted to use a newer Taylored Expressions stamp and die set called Silly Goose.  That should have been my first clue!  I honestly did not realize I used a goose until I started to write this blog post!  So, I hope Vickie is okay with a goose being a part of her challenge this month.................

I did pick this new Taylored Expressions set and stamped the goose with the balloon along with one of the sentiments. I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and then die cut it with the coordinating die. I stamped the sentiment and used one of the matching dies. The background is some fun patterned paper from American Crafts Daydreams-Joyful Day. I added some Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Teal Glitter Drops around the image.  

 

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards in the next few days. They will all probably have chickens on their card!  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 CYSMAY.  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 June, Darlene is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Silly Goose Stamp Set and Die

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Bubblegum; American Crafts Daydreams-Joyful Day

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Teal Glitter Dots

Encore Challenge

 

Today I am a few days late, but I am posting my card for the The Encore Challenge!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 25th with a group of friends from my 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 May,  I picked a stamp from Taylored Expressions called Patriotic Prose-Brave as I am making 22 invites for our 4th of July party. 

I have lots and lots of 4th of July/Patriotic patterned paper, so I picked the background out first.  I thought the fireworks pattern would not complete with the stamped sentiment.  I used Taylored Expressions Watermelon ink and also a layer of cardstock behind the patterned paper.  I added some red and blue enamel dots around the sentiment as my only embellishment.  21 more to go!!!!!!

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, Terry, Darlene.  Be sure to come back on June 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Patriotic Prose-Brave Stamp 

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Watermelon; Masterpiece Studio Patriotic Stars Patterned Paper

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Watermelon

Accessories:  Enamel Stars

Final Class!

 

YES--this IS my final class from the Scrapbook & Cards Spring 2026 Crop & Create Delivered event.   Now, onto other pouches that are on my bookshelf!

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. These creations are Christopher Alan of Brutus Monroe called Hello Sunshine.

We received a very fun kit in our box. We received a cute stamp set with matching dies called Theodore's Sunshine.  We also received a Washi Sheet called Rainy Days.  We also got a small Rain Drops Stencil, A Sparkle Overlay Panel and some Soft Showers Card Panels. Christopher is such a fun teacher and these cards were so easy to make with the products from Brutus Monroe. It was a very fun class and I really like the cards we made.  

I hope you enjoyed ALL of cards from this event.  Now, onto Pinkfresh Studio Create and Connect events from the past 4-5 years.  YES, I am that far behind on those!  Time to Tackle Them!

Image/Sentiment:  Brutus Monroe Theodore's Sunshine stamp and die set

Cardstock:  White and black cardstock from SCT; Brutus Monroe Soft Showers Card Panels, Rainy Days Washi Sheets

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black; Pinkfresh Studio Ink Cubes in Rainbow Colors

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers; Brutus Monroe Raindrops Stencils;