Fun with Ink Cubes

 

Today I am posting two cards that I recently made from a virtual event by The Paper Cut back in February called Fun with Mini Ink Cubes.  These are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of Sarah from The Paper Cut. 

The products for both of these cards are from Brass & Bliss or The Paper Cut. All of the beautiful cardstock is also from The Paper Cut. For the oval card, I used Gina K Designs Masking Magic and die cut an oval to ink blend.  The sentiment was from my stash.  The celebrate card was done by dragging 3 ink cubes along the debossed side of the panel to ink the background and leave the flowers white.   I added my own enamel dots on both cards.

 

Sarah offers many different kinds of classes through the year and kits can be ordered from their website.  

Image/Sentiment:   Birthday Week Class from The Paper Cut--all images or sentiments are from Brass & Bliss or The Paper Cut

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

Ink:  Taylored Expressions ink cubes

Accessories:  All included in the kit, my own enamel dots

Thankful Magnolias

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, I am the hostess and sent out a sweet floral image from Gina K Designs called Thankful Magnolia.  I included one image that was on a full panel and two additional images that were die cut.  I also included 2 die cut sentiments from the same set.   For August this is card #132 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 Taylored Expressions Diagonal Stripes Cutting Plate for my background and die cut three panels to layer.  I added a panel that I embossed with a Stampin' Up folder called Subtle behind the die cuts.  I then die cut a Taylored Expressions Stitched Circle Frame three times and layered over another circle that I also embossed with the same folder. I added a sentiment from the set with foam tape and added some pink pearls around the image to complete my card.   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!  Jeanette is up for our September challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Thankful Magnolia stamp and die set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Stitched Circle Frame Die, Diagonal Stripes Cutting Plate; Stampin' Up Subtle Embossing Folder;  Pink Pearls

Layered Eucalyptus

 

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 August, I picked a Gina K Designs Floral Stamp Set that I have not used called Layered Eucalyptus Mini.  I have a number of the mini sets from Gina K. 

For my card, I used three color companions ink cubes--Light, Medium and Dark Spruce from Gina K for the 3-piece layering stamp set. I die cut the panel and the backer with Gina's Master Layouts 2 die. I added a green panel behind the image that was embossed with a Stampin' Up folder called Subtle Dynamic--my favorite for a bit of texture!  The sentiment is from the same set.  I did not add anything else to this card--just a simple sympathy card.  

 

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 September 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More.  

Image/Sentiment:  Technique Gina K Designs Layered Eucalyptus Stamp Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Mellow Moss

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Gina K Designs Light, Medium Dark Spruce

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Stampin' Up Subtle Embossing Folder

Blooming 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 Gilded Embossing Powder.  I colored the embossed panel with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut the image with the coordinating die.   I used a Whimsy Stamps Checkerboard Cover plate, which I cut from white and layered three times.  I added a panel of Gold Stardream Metallic Cardstock from The Paper Cut behind the panel for added shine.  I picked a gold sentiment from mystash this time.   I added some Lavender Jewels from Pinkfresh Studio around the image. 

 

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 August!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on September 3rd to see another fun card. 

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

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Gold Stardream

Ink: Versamark; Brutus Monroe Gilded Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Whimsy Stamps Checkerboard Cover Plate; Pinkfresh Studio Lavender Jewels

Virtual Stamp Joy Complete!

 

Today is the day of July and I am posting my 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--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 Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy, held in March of this year.  

These cards were from the Saturday classes, taught by Taylor, Susan, Jill, Lori and Heather.  We received many items in our kit and then had the opportunity to purchase add-on supplies during the weekend.  I had made one card live, the ice cream cone, during the event.  I finished all of the rest last 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:  Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy 2025--various stamps, dies, stencils and embossing folders

Cardstock:  All Taylored Expressions that was provided in kits

Ink:   Taylored Expressions 

Accessories:  All provided in the kit

Lake Sunset

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 103rd 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.

Jeanette posted our July challenge----Create a card with a theme of Summer Vacation!

I decided to use one my newer postage collage stamp, die and stencil sets from Waffle Flower.  I first used the Postage Collage Die to cut the background from white cardstock.  I then used the Postage Collage Blocks Stencil and ink blended the sky and water with Taylored Expression inks. I used Gina K Designs Masking Paper around the boxes while blending.   I then used the Postage Collage Lake Sunset stamp set in each of the boxes, while keeping the stencil in place so the white edges showed.  I also used the Postage Collage Stamps to add the postal elements.  I added a sentiment strip from my stash.

 

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 CYSJUL.  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 August, I am up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment:  The Waffle Flower Postage Collage Blocks Stencil, Lake Sunset and Postage Collage Stamp Sets; Sentiment Strip from stash

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black,

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Taylored Expressions Blue Cheese, Honey

Accessories:  Waffle Flower Postage Collage Die; Gina K Designs Masking Magic, 

C9 Summer Camp 2024!

 

Today I am posting 6 cards from a pouch on my shelf.  These are the creations from the Concord & 9th Summer Camp, a Virtual Craft Retreat, held in the summer of 2024.  YES, I am that far behind--don't ask about the Pinkfresh Studio events.................  These were from three of the Day 2 classes. They were taught by Laura, Meghann and Jaycee.  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. 

We received an amazing kit with many stamp sets, coordinating dies, stencils, cardstock and all of the embellishments needed to make the cards.  There were 6 total classes and I have completed 3.   We did a lot of ink blended and used many die cuts.  There were so many great tips offered by the teachers!  And, Greg, the owner of C9 and camp director is such a hoot! 

 On to get another pouch off of the shelf!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th summer Camp 2024 Virtual Craft Retreat--Lovely Day, Wallflower Turnabout and Blended Blooms stamp sets, stencils and dies

Cardstock:  All Concord & 9th that was provided in kits

Ink:   Concord & 9th

Accessories:  All provided in the kit

Christmas in July

Today 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, 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 July,  I picked a stamp set and matching dies from a mini class at Stamp Joy in 2003 that was a collaboration with Taylored Expressions and Brutus Monroe.

I stamped the tree on white panel I die cut from Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 and also die cut the backer from green glitter cardstock.  I then stamped Santa, the present and the sentiment on another panel and die cut each of them.  I colored Santa and the present with my Copic Sketch Markers. I added a strip of red glitter cardstock on the right side of the panel.  I added the other images with foam tape.  I placed some red glittered enamel dots in the tree and added clear Wink of Stella on Santa's fur.  

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 August 25th to see another fun card for The Encore Challenge!


Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions-Brutus Monroe Stamp Set and Dies

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White, Red and Green Glitter Cardstock

Ink: Taylored Expressions Cilantro; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 dies; Copic Sketch Markers; Red Glitter Enamel Dots, Wink of Stella

Christmas in July with Simon Hurley

 

Today is the 22nd so this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 55th 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 July, we decided to use any stamp company for Christmas in July!  

So,  I picked a stamp and die set from Simon Hurley called Sketch Santa.  I stamped the Santa and two presents for each card and colored them with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I also stamped two of the sentiments from the same set.   I die cut the images with the matching dies.  For the backgrounds I picked some fun Christmas patterned paper.  I die cut each of the panels and the backer with my Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2.  For the horizontal card on the left, I added some red enamel dots and on the vertical card, I added green bling from Buttons Galore.  Fun cards for Christmas in July! 

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 make cards with Hero Arts. So be sure to check out our cards on August 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment: Simon Hurley Sketched Santa Stamp Set and Die

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White;  Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow; Taylored Expressions Brussel Sprouts; K&C Company Hannah-Small Striped Flat Paper; Pebbles Welcome Christmas-Merry Christmas

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black Ink

Accessories:  Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Copic Sketch Markers; Red Enamel Dots; Buttons Galore Green Bling

Dimensional Die Cuts

 

Today I am posting 5 cards from a pouch on my shelf.  These are the creations from the Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy, held in March of this year.  These were from one of the Friday classes called Elevate Your Art--Dimensional Die Cuts. They were taught by Taylor, Susan, Lori and Heather.  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. 

We received fun components to make cards with many die cuts. We ink blended some, used markers on some, used Liquid Watercolors on watercolor cardstock and then die cut, added splatter and left some white on a fun background.  I made two of the thank you cards in the upper left as I had additional leaves.  All of the cards are so sweet!

I am done with the Friday Classes and also completed the Saturday classes.  Those cards will be posted on the 31st for my Catch-Up Challenge.  On to get another pouch off of the shelf!

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy 2025-Elevate Your Art with Dimensional Die Cuts--various stamps and dies

Cardstock:  All Taylored Expressions that was provided in kits

Ink:   Taylored Expressions, along with liquid watercolors

Accessories:  All provided in the kit; Copic Sketch Markers

The Art of Interactive Cards

Today I am posting 4 cards from a pouch on my shelf.  These are the creations from the Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy, held in March of this year.  These were from one of the Friday classes called The Art of Interactive cards. They were taught by Taylor, Susan, Lori and Heather.  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. 

We received fun components to make cards that move or shine.  The bee moves across the arch on the top left card.  The sun lights up when you touch the word push on the top right card.  When pulling the tab with the flowers on the bottom left card, it reveals the sentiment--Thanks a Bunch.  And, the bottom right card is the best in my opinion--when you pull the rip strip, it reveals "Celebrate, t's your day" on the card base!  All of the cards are so sweet!

I have 4 cards from the other Friday class to complete. I plan to be done with those in the next day or so!

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Virtual Stamp Joy 2025-The Art of Interactive Cards Class--various stamps and dies

Cardstock:  All Taylored Expressions that was provided in kits

Ink:   Taylored Expressions 

Accessories:  All provided in the kit

Crafty Friends are the Best

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 7--Jeanette, Carol, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit.  This month I sent a kit with a crafty theme. I stamped Taylored Expressions Gus & Gertie Get Crafty image on a panel and also die cut a few. I included the sentiments from the same set. I also sent some crafty patterned paper from an older Stampin' Up pack.

I colored Gus and Gertie with my Copic Sketch Markers. The background is decided to make was using 3 strips from the patterned paper, with a strip of Coastal Cabana in between.  I die cut a vellum square from a Sizzix-Tim Holtz set called Stitched Squares.  I glued the image to the square and then placed it wonky on the panel with foam squares. I picked one of the sentiments and layered it with Coastal Cabana. AND--this sentiment is perfect for my friends in this group!!!!!!  I added some Mirrored Mint bling from Trinity Stamps around the image.  This was a very fun card to make.

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my card this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun crafty cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blog, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the fun cards! 

We will be back in August with another challenge that Jeanette will provide for us.  Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun is planned!

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Gus & Gertie Get Crafty Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; Stampin' Up Coastal Cabana, Follow Your Art Designer Series Patterned Paper, Vellum

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Sizzix-Tim Holtz Stitched Square Dies; Copic Sketch Markers; Trinity Stamps Mirrored Mint Bling