Just Skating By

I have been working on more cards from the Scrapbook & Cards Fall 2025 Crop & Create Delivered event.  The pouches with each class has been waiting patiently for me and I will be done before the Spring event the end of March!  I Will!!!!!!

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 from Simon Hurley and Ranger Ink.

We received an amazing kit in our box. We received a sweet Skating By stamp set and the matching die set. Add to that a cute tree stamp and the matching stencil.  We also got a 6x6 Dazzling Snowflakes stencil. Also in the kit was a jar of Unicorn Horn Lunar Paste and 2 bottles of Solar Spray.  Simon taught us many techniques on how to use the inks, sprays and paste in various ways.  It was a very fun class and I really like the cards!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my cards! More to come as I have a few more pouches of classes waiting................................

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Hurley and Ranger Ink Just Skating By Stamp and Die set, Tree stamp and matching stencil

Cardstock:  White cardstock from SCT; Stampin' Up Night of Navy

Ink:  Various Colors of Gina K Designs Ink Cubes; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Simon Hurley and Ranger Ink Unicorn Horn Lunar Paste, Beluga and Royal Flush Solar Sprays, Dazzling Snowflakes Stencil

Pinkfresh Double Duty

 

Today is the 22nd and it is Double Duty Day! Yes, we are back in 2026 and ready to double-up!  This is the 61st month, so we are now starting our 6th 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 January, we are back with Pinkfresh Studio.  We all have taken quite a few of their virtual classes and I still have a few pouches for events not completed--or even started...........................

I picked a fun bundle that included a stamps, coordinating die set, a 4-piece stencil set and the matching hot foil plate called Delicate Rosebuds. I used the hot foil plate with both cards--one with pink foil and the other with gold. I then ink blended the colors using the stencils and Pinkfresh ink cubes.  I also used a Pinkfresh cover plate on both cards.  

 

For this card, the ink colors are Peony, Begonia, Meadow and Emerald City with the pink foil.  The cover plate is Simply Diamonds, which is layered twice.  The pink layer is from my stash as is the sentiment.   I added a few pink pearls around the image.

 

 For this card, the colors are Berrylicious, Candy Apple, Paradise and Turquoise with gold foil.  The cover plate is Stitched Octagons and the gold embossed sentiment is from the same set.  Gold Pearls complete the card.

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 are going to highlight Stampin' Up--the company that probably each of us used on the first card we ever made!  So be sure to check out our cards on February 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment:  Pinkfresh Studio Delicate Rosebud Stamp Set, Die Set, Stencils and Hot Foil Plate

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

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio Peony, Begonia, Meadow, Emerald City, Berrylicious, Candy Apple, Paradise, Turquoise Ink Cubes; Versamark; Brutus Monroe Gilded Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Simply Diamonds and Stitched Octagons Cover Plates; Gold and Pink Hot Foil; Metallic Gold and Pink Pearls

At Home with Gnomes-Revisited!

 

So--back in 2021, I decided to start a monthly challenge for myself to use one of the many gnomes stamp or die sets that I have.  My stamping friend Jeanette did a series in 2020 where she made a card every month, using a different gnome image, and posted on her blog.  I loved looking at them whenever she posted those cute non-faces.  So-I asked her if she minded if I "borrowed" her theme for 2021 and she graciously said yes.  So-At Home With Gnomes was created!  But-I did not achieve my goals.  I looked back on my blog and I had posted a couple of cards in 2021 and then a few more in 2022.  And, even one in January of 2023--3 years ago.  But, none since then!  So--I am trying for 2026--cross your fingers for me!  Each month I will create a card using one of my many gnome images and I plan to post on the 19th. I set a date this year so I can see it in my calendar and that might nudge me more.

For my January card, I decided to go with 2 Simon Says Stamp die sets called Large Gnome and Lil Gnome. Each gnome set comes with the backer and then 4 pieces for the hat, body, beard and nose.  I die cut the gnomes a few times for various cardstock pieces in my scrap drawers.  I embossed the background with a Tim Holtz-Sizzix die called Intertwine.  I added a sentiment from a Newton' Nook set called Gnome Garden Set.  Look for me to use that set later this spring.  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 February 19th and will show you another gnome, so stay tuned!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Large Gnome and Lil Gnome Die Sets; Newton's Nook Gnome Garden Stamp Set for the Sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, various colors of cardstock from my scrap drawers

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Tim Holtz-Sizzix Intertwine Embossing Folder

A Fan of Taylored Expressions

 

This card was posted on Instagram yesterday 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. 

The theme for January is to make a mini slimline card.  I have lots of TE supplies for mini-slim cards--dies, stencils and of course cute images in fun sets. I decided to make a spring time card with sweet colors.

I picked a fun older set called Springtime Smile and picked out 3 images to fit in the windows of my Mini-Slim Square Window Die. I colored the images with my Copic Sketch Markers. I used the Wonky Dots Stencils with Confetti Cake ink for the top layer.  I then die cut the stencil panel and added foam tape all around the back before added the images. I layered the stenciled panel with the images on a Cookie Monster Top Fold Mini-slim card base.  I added a few Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Clear Drip Drops for the final touch!

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

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Springtime Smiles

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Taylored Expressions Cookie Monster, Sugar Cube

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Confetti Cake, Oreo

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Mini-slim Square Window Die, Wonky Dots Stencil, Bits & Pieces Clear Drip Drops 

Peace on Earth

 

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 January, we are using our own stash and making a card with snow--snowmen, snow angels, snowflakes, etc.  

I decided to make a couple of Christmas Cards to add to my stash for 2026.  I really like this Taylored Expressions Peace on Earth Cutting Plate.  I cut two panels of The Paper Cut's Crystal Diamond cardstock with the plate.  For the background, I used a piece of patterned paper from the recent Stampin' Up Peaceful Garden Designer Series paper pack and a piece of blue glitter cardstock, also from Stampin' Up. I decided I needed some light in the windows of the blue panel, so I die cut the plate again from Crushed Curry to add to the church.  The sentiment is also from Taylored Expressions and is called All is Calm.  The set has matching dies and I embossed the words with Brutus Monroe Sterling embossing powder.  I layered it a few times with die cut pieces for a bit of dimension on these otherwise flat cards.  

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, snowy cards!

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

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions All is Calm Stamp Set and Matching Dies, Peace On Earth Cutting Plate

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# White, Crystal Diamond Glitter Paper; Stampin' Up Crushed Curry, Blue Glitter Cardstock, Peaceful Garden Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Versamark; Brutus Monroe Sterling Embossing Powder

Accessories:  None

Bold Hello

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is #77, 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 decided to break out some Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors and Tim Holtz Watercolor cardstock.  I did use 2 different colors of blue, but there is not much of a color variance.  Oh well--I did get messy making the base.  The sentiment is a Concord & 9th die and backer from the Everyday Sayings die set.  I added a few black enamel dots around the Hello.  I pretty simple card to make, but a bold color!   

I really like this simple 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 February!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Everyday Sayings Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black; Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock

Ink: Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors

Accessories:  Black Enamel Dots; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2

Snow Glad We're Friends

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Jeanette is the hostess and sent us each a sweet stamp set called Snow Friends from Stampendous. Isn't she generous!  She instructed us to use any image for our card, but be sure to use the "glad we're friends" sentiment.  For January,  this is card #137 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 1/2 strong years! 

I stamped a scene with the two snowy people and the sentiment between them.  I then colored them with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I used Wink of Stella to add some glitter and shine on the fur on their hats along with the snow below them. I layered the panel on Real Red and then added 2 strips of the same color on the sides of the card.  I added some clear enamel dots around the cuties!  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!  Kelly is up for our February challenge, so please be sure to join us again next month!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampendous Snowy Friends stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Real Red

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Clear Enamel Dots; Wink of Stella

Let it Snow!

 

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 January, I picked a Brass & Bliss Stamp and Die that I have not used called Penguin. I think he is so dang cute and I can always use more Winter or Christmas Cards.

For my card, I decided to make a gate-fold card.  I had just watched a live with Gina K Designs and her 12 Days of Christmas Kit where she made some with her Day 11 gift.  I picked some fun patterned paper that kind of coordinates with the fun stamped penguin image. I used Gina's Master Layouts 13 to cut the stitched panels and the backers--first time using that set too!!!!  I stamped and colored the penguin with my Copic Sketch Markers, then die cut.  I added a stitched circle behind the penguin which overlaps the middle opening.  I also used a stitched circle die to cut the sentiment, which I popped up so the circle with the image slips under it.  I added some lime green enamel dots by 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 February 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More. 

Image/Sentiment:  Brass & Bliss Penguin Stamp and matching die; Sentiment is from my stash

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Granny Apple Green; Pebbles Holly Jolly-Mittens

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 3 and 13; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die; Lime Green Enamel Dots

Amazing Things

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our first 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 stamped the image and sentiment with Versamark ink and heat embossed with Hero Arts Brass Embossing Powder.  I colored the image with the stencil set using Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes in greens and pinks. I then picked a Pinkfresh cover plate called Stitched Octagons for the background along with some Stampin' Up Metallic Brass Ribbon.  I added PFS Butterscotch Glitter Dots around the image.

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve posts to see the the stamp set for the 2026 cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for January!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on February 3rd to see another fun card. 

Image/Sentiment: Pinkfresh Studio Amazing Things stamp and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink: Versamark; Hero Arts Brass Embossing Powder; Pinkfresh Studio Fresh Pear, Grassy Knoll, Cherry Blossom, Peony, Begonia

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Stitched Octagons Cover Plate, Butterscotch Glitter Dots; Stampin' Up Metallic Brass Ribbon

Happy New Year

 Happy New Year--Welcome to 2026!

These 3 shiny cards are from the December Fun Time Thursday by The Paper Cut.  The class was called New Year/Celebrate. 

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 from Sarah and The Paper Cut in Appleton, WIS!

The cards were full of sparkle and shine with glitter cardstock, metallic cardstock and holographic cardstock too!  Sarah sent additional sentiments so we could make other themed cards, but I went with New Years type cards. All of the dies and stamp sets are from Brass & Bliss.  

 

Sarah offers many different kinds of classes through the year and kits can be ordered from their website.  I hope you enjoyed my cards! 

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

Beautiful Backgrounds

 

Today is the last day of December 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 31st 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 again from Sarah and The Paper Cut in Appleton, WIS!

These 4 shiny cards are from the fall Alcohol Inks class which was held in September during the warehouse sale.  It is called Beautiful Backgrounds.  We were on vacation during the sale and virtual classes held the following week, so I am finally getting to them.

Sarah loves to use alcohol inks and shows us many techniques to use with them.  We also received 3 Brass & Bliss Half Panel dies in the kit and we used two of them on 2 of the cards--the slimline and the thank you card.  For some of the cards, we used blending solution and a blower to move the ink.  On others, we used felt on a blending handle and pounced the colors.

 

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, along with the other classes from September.   And, I also have parts of other virtual events and classes from 2024 and 2025, I am already way behind, so more Catch Up to Come in 2026!!!!!!

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 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 January 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: Various Colors of Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks, Blending Solution

Peaceful Poinsettia

 

As Promised--here are 3 more cards from the Scrapbook & Cards Fall 2025 Crop & Create Delivered event.  The pouches with each class has been waiting patiently for me and I am now going through them! 

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 from Gina Krupsky and Gina K Designs.  My cards are identical to hers as I did not use the gift card holder die with any of cards, so they are kind-of my own designs........................ 

We received an awesome Gina K kit in our box. We received a large Peaceful Poinsettia stamp, the coordinating stencils and the matching die set.  We also got another large stamp called Seasonal Phrases and the Scrolled Gift Card Holder Die Set. I used the gold metallic cardstock that was provided by SCT and it sure is nice.  I used my Gina K Master Layouts 2 to die cut the white panel and black backer on each cards.  I ink blended with Gina K ink cubes and did a bit of splattering with gold on one card.  I added Wink of Stella to the middle of each of the poinsettias and the berries on the branch.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my cards! More to come as this is the second set of cards from 3 days of classes!  

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Peaceful Poinsettia Stamp, Stencil and Die set

Cardstock:  White, Black and Gold Metallic cardstock from SCT; Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow

Ink:  Various Colors of Gina K Designs Ink Cubes; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Silver and Gold Embellishments; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Gold Watercolor for splattering; Wink of Stella