Floral Laurel

 

Today is the 22nd and it is Double Duty Day! This is the 67th month, so we are in the middle our 6th year!  More Doubling Up!

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 August, the company we picked was Altenew.  I have a number of Altenew floral sets as that is really what they are known for!

The set is called Floral Laurel.  There is a stamp set, matching dies, stencils along with a embossing folder.  I stamped the 2 laurel images two times and then ink blending with Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes.  I die cut all 4 sections and 4 different sentiments from the set with the coordinating dies.  I used the embossing folder on both white and Brussels Sprouts.  I die cut the each of the panels with a die from Taylored Expressions All-Planned Out 4 for a stitched edge. I placed both laurel images on the background to create a wreath.   

The images on the white panel are much lighter as I used whatever ink ws left on the brush from the other images. I picked Sending Peace for this card and layered it 3 times.  I added some white enamel dots around the image. 

For the Brussels Sprouts background, I ran my sanding block over the top of the  background panel and it took a bit of color off of some of the images.  I added green enamel dots around the image.  The Thinking of You sentiment is layered 3 times.

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 use Unity Stamps as our featured company.  So be sure to check out our cards on September 22nd!    

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew Floral Laurel Stamp Set, 3-Piece Stencil Set, Coordinating Dies and matching Embossing Folder

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Brussels Sprout

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

Accessories: Taylored Expressions All Planned Out 4 Die; Green and White Enamel Dots

Seasonal Sprig

 

Today is the 25th and I am posting 4 cards for the The Encore Challenge!  This is a monthly challenge 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 July,  I picked a bundle from Taylored Expressions called Seasonal Sprig. I used this set a few years ago for my swap cards at Stamp Joy--the event TE sponsors in the fall in Des Moines.  The set includes a stamp set, matching stencils, a set of dies and a coordinating cutting plate.

I decided to make 4 cards since I had the set out on my desk.  I first stamped the berry image and ink blended with Cherry Pop and Jalapeno.  I also stamped 3 of the sentiments a few times. I die cut two of the images with the matching die and the other two with the cutting plate, which made the frame too.  

For the white card below, the background is an Altenew embossing folder called Natural Wicker.  I also added some Glossy Accents over the red berries.  I added some green enamel dots around the image.  On the green card,  I added some TE silver glitter dots.   Both cards are glued flat.

For the Cherry Pop card below, the background is an Taylored Expressions embossing folder called Tweed. The frame has dimensionals for depth and I added some TE gold glitter dots.  The Peace on Earth card has a background embossed with Sizzix Pinewood Planks and some Pinkfresh Studio Glacier Jewels.

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


Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Seasonal Spring Stamp Set, Stencil Set, Matching Dies and the coordinating Cutting Plate.

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Taylored Expressions Cherry Pop, Japapeno

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Cherry Pop, Japapeno; Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Sizzix Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder; Altenew Natural Wicker Embossing Folder; Taylored Expressions Tweed Embossing Folder, Gold and Silver Glitter Dots; Pinkfresh Studio Glacier Jewels; Green Enamel Dots, Glossy Accents

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 area.   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 June!  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

Serene Garden

 

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 April, I picked an embossing folder and the matching stencil set from Altenew called Serene Garden.  I have a few of these combos, but have not tried one yet.

For my card, I first picked colors of my Taylored Expressions inks similar to what is on the Altenew package.  First, I embossed a 6x6 white cardstock panel with the folder.  I then ink blended the 5 piece stencil with my TE inks. It is quite easy to line up the stencils with the embossed panel. I die cut the panel with a die in the My FAvorite Things Blueprints 20 set for a scalloped edge.  I then added a sentiment from my stash along with some bling from The Ton.

 

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

Image/Sentiment: Altenew Serene Garden Embossing Folder and Stencil Set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Cookie Monster, Confetti Cake, Jelly Donut, Macaron, Kiwi, Dijon, Lemon Meringue, Sweet Corn

Accessories:  MFT-My Favorite Things Blueprint 20 Dies; The Ton Bling

Thank You

 

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 cute floral image from Taylored Expressions.  We received this set at Stamp Joy in 2023 for the Olo Marker mini-class with Lori Craig but there is not a name on the set.  I sent 2 die cut images along with one on a quarter panel, and the sentiment from the set. For November this is card #135 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 strong years!  AND--we will be continuing in 2026 for year #13!

I colored one of the die cut images with my Copic Sketch Markers. I picked the Altenew 3D Embossing Folder called Crystal Wall for my background and die cut a layer from an Altenew Gradient Stripes Cover Plate to place over the top--both layers from white!   I used a stitched square die from The Paper Cut to cut the sentiment. I added some orange bling around 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 cute cards!  Jeanette is up for our December challenge, so please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Taylored Expressions Stamp Joy 2023 Olo Marker mini-class stamp set

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

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Altenew Crystal Wall 3D Embossing Folder, Gradient Stripes Cover Plate; The Paper Cut Stitched Square Die; Orange Bling

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 Penny Embossing Powder.  I colored the embossed image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I then die cut the image with the coordinating die.  I picked a Pinkfresh Studio Ornate Rectangle Frame Die, which I cut from The Paper Cut's Cuba Libre Metallic Cardstock.   I added a embossed panel from an Altenew Crystal Wall 3-D folder behind the image and frame. The Birthday Wishes sentiment was embossed with the same Penny Powder and it is from the same set.   I added some Sparkling Champagne Pearls 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 October!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on November 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, Cuba Libre metallic

Ink: Versamark; Brutus Monroe Penny Embossing Powder

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers; Pinkfresh Studio Ornate Rectangle Frame Die, Sparkling Champagne Pearls; Altenew Crystal Wall 3D Embossing Folder; 

Trying Altenew Acrylic Markers

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 Penny Embossing Powder.  I colored the embossed panel with a newer to me medium--Altenew Acrylic Markers.  I tried to wipe off a bit of the color over some of the embossed lines.  I then die cut the image with the coordinating die.   I used a Pinkfresh Studio Diagonal Stripes w/Window Die, which I cut from white and layered three times.  I added a embossed panel from a Stampin' Up Timber folder behind the panel for dimension. The Many Thanks sentiment was embossed with the same Penny Powder and it is from the same set.  I added some Sparkling Champagne Pearls 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 September!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on October 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

Ink: Versamark; Brutus Monroe Penny Embossing Powder

Accessories:  Altenew Acrylic Markers; Pinkfresh Studio Diagonal Stripes with Window Die, Sparkling Champagne Pearls; Stampin' Up Timber Embossing Folder; 

Floral Laurel

 

I am continuing making cards from the SCT March virtual event, Crop & Create. These 3 cards are from the Altenew class taught by Bridget Casey 

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 this stamp set, matching dies, a stencil set and 3D embossing Folder called Floral Laurel. We stamped the images, did ink blending with the stencils and used the embossing folder for all three cards. I really like the florals in this kit.  The sentiments are perfect for sympathy and thinking of you cards so  I am sure I will use this kit often in the future.

 

I have two more classes to go--hoping to finish in the next few days.

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew Floral Laurel Stamp Set, Matching Dies, Embossing Folder and Stencils 

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

Ink: Taylored Expressions

Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Bling

Briar Blooms from Altenew

 

This past weekend, I participated in another Pinkfresh Studio Event called Create and Connect.  I actually did some of the homework for a few of the 6 different classes and I was able to watch parts of 4 of the classes.  I posted the 2 cards I made from Yana's class yesterday.  These cards are from the guest company, Altenew.  Bridget Casey taught the class and she sure is a hoot.  

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 by Bridget was so fun and she had some good tips on using this sweet bundle called One Go Briar Blossoms.  The set includes the stamp set, matching die, a 5 piece stencil and an embossing folder.  We used all 4 of the components on the cards.   This sure is a fun set and it has 19 sentiments with the theme of Congrats and Cheers!   I know I will use this set more in the future!

 

Next up is the class with Heather Hoffman and she uses the Pinkfresh Set called Pretty Blooms.  Stay Tuned as I hope to finish those cards and post in the next few days.

Image/Sentiment:  Altenew One-Go Briar Blooms Bundle--Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies and Stencils plus Embossing Folder

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

Ink:  Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes

Accessories:  Sequins from the kit

Eclectic Blooms

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Kelly is the hostess and sent out this sweet image from Concord & 9th called Eclectic Blooms.   She also included a sentiment from the same set, but I used one of my own.  So for August, this is card #120 and we are at the end of year number 10!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 10 plus years and looking to go to 11!

I colored the Sweet floral image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the image with a Gina Marie Designs In & Out Double Stitched Oval.  I then die cut a white panel for the background with a Stampin' Up Stitched Greenery Plate and used foam tape behind the oval for some dimension.  The sentiment is from a Simon Says Stamp sentiment pack. I added somme Studio Katia Lemon Burst Pearls around the image and a bow from Stampin' Up yellow yarn. . 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 great cards!  I am up for our September challenge and the start to our 11th year!  Please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Eclectic Blooms/Simon Says Stamp Sentiment Pack

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Hefty Doodle White; 

Ink:  Altenew Obsidian Black Ink

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie In & Out Double Stitched Oval Die; Stampin' Up Stitched Greenery Background Plate; Studio Katia Lemon Burst Pearls, Stampin' Up Yellow Yarn

I Am In Your Corner

 

Today is the 9th and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Jeanette is the hostess and sent out the cute image from Gerda Steiner Designs called In Your Corner.  She also included a number of sentiments from the same set.  So for July, this is card #119 and we are actually coming to the end of year number 10!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 10 plus years and looking to go to 11!

I colored the cute mouse image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  The stamped image was a bit larger and I die cut the "corner" and backer with a set of Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Dies.  I then die cut a white panel and another black backer with a set of MFT Stitched Tag Corner Rectangle dies.  I then embossed the white later with an Altenew Textured Hexagon folder.   The sentiment was cut with a Taylored Expressions Modern Label Dies and layered in black. I did not add any bling to this 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 great cards!  Kelly is up for our August challenge.  That will be out 120th monthly challenge, the anniversary of the end of our 10th Year!!!!!! Please be sure to join us again. 

Image/Sentiment:  Gerda Steiner Designs In Your Corner

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Accent Opaque 120# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Basic Gray

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Altenew Textured Hexagons Embossing Folder; MFT-My Favorite Things Stitched Tag Corner Rectangles; Gina Marie Stitched Circle Dies; Taylored Expressions Modern Label Sentiment Dies