So Fry-tastic Collection from Concord & 9th

Flowers or fries for a special occasion? I would have to go with the fries I think- what about you? When I saw the new So Fry-tastic dies and stamps from Kristina Werner and Concord & 9th, I knew there was no resisting them. I never need another set of flower dies or stamps,  but show something unique and fun like these and I have to bring them home. There is a whole set of funny stamps that go with the dies and I picked stamps perfect for a funny Valentine or any day card for my grandsons or husband. I die cut the fries out of 3 colors of light yellow cardstock and added some shading to make them look fried and ready to eat. The fry dies are numbered in the order to put together so that part is so easy. I created the hearts background with two stencils from A Colorful Life Designs. 

My second card with these dies and stamps is an easel card held up with a fry I stamped. The die set includes several large word dies so I die cut "fries" instead of stamping it. The "love you" die is from Karen Burniston. Here is another view of this easel card from the front:

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen 

Spellbinders Gorgeous You Purse Shaped Cards

My favorite local crafty store- Harts n Scraps - is now carrying Spellbinders products and I treated myself to a die set that was on my wish list, then had a play this very cold weekend. The die set from Spellbinders is called Gorgeous You Makeup Bag, but I saw it as little purse shaped card that would be perfect for giving gift cards. There is a die in the set that cuts slits perfect for gift cards and I do give those often for all occasions. I started with a pink purse and the gorgeous textured overlay piece. 

I created this purse out of black mirror card and gold trim along with a gold foiled thank you. This little purse will be perfect for Christmas too as you can see from this one I made:

I embossed this purse with a Spellbinders poinsettia embossing folder and will add a gift card for an easy cute gift next Christmas.

If you are local and want this or any Spellbinders die, just ask Heather at Harts n Scraps to order it for you. Of course, they are also available on line at the Spellbinders website if you are not from this area. 

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen 

New Punny and Hearts Card Fronts from Therm O Web

The easiest way to add the shine of foil to our cards is to use Deco Foil Card Fronts and Therm O Web just released a bunch of punny and romantic ones. I had a play with them and some new colors of foil as well. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, my first cards will be perfect for that:

I foiled one of each of the new Deco Foil Card Fronts I received with various colors of Deco Foil and all sparkled beautifully. But to make the cards even more interesting, I added some stenciling and die cutting to each. Here is another card with a Cupid's Arrow foiled card front and stenciling and die cutting:

The "My Punny Valentine" collection of new card panels are sure to put a smile on the recipient's face! I added some stenciling and die cutting again and love how these cards turned out. Here is another pair of cards made with the new Deco Foil card fronts:

So fun! I made all these cards that sparkle with foil in a fun crafty afternoon. Start with the card fronts from Therm O Web, add some foil with your MINC or laminator and then decorate as desired. 

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen 

Poppin' Up To Say Happy Heart Day

My favorite cardstocks are the Stardream Metallics from CutCardStock and this is the front of the card I made in my newest video with Jupiter Red. I embossed the front with Spellbinders Beveled Diamond 3D embossing folder and then added some heart stickers I also found at CutCardStock. 

But as I show in the new video, the real magic happens when the sides are pulled:

A heart shaped message that says Happy Heart Day pops up! This surprise pop up fun fold is made without any specialty dies and I show how step by step in the video here. 

I hope you will watch the video and then send some handmade joy out into our world.

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen 

January Class Cards

The theme was Thoughtful Stenciled cards and we had fun making these cards:

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen 

Playing with Blending, Glimmer and New Card Fronts

I was so happy to see that Stamplorations is back and starting to release new products. I purchased some of the new Card Fronts and had a play this weekend. I am also participating in the Blending Bootcamp at Scrapbook and Cards Today. The first session was a masterclass taught by Mindy Eggen. She was teaching basics but I learned a lot and tried some of her tips when making this card:

As Mindy pointed out, we can ink blend on any paper and I decided to use an oval mask from Gina K to add some interest to the pretty scenery card front from Stamplorations. I needed a masculine birthday card and I added some blending on the inside too: 

I am also sharing the blending brushes and inks I used. I learned about the best way to use the different sizes of brushes in the first lesson of Blending Bootcamp. There are 4 different sessions each with a class and then a live session to watch. You can still join in here.

I haven't played with my Glimmer Machine or foil in awhile but Spellbinders has a new challenge and the theme is January Glam- Foil and Shine. I started this card with a new card front from Stamplorations and then added some foil and shine with a Spellbinders BetterPress plate called Feather Dream from Dina Wakley. I am entering this in the January Challenge here at Spellbinders. 

Another way to use gorgeous scenery card fronts like the new ones from Stamplorations is to cut one with an eclipse slatted die and raise it over another identical scene. The slatted die is from Craft Addictions UK. 

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen

Vellum With Unbelievable Color and Texture

Ever wonder what would happen if you soaked vellum cardstock with color? Maybe not, but you will want to try it after seeing my results:

I recently received a package of vellum from CutCardStock and wondered what would happen if I added water and Lindy's Magicals to it? I loved how it turned out!

I took pictures as I experimented and you can see all the tips and instructions on the CutCardStock blog here. I embossed the vellum before and after adding the water and watercolor powders in a Spellbinders 3D embossing folder. The layered Love die is from Gina K Designs.

Cardmaking Joy & Hugs, Karen