Christmas Mail

 Hello and welcome back, crafty Friends! I had enough time to create another fun card designed from various blog challenges and a couple from Splitcoast Stampers. If you haven't checked out SCS, please check them out! So many challenges, tutorials, project galleries, supportive community, and so much more for any paper crafter to enjoy!

This is my first card using my new Color Cube #4. I picked the first color sample, number 751, as my inspiration sample.

I stamped out the images from Momma Elephant's "You've Got Mail" on watercolor paper, and chose watercolor the images in with Spectrum Noir's "Aqua" watercolor markers and my Kuretake watercolor paints. I chose to use Hello Blue Bird's Deckle Edge dies to cut out the main image. I fussy cut out the little bunny after watercoloring him in, and place pop dots under him to give him some dimension off the paper. I placed popdots under the main image diecut with foam tape for stability and dimension, then matted it with 49 & Market's "Little Dreamers" design paper. Under the design paper, I added a gray scalloped cardstock from Bazzil in "Ash", die cut with Taylored Expressions Petit Scallop Mini Slim Stacklets.

I'm submitting my card to the following blogs & challenges :

Addicted to Stamps & More - Christmas (my card shows a bunny receiving a Christmas card)

A Cut Above - Anything Goes w/ a Die Cut

A Place to Start - Anything Goes w/ Opt. Twist Winter Things 

Cupcake Inspirations - Challenge Image - Let It Snow & the color Blue

Path of Positivity - Anything Goes w/ Opt. Twist of Unexpected Animal

Polkadoodles - Anything Goes

Simon Says (Monday Challenge) - Use Dies

Kindness Is The Way

 Kindness. Hard to find these days, at times. I like to remind myself it's a long sought after but rarely found gift. I believe in being as kind as you can to everyone as best as you can.

That's why I love this image.

I used Power Poppy's "Kindness Is The Way" free digital stamp to create this card. I used a lighter paper to print it out on, almost vellum like, and colored it in with Copic markers. I paired it with a very light blue gingham checked paper that just added to the intense POP of color I colored the flowers in with that didn't distract from them. After that, I added a simple border of stitching around the image to keep it looking simple and cheery, like I wanted it to be.

Gerbera Daisies are some of the most colorful and cheerful flowers I have ever seen. I mean, who wouldn't want to be given a beautiful bouquet of them?! If you can't give real flowers, this card could certainly take their place, it's so bold. I could walk in a garden of these for hours, they bring such a smile to my face and heart!

Peace and Joy

 Once again, it's Christmas in July!! In only six more months it will be Christmas Day! I can't wait! All those fun, festive traditions, food, and family fun! I love it!

Until then, I'll enjoy the countdown to the festivities by creating Christmas cards, inspired by Power Poppy's Monthly Blog Challenge. Why not? :)

I chose to create a card using the Power Poppy "Simple Joys" stamp set and coloring it in simply with Copics, only emphasizing the red glass ball ornaments. I chose some fantastic cozy looking patterned paper from Brutus Monroe called "Playful Plaid", adding some simple craft store lace, a blue silk ribbon, and some bronze pearl embellishments. 

I purposely kept everything simple so that the image and sentiment shines, but cheery paper colors to keep it from looking too dull.

I really enjoyed this months' Power Poppy challenge. At times it's great to get the old inspiration gears turning and realize new ideas and creativity by accident, just by participating in a fun challenge! I'm looking forward to next month's Power Poppy Challenge!

 

Happiness

 Hello again, World! 

As I assume you've guessed, I haven't been active in the scrapping, card making, or general crafting community for quite a few years. My family and I have been through a divorce, a move across half the country, a new job that takes all my energy and leaves me no mental clarity for creativity, and more drama then a soap opera that I'll generously spare you from. 

With two growing teenage children, I don't often have much time to sit down for "Me Time". Yet, here I am. I'm enjoying playing with inks, alcohol markers, and pretty papers. I've missed it all and yet, I'm rustier then a Model T Ford in the rain. But like anything, a good challenge can shake that mental dust off..

Power Poppy is offering a month long challenge on their blog, to create a card showcasing Glass. I picked Power Poppy's "Tea in the Garden" set, showcasing my favorite summertime beverage: Lemonade.

I colored the image in with Copics, found some papers from Fancy Pants, and embellished it with some odds and ends pieces of decor items that my Mom bought for me from a nearby scrapstore, keeping everything fresh, light, and fun.

I feel better after starting that challenge and I plan to blog and post when I can, around my busy life schedule, but until then, I'm just happy to be here, playing with my "toys" and feeling grateful.

Molly Kate's Card Classes

I don't normally post many things that promote me personally, on my blog, but I will be teaching card classes at Molly Kate's Tea and Gift Boutique in Lancaster, CA. Classes are limited to 10 for each class, due to space, so sign up now!

Here is the list of classes:

Please call 661-726-7060 to reserve your place, but more then that, I would love to meet each and everyone of you :)

I'm so excited to teach you how to make these, they are fun and easy to make and I can't wait to see you there :)