Merry Christmas, and Wishes for Peace

Merry Christmas!  Today I'm sharing three of the many Christmas cards I made this year.

Supplies used include: Hero Arts Peace Stamp & Cuts, Hero Arts Coloring Layering Christmas Tree, Poppy Crafts Frieda Wreath Die, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangle Dies,  Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, Hero Arts White Embossing Powder and Ombre Inks


Wishing PEACE to all this Christmas!

Crazy Dog Christmas

Today I have three cards I made recently, all using Tim Holtz Crazy Dog Stamps.

 

To turn each of these crazy dogs (after coloring) into a Christmas card I accessorized them - with a Santa hat and sentiment, a dog house with mistletoe, and Christmas lights and a strip of "merry" patterned paper.  I do love the expressions on each of these dogs faces.

Thanks so much for visiting today!

A Five Minute Fishy Card

Today I have a card made in under five minutes.  Very quick.  Sometimes you just want to let your patterned paper be the entire focus of the card.  I quickly stamped the sentiment onto a couple of diecuts and that was it.

Supplies used include: sentiment from Your Next Stamp Fishy Fun, My Favorite Things Stitched Fishtail Flag and Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangle Dies, unknown patterned paper

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Frosty and Friends Birthday Wishes

Today I have a cute birthday card to share made for a friend who loves snowmen.

 I did do a little partial die cutting to shorten the birthday wishes frame to form a square rather than a polaroid frame.

Supplies used include: Lawn Fawn Frosty and Friends Stamps and Dies and 6x6 patterned paper, Simon Says Stamp Birthday Wishes and Stitched Rectangle Dies, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Hello Chum, Two Ways

Today I have two cards to share, both birthday cards for my nephews.  There are so many different ways to use this stamp set.  I will definitely be using it again.

The first card is "sending smiles"- with "on your birthday" stamped on the interior.

 The second card is "we're gonna need a bigger"- with "cake" stamped on the interior.

Both cards involve stamping, coloring, a bit of patterned paper and a stamped sentiment.

Supplies used include:  Avery Elle Hello Chum Stamp set, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles and Birthday Wishes Dies (for the frame I cut out the words), My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Circle Dies, Hero Arts Black Dye Ink, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, unknown patterned paper

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Your Next Stamp Birthday Presents

Today I have a very simple birthday card to share, colored in autumn colors.

The birthday presents image was stamped and colored, and layered onto some plaid patterned paper in matching autumn colors, then mounted onto a kraft card base.  Very simple, but I do like it.


Supplies used include: Your Next Stamp Birthday Presents stamp, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles Dies, Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.

Thanks for visiting!

Lawn Fawn Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today I'm sharing my thanksgiving cards sent out this year to family and friends.  Thanks so much Dee for the cute stamp set!

Supplies used include: Lawn Fawn Thankful Mice and So Thankful, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, Neenah Dessert Storm Cardstock, Pretty Pink Posh Sequins

Pug Rescue of Florida Pugsgiving

November 5th was Pug Rescue of Florida's largest annual fundraiser "Pugsgiving".  Pug Rescue of Florida is an amazing non profit organization made up of so many wonderful volunteers, all dedicated to helping rescue pugs, provide all their veterinary care, and place them in forever homes.  I have never met a nicer group of people.  I have also adopted two sweet little pugs through this organization.  

This was the second year selling my cards at this event.  During this one day event, we sold nearly 90 cards and 177 gift tags, gift card holders, and wine bottle tags.  100 % of the sale went to Pug Rescue of Florida.  I am happy to say we raised nearly $600 from the sale of my items, and it all goes to help the pugs.

Here are some photos.

This first photo shows my entire booth followed by two more showing a bit closer view of each of our card display racks (a special thank you to my husband for building these racks exactly like I wanted them!)

Here are close up pictures of  the wine bottle tags and gift card holders.

And lastly two pictures of the treat bags and gift tags.

If you see something you like, my cards are also sold all year long on Etsy, again to help raise money for Pug Rescue of Florida.

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Happy Birthday Pug

Today I'm sharing a card made for my husband's birthday - this post is very late (months late), his card was not.  I started writing this post, but broke my wrist before I was able to post it.  I thought I'd still share it with you.

To make the numbered balloons really shine I embossed several coats of red embossing powder.

Supplies used include:  Paper Smooches Woofers and Tweeters Stamps, Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler Stamps, My Favorite Thinks Stitched Flag Dies, Avery Elle Numbered Balloon Dies and Wonky Stitches Dies, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers

Thanks for visiting.

Creating Your Own Patterned Paper

Today I have two cards to share.  They are done in exactly the same way, using a single stamp to create your own patterned paper.  My first card was created for someone who helped us out in an emergency situation.  Since he recently lost his bulldog I wanted to create something special.

My second card was made for a good friend who recently had surgery.  I thought this cute little chickie nurse was appropriate.  I added some Wink of Stella to each little nurse, and some tiny hearts to fill in the empty spaces.

On both cards I added some tiny dots by pressing my stylus into the same ink pad and then onto my card front.  Jennifer McGuire has had several videos recently showing this technique.

Supplies used include:  Clearly Besotted Playful Pooches Stamps, Lawn Fawn Get Well Soon Stamps, Simon Says Stamp Painted Thanks Die, My Favorite Things Stitched Fish Tail Flags Dies, Ranger Dye Inks

It's really nice to create cards tailor made for the recipient.
Thanks so much for visiting today.

I Turtle-ey Thank You

Today's card is simple and straight forward.  I loved this borrowed turtle stamp (thanks Jan), and I needed a couple thank you cards.  I didn't have a lot of time.  I'm still in the thick of getting ready for Pug Rescue of Florida's Pugsgiving fundraiser soon.  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and share them.  So, onto today's card.

The turtle was stamped on watercolor paper, colored, layered onto two rectangular die cuts (one a piece of patterned paper and one solid color cardstock), a sentiment speech bubble and sequins added.  I added a lot of Wink of Stella (several coats) to the turtle for lots of shimmer.  That and the sequins really make it sparkle - unfortunately the photo doesn't show it.  I do like the way this turned out.

Supplies used include:  Stampendous Pen Pattern Turtle Cling Stamp, Simon Says Stamp Thanks Stamps, Lawn Fawn A Birdie Told Me Stamps (for the speech bubble), My Favorite Things Stitched Rounded Rectangles, Little Things By Lucy Purely Peppermint sequins, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers

Thanks!

Happy Halloween!

Today I have a real quick post, to share two more Halloween cards.  My first card features a very cool piece of patterned paper.  I paired it with an old dollar skeleton stamp - each section of the skeleton was stamped, cut out, and pieced together and layered on a large vellum strip.  I wanted to allow the patterned paper to be the focus of the card.

And my second card features a really cute puppy mummy stamped, colored, cut out and paired with a tiny pumpkin and a strip of striped paper.

Supplies used include: Reminisce Day of the Dead Patterned Paper, Simon Says Stamp Trick or Treat Stamps, Lawn Fawn Happy Howl-O-Ween Stamps, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers.

Thanks so much for visiting and Happy Halloween everyone!

Howl-O-Ween Pugs

Today I'm sharing two Halloween Pug Cards.  My first card features a cute little princess pug (modeled after my daughter's sweet Cali).

And my second card features this same pug's alter ego.

Supplies used include: Sweet Stamp Shops Pug Life, Lawn Fawn Happy Howl-O-Ween, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Squares and Rectangles, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers

Thanks so much for visiting!

Folk Floral Congratulations

Today I'm sharing a card made for my son's wedding.  He recently married the sweetest girl ever.  I'm so happy.  I love them both!

 A simple but very elegant card.  The heart was stamped and embossed, colored, layered onto matching cardstock and vellum.  The sentiment was die cut from a piece of cardstock embossed with same powder, for a perfect match and also layered on vellum.

Supplies used include:  Do-crafts Folk Floral Heart,Ranger Liquid Platinum Embossing Powder, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, Bazzill Vellum

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Long Break!

Well, I'm finally back to blogging.

I do really apologize for that long break.  The last few months have been full of ups and downs.

In early July we were out celebrating my husbands retirement and I slipped on a wet restaurant floor and broke my wrist.  The restaurant's employee chose to wash the exit floor before they were closed - her choice to cut a few minutes off her day resulted in me spending my summer in the ER, pain, surgery, lots of Dr visits, physical therapy, splints, casts, no use of my arm for months and did I say pain.  Lots, and lots of pain.  I still live in pain, every day.  And I still can't feel many of my fingers.  Now I will need nerve studies to find out more.  It's likely I will have permanent damage. 

At the end of the summer we were finally we were able to get a way for a bit, and spent some time at a family lake cottage. No internet, so no blogging.  We made it back in town just in time for my son's wedding to his long time girlfriend.  I am so happy for both of them.

And now I've been card making like crazy.  I donate cards, gift tags, and many other items to Pug Rescue of Florida.  Their big annual fundraiser is next week.
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So, after a lot of ups and downs, I'm back card making and blogging.

I promise, lots of cards coming up.

Thanks so much for visiting today. 

blogging break

Because of an accident (broke my wrist, upcoming surgery for it) i need to take a break from blogging. Will be back as soon as possible.

Newton's Nook Birthday Card

Today I'm sharing a card made for a very good friend, who hopefully thinks this looks (somewhat)  like her cat.

You cannot see in the above picture that the cat in the gift bag is mounted onto an Action Wobbler so that it will "wobble and shake".  And here is the inside of the card.

Supplies used include:
Paper (Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid 6x6, Canson Watercolor Paper)
Stamps (Newton's Nook Birthday bash)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Wishing and Stitched Rectangles)
Ink (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other (Action Wobble Spring, Wink of Stella)

Danke

A super simple card today, no stamping, just dies.

Supplies used include:
Paper (Striped patterned paper, unknown source)
Dies (My Favorite Things Stitched Alpha, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Other (May Arts Twine)

Thanks for visiting!

Pug Cards

Just a quick post with a couple more pug cards.

 

 I apologize for the lack of posting, I've been dealing with a virus.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Good News ! My Etsy Shop Is Open

I have some great news! My Etsy shop VJBcards is now open.  So, please check it out.  There are two things I am very passionate about - sharing my cardmaking and pugs.  More importantly helping rescued pugs.  The non profit Pug Rescue of Florida is a terrific organization of many, many compassionate and dedicated volunteers trying to help rescued pugs. And so I am combining my two loves with my Etsy shop.  For each and every card sold that features a pug I will donate $2 to Pug Rescue of Florida.  I am really hoping to help raise money to help the pugs!  So, please visit my Etsy shop. Click on this link VJBcards or go to Etsy.com and enter VJBcards under search.

Today I'm sharing just a couple of the cards that are for sale on my Etsy shop  VJBcards.  Please check it out. I have many cards available to purchase, and will be adding more in often.

 Thanks so much for visiting my blog today!

Thanks in cork

Today I'm sharing a card with no stamping, only diecuts, using cork for the sentiment.

I began with a piece of diecut patterned paper, layered onto a pink mat and onto my card front.  I diecut the sentiment twice, out of cork and pink cardstock and slightly offset one on top of the other.  A few pink flowers were added and black gem centers.  These were mounted on top of a white fishtailed flag piece and onto the card.  I do love the pop of pink with all the neutrals (white, kraft and black).

My tip today - Try cork for instant texture.  You can find cork sheets, cork ribbon, cork with adhesive backing, cork dots for embellishing, etc.

Supplies used include:
Paper (Recollections adhesive backed cork sheet, unknown patterned paper)
Dies (My Favorite Things Fishtail Flags, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles, Painted Thanks and Mini Flowers & Leaves)
Other (BBP Blackbird Gems)

Avery Elle Floral Frame

Today's card was made for my sister-in-law's birthday, and uses a very beautiful floral stamp set from Avery Elle.

I started with a watercolor paper panel, gold embossed the flower frame and colored with zigs.  I also embossed a few individual flowers, and fussy cut after coloring them.  The sentiment was also embossed in gold - the embossing shows more in this detail photo.  In real life it's very beautiful.

 

After die cutting the panel with stitched edging, I foam mounted the individual flowers for a bit of dimension. I then added a gold glitter strip to the edge, layered onto some pretty patterned paper and onto my card front.  Simple, beautiful, elegant.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor paper, My Favorite Things Tranquil Textures 6x6, DCWV Gold Glitter paper)
Stamps (Avery Elle Floral Frames, Simon Says Stamp Birthday Flowers for the sentiment)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Ink (Versamark)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other  (Wow Metallic Gold Rich Pale Embossing Powder, Scrapbook Adhesives Thin 3D foam squares)

A modern butterfly birthday

Today I'm sharing a card made for a friend (who makes beautiful cards herself) who once said butterfly cards remind her of "old lady cards".  So I wanted to do a more modern take on a butterfly card.

  

I started by applying embossing paste through a stencil onto a diecut cardstock panel.  While waiting for this to dry I diecut two happy panels, layered black cardstock between, and stamped birthday below the happy.  After the embossing paste dried I mounted the happy panel on top with foam squares for dimension, and added a rainbow of tiny diecut butterflies.

My tip today - Embossing paste adds great dimension, comes in both matte and glossy and can be colored with many inks.  Just always wash your stencil and work surface immediately, once dry it's really hard to remove.  Painter's tape works great to secure both your cardstock and stencil in place.  Removing a bit of the tapes stickiness first (by sticking it to your arm and then remove) will keep it from tearing your paper.  When removing the tape, pull it back onto itself at a 45 degree angle. This  will also help to prevent tearing. And using a "heavier" cardstock helps to prevent warping when using embossing paste.

Thanks for visiting, and Happy Birthday Dee!

Supplies used include:

Paper (Neenah Solar White 80 and 110 lb cardstock, scraps of colored cardstock)

Stamps (Mama Elephant Happy Everything, for "birthday")

Dies (Reverse Confetti Happy Pretty Panels Confetti Cuts, Impression Obsession butterflies dies, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)

Ink (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink)

Other (Heidi Swap Stencil stripes, Dreamweaver White matte embossing paste, Scrapbook Adhesives thin 3D foam squares)

remembering nana, with flowers

Today I'm sharing a card made to remember "nana" (my mother-in-law), one of  the kindest persons I've known.  Flowers will always remind me of her.  Every year for our birthdays she would always give us each a small check.  I would put mine aside and throughout the year I would buy myself fresh flowers (because I LOVE flowers) - just an inexpensive bouquet from the grocery. And I would always tell her "thank you nana".  My husband would joke when he saw the flowers "are those thank you nana flowers?"  I would think of her throughout the year and she would also know throughout the year that her gift made me happy.  With her passing I still find myself occasionally buying flowers and saying to myself "thank you nana".  So today's card is to remember her.  It's been a year, and she is greatly missed.

I folded a scalloped edge circle die to form a flower cone, tied with a ribbon scrap and mounted onto a piece of die cut patterned paper.  The flowers were saved and dried from nana's service. 

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies used include:
Paper (patterned paper from Chickaniddy crafts)
Dies (Sizzix scalloped edge circles, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Other (multi-medium matte to attach the flowers)

Two Love Birds

Today I'm sharing an anniversary card made using a borrowed stamp (thanks Jan!) called "Two Love Birds".

I stamped the image onto watercolor paper and colored with Zigs.  I also stamped the image onto several different scraps of patterned paper and fussy cut the rose, leaves, birds and wings.  All pieces were colored with a black marker to hide imperfections in the fussy cutting.  These were then paper pieced onto the watercolored piece.  Since this image was longer than would fit onto a standard A2 card front, I needed to make my card longer and narrower also, resulting in a card 3 3/4 by 7 3/4 inches.  Using both a rectangle and scalloped border die I partially cut the watercolored piece from each end resulting in a piece that was long and narrow.  This was then layered onto a patterned paper rectangle and then the card front. I added a bit of Wink of Stella to the rose and small hearts for shimmer and some red Stickles to the dots of the large heart.  Finished!

My tip today - Using the partial die cutting technique you can create pieces to fit custom size cards.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor paper, unknown patterned paper)
Stamps (Woodware Two Love Birds)
Ink (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangle, Lawn Fawn Scalloped Borders)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other  (Wink of Stella, Ranger Stickles)

You're so Lovely

I have a very simple card today, using the Hero Arts You're So Lovely stamp set (thanks Dee!).

The roses and leaves were stamped and embossed onto watercolor paper, colored with distress inks, then fussy cut.  They were then layered over a vellum strip and a piece of really pretty patterned paper mounted onto my card front.  That's it.

Thanks for visiting today!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson watercolor paper, Bazzill vellum, Patterned Paper by Amy Tangerine for American Crafts)
Stamps (Hero Arts You're So Lovely)
Inks (Versamark, Distress Inks)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Other (Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder)

Happy Easter!

Is everyone tired of Easter cards?  I made so many more cards, but this is the last Easter card I'm sharing.  So, what's the next holiday??

To make today's card I started by very lightly sponging distress ink thru a stencil. I also stamped, colored, and fussy cut the chick, then layered him (her?) onto a couple of diecuts, my stenciled piece, and then my card front.

Hope you have a really nice day!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor Paper, Unknown Patterned Paper)
Stamps (Very old wooden dollar stamp)
Inks (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink, Distress Inks in Mowed Lawn and Shabby Shutters)
Dies (My Favorite Things Stitched Rounded Rectangles, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other (The Crafters Workshop Stencil)

Avery Elle Easter Blessings, Two Ways

Today I have two cards, both using the same stamp, but with very different looks.  This is by far one of the prettiest Easter Stamps I've used, just so gorgeous.

For the first card I simply stamped the image onto watercolor paper, colored and die cut.  For the second card I stamped and embossed onto vellum, then colored the back of the vellum.  Both cards were layered using craft foam for added dimension.

My tip today - Craft foam is really cheap ($1 for a large sheet at most craft stores) and creates dimension that holds up well in the mail.

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor Paper, Bazzill Vellum, DCWV Silver Glitter Paper, Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid 6x6)
Stamps (Avery Elle Easter Blessings)
Dies (My Favorite Things Stitched Rounded Rectangles, Avery Elle Wonky Stitches, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles, Impression Obsession Grass)
Ink (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink, Versamark)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other (Hero Arts Copper Embossing Powder, Simon Says Stamp Crystal Reflections Sequins, Ranger Liquid Pearls, Wink of Stella)

Tiny Easter Bunny

Today's card uses a couple of very tiny stamps, but together they create a pretty, very CAS card.

The bunny and grass were stamped onto a tiny stitched rectangle of watercolor paper, very lightly  colored with distress markers and layered onto cardstock, patterned paper and vellum. Simple, but really pretty.

My tip today - Many stamp sets come with tiny stamps also.  Don't overlook those.  Sometimes they are as fun to use as the "main" stamps.

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor Paper, Bazzill Vellum, My Favorite Things Homespun Gingham 6x6)
Stamps (Avery Elle Ellie)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Inks (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink)
Coloring (Distress Markers)

Birthday, All Simon Says Stamp Dies

Today I have a birthday card for a friend that involves no stamping - just diecutting, patterned paper, and a few enamel dots.  When I saw this patterned paper it just screamed to be paired up with more dots and circles.

Supplies used include:
Paper (Reminisce It's Party Time)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles, Birthday Circle, and Stitched Circles)
Other (Wink of Stella, Enamel Dots from My Mind's Eye and Simple Stories)

Pretty Pink Posh Bunny

My card today features a bunny from a Pretty Pink Posh holiday stamp set.
 

Today I used copper embossing powder - it's really hard to see in this photo - but it gives just a bit different look to my card.  I do like it.  The flowers and bunny were stamped and embossed onto watercolor paper, then colored .  After diecutting the flowers with a scalloped oval I very lightly sponged shaded lilac distress ink to the edges. The bunny was coated with Wink of Stella and mounted with foam squares for just a little dimension. Liquid Pearls were added to the flower centers.  The whole thing was mounted onto lilac card stock.  And that's it.

My tip today - Have you tried the Thin 3D foam squares?  They provide some dimension, but are only about half as thick as regular foam squares, making cards way more mail friendly.

Thanks for visiting.

Supplies used include:
Paper (Canson Watercolor paper)
Stamps (Pretty Pink Posh Holiday Pals, Penny Black Enamor)
Inks (Versamark, Distress Inks)
Dies (Avery Elle Ellements Sweet Scallops, Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles)
Coloring (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers)
Other (Hero Arts Copper Embossing Powder, Zig Wink of Stella, Ranger Liquid Pearls, Scrapbook Adhesives Thin 3D foam squares)

Suatelier Stickers

I have quite a few Easter cards to share with you over the next couple of weeks.

Today I have two cards using Suatelier Korean Stickers.  These bunnies are incredibly cute, and what a bargain.  A whole sheet of stickers was only $1.50 at my paper crafting store.

For my first card I die cut the flower frame out of a piece of watercolor paper and quickly colored the flowers and stems with distress inks.  A bit of wink of stella was added to the flowers and to the clouds also.  This was then layered over some patterned paper tucking one of the clouds under the frame and layering the other on top. The cute bunny sticker was all that was needed to finish this off.  You could easily add a stamped sentiment to the frame instead.

The second card is just several die cut rectangles - solid card stock, patterned paper, and vellum.  The bunny sticker is grounded with a bit of stitched die cutting.  And of course a few sequins for some sparkle.

My tip today - Don't overlook simple items like stickers - these Suatelier stickers are really high quality.  They can be used to add that finishing touch to your card.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Supplies include:
Paper (Bazzill Vellum, My Favorite Things Homespun Gingham 6x6, also unknown Tulip patterned paper, Canson Watercolor paper)
Stamps (tiny sentiment - very old wooden stamp)
Inks (Hero Arts Black Dye Ink, Distress Inks)
Dies (Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles, Memory Box Puffy Clouds, My Favorite Things Wildflower Centerpieces and Homespun Stitched Lines)
Other (Pretty Pink Posh sequins, Zig Wink of Stella)