Masculine Birthday Card - Easy Peasy!

I am hanging out in my craft space today to get a few things straightened up, sorted out, and put away. As I was doing that, I came across this card I meant to post a few weeks back. Better late than never, I guess. 

I know a lot of us struggle with masculine birthday cards. This classy card is both masculine and simple.

I had been wanting to do some old page backgrounds, so I went to my local book resaler and bought an old yellowed dictionary for a quarter. I snagged a page out of there and went to town distressing. It was a thin paper so I had to be a little tender with it. I first crumpled the stank out of it. Before flattening it out, I gently swiped some ink over the top of it. I kept with browns and grays for this project. I flattened out the paper and recrumpled it. After gently smoothing it out (just a bit) I added a little darker shade of ink, just gently swiping over the raised areas. Using a light tan, I further aged the paper by brushing a little ink across the edges of the paper. 

Once I was satisfied with the grunge-level, I attached it to a piece of kraft colored cardstock cut slightly larger than my page panel. That was attached to a black A2 card base. I added a sprig I cut from the Taylored Expressions Branch Out die set. I embossed the sentiment with white powder on black cardstock, trimmed it down, and attached it to a piece of kraft cardstock the width of the card.

For the inside of the card, I kept it basic and simple (most masculine cards don't have a lot of flare it seems).

I just stamped a simple sentiment on kraft cardstock and attached it to the inside of the card. The kraft paper is light enough that a personal note can easily be added with any type of pen.

Well, now that I've shared this card with you, I think I am less inspired to finish my craft room straightening/sorting and focus on some more craft (minus the room) projects.

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

IN THE ABSTRACT: PLAYING WITH A NEW KIT FROM TAYLORED EXPRESSIONS

I got this kit recently and I am absolutely smitten with it. I kept looking at it when it first came out and telling myself that I certainly did not need another set of stamps, dies or stencils. But I kept being drawn to it and thinking about it and, every time I saw it, couldn't believe how much I really liked it. So....yeah, no will power for creative things that move me. I ordered it.

And I am so happy I did.

I have been playing with the stencils (which includes both the stencil AND the masks), dies (yes, I had to order the add-on because they are so awesome), and stamps (some with abstract designs and some with the sweetest sentiments). Also included in the kit were some beautiful envelopes, seals, and tiny little gems. All packaged in a cool zippered pouch for storage. (And, no, I am not selling them, nor do I get any kind of benefit from this post...I just simply love this set and felt the need to share my enthusiasm.)

So are you ready to see my first 4 cards?

All background inks used were Distress Oxides applied with a brush. The sentiments were stamped with Gina K Amalgam Ink. The cardstock I used was heavyweight white and black (Recollections). Glue used was Gina K Connect. 

I had so much creative fun putting these together. My mind just went free. I only glued close to the stem on the dies so that there was a little movement in them when attached. They create a lot of depth and dimension.

I had a difficult time picking a favorite, but it may be last one. Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear in the comments. 

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky.

#tayloredexpressions

#intheabstract

Tone it Down with Vellum

 I've been playing in my craft room again. I'm trying to use up some of the massive quantities of paper I've collected over the years. I love this delightfully sunny paper pack I used today, but one of the patterns was just a little too bold. So I toned it down with vellum.

You see those blue roses? They were just a bit too busy. But the colors were perfect. To tone it down, I cut a piece of vellum the same width but lightly longer than the patterned paper panel. I scored fold lines at the top and bottom, wrapped the vellum to the back and secured it with tape. That way there is no glue or tape spots showing through the vellum.

I followed one of my favorite card sketches for the inspiration for this card. Here are all the supplies I used:

This card was made for a very dear friend. So I needed something a little snarky on the inside. The sentiments from this Technique Tuesday set are awesome!

(BTW, she loved the card)

I'll be back later with another set of cards I created with a new stamp set I just got. But for now,

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

Birthday Cards from Card Sketches

Hi, again, stamping friends! I have a couple more cards to share with you today. I've been playing around with card sketches and, since I always need birthday cards, I decided to make a couple more from the two sketches I selected.

The first one I am kind of in love with. It's nearly monochromatic and it just pops. 

I used Sketch 51 from Jules Always With A Heart. While this is a square card sketch, I reimagined into an A2 card. I. used papers from the Recollections Fashionably Chic paper pad. The outside sentiment is from Hampton Art SC0730.

For the inside of the card I used my favorite birthday sentiment (so far) from a set that remains unknown to me.

Even though there is a floral paper on the front, I think this card could be used for either a guy or a gal. And I will definitely be using this sketch again!

My second card uses the same paper pack but tones of brown. This sketch is from Try Stamping on Tuesday (TSOT 489).

This card is also gender-neutral and can even be fitted with a gift card for some yummy coffee!

For the inside of the card, I kept it simple with just "Happy Birthday".

I found a few more sketches that I am excited to try. I am just waiting for a couple of new stamp sets I ordered to arrive (hurry up!!!!). So stay tuned for my next post!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

I'm Baaaaack - Creating Again

Did you miss me? Well, I missed me...the creative me, the crafty me, the card-making me. I needed a hiatus. Life throws curve-balls sometimes and one needs to get out the catcher's mitt. But I've caught all the balls and can start tossing some back now. 

It's been over 6 months since I stepped into my craft room. I stepped out back in late January. It's August. Yikes. I finally got a twinge of my mojo back and started cleaning out my craft room, purging things that weighed me down. I still have more to get rid of, but at least it's back in working order now, freshly organized and clean, and I actually spent some creative time in there yesterday.

I needed to make a birthday card for a co-worker (got a new job the end of March) so I used that to urge myself on. And I felt so much better afterward.

I wasn't exactly sure how to start back up again (left a DT because of political drama). So I went to my go-to trick....card templates. I have tons of them. A while back I printed off a bunch and keep them with my card blanks in case I need a jumping off point. I grabbed one from Try Stamping On Tuesday (TSOT Design #485) and found some coordinating papers. This is the result:

I cut all my pieces from the Fashionably Chic paper pad (Recollections) and assembled the base of the card. On a white layer of cardstock, I stamped the floral image from the Simply Soft set (Stampin' Up!) using Gina K Amalgam Black Ink. I used Distress Oxide Ink in Worn Lipstick to add the filler stamp. I matted that piece and added it to the card base. The sentiment is from a Hampton Art set (SC0730) that I had picked up at a Dollar Tree a while back. Then I whipped up the inside of the card:

I used the same paper as on the front and added a sentiment (stamp set unknown). I've had this set forever and have used this particular stamp from it a multitude of times. I just like it.

Once my card was finished, I used a scrap of leftover paper and lined the envelope, stamped the same floral image on the front of the envelope, signed and sent my card on it's merry way (happy birthday, Deb).

I can't tell you how good it feels to be creating again! I hope you enjoyed this and found a little inspiration of your own!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

GETTING MOJO BACK WITH A CARD SKETCH (Paper Craft Crew Challenge PCC410)

I've been feeling a little blue and uncreative these past couple of weeks. I decided I needed to play Stella and get my groove back. What better way than with a great sketch for inspiration! So today, I am playing along with the Paper Craft Crew Card Sketch Challenge PCC410. I found some great paper in a buried stash, grabbed the sketch, and went to town.

Here is the sketch:

I frequently use card sketches to boost my creativity. They always seem to do the trick. I dug deep into some old stashes of papers and stickers that I recently came across and they just seem to fit with the sketch. The sentiment is from the Hero Arts set "CL342 Everyday Sayings". The card turned out just like I envisioned!

To create this card, I trimmed down the beautiful beach patterned cardstock and attached it to an A2 kraft card base. I die cut/embossed a circle from vellum. I also trimmed down a piece of the leftover vellum for a card accent. I found some corrugated paper and trimmed a piece down and attached that and the vellum scrap to the front of the card. I placed some glue under the vellum circle where I knew it wouldn't show, then added that a couple of shell stickers to the card. I stamped the sentiment on brown card stock and embossed it in white. I trimmed down the sides to create a banner, then attached that using foam tape.

I was so inspired by sketches being inspiring, that I decided I'm going to try and create a few sketches for myself! I have already sketched one out I think you'll like and will be back with a couple cards I create from it. So stay tuned!

Leave me a comment below and tell me your thoughts on this card! I love to read them!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

The Best Thing About Winter

 I'm going to admit, this is not one of my favorite cards. There! I said it! However, I do like it's bones, so that is why I'm sharing it with you today. I used one of the new stamps released by Technique Junkies called Inside Out: I Love Snow. This stamp set has several sentiments for both the outside AND the inside of your cards. There are several sets like this over at TJ, perfect for those who struggle with adding something to their card "guts". Here are pics of both the outside and the opened card:

I'm not sure what I was thinking with this color scheme, but I guess the drab colors do reflect my mood about winter. So maybe that's why the dull greens.

I used Small Snowflake Trio from Technique Junkies for the snow. For the outside panels, I white embossed them and added Distress Oxide Inks over the top in a blend from Mowed Lawn to Forest Moss to Black Soot. On the inside panel, I stamped more snowflakes in the greens on the inside and added a die cut wreath, along with the inside sentiment.

Like I said, not my favorite card. But I do like the swing cards and I love the sentiments. Next time, though, I will use some different colors.

Hope I at least gave you a few ideas. By the way, you can save 10% on your Technique Junkies purchases by adding my code below:

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

New Year = New Stamps!

Happy New Year, Stamping Friends! I have to say I will not miss 2020, and pray that 2021 will be a better year for everyone. To celebrate the new year, Technique Junkies has released their new collection of stamps. Wait til you see these! Fabulous comes to mind. I have some cards to share sampling some of the new stamps. If you would like to see the whole release, just click H E R E.

Here's a sneak-peek of the cards I'm sharing to today...hopefully you'll be enticed to read on!

All new releases are on sale until the 8th of the month. You will automatically receive 15% off those stamps. As an added bonus, receive an ADDITIONAL 10% OFF by adding the code "TJ10Ro" at checkout. That 10% code is good all month long on all products through Technique Junkies! 

For those of you Gotta-Have-It-All Folks, have we got a deal for you! You can get the whole shebang (Gotta Have It All Bundle) for $94.80! That's every single stamp in this release! Individually, they would be $126.30, so you save a cool $31.50, which is 25% off! And shipping is only $6.99! This is the collection:

The Design Team has some awesome ideas for you. If you have arrived from the Technique Junkies Blog, you are in the right place. If not, you may want to start at the beginning so you don't miss any good stuff! Here is the full line-up for your convenience:

TECHNIQUE JUNKIES
RO DONNER  ⇐ You are here! 

HOLLY BROWN

LYNDA PLECKAN

PATTI GILLIAM

BETH NORMAN-ROBERTS

PAT HUNTOON

JUDY JACKSON

Let's go to the fun stuff!

Basic supplies may include: Misti; CutAlign Tools; various inks pads including the new IZink Inks, Ink Blending Brushes; cardstock, vellum and adhesives; paper trimmer, scissors and/or Xacto knife; heat tool; embossing powder. Also, stamps listed in all caps are from the new release, otherwise they are previously released stamps.

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I loved the design of this stamp, but quite honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it justice. All I did was stamp it in black and add white highlights with a gel pen. AND I LOVE IT! Whadya think, peeps?

PARIS WINTER WATERCOLORS (S884)

So, as I said, I stamped the image with black ink onto a grey panel and added white gel pen highlights here and there. I matted it with white cardstock and, using a foam panel, attached it to a grey A2 card base. I added a small vinyl Happy Birthday sticker to the corner. It's elegant, simple, and would make an awesome dude card!

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This next one is for all you cat lovers! 

WHERE THE CAT IS (SD1050)
Paw Prints (S826)

I had this black and white patterned paper and it just yelled to be added to this whimsical card! I absolutely adore this lil puss! Just look at that sweet face! Since I wanted to keep the focus on the stamp, I kept my colors at a minimum. I used an older stamp (Paw Prints) which I stamped on the patterned background paper, and added some border lines. That was attached to the card base. The image was stamped on white cardstock and I added just a touch of grey and pink colored pencil to the kitty. I framed it in black and attached it to the card with foam tape. I added some red polkadot baubles and a shiny red bow for a pop of color.

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Now, not to leave my doggie-lovin' friends out, I've got one for you too!

DOGS, BOOKS & COFFEE (SD1058)
Coffee Quotes (S224)
All Shapes (SD846)
Coffee Beans Stencil (STL003)

This card just tickles me pink! Any time I have an excuse to use these adorable pooches, I'm happy. This new sentiment stamp was my perfect excuse! I used two different shades of Kraft cardstock. On the lighter shade, I used the Coffee Beans stencil and Frayed Burlap Distress Oxide Ink (now being carried by TJ as well!). I attached that to a card base created from the darker cardstock. On another piece of the lighter cardstock I stamped the sentiment in brown ink. Using my very beloved Kaisercraft Gel Pens, I added some colors chosen to coordinate with the books. That panel was matted with the darker cardstock and was then attached with foam tape. The books were simply a free graphic that I printed and cut out. I stamped the dogs from All Shapes and the coffee cup from Coffee Quotes, colored them, and cut them out. I cut a slit in the coffee cup so I could slip in the chihuahua. I glued on all the pieces to finish off the card. 

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Ok, now I have three cards for you featuring the newest addition to the Inside/Out series of stamps. I freaking LOVE the one! They are an absolute hoot. (The first one is my very favorite!)

INSIDE OUT: I LOVE SNOW (SS130)
SMALL SNOWFLAKES TRIO (SDX177)

I hope nobody is offended, but that is just too funny!!! I created a black card base and cut a whole the size of my "bubble" for the shaker. On the front I stamped with Versamark the snowflakes and the sentiment, which I then embossed with white powder. I added a little more "snow" using a white gel pen.

For the inside of the card, I used a white piece of cardstock and stamped the sentiment (I'm still laughing...) in black ink. I added a die cut house and filled the bubble with fake snow, and that was attached and framed on the white panel.

For this next card, I used the same two stamp sets, but selected a different sentiment set.

INSIDE OUT: I LOVE SNOW (SS130)
SMALL SNOWFLAKES TRIO (SDX177)

For this one, I used a die cut with falling "snow", stamped the snow flakes with Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. I blended some Distress Oxide Inks (Worn Lipstick, Wilted Violet) using a blending brush. I flicked some water droplets on the panel for a more distressed look. The sentiment was stamped in black ink on white cardstock and trimmed out with a die. That was attached with foam tape.

For the inside of the card, I stamped the snowflakes again using the Distress Oxide Ink and the sentiment in black ink. I trimmed down the panel and attached it to the card.

This last one is just too adorable for words. But I'll try anyhow (tee hee). While the snowman himself is from an older set, the sentiments and snowflakes are new.

INSIDE OUT: I LOVE SNOW (SS130)
SMALL SNOWFLAKES TRIO (SDX177)
Snowman (SD966)

Now if that sentiment doesn't tickle your funny bone, you may want to get that checked out. This fun card was easy peasy and just too darned cute! I made a white A2 card base and cut a couple of red panels to attach to both the front and the inside. On more white cardstock, I stamped the snowman in black ink and added some color. I stamped the sentiments (both inside and outside) with red ink, and added some light blue snowflakes on both panels. For the snowflakes on the front, I added a tiny diamond gem to the center for just a pop of bling.

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Well, that's it for my projects today. I have more to share with you throughout the month, so I hope you come back again. If you found some inspiration today, leave me comment! I love hearing what y'all have to say. The next blog linked up is Holly, who has some great projects to share with you!

Remember, all the new releases are on sale (15% off) only until the 8th, so shop early! And save an additional 10% by using the code below (that code is good any time all month long on all products!). And don't forget that great deal on the Gotta Have It All Bundle (only $94.80)!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!