Hello friends and happy Monday!  I hope you all had a nice weekend.  The weather was absolutely beautiful here for the first time really this spring, so in between crafty projects, I was able to spend some time outside.  Today I am sharing a floral card using the "Big Happy" digital stamp set from 88 and Clear.  I must be on a floral kick right now, because after looking at my recent posts and seeing what I have to photograph for upcoming posts, you are going to be seeing a LOT of flowery cards!  

The base of this A2 sized and is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using the Reverse Confetti Diagonal Stripes Cover Panel, I die cut this striped background die from white cardstock.  I colored the Big Happy digital stamp set from 88 and Clear using Copic markers and I fussy cut the large image out.  I adhered the bouquet to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white cardstock and adhered the sentiment to the lower left side of the card.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the flowers for added sparkle.  

I hope you have enjoyed this sherbet colored card!  Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

Hello and welcome back from the weekend!  I hope you all found a little time to do something crafty. 
Last week I shared some cards that were made using pre-created Distress Oxide ink backgrounds after I had taken an online class with Jenn Shurkus.  Today's card uses another of those backgrounds, which made this card come together really quick and easy!  

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  On a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of the same white cardstock, I ink blended Distress Oxide inks in Wilted Violet, Picked Raspberry and Spun Sugar using the Tim Holtz Mini Round Ink Blender.   Over that background I laid the Music Stencil from Newton's Nook and sponged more Picked Raspberry ink through the stencil. I removed the stencil and spritzed the paper with a little bit of water.  I set this background aside to dry.  Using the digital Bloom Book stamp from 88 and Clear I printed the stamp out on Neenah white cardstock.  I colored the image with Copic markers and then I fussy cut the flowers out.  I adhered the flowers to the card with 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on a thin strip of black cardstock and then heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder.  I notched the left side of the sentiment and adhered it to the top right of the card using 3M foam adhesive.  Lastly, I added a coat of Clear Wink of Stella to the flowers for added sparkle.  

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a wonderfully creative day!

Hello and happy Friday!  Friday's always make me smile.  I hope today's card will make you smile too with it's fun sherbet-like colors and cheerful spring peonies!  

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  On a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Distress Heavystock paper, I watercolored the background using a small paintbrush and Distress Oxide Inks in Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin and Squeezed Lemonade . I set this piece aside to dry.  Using the digital Rich Peonies stamp set from 88 and Clear, I printed these digital stamps out on Neenah white cardstock and colored them using Copic markers.  I used my Brother Scan and Cut 2 e-cutting machine to cut the images out in lieu of fussy cutting.  I adhered the flowers to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I added a little bit of linen thread in the middle of the flowers and placed the sentiment stamped in pink ink on white cardstock over the thread.  Lastly, I added a coat of Clear Wink of Stella to the flowers for added sparkle.  

I hope you have a great weekend and that you find the time to do something crafty!
​  Thanks for visiting, 

Okay, so the title of today's post is a bit misleading. . . We are not actually traveling to Paris for $5, but you can stamp it for the low, low, price of $5! : ) The digital Traveling Paris stamp set by 88 and Clear is only $5.00 for the month of April!  Plus, you can sign up to take the virtual class with owner/designer/CEO Richard Garay (RG) on Monday, April 19th, and create four cards using this fun set. 

Here are two cards I created using the Traveling Paris digital stamp.  If you have never used digital stamps before, I'd encourage you to read this post to help yourself become more familiar with what they are and the various ways in which you can use them. 

Here is the second card I created using the Traveling Paris and Card Layer digital stamp sets: 

Here is the entire Traveling Paris stamp set featuring 19 digital stamps:

This class is a fun way to get crafty with Richard Garay and learn new techniques!
​
With the purchase of this class you will instantly receive the digital download in 4 different formats; PDF Outline, PDF, JPEG, and SVG as well as the YouTube link and instructions to create these projects. You can always use what you have available in your craft room. If you are not able to join us for the live you will always be able to watch the replay.

The LIVE class will be on Monday, April 19 at 10am AZ time. 
​

But, wait! There's more!  Of course there is.  This month you can also get this beautiful Card Layer digital stamp set FREE (with any purchase of $25 or more).  It will be automatically added to your cart when you checkout.  

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

On a recent weekend visiting with my mom, we spent an entire day playing with Distress Oxide inks.  We had taken an online class with Jenn Shurkus and wanted to simply play and create backgrounds only without the added pressure of making fully completed cards.  The end result?  We had about 20 backgrounds each to tuck away for future cards.  Today's card uses one of those previuosly created backgrounds, so it made this card real quick and easy to complete.

*A full list of supplies is located at the end of this post.

The base this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock.  Using a piece of Bristol Smooth paper, I ink blended Distress Oxide inks in Twisted Citron and Shabby Shutters all over the 5 1/4" x 4" piece of watercolor paper.  I spritzed the paper with water to add little droplets.  Then I used a stencil (sorry, I cannot recall the name or even brand of the stencil) and placed it over the background and spread Nuvo Moonstone Glitter paste to achieve that sparkly textured background. I printed out the Special and Kind digital stamp set from 88 and Clear on Neenah White cardstock and colored the images with Copic markers.  I used a Scan and Cut 2 electronic cutting machine to cut the images, in lieu of fussy cutting.  I adhered the images to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I added the sentiment in the lower right corner.  Lastly, I added a coat of Clear Wink of Stella to the sunflower images for added sparkle. 

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

Happy Good Friday, friends!  Today I am sharing two simple treat boxes that I created for Easter, though you could change them up to work for any holiday or event.  These boxes would be perfect for a small amount of candy, gift cards, jewelry or other little trinkets.  They measure approximately
​4" x 3" x 2" and were made using the Lawn Fawn Scalloped Treat Box and the digital "Oh La La" stamp set from 88 and Clear. 

*A full list of supplies is located at the end of this post. 

To begin, I printed the digital "Oh La La" stamp set onto 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and colored the images with Copic markers.  I used my Brother Scan and Cut 2 e-cutting machine to electronically cut the images out (in lieu of fussy cutting).  One treat box was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and the other was made from Cotton Candy cardstock.  I adhered the boxes together with red line tape for added strength.  I embellished the boxes with strips of cardstock, patterned scalloped circles and gingham ribbon.  I stuffed a little piece of green tissue paper in the box and filled them with Peanut M & M's. 

Happy Easter!  I hope you have wonderful holiday weekend!

Hello friends! As I type this blogpost (it's Monday evening) and we are in the midst of a true New England blizzard.  With somewhere between 8-14" of snow on it's way, I have a feeling that tomorrow will be a snow day for me - which means I get to spend the day crafting!  I think I have a few more Valentine's Day themed cards I'd like to to create based upon some ideas floating around in my mind.    

Today's slimline card used the Boho Frames digital stamp set from 88 and Clear.  

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".  The base of the card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock.  I cut a 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Black Taffy cardstock for the first matted layer.  Using the Slimline Frames & Portholes dies from Newton's Nook Designs, I cut the scalloped layer from Rich Cherry cardstock.  I printed the Boho Frames digital stamp set three times on 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock.  I used the same frame three times on this card.  I colored the frame with Copic markers and fussy cut the frame.  I adhered all three frames to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  On a 4" x 1" strip of Black Taffy cardstock, I stamped the "with love" sentiment in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with white embossing powder.  I notched both ends before adhering the sentiment to the center of the card. 

Here is the Boho Frames stamp set from 88 and Clear that I used to create today's card:

I hope you have enjoyed today's card.  Thank you for visiting and happy crafting!
​

Hello friends and happy Thursday!  Today I am happy to be representing 88 and Clear (formerly Richard Garay Designs) for the Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop with their new "Hot Cocoa" digital stamp set.  Tomorrow, Friday, November 13th, is the last day to join the hop and be eligible for some of the fabulous prizes from the 72 sponsors of this bi-annual blog hop!  Please read to the end of this post to see how you can link up your coffee-themed card to be entered to win.  

Here is the slimline card I created using the "Hot Cocoa" digital stamp set: 

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2.  The base is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I cut the slimline frame from Sweet Cane sugar stock paper and lined the back of the frame with red and white diagonal striped paper.  I printed out the "Hot Cocoa" digital stamp set on 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock and colored the images using Copic markers.  I used my Brother Scan and Cut 2 e-cutting machine to cut the images in lieu of fussy cutting.  I adhered the images to the slimline card using 3M foam adhesive in an array that was pleasing to my eye.  Once all of the images were adhered, I used Dazzling Pat (similar to Wink of Stella) and added a coat of sparkle to all of the images.  

Here is a list of the fabulous prizes that you can win simply by linking up a caffeinated beverage (coffee, tea, cocoa, matcha, cider, etc) themed card to the hop:

 Jillian Vance Design  ::  $25 Gift Code  ::  FLASH [Two] Coffee, Tea and Me Die Set (USA only please)
Angie Blom Digital Designs  ::  $15 Gift Code ::  FLASH – $15 Gift Code
Anthony’s Paper Craft  ::  One  Coffee 2  ::  FLASH – One  Coffee 2
Art Impression  ::  Envelope for Gift Card Holder Set +  Java Gift Card Holder [set goes to one winner]  ::  FLASH – Coffee BFFs + Hot Java Mama
Avery Elle Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Code
Butterfly Reflections Ink  ::  Miss Ink Stamps – Brewtiful stamp set 
CAS-ual Fridays Stamps  ::  $50 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – $15 Gift Code✦
Catherine Pooler Designs  ::  $25 Gift Code
Clearly Besotted Stamps  ::  £25 EGift Code
Close to My Heart – Chris Franco  ::   CTMH November SOTM – You Warm My Heart
Club Scrap  ::  $30 Club Scrap Gift Certificate
Crackerbox & Suzy Stamps  ::  $30 Gift Code
Dare 2b Artzy  ::  $15 Gift Card✦
Digi Doodle Studios  ::  $25 Gift Code
Dina Kowal Creative  ::  Two – $10 Gift Codes  ::  FLASH – coffee art mini bundle – ornament, mini canvas, glass pendant✦ 
Divinity Designs LLC  ::  $25 Gift Code✦
DL.ART  ::   TWO $10 Gift Codes  ::  FLASH – Coffee Bundle + Flair
Doodlebugswa.com  ::  $25 Gift Code ::  FLASH – $10 Gift Code✦
Ellen Hutson LLC  ::  $25 Ellen Hutson Gift Card
Evelin T Designs  ::  $10 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – $10 Gift Code
Flora & Fauna  :: One Stamp Set $15 Value
Funky Fossil Designs  ::  £25 Gift Code
Gerda Steiner Designs  ::  $25 Gift Code
Gina K Designs  ::  $50 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – FIVE $10 Gift codes
Happy Town Studio  ::  Two Happy Town Studio Coffee Stencils for One Winner ::  FLASH –  Two Happy Town Studio Coffee Stencils for One Winner
Impress Cards and Crafts  ::  Caffeinated Prize
Jaded Blossom Stamps  ::  $25 Jaded Blossom Gift Card
Jane’s Doodles  ::  $25 Gift Code
JessicaLynnOriginal.com  ::  Two $15 Gift Card  ::  FLASH Digital Download for all + Two $5 Gift Cards✦◼︎
Journals for Life  ::  Coffee Bundle $25 Value
Joy Clair Designs  ::   $15 Gift Code valid for stamps only [clear & digital]
Kat Scrappiness  ::  $25 Gift Code for KS Products  ::  FLASH – Surprise KS Gift Pack
Limited Runs Stamps  ::  $15 Gift Code to Store  ::  FLASH – TWO prizes – Any Three Digital images in shop
Makers Movement [NEW]  ::  One MiniMaker Die Cutting Machine  ::  FLASH – One MiniMaker Die Cutting Machine ✤
Miss Ink Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Card  ::  THREE $10 Gift Code✦
Newton’s Nook Designs  ::  $25 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – Mugs Stencil + Coffee & Wine Stamp
Not 2 Shabby  ::  $25 Not 2 Shabby Gift Certificate
Paper Sweeties  ::  $25 Paper Sweeties Gift Card  ::  FLASH – Two Coffee Theme Sweet Mini Duo Sets
Pink and Main  ::  Surprise Package worth $25
Pretty Pink Posh  ::  $30 Gift Code
Rachel Vass Designs  ::  £15 gift code
Reverse Confetti  ::  Two Prize Packages worth over $50  ::  FLASH – TWO Reverse Confetti $15 Gift Codes
Richard Garay 88andClear  ::  One Stamp set of winners choice
Rubbernecker Stamps  :: $50 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – Coffee Lovers Clear Set
RunningStitchDesign  ::  Coffee Bag filled with coffee treats✤
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L  ::   $30 Value Adhesives Package  ::  FLASH – TWO $30 Value Adhesive Packages
Seven Hills Crafts  ::  £15 Gift Certificate
Simply Charming Bags  :: Hot Chocolate Bar Apron  ::  FLASH – A Set of Zip Accessory Bags [one winner]
Stamp Simply  ::  Choice of 2 Stamp Simply products – Stamps/Dies
Stampendous  ::  Thankful Kitty Perfectly Clear Stamps and Gift Card Wallet Die Set ($40 retail value) to one US winner only.
Stampin’ Up Independent Demonstrator Shannon Fralish  ::  Stamp set of choice [value up to $25]
Stamplorations  ::  $25 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – THREE $10 Gift Codes ✦◼︎
Studio Katia  ::  $25 Gift Code  ::  FLASH – $25 Gift Code
SugarPea Designs  ::  $25 Gift Code
Sunny Studio Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Code
Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Code
Taylormadecards4u  ::  $25 Gift Code – Digital Images Only  ::  FLASH – Coffee Flash Card Digital Set
The Cat’s Pajamas  ::  $25 Gift Card  :: FLASH – TWO $10 Gift Card
The Greetery [NEW]  ::  $25 Gift Code✤
The Rabbit Hole Designs  ::  Two $15 Vouchers  ::  FLASH – Five $10 Vouchers✦
The Ton Stamps  ::  $10 Gift Code [stamps/dies/ink/gilding only]  ::  FLASH – Two $10 Gift Code [stamps/dies/ink/gilding only]
Therm O Web  ::  $30 Gift Card  ::  FLASH – $25 Gift Card
Three Room Studio  ::  $30 CAD Gift Code
Topflight Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Card
Trinity Stamps  ::  $25 Gift Certificate
Twiddler’s Nook [NEW] ::  Two $15 Gift Codes ::  FLASH – $10 Gift Code✦✤
Uniko  ::  In Stock Clear Stamp Set of the Winner’s Choice  ::  FLASH – Two winners each receive a £5 Clear Stamp Set of Winners Choice ✦◼︎
Unity Stamp Co  ::  Coffee/Tea Themed Prize Package that includes 11 Unity stamps + 1 paper pack, value approx $207+
Waffle Flower  ::  $25 Gift Code
Whimsy Stamps  ::  $25 Whimsy Stamps Gift Code
WOW Embossing Powder  ::  $20 Gift Card  [WOW Embossing Powder UK]
Your Next Stamp  ::  $25 YNS Store e-gift card

Happy creating!

Hello readers!  If this is your first time here, welcome!  I hope you find creativity and inspiration as you look around.  If you are a regular reader or follower of mine, thank you for your continued support and I'm happy and grateful you return so often to visit.  I do try and blog 5 days a week (and YES, I work full-time outside of this too!), so I hope that you will always find something new here.

Today I am sharing a colorful rainbow themed card using a new digital stamp set from 88 and Clear (formerly Richard Garay Designs and RG Avenue) called  "Be Grateful".  By pairing these bright colors with a black background it offers a stark contrast to make the colors really pop!

*A full list of supplies is located at the end of this post. 

This A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using a piece of Black Taffy sugar stock, I die cut the background layer from a scalloped rectangle die.  Because the "Be Grateful" stamp set I had is a digital stamp, I printed out the image on Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and then colored it using Copic markers before fussy cutting the leaves out.  I stamped the sentiment "Be Kind and Grateful" in Black Taffy ink on white cardstock and die cut it using a circle die.  I adhered the circular sentiment to the left side of the card and then adhered the rainbow leaves to the right of the circle using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  To add a little sparkle, I die cut a few silver glitter leaves and tucked them in among the rainbow leaves.  Lastly, I added a coat of Dazzling Pat for even more sparkle, because you can NEVER have enough sparkle!  : )

 May we all remember this simple message to be kind and grateful today and always. . . 

Hello readers!  Today I have a cute slimline card to share with you featuring a new digital stamp from 88 and Clear (formerly known as Richard Garay Designs and RG Avenue)!  I combined practically ALL of the pumpkins from the new "Pumpkin Patch" digital stamp with the scarecrow from the "Halloween Treat" stamp set to achieve this final result: 

*A full list of supplies is located at the end of this post.

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".  Slimline cards are designed to fit into a regular #10 business sized envelope and require no additional postage.  The base of this slimline card is made from Sweet Cane sugar stock.  Using a scalloped rectangled slimline line, I cut the first mat from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I printed the digital "Pumpkin Patch" stamp set onto the same Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and colored the images using Copic markers.  I then used my Brother Scan and Cut 2 e-cutting machine to cut out the pumpkins, in lieu of fussy cutting.  Using Black Taffy ink, I stamped the scarecrow onto a piece of Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and also colored it with Copic markers.  I fussy cut the scarecrow and adhered him behind the row of pumpkins.  I printed out the digital sentiment, fussy cut around it and adhered it to the left side of the card using foam adhesive for added dimension.  Lastly, I added a coat of Dazzling Pat to the pumpkins for added sparkle.  

If you would like to learn more about working with digital images, please click here to read this informative post I wrote to gain a better understanding. 

I love how this card turned out by adding a variety of blue, orange and white pumpkins.  It made the card less spooky and more cutesy.  What do you think? 

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!