Crystal Komara
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Hello My Friend

1/20/2022

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​Hello Joy Clair Design fans!  I hope your New Year is off to a good start.  Today I have a simple and subtle card to share with you using a variety of cacti images from the My Succulents digital stamp set.
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Card details: 

​The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I pulled a piece of beige patterned paper from my scraps pile and cut it to 5 1/4" x 4".  It kind of resembles wallpaper to me! I die cut a picture frame from white cardstock and adhered it to the center of the card at a slight angle.  I printed four of the cacti images from the My Succulents digital stamp set and colored the images using Copic markers.  I fussy cut all four images out and then adhered them to the picture frame using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I stamped "hello my friend" in kraft ink on a thin strip of white cardstock and adhered it to the card.  I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the images for added sparkle.  Lastly, I added a couple of self-adhesive clear stones to the card that resemble water droplets.
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Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!  For more inspiration, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and on my YouTube channel.

XO, Crystal 

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On Your Special Day

1/13/2022

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Hello friends!  Today I'm sharing this pretty in pink card using the beautiful floral bouquet from the On Your Special Day digital stamp set from Joy Clair Designs. 
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I cut a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of black cardstock for the first layer.  I stamped a burlap background stamp in Versamark ink on the black cardstock and then heat embossed it with black embossing powder for a black-on-black or tone-on-tone look.  I LOVE creating black backgrounds like this, especially for bright floral images, it really makes them POP!
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I printed out the bouquet twice from the On Your Special Day digital stamp set.  I colored the image with Copic markers and then spent a lot of time fussy cutting!  I adhered the flowers to the front of the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I printed out the sentiment on white cardstock and adhered it over the flowers.  I added a couple clear drops that resemble water drops.  Lastly, I added a layer of clear Wink of Stella to the flowers for added sparkle.
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I hope you have enjoyed today's card!  Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!
​

XO, Crystal 

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Sympathy To You

1/6/2022

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Hello readers!  Today I am on the Joy Clair Designs blog sharing some sympathy card ideas using the beautiful floral prism from the To You digital stamp set.  Ugh, I have to begin by saying I've used up far too many sympathy cards from my supply  last year and it pains me to even think of needing to make more.  But. . . here we are.  I find sympathy cards rather challenging to make and try to keep them simple and elegant.  One of my favorite ways to create elegance for any card is by black-on-black heat embossing.
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​All of these three cards were created using the same layout and colors, I simply changed the color of the flower in the prism to have a slight variation.
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Card details: 

​The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using a piece of black cardstock, I die cut a scalloped rectangle frame and then stamped a leaf image in Versamark ink.  You could really use any sort of large stamp for this background.  I heat embossed the image with black embossing powder for a black-on-black or tone-on-tone look.  I printed out the large prism from the To You digital stamp set and enlarged it to 5" x 3".  I fussy cut the prism and colored the flower using Copic markers.  I adhered the prism to the card using 3M foam adhesive.  I then stamped the sentiment "with sympathy" in Memento Tuxedo black ink on white cardstock and fussy cut around the sentiment.  I adhered the sentiment to the prism with a Tombow adhesive runner.
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​Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!  For more inspiration, you can follow me on my website, Instagram, Facebook and on my YouTube channel.
​

XO, Crystal 

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Warm Christmas Wishes

10/13/2021

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Hello readers and happy Wednesday!  Today I am on the Joy Clair Designs blog  sharing a couple of cards that I created using the Christmas Joy stamp set, which is part of the new Wonderfully release.  I know it's only October and everyone might not be ready for Christmas just yet, but for those of us who make a LOT of holiday cards it is never too early to start!
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card was made with 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock.  This is my go-to white cardstock for everything!  I use it for card bases, card layers, die cutting, Copic coloring and so much more.  I cut a 5 1/4" x 4 piece of plaid paper as my first base.  Using the Gina Marie Designs Scalloped Stitched Rectangle dies, I die cut a frame from red houndstooth paper.  I placed this frame in the center of the card.  I printed the wreath image from the digital Christmas Joy stamp set on Neenah white cardstock.  I colored the image with Copic markers and then fussy cut the wreath by hand.  I stamped the sentiment "Warm Christmas Wishes" in red ink and I adhered the wreath to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the wreath for added sparkle.  ​
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​Here is the second card I created using the same wreath from the Christmas Joy digital stamp set:
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Card details: 

​This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".  Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope and require no additional postage.  The base of this card was made using 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I cut a 7" x 3 1/4" piece of royal blue cardstock for my first base.  I used a fancy border die along the bottom edge of the royal blue cardstock.  On top of the royal blue cardstock is a  6 3/4" x 2 3/4' piece of watercolored blue and white cardstock.  I splattered some royal blue ink on top of that cardstock before edging the bottom border with the same fancy die.  I cut a 6" x 1" piece of gold foil paper and ran it through a diamond embossing folder before adhering it to the center of the card.  I printed the wreath from the Christmas Joy digital stamp set and colored it using Copic markers.  I stamped the sentiment "Warm Christmas Wishes" in royal blue ink and then I fussy cut the wreath by hand and adhered it to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the wreath for added sparkle.
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Have you started YOUR holiday cards yet?  
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!
​

XO, Crystal 

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These Boots Are Made For. . . Flowers

10/6/2021

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Hello crafty readers and happy Wednesday! I'm so sorry but I couldn't resist a little pun in the title of today's post!  : ) Today I'm sharing another card from the "Wonderfully" digital stamp release at Joy Clair Designs.  This beautiful boot and floral stamp is from the Extraordinary digital stamp set.  
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using the Large Diamond Cover Panel from Reverse Confetti, I created the frame from Neenah white cardstock.  Behind the diamond frame I placed a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of royal blue foil cardstock (retired).  I enlarged the floral boot image to 130% and printed it onto Neenah white cardstock.  I colored the image with Copic markers and then fussy cut the image out by hand.  I adhered the image to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I printed the sentiment on a thin strip of Neenah white cardstock and adhered it to the card also using 3M foam adhesive.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the image for added sparkle.  
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Now don't be surprised if you end up seeing this floral boot again in the very near future in another color pattern!  Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!
​

XO, Crystal 

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October 2021 Mood Board

10/4/2021

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Hello crafty readers and happy 1st of October!  The Design Team at Joy Clair Designs is excited to share the October 2021 mood board designed to help inspire YOU to create.  Mood boards (also commonly called “inspiration” boards) are a combination of colors, images, textures and patterns that can offer guidance or direction.  
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If you feel like you don’t know where to begin a project, try looking at a mood board and let the creative juices flow.  You might just be surprised by the end result!
This month’s mood board is inspired by the colors and images of Halloween. But you are welcome to create for any season, holiday or occasion, as long as your project incorporates these colors.  We’d love to see you use Joy Clair Designs stamp set too, if you have them.  If you don’t have any, you can start shopping NOW!


Here is a card that I created using this month's mood board colors combined with the boots stamp from the Extraordinary digital stamp set:
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  First, I cut the first matted layer from the same white cardstock using a scalloped rectangle frame.  Then, I cut a 4 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ piece of black cardstock. Additionally, I adhered a 4 1/8″ x 3 1/8″ piece of white cardstock directly on the top of the black cardstock. ​
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I printed out the boots from the Extraordinary digital stamp set on white cardstock.  I increased the size to 75%.  Then, I colored the boots using Copic markers in G03, Y13, Y17, YR09, YR68, YR02, C4, C7 and YG41.  Additionally, I fussy cut around the boots and adhered the boots to the card using 3M foam adhesive.  
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I wanted this card to look more fall themed, so I stamped some of the leaves from the Love Endures stamp set in Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored them using the same Copic markers.  Also, I fussy cut the leaves and adhered them to the card.  Then, I printed the sentiment from the Extraordinary digital stamp set on white cardstock and adhered it to the card.  Lastly, I added a coat of Clear Wink of Stella to the entire image for added sparkle.  
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We would love to see YOU create using this mood board as inspiration too!  Feel free to use similar colors in whatever brand of cardstock you have readily available.  We’d love for you to use your Joy Clair Designs stamps if you have them!  And if you don’t have any yet CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING TODAY!


Be sure to tag us on social media using the following hashtags so we can see your cards or other papercraft projects:
#joyclairdesignsmoodboard
#joyclairmoodboard
​


Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!  For more inspiration, you can follow me on my website, Instagram, Facebook and on my YouTube channel.
​

XO, Crystal 

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You Are My Inspiration

9/20/2021

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Hello friends!  Today I am excited to be sharing two cards made using the Extraordinary digital stamp set from the August release at Joy Clair Designs  called "Wonderfully."  This digital stamp set features  beautiful floral inspired images that would be perfect for many all-occasion cards.  
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using the Altenew Watercolor Stripes Coverplate die, I die cut the frame from white cardstock.  Underneath the frame I die cut a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of rainbow printed paper to allow it to peek through the frame.  I printed multiple envelopes from the Extraordinary digital stamp set onto Neenah White cardstock.  I colored the envelopes with Copic markers and fussy cut the envelopes by hand.  I adhered the envelopes to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I printed the sentiment on Neenah white cardstock and used a 2" oval punch to punch out the sentiment.  I adhered the sentiment to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the envelopes for added sparkle.  
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Here is the second card I created using the same elements from the Extraordinary digital stamp set:
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Card details: 

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".  Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope and require no additional postage.  The base of this slimline card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  I cut a 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of magenta pink cardstock for the first matted layer.  I cut a 8" x 3" piece of black cardstock and cut three square frames out of it to form the shaker frame of this card.  I lined the back of the frame with acetate.  I cut a 8" x 3" piece of black and white striped paper and placed it directly over the magenta pink cardstock.  I sprinkled approximately two tablespoons of black sequins on top of the striped paper and placed my shaker frame on top of the sequins.  I printed the envelopes from the Extraordinary digital stamp set at 115% - so they are slightly larger in size.  I colored the envelopes and bee image with Copic markers and fussy cut them by hand.  I adhered the images to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  I printed the digital sentiment on a thin strip of Neenah White cardstock.  I notched the right edge before adhering the sentiment strip to the card.  Lastly, I added a coat of clear Wink of Stella to the images for added sparkle.  
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Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!
​

XO, Crystal 

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Watercolored Sunflowers

9/6/2021

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Hello friends and happy Monday! Welcome September and the refreshing beauty (tastes and smells) of fall.  It truly is my favorite time of the year, especially since I live in New England!  Today I am on the Joy Clair Designs blog sharing one of my first fall themed cards of the season.  These watercolored jewel toned sunflowers feature the Thankful For You stamp set by Joy Clair Designs. 
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made with 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using the Scalloped Stitched Rectangle Border dies from Gina Marie Designs, I die cut the frame from white cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment "thankful for you" in the lower right corner of the scalloped frame in Versamark Ink.  I heat embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder.  On a separate piece of Tim Holtz Distress White Heavystock I stamped three sunflowers in Versamark Ink.  I heat embossed all three sunflowers with gold embossing powder.  I colored each of the sunflowers using Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.  I fussy cut the flowers and adhered them to the card using 3M foam adhesive.  
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Happy fall friends!  I look forward to sharing many more cards with you that are inspired by my favorite time of the year over the new few weeks!
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XO, Crystal 

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Joy Clair Designs September Mood Board

9/1/2021

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Hello crafty readers and happy 1st of September!  The Design Team at Joy Clair Designs is excited to announce that we will be starting a monthly mood board to help inspire YOU to create.  Mood boards (also commonly called "inspiration" boards) are a combination of colors, images, textures and patterns that can offer guidance or direction.  If you feel like you don't know where to begin a project, try looking at a mood board and let the creative juices flow.  You might just be surprised by the end result!
​
Let's take a look at the September 2021 Joy Clair Designs mood board:
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This month's mood board is a slightly non-traditional take on some fall colors, but isn't it just beautiful?  Think teal, mint, blush, gold and white!  It's so modern and feminine.
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Here is a card that I created inspired by this month's mood board palette:
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  On a separate sheet of 5 1/4" x 4" of white cardstock, I stamped the long row of leaves from the Fall Greetings stamp set in Memento Tuxedo black ink.  I colored the leaves using Copic markers G000, R20 and BG75.  I cut this paper in half and on the bottom half of the cardstock, I stamped the sentiment "sending love" from the Fall Greetings stamp set in Versamark ink.  I heat embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder.  I then set these two stamped and colored pieces aside.  I cut 1/4" strips of cardstock in the following colors:
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Stampin' Up cardstock colors in: Gold Glitter, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron, Tranquil Tide
I placed the strips at a slightly diagonal angle on the cardstock base.  Using 3M adhesive I placed the two stamped image layers directly over the colored strips.  I added two 1/4" strips of gold glitter paper along the top and bottom edge.  Lastly, I added a couple clear rhinestone bubbles for added texture.
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I am SO in love with this color palette and can't wait to design more cards using these colors!  We would love to see YOU create using this mood board as inspiration too!  Feel free to use similar colors in whatever brand of cardstock you have readily available.  We'd love for you to use your Joy Clair Designs stamps if you have them!  And if you don't have any yet CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING TODAY!
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Be sure to tag us on social media using the following hashtags so we can see your cards or other papercraft projects:
#joyclairdesignsmoodboard
#joyclairmoodboard
​

XO, Crystal 

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A Tropical Hello

8/23/2021

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Hello and welcome back from the weekend!  I hope you found a little time to do something crafty.  Can you tell that I'm trying to squeeze out the last of my summer-y themed cards before I dive head first into all things fall and Halloween!?  I'm already behind because I'm seeing lots of those cards already out there on Pinterest and Instagram.  So, consider yourself prepared for that awkward time of the year when it's summer, Halloween, fall AND Christmas all in just a few cardmaking days!  
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Today's card is a little bit different from what I typically create because most of the images used on this card are not stamped at all!  They are ephemera pieces from the Cool Summer release at 88 and Clear.  In fact, the ONLY thing that is stamped on this card is the "hello" sentiment.  The great thing about using ephemera for cards is that they come together really quickly.  
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.  Using the Funky Die cover plate from Gina Marie Designs, I die cut the frame from white cardstock.  I placed a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Tangy Berry sugar stock behind the lattice frame.  I ran both sheets of the Cool Summer ephemera through my Brother Scan and Cut 2 e-cutting machine to cut all the images out for me, in lieu of fussy cutting them.  I adhered all of the die cut ephemera pieces down the left side of the card in a pattern that was pleasing to my eye.  For some of the pieces I used regular Tomboy Adhesive to adhere them, on others I used 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.  On a piece of white cardstock, I stamped the "hello" sentiment in Tangy Berry sugar cube and used a 2" circle punch to punch out the sentiment. Lastly, I put a coat of Clear Wink of Stella on the printed ephemera to add a little bit of sparkle. 
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Thanks for visiting and I hope you have an amazing week!
​

XO, Crystal 

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    Disclaimer:

    I, Crystal Komara, am solely responsible for this blog and all of its content, including, but not limited to designs, concepts, text, images and photographs. This website is for your personal enjoyment, inspiration and to help stimulate your own creativity.  

    If you use one of my posts, images, classes or designs please be sure to give credit where it is due.  Thank you!
    2019 ©


    Disclosure:

    • I participate in several affiliate programs.  This means I earn a small commission when products are purchased using my links (at no additional cost to you). 
    • I do not work for any companies. 
    • I buy all of my own supplies, unless where mentioned in a post that a product has been gifted, or if I am supplied products in exchange for being on a company's Design Team.
    • I do not do sponsored posts (where a company pays me to talk about a product).
    • I do not place ads on my blog.  Ever. I hate them and I know you do too!

    ​Whether gifted, or from my own supply, all of my recommendations are based on items that I use and truly love, and I think you will too. 
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