A Blog Called Wanda

Make it Pink - Breast Cancer Support - Card and Blanket Projects

Hi everyone! How are you doing? I hope all is well in your neck of the woods! We are doing good here, and enjoyed a nice fun weekend! We went to the Tiki Bar, and to the movies and to the flower farm.... Lots of good things! I'm also getting caught up around the house and in the craft room too. Today I'm sharing a really special project - because it was made for a friend. One of my friends from high school is going through chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer right now. She has many weeks of treatments to go but she's doing well so far. On Facebook, another one of her friends signed up for people to bring meals to her and her family while she's not feeling good. There is an app/website called Meal Train and it's very cool. I had never heard of it before. Basically, there's a calendar, and people can sign up for a date to bring dinner over to the person's house. Isn't that nice?  I signed up for a date - and it was last Thursday. When I signed up I was like, well, of course I'm going to make her a card...but what else can I make? I decided to crochet her a small lap blanket to bring with her to her treatments. Those ugly chairs!! I thought maybe something soft and squishy and pretty might bring her some comfort. Today I'm sharing the blanket, card, and tag I dropped off for her last week. It's all a vision in pink and it was surely a labor of love. I really always prefer crafting with a person or occasion in mind. I think of the person the entire time and it's good energy! 

Here's the card....The finished card size is an A2 white card base. Layered with pink and then pretty floral paper, and then a white layer. Can't go wrong with pink, black and vellum. Very classic.

 

Here's a pic of the card, blanket and tag. (And you know I had to make some pom poms too)...

 

It was actually hard to find an Awareness Ribbon Die!! Some were really expensive, or too big.... But then I discovered this one on the SSS website. It's the perfect size for cards or scrapbook pages! And it is only $5.99. I'm glad to have it in my stash because you can die cut it from any color for any cause. It's a good one to have in my stash. Here's a top down view of my layers and elements. 

 

I stamped the sentiment onto a vellum strip using Stazon Ink. My embellishments include pearls and enamel dots. I loved combining all the different shades of pinks.

 

To make my focal element - the ribbon - I die cut 4-5 ribbons from pink cardstock. I glued them all together to make it a nice thick piece. I used distress inks and a blender brush to add color to the ribbon. I put tape over it and brushed on the color. You could also use Copics to do this part. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That sweet little vellum butterfly is perfect!

 

 

 

Here's the finished blanket! I used three shades of pink yarn, and white yarn. I created an ombre pattern with the colors, starting with the darkest color and finishing with the darkest color. It's about 3'x3' square. It's a granny square blanket pattern - which is so easy....just one stitch the entire time. I finished off with a scallop edge. It's super soft yarn and it is so pretty in person - all those colors.

 

 

 

When I make a blanket for someone, I like to include a care tag... The washing instructions are on the back. I used the Papertrey Ink Made with Love stamp set to make the front of the tag. It's the only stamp set I've ever seen that has crocheted by in it! I used pink ink on a pink tag. The stamp set is currently on sale too! 

 

Here's my 'made by' tag that is actually sewn into the back of the blanket in one corner. I found this breast cancer ribbon charm at Hobby Lobby and added it with a bow. The yarn is also from Hobby Lobby.

 

 

 

 

That's my super special project for today! I loved making these things and it makes my heart happy to bring a little joy to someone who's going through hard things. I'm wishing you a very blessed and happy day today. See you soon!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used in today's projects! (Affiliate Links Used)

Doodlebug Buttons and Pins project! Make your own flair!

Hello Doodlebug Friends! Today is my day up on the Doodlebug Blog! Yay! I made another project with the awesome Cute and Crafty Paper Collection! I can't get enough - it's so cute and cheerful! Everything crafty!! Today I made some flair! I have been a Doodlebug Pin collector for many years and I love wearing them on my denim jackets or on my backpack. They always make me smile! Are you an enamel pin collector? So, for today's project I created my very own Doodlebug Pins and Buttons! I used a Button Press machine and paper, stickers, embellishments and more from the Cute and Crafty Collection. It was a really happy project, and now I have my own custom buttons to wear!

I'm featuring them on my favorite denim jacket along with a few of my favorite Doodlebug Enamel Pins... I made three different sizes of custom buttons.... Small, medium, and large buttons - those are the three available sizes and in the photo you can see the scale of each of them. Gosh, it was so much fun to sit down and craft these!! I'm now obsessed with my Button Press and thinking of what else I can make!

 

Here's a close up of my favorite NEW pin - create! And create in rainbow colors! This pin is actually from the Cute and Crafty collection! Love!

 

It's going to be hard to choose which one is my favorite! This is the medium sized button! To make the buttons I used the paper collection, the stickers, the sprinkles and more! This circle embellishment fit perfectly! 

 

Okay, if I have to choose....this one is my favorite! LOL. It has a cute camera! And my name! I am involved in a few clubs and organizations and we do some photography meet ups. I think this button will be perfect to wear to the meet ups! I used the alphabet stickers to add my name after I made the button. Love it. 

 

This button has pencils and some smiling scissors!

 

So here's what the button press looks like. It's kind of intimidating! But it could not have been easier. I watched the youtube video from We R Memory Keepers and made my first button following along. It came out perfect! I bought the bundle package which came with the machinery to make all three button sizes and ten of each size button. The perfect starter kit. 

 

If you don't want them to be buttons to wear, you can simply remove the pin portion before finishing the back of the button. I made some to put on a card and left the pin off - and used some foam tape. CUTE!

 

Eat. Sleep. Craft. Repeat. YEP!

 

 

 

These two are the small size and they're freakin adorable! Look at that teeny tiny stamp sticker!! EEP.

 

 

I hope this project made you smile! Have a wonderful, happy, crafty day my friends! As always, be sure to head over to the Doodlebug Blog to leave some love and see what all the other design team members have been making!  See you soon with another project!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's buttons and pins! (Affiliate Links Used)

Taylored Expressions - Merry Blooms Card Kit Launch!

Hey howdy hi hello greetings! Oh, and Merry Christmas! What?! I'm here today to introduce the newest card kit from Taylored Expressions and it's called Merry Blooms! It's Christmas in July! It's a GORGEOUS stamp and stencil combo that makes a poinsettia border....then beautiful sentiments and die cuts, and envelopes, and pearls, and much more! So officially we have the first Christmas card of 2021! The kit is available now for shopping and shipping! The Cherry Kit from last month is also still available (I'm shocked that one didn't sell out).... CLICK HERE to head over to the TE Store! 

How was your weekend? I have a story for you! We were having an awesome weekend.... Friday night we went to see some live music and went out for coffee and had a great evening. Saturday we got up early and went to the awesome Farmers Market and listened to more music and bought goodies (and more coffee of course)...Then we did errands and shopping. We tried a new pizza place for lunch - cute casual place. We parked on the street right in front of the big window at the restaurant and were enjoying our meal... Well, we heard this HUMONGOUS CRASH and saw something flying. I knew it was a car accident. I leapt up from my seat to go see how I could help. Well, guess what? It was MY CAR! A big Pepsi Delivery truck smashed into my parked car and the entire front end flew off. Like the entire bumper laying in the street, and bits and pieces everywhere!!!!!! My poor car! I yelled many obscenities. Then switched over to gratitude. If I had been entering or exiting the driver's side I would surely have been killed. That's how hard he hit the car. The driver was rude, but he stopped and gave me his information. So this week I 'get' to experience insurance claim land.... (For those that don't know, I worked in the insurance industry for almost 30 years) Needless to say we had to stop all the fun-ness and head on home. I hope your weekend was not nearly as exciting as mine!!!

Okay, enough with the stories, let's take a look at my card made with the new Merry Blooms Card Kit! You guys know I love a vintage vibe at Christmas so I went rustic and vintage with my card. I was kind of pressed for time and I wish I could have made more cards!! My finished card is an A2 horizontal card base made from woodgrain paper. The top layer is cream cardstock. I used Distress Ink pads for my stamping and stenciling. (All the supplies are listed at the bottom of this post)

 

This is a one layer card, so I popped up the top layer with foam tape for some interest and dimension. Here's a close up of the beautiful stencil design. The lines in the flowers and leaves and the flower centers were added with the matching stamps after I stenciled the design. It's soooo pretty.

 

The matching dies for the sentiments are an add-on to the kit and I really recommend getting those! I love how crisp it looks when the sentiment is popped up off the card. The sentiment set has several large sentiments and then matching small sentiments. Love that look. My sentiment is heat embossed with gold embossing powder onto cream cardstock.

 

The pretty sentiments and the included gems!

 

I inked the edges of the card panel with Distress Inks to give a vintage vibe. Then, as I'm know to do, I splashed gold paint all over it! LOVE how elegant it looks with those pretty poinsettias.

 

 

 

 

 

The kit comes with matching dies so you can cut out the poinsettias and use them separately or layer them over the stenciling. Taylor thought of everything with this one!

 

 

 

HERE ARE THE FULL CONTENTS OF THE 

MERRY BLOOMS KIT!

Okay friends! That's it for today's post! CLICK HERE to shop the new items and this beautiful kit at Taylored Expressions!! I'll be back here on Thursday with a new Doodlebug Project! Yippee! Until then, take good care. XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see all the supplies used in today's project! (Affiliate Links Used)

Guest Designing for Sunny Studio Stamps - Summer Collection!

Hi everyone! Happy weekend! I'm guest designing with the Summer stamp collection at Sunny Studio Stamps! Yippeeee!  I'm always happy and excited to be the guest designer on the Sunny Studio Blog! I'm so delighted to work with the beautiful and fun stamps and dies! Happy Summer indeed! When I saw this new release I immediately loved everything - but in particular the Tiki set! My husband and I love to visit our local Tiki Bar here in Sacramento! I knew I had to make a card with a Tiki theme! And a giant cupcake?? And Hamsters?? It's all fantastic. I love this latest release. I had so much fun creating three cards to share with you today. Lots of color and lots of fun! 

 

First up is a tropical oasis Tiki Bar out in the jungle! LOLZ. This is a big square card that measures 5.25" x 5.25" made from white cardstock. I layered pretty Sunny Studio patterned paper and then ink blended the top layer with Distress Inks. I think I used 5-6 stamp sets to make this one. I love that about Sunny Studio - all the stamp sets work together so nicely. This card is a moooood! (All the supplies are listed at the bottom of my post!)

 

 

 

I featured the Tiki Time Stamp Set and then added elements like the flamingo and that little crab and some palm trees from other sets. I used the Tropical Scenes Stamp Set for the top piece. I stamped and die cut out all the pieces first and designed my card layout. Then I colored everything with Copic Markers and added bits of white gel pen accents and a little bit of glitter!

 

 

I die cut a kraft hillside/ground and ink blended it to look like sand. All the elements are attached to the card with foam tape. What a fun card to make! I wish I was inside this card right now having a cocktail with those cute critters! (Our local Tiki Bar is called The Jungle Bird, so that is what inspired me!)

 

 

 

After the weather we've been having here lately, I sure could use a cocktail like this! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up is a big giant cupcake birthday card. This card base is A2 size made from white cardstock. I layered Sunny Studio patterned paper in pink polka dots and used the Diagonal Stripes/Scallop Border die set to make the pretty top layer. It's all sweet and swirly!

 

 

 

I used the Cupcake Die and made the bottom from Kraft cardstock. The cupcake part and the frosting were die cut from white cardstock. I colored the frosting and the wrapper with Copic Markers in pink and brown. I die cut the cherry from gingham paper and used the candle flame as a leaf for the cherry.

 

 

 

The sentiment is from the Two Scoops Stamp Set and I layered it with some scalloped circles. Finally I added little hearts and sprinkles with Doodlebug accents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also splashed on some white paint because I really like that look. It's hard to see in the photo, but I also splashed on some silver paint and white shimmer paint. This would be a great birthday card for someone of any age!

 

 

 

Lastly today is a fun, clean and simple designed card made with those Happy Hamsters! What an adorable stamp set! This finished card is slightly smaller than A2 because those images are small. I like the scale of a slightly smaller card base for that reason. 

 

 

 

I stamped and die cut out the hamsters and their wheel. Then I colored everything with Copics. I layered those pretty stripes in teal and then matched my Copic coloring to the paper color. Everything is attached to the card with foam tape. I wrapped a bit of brown twine across the top to just add a little texture. I wheelie love them! Don't you?! Did you have a pet hamster as a kid? I did - and this brought me back to those happy memories. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wheeeeelie wheelie like you!!!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have an amazing weekend! I am super busy in the craft room right now - lots going on, and the Christmas stamps are starting to arrive! See you soon! XOXO

 

CLICK HERE to shop at the Sunny Studio Stamps Website!

 

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies I used for today's cards! (Affiliate Links Used)

 

The Greetery - Capturing Summer Collection - Day 2!

Hi friends!! What do you think of The Greetery New Release so far?? Did you see my post from yesterday?? If not, take a look, because you don't want to miss anything!! This week we are introducing the new Capturing Summer stamp and die release from The Greetery. It's the perfect way to finish up Summer crafting and I have three more cards to share today, and tons of pictures. I hope you can feel my enthusiasm for this product release... If I had more time last week I would have made twenty more cards!! LOL. 

Everything will be available for shopping in The Greetery store on July 14th at 10am EST! Yay!

First up today is a cheerful vintage inspired card made with cream, brown and lots of RED!! I used the new Pretty Pot Dies and the newest Botanicuts star - the Geranium! I looooove geraniums - they are so cheerful and happy. I have a little pot just like this!! The finished card is a Cream A2 card base layered with red paper and then gingham from my stash. The die cuts are the star of the show for sure. So vivid.

 

I started by getting my pot of flowers all set up. I die cut the die set from three different colors of red paper. The die set has the main parts of the flowers and then smaller accent flowers that pop up off the page. I mixed and matched the reds to look like real flowers. I used dark red Copic Markers to add a bit of depth to the flower petals. I used two different shades of green to make the leaves.

 

I added Copic Marker accents to the leaves also. And splashed everything with a bit of white paint!

 

Once my flower pot was assembled, I die cut a Crimped Circle from Cream Cardstock. I stamped some words from the Pretty Postmarks Set onto the circle and then inked it all around with Distress ink. The 'Flowers' sign on the front of the pot was made with the Market Basket Dies and Stamps!! It's the perfect size!

 

 

 

Here's a good close up of those Geranium Dies!

 

Next up today is a card made with the brand new Curio Collection!! OMG it's sooooooo cool! Everything you need to make your own curio box!!! There is the divider die, the accessories, a frame for the cover.....it's wonderful!!! My finished card is an A2 card base made from woodgrain cardstock (supplies are listed at the bottom of my post - click the link) The Curio Collection is: Curio Cover, Curio Divider and Details, Curio Summer Findings, and Curio Labels! 

 

I die cut the frame from dark brown woodgrain cardstock. I layered it over some cool patterned paper from my stash. I did a bit of paint splashing with brown and gold paint onto that bottom paper layer. I wanted it to look old and worn. I decided to go with a woodland/forest theme, so I chose the elements to match that theme. I got out the previously release Toadstools die set for the mushroom. Everything else is from the new die set. 

 

The Summer curio items include ferns, a dragonfly, a moth, butterfly, stamp....and some seashells! I love this concept so much. Can't wait to make more things with it. I used some Tim Holtz metal accents from my stash and some word stickers too. So many ways to create.

 

Everything was die cut from cardstock, accented with Copic Markers and then accented again with gold paint on a small paintbrush. I really wanted everything to have a bit of shimmer on it.

 

 

 

The curio frame die lets you turn your card into an interactive card! The die set has hinges and a handle!!! SO COOL - am I right????

 

 

 

 

 

I'm crossing my fingers that Betsy is going to keep adding sets of dies to go into the curio frame!!! 

 

And my final card for release week!!! I made this card using the new Container Garden Stamp Set and Dies - and the Jumbo Jar Die. The Container Garden stamps are meant to fit perfectly inside the jar!! It's a layered stamp set that was super easy to line up. The color palettes are endlessssss. I decided to go with a country theme... The finished card is a white A2 card base, layered with woodgrain and then the pretty jar filled with flowers.

 

 

To make the lid look like an old jar, I die cut it from silver glitter cardstock - and then colored over it with a dark gray Copic Marker. I tied on some twine around the top and a tiny tag... So sweet.

 

I stamped and die cut the big flower bouquet and added a few accents with markers. I stamped the bee directly onto the jar die cut. 

 

 

 

Doesn't this look like the prettiest bunch of summer flowers? I'm just amazed at how this all came together. It's beautiful - that big stamp!!! 

That's it for me - today completes the release week reveals!!  All of the new goodies will be for sale tomorrow, Wednesday July 14th at 10am EST! CLICK HERE to shop The Greetery Storefront!

I cannot wait to hear what you think and to see your projects once you get your new goodies. This release has so much room for personalization and creativity. The possibilities are endless! Thank you for spending some time with me this week. XO

There will be one $50 store gift certificate given away each day of the reveal. For a chance to win, leave a comment daily at each blog stop. Winners will be announced this week on The Greetery Blog. 

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's cards. (Affiliate Links Used)

 

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Laurie Willison

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Angelica Conrad

Kelly Lunceford

Norine Borys

Wanda Guess

The Greetery - Capturing Summer Collection - Day 1!

Hellloooooo friends! Let's kick this week off right! Happy Monday! It's release week for The Greetery! WAHOOOO! The new collection is called Capturing Summer and it's GORGEOUS! Oh gosh, I literally gasped when Betsy first sent us the graphics with the designs. So much good stuff - wowza. Think flowers, porches, fireflies, mason jars...and more flowers!! It's so special and I could not wait to stamp and share with you! The design team will be doing product and project reveals today and tomorrow. All the new goodies will be available for purchase at The Greetery on Wednesday morning July 14th at 10am EST! Set your alarm!! 

I have two cards to share today, and three cards to share tomorrow. On release day/morning I'll be posting Instagram Stories too, going through all my cards and all the stamps and dies. So glad you're here with me. Let's get started!!

First up is a romantic porch scene card I made with the new Sitting Pretty Dies and Sitting Pretty Accessories Dies. Such a pretty concept and product suite. My finished card is an A2 white card base. Everything besides the sentiment is die cutting. Only the sentiment is stamping! I used lots of cardstock and accented with Copic Markers to create a welcoming front porch.

 

I used my favorite cloud stencil and Distress Oxide Ink to ink up some clouds for the background. I die cut the large porch die and the chair first to kind of map out my scene.... Then I went back and decided which other items to put in my scene. 

 

I die cut the porch from white cardstock and die cut the floor from woodgrain cardstock. I used distress inks to 'age' it a little bit to look vintage!! I added the plants and the planters.... Now it's all coming together!! See that flag??? That's a Debbie Mumm sticker from my stash!! (Probably at least 20 years old - sometimes it pays off to be a craft hoarder! LOL)

 

The rocking chair has a cushion die, and even a kitty cat die! I colored the cat to look like my furry boy Lucky.... I die cut the rug from gingham paper to look like a pretty country rug.

 

 

 

There are so many little details in this die set and you can customize your card any way you want! I love it!!

 

Next up is a sweet little shaker card filled with sparklies and covered in cute fireflies! I used the new Jumbo Jar Dies, along with the new Shining Light dies, Firefly Nights stamp set and dies and the new Fireflies Dies. I haven't made a shaker card in a while. I always forget how much fun that is! My finished card is an A2 card base, covered in black gingham and then a white layer for my shaker element to rest on.

 

I die cut the mason jar and the lid and affixed the acetate to the backside of the jar.... Then I set about making all those happy fireflies! I die cut the bodies from black cardstock then layered yellow cardstock and vellum for the wings. I thought about adding glitter, but ended up really liking the look of a small gem to be their 'light'. Seriously I could make these all day! I used a dark gold Copic marker to add a bit of color on the wings. 

 

I used BG Copics to color a bit around the outside of the jar. I used an aqua ink to ink the rays inside the jar and then black ink to stamp the sentiments. This is such a fun stamp set - all different words that surround the big word 'light'. There's also matching dies for the word and the rays. LOVE!!!!

 

I filled my shaker with all the clear and yellow pretties I could find in my room! I tied some happy yellow twine around the top of the jar and then glued on the fireflies around the jar.

 

Here's a good view of the stamping inside the jar. SO FUN!!

 

 

 

 

That's it for Day One of reveals! I'll be back tomorrow with three more cards! All of the new goodies will be for sale Wednesday, July 14th at 10am EST! CLICK HERE to shop The Greetery Storefront! What is your favorite thing from the release reveals so far?  

There will be one $50 store gift certificate given away each day of the reveal. For a chance to win, leave a comment daily at each blog stop. Winners will be announced this week on The Greetery Blog. 

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's cards. (Affiliate Links Used)

 

DESIGN TEAM INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

Laurie Willison

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Angelica Conrad

Kelly Lunceford

Norine Borys

Wanda Guess

Doodlebug Cute & Crafty Collection - Craft Room Sign Project!

Hello there my cute and crafty friends! I'm up on the Doodlebug Blog and my blog today with my latest DB project! SO excited to share!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and 4th of July!! Do you ever feel like Doodlebug can read our minds? This new Cute and Crafty Collection feels like everything I would ever dream of in a paper collection! I'm so excited to see all the projects people are going to make with this adorable creativity themed collection. Something for every crafter, from stamping to sewing and scrapbooking. I love it! It was hard to decide what to make first. I decided to make a sign for my craft room! I used a chipboard sign shape that I got at Hobby Lobby, and went to town decorating it with paint, paper, stickers, Sprinkles and much more. It's already sitting on a shelf in my craft room next to my idea books! I hope you like it! And...I hope to make you smile!

 

I started by painting the sign with a few coats of white Acrylic craft paint. I set it aside to dry and decided on my paper choices and stickers etc. I ended up using the pencils paper as my background paper. It has all the colors in it, and it's such a nice pattern. Next I used the Doodlebug Alex Alphabet Dies and die cut the letters from black cardstock. I mounted the letters onto a white strip of cardstock and lined it with Doodlebug Textured Cardstock. And, I knew I wanted to use that big Sticker as my main image!

 

I used a bunch of the mini icons stickers to add a row of happy crafting items across the top of the sign. I mean smiling ink pads and stamps?? C'mon!! It's the cutest thing I ever saw!! 

 

 

 

I used the Doodlebug Nesting Scallops Dies to add a design element on the lower right corner and added the pencils cup sticker. I affixed the patterned paper to the chipboard sign shape using clear glue. I traced the shape with a pencil and cut the corners out by hand.

 

 

 

This is a whole giant pile of happiness! The colors....and everything has a smiley face - even the camera!!

 

This is what the sign looked like before I got started! It's so fun to decorate with Doodlebug! It took about three coats of white paint to cover all the edges. I also painted the back so it's nice and clean looking.

 

I used a white gel pen to add 'highlights' to the black letters. I put a heart in the middle of the letters and added some pretty floral Sprinkles elements. I added the Live Love Create sticker underneath the words.

 

 

 

 

What do you think I should make next with this collection?? There are stamps and dies too - but I don't have them yet. Maybe I'll make some cards next to share with you!! Do you love this?? Thanks for stopping by today to see my project. Be sure to pop over to the Doodlebug Blog too, and leave some love, and see all the other design team projects. Have a blessed day and I'll see you soon!! XOXO

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's project! (Affiliate Links Used)

Happy 4th of July 2021! Sharing some patriotic cards with Taylored Expressions!

Happy 4th of July! It's a day to celebrate and come together as Americans and be grateful we live in this wonderful country. Our house is decorated with a patriotic theme and we've got burgers ready for later! It's not too hot outside this weekend - it's all perfect! I have a couple of cards to share with you today to celebrate the occasion!  To me, certain stamp companies do certain themes really well... And my go-to for Patriotic themed stamps and dies has always been Taylored Expressions! I have never gotten rid of any of my America/4th/Patriotic supplies from TE - for the past 12+ years!  I used all Taylored Expressions stamps today.... And, some of the stamps are old, and some are new.... But all are awesome! I have two cards to share, both using the beautiful new Sketched Flag background stamp. One is a bit more vintage shabby chic and one is more clean and simple....

First up is the vintage one - because I love vintage Americana.... The finished card is a cream cardstock A2 card base covered in patterned paper from my stash - that's actually the Star Spangled Banner printed out! I used the brand new Sketched Flag background stamp and the beautiful Handlettered 4th of July stamps and dies....And the USA outline die (which is discontinued)

 

I used cream cardstock and my MISTI to stamp the flag background. I used distress inks and then sprayed the stamp with water before stamping it... To get that washed out water color look! I also inked the edged and splattered on some vintage photo distress ink. After that, I sprayed the paper with water and crumpled it in my hand to make it wrinkly....

 

 

 

I heat embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder onto cream cardstock and used the matching die cut. It cuts the exact perfect image!

 

 

 

4th of July Prayer by Edward Hays

We lift up our hearts, O God, on this day of celebration in gratitude for the gift of being Americans.

We rejoice with all those who share in the great dream of freedom and dignity for all.

With flags and feasting, with family and friends, we salute those who have sacrificed that we might

have the opportunity to bring to fulfillment our many God-given gifts.

As we deny all prejudice a place in our hearts, may we also clearly declare our intention to work for the time when

all people, regardless of race, religion or sex, will be granted equal dignity and worth.

Come, O gracious God, who led your children Israel from slavery, keep us free from all that might hold us in bondage.

Bless our country and join our simple celebration that we may praise you, our Source of freedom, the One in whom we place our trust.

 

My second card for today is more clean and simple in design... I stamped the flag stamp using TE Ink Pads onto cream cardstock. I layered red cardstock and then my A2 card base. A layer of vellum is the only addition...

 

I heat embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder onto a strip of vellum. I love gold on vellum - so classic.

 

 

 

 

That's it for my projects for today! I'm wishing you and your family a very very happy and fun 4th of July! I'll be back soon with some more crafty stuffs! XOXO

 

CLICK HERE OR ON THE GRAPHIC BELOW TO SEE THE SUPPLY LIST FOR TODAY!

(Affiliate Links Used)

 

Mason Jar Cards with Jaded Blossom!

Hello there my sweet crafty friends! This week went by so fast! Happy Friday! And it's July, and 4th of July weekend! Yeah - lots to celebrate today. I hope you're doing well and enjoying summer and getting crafty! My hubs has a few days off for the holiday, but I'm not really sure yet what we're doing. Ha. We got very used to not making plans in advance.... I'm sure we'll find something to do! I will be back on the 4th to share some patriotic cards with you!

Today I'm featuring an awesome product suite from Jaded Blossom Stamps - and also telling you about a giant sale they have going on right now! WOO HOO! I love a stamp sale! I am really enjoying working with the lovely ladies at Jaded Blossom, and their great stamp sets. The two cards for today feature their Clear Jar and Mason Jar stamps and dies, along with some of the add-on sets!! CLICK HERE to shop the sale! Let's get started!

First up is this crafty jar card! I used the Clear Jar stamps and dies along with the Crafty Add Ons....and new paper from Doodlebug that matches PERFECTLY! I love it when that happens. The finished card is an A2 white card base. Layered with button paper and then white paper for the top layer.

 

The sentiment is from the cute Paper Hoarder Stamp Set! It's perfect! I stamped the sentiment directly onto my top layer and then used brads for the corners for another pop of color.

 

I stamped the jar, buttons, stamp, etc and colored with Copic Markers to match the patterned paper. I used gingham paper and the ruffly die cut from the Mason Jar die set to make the liner piece.

 

The lid part was stamped onto gray cardstock and then I used a gray Copic Marker to add lowlights. I also splashed on some white ink spray. I tied the top with twine and glued on an extra button as an accent.

 

 

 

I added a cute heart to the stamp!! It's hard to see in the picture, but I also added a bit of shimmer with a glitter pen.

 

And a few more hearts just because...

 

The next card is also an A2 white card base. I layered a pretty background die from Lawn Fawn in a very light blue, and then my mason jar. This card uses the Mason Jar dies and the Fruit Add Ons stamps. This one is fresh as a summer picnic! I love red, white and light blue together for Summer.

 

I layered the blue die cut background over the white card base. Then I used a layer of vellum. Then the mason jar is affixed with foam tape. I colored the strawberries with Copics and added white gel pen accents. The sentiment was stamped directly onto the mason jar (which I die cut from white cardstock)

 

For this card I also die cut the lid from gray cardstock and splattered white paint onto it. I used pretty natural twine to tie on a little tag. The tag is from a Doodlebug Die Set. (All my supplies are listed at the bottom of my post!) 

 

 

 

 

 

I especially love this set of products - the mason jar, the clear jar, and all the add-ons, because they mix and match together so nicely and you can really use your creativity!! 

 

The liner this time is made from Buffalo Check to look like a picnic napkin! You know I love plaid and gingham in EVERY format!!

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE AWESOME SALE INFORMATION!

 

CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supply list for today's cards!

(Affiliate Links Used)

 

Watermelon Fries - A tasty summer treat from Pinterest!

Hello and howdy from my kitchen today! I made a snack, so naturally I had to make it pretty and take pictures of it! LOL. I love it when I finally make the recipes I have saved on Pinterest! I have so many good recipes and ideas saved and I need to be better at actually making all of the things! Do you do that too? In the Summer I loooooooove to eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables. I practically turn into a vegetarian in the Summer months (I was raised vegetarian) and I can make an entire meal from corn, salad and fruit! It's my favorite thing about Summer. Everything is so pretty and delicious. We have many great farmers markets where we live and there's no shortage of food coming right from the farms in the central valley of California. Truly one of the blessings about living here. It's been hot hot hot and I needed a cool cool cool snack so I made watermelon fries. Thought I'd share!

FULL CREDIT for the idea and recipe are from Abbey's Kitchen website!

Basically....you cut up a watermelon into fries or sticks for dipping, and make the delicious dipping sauce! Splash on a bit of Tajin Seasoning and that's it! Good, healthy, super foods ready to go.

 

I mean, who doesn't love limes and watermelon?? Do you think this is why pink and green is such a perfect color combination possibly??

 

 

MMMMMMMM. Once the watermelon is plated (or bowled LOL) put the Tajin on at the last minute so it doesn't soak all the way in before you eat it.

 

Here in California, Tajin is A THING. It's everywhere. It's a combination of chilis, limes and salt. It's spicy but not too spicy. It's great on fruit or in cocktails for a little kick. It's amazing on Mango.

 

The dipping sauce is coconut yogurt (I used Skyr brand), lime juice and lime zest. The recipe calls for coconut sugar, but I left that out.

 

If you don't have Tajin, or don't like it, you can just leave it off! Easy.

 

It lasted about 3.5 minutes. Y U M M M M M. I'll be making this again fo sho! I bought a small watermelon, but once I cut it up, it was SO MUCH watermelon! It's just two of us at our house. I'm going to blend the rest in the Vitamix and make some kind of slushee later. Good way to get in your water for the day, amiright?

Okee dokee, that's it for today. I'll be back Friday with fun cards and a big sale over at Jaded Blossom. Can't wait to share with you! XOXO