NOTE: Wow! What an overwhelming response to my last blog post. I already knew it, but you guys confirmed it! YOU ARE THE VERY BEST blog followers out there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your responses. I have read every single one. I got tons of heartfelt, lengthy emails. Made me laugh, think, and cry too! Lots of comments and tons of support and love. I will try to write back to everyone, but it might take me some time. Just know that I read every word and I have a much clearer picture of what is going on in blog-land. I have been so immersed in it from this end that I didn't see all the changes happening. You have given me a lot to think about. I didn't want to give the impression that I am thinking of NOT blogging. I LOVE to write blog posts and share. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. So I'm just trying to make the best use of my time and resources. It's been nine years, so it might be time to change things up. I do not particularly enjoy the whole product linking thing. I did that because I thought people wanted or expected it. But then, I had come to count on that income. It seems that opportunity may have come and gone. Which is okay too. I'll give it a few more months to see if things pick up! You all have provided me so much good information!! I knew you would come through for me and you did. THANK YOU again. I appreciate the honest conversation. Now on to our blog post for today!
Happy Monday! I'm super excited to announce that I am the guest designer for the Flora & Fauna Stamps Blog today! WOOT! Don't you adore their cute, happy and quirky designs? I love them ALL! I am always in a good mood when I stamp with Flora & Fauna! LOVE. These stamps are what happy crafting is all about. I love that all the images are the same style and scale so it's super easy to mix and match stamp sets to create your card. Today I'm using a bunch of Flora & Fauna goodies to share some LLAMAZING cards! LOL. Llamas are on trend and all the rage right now - and I am totally on board. Those cute critters are everywhere, and they make us smile, right? I llama love them! Let's get started!
For this first card, I used some of the super cool background texture stamps with white ink on kraft - to create a neat backdrop for my watercolored llama and florals. I used some different colors for me. I hardly ever use purple, hot pink or magenta. But, I love how this magenta mixture came out! I mixed a few shades of red and pink water colors together to create this magenta color. I think it's super festive!! I'm happy that there are matching dies for those pretty floral sprays too. Score!
I started with a white A2 card base and layered pretty patterned paper in magenta. Then another layer of white, then kraft for my top layer. I stamped the background textures with white ink and also splattered some white paint. I set that aside to dry. Next I stamped and die cut out the llama and flowers from watercolor paper. I used my Mijello Mission Gold water color paints to color the images.
I stamped the llama love sentiment three times onto the kraft, using black ink. Then I wrapped some pretty twine around the top two layers before attaching them to the card with foam tape. The images are also attached with more foam tape. Some magenta sequins complete the look!
Next up is my second llama card! This one is for a sweet sweet friend who is about to have a baby! I wanted to make her a mama llama card to make her smile! She is llamazing for sure! I used shades of pink and white since it's a baby card. SOOOO adorbs!! I started with a white A2 card base and layered pink cardstock and then gingham from my stash. The top white layer was die cut with the awesome clouds die from Lawn Fawn. I used the Flora & Fauna Llama die set, which comes with the balloon. Easy to die cut out and a perfect cut!
I stamped the sentiment in black ink onto a banner and attached it in the upper right corner. I used a white gel pen to add highlights to the cardstock balloons.
Okay, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that I am a genius - for this next idea! LOL. You know when you think of an idea and then it works perfectly??? That happened. High five me! I needed a cute and sweet blanket for the llama.... Then it clicked! The little Doodlebug Rainbows Sprinkles!!!!! ACK. I turned it upside down and it fit like a glove! Rainbows are always a good idea!!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog today! You are are totally llamazing! I hope these cards inspired you and made you smile. I'll be back soon! Be sure to visit the Flora & Fauna Blog to see more ideas. BIG thanks to Cindi, Lara and the crew for inviting me to be a guest designer this week. Yeah! XOXO
SUPPLIES FOR TODAY!
You ARE a genius! No doubt about it! I recognized that Doodlebug rainbow shaped sprinkle right away. It's the perfect touch to your super sweet llama card.
Posted by: LC Lamothe | 08/23/2018 at 09:09 PM
these are gorgeous, particularly the top one. you are so good!!
Posted by: Joan Bardee | 08/22/2018 at 04:47 PM
Love them, so cute!!
Posted by: Jane Towse | 08/22/2018 at 09:05 AM
The flower is absolutely POSITIVELY gorgeous!!!!!! But I'm totally into purples, pinks and reds on my cards- NOT in clothing. I really love how the rainbow worked. And you're right - it fits like a glove!! (You should ask your friend if she's taking "llamazing llama-ze" class.
😄😄 LOTFL!!!!! (sorry! I couldn't resist!!!)
Posted by: Jennifer Hovermale | 08/21/2018 at 08:21 PM
Simply adorable...love your sweet llamas!
Posted by: Kim Heggins | 08/21/2018 at 05:26 PM
That Lama baby card is tooo cute. Lama’s are being shown everywhere.
What a clever girl on the rainbow blanket. Always look forward to reading/seeing your Blog.
Posted by: Geneva | 08/21/2018 at 04:36 PM
Thanks for sharing your cute llama cards, today, and for thinking about the rainbow sticker for the blanket. Yes, high five to you!
Posted by: Janetb | 08/21/2018 at 10:03 AM
adorable
Posted by: Nancy Hassan | 08/21/2018 at 09:40 AM
Llove llove llove llamas. Your cards are super cute and the rainbow really was a genius idea. I love when that happens.
Posted by: Linda S. | 08/21/2018 at 08:54 AM
I took my nieces to a petting zoo many years ago and they loved the llamas. Well, I was standing too close and one spit on me..... eek! My nieces laughed of course but I couldn't get my top off fast enough!! These llamas are just my cup of tea. Pretty in magenta and your friend is going to love her llama mama card. I am so glad you are going to keep blogging, your spot makes my day. THANK YOU!!!
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 08/21/2018 at 07:43 AM
Hi Wanda.....can't seem to get into the llama thing with all the stamps coming out of them...my sister in Alaska had a pet llama living next to them and just couldn't LOVE it like I do other animals...but love background stamps to fill up the paper..I'm starting to make use of stencils....Hang in there. We obviously love you and your work. Come visit again to Cape Cod. Make it your next honeymoon. xoxoxo
Posted by: Mandy Chandler | 08/21/2018 at 03:59 AM
Those are so dang cute! My daughter loves llamas, I need to see about getting this set soon! Thanks for the great idea with Doodlebug sticker. I have about hundred & now going to look at them differently!!
Posted by: Brenda | 08/20/2018 at 11:34 AM
Hey girl, I can't believe I wasn't subscribed to your blog! I love your posts. I've been meaning to find some time to read your last post and all the comments! It's been a similar feeling over here. Will write soon. and I just love your card!!!! Have a great week, gorgeous lady!
Posted by: Rubeena Ianigro | 08/20/2018 at 09:14 AM
LLLOVE THEM!!! And thank you for the link on Facebook so I could click on over!
Posted by: Jayne Hunt | 08/20/2018 at 08:11 AM
Hi Wanda! I don’t know how this llama trend got started, but I like it! Could they be any cuter? Your cards are wonderful and I can’t wait to try some of your techniques. I especially like the craft + white stamping. I’m always too impatient to try something that has to dry —- but maybe I should slow down. Thanks!
Posted by: Shelley | 08/20/2018 at 08:10 AM