VW Bus - Purple Onion Designs - Design Team Announcement!

Hey everybody I have some exciting news to share with you today .... I have been invited to join the Purple Onion Designs Design Team and I can't wait for all the creativity that lies ahead.

I've got a cute card for you today that seems quite fitting for the occasion and it features the incredibly sweet VW Bus and Trio of Balloons by Purple Onion Designs as illustrated by Stacey Yacula.  The scene also includes the Stacked Luggage with Bird stamp that nicely compliments the bus.



This is one of my slimline cards (use my search feature to find more) the finished dimensions of which are 8 1/12 x 3 1/2 inches with my panel cut to 8.2 x 3.2 and you can make this from one sheet of new cardstock with only a slim strip left over making it very economical and those strips are great to keeping for sentiments!  Envelopes for this size of card can easily be sourced by searching for slimline, invitation, #9 or size 9 envelopes.



I started by masking off an edge around my panel and then using Clarity Stencil Brushes I delicately ink blended using Distress Inks in Spun Sugar, Squeezed Lemonade and Dried Marigold which is a favourite combo of mine.  I finished by squishing a little Picked Raspberry onto my acrylic block and then spritzing a little water into it and then using a paint brush I splattered a few times to distress the background and then a few more times after that just with water alone.  This all makes the background so soft and dreamy.



I removed the mask and set the panel aside whilst I stamped my images onto Bristol Smooth cardstock using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil and that I then watercolour painted using the following colours.  Kuretake Zigs in Warm Gray 900, Beige 072, Mid Gray 096, Bright Yellow 052, Light Carmine 021 and Haze Blue 302.  Also used was a Tombow ABT 020.  All images were then fussy cut out - nothing too complicated here but I did use a craft knife for in between the balloon strings!  

I decided on my exact layout and stamped my three sentiments with more of the Potting Soil Ink then applied dimensional foam tape behind the bus and balloons and applied them to the scene.



The final touch was to delve into my substantial sequin stash and find a variety of toning sequins which I glued using Ranger Multi Medium Matte.  The panel was attached to the card base using my Scotch Tape Runner and my card was complete.

Thanks for coming by to read today!  I'll be back very soon with new inspiration.

Nicky x

Puddle Play - Hello Bluebird

Hi!  I have a slimline card featuring all the cuties from Puddle Play by Hello Bluebird Stamps. 



A slimline card gives you so much more 'real estate' to work with to build your scenes and get all those characters and elements in that you love!   Finished size is 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches.  Panel cut at 8.2 x 3.2 inches.  Envelopes for this size are easily sourced and are called slimline, invitation, #9 and size 9.



I used a Clarity Stencil Brush to ink blend my gray background using Distress Ink in Weathered wood.  I die cut the clouds without stamping them from the stamp set and ink blended them too.  I stamped some of the water splashes upside down to become raindrops using Memento Ink in Fog.  I backed my panel with craft foam and applied it to the card base.  The craft foam backing means that your card makes it through the postal system in much better shape especially when you have embellishments such as I have on this card.



I stamped my images using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil on to Bristol Smooth cardstock.  I watercolour painted the images using the following colours.  Kuretake Zigs in Gray Brown 094, Bright Yellow 052 and Light Pink 026.  Also Tombow ABT in 020.  I die cut all the elements and highlighted some points with a Uni-ball Signo white gel pen.  I decided on a layout then adhered everything using dimensional foam tape - making sure all my characters were interacting with one another to tell a story.



To finish out the card I stamped the sentiment with the same Fog ink onto a sentiment strip and backed it with foam mounting tape and adhered.  Embellishments needed to be water droplets and so I used 4 different sizes to add some fun dimension to the card.

I hope you like this encouragement card and feel inspired.

Thanks for stopping by - happy crafting!

Nicky x

North Star - Hello Bluebird Stamps

Hi!  As promised a 4th Day of cards featuring the new Hello Bluebird Stamps release.  This is North Star.



For this card I ink blended Bristol Smooth cardstock using Distress Oxides in Tumbled Glass, Peacock Feathers, Broken China, Blueprint Sketch, Chipped Sapphire and Black Soot ..... yup, I pretty much used them all!  There's lots of overlapping of the blending and then coming back in with the lighter colours but this is, I believe, how to attain the best affect.



I stamped my 'stars' with Versamark Ink and heat embossed in white and then re-stamped just the Happy New Year portion with Versamark Ink and heat embossed in a twinkling embossing powder I have called 'Bridal'.  I wanted to build a real depth of 'stars' and to to that end I took a tiny pinch of white embossing powder and sprinkled it over the panel making sure none of it was too thick and then I heat set it by starting underneath the panel for a minute and then finishing with heat directly on top ....... otherwise you're going to blow the powder to the four walls!!!!!   I came back in with a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen and dotted in a few more stars again building depth.  I die cut my panel to provide the simple stitched edge.



On more Bristol Smooth I stamped my images with Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.  I watercolour painted them using Kuretake Zigs then fussy cut the images and applied them with different depths of foam tape.  Just love those cute fluffy bums!  I adhered the panel to the card base.





Thanks for coming by to read my method today!  See you next time!

Nicky x

North Pole Littles - Hello Bluebird

Hey everyone, I have a new card for Hello Bluebird Stamps to share with you today featuring the super cute North Pole Littles stamps and dies.  They are set in a scene created by using the 'essential' (in my humble opinion) Spooky Scene die!



First things first .... I softly ink blended an A2 panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock using Distress Oxide Ink in Spun Sugar.  I dotted in some falling snow by hand, using a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen and adhered the panel to my card base and set it to one side.



Next, I took the Spooky Scene die and die cut a white cardstock A2 size panel.  I ink blended the trees using Distress Ink in Pumice Stone.   Now, when you die cut the Spooky Scene you get some negative cuts that you'd perhaps ordinarily throw away or use as scrap.   The centre negative cut is really quite large and I decided to grab a hill die from Hill and Dale and cut a second hill which of course will perfectly match the line of the ground from the Spooky Scene cut.  I then took a Versamark Ink Pad and inked up certain areas of the trees and ground and then sprinkled on some Wow! White Puff Twinkle Embossing Glitter and heat embossed .... this stuff is wonderful, can't say enough good about it! I then adhered all the parts of my Spooky Scene back together on the reverse to hold them in place then applied foam tape and added it to the card base.



Now to add some fun colour!  I stamped my North Pole Littles using Ranger Archival Ink in 'Coffee'.  I watercolour painted them using Kuretake Zigs in Light Beige 074, Flesh Colour 071 and Pale Pink 028 to shade their faces with Light Pink 026 for their cheeks and some of the parcels and ornaments.  The deeper red is Carmine Red 022.  Points of creamy yellow are done with a Tombow Dual Brush marker 020.  Hair is done with either Tombow in shade 912 and the other in 969.  The green colour used is an Arteza Real Brush Pen in Mint Green A177.



Cheeks and other points were highlighted with the Uniball Signo gel pen and then die cut and added to the scene with more foam tape.  The sentiment was stamped on a strip of cardstock and similarly applied.  Pretty adorable right?

Thanks for stopping by to read, I hope to see you next time and if you don't want to miss anything do sign up for emails from this blog.

Nicky x

Fall Buddies - Hello Bluebird

Hi!  Thanks for swinging by my blog today to read about my latest card for Hello Bluebird Stamps.  This card features the delightful Fall Buddies stamp set from the latest release.



My card started with a panel of Bristol Smooth that I ink blended with Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass, I blended to a white fade at the bottom so that it would slightly highlight the horizon for a small point of interest.  I then squished a little of the ink onto an acrylic stamping block and added a tiny amount of water and splattered with a paintbrush to distress.



I then used the Spooky Scene Die and I die cut an A2 panel of more Bristol Smooth cardstock.  The die cut comes apart like a jigsaw puzzle.  I kept the outer frame white and set it to one side.  I ink blended the tree and then the grass using Distress Inks.  I put the pieces back together again upside down and taped them together then added dimensional foam tape to all areas and adhered it to the panel and at this point I also adhered the empty scene to the card base.

On yet more Bristol Smooth I stamped all of my images with Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.  I watercolour painted them using Kuretake Zigs, highlighted some areas with a Uni-Ball Signo white gel pen and then fussy cut the images and used more foam tape to adhere them.  I decided to add a little humour with the 'happy fall' sentiment by having my squirrels throwing themselves from the tree onto big piles of autumn leaves beneath them.  I love the feeling of pure joy and that they are relishing the change of season.



With everything in place I considered any final touches and decided on a few wood butterflies and flowers which just seemed to add that perfect finishing accent and the bunny and squirrel each hold up a little wooden heart.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today, I really appreciate it and see you next time!

Nicky x

A Merry Little Christmas - Avery Elle

Hello!

Today I'm sharing another card for Avery Elle that I made using 'A Merry Little Christmas' from the latest release in combination with the new 'Let It Snow Die Set'.



I stamped my chosen images from the stamp set onto Bristol Smooth cardstock, watercolour painted them using Kuretake Zigs  and highlighted some points with a Uniball Signo White gel pen.  They were then die cut.



A panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock was created and ink blended in Spun Sugar Distress Ink, fading away to nothing at the bottom.  The sentiment was stamped in Archival Ink.



The card was assembled by applying the panel to the card base.  The characters and their gifts were applied with dimensional foam tape.  The final touch was the application of several snowflakes which were die cut using elements from the Let It Snow Die Set.

Thank you for stopping by to learn about this card today,  I do hope you enjoyed it!  Happy crafting!

Nicky x

Products Used:-

A Merry Little Christmas
Let It Snow

Reindeer Friends - Pretty Pink Posh

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog.  I have card for Pretty Pink Posh today featuring 'Reindeer Friends' from a year ago but always worth revisiting for reasons of obvious cuteness!



I decided on an arrangement for my scene using some previously stamped images and it was abundantly clear that this card would need some different dimensions to the usual A2 standard for us card makers.  This card does not conform to any standard size so I will need to hand make an envelope for it and there are many tutorials out there for how to do this.  So, I made my sturdy card base of 110lb white cardstock by Neenah and then scored and folded it and also cut a panel that was slightly smaller dimensions than the base. 



I ink blended this panel with Distress Oxide Ink in Cracked Pistachio, fading it away to nothing to give the appearance of a snowy ground.  I very slightly diluted a little white acrylic paint and splattered it randomly all over the panel to indicate snowfall.  Once dry I backed the panel with white craft foam and applied it to the card base.

I watercolour painted my reindeer and their piles of gifts with Kuretake Zigs and adhered them to the card with dimensional foam tape by Scotch.



The Merry Christmas die cut sentiment is by Pretty Pink Posh also and was die cut twice and the two die cuts glued together and then they were glued to the card slightly curving the words over the scene to subtly frame it.

The final touch was the application of pearly white sequins throughout the scene which also fits with the snowy scene.

Happy crafting friends!

Nicky x

Pumpkin Patch - Hello Bluebird

Hello!

I'm back with my second card today and for the second time in a week I'm using Pumpkin Patch by Hello Bluebird Stamps which forms part of their incredible new release!



Since the last time that I played with this stamp set I went more traditional in my choice of colours, this time I decided to go with sweet pastels and switch it up a little.  To that end I took a panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock.  Using Distress Inks in Spun Sugar and Fossilized Amber I delicately and randomly ink blended the panel.  I then used my embossing buddy to prepare the surface for heat embossing.  

In my Misti I took some of the smaller images from the stamp set like a squirrel and pumpkin and acorn and some leaves and I arranged them in a design where I could repeat it twice across the width of the card by stamping once with Versamark Ink then moving the panel over in my Misti and stamping again.  I kept moving my panel and re-inking and stamping until all areas had the pattern and then I heat embossed using white embossing powder.  Once cooled I die cut the panel to give it a faux stitched edge.



I adhered the panel to my card base then from another panel of white cardstock I die cut the Gallery Frame #2 Die  and then layered this over the decorative panel popped up on dimensional foam tape.  I had a leftover die cut from Grassy Knoll which I ink blended softly, again using the Fossilized Amber Distress Ink and then I stamped the grassy tufts using a tiny stamp included in Deer Friend.  I measured it to size and adhered it, inserting it into the gap for a snug fit.

On Bristol Smooth cardstock (I like and always use Strathmore) I stamped my feature image using Ranger Archival Ink in 'Potting Soil'.  It stamped quite dark since I'd just re-inked my pad but it should calm down soon lol.  I watercolour painted the image using Kuretake Zigs and highlighted their cheeks with a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen.  I die cut and adhered the image with more foam tape.



Finally, I stamped the sentiment from Autumn Script.  It actually says Pumpkin Spice but I trimmed off the second word.  I then die cut using the coordinating dies for the stamp set and then die cut 3 more times from white cardstock to build a stack which I adhered together - each time trimming off in the same place since I'd chosen not to use the 'spice' word.  Finally I glued it in place and stamped 'season' on a little strip of cardstock and popped that onto some foam tape so it aligned nicely.



So there it is .... my non-traditional take on the season and I hope that YOU have an enjoyable Pumpkin Season and enjoy the change in temperatures and colours!

I'll see you next time, thanks for stopping by and feel free to ask any questions you may have, I'll be happy to try and answer them for you.

Nicky x

Pumpkin Patch and Autumn Script- Hello Bluebird

Hello!  I'm back with more cards today featuring the big and very gorgeous Hello Bluebird Stamps new release which is now available to buy!  I will post another card this afternoon.



I ink blended an A2 panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock with Distress Inks in Faded Jeans, Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint.  I splashed some water into the sky and blotted it dry then splashed a solution of Faded Jeans to add more interest.  Once fully dry I put the panel into my Misti and stamped the sentiment using Versamark Ink and then heat embossed in white.



On more Bristol Smooth cardstock I stamped out my images using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.  I watercolour painted everything using Kuretake Zigs then fussy cut each image since I didn't have the coordinating dies yet.  I arranged my scene then took a quick photo so that I didn't forget it whilst I methodically adhered everything using dimensional foam tape.



The final touch was the application of a little Nuvo Crystal Glaze to her glasses, I randomly dotted in some silver gel pen dots into the scene for a super subtle twinkle when the card is handled and I highlighted some points on the adorable little girl using a Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen.

I thank you for coming by to read on my blog today, stay tuned for card number two in a few hours!

Nicky x

Autumn Script with Fall Buddies - Hello Bluebird

Hi!

Here's my second card today playing with delicious goodies from Hello Bluebird Stamps.  This card features the new sentiment set that comes with coordinating dies called 'Autumn Script' together with all the cuties from 'Fall Buddies'.



Taking a panel of A2 white cardstock, I ink blended it using Distress Inks in Stormy Sky, Carved Pumpkin, Rusty Hinge and Brushed Corduroy.  Initially the idea was that Stormy Sky would be the sky (not surprisingly) but when it came to actually beginning to build the scene I flipped it and preferred what I saw.  Using Versamark Ink I stamped the Blowing Leaves Background Stamp and heat embossed with a beautiful Copper embossing powder by Ranger.  The affect is very rich and luxurious.



I also used the Ranger copper embossing powder to stamp the sentiment from 'Autumn Script',  I die cut it and then used the die to cut several more times and then I adhered each cut to the next to build a good stack, finishing with the embossed on on top.  I adhered this into position on the card.  I cut the Gallery Frame 3 Die once from white cardstock and adhered it over the panel using dimensional foam tape.   

On Bristol Smooth cardstock I stamped all of my 'Fall Buddies' using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.  I watercolour painted them using my Kuretake Zigs and then since I didn't have the coordinating dies at the time, I fussy cut my images and then layered them into the scene using dimensional foam tape.  The finishing touch was the addition of a few rose gold sequins by Pretty Pink Posh.

I hope you like the card and feel inspired, here's one last close up of that background if for no other reason than I'm currently crushing pretty hard on copper embossing!!!



I really appreciate you stopping by to read - feel free to ask any questions in the comments section, see you next time!

Nicky x

Fireside - Avery Elle

Hi!  I'm happy to be sharing a card I made using 'Fireside' the wonderful new stamp set from Avery Elle.



I stamped out all of my images onto Bristol Smooth cardstock using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.  I watercolour painted them using my Kuretake Zigs and then used a Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen to highlight some spots and to make patterns on the individual stockings.



I took an A2 panel of Bristol Smooth and ink blended it with Distress Inks in Spun Sugar and Antique Linen and applied the painted elements with varying amounts of dimensional foam tape.



Finally I put the panel into my Misti and I stamped the sentiment with Versamark Ink and heat embossed in gold.  I attached my panel to the 110lb white cardstock base.  Card complete!

Thanks for stopping by to read today, see you soon!

Nicky x

Products Used:-

Fireside

Merry Merry - Avery Elle - Infinity Shaker

Hi everyone, today I'm sharing an 'infinity' shaker card I made using 'Merry Merry' which is a stamp set from the most recent release.

 

I took a panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock.  I stamped and heat embossed the sentiments in white then ink blended in Spun Sugar and Cracked Pistachio Distress Inks.   I applied a few sequins and other glittering embellishments with glue and once dry  I slid this panel into a stamp storage pocket, easing it down all the way to the very end.  I then put together a blend of sequins, stars, micro beads ... you name it and poured those into the pocket making sure that they only go on top of the decorative panel and not behind.  Once satisfied with the blend and the quantity I firmly wrapped the rest of the storage pocket around the back of the panel and stuck it down really well and then stuck the whole thing to a sturdy card base of 110lb cardstock which such a weighty card needs.



I'm in love with this moose from 'Polar Peekaboo Pals' and so I stamped it onto more Bristol Smooth using Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil.   I die cut the image and I watercolour painted it using Kuretake Zigs and highlighted a few points with a Uniball Signo White gel pen and stuck it onto the lower right of the front panel.



Such a fun and interactive card style for any time of the year.  I hope you like it!

I will see you again soon, thanks for stopping by to read today.

Nicky x

Products Used:-

Peekaboo Polar Pals
Merry Merry

Starry Scene - Avery Elle

Hello everyone!   Today I'm sharing my card featuring 'Starry Scene' a new stamp set from Avery Elle.



First of all I stamped out the background in navy Memento Ink, the background features star shapes which remain white (they haven't photographed well but in person you can see them through the micro stars I applied playfully over the top).  This backdrop was applied over an ink blended A2 panel.



On Bristol Smooth cardstock I stamped out the mountains and fir trees which I then watercolour painted and die cut.  I layered them into the scene with varying amounts of dimensional foam tape.  I then reached for the super adorable moose from 'Polar Peekaboo Pals' and similarly stamped, painted and die cut and then tucked him behind the trees to have him peeking out.



Finally I stamped the sentiment in navy Memento ink and applied it.

This is a very dimensional and weighty card and I hope you have enjoyed it.

Until the next time, Nicky x

Products Used:-

Starry Scene
Polar Peekaboo Pals

Sending Peace - Avery Elle

Hello everyone, today I'm sharing a card using 'Sending Peace' from the brand new Avery Elle release.  This stamp set would work well both on its own or in conjunction with your other Avery Elle stamps since it consists of mostly words together with a few mini images.



My card/giant gift tag started with an A2 panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock which I ink blended using Distress Oxide Inks in Worn Lipstick and Twisted Citron.  I then splattered on some water and blotted it up to distress it.  I thoroughly wiped the surface with my embossing buddy and then placed the panel in my Misti, laid out the word stamps and stamped with Versamark Ink then heat embossing in silver.  Next the panel was die cut using the Avery Elle die called A Tag For All.  I die cut the matching back piece with another piece of white cardstock and the little silver binding piece for the top was die cut in glittering silver cardstock.



On a little piece of white cardstock I stamped and embossed the other little sentiment words and the dove and applied after die cutting with dimensional foam tape.   I scored the back panel about a half inch from the top so that it could be flexed to have the card stand up and adhered it to the front panel and bound the top with the glittered piece.



The finishing touches were the application of a few sparkling clear sequins and I tied some cream/silver baker's twine through the hole at the top.

Thank you for stopping by the blog today, see you next time!

Nicky x

Products Used:-

Sending Peace
Tag For All

Blog Hop - Grateful by Avery Elle

Hey everybody, I'm happy to say it is Avery Elle Blog Hop time!

I'm sharing a card using the brand new stamp set called 'Grateful' that comes with some companion Elle-ements too!   This card also uses the new 'Wonky Squares Frames Die Set'.



My card features an ink blended background.  The die cut sentiment etc are from 'Grateful' as are the fallen pretty autumnal leaves and acorns at the bottom which are applied layered up on dimensional foam tape.  The cute fox is from 'Polar Peekaboo Pals' and is framed out with a 'Wonky Square Frame Die'.  The card is watercolour painted  and finished out with tiny glistening dots of pale gold gel pen.







Since I'm last on the list you have now reached the end of our blog hop, I am pretty sure you have found a lot of inspiration from the Avery Elle DT.  Thanks for hopping along with us!

Nicky x

Avery Elle / Jamie
Caryn Davies
Heather Campbell
Yainea
Melania Deasy
Katie Gehring 
Amy Kolling 
Ashley Marcu
Elena Roussakis
Nicky Meek

To celebrate our Fall 2018 Release Blog Hop, Avery Elle is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to one random winner.  To enter to win just comment on this post.  There is no purchase necessary and you must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  This giveaway is void where prohibited.  You can also do options 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of the following to increase your chances of winning. You have until midnight Sunday, August 12th to enter.  The winner will be announced on the Avery Elle Blog on Monday, August 20th .  All products are available for purchase in the Avery Elle store right now.
To enter to win you can do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of the following to increase your chances:

1. Comment on any of the design team's posts and/or here on the Avery Elle Blog
2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet the contest (we are @averyellestamps )
3. Follow us on Facebook (we are www.facebook.com/AveryElle ) and share us with your friends - make sure they tell us you sent them.
4. Follow us on Pinterest
5. Become a blog follower through email (comment on the Avery Elle blog if you already follow us)
6. Join our Flickr group (comment on the Avery Elle blog if you already belong)