Lil' Inker Designs {April Release-Day 1}

 

Hi everyone! It's time for the Lil' Inker Designs new release! We have some great new dies and a fabulous set of sentiments for you!! You should have arrived here from Alyssa's blog. 

 

 

Today we are sharing new goodies in the form of dies for Mom and Dad!  Oh these are the BOMB!  You know what??  They are already available in the store HERE!!!   

 

Both of my cards are very simple but I think show off the die perfectly and I'm just pretty happy that I have 2 "Dad" cards ready to go whether it's for birthday or Father's Day.......leaving it just 'Dad' means you can use it for any occasion!  Using this fabulous woodgrain cardstock, I've die cut ' Dad' out of shimmer brown woodgrain cardstock and then  used the negative layered over white woodgrain cardstock.  This is perfect for my Dad who has designed cabinetry and built beautiful kitchen cabinets his whole career!

 

 My second card uses the die cut word 'Dad' layered over some fun burlap ribbon I found out shopping......perfect for those guy cards!

 

Just for hopping around during the Blog Hop, there are some store credits to be given away to some lucky people who leave comments!  So now you need to head over to Debby's blog for some awesomeness.

 

 

{D@d}
Paper:  Woodgrains (unknown--purchased from a friend but if you would like to know, I can find out for you!)
Dies:  D@d word die (Lil' Inker Designs)
Misc:  Foam Adhesive, Burlap Ribbon (HL)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Just here posting my latest Monday Mood Board card. If you celebrate, have a blessed day with your family!!! (Blogging from my phone so I will update links later!)

 

{Celebrate}

Stamps:  Mehndi Medallions (Wplus9)

Paper:  Peach (Bazzill), White (PTI)

Ink:  Versamagic, Charcoal Palette

Misc:  Circle punch, Foam Adhesive, Pearls

Dies:  Sentiment Flag (Lil' Inker Designs)

12 Kits of Holidays {March Kit}

 

Welcome to the 12 Kits of Holidays!!!!  This month we are hoping to bring Spring to you with the glorious colors and spring elements that were included in the kit. 

 

 

This month's kit was sent by none other than Tracey of In My Creative Opinion!  Tracey sent some of the most colorful papers, embellishments, and die cut words.  You already know that I fell in love with those die cut words!  Thank you for such a fantastic spring kit! 

 

March Kit

{photo courtesy of Kara}

 

 

My first cards are for my kiddos for Easter........a little less traditional but oh so ever cutsey!!!  They will love them!  They use the adorable little images from Paper Smooches!!

 

 Next up are my cards using the AWESOME die cut words Tracey sent!  I told you I loved them!

The first one I focused on the die cut and embellished the letter "i" with a Paper Smooches flower image.

 

 

Then my last card uses the die cut word "easter" with a fun silhouette image to match!  LOVE LOVE this!  I stitched 2 pieces of this colorful paper together and also added in Paper Smooches die cut egg images!

That's it from me today but let's go check out what the rest of the group made with this Spring kit!!! Make sure to stop by Tracey's blog for full supply list!!!

Renee {It's a Patchwork Life} 

Joyce {Cards-by-the-Sea}

Tracey {In my creative opinion}--March Hostess

Kim {Cupcakes Cards and Kim}

Kara {KandRDesigns}

Sharron {On Papillon Wings}

Marybeth {Marybeth's Time for Paper}

Jeanne {A Kept Life}

Jessica {The Paper Parade}

Christina {Sea Glass & Sentiments}

Kelly {Gingham Girl Adventures}

 

***If you'd like to see ANY of the 12 Kits of Christmas/Holidays cards/projects, Renee has started a 12 Kits Board over on Pinterest HERE. Go check it out......it has current projects and oldies too!***

I'm linking up my cards for the Simon Says Stamp challenge this week:  Anything Goes!!

 

 

Retro Sketches #56

 

Today, I am heading to help my dad load up years and years of his and my mom's life.  The last 8 years have been HARD......no doubt.  Every time we go through boxes or I decide to bring something home that was hers, I get a little teary-eyed.  Not of sadness but of wonder how our lives would be different right now if she were still here.  My mom was an amazing woman......anyone that knew her would tell you this.  So today, I'm going to spend some time with my memories before they go to auction next week.  I know today will be HARD but my mom taught me well.  I will get through this just as I have the last 8 years.

 

Anyway, you did not come here for that.........and I really don't think I've blogged about something so personal but hey, it's what's on my mind today.  :)

 

My card today uses the current Retro Sketches sketch which I just knew I had to make time to play along with this one!  I love this sketch so much and it's already been filed away for later use.  I've used Bloom & Grow and Making a Statement both from Verve......Verve's stamps have some of the best inspirational sentiments......like the one today! 

 

 For my blooms, I used the fun Loopy Blooms die that coordinates with Making a Statement.

 

 

Thank you all so much for sharing part of your day with me! 

 

{You make a difference}

Stamps:  Making a Statement, Bloom & Grow (Verve)

Paper:  White (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Bramble Rose (MME)

Ink:  True Black (PTI)
Dies:  Loopy Blooms (Verve), Cirlce (Spellbinders)

Misc:  Pearls, Grograin Ribbon (PTI), Smokey Shadow Button (PTI), White Crochet Thread

Spring=Sunshine!

 

It's Spring..........or it's supposed to be!  My kids want it so bad, I want the warm temps, the sunshine, the baseball games.  I'm afraid our first baseball game next Tuesday will be chilly and we'll all be bundled up with winter coats and blankets!  At this point, I'll just take some blue skies!!!  That being said, I do think we'll see warmer temps for Easter!  :)

 

Sharing a card that I made for the Fresh Squeezed Stamps blog yesterday because we all need a little sunshine right now!  Bring on Spring!

 

 I used Weather Through to stamp my rays and added a fun speech bubble to share my sentiment!  I thought it needed a little something more so I added a few iridescent sequins!  Here in the close-up you can see I wrapped some Cape Code Timeless Twine in the background.

 

I'm going to send this over to the Speech Bubble Challenge at the Moxie Fab World blog!



 Thanks for sharing a part of your busy day with me!

 

 

{You are my sunshine}

Stamps:  Weather Through (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  Harvest Gold, White (PTI)

Ink:  Harvest Gold (PTI), Charcoal (Palette)

Dies:  Speech Bubbles (MFT)

Twine:  Cape Code (Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz)

Misc:  Sequins (HL), Foam Adhesive

AEI♥U Challenge--March

 

So this month's Avery Elle Challenge was using the inspiration photo below........a challenge indeed!

I was drawn to the colors, the weathered wood, and the ombre look.  These are what I tried to incorporate into my card.

 

I've used Petals & Stems from Avery Elle......this is such a beautiful floral set.  So many options for this set......so glad I added it to my collection!  I love the font for the sentiments........

 

 

I stamped my florals onto Kraft and trimmed out and distressed the edges.  I added Enamel Accents (white) to the flower centers for just a teeny bit of dimension.  I loved the look of the weathered wood in the photo......so I trimmed down a square of burlap and distressed it with my white ink!  My version of ombre was done using several shades of textured white core cardstock and then was sanded for the distressed look.

 

 

 

And since this is my version of "ombre", I'm going to send this over to the Ombre Challenge at Moxie Fab World!

 

That's it for me today.......back to a thing called "work" today!!!  Spring Break is over however we received almost 6 inches of snow yesterday!!!  ughhh

 

{THINKING OF YOU}

Stamps:  Petals and Stems (Avery Elle)

Paper:  White, Kraft (PTI), Textured Cardstock (DCWV)

Ink:  True Black (PTI), White (Wplus9), Turquoise (Versamagic)

Misc:  Enamel Accents (Ranger), Foam Adhesive, Burlap

Just a nautical hello!

 

Happy Sunday to you!  We are laying low today as this is the last day of Spring Break however, it's certainly not felt that way!  We had snow one day where it was forecasted to be 50!  Anyway, the kids have enjoyed themselves and I've had time to craft!

 

If you follow trends at all then you may know that all things 'NAUTICAL' are in.  I've had this little idea in my head to do ever since Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz came out with their Natural Twine.  Don't you just LOVE that tiny Sailor's Knot??  I DO.......a LOT!  With the current release of Neat & Tangled's On the Strip 2 stamp set, this card came together soo easy!  I actually stamped a larger striped panel and just trimmed down to size.  My sentiment is selectively inked from the set:  Just Hello.

 

 Now for that sailor's knot........you all know Pinterest.  The site where hours upon hours of your day can go unaccounted for?  I used a tutorial found HERE however, I've made several of these years ago for a card so you can find sources pretty much anywhere on how to make these.  For my knot, I just used 4 equal strands of Natural Twine and followed this diagram!

 

Source:  Martha Stewart



 

Well, that's it for me today, but I'd love to hear what you think about my card today because well, I kinda like it!  Have a great Sunday!

 

 

{hi!}
Stamps:  On the Strip 2, Just Hello (Neat & Tangled Stamps)
Paper:  White, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Ink:  Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Twine:  Natural (Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz)
Misc:  Foam Adhesive

Happy Birthday (Verve style!)

Hello!  Today we head to do our taxes........we moved 8 years ago and still travel back to our hometown to do our taxes.  (1 1/2 hr away)  Call us crazy but it works as it gives us a chance to catch up with some of our friends we left behind. 

So, this week's Viva la Verve Sketch Challenge was hosted by Anya Schrier.  What a fun sketch!

As a rule, I generally don't do "tilted" on my cards but I instantly had an idea to change up this sketch!  I recently purchased Echo Park's "All About A Boy" paper pad and decided to stray away from making a floral card...........see what you think.

I've used Treasured Words for my Happy Birthday sentiment and the lightly stamped stars in the background are from Borderline.  See all those sizses of die cut stars?  They are the new die: Starry Die.  I've layered the stars on the Rounded Scallop Frame cut twice to give it a two tone look!  And looky........I've used BRADS!  I think we'll see a revival of these and eyelets......I've got tons of them so let's hope so!!

 

 Thanks for sharing part of your day with me!!! 

{Happy Birthday}

Stamps:  Treasured Words, Borderline (Verve)

Paper:  Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  All About a Boy (Echo Park)

Ink:  True Black (PTI), Charcoal Palette

Dies:  Rounded Scallop Frame, Starry Die (Verve)

Misc:  Brads, Crystal Stickles, Foam Adhesive

Monday Mood Board 6 and a sketch!

Just a quick post to share my take on the inspiration photo Dawn from Wplus9 provided for this week's Monday Mood Board.  Easter........I don't really send Easter cards........so I went with a birthday theme and carried the colors from the inspiration photo to my florals. 

This card has been a work in progress since Wednesday morning!  I stamped my floral panel (masking technique) but then was stuck!  I finally narrowed everything down after talking with my friend Jen yesterday!  She has a take on this photo as well and I can't wait to see her version!  The sketch over at Seize the Birthday card challenge blog helped me pull this all together....this week it's a feminine birthday card!

**Do you see the tiny trio of flowers?  I thought there was too much white space between the florals that I searched my Wplus9 set and found this itty bitty to fill in the space....Love how it turned out!**

Jen, the scallops are for you and I used the heart border to make them......but I couldn't fit the chick in!  :)





Monday Mood Board 6

Thanks for sharing a tiny part of your day with me here!

{birthday wishes}

Stamps:  Embroidered Bouquet, Folk Art Florals, Very Vintage Florals (Wplus9)

Paper:  White (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Summer Sunrise Pattern Paper (PTI)

Ink:  True Black (PTI), Charcoal (Palette), Bubblegum, Blackberry, Sky, Papaya, Grass, Blush, Ocean, Lichen (Amuse)

Dies:  Heart Border (PTI)

Misc:  Pearls, Foam Adhesive

Chevrons=LOVE!

 

I don't know why or when but I've come to really really like "chevrons".......they are so trendy and fun!  You may have seen this card over on the Fresh Squeezed Stamps blog yesterday but I just had to share it here as well!

 

I've used the small arrow from Trendy Triangles to make my own chevrons! 

I stamped them in the pattern I wanted using Wplus9's White ink and it's ok if they don't stamp perfectly....gives them character!  The sentiment is from You Said It, Sister......LOVE these sentiments!!!

 

Adding in some flat backed sequins........just look what they added to the card!  You can find these awesome sequins over at the Neat & Tangled store HERE.....Danielle has LOTS of colors to choose from!

I'm going to send this over to the Chevron Challenge in the Moxie Fab World!
 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

 

{congrats}

Stamps:  Trendy Triangles, You Said It, Sister (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  True Black (PTI)
Ink:  White (Wplus9)

Sequins:  Flat matte Silver & Gold (Neat & Tangled)

Misc:  Foam Adhesive





Viva la Verve March Week 3

 

Thanks for all the comments about my kids' forts.........they've evolved even more as Spring Break has gone on.  My daughter has taken to sleeping in there every single night so far!  I can't get across to her that she needs to sleep on a blanket not just on the carpet!  Ughh....I can't even imagine!  Do any of you remember sleeping on the floor and thinking nothing of it?  I do.  Now, I wouldn't think of doing that!  LOL  Ahhh, getting older..........

 

 

Anyway, I wanted to share a card I made for the current Viva la Verve Sketch..........If you have Verve stamps, you need to be getting them inky!  But wait!  You don't even have to use Verve stamps people!  Check out all the detail in full HERE on the master Viva la Verve Sketch Challenge thread over on SCS.  Don't forget to check out how you can win some Verve too!  The prize is good......really good!  Who doesn't like to win some new goodies?

 

I've used Sunny Days along with the Leafy Sprigs Die Set.  I stayed true to the sketch except for the circular shape on the right......I have to tweak just a little!  :)

My banner was die cut using the new dies:  Flag It Die Set.  These are the best dies to give that extra little something to your card or layout.

 

Did I mention that yesterday we got SNOW?  I don't mean little flakes.......HUGE flakes!!!!  It was a beautiful snow and then it was sunny, blue skies and all melted by the afternoon!!  Crazy weather!  I'm soo longing for sunny days.........

 



 Thanks for sharing your day with me!!!  Have a wonderful Wednesday!

 

 

{WISHING YOU sunny days}

Stamps:  Sunny Days (Verve)

Paper:  White (PTI)
Pattern Paper:  Dear Lizzy Neapolitan (AC)

Ink:  True Black (PTI), Aloe Vera (VersaMagic)

Dies:  Leafy Sprigs (Verve), Flag It (Verve), Fabulous Frames (PTI)

Misc:  Janome Sew Mini, Aqua Mist Buttons (PTI), Crochet Thread, Foam Adhesive

Just a note.........

 

I want to start by saying "THANK YOU" to Stephanie from Clearly Besotted Stamps.  I love your work AND your stamps.  I know this post is a long time coming.....I'm sorry for that! :( 

 

Stephanie has truly amazed me with her designs in the short time her stamp line has been out.  She has recently introduced matching dies for her stamp sets and if you know me, I LOVE coordinating products!!!

 

I received these stamps some time ago and have just fallen in love.  They stamp wonderful and the details are amazing.  My first card uses With Love.  Such beautiful floral images and equally pretty sentiments.

 

 Next up is an adorable set called Paired Up.  There are 4 'pairs' of birds in this set and each is so different and unique.  This set has gotten lots of use!!! 

 

 

 

I have more to share with these sets but I'll save them for another post!  If you haven't checked out Clearly Besotted Stamps, I'd love for you to and tell Stephanie I sent you!  You can check them out on Facebook HERE or at Stephanie's blog HERE. 

 

 

 

{Just a Note}

Stamps:  With Love (Clearly Besotted Stamps), Polka Dot Basics II (PTI)

Paper:  White (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Snap! Color Vibe (Simple Stories)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), True Black (PTI) 

Dies:  Notebook (PTI)

Twine:  Olive Green (Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz)

Misc:  Copics, Adhesive Tape

{Happy Anniversary}
Stamps:  Paired Up (Clearly Besotted Stamps)
Paper:  Scarlet Jewel, White (PTI)
Pattern Paper:  Smokey Shadow Pattern Paper (PTI)
Ink:  Scarlet Jewel (PTI), Charcoal (Palette)
Dies:  Pinking Edge (PTI), Folded Banner (Simon Says Stamp), Heart (Wplus9)
Misc:  Foam Adhesive, Pearls

Sweet hello....

 

 

Hi everyone!  It's Monday.......Spring Break time at my house!

We are in the middle of building forts, watching movies, and having fun.  :)

 

 

I have a sweet little "hello" card for you today using several Neat & Tangled stamps!

I created my own plaid panel using the solid strip from the newest set:  On the Strip 2 in kraft ink.  Adding in a "hello" sentiment from Swirly Twirly Tags......stamped off and stamped again for the shadow effect. 
I had to add in several stamped hearts from Just Thinking of You for good measure!

 

 

 

{hello}

Stamps:  Just Thinking of You, Swirly Twirly Tags, On the Strip 2 (Neat & Tangled)

Paper:  White (PTI)

Ink:  Kraft (PTI), Shell (Amuse)

Twine:  Bubble Gum Pink (Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz)

Monday Mood Board 5

 

Spring Break is here!  Yippee!

 

No big plans here but I do get to enjoy 5 days with my kids for their Spring Break then off to Grandma's they go for a few!  While yesterday was 87 degrees here......today is only to be in the 50's and will pretty much be like that for the rest of Spring Break.  So, I'm hoping to get some movies watched, games played, and just enjoying them.  Oh I did forget, we'll get to be in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade this morning to start off the weekend!

 

So I'm here with more Wplus9 goodness today......seriously, LOVE these stamps!  This week's Monday Mood Board has mini blooms, texture, twine, burlap......ALL of which I tried to incorporate into my card.  And notice the WHITE INK......seriously FABULOUS white ink!!!!  This stamp was brand new......stamped once here.....that's it.  Every little detail of this stamp is vibrant white!  Ok....enough with my crush of this new white ink.  :)

 

Here is this week's Monday Mood Board inspiration pic:

 

 

 Have a great one and thanks so much for visiting me today!!!

 

{thank you}

Stamps:  Embroidered Bouquet (Wplus9)

Paper:  White, Enchanted Evening (PTI)

Ink:  White (Wplus9), Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy (PTI)

Dies:  Pinking Edge (PTI)

Misc:  Burlap, Foam Adhesive

ME Sketch Challenge 02

Hi everyone!  Have I ever mentioned that I am a late night stamper?  Well, I am and right now, I should totally be in bed because I work tomorrow!  (at 0630)  Anyway, I created this card using the sketch from Mama Elephant.  I kinda have a crush on these stamps........and who wouldn't? 

 

My card uses the sketch but I rotated it and kept the banners on the same side.  You can still see it there, right?  :)

 

 Here's the sketch for this month:

 

 

 

{happiness lives here}
Stamps:  On Target, We Click (Mama Elephant)
Paper:  White (PTI), Gray (SU)
Ink:  True Black, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Dies:  Fishtail Stax (MFT)
Misc:  Foam Adhesive