Stitched Peek-A-Boo Window Card: Simon Says Stamp's Peeking Pup Die

Have you seen the new Rest and Refresh release at Simon Says Stamp?  This release is so full of fun summer themes... perfect for some crafting when you're looking to escape the heat!  

I was so happy to create this card with the new Peeking Pup wafer die.  It had been a while since I had cross-stitched a card, and I thought some sweet rainbow stripes would be the perfect background for these adorable pups.  I first die cut three circles in my card panel, then added some stitching around the border using My Favorite Things Stitched Rectangle Die-Namics.  I then used the Cross Stitch Rectangle Die-Namics from My Favorite Things to create the stitched background from a separate piece of cardstock.  I traced the circles onto the cross stitch panel so I would know where to stitch, and created some fun rainbow stripes.  

I then die cut three pups and did some super simple Copic coloring.  I stamped my sentiment from Simon's Birthday Borders stamp set and adhered the panels together, focusing the three pups in the circles.  To finish the card, I hand-cut some party hats, added some pom pom toppers, and sprinkled some sequins for some extra sparkle.  

This card is so sweet and fun... how cute is that little pup???  Links to the products I used are below.  I hope you enjoyed this project and be sure to take a look at this new release... there's something for everyone!  I'll be back soon with another card project; in the meantime, have fun creating!  

Coloring with Pastels: Spellbinders Floating Feathers Stamp Set and Chilled Pastels by Jane Davenport

One of my favorite things about craft supplies is how darned PRETTY they are.  This probably explains the growing hoard stash of supplies in my craft room... I just can't resist gorgeous paints, papers, ribbons... and the list goes on.  One medium I'm not overly familiar with is pastels... although I've seen beautiful pieces of art created with pastels, they're a product I hadn't tried.  When Spellbinders asked me if I would like to try a new coloring medium from Jane Davenport, I jumped at the chance to try the Chilled Palette Pastels.  I couldn't get over how gorgeous the colors were, and I just love how they are packaged like an eyeshadow palette!  All of the coloring on my card project today was achieved by using just this palette and sponge daubers, and I am so thrilled with the soft, ethereal results.  

This was one instance where I was actually happy I didn't know any "rules" about using pastels, because I just started playing.  And I am hooked, particularly when it comes to how easy it was to make the most gorgeous backgrounds using pastels.  Some of you might know that I am severely impaired when it comes to ink blending... it is such a struggle for me to make backgrounds without streaks, smudges, and overall inconsistent results.  To make the background on my project today, I was aiming for a soft, sky-like look.  To achieve this, I used Bristol Smooth cardstock and a sponge dauber... I simply used the dauber to apply soft swirls of color all over my card base.  And let me tell you... it was almost impossible to make a mistake doing this.  The colors blended effortlessly and seamlessly.  It could not have been easier!  

I then created some pretty feathers using the Jane Davenport Floating Feathers stamp set, heat embossing the images in white on vellum.  I colored on the back of the feathers with some pastel crayons to give them some color.  I used one of my favorite Spellbinders floral die sets to create some flowers and leaves, coloring them again with sponge daubers and shades from the Chilled palette.  So pretty and so easy!  

I finished the card with a sentiment from Spellbinders Happy Expressions stamp and die set and some gems and sequins for some sparkle and interest.  I seriously cannot wait to create more backgrounds with these gorgeous pastels... if you struggle with ink blending like I do, I urge you to give this a try.  I promise you won't be disappointed!  

I hope you enjoyed this project!  Links to the products I used are below.  I participate in the Spellbinders affiliate program, which means that I receive a small commission from purchases made via the links I share.  Thank you so much for your support!