Simon Says Stamp STAMPTEMBER Blog Party and Stitched Card Showcasing Simon's Radiating Alphas Stamp!

WOOHOO!  It's STAMPtember!  Welcome to the Simon Says Stamp Blog Party celebrating this SUPER fun month.  Does everyone else look forward to this like I do?  I love all the new products and watching companies from this amazing community collaborate together... it's such a great month for stamping!

I was so thrilled to be able to create a project with Simon's new Radiating Alphas background stamp.  What a perfect set for back-to-school season!

I love making circular cards, so I kept the circular design to make an award-themed card for a teacher.  I stamped out the design on aqua-colored cardstock using Versamark ink, and I heat set the image using Hero Arts white embossing powder.  I love the color you can add to images stamped on colored cardstock using thread, so I decided to "color" in my images using stitching.  This was amazingly easy and went quickly.  I kept my stitched simple, just using a backstitch.  I love the colorful, whimsical look this gave to the card!  I added some colored gems from Lucy's Cards to add a bit of sparkle to the background.

I created the remainder of my elements just using my computer.  I typed my sentiments on my computer and printed them out onto different colored cardstocks.  I then ran them through my Minc machine with different foils for some added interest.  I cut out my center circle using a stitched circle die from Simon, and I fussy cut the two "ribbons" that hang from the bottom.  I thought the card needed some extra interest, so I created a large scalloped circle and cut it out using a Silhouette machine (although a simple circle shape would have worked just as well).

This card is so perfect for a teacher... I just love the whimsical nature of this Radiating Alphas stamp!  You can find the entire Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember release HERE.  Be sure to check out all of the fantastic creations being showcased in this blog party... not only is it a TON of fabulous inspiration, but it is also the coolest scavenger hunt EVER.  You can find the entire list HERE.  We are all offering different FREE gifts you can snag when you place a SSS Order.  Using the code in the banner above, you can score a free Unicorn Dust glitter jar!

Links to the products I used are below.  Thanks SO much for stopping by, and have a GREAT time at the blog party today!!!

Pinkfresh August Challenge: Stitching!

If you're familiar with my or my blog, it's no secret that I love stitching.  So when I learned that Pinkfresh's August challenge was stitching, there was no way I wasn't participating.  What a great reason to stitch up a card!

I used Pinkfresh's Fancy Blooms stamp set for this card.  I first stamped out my images in the corners of an A2-sized card base cut from Neenah Solar White 110# cardstock.  I then did some super simple Copic coloring because I knew the stitching would be the star of the show.  I then used coordinating thread colors to achieve a no-line stitching look.  I pierced holes along the stamp lines and backstitched with 2 strands of floss along the lines.  This takes time, but I find the process so soothing and meditative.  It's the perfect activity to re-binge watch your favorite shows... not that I'd know this from experience or anything.  *wink*   

After finishing all my backstitching, I added some French knots in my flower centers and along some floral stems.  I LOVE French knots in cardmaking... they add such whimsy and texture to the finished product!  

After I finished the stitching, I die cut my "Hugs" sentiment from pink cardstock and adhered several layers together so it has some dimension.  I used some flower and leaf sequins here and there for some sparkle, and some mulberry rosettes in the larger flower centers for even more interest and dimension.  I mounted the panel on some black and white plaid patterned paper to finish the card.  

I wish photographs could truly capture the magic that stitching adds to paper crafting projects.  This card has such lovely texture from all the thread... it is actually soft when you touch it.  I hope this inspires you to add some stitching to your paper projects - I know you'll love the results!  

A link to the stamp set I used is below.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I loved making it!

Gouache and Watercolor Card with MFT's Carousel Horses

I love any excuse to pull out my paints, and this is exactly what I knew I wanted to do when I saw My Favorite Things's new Carousel Horses stamp and coordinating dies.  These little horses are so sweet and the matching carousel die is AMAZING... there are so many possibilities with these sets!

I wanted one special horse to be the focus of my card.  I stamped my horse, painted her with gouache paints, and used the coordinating die to cut her out.  I then die cut a frame using MFT's Stitched Rectangle Scallop Edge Frames out of gold cardstock and a pole for the horse out of mirror gold cardstock.  I then used the Carousel die to cut out a floor and tent... so easy!

I wanted to create an ethereal background, so I blended some pink ink, splattered it with water, then used Tsukineko Shimmer Spritz for a pretty glow.  I then used gold embossing powder to add my sentiment to the bottom of the card.  I die cut the panel using MFT's Stitched Rectangle Die-Namics and added some gold stitching for interest.

All that was left to do was layer my pieces together.  I used foam tape behind all of the elements to give them dimension.  A few sparkly gold sequins and this sweet carousel horse card was finished!

I hope you enjoyed this project!  Links to the products I used are below.  I participate in the My Favorite Things affiliate program, which means that I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you when products are purchased through the links I share.  I truly appreciate your support!

I'll be back soon with another project using more products from MFT's August release.  Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Stitched Watercolor Card Using My Favorite Things Abstract Doodle Stamp Set

Oh my, this card was so much fun to make!  My Favorite Things's new Abstract Doodle stamp set is so fun and has so many creative possibilities, and I knew I wanted to try adding some stitched details to enhance stamped image.

This card came together so easily.  I first stamped my image onto a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock.  I then used Distress Ink in a rainbow of colors and painted an abstract piece, just playing around with colors (i.e., there was no rhyme or reason here!).  After the piece dried, I then simply took out my embroidery thread and did a simple backstitch over the stamped lines, changing colors so the thread would match whatever color was underneath.  This went so fast and was so easy, and I love how it gives the doodle some texture!

I added my Hello sentiment using the Little Hello die (currently free with a $60 purchase!), layering it on top of vellum so you can still see all that stitching underneath.  I made the little sentiment strip from the And with that, this fun, colorful card was done!  I am so happy with how this came out!

I hope you enjoyed this project!  Links to the products I used are below.  I participate in the My Favorite Things affiliate program, which means that I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you when products are purchased through the links I share.  I truly appreciate your support!

I'll be back soon with another crafty project.  Thank you so much for stopping by!