Pie Birthday

 

IC1085 - Country Door - Inspiration

For this card, I was inspired by the pie in the scene, so I reached for my favorite Spellbinders pie die set and cut all of the layers to build a warm, homey pie. I added a couple of lemon pieces along with the flower and leaves to give the arrangement a bright, cheerful touch.

I pulled out several papers from the stash I am working to use up and trimmed them down, adding black highlight layers behind each panel before placing everything on a white card base. The contrast of the black accents against the patterned papers creates a crisp and lively backdrop.

I die cut a few black stars to complement the layers and popped up two of the star and circle pieces to add extra interest. After assembling the pie, lemons, and flower, I added dimensionals behind the pie and finished it with a soft shimmer of Stickles.

To complete the card, I scattered several gems and popped up the birthday sentiment for a final bit of sparkle and lift.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Pie Birthday

For Jeanne

 

F4A865 - Special Flowers for Jeanne

I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of a beautiful friend on SCS who was one of the original Dirty Dozen. She had such positivity and was such an inspiration within the crafty community. Dear sweet Jeanne, these cards are dedicated to you. Rest well, sweet friend.

For my card, I pulled out a couple of different paper pads that I am working to use up this year and created the layout by adding a white frame and white strip to separate the different patterns. The clean white elements help each paper shine while bringing the design together into a cohesive look. I always enjoy finding ways to mix and match papers from my stash, and this was a wonderful opportunity to give some favorite pieces a new life.

Next, I pulled out this already die cut sentiment frame, stamped the "Thinking of You" greeting, and added it to the card with dimensionals for added depth. To create additional interest around the sentiment, I added several flowers in colors that mirror those found in the patterned paper. After shaping the petals for a little extra dimension, I tucked a few delicate sprigs underneath the blooms to soften the arrangement and add texture. To finish off the flowers, I added white Nuvo Drops to the centers for a sweet finishing touch.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

For Jeanne

Ice Skate Christmas

WT1123 - Favorite Sport - I am not much of a sports person, but if I see ice skating on tv, I will usually stop to watch a bit of it.

For my card, I pulled out this wonderful Spellbinders ice skate die and cut all the layers, using silver glitter cardstock for the blade to give it a bright, frosty shine. To add a fun touch of texture, I threaded red and white bakers twine through the lace holes, which brings a cozy, festive feel to the skate and adds extra interest to the focal piece.

The card base begins with white cardstock, followed by a layer of silver glitter that adds sparkle and ties in beautifully with the skate blade. On top of that, I added a Merry Christmas designer paper to bring in color and pattern. For the center of the card, I layered a smaller white panel and a coordinating plaid piece, creating a crisp backdrop for the skate. The skate is popped up on dimensionals to give it lift, and the card is finished with a few die cut snowflakes and the Merry Christmas sentiment, also popped up on dimensionals for added dimension and balance.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Ice Skate Christmas

Happy Birthday

 

SC1132 - this week's sketch on splitcoaststampers.com

For my card, I began with a white cardstock base and layered a distressed green panel over it to set a soft, rustic tone. On top of that, I added this distressed designer paper from the stack I am working to use up this year. The worn texture of both layers creates a warm, vintage feel that gives the card a charming foundation.

Next, I die cut three circles using a Spellbinders die set, cutting them from both white and green cardstock to keep the palette cohesive. Each circle is popped up on dimensionals to add height and movement across the layout, and the birthday sentiment is placed on the final circle to create a clear focal point.

To finish the card, I pulled out my drawer of flowers and leaves and arranged them around the circle pattern, letting the mix of shapes and colors add a soft, organic touch. Nuvo Drops were added to the flower centers for a bit of shine, and a few scattered gold sequins complete the design with just the right amount of sparkle.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Happy Birthday

Birthday Butterfly

 

CAS916 - Repeating Pattern

For my card, I began with a cream card base and ran it through an Anna Griffin embossing folder to create a beautifully textured foundation. The soft pattern adds an elegant touch right from the start and gives the entire design a refined, classic feel. To build the central structure, I cut several repeated rectangles from more cream cardstock and popped them up on dimensionals, arranging them in a neat vertical line down the center of the card.

Next, I die cut the butterfly from a light blue cardstock, giving the design a gentle pop of color against the neutral background. I tucked a few cream die cut leaves beneath the butterfly to add subtle movement and a layered look without overwhelming the focal point. To finish the card, I added the birthday sentiment, popping it up directly on the butterfly to create a crisp, elevated focal element that completes the design with a touch of charm.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Birthday Butterfly

Calla Lily Birthday

FS1023 - this week's very talented, featured stamper is Steffo. I found this INSPIRATION.

USEIT2026 - Flower

I started by keeping the palette soft and neutral, building the layers with a white card base, a crisp black framing panel, and a black and white designer paper that adds a subtle pattern without overwhelming the design. The combination creates a clean foundation that lets the focal point shine while still giving the card a polished and balanced look.

As I was digging through my tote of pieces to use up, I came across a single calla lily that felt perfect for this layout. I placed it on a black scalloped die cut panel to give it a graceful frame, then added a happy birthday banner sentiment popped up on dimensionals for a bit of lift. To finish the card, I added a few yellow pearls that echo the soft yellow tones in the calla lily and bring a gentle touch of brightness to the overall design.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Calla Lily Birthday

There is Magic in the Air

 

IC1084 - Hancock Fabric - Inspiration

USEIT2026 - Image and sentiment

I was inspired the moment I saw the Harry Potter fabric. The colors and patterns had such a magical feel that it reminded me of an image I have been keeping in my tote of pieces to use up. It felt like the perfect moment to finally pull it out, give it some attention, and color it up to match the fun energy of the fabric.

I used Copics to bring the image to life, adding rich color and shading before trimming it down and layering it on a bright yellow panel. That cheerful pop of color looks wonderful against the deep purple card base, giving the whole design a bold, playful contrast.

To finish the card, I cut down the sentiment and placed it in the upper corner on purple cardstock for a coordinated touch. A large birthday sentiment sits just below the image, grounding the layout and tying everything together with a celebratory feel.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

There is Magic in the Air

Fall Birthday

 

WT1122 - Fall, anything related to fall

For my card, I began with a clean white card base and layered it with a wood‑grain designer paper from the stack I am working to use up this year. The warm texture of the wood pattern creates a natural, rustic backdrop that sets the tone for the rest of the design.

Next, I trimmed down the polka‑dot designer paper, also from my use‑it‑up stack, and rounded opposite corners on each piece to give them a softer, more playful look. These panels are layered directly over the wood background, adding contrast and a touch of whimsy while still keeping the layout cohesive.

For the leaves, I used stacked napkins, die cut them with a Simon Says leaf die, and added watercolor to bring gentle, organic color to the delicate layers. Once they were dry, I arranged them across the card front, letting the soft texture of the napkins complement the patterned papers. The card is finished with several gold gems for a little sparkle and the birthday sentiment popped up on dimensionals to create a crisp focal point.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Fall Birthday

Happily Ever After

 

SC1131 - this week's sketch on splitcoaststampers.com

For my card, I pulled out this lovely wedding and anniversary stamp set from Inkadinkado, which has such elegant images for celebratory occasions. I heat embossed all four pieces from the set in glitter gold on white cardstock, creating a bright, shimmering look that immediately feels festive. Once the embossing was complete, I trimmed each piece down and layered them on gold mirror cardstock to give them a rich, polished frame.

After the panels were prepared, I arranged them on a gorgeous piece of designer paper from the stack I am determined to use up this year. The soft pattern adds a beautiful backdrop without overwhelming the embossed images. The three smaller panels are popped up on dimensionals to bring in height and added interest, creating a balanced layout across the card front.

To finish the design, I layered the entire panel on another piece of gold mirror cardstock and then placed it on a white card base. The combination of gold, white, and subtle patterning gives the card an elegant, celebratory feel that works perfectly for a wedding or anniversary.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Happily Ever After

Thank You for Your Service

 

CAS915 - Labor Day

For my card, I chose a meaningful theme using this wonderful stamp set from DRS Designs to honor our working military. My daughter‑in‑love’s brother is currently serving, and with today’s Labor Day challenge in mind, I felt inspired to create a card that recognizes his dedication and service. The set has such strong imagery, and it felt like the perfect choice for this occasion.

I began with a blue card base, layering a lighter blue panel over it to build a soft, tonal background. A crisp white cardstock layer sits on top to keep the design clean and bright. I stamped the Air Force image from DRS Designs in blue, placing the Thank You for Your Service sentiment directly beneath it in the same ink to create a unified, respectful focal point.

To finish the card, I colored the image with copics, keeping the design clean and simple on the right side of the panel. The balance of white space and bold blue tones helps the stamped image stand out while maintaining a thoughtful, understated look that suits the theme beautifully.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Thank You for Your Service

Butterfly Best Wishes

 

FS1022 - this week's incredibly talented Featured Stamper is imcathywithac also known as Cathy. I found this gorgeous INSPIRATION.

Cathy’s butterflies drew me in for a closer look, and the moment I saw them I felt that familiar spark of inspiration. The piece is truly gorgeous, filled with delicate details and graceful movement. I recently was gifted a wonderful assortment of Anne Griffin pieces, and as soon as I saw this butterfly ephemera, I knew it would be the perfect match for Cathy’s beautiful design. I punched out each layer and added dimensionals to create a raised focal that highlights all of the intricate shapes and soft colors.

Next, I selected a card base from the Anne Griffin collection. The gold trim on the base was far too lovely to cover, so I carefully trimmed the butterfly arrangement to fit without losing any of the elegance. Once the layers were in place, I finished the butterfly grouping with a simple bow that adds a gentle, polished touch.

To complete the card, I chose two coordinating pieces from the Anne Griffin collection and added dimensionals to lift the Best Wishes sentiment. The layered look brings everything together with a warm and celebratory finish that feels perfect for a thoughtful handmade greeting.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Butterfly Best Wishes

Nautical Thanks

 

IC1083 - The Crazy Craft Lady & Pinterest - INSPIRATION

I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous colors in the inspiration piece, and I knew I had the perfect nautical collection tucked away in the stack of papers I am working to use up this year. The soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle florals in the collection felt like a lovely match for the theme.

For the main panel, I die cut several scraps from the collection and selected two special pieces to feature. One showcases a delicate sea shell, and the other highlights a beautiful flower that brings a touch of elegance to the design. Each die cut circle is layered on a grey die cut for contrast, and the top two circles are popped up on dimensionals to create a little lift and interest.

To complete the card, I added another piece from the collection as the background layer, mounted on grey cardstock and then placed on a crisp white card base. The Heartfelt Thanks sentiment is popped up on dimensionals so it stands out nicely, and a few candy dots finish the card with a simple, cheerful touch.

This card came together with a mix of color inspiration, favorite papers, and a little dimension, and I love how peaceful and pretty it feels.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Nautical Thanks

Shepard Thank You

WT1121 - Wood of Faux Wood

F4A863 - Dog Days of Summer

MIX710 - Seeing Stars

USEIT2026 - Dog

For this card, I began by pulling out this adorable little dog that had been tucked away in my tote of items I want to use up. He has such a sweet expression that he immediately became the perfect focal point. I layered him on a couple of square panels to give him a nice framed look, then added a thank you sentiment at the top. The dog is popped up on dimensionals so he stands out with a bit of playful dimension.

Once the focal point was finished, I turned to my stash of kraft cardstock scraps. I added crisp white and bold black layers to give the kraft pieces a more polished feel, then trimmed two of them into banner shapes. These banners add a nice balance to the layout and help tie the elements together.

The larger designer paper is a wonderful woodgrain pattern that fits perfectly with this week’s Ways to Use It challenge. It is also part of the stack of designer papers I am determined to use up this year, so it felt good to give it a home on this card. I layered the woodgrain panel on black cardstock for contrast and then mounted everything on a clean white card base.

This card came together with a mix of scraps, favorite images, and challenge inspiration, and I love how warm and friendly it feels.

This will be another of my pet donation cards.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Shepard Thank You

Masculine Anniversary

 

WT1121 - Wood of Faux Wood

For my card, I began with a warm brown card base and layered a soft cream panel over it to create a gentle, neutral foundation. To add a bold metallic element, I adhered aluminum foil to white cardstock and ran it through a Tim Holtz metal embossing folder. The embossed foil brings in a rugged, industrial texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cardstock layers.

Next, I reached for a favorite Tim Holtz heart die and cut the pieces from a mix of brown and tan cardstock. A bit of sponging on each layer added depth and warmth, giving the hearts a worn, masculine feel that works perfectly with the metal background. I die cut the Happy Anniversary sentiment from black cardstock and layered it directly across the hearts to create a strong focal point.

To reinforce the masculine theme, I added small screw die cuts from Impression Obsession, tucking them around the hearts for extra detail. The heart cluster is popped up on dimensionals, and I finished the design by adding several leaves from my scrap leaf drawer, nestling them around the hearts to soften the edges and complete the arrangement.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Masculine Anniversary

Napkin Leaf Birthday

 

SC1130 - this week's sketch on splitcoaststampers.com

For my card, I began with a deep black card base and masked off a portion to create a clean, defined area for added texture. Once the mask was in place, I used Heidi Swapp white spray to add a soft splatter across the exposed section. The contrast between the crisp black and the delicate white speckles gives the background a bold, artistic feel that sets the stage for the rest of the design.

For the leaves, I reached for a simple stack of white napkins and die cut them with a Simon Says die. The napkin layers create a wonderfully delicate texture, and adding watercolor brought gentle, organic color that feels light and airy against the dramatic card base. The soft wash of color on the napkins adds a handmade charm that pairs beautifully with the splattered background.

To finish the card, I added a birthday sentiment and popped it up on dimensionals. The raised sentiment creates a crisp focal point and adds just the right amount of lift to complete the design.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Napkin Leaf Birthday

Life with You is a Picnic

 

CAS914 - Eat Outside Day

For my card, I pulled out this adorable Pink and Main image, stamped it on white cardstock, and colored it with Copics. The bright colors give the little character such a cheerful look, and adding the sentiment right under the image keeps everything clean and nicely centered.

I cut the white panel rather large so the image would have plenty of breathing room, but I left just enough space around it to layer it on a green designer paper that looks a bit like lettuce. The fun pattern adds a playful touch and frames the focal panel beautifully. Everything is then layered on a white card base for a crisp finish.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Life with You is a Picnic

Congratulations Grad

 

FS1021 - A Blast from the Past... I chose this INSPIRATION from Tracy (whoistracy).

I was immediately drawn to the books image, and it reminded me of the dimensional sticker set my sister gave me for Christmas. My nephew’s girlfriend will be graduating this upcoming year, and since she is also my son's sister-in-law, I decided to work ahead and create several cards so I will be ready for her celebration.

For this design, I started with a black cardstock base, added a bright red layer, and topped it with graduation caps designer paper to set a bold and festive tone. I built the focal point with a black center panel layered with white cardstock, then placed the dimensional graduation gown so it would stand out with a crisp and polished look.

To finish the card, I added the books and the success banner. Both pieces are dimensional, which gives the card wonderful depth and a cheerful sense of accomplishment that ties the whole design together.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Congratulations Grad

Hogs N Kisses

 

IC1082 - Jean Haines Watercolour - INSPIRATION

That pig painting is amazing, and it immediately reminded me of this adorable image from Whipper Snapper Designs that I had tucked away in my stash. He was absolutely perfect for the challenge. I stamped the image, colored him with Copics, and added a Valentine sentiment beneath him to complete the focal panel.

Once the coloring was finished, I trimmed the panel and layered it on bright pink cardstock for a cheerful pop of color. I paired it with this lively lip patterned paper that reflects the playful lipstick marks on the hog. To add a bit more interest and texture, I tore the edge of the lip paper and tucked a coordinating plaid piece underneath. Both layers were then mounted on a bright pink card base to tie the entire design together.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Hogs and Kisses

Farm Life

 

WT1120 - Fences

For my card, I pulled out this adorable Spellbinders die cut from my collection of pieces I have not yet used. I cut all the layers from various cardstock, mixing in many small scraps to build this cheerful farm scene. The different textures and colors came together so nicely and gave the design a lively, playful feel.

To finish the card, I stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment on one of the clouds and popped it up on dimensionals. The raised sentiment adds a sweet touch and helps draw the eye to the top of the scene.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Farm Life

Welcome Dalmatian

 

SC1129 - this week's sketch on splitcoaststampers.com

For today's card, I began by cutting the layers and choosing a sweet Hunkydory image as the focal point. The soft colors in the image paired beautifully with the blue matting, which added a crisp frame and helped each layer stand out.

The sentiment is popped up on dimensionals for a little lift, and I finished the card with a strip of blue rickrack along the bottom. A tiny paperclip dog bone adds a playful touch and ties in perfectly with the pet theme.

This will be another card for my pet donations.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Welcome Dalmatian