Flowerbug's Inkspot

See how the Josephs Coat Technique is done; with video & free project sheet

Here's another project made on last week's Live video; it's the Josephs Coat technique using the new, upcoming Leaf Collection stamp.  

That greeting stamp & scalloped oval die-cut are from the new Unbounded Love bundle from the upcoming 2024 Annual Catalog. I showed how to do this technique in the video here.  I also have a free project sheet with directions. 

Here are the steps:

1. Sponge ink all over a neutral piece of card stock - Pretty Peacock, new Summer Splash and lastly Granny Apple Green. 
2. Wipe off any excess ink with a tissue to remove moisture.  Swipe with an embossing buddy.
3. Ink your stamp in Versamark ink. Heat emboss with Clear embossing powder.  
4. Use a water-based ink pad like Memento Black and rub or tap the ink over it all.  This is called 'Direct to Paper'. 
5. With a damp tissue or paper towel, wipe off excess ink from the embossed area. It will not stay on the embossed area. 
6. Finish your card as you'd like. 

I inked the stamp again in a few colors - Granny Apple Green & Summer Splash, and fussy cut some leaves out for accents. Dies used above include Something Fancy & Stylish Shapes. 

The card below features an emboss resist technique.  Same colors but the steps are different. 

1. First I stamped using Versamark ink onto White card stock and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. 
2. Then I added ink over the clear embossing; using Blending Brushes. Inks include: Summer Splash, Pretty Peacock and Granny Apple Green.  *This must be water-based ink!
3. Use a damp tissue or paper towel to wipe off excess ink that will not stick to the embossed areas. Done! 

The greeting is from the Irresistible Blooms stamp set (online exclusive) and the tags are from the Something Fancy dies (carrying over). 

Click here for the free project sheet:   Download Leaf Collection Josephs Coat cards

Which card do you prefer above?  Left or right? 

Below is the video on how I made this card along with a few resist techniques featuring new Annual Catalog products. I hope you watch it AND subscribe to my YouTube channel too. 

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April Specials: 

*current host code link:   D6QRFZ7J

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

Check out my available Kits & Tutorials here:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

Let's Chat is cute & nostalgic! See the video & free project sheet

Today I'm sharing one of the Club cards we made during my April Card Clubs. I chose the 'Let's Chat' stamp set seen here. 

I love this set!  Between the fun old-fashioned telephone, the greetings and the curvy 'cord' images it's a blast to create with. 

I chose to use the retiring Hot Air Balloon designer paper seen here for my color palette of Fresh Freesia & Balmy Blue. We did fussy cut the head set to add at the top with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

For the inside of the card I used the Happy Little Things stamp set seen here.  I really like the many greeting combinations you can make. t's one of our online exclusives.  

If you'd like the free project sheet click on this link: Download April 24 Let's Chat

Below is the video on how I made this card along with a few resist techniques featuring new Annual Catalog products. I hope you watch it AND subscribe to my YouTube channel too. 

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April Specials: 

*current host code link:  W62MPU2R

~~~

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

Check out my available Kits & Tutorials here:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

Sending Love Artist of the Month - party 2

Here are the second set of Sending Love cards by our Artist of the Month - Donna.  See the first batch here.   

First up today is a fabulous fun fold card.  

I often forget to cut apart my sentiment like this.  It sure adds a playful note!

The cute grass and mailbox die-cuts are all from the Sending Love bundle seen here.  The stamp set & dies are returning in the new Annual catalog but they will no longer be a bundle at 10% off. 

It starts out as a vertical card with this cute mailbox scene.  But when you open it...... you get a horizontal card!

I only opened the upper flap in the photo above.  You can see how it turns from a vertical card to a landscape card.  Here's what it looks like fully opened.  I love that you can read the greetings either way! 

Measurements:

• Balmy Blue card stock - 2 pieces at 10 1/4" X 4 1/4". Score each in at 4 3/4".  Then mark at 4" and score from that mark to the outside corner.  The two pieces are adhered together in the center (under the large white layer) 
• White - inside is 5 1/4" X 4", side triangles started out at 3 3/4" square; cut in half on the diagonal. 

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Next is a sweet pocket card.  Don't you love her beautiful sponging?! 

This card has a hidden pocket between the layers.  See that little envelope sticking out?  

Measurements:

• Moody Mauve - 4 1/4" X 5 1/2"
• Sponged Postage die-cut 3 5/8" X 5"
• Inside White 2 7/8" X 4 1/8"
• Bubble Bath 3" X 4 1/4"

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Lastly is this adorable hello card with the cutest envelopes on front!  These are also included in the Sending Love dies. 

She also used the Deckled Circle dies and the Lighter Than Air designer paper (retiring).  The envelopes match the DSP - Fresh Freesia, Lemon Lolly & Calypso Coral. 

Thanks so much for creating and sharing these amazing cards with us Donna!! 

~~~

April Specials: 

*current host code link:  W62MPU2R

~~~

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

Check out my available Kits & Tutorials here:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

Artist of the Month showcase: Donna with the Sending Love bundle

Donna chose the Sending Love bundle for here 'Artist of the Month' showcase.  

Today I'll share half of the cards she made and the other half tomorrow.  

This one is a favorite of mine. There's something about the color combination. Vanilla with Lost Lagoon & Calypso Coral. And her coloring!

Next is a card that looks just like a postcard!  

She stamped a background on the Starry Sky 'Postcard' layer then added the best 'faux' postcard over it.  Below is the inside view: 

Next is her amazing slimline card; it's a huge WOW!

Isn't this an amazing scene?  She used Azure Afternoon, Granny Apple Green, Gray Granite and the In Color DSP. She created the hills with the Basic Borders dies seen here.  They're half off right now at just $17.40 instead of $29.  I've used these so often and am very sad they're retiring.  

The cloudy sky was created by using the cloud/scalloped Basic Border dies as a mask (top die seen above). She also used the Give it a Whirl dies seen here for the stitched cloud die-cuts; they're just $19.50 and were $39.  The 'Sending' die-cut greeting is from the Sending dies seen here.  They're also on sale for $19.80.

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April Specials: 

*current host code link:  W62MPU2R

~~~

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

Check out my available Kits & Tutorials here:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

Look at these Sweet Thoughts Memories & More card - Fast & Fabulous!

Do you ever want to craft & create but don't have enough time to get out multiple supplies and think up ideas?  Time should never stop you from creating!  

I made a few of these cards on last week's Live video and afterwards made more; all in just a few minutes! 

I didn't need any inks or stamps; I used the greetings in the card pack.  So fast!  

I used the Sweet Thoughts card pack seen here; it's 40% off right now. And the cards & envelopes are also on sale. See them here. 

There are times you need to make quick, easy cards just to get your creative fix! 

I did use a paper trimmer to cut some of the cards into pieces. For instance notice the colorful striped edges on a few of the cards.  Those are all from one M & More card; I cut it into 3 pieces.  

Who wouldn't love to give or receive these pretty cards?! 

I used just half a package of these beautiful cards to make these 15 full cards.  These Memories & More cards in the pack are discounted right now in the Last Chance list. They're now $6 instead of $10.  See them here. 

The photo of the cards above does not do them justice! Check out the stack on the above left.  The package includes 6 sheets of adhesive die-cuts that are fun to embellish with.

You can use these for cards OR scrapbooking.  I shared my Sweet Thoughts scrapbook pages on Friday's post; see it here. Click here to see my pre-cut scrapbook kit (or tutorial) in my Shop.  

You can see the envelopes behind these cards.  They are included in the cards & envelopes pack seen here. They're larger than our standard cards - finished size is 6 1/4" X 4 1/4" and are also discounted to $8 instead of $10. 

I did add Iridescent Pearls and a few ribbons to these cards. Not necessary but always fun to embellish! 

I hope you don't let time stop you from crafting. Add a few of these Memories & More cards or a kit from our Kit Collection for those times you want to create easily without much 'work'.  

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April Specials: 

*current host code link:  W62MPU2R

~~~

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

Check out my available Kits & Tutorials here:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

2 ways to add color to a solid image with video & free project sheet

Today's project is one we made at my March card clubs; it features the beautiful Quiet Reflection stamp set. 

This set is returning in the 2024 Annual Catalog and I'm super glad!  It's wonderful for both sympathy or thinking of you cards. And the best part is it's super easy to create with.  See the Quiet Reflection set here. 

My colors include Shaded Spruce & Starry Sky (retiring In Color). I used a few dies also - Thoughtful Expressions (retired and sold out now) and Garden Meadows dies seen here (for the arch). 

Do you know how I achieved the two-toned image of green trees with blue water?  It's so simple!  

How it's done: I placed my stamp set with the rubber face up. I inked up one half with Starry Sky ink (tapping the rubber with the ink pad) and then the other half with Shaded Spruce.  The nice thing about doing this technique with this particular stamp image is that when you place your greeting strip across the image it covers up any white space left un-inked.  

I added a few of the Gold Adhesive-backed Dragonflies & Birds seen here.  I love these so much!  They're super thin and don't add any bulk to your projects. 

In the video posted here on YouTube you can see how I made this card and another with an entirely different way to achieve a 2-toned image.  

Click on the image below to watch the video.  Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel too! 

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April Specials: 

*current host code links:  CDYBRZ2T or W62MPU2R

~~~

Here's a link to the Last Chance list 

A free gift with orders in April:

All online orders in April will receive a free multi-project tutorial!

More Cutest Cow projects by our Artist of the Month!

Wait until you see the rest of Deloris's projects with the Cutest Cow bundle! 

This first card is a fun scene in an accordion style or 'stepper card' that she cased from Queen Bee Creations. 

She used Granny Apple Green with Black & White. She added a sky background using blending brushes. She fussy cut her grass. The greeting is punched with the Heartfelt Hexagon punch. 

Measurements:

• Card base 5 1/2" X 11" scored at 2 1/2", 5", 6 3/4", 8 1/2" & 9 3/4"
• Grass layers are 5 1/4" wide and approximately 2" & 1 5/8" high
• White sponged layer 5" X 3 3/4"
• Black is 5 1/4" X 4" 

Next is a fun play on a 'purple cow'. Have you ever had that drink?  Ice cream added to grape soda - yum!

How cute is this!?  Her colors include Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Black & White. The die-cuts are from the wonderful & popular Nested Essentials dies seen here. 

And lastly a scene directly from the farm! Deloris used to have milk cows on her farm so she knows cows!   

Her colors include Blueberry Bushel, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Black & White. The designer paper is from the Glorious Gingham pack seen here. The Banner greeting die is also from the Nested Essentials dies. 

Thank you Deloris for sharing your incredible projects with us!  

 

As you can see with her adorable projects, the Cutest Cow bundle is super cute & fun to create with!  The stamp set & punch will be sold in the new Annual Catalog coming out in May. It will not be available in a bundle at 10% off though; the items will be sold separately. 

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March Specials: 

See over 20 brand new Online Exclusive products here!

*current host code links:   ZDUGF6KY or TQWBXR4T

~~~

Get a free package of Rainbow Dots

with online orders over $55 in March

All online orders in March will receive this free Hot Air Balloon tutorial with 8 projects!

Amazing Artist of the Month projects with the Cutest Cow bundle!

Deloris chose to feature the Cutest Cow bundle for her Artist of the Month projects. She did an incredible job showcasing this cute bundle! 

First is an adorable 'barn' card. Who wouldn't love to receive this fun card? 

Isn't that the best way to feature these cows!?  She cased Queen Bee Creations for this idea. I love the rooster in the window! 

Measurements: 

• Red card base 4 1/4" X 11" score at 5 1/2". Make a mark 1" inside the fold and 1" above & below the fold line on the edge. Score. 
• White inside 4" X 5 1/4" - trim off upper corners to fit the fold
• White strips to form the barn roof are 3/8" and the door are 1/4". 
• Old Olive grass she cut into a wave shape and used her scissors to create grass

Here's the inside view: 

Next is a sunrise 'Rocker' card using Old Olive & Daffodil Delight. 

The Deckled Circles are a must for these cards! See them here in our Online Store. 

Here are her fun 3d projects: 

For the cow tail candy wrap she used our Blueberry Bushel Glorious Gingham DSP cut with a Deckled circle die. She simply added a few score lines to the middle so it would stand up.

The Udder Stick (chapstick) holder was cased from Cards by TLC and features Berry Burst Glorious Gingham DSP. 

I'll share more of her cute projects tomorrow!

As you can see with her projects, the Cutest Cow bundle is super cute!  The stamp set & punch will be sold in the new Annual Catalog coming out in May. It will not be available in a bundle at 10% off though; the items will be sold separately. 

~~~

March Specials: 

See over 20 brand new Online Exclusive products here!

*current host code links:   ZDUGF6KY or TQWBXR4T

~~~

Get a free package of Rainbow Dots

with online orders over $55 in March

All online orders in March will receive this free Hot Air Balloon tutorial with 8 projects!

Poetic Expression fun fold swap card

Last week I shared this image on Facebook.  It was a bit of a tease to guess what the finished card would be like. 

It has Pool Party, White, Lost Lagoon and some Poetic Expressions designer paper (retiring in April). 

It also shows the greeting die-cut from the Thoughtful Moments Hybrid embossing folder seen here.  I feel like it makes my greetings extra special.  They're a pretty font and give texture and dimension to your projects. (I shared how to use this folder here in a video.)

And that is the finished card.  I made 12 of these for an organized fun fold swap. I am a huge fan of monochromatic cards and these colors are at the top of my favorites list.  

The tag is from the Something Fancy dies seen here.  I love the many label & greeting shapes this set has. 

Here's the inside view. 

Measurements are so simple!  Once you cut off the end of the card front you flip it 90 degrees and use it as the front layer. 

• Card base - 11" X 4 1/4" score at 5 1/2"; cut off one end at 2 3/4"
• DSP - 1 piece at 2" X 4", 2nd piece at 4" X 3" 
• Inside White 5 1/4" X 4" 

Here's the inside view.  This greeting is from the Simply Zinnia set seen here. 

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March Specials: 

See over 20 brand new Online Exclusive products here!

*current host code links:   ZDUGF6KY or TQWBXR4T

~~~

Get a free package of Rainbow Dots

with online orders over $55 in March

All online orders in March will receive this free Hot Air Balloon tutorial with 8 projects!