Hi there, it’s Rachel. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see the latest Poppystamps release and the “Basic Junk Journal Set” –so many ideas swirled in my mind! A junk journal is definitely a must, for now I created a unique “thank you” card with a delightful vintage vibe.

Before we get started, these are the fantastic Poppystamps dies and embellishments I used to create this card.

I began by collecting scraps of cream and off-white card stock. To create the cover, I die cut the file-shaped die. Next I blended distress and oxide inks in teals, pinks and browns. I misted the inks with a light spray of water. Then I stamped “You Make the World Better” sentiment from the “Say It Big” set. What a great sentiment! I misted it again and then added lots of fun Poppystamps embellishments, a torn strip on the left, embroidery thread and a Fairy Jewel.

The mini envelope and fan shaped shell are cut using the “Basic Junk Journal Set”.  The heart is from the “Heart Jumble” die, sprinkled with silver foil from a hot foil scrap. The butterfly and teardrop embellishments are from the “Teardrop Butterflies”.

When you open the card, there is a pocket. I cut a card die from the set and it fits perfectly in the pocket. Perhaps the best part is that most gift cards do too! Also, the pocket can be folded to be used on either side of the file. 

To decorate the card,  I tore the surface creating a tattered, old appearance.  I ink blended same colors over it to accentuate the torn areas. 

The sentiment “Thanks for being kind” is from the Poppystamps “Modest Banner Greetings Hot Foil Plate”…another great sentiment. The foil adds a special touch to go with the silver hearts throughout the project.

Behind the card, I added subtle interest with ink splatters, running a brush lightly down the surface. 

More pieces on the pocket included in the “Basic Junk Journal Set”. Wow, so much goodness is packed in this set! The Fairy Jewels are pretty too.

So now the card gets tucked back in the pocket, but before that, don’t forget to write a sweet message in it! 

On to the next side…These beautiful tulips are from the Poppystamps “Layered Tulips” dies. Ink blended with same colors, they are the focal point of the card. I just love them!  Using leftover hot foil leftover pieces, I die cut the stems. The pocket holding the flowers are from the “Basic Junk Journal Set.”  I adhered the tulips to a card die cut for added thickness and reinforcement. 

And now for the back…. it gets decorated too! Ink blending, splatters, mists of water, embellishments and so much fun!

I am intrigued and obsessed with the notion of junk journals. Next time I am going to create pages so I can decorate even more.  I hope you love this unique card as much as I do. Please take a look at the Poppystamps latest release. It does not disappoint!

Until next post, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Have a great day!

Hi crafty friends! It’s Rachel here hoping to bring a little spring to you. My card today is full of lovely butterflies in shades of teal. I am using the Poppystamps “Pointy Lattice Plate” and the “Deco Diamond Stencil Set” from the latest incredible release. These pieces coordinate together but can also be used alone. Hot foil and glitter lend its hand to the soft, yet energetic movement this card projects.

Steps to create this card.
1. Die cut the Poppystamps “Pointy Lattice Plate” in white card stock.
2. Using the “Deco Diamond Stencil Set” blend Distress Oxide Ink Shabby Shutters over the stencil panel with the largest squares onto a white A2 size card front. Vary the intensity of the inks.
3. Match up the next panel with the medium size squares to the card front. Tape will keep it from moving. Blend Cracked Pistachio Oxide Ink over the stencil.
4. This time match up the panel with the smallest squares and blend Mermaid Lagoon Oxide Ink over it. 

5. Hot foil and then die cut the Happy Birthday sentiment in silver from the Poppystamps “Birthday Wishes Poe Script” foil and cut die set. 
6. Hot foil and die cut the With Love sentiment in rainbow foil from the Poppystamps “Modest Greetings 2” foil and cut die set.
7. Die cut the “Teardrop Butterflies” two times using the Memory Box “Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad” in pale blue and white.
8. Blend Mermaid Lagoon Distress Oxide Ink unevenly over an area of white cardstock large enough to cover the “Teardrop Butterflies” die, then die cut.
9. Adhere the lattice frame onto the stenciled panel and onto a white card base.

10. Arrange the sentiments and the butterflies on the card front. 
11. Adhere the pieces down. Leave the wings unglued on the tips. Turn up the edges for a fun effect.
12. Use Stickles Crystal glitter glue on the darkest butterfly.
12. Adhere Open Studio “Fairy Drops” in choice places for the finishing touch!

Another close-up — I love the rainbow hot foil and the beautiful glitter. The fairy drops are gorgeous too. 

This color palette of teals and lime are one of my favorite combinations.  I can’t wait to try many color groups and flowers in place of butterflies. There are so many possibilities!

May you have a dreamy and relaxing day today. Please be sure to let me know if you have any questions. I love to talk about cardmaking.

Until next post, wishing you butterflies with love!

“What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favourite day,” said Pooh.

Welcome to The Friends of Unity Blog Hop. It’s March already, I can’t believe it. The theme is none other than Winnie the Pooh! The quotes by Pooh are beautiful. I am just now realizing how many great ones there are. Intrigued, I am going to take some time to refamiliarize myself with the Hundred Acre Woods!

I took out my Pooh stamps, grabbed two types of watercolor paper, and stamped away! I had the best time coloring these adorable images and before I knew it I had seven card fronts to make into cards. I used Mozart Komorebi paints for all the cards except for one in which I used Prismacolor watercolor pencils. I am sharing them all with you. Honestly no worries if you want to just quickly scan the pictures. This is more than I meant to post. Thank you for coming along the way.

Card #1 – “Oh Dear”

I love how tiny Pooh is in this image. The tree is beautiful and I picture it being so large it touches the sky.
After I watercolored it, I added a hot foil sentiment “so proud of you” by Poppystamps. I thought it was fitting! I framed the card front in white and adhered it to a kraft card base.

Card #2 – “Pooh just knew”

Even though I am scared of heights and the anticipation of balloons popping, I think this image of Pooh and Piglet is so festive and fun.
I painted generous rows of color for the rainbow background. Each color blended into the next. I stamped the balloon three times, painted one, cut them out and glued them together for dimension.The “Happy Birthday”is a Poppystamps hot foiled sentiment in rainbow colors. I finished the card using Stickles glitter glue on the butterfly and cut out the card front with a Gina Marie border die.

This festive stamp set is called “Pooh just knew” by Sandhya Iyer for Unity Stamp Company.

Card #3 – “How do you spell love?”

As I watercolored this image I was thinking about my childhood… blowing and scattering dandelion seeds all over the place with no cares or thoughts. I also spent endless hours sitting on our lush green grass with my friend every chance we could get!
I cut the image out using a Spellbinders die and then framed it in teal. I lightly washed white over the edges to soften the bright color. The letters are the Heather lowercase alphabet by Pinkfresh Studios. Burlap twin and shiny embroidery thread tied at the top and sparkly Stickles on the dandelions finish the card. Also, I stamped a sentiment inside the card. You can see the inside pictured below in the post.

This sweet set is called “How do you spell love?” by Sandhya Iyer for Unity Stamp company.

Card #4 – “Thought of You Today”

Pooh is so intent on writing a letter to someone special. I find this image industrious and charming.
I colored this image with Prismacolor watercolor pencils. They are great for reaching small areas. When water hits the color, the pencils blend like butter. I used a background stamp in red with writings by Rumi, a Poppystamps hot foil sentiment in silver and Tim Holtz oxide ink blended around the border. Nuvo drops, and red glittery string finish the card. I almost forgot –the feather pen is covered in Stickles over blue marker for a special touch.

This wonderful Pooh stamp set is called “Thought of You Today” and the timeless background set is “Love & Wisdom Background” by Sandhya Iyer for Unity Stamp Company. It is a beautiful writing by Rumi.

Cards #5, #6, #7, “Making Memories with Pooh Bear” by Sandhya Iyer for Unity Stamp Company

This image definitely has a story to tell. It brings so many fun memories of lazy summer days to my mind. I grew up in a tiny faming town and canals were a familiar sight to irrigate crops in the fields.
I didn’t have a plan for these cards, so I stamped the image three times deciding to just play and enjoy the time. Then I started thinking about how I could make each one a little bit different by changing the color palette, intensity and adding elements. Below I break down each card in a little more detail. The picturesque stamp set is by Sandhya Iyer for Unity Stamp company.

Card #5 – “Morning is the best time of day”

Morning is the best time of day for me. I love getting up before light and drinking coffee as the sun wakes up. This card is mostly about the pastel sky and the sights, smells and sounds of the beginning of the day.
I began with a wash of very little color. Slowly I worked in more color on the images up close to create depth. Watercoloring is forgiving, I painted many areas again and again. I dabbed a paper towel in the places I thought were too bright and intense. It actually erases most of the color, awesome!

I left the front of this card blank because I wanted to keep the sky untouched. Inside the card is the sentiment the set came with. (it is pictured towards the end of this post)

Card #6 – “Just the 3 of us”

I was thinking about black and white, possibly vintage like an old photograph where a few of the images might be colored in. I remember when this was very popular years back. It gives me a feeling of nostalgia…of yesterday revisited.
I created a focal point using minimal color on this card, similar to a spotlight technique. Stickles in frosted lace for a subtle embellishment and a birthday sentiment die cut by Poppystamps. I framed the sides with a thin hint of black and adhered it to a cream card.

I love the yellow, black and white color combination. This is the only card where I left Christropher Robin’s shorts white. Painting the shorts a traditional blue might take away from the overall mood of the card.

Card #7 – “A Rainbow Connection”

In this scene, a storm has come and gone leaving a beautiful, unconventional rainbow.
My idea for this card was a rainbow and bright, intense color. . I organized my palette and then without thinking, I painted the swooshes of color over the sky. I realized the colors were upside down as I looked at photographs of rainbows! “Oh bother!” I thought and I left it for a few hours but bother me it did. A thought popped in my head…I will repeat the rainbow in the other direction–red became the middle and an unconventional rainbow appeared! Does it work? I hope so!

These a few of the many amazing Winnie the Pooh stamps available at Unity Stamp Company. The background stamp in the upper left corner I used for the “Thought of You Today” card. It is actual text by Rumi, so beautiful! Also I have Eeyore stamps on my wishlist and I heard Tigger will be introduced in a year or so… I can’t wait!

The first four cards together in one picture.

Phew! That’s it. I hope you are still with me. Thank you for taking the time to visit. Here are the friends on the hop. Please comment on each blog for a chance to win a “thank you” prize.

Crystal

Amber

Bobbie Sue

Gaylynn

Rachel (me)

Colleen

Kim

Eileen

Joyce

Alaine

And now for the winner of last month’s hop is….. Brenda Katrein! Congratulations Brenda, please message me your mailing address and I will send you your prize!

Have a wonderful day today and always. If you happen on a “blustery” day in March, I hope you get crafty and creative indoors waiting for the storm to pass..

Until next month, stay safe and happy!

Rachel

Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel to see about short, fun videos for cardmaking enthusiasts.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie the Pooh

Hi, it’s Rachel and I am here in the midst of Panda-monium! The birthday balloons are a bit out of control but the party is just getting started. 

 I am super excited about the new Poppystamps February release! When I saw the “Whittle Panda Pickup Kit” I couldn’t wait to create a card. It comes with four pandas and lots more, wow!

I used solid colors straight out of the packs, giving it a child-like quality. I did not ink blend or paint any of the pieces. Instead, I gathered a palette of yellows and greens with a blue background.

Have you tried the paper stacks? The color assortment, variety of gorgeous glitter and foiled finishes are second to none! The additional dies I used were the Poppystamps “Word Balloons” and the “Whittle Spinner Background”.

Steps to create this card.
1. Die cut a card front measuring 4 x 5.25 from the Memory Box Stormy Blue paper pack.
2. Place the “Whittle Spinner Background” die over the upper part of the card front and run through die cutting machine.
3. Die cut the panda bear two times, once out of black and another time out of white card stock. There are four pandas to choose from!
4. Using a small scissor for fussy-cutting, cut out the black eyes, ears, nose, and paws. Glue them onto the white panda. 
5. Die cut the wheels for the truck in black and the fenders and hub caps in brown or grey.
6. Die cut the truck in yellow from the Memory Box Sunset Orange paper pack.
7. Using three shades of green from the Memory Box Lush Green paper pack, die cut three stalks of bamboo.

8. Choose six shades of green and yellow paper and die cut balloons. 
9. Tape embroidery thread to the back of each balloon.
10. Die cut the speech bubble in black card stock from the Poppystamps “Word Balloons” die.
11. Heat emboss the sentiment in white powder.

12. Adhere the pieces onto the card front.
13. Finally, adhere the card front onto a charcoal card base.

Thanks for stopping by the party. I hope you had a blast. Please take a look at the new Poppystamps February release @www.Poppystamps.com.There are so many fun things just waiting to be crafted! Have a wonderful day!

Hello and welcome! Inspired by conversation candy hearts, I made this card for the February Poppystamps Challenge ~ Me & You. 

Soft, pearlescent hearts surround the Poppystamps “Sending Love Poe Script” craft die over a dreamy watercolor background. Please join us @www.poppystamps.com with a project, valentine or card showcasing something you love doing together like munching on candy hearts with a childhood friend.

Steps to create this card.
1. Beginning with a beautiful textured Open Studio watercolor paper (listed below), I loosely washed patches of distress inks over the entire panel. Allow colors to flow into one another and dry.

2. Die cut the Poppystamps “Sending Love Poe Script” craft die in the warm, pearlescent, platinum color from the Memory Box “Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad”.

3. Die cut the hearts in assorted colors using the “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame” die and the Memory Box “Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad”.

Supplies I used can be found on the Poppystamps site. Not pictured is the watercolor paper.

4. Adhere the card front to a white A2 card base.
5. Using scrap paper, die cut the “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame”. 
6. Lay the above die cut over the card front and place the hearts in the open areas to assure they are spaced evenly.
7. Adhere the sentiment and the hearts to the card front. Tip–Vary the colors of the hearts around the card, especially the white hearts to create balance.

I just love the gorgeous luster of the pearlescent shine when the light hits the platinum sentiment. I love the texture of the watercolor paper and the pastel colors are light yet vivid and lucid.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this card or the Poppystamps challenge. Click on the “Challenge” image @www.Poppystamps.com for more details. It would be great to have you join in the fun. Have an awesome day!

Hi! I am here with a rustic, weathered Poppystamps Valentine!

A wash of watercolor, a flurry of hearts, embellishments and a great sentiment makes this card energetic and engaging. I used the “Say It Big” clear stamp set and hearts from the “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame”. So much fun to create this card!

Steps to create this card.
1. Using a smooth piece of watercolor paper, paint a wash of distress inks in shades of brown and red.

2. Die cut hearts in red, brown, white and coral using the Poppystamps “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame”.
a. The white and coral hearts have a beautiful pearl finish. I used card stock from the Memory Box “Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad”.
b. The brown hearts are embossed with gold powder.
c. The red hearts are splattered with watered-down white acrylic paint.

Supplies I used

3. When the paint is dry, stamp the sentiment in red ink (middle) and brown ink (top and bottom).

4. Using the blade of a scissor, rough up the left edge of the card front. Lightly rough up the other three sides.
5. Adhere washi tape and hearts
6. Tie 1mm burlap string around the lower third of the card allowing the sides to tear.
7. Splatter white paint over the card.
8. Blend brown distress ink around the edges of a kraft card base.
9. Adhere card front to the base.

This Valentine card is fun to make, I hope you get a chance to try creating something inspired by it. Have an awesome day with a kind heart!

Hi everyone and welcome to February’s hop. This month the focus is on the sentiment, not the image. I took the challenge literally and you will see I have next to no images on my cards! The difficult part was weeding out stamps I would use for this theme. I have always loved quotes and sentiments. When my kids were teenagers, I posted sentiments on our refridgerator that I thought were either inspiring, humorous or thoughtful. I’m not sure if it was useful to them, but sometimes there is more meaning in a wonderful sentiment than a full conversation. Also, being that this month is home to Valentine’s Day, I included a “heart” on each creation! I am curious to get your feedback. Without images, I feel they are a little unfinished, yet I find them insightful and the sentiment gets the attention it deserves!

Card #1 ~ Love

This card was meant to have a rainbow of concentric hearts in the background. (The picture of the supplies I used portray this) While cards do not turn out the way it is envisioned in my mind, I love the unexpected outcomes!

Steps to create this card.
1. Die cut card stock with a fancy stitched square die.
2. Stamp sentiment on the square using Versamark ink and heat emboss with clear powder.
3. Watercolor a heart loosley over the center of the square.
4. Continue painting hearts within the first heart and so on.
5. Lightly mist with water.
6. Blend Festive Berries Distress Oxide ink over the heart.
7. Blend Victorian Velvet Distress Oxide ink around the border.
8. Lightly wipe away the ink off the sentiment and mist with water.
9. Mount card front on a white square card base.

A close-up and the supplies. “Loved with a Love” Itty bitty by Joslyn Nielson for Unity Stamp Company

This is such a beautiful quote by Edgar Allan Poe. The repetition of the word “Love” is powerful. Iridescent sparkles might complement this design handsomely.

Card #2 ~ You Got This, Love!

A little bit sassy, a little bit fun and yet a whole lot of encouragement! I imagine a close friend giving her friend a pep-talk in an effort to make a trying situation less serious and gloomy. Leave it to Elizabeth Taylor to say it in style! This is a very simple card. I added a diamond embellishment at the bottom right for a fancy accent.

Steps to create this card.
1. Stamp the sentiment in black Versafine Ink on white card stock.
2. Paint the images.
3. Border the image in black.
4. Emboss a red card front with a polka dot embossing folder.
5. Trim the card front just enough to allow a fine border to show on the grey card base.
6. Adhere a diamond embellishment on the lower right corner.

A close-up and supplies. “Put on your Lipstick” by Lisa Arana for Unity Stamp Company.

The sentiment is sharp in black and white. I used red to add energy and match the red lipstick. A great addition would be to add 3D Crystal Laquer to the wine glass and sparkles to the lipstick. In the past, I have washed a streak of grey over the sentiment.

Card #3 ~ Heartsong

A few years ago, I made this card using different colors. Immediately I thought of recreating it for this month’s theme. I was inspired by an old world feel.

Steps to create this card.
1. Lightly blend distress inks on a card front.
2. Stamp the sentiment in the center using Versafine ink.
3. Tape a fancy-shaped die over the card front and blend ink around the edges.
4. Mist with water if desired.
5. Dry emboss the card front using a Darice border folder.
6. Splatter pink and brown distress ink over the card.
7. Splatter brown and black ink over the corners for framing effects.
8. Trim the card front on the sides to create a quarter inch border.
9. Wrap embroidery thread around the card front and tie in a bow.
10. Mount on a black card base.

A close-up. Supplies I used, I received this stamp in a grab bag and I just love it!

I have a musical notes stencil that would have been a wonderful addition to this card. Also copper embellishments would enhance the old world feel.

Card #4 ~ Just Sayin!

How does one choose a single sentiment for a card?! I couldn’t. So I envisioned a few ways I might be able to pull this off. This card reminds me of graffiti or modern art resembling a poster-like quality. Let me know what you think about this design!

Steps to create this card.
1. Stamp the sentiments in black Versafine ink on a cream card base. Tip — For the most part I kept the sentiments spaced evenly.
2. Die cut or punch squares and rectangles out of card stock to create a stencil for applying ink.
3. Lay the stencil on the sentiment, blend ink over it and repeat. Tip — I placed colors next to one another that were contrasting to keep it balanced. Also I tried to keep the color blocks as straight as possible except for the one sentiment that is angled. Tip — On the upper right, I kept the blue color shorter than it’s sentiment to have more “white” space for asthetics.
4. Mount the card front to a black card base leaving a fine border on all sides.

Stamped sentiments before I added blocks of color. A fun picture of my craft table and the mess I created while making this card. All sentiments are from grab bags I have acquired over the years! On the top right, you can see the stencils I used. A close-up view.

I am excited to try this again using texture with embossing glazes and torn paper pieces. A more grungy take would be with borders, splatters, circle stencils and uneven lines!

I hope a few of these cards spark an idea for a card creation. Thank you so much for hopping and below you will find the next friend to visit on the hop. Please comment to enter to win a “thank you” prize. The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on the March hop. And now for the winner from the January hop is…..betsgreene! Congratulations, please message me your mailing address and thanks again for your comment, I appreciate it!

Crystal

Amber

Bobbie Sue

April

Rachel (me)

Kim

Dawn F.

Colleen

Gaylynn

Joyce

Happy hearts to you this month. May your have a lovely day today and always. Until March, stay safe and wishing you lots of crafting time ’til your heart’s content!

Rachel

Hello, I am here to share another Poppystamps heart card but this time with a little more color and a twist from the typical Valentine hues!

I gave it an elegant, emerald-teal shimmering background paired with a rich burgundy organza ribbon. The candlelit gold and magenta mirrored accents bring it all together…. and big hugs too! This Poppystamps valentine is for someone very special.

Steps to create this card.
1. Hot foil the “Big Hugs” sentiment from the Poppystamps “you are Amazing Poe Script Greetings” hot foil and cut die set. Use rainbow foil on white. This sentiment will not be used on the card, so save it for another one.
2. Using the scrap of used foil from above, place on a solid metal plate and foil the negative view.
3. Die cut it out using the matching frame from the set. Die cut a second layer for extra height and interest if desired.
4. Using pale markers in yellow, pink and lavender, fill in the words to give the sentiment a warm candlelit glow.

5. Die cut the top heart from the Poppystamps “Vintage Scalloped Heart” dies in dark red card stock.
6. Blend two shades of brown oxide ink around the border leaving the center red. The lightest brown goes first and further toward the center, the darker brown around the outside edge to finish the look.
7. Die cut the scalloped heart in warm metallic hold from the Memory Box “Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad”.

8. Using the Poppystamps “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame”, cut hearts in the colors as follows.
a. Shiny magenta pink hearts – die cut a 1.5″ strip of metallic magenta pink card stock from the Memory Box “Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad”.
b. Chocolate brown hearts – die cut a strip of chocolate brown card stock.
c. Brown and gold hearts – smudge embossing ink on a strip of brown card stock. Sprinkle gold embossing powder over the strip and heat emboss. Die cut the strip for beautiful two-toned hearts!
d. Dark red hearts – Splatter watered down white acrylic paint on a strip of dark red card stock. Run the strip through the cutting machine and collect the speckled hearts!

9. Make a square card base measuring 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 out of heavyweight dark gray card stock.
10. Cut a square measuring 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 from the Memory Box “Festive Glitter Pad” shimmering cardstock in emerald teal.
11. Tie a small ribbon with burgundy organza ribbon.
12. Adhere the pieces together. Double sided tape works best to adhere the glitter front to the base.
13. Arrange the hearts and adhere using glue dots. Create balance by spreading out the colored hearts in a natural, organic way yet keeping the chocolate and red speckled hearts layered under the magenta and gold ones. These showstoppers should be front and forward!

Big hugs and lots of hearts to you. Have an enchanting day today until we meet again. (In a few weeks!) Please check out the Poppystamps site for all the supplies @www.poppystamps.com.

Rachel
I am on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel with short videos on how I make my cards!

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing great and enjoying 2023 so far. I am here to share with you a box of chocolates!

I was absolutely thrilled when I saw the Poppystamps “Vintage Scalloped Heart” die. Immediately a heart-shaped tin full of decadent chocolates came to mind. I imagined rich, vibrant papers complete with sparkle and shine to create a delicious card. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, here is my Valentine’s Day card for you!

Steps to create this card.
1. Die cut the scalloped heart from the Poppystamps “Vintage Scalloped Heart” die from the Memory Box “Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad”.
2. Die cut the heart with the sunburst accents using metallic red cardstock from the Memory Box “Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad”.
3. Die cut the Poppystamps “Sending Love Poe Script” sentiment in antique gold glitter paper from the Memory Box “Festive Glitter Pad”. (Save the heart)

4. Using dark brown, die cut the Poppystamps “Heartfelt Pinpoint Frame” background die. (Save the little heart for another card)
5. Using a medium brown, cut an A2 size card front.
6. Finally, glue the pieces together. Don’t forget the glitter heart!
7. Adhere to a black card base or any color of your choice!

Pictured are the amazing Poppystamps dies I used from the Valentine’s release.

I hope you love this Valentine as much as I do. It reminds me so much of sweet memories involving chocolate surprises! Fabulous glitter and beautiful shiny red paired with two shades of rich chocolate brown are just enough to add a warm sentimental glow. The dies and the paper I mentioned can be purchased at http://www.Poppystamps.com.

May you have a beautiful day today. See you very soon, Until then, sending much love your way!

Rachel
Please follow me @cardartbyrachel on Instagram and TikTok for video shorts on how I make my cards.

Happy New Year! Hope you are looking ahead to a fresh start in 2023 and lots of good things coming your way. I know I am. And “Birthdays” is such a fitting theme for January. I love making birthday cards, though I have to say my cards often do not say “happy birthday” on them. Here’s a question — when making a birthday card, do you put the words “happy birthday” on the front? I am so curious to find out what you do.

Card #1 ~ Little Mouse with a Big Wish

On this card, I am combining a few leftover New Year’s fireworks with a birthday celebration. A blend of colored pencils for the mouse is a fun play of color.

Steps to create this card.
1. Stamp the mouse in black Versafine ink on a purple card front slightly smaller than an A2.
2. Color the mouse and balloon with Prismacolor pencils.
3. Run the Darice firework embossing folder through your embossing machine making sure the mouse and balloon are not embossed.
4. Cover the mouse with a scrap of paper and splatter watered-down white acrylic paint over the embossed fireworks.
5. Die cut the birthday die in lavender and white.
6. Using purple distress ink, blend ink unevenly on the white die cut.
7. Adhere the lavender die cut on the card front and then the blended die cut slightly askew over the lavender one.
8. Heat emboss “Best Wishes” on black card stock in gold. Trim and adhere.
9. Add 3D Crystal Lacquer to the balloon for a glossy finish.
10. Glue card front onto a black card base.

Supplies I used. Word dies and “A Little Mousy” by Unity Stamp Company

Card #2 ~ Birthday Wishes

Carefree and the wind blowing in her hair, is in my mind, a wonderful way to spend a birthday! It doesn’t need to be a fancy celebration but a day to relax, unwind and just be free.

Steps create this card.
1. Using an A2 card base, unfold and run the Darice “photo” embossing folder through the machine.
2. Stamp the image on white card stock with brown Memento ink.
3. Blend distress ink and oxide inks with a blender brush on the hair, sky and grass.
4. Using Copic markers, color the sash in green and the arms and legs in skin tone hues..
5. Stamp the sentiment with brown Memento ink.
6. Adhere a button that matches the sash color.
7. Tie burlap string on the fold of the card.
8. Die cut glasses and camera, lightly coloring with like colors and adhere to card.

Supplies I used. …”keep wishing” by Phyllis Harris for Unity Stamp Company

Card #3 ~ A Lifetime of Celebration

Birthdays are a lifetime celebration. Celebrating the days we were born and the years that follow. The highs and lows we face to get through each and every year. Life is short, but beautiful… I love this sentiment ” live. every. moment.”

Steps to create this card.
1. On watercolor paper slightly smaller than an A2 card front, stamp the front facing image to the right.
2. Stamp the profile on the left. I made sure the tiniest bit of the eyebrow showed to ground the image. Also, I like that the curve of the nose is fully visible as well.
3. Stamp the figure of the girl on the lower third of the card.
4. Using a limited color palette, loosely paint the images.
5. Stamp the sentiment on a scrap of watercolor paper.
6. Cut a second piece to frame the sentiment. Blend watered-down Fired Brick Distress ink unevenly on this piece to use as a border.
7. Glue the pieces together and adhere to card front.
8. Adhere card front to a pale pink card base.

A few close-up views with a limited palette. I love the dimension this card has with the overlapping images. Instead of masking, I contrasted dark and light paint to create depth.

Supplies I used. “Off in the distance – Large” and “Anastasia (believes)” by Donna Downey, and “….keep wishing by Phyllis Harris for Unity Stamp Company

Card #4 ~ Classic Birthday

A birthday card for someone who loves automobiles! My thoughts were to keep it loose… I envisioned spots of bright lights and shadowy darks to create movement and interest.

Steps to create this card.
1. Stamp the background image in Versafine Onyx Ink on white.
2. Die cut the card front with a Gina Marie stitched rectangular die.
3. Beginning with Mustard Seed Distress ink, blend ink over each car.
4. Blend blues mostly around the perimeter and spots of orange in random places.
5. With a paint brush, apply paint loosely around the edges and lines of the various images.
6. Stamp the sentiment on black card stock with Versamark ink, and heat emboss it with antique gold powder.
7. Punch a hole on the left side.
8. Tie a metal spiral embellishment with burlap string through the sentiment.
9. Adhere the sentiment with a foam square to keep it level with the left side.

Supplies I used and “Vroom” background stamp by Angie Blom for Unity Stamp Company!

Let’s keep the celebrating going! Here is the list of all the friends sharing their creations. Please visit and comment on each blog for a chance to win a “thank you” prize! The winner will be announced on my February post.

Crystal

Amber

Bobbie Sue

Gaylynn

April

Dawn F.

Rachel (me)

Joyce

Colleen

Alaine

Kim

Thank you so much for taking the time to hop. There are so many inspiring ideas and crafty thoughts along the way! Birthday cards are so much fun to make and truly the sky is the limit. Almost any card can be used for a birthday, just stamp a happy birthday sentiment inside. It is also a blast to personalize birthday cards to fit the person’s interests and hobbies. Fun, fun, fun!

Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel. I post video shorts showing how I make my cards and a few other fun things.

Happy New Year, can’t wait to see you in February!

Rachel

“When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.” Eckart Tolle